<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/2nd-odi-india-romp-home-in-centurion-odi-by-9-wickets-lead-series-2-0-31746">2nd ODI: India romp home in Centurion ODI by 9 wickets, lead series 2-0</a></p>

<p>Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Skipper Virat Kohli&#39;s 91 partnership helped India defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the 2nd ODI at SuperSport Park, Centurion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-standing-at-the-exit-gate-in-karnataka-modi-31748">Congress is standing at &#39;exit gate&#39; in Karnataka: Modi</a></p>

<p>Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka. It has caused destruction here and Karnataka doesn&#39;t need a Congress culture, &nbsp;said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a major rally on Sunday in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-ksrtc-driver-goes-on-for-70-kilometres-with-body-stuck-to-bus-31742">Karnataka: Bus driven 70 kilometres with body stuck in undercarriage</a></p>

<p>A driver with the &nbsp;Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) kept on driving for nearly 70 kilometres without realising that a dead body was stuck to the undercarriage of the bus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indian-americans-hold-rally-to-support-merit-based-immigration-31737">Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system</a></p>

<p>Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card, wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump&#39;s plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740">&#39;Will get </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740">best</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-get-best-lawyer-to-get-ankit-justice-arvind-kejriwalon-ankit-saxenas-murder-31740"> lawyer to get Ankit justice,&#39; Arvind Kejriwal on Ankit Saxena&#39;s murder</a></p>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena&#39;s murder and met with his kin today.&nbsp;</p>


2nd ODI: India romp home in Centurion ODI by 9 wickets, lead series 2-0 Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Skipper Virat Kohli's 91 partnership helped India defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the 2nd ODI at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Congress is standing at 'exit gate' in Karnataka: Modi Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka. It has caused destruction here and Karnataka doesn't need a Congress culture, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a major rally on Sunday in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections. Karnataka: Bus driven 70 kilometres with body stuck in undercarriage A driver with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) kept on driving for nearly 70 kilometres without realising that a dead body was stuck to the undercarriage of the bus. Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card, wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump's plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa. 'Will get best lawyer to get Ankit justice,' Arvind Kejriwal on Ankit Saxena's murder Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his regret over Ankit Saxena's murder and met with his kin today.

WION Evening News Brief, February 4, 2018

<p>Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it is not possible to double farmers&#39; income by 2022 until the agricultural growth is 12 per cent.</p>

<p>&quot;The government says farmers&#39; income will be doubled by 2022. But it&#39;s not possible until the agricultural growth is 12 per cent. Until we achieve that ... It is just a hollow assurance,&quot; Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quoted Singh as saying after a meeting of opposition parties here.</p>

<p>&quot;The fiscal deficit seems to have increased,&quot; the former prime minister said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Singh said it was to be seen how the government would fulfill its promises.</p>

<p>&quot;I do not think I can blame the budget for being motivated by scoring points in elections, but what worries me is that the fiscal arithmatic is at fault,&quot; he told a television news channel.</p>

<p>When questioned if the budget was reform-oriented, the former PM said the word reform has been used and abused too many times.</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t want to comment on it,&quot; he said, asking whether the farm crisis is a thing of the past and if not, what is the strategy to deal with it.</p>


'... it's not possible until the agricultural growth is 12 per cent. Until we achieve that ... It is just a hollow assurance,' Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quoted Singh as saying

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it is not possible to double farmers' income by 2022 until the agricultural growth is 12 per cent. "The government says farmers' income will be doubled by 2022. But it's not possible until the agricultural growth is 12 per cent. Until we achieve that ... It is just a hollow assurance," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quoted Singh as saying after a meeting of opposition parties here. "The fiscal deficit seems to have increased," the former prime minister said. Earlier in the day, Singh said it was to be seen how the government would fulfill its promises. "I do not think I can blame the budget for being motivated by scoring points in elections, but what worries me is that the fiscal arithmatic is at fault," he told a television news channel. When questioned if the budget was reform-oriented, the former PM said the word reform has been used and abused too many times. "I don't want to comment on it," he said, asking whether the farm crisis is a thing of the past and if not, what is the strategy to deal with it.

Not possible to double farmers' incomes by 2022: Manmohan Singh

<p>The Congress on Thursday won an assembly seat in Rajasthan and had a major victory in two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bypoll-results-31475">parliamentary </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bypoll-results-31475">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bypoll-results-31475">.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The Congress is ready to take the Ajmer and Alwar parliamentary seats from the BJP and has won the Mandalgarh assembly segment, also held by the BJP.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi hailed the party&rsquo;s Rajasthan unit for its impressive show in the bypolls for two Lok Sabha and one Assembly seats, calling the outcome a &ldquo;rejection&rdquo; of the BJP by the people.</p>

<p>&quot;Well done Rajasthan Congress! Proud of each and every one of you. This is a rejection of the BJP by the people of Rajasthan,&quot; tweeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done Rajasthan Congress! Proud of each and every one of you. This is a rejection of the BJP by the people of Rajasthan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/959017563572359168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ruling BJP on Thursday conceded defeat in Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;&ldquo;We respect the people&rsquo;s mandate and we will analyse the reasons for our defeat. I am taking responsibility for the defeat,&rdquo; Rajasthan BJP chief Ashok Parnami said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We are going to study the reasons, but bypolls don&#39;t reflect the full picture,&quot; said BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya also said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All three seats are linked to Rahul Gandhi&#39;s top lieutenants in Rajasthan - Pilot, CP Joshi and Jitendra Singh Bhanwar.</p>

<p>All the three seats fell vacant after the deaths of Ajmer MP Sanwar Lal Jat, Alwar MP Chand Nath and Mandalgarh MLA Kirti Kumari.</p>


The Congress is ready to take the Ajmer and Alwar parliamentary seats from the BJP and has won the Mandalgarh assembly segment, also held by the BJP

The Congress on Thursday won an assembly seat in Rajasthan and had a major victory in two parliamentary bypolls. The Congress is ready to take the Ajmer and Alwar parliamentary seats from the BJP and has won the Mandalgarh assembly segment, also held by the BJP. Congress president Rahul Gandhi hailed the party’s Rajasthan unit for its impressive show in the bypolls for two Lok Sabha and one Assembly seats, calling the outcome a “rejection” of the BJP by the people. "Well done Rajasthan Congress! Proud of each and every one of you. This is a rejection of the BJP by the people of Rajasthan," tweeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Well done Rajasthan Congress! Proud of each and every one of you. This is a rejection of the BJP by the people of Rajasthan.#RajasthanByPolls — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 1, 2018 × The ruling BJP on Thursday conceded defeat in Rajasthan. “We respect the people’s mandate and we will analyse the reasons for our defeat. I am taking responsibility for the defeat,” Rajasthan BJP chief Ashok Parnami said. "We are going to study the reasons, but bypolls don't reflect the full picture," said BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya also said. All three seats are linked to Rahul Gandhi's top lieutenants in Rajasthan - Pilot, CP Joshi and Jitendra Singh Bhanwar. All the three seats fell vacant after the deaths of Ajmer MP Sanwar Lal Jat, Alwar MP Chand Nath and Mandalgarh MLA Kirti Kumari.

Bypoll results: Congress sweeps Rajasthan, setback for Raje's BJP

<p>Counting of votes for the by-polls of three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats in Rajasthan and West Bengal began today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After completion of 80 per cent of counting in Alwar congress has maintained a lead of over 1.40 lakh votes and is winning in Ajmer as well with a margin of 80,204 votes.</p>

<p>In a big jolt to the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government,&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;candidate Vivek Dhakad on Thursday won the Mandalgarh Assembly seat by 12976 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to congratulate fellow leaders Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot for their victory in the Rajasthan&nbsp;bypolls&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Forget trends now,<br />
<br />
We <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> have won all 3 seats , done and dusted!<br />
<br />
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/SachinPilot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SachinPilot</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashokgehlot51</a> and every congress worker and every proud Rajasthani to believe in congress &lsquo; ideology.<br />
<br />
Big thanks ????????????????<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@0ffice0ffRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/0ffice0ffRG/status/958963108332163072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>TMC&#39;s Sunil Singh has won the Naopara assembly seat in West Bengal with 1,11,729 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Singh said, &ldquo;It is a great win and it shows people&rsquo;s faith in TMC. I will now work for the people. There was a rumour that former TMC leader and now a BJP leader&nbsp;Mukul Roy&nbsp;would be a factor in Noapara seat but he could not make a difference in reality.&rdquo;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Initial trends from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a> are a mandate against the Govt, I hope our leads will increase even more. Vasundhara ji and her Govt have been totally rejected by people: Sachin Pilot,Congress <a href="https://t.co/UyW82Vhfvt">pic.twitter.com/UyW82Vhfvt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958929143130984448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;Meanwhile, many prominent figures took to Twitter to congratulate the winning party.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The real headline of the day is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a> . Sorry Mr Jaitley, but your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jumlanomics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jumlanomics</a> is totally overshadowed. India has had enough of manipulated headlines. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2018</a></p>
&mdash; Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhaSanjay/status/958948646107648000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The sacrifice of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>&#39;s &quot;i&quot; didn&#39;t go in vain ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanBypollsResult?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanBypollsResult</a></p>
&mdash; Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShirishKunder/status/958975784219303936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big day for Congress. Looks set to take away BJP seats of Alwar and Ajmer. And now started leading in Mandalgarh assembly constituency too. Big message for BJP Govt. <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNnews18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNNnews18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a></p>
&mdash; Arunoday Mukharji (@ArunodayM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArunodayM/status/958937704942551040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The truth is staring in the faces of the BJP...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congress</a> leading in all the 3 seats in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a>..people learn from their mistakes..choosing BJP was a mistake.. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> is the only compassionate leader with a large heart to lead the country..</p>
&mdash; khushbusundar (@khushsundar) <a href="https://twitter.com/khushsundar/status/958926828508360704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The polling in all the constituencies took place on Monda

Counting of votes for the by-polls of three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats in Rajasthan and West Bengal began today. After completion of 80 per cent of counting in Alwar congress has maintained a lead of over 1.40 lakh votes and is winning in Ajmer as well with a margin of 80,204 votes. In a big jolt to the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government, Congress candidate Vivek Dhakad on Thursday won the Mandalgarh Assembly seat by 12976 votes. Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to congratulate fellow leaders Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot for their victory in the Rajasthan bypolls on Thursday. Forget trends now, We @INCIndia have won all 3 seats , done and dusted! Let me take this opportunity to congratulate @SachinPilot @ashokgehlot51 and every congress worker and every proud Rajasthani to believe in congress ‘ ideology. Big thanks ???????????????? #RajasthanByPolls — Office of RG (@0ffice0ffRG) February 1, 2018 × TMC's Sunil Singh has won the Naopara assembly seat in West Bengal with 1,11,729 votes. Singh said, “It is a great win and it shows people’s faith in TMC. I will now work for the people. There was a rumour that former TMC leader and now a BJP leader Mukul Roy would be a factor in Noapara seat but he could not make a difference in reality.” Initial trends from #RajasthanByPolls are a mandate against the Govt, I hope our leads will increase even more. Vasundhara ji and her Govt have been totally rejected by people: Sachin Pilot,Congress pic.twitter.com/UyW82Vhfvt — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × Meanwhile, many prominent figures took to Twitter to congratulate the winning party. The real headline of the day is #RajasthanByPolls . Sorry Mr Jaitley, but your #Jumlanomics is totally overshadowed. India has had enough of manipulated headlines. #Budget2018 — Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) February 1, 2018 × The sacrifice of #Padmaavat's "i" didn't go in vain ????#RajasthanByPolls #RajasthanBypollsResult — Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) February 1, 2018 × Big day for Congress. Looks set to take away BJP seats of Alwar and Ajmer. And now started leading in Mandalgarh assembly constituency too. Big message for BJP Govt. @CNNnews18 #RajasthanByPolls — Arunoday Mukharji (@ArunodayM) February 1, 2018 × The truth is staring in the faces of the BJP...#Congress leading in all the 3 seats in #RajasthanByPolls..people learn from their mistakes..choosing BJP was a mistake.. @OfficeOfRG is the only compassionate leader with a large heart to lead the country.. — khushbusundar (@khushsundar) February 1, 2018 ×

Bypoll results: Forget trends now, we have won all 3 seats, done and dusted, says Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress has taken a massive leap and grabbed Mandalgarh Assembly seat and is now on a path to take over Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bypoll-results-tmc-wins-naopara-assembly-in-west-bengal-congress-leads-in-ajmer-alwar-31424">Rajasthan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bypoll-results-tmc-wins-naopara-assembly-in-west-bengal-congress-leads-in-ajmer-alwar-31424">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bypoll-results-tmc-wins-naopara-assembly-in-west-bengal-congress-leads-in-ajmer-alwar-31424">.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Congress is on the verge of winning the Alwar bypoll as after 90 per cent of counting of votes, Congress is leading with a massive margin of over 1.6 lakh votes. BJP could only manage 4,42,502 votes.</p>

<p>Trinamool candidate Sajda Ahmed wins Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency and defeated BJP candidate Anupam Mallick by 4,74,023.</p>

<p>The BJP meanwhile emerged second in both the seats pushing Left Front to the third position. In Uluberia, BJP received 1,68,805 votes while CPM bagged 85,244 votes. In Noapara, BJP registered 38,711 votes while CPM managed to get 35,497 votes. The Congress meanwhile came fourth in both the seats and lost its deposits.</p>

<p>Congress&#39;s Karan Singh wins Alwar Lok Sabha constituency seat and defeated BJP&#39;s Jaswant Yadav by 1,56,319 votes.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress under&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee has won West Bengal&#39;s Naopara seat and is maintaining a steady lead in Ulluberia constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, BJP has been lagging behind in Rajasthan but still running close in West Bengal relegating the Left Front to third and Congress to the fourth position.</p>

<p>The counting of votes for the Rajasthan bypolls in two Lok Sabha and one assembly constituency &mdash; a crucial contest ahead of the state elections due later this year &mdash; began at 8am on Thursday.</p>


The polling in all the constituencies took place on Monday

Congress has taken a massive leap and grabbed Mandalgarh Assembly seat and is now on a path to take over Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha in Rajasthan bypolls. Congress is on the verge of winning the Alwar bypoll as after 90 per cent of counting of votes, Congress is leading with a massive margin of over 1.6 lakh votes. BJP could only manage 4,42,502 votes. Trinamool candidate Sajda Ahmed wins Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency and defeated BJP candidate Anupam Mallick by 4,74,023. The BJP meanwhile emerged second in both the seats pushing Left Front to the third position. In Uluberia, BJP received 1,68,805 votes while CPM bagged 85,244 votes. In Noapara, BJP registered 38,711 votes while CPM managed to get 35,497 votes. The Congress meanwhile came fourth in both the seats and lost its deposits. Congress's Karan Singh wins Alwar Lok Sabha constituency seat and defeated BJP's Jaswant Yadav by 1,56,319 votes. The Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee has won West Bengal's Naopara seat and is maintaining a steady lead in Ulluberia constituency. However, BJP has been lagging behind in Rajasthan but still running close in West Bengal relegating the Left Front to third and Congress to the fourth position. The counting of votes for the Rajasthan bypolls in two Lok Sabha and one assembly constituency — a crucial contest ahead of the state elections due later this year — began at 8am on Thursday.

Rajasthan, West Bengal bypolls: More wins for Congress, TMC

<p>TMC&#39;s Sunil Singh has won the Naopara assembly seat in West Bengal with 1,11,729 votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Congress leading in Ajmer Lok Sabha by 45321 votes, in Alwar Lok Sabha by 72101 votes and in Mandalgarh assembly by 11136 votes</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958967791150878720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress&#39;s Vivek Dhakad has won Mandalgarh assembly seat by 12976 votes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanByPolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanByPolls</a> : Congress&#39;s Vivek Dhakad has won Mandalgarh assembly seat by 12976 votes</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958970906839277568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As of now, the Congress leads in Ajmer and Alwar parliamentary seats in Rajasthan. TMC leads in West Bengal&#39;s&nbsp;Uluberia.</p>

<p>The counting began at 8 am today amid tight security.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Naopara assembly seat by-poll: TMC candidate Sunil Singh wins with 1,11,729 votes</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958933052180312064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to reports, Congress&#39; Karan Singh Yadav was leading by 61,500 votes over BJP&#39;s Jaswant Yadav in Alwar.</p>

<p>In Ajmer, Congress&#39;s Raghu Sharma was ahead of BJP&#39;s Ram Swaroop Lamba by 3,398 votes, they said.</p>

<p>In Mandalgarh, BJP candidate Shakti Singh Hada was ahead of independent candidate Gopal Malviya by over 3,000 votes. Congress&#39; Vivek Dhakad was trailing.</p>

<p>Chief Election Officer Ashwani Bhagat said the results would be declared before noon.</p>

<p>The polling in all the constituencies took place on Monday.</p>

<p>The election was held for Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha seats and Mandalgarh Assembly constituency in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>All the three seats fell vacant after the death of Ajmer MP Sanwar Lal Jat, Alwar MP Chand Nath and Mandalgarh MLA Kirti Kumari, who all were from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>While in West Bengal, by-polls were held for Uluberia Lok Sabha Constituency in Howrah district and Noapara Assembly Seat in North 24 Parganas.</p>

<p>The election was necessitated due to the death of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sultan Ahmed and the Congress party MLA Madhusudan Ghosh.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


TMC's Sunil Singh has won the Naopara assembly seat in West Bengal by 1,11,729 votes

TMC's Sunil Singh has won the Naopara assembly seat in West Bengal with 1,11,729 votes. #RajasthanByPolls #UPDATE: Congress leading in Ajmer Lok Sabha by 45321 votes, in Alwar Lok Sabha by 72101 votes and in Mandalgarh assembly by 11136 votes — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × Congress's Vivek Dhakad has won Mandalgarh assembly seat by 12976 votes. #RajasthanByPolls : Congress's Vivek Dhakad has won Mandalgarh assembly seat by 12976 votes — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × As of now, the Congress leads in Ajmer and Alwar parliamentary seats in Rajasthan. TMC leads in West Bengal's Uluberia. The counting began at 8 am today amid tight security. Naopara assembly seat by-poll: TMC candidate Sunil Singh wins with 1,11,729 votes — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × According to reports, Congress' Karan Singh Yadav was leading by 61,500 votes over BJP's Jaswant Yadav in Alwar. In Ajmer, Congress's Raghu Sharma was ahead of BJP's Ram Swaroop Lamba by 3,398 votes, they said. In Mandalgarh, BJP candidate Shakti Singh Hada was ahead of independent candidate Gopal Malviya by over 3,000 votes. Congress' Vivek Dhakad was trailing. Chief Election Officer Ashwani Bhagat said the results would be declared before noon. The polling in all the constituencies took place on Monday. The election was held for Ajmer and Alwar Lok Sabha seats and Mandalgarh Assembly constituency in Rajasthan. All the three seats fell vacant after the death of Ajmer MP Sanwar Lal Jat, Alwar MP Chand Nath and Mandalgarh MLA Kirti Kumari, who all were from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While in West Bengal, by-polls were held for Uluberia Lok Sabha Constituency in Howrah district and Noapara Assembly Seat in North 24 Parganas. The election was necessitated due to the death of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sultan Ahmed and the Congress party MLA Madhusudan Ghosh. (With inputs from agencies)

Bypoll results: Congress wins in Mandalgarh, Rajasthan; TMC leads in West Bengal

<p>Hitting out at the Congress president Rahul Gandhi, the state BJP office tweeted a picture of a jacket similar to what Rahul Gandhi wore during a concert he attended at the poll-bound&nbsp;state Meghalaya on Tuesday. The picture also included the price tag of $ 995( a little over Rs 63,000).</p>

<p>The BJP office tweeted &quot;So @OfficeOfRG, soot(pun intended!)-boot ki sarkar with &#39;black&#39;&nbsp;money fleeced from Meghalayan State exchequer by rampant corruption? Instead of singing away our woes, you could have given a report card of your inefficient govt in Meghalaya! Your indifference mocks us!&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> , soot(pun intended!)-boot ki sarkar with &lsquo;black&rsquo; money fleeced from Meghalayan State exchequer by rampant corruption? Instead of singing away our woes, you could have given a report card of your inefficient govt in Meghalaya! Your indifference mocks us! <a href="https://t.co/sRvj5eoyRb">pic.twitter.com/sRvj5eoyRb</a></p>
&mdash; BJP Meghalaya (@BJP4Meghalaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Meghalaya/status/958400868277092352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Responding to the attacks of the state BJP office, Gandhi today said</p>

<p>He said &quot;&nbsp;You will not see him (PM) hug a poor person, talk to a poor person or even engage with a poor person. You will see him with others. &quot;There is a particular distance he maintains with the poor people which he does not with Mr Obama or others,&quot; The fact of the matter is that he (Modi) is still a suit-boot person. He has not done anything....,&quot;</p>

<p>He also took on the government for their promise to generate 2 crore jobs a year but failed to achieve the target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Hitting out at the Congress President Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the poll-bound state Meghalaya, the state BJP office tweeted a picture of a jacket similar to what Rahul Gandhi had worn in a concert there. The picture also included the price tag of $ 995( a little over Rs 63,000)

Hitting out at the Congress president Rahul Gandhi, the state BJP office tweeted a picture of a jacket similar to what Rahul Gandhi wore during a concert he attended at the poll-bound state Meghalaya on Tuesday. The picture also included the price tag of $ 995( a little over Rs 63,000). The BJP office tweeted "So @OfficeOfRG, soot(pun intended!)-boot ki sarkar with 'black' money fleeced from Meghalayan State exchequer by rampant corruption? Instead of singing away our woes, you could have given a report card of your inefficient govt in Meghalaya! Your indifference mocks us!" So @OfficeOfRG , soot(pun intended!)-boot ki sarkar with ‘black’ money fleeced from Meghalayan State exchequer by rampant corruption? Instead of singing away our woes, you could have given a report card of your inefficient govt in Meghalaya! Your indifference mocks us! pic.twitter.com/sRvj5eoyRb — BJP Meghalaya (@BJP4Meghalaya) January 30, 2018 × Responding to the attacks of the state BJP office, Gandhi today said He said " You will not see him (PM) hug a poor person, talk to a poor person or even engage with a poor person. You will see him with others. "There is a particular distance he maintains with the poor people which he does not with Mr Obama or others," The fact of the matter is that he (Modi) is still a suit-boot person. He has not done anything....," He also took on the government for their promise to generate 2 crore jobs a year but failed to achieve the target.

Rahul Gandhi's 'Rs 63k' jacket renews 'soot -boot debate' between Congress- BJP

<p>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered his first State of the Union address and provided his assessment of his first year in office with a look ahead at his agenda as he continues to work towards fulfilling his campaign promise to &quot;make America great again.&quot;</p>

<p>In the hour-long address, Donald Trump spoke about the American economy and the tax cuts undertaken by his government. He also talked about &quot;decades of unfair trade deals&quot;, &quot;immigration policies that focus on the best interests of American Workers and American Families&quot;, &quot;what kind of nation&quot; America will be, and America&#39;s &quot;fight until ISIS is defeated&quot; among others.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-full-text-31279" target="_blank">Full text of Donald Trump&#39;s State of the Union speech</a></strong></p>

<p>The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by President of United States to a joint session of the United States Congress after the president completes one year of his term.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">US President Trump said that &quot;together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://t.co/FOEqVUyHho">pic.twitter.com/FOEqVUyHho</a></p>
&mdash; AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/958533775742328832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our Union is strong because our people are strong.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2">https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2</a></p>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958524829233184768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Trump took the stage, amid cheer and jubilation, he talked about issues of prime importance and utmost significance to the country, its prosperity and its ties with allies. Here is a quick look at some of the key points from Trump&#39;s first State of the Union address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-state-of-the-union-address-31215">What is the State of the Union Address?</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nJF9j414YL">https://t.co/nJF9j414YL</a> <a href="https://t.co/9akH7raQta">pic.twitter.com/9akH7raQta</a></p>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958523660683415554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>United America&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>&quot;Tonight, I want to talk about what kind of future we are going to have, and what kind of nation we are going to be. All of us, together, as one team, one people, and one American family.&quot;</p>

<p>Trump emphasised the importance of a &quot;united America&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;As we rebuild America&rsquo;s strength and confidence at home, we are also restoring our strength and standing abroad,&quot; Trump noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A staunch believer and propagator of the idea of the &quot;American dream&quot;, Trump further added, &quot;This is our New American Moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American dream.&quot;</p>

<p>Trump noted that the citizens of America love their country and deserve a government that shows them the same love and loyalty in return.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color, and creed,&quot; Trump said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. (WION)</p>
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<p><strong>Fight until ISIS is defeated</strong></p>

<p>Reinstating America&#39;s zero tolerance on terrorism, the US President noted that as he assumed office last year, he had pledged to work with allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the earth.</p>

<p>&quot;One year later, I&rsquo;m proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated almost 100 percent of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria. But there is much more work to be done,&quot; he shared.</p>

<p>&quot;We will continue our fight until ISIS is defeated,&quot; Trump exclaimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Economically strong America</strong></p>

<p>&quot;We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day&rsquo;s work; we want every child to be safe in their home at night, and we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love,&quot; said Trump noting that the key to a stronger nation is closely tied to economic growth and prosperity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am asking both parties to come together to give us the safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve,&quot; he noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump furthered his statement by talking about tax relief provided to the US citizens.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb">https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ppd1dRB6Hm">pic.twitter.com/Ppd1dRB6Hm</a></p>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958525971765907456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Just as I promised the American People from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reform in American history.&quot;</p>

<p>He shared that since the tax cuts were passed, roughly 3 million workers have received tax cut bonuses &ndash; thousands of dollars per worker for many.</p>

<p>&quot;&Uuml;nemployment has hit a 45-year low,&quot; Trump shared.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unemployment claims have hit a 45-year low.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb">https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb</a> <a href="https://t.co/lZeqog5Zd3">pic.twitter.com/lZeqog5Zd3</a></p>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958525610141343744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump also touched upon issues like the immigration policy and trade practices, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs and our nation&rsquo;s wealth,&quot; Trump shared.&nbsp;</p>


Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered his first State of the Union address and provided his assessment of his first year in office with a look ahead at his agenda as he continues to work towards fulfilling his campaign promise to "make America great again." In the hour-long address, Donald Trump spoke about the American economy and the tax cuts undertaken by his government. He also talked about "decades of unfair trade deals", "immigration policies that focus on the best interests of American Workers and American Families", "what kind of nation" America will be, and America's "fight until ISIS is defeated" among others. Also read: Full text of Donald Trump's State of the Union speech The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by President of United States to a joint session of the United States Congress after the president completes one year of his term. US President Trump said that "together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong." #SOTU pic.twitter.com/FOEqVUyHho — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 31, 2018 × "So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our Union is strong because our people are strong." #SOTU: https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. As Trump took the stage, amid cheer and jubilation, he talked about issues of prime importance and utmost significance to the country, its prosperity and its ties with allies. Here is a quick look at some of the key points from Trump's first State of the Union address. Also read: What is the State of the Union Address? #SOTU: https://t.co/nJF9j414YL pic.twitter.com/9akH7raQta — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × United America "Tonight, I want to talk about what kind of future we are going to have, and what kind of nation we are going to be. All of us, together, as one team, one people, and one American family." Trump emphasised the importance of a "united America". "As we rebuild America’s strength and confidence at home, we are also restoring our strength and standing abroad," Trump noted. A staunch believer and propagator of the idea of the "American dream", Trump further added, "This is our New American Moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American dream." Trump noted that the citizens of America love their country and deserve a government that shows them the same love and loyalty in return. "Tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color, and creed," Trump said. Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. (WION) × Fight until ISIS is defeated Reinstating America's zero tolerance on terrorism, the US President noted that as he assumed office last year, he had pledged to work with allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the earth. "One year later, I’m proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated almost 100 percent of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria. But there is much more work to be done," he shared. "We will continue our fight until ISIS is defeated," Trump exclaimed. Economically strong America "We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day’s work; we want every child to be safe in their home at night, and we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love," said Trump noting that the key to a stronger nation is closely tied to economic growth and prosperity. "I am asking both parties to come together to give us the safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve," he noted. Trump furthered his statement by talking about tax relief provided to the US citizens. #SOTU: https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb pic.twitter.com/Ppd1dRB6Hm — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × "Just as I promised the American People from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reform in American history." He shared that since the tax cuts were passed, roughly 3 million workers have received tax cut bonuses – thousands of dollars per worker for many. "Ünemployment has hit a 45-year low," Trump shared. Unemployment claims have hit a 45-year low.#SOTU: https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb pic.twitter.com/lZeqog5Zd3 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × Trump also touched upon issues like the immigration policy and trade practices, among others. "America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs and our nation’s wealth," Trump shared.

Never been a better time to start living the American dream, says US President Donald Trump

<p>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged the Congress to pass a legislation that promotes merit-based immigration, a move that would benefit hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-full-text-31279" target="_blank"><strong>Full text of Donald Trump&#39;s State of the Union Speech</strong></a></p>

<p>He proposed a pathway to citizenship for almost 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought in the US by their parents at a young age.</p>

<p>&quot;It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country,&quot; Trump said in his first State of the Union address.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-the-union-address-us-president-donald-trump-bids-for-safe-strong-and-united-america-31271" target="_blank">US President Donald Trump bids for &#39;safe strong and united America</a></strong></p>

<p>The State of the Union address is a traditional annual speech of the US president to a joint session of the Congress where he gives an account of the situation in the country.</p>

<p>He proposed four pillars of his immigration reform.</p>

<p>This includes building a wall, and ending chain migration and diversity visa.</p>

<p>Trump said that his proposal should be supported by both parties (Republican and Democratic) as a fair compromise -- one where nobody gets everything they want, but where the country gets the critical reforms it needs.</p>

<p>&quot;The first pillar of our framework generously offers a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age -- that covers almost three times more people than the previous administration.</p>

<p>&quot;Under our plan, those who meet education and work requirements, and show good moral character, will be able to become full citizens of the United States,&quot; Trump said.</p>

<p>The second pillar fully secures the border, that means building a wall on the Southern border, and it means hiring more people to keep the communities safe.</p>

<p>&quot;Crucially, our plan closes the terrible loopholes exploited by criminals and terrorists to enter our country -- and it finally ends the dangerous practice of &#39;catch and release&#39;,&quot; Trump said.</p>

<p>Trump said the third pillar ends the visa lottery -- a programme that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of Americans.</p>

<p>The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration, he said, ruing that under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives.</p>

<p>&quot;Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Trump said in recent weeks, two terrorist attacks in New York were made possible by the visa lottery and chain migration.</p>

<p>In the age of terrorism, these programmes present risks we can no longer afford.</p>

<p>&quot;It is time to reform these outdated immigration rules, and finally bring our immigration system into the 21st century,&quot; Trump said.</p>

<p>&quot;These four pillars represent a down-the-middle compromise, and one that will create a safe, modern, and lawful immigration system. For over 30 years, Washington has tried and failed to solve this problem. This Congress can be the one that finally makes it happen.</p>

<p>&quot;Most importantly, these four pillars will produce legislation that fulfils my ironclad pledge to only sign a bill that puts America first. So let us come together, set politics aside, and finally get the job done,&quot; Trump urged the lawmakers.</p>


Trump proposed four pillars of his immigration reform

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged the Congress to pass a legislation that promotes merit-based immigration, a move that would benefit hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals. Full text of Donald Trump's State of the Union Speech He proposed a pathway to citizenship for almost 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought in the US by their parents at a young age. "It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country," Trump said in his first State of the Union address. Also read: US President Donald Trump bids for 'safe strong and united America The State of the Union address is a traditional annual speech of the US president to a joint session of the Congress where he gives an account of the situation in the country. He proposed four pillars of his immigration reform. This includes building a wall, and ending chain migration and diversity visa. Trump said that his proposal should be supported by both parties (Republican and Democratic) as a fair compromise -- one where nobody gets everything they want, but where the country gets the critical reforms it needs. "The first pillar of our framework generously offers a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age -- that covers almost three times more people than the previous administration. "Under our plan, those who meet education and work requirements, and show good moral character, will be able to become full citizens of the United States," Trump said. The second pillar fully secures the border, that means building a wall on the Southern border, and it means hiring more people to keep the communities safe. "Crucially, our plan closes the terrible loopholes exploited by criminals and terrorists to enter our country -- and it finally ends the dangerous practice of 'catch and release'," Trump said. Trump said the third pillar ends the visa lottery -- a programme that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of Americans. The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration, he said, ruing that under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. "Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future," he said. Trump said in recent weeks, two terrorist attacks in New York were made possible by the visa lottery and chain migration. In the age of terrorism, these programmes present risks we can no longer afford. "It is time to reform these outdated immigration rules, and finally bring our immigration system into the 21st century," Trump said. "These four pillars represent a down-the-middle compromise, and one that will create a safe, modern, and lawful immigration system. For over 30 years, Washington has tried and failed to solve this problem. This Congress can be the one that finally makes it happen. "Most importantly, these four pillars will produce legislation that fulfils my ironclad pledge to only sign a bill that puts America first. So let us come together, set politics aside, and finally get the job done," Trump urged the lawmakers.

Donald Trump for legislation that promotes merit-based immigration, move to affect Indians

<p>President Donald Trump declared Tuesday in his State of the Union address to Congress that what he calls America&#39;s &quot;open borders&quot; had allowed drug gangs to pour into US communities.</p>

<p>Pointing out a guest &mdash; a mother who lost two daughters to murder &mdash; Trump urged Congress to come together to &quot;close the loopholes&quot; that he said allow in groups like El Salvador&#39;s MS-13.</p>

<p>&quot;Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes and our laws to enter the country as illegal, unaccompanied, alien minors,&quot; Trump claimed, laying out his immigration plan.</p>

<p>If the president wins congressional backing for his immigration plans they will include four pillars tightening what he and his populist supporters see as weak links in current law.</p>

<p>The first pillar, and one that might not find immediate support with the most vocal members of Trump&#39;s anti-immigrant base, is a &quot;path to citizenship&quot; for undocumented migrants who arrived at a young age.</p>

<p>The second pillar, Trump said, &quot;fully secures the border&quot; by building a huge wall on the Mexican frontier and hiring more immigration agents.</p>

<p>The third pillar would end America&#39;s Green Card lottery, and replace it with a so-called merit-based system for migrants with skills needed by US businesses.</p>

<p>And the fourth pillar &mdash; an idea that drew protests from Democrat lawmakers during the speech, would end &quot;chain migration&quot; policies that allow migrants to bring in family members.</p>


Trump urged Congress to come together to "close the loopholes" that he said allow in groups like El Salvador's MS-13

President Donald Trump declared Tuesday in his State of the Union address to Congress that what he calls America's "open borders" had allowed drug gangs to pour into US communities. Pointing out a guest — a mother who lost two daughters to murder — Trump urged Congress to come together to "close the loopholes" that he said allow in groups like El Salvador's MS-13. "Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes and our laws to enter the country as illegal, unaccompanied, alien minors," Trump claimed, laying out his immigration plan. If the president wins congressional backing for his immigration plans they will include four pillars tightening what he and his populist supporters see as weak links in current law. The first pillar, and one that might not find immediate support with the most vocal members of Trump's anti-immigrant base, is a "path to citizenship" for undocumented migrants who arrived at a young age. The second pillar, Trump said, "fully secures the border" by building a huge wall on the Mexican frontier and hiring more immigration agents. The third pillar would end America's Green Card lottery, and replace it with a so-called merit-based system for migrants with skills needed by US businesses. And the fourth pillar — an idea that drew protests from Democrat lawmakers during the speech, would end "chain migration" policies that allow migrants to bring in family members.

'Open borders' promote guns, gangs and cost lives: Donald Trump

<p content="Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he would keep Guantanamo Bay open, breaking from his predecessor Barack Obama's lengthy and ultimately failed efforts to shutter the maligned detention facility." data-reactid="22" type="text">US President Donald Trump announced today he would keep Guantanamo Bay open, breaking from his predecessor Barack Obama&#39;s lengthy and ultimately failed efforts to shutter the maligned detention facility.</p>

<p content="&quot;I just signed an order directing Secretary Mattis to reexamine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay,&quot; Trump said, in his State of the Union address to Congress, in keeping with a campaign promise." data-reactid="23" type="text">&quot;I just signed an order directing Secretary Mattis to reexamine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay,&quot; Trump said, in his State of the Union address to Congress, in keeping with a campaign promise.</p>

<p content="Under president George W. Bush, the US military hastily constructed a prison camp on Guantanamo Bay, located on the US naval base on the eastern tip of Cuba, in the months following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks." data-reactid="24" type="text">Under President George W. Bush, the US military hastily constructed a prison camp on Guantanamo Bay, located on the US naval base on the eastern tip of Cuba, in the months following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks.</p>

<p content="At first, inmates were held in cages and fenced in with razor wire, and conditions for the orange jumpsuit-clad detainees provoked a global outcry in 2002." data-reactid="25" type="text">At first, inmates were held in cages and fenced in with razor wire, and conditions for the orange-jumpsuit-clad detainees provoked a global outcry in 2002.</p>

<p content="That early facility, known as Camp X-Ray, was soon replaced with more permanent structures and today, Guantanamo Bay consists of numerous high-security prison buildings." data-reactid="26" type="text">That early facility, known as Camp X-Ray, was soon replaced with more permanent structures and today, Guantanamo Bay consists of numerous high-security prison buildings.</p>

<p content="At the height of its operations after 9/11, the facility held 780 people, detained mostly for their alleged ties to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban." data-reactid="27" type="text">At the height of its operations after 9/11, the facility held 780 people, detained mostly for their alleged ties to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.</p>

<p content="Since then, hundreds have been transferred back to their home countries or other places." data-reactid="28" type="text">Since then, hundreds have been transferred back to their home countries or other places.</p>

<p content="Some of the most notorious inmates, including several alleged 9/11 co-conspirators, among them accused mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, are still awaiting trial." data-reactid="29" type="text">Some of the most notorious inmates, including several alleged 9/11 co-conspirators, among them, accused mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, are still awaiting trial.</p>

<p content="Their cases have been beset by legal woes at Guantanamo, where a bespoke criminal justice system grants detainees -- who are considered &quot;unprivileged enemy belligerents&quot; -- only some of the legal rights that US federal courts guarantee." data-reactid="30" type="text">Their cases have been beset by legal woes at Guantanamo, where a bespoke criminal justice system grants detainees -- who are considered &quot;unprivileged enemy belligerents&quot; -- only some of the legal rights that US federal courts guarantee.</p>

<p content="Of the 41 inmates remaining at Guantanamo, about 26 are trapped in legal purgatory." data-reactid="31" type="text">Of the 41 inmates remaining at Guantanamo, about 26 are trapped in legal purgatory.</p>

<p content="These so-called &quot;forever prisoners&quot; have never been charged -- yet they have been deemed too dangerous to release." data-reactid="32" type="text">These so-called &quot;forever prisoners&quot; have never been charged -- yet they have been deemed too dangerous to release.</p>

<p content="Some were cleared for release under Obama, but have been stranded at Guantanamo under the Trump administration." data-reactid="33" type="text">Some were cleared for release under Obama, but have been stranded at Guantanamo under the Trump administration.</p>

<p content="- 'Bad dudes' -" data-reactid="34" type="text"><strong>- &#39;Bad dudes&#39; -</strong></p>

<p content="On the campaign trail, Trump famously vowed he would load Guantanamo with &quot;bad dudes,&quot; and said it would be &quot;fine&quot; if US terror suspects were sent there for trial." data-reactid="35" type="text">On the campaign trail, Trump famously vowed he would load Guantanamo with &quot;bad dudes,&quot; and said it would be &quot;fine&quot; if US terror suspects were sent there for trial.</p>

<p content="In 2009, soon after he was sworn in, Obama ordered the prison to be closed within a year, and no new inmate has been sent there since early 2008." data-reactid="36" type="text">In 2009, soon after he was sworn in, Obama ordered the prison to be closed within a year, and no new inmate has been sent there since early 2008.</p>

<p content="Political bickering, vehement Republican opposition and foreign allies' reluctance to take in the prisoners meant Obama could not close Guantanamo, though the population dropped from 242 to 41 under his watch." data-reactid="37" type="text">Political bickering, vehement Republican opposition and foreign allies&#39; reluctance to take in the prisoners meant Obama could not close Guantanamo, though the population dropped from 242 to 41 under his watch.</p>

<p content="Since becoming president, Trump has toyed with the idea of sending Americans to Guantanamo, though federal judges would likely bar any such attempt." data-reactid="38" type="text">Since becoming president, Trump has toyed with the idea of sending Americans to Guantanamo, though federal judges would likely bar any such attempt.</p>

<p content="In October, he suggested that the man accused of carrying out a deadly truck attack along a bike path in New York could be sent to Guantanamo, but he later backed off the idea." data-reactid="39" type="text">In October, he suggested that the man accused of carrying out a deadly truck attack along a bike path in New York could be sent to Guantanamo, but he later backed off the idea.</p>

<p content="Another case that could potentially bring Guantanamo into legal focus is that of a US citizen who was captured in Syria and had allegedly been fighting for the Islamic State group." data-reactid="40" type="text">Another case that could potentially bring Guantanamo into legal focus is that of a US citizen who was captured in Syria and had allegedly been fighting for the Islamic State group.</p>

<p content="The man, whose name has not been released, is apparently being held in Iraq." data-reactid="41" type="text">The man, whose name has not been released, is apparently being held in Iraq.</p>

<p content="The American Civil Liberties Union has taken up his case and a federal judge has ruled that the US must give it advance notice before transferring the man overseas." data-reactid="42" type="text">The American Civil Liberties Union has taken up his case and a federal judge has ruled that the US must give it advance notice before transferring the man overseas.</p>

<p content="That would allow time for the ACLU to mount a legal challenge." data-reactid="43" type="text">That would allow time for the ACLU to mount a legal challenge.</p>


Trump announces he would keep Guantanamo Bay open, breaking from his predecessor Obama's lengthy and ultimately failed efforts to shutter the facility

US President Donald Trump announced today he would keep Guantanamo Bay open, breaking from his predecessor Barack Obama's lengthy and ultimately failed efforts to shutter the maligned detention facility. "I just signed an order directing Secretary Mattis to reexamine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay," Trump said, in his State of the Union address to Congress, in keeping with a campaign promise. Under President George W. Bush, the US military hastily constructed a prison camp on Guantanamo Bay, located on the US naval base on the eastern tip of Cuba, in the months following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks. At first, inmates were held in cages and fenced in with razor wire, and conditions for the orange-jumpsuit-clad detainees provoked a global outcry in 2002. That early facility, known as Camp X-Ray, was soon replaced with more permanent structures and today, Guantanamo Bay consists of numerous high-security prison buildings. At the height of its operations after 9/11, the facility held 780 people, detained mostly for their alleged ties to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Since then, hundreds have been transferred back to their home countries or other places. Some of the most notorious inmates, including several alleged 9/11 co-conspirators, among them, accused mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, are still awaiting trial. Their cases have been beset by legal woes at Guantanamo, where a bespoke criminal justice system grants detainees -- who are considered "unprivileged enemy belligerents" -- only some of the legal rights that US federal courts guarantee. Of the 41 inmates remaining at Guantanamo, about 26 are trapped in legal purgatory. These so-called "forever prisoners" have never been charged -- yet they have been deemed too dangerous to release. Some were cleared for release under Obama, but have been stranded at Guantanamo under the Trump administration. - 'Bad dudes' - On the campaign trail, Trump famously vowed he would load Guantanamo with "bad dudes," and said it would be "fine" if US terror suspects were sent there for trial. In 2009, soon after he was sworn in, Obama ordered the prison to be closed within a year, and no new inmate has been sent there since early 2008. Political bickering, vehement Republican opposition and foreign allies' reluctance to take in the prisoners meant Obama could not close Guantanamo, though the population dropped from 242 to 41 under his watch. Since becoming president, Trump has toyed with the idea of sending Americans to Guantanamo, though federal judges would likely bar any such attempt. In October, he suggested that the man accused of carrying out a deadly truck attack along a bike path in New York could be sent to Guantanamo, but he later backed off the idea. Another case that could potentially bring Guantanamo into legal focus is that of a US citizen who was captured in Syria and had allegedly been fighting for the Islamic State group. The man, whose name has not been released, is apparently being held in Iraq. The American Civil Liberties Union has taken up his case and a federal judge has ruled that the US must give it advance notice before transferring the man overseas. That would allow time for the ACLU to mount a legal challenge.

Trump vows to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open

Each test has forged new American heroes to remind us who we are, and show us what we can be

Donald Trump's State of the Union Speech: Full text

<p>The Election Commission today issued the notifications for the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly elections.</p>

<p>Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor said&nbsp;that &quot;The Election Commission has issued notifications for the elections in the state.&quot;</p>

<p>The tenure of the current 60-member Meghalaya Assembly ends on March 6 and the state will go to the polls on February 27.</p>

<p>With the issuance of the election notification, the filing of nomination started today.</p>

<p>The last date of filing nominations is February 7 while the date of scrutiny of nomination is February 8.</p>

<p>The last date of withdrawal of candidates is February 12.</p>

<p>The counting of votes will take place on March 3.</p>

<p>Voter Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) will be used along with EVMs in the election.</p>


With the issuance of the election notification, the filing of nomination started today

The Election Commission today issued the notifications for the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor said that "The Election Commission has issued notifications for the elections in the state." The tenure of the current 60-member Meghalaya Assembly ends on March 6 and the state will go to the polls on February 27. With the issuance of the election notification, the filing of nomination started today. The last date of filing nominations is February 7 while the date of scrutiny of nomination is February 8. The last date of withdrawal of candidates is February 12. The counting of votes will take place on March 3. Voter Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) will be used along with EVMs in the election.

Election Commission issues Meghalaya Assembly election notification

<p>US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Americans to move beyond the angry partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans in his State of the Union address to Congress.</p>

<p>&quot;Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The speech marked Trump&#39;s first year in office and came as his opinion poll approval numbers touched new lows, despite promising economic data and the president&#39;s frequent boasts of historic victories.</p>

<p>&quot;So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our union is strong because our people are strong,&quot; Trump said.</p>

<p>&quot;And together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong.&quot;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;I am asking both parties to come together to give us safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2">https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2</a></p>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958531462126546946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


President Donald Trump gives his first official State of the Union Address from the United States Capitol in front of a joint session of Congress

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Americans to move beyond the angry partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans in his State of the Union address to Congress. "Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve," he said. The speech marked Trump's first year in office and came as his opinion poll approval numbers touched new lows, despite promising economic data and the president's frequent boasts of historic victories. "So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our union is strong because our people are strong," Trump said. "And together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong." "I am asking both parties to come together to give us safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve." #SOTU: https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 ×

President Donald Trump urges US parties set aside differences

<p>President Donald Trump, battling a probe into his campaign&rsquo;s alleged ties with Russia and struggling to sell Americans on his leadership abilities, will take credit for US economic gains in the past year in an address to Congress on Tuesday night.</p>

<p>Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Trump will also call for a bipartisan compromise of the type that has eluded him during the first year in office marked by heated political battles.</p>

<p>Trump will visit Capitol Hill to deliver his first State of the Union speech at 9:10 pm&nbsp;(0210 GMT on Wednesday).</p>

<p>In preparing for the event, Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-state-of-the-union-address-31215">What is the State of the Union Address?</a></p>

<p>&ldquo;I would consider it a great achievement if we could make our country united,&rdquo; he told the anchors during a lunch, according to comments released by the White House.</p>

<p>Aides said the Republican president would use the televised speech to tout the benefits of a tax overhaul approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in December that was his first major legislative victory.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The economy will be front and centre,&rdquo; White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told NBC News on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The atmosphere in the House of Representatives chamber where Trump will speak could be tense. Several Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the event. Some Democratic women who will attend plan to wear black in support of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.</p>

<p>Ahead of Trump&rsquo;s speech, Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided over immigration, which has been linked to congressional efforts to pass a spending bill. Lawmakers face a Feb. 8 deadline to reach a compromise on the issue and pass a new budget measure to avoid a second government shutdown after a brief closure earlier this month.</p>

<p>To attract Democratic votes for an immigration deal, Trump has said he is open to letting &ldquo;Dreamers,&rdquo; a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States.</p>

<p>In return, he has demanded to fund for his long-proposed wall along the border with Mexico and measures to curb family sponsorship of immigrants, proposals that have failed to gain traction with Democrats in the past.</p>

<p>US Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said the two sides had made little progress so far in bridging differences on immigration.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t agree on anything,&rdquo; Durbin said after a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Monday.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-to-expect-from-trumps-first-state-of-the-union-speech-31225">Immigration, jobs, trade: What to expect from Trump&#39;s first State of the Union address</a></p>

<p><strong>Russia probe</strong></p>

<p>Trump will also promote a $1.7 trillion plan to rebuild America&rsquo;s ageing roads and other infrastructure, but he is not expected to offer many details.</p>

<p>Trump is expected to address the various global issues that have preoccupied his administration, such as the challenge posed by North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear and weapons programs, and Iran&rsquo;s clout in the Middle East.</p>

<p>The speech comes as the president is buffeted by a series of headlines about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller&rsquo;s investigation into whether Trump or his aides colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election.</p>

<p>US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in Trump&rsquo;s favor. Russia has denied meddling. Trump, who has called Mueller&rsquo;s probe a &ldquo;witch hunt,&rdquo; has denied any collusion with Russia or that he has obstructed justice in his actions related to the federal investigation.</p>

<p>Americans, at the same time, are voicing concerns about Trump&rsquo;s fitness for office. Opinion polls show his job approval ratings are about 40 percent, a number that is alarming to Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the US Congress in midterm elections in November.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-deliver-first-state-of-the-union-address-tomorrow-indian-techies-widow-among-guests-31233">In Trump&#39;s first State of the Union address, Indian techie&#39;s widow will be among guests</a></p>

<p>Leaders of the two parties had sharply different expectations for the speech. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was &ldquo;excited&rdquo; to hear a State of the Union speech when things were so promising.</p>

<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really encouraging to be able to come and hear an upbeat tone at a State of the Union,&rdquo; Ryan told reporters. &ldquo;Economic confidence is coming back to America.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat, said Trump&rsquo;s theme of a &ldquo;safe, strong and proud America&rdquo; did not reflect reality.</p>

<p>&ldquo;That may be the theme, but that&rsquo;s not what has happened over the last year,&rdquo; he said, adding that Trump had alienated US allies, hollowed out the diplomatic corps and increased the national debt with tax legislation.</p>

<p>Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should thank his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, for the strong economic outlook. &ldquo;Like many things in life, he inherited the healthy economy,&rdquo; Schumer said of Trump.</p>


Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president

President Donald Trump, battling a probe into his campaign’s alleged ties with Russia and struggling to sell Americans on his leadership abilities, will take credit for US economic gains in the past year in an address to Congress on Tuesday night. Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Trump will also call for a bipartisan compromise of the type that has eluded him during the first year in office marked by heated political battles. Trump will visit Capitol Hill to deliver his first State of the Union speech at 9:10 pm (0210 GMT on Wednesday). In preparing for the event, Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president. Also read: What is the State of the Union Address? “I would consider it a great achievement if we could make our country united,” he told the anchors during a lunch, according to comments released by the White House. Aides said the Republican president would use the televised speech to tout the benefits of a tax overhaul approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in December that was his first major legislative victory. “The economy will be front and centre,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told NBC News on Tuesday. The atmosphere in the House of Representatives chamber where Trump will speak could be tense. Several Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the event. Some Democratic women who will attend plan to wear black in support of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Ahead of Trump’s speech, Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided over immigration, which has been linked to congressional efforts to pass a spending bill. Lawmakers face a Feb. 8 deadline to reach a compromise on the issue and pass a new budget measure to avoid a second government shutdown after a brief closure earlier this month. To attract Democratic votes for an immigration deal, Trump has said he is open to letting “Dreamers,” a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States. In return, he has demanded to fund for his long-proposed wall along the border with Mexico and measures to curb family sponsorship of immigrants, proposals that have failed to gain traction with Democrats in the past. US Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said the two sides had made little progress so far in bridging differences on immigration. “We didn’t agree on anything,” Durbin said after a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Monday. Also read: Immigration, jobs, trade: What to expect from Trump's first State of the Union address Russia probe Trump will also promote a $1.7 trillion plan to rebuild America’s ageing roads and other infrastructure, but he is not expected to offer many details. Trump is expected to address the various global issues that have preoccupied his administration, such as the challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear and weapons programs, and Iran’s clout in the Middle East. The speech comes as the president is buffeted by a series of headlines about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump or his aides colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in Trump’s favor. Russia has denied meddling. Trump, who has called Mueller’s probe a “witch hunt,” has denied any collusion with Russia or that he has obstructed justice in his actions related to the federal investigation. Americans, at the same time, are voicing concerns about Trump’s fitness for office. Opinion polls show his job approval ratings are about 40 percent, a number that is alarming to Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the US Congress in midterm elections in November. Also read: In Trump's first State of the Union address, Indian techie's widow will be among guests Leaders of the two parties had sharply different expectations for the speech. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was “excited” to hear a State of the Union speech when things were so promising. “It’s really encouraging to be able to come and hear an upbeat tone at a State of the Union,” Ryan told reporters. “Economic confidence is coming back to America.” Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat, said Trump’s theme of a “safe, strong and proud America” did not reflect reality. “That may be the theme, but that’s not what has happened over the last year,” he said, adding that Trump had alienated US allies, hollowed out the diplomatic corps and increased the national debt with tax legislation. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should thank his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, for the strong economic outlook. “Like many things in life, he inherited the healthy economy,” Schumer said of Trump.

After turbulent year, Trump to tout strong economy in speech to Congress

<p>After the release of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-2018-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-tables-economic-survey-in-parliament-31058" target="_blank">Economic Survey by the government of India</a>, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the Modi government.</p>

<p>He tweeted &quot; Acche Din are here except for minor hiccups-&nbsp;decrease in industrial growth, agriculture growth, GDP growth and Job growth&quot;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EconomicSurvey2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EconomicSurvey2018</a> says, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AccheDin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AccheDin</a> are here, except for these minor hiccups:<br />
<br />
Industrial Growth is ⬇<br />
Agricultural Growth is ⬇<br />
GDP Growth is ⬇<br />
JOB Growth is ⬇<br />
<br />
&quot;Don&#39;t worry Be Happy!&quot;<a href="https://t.co/nXsHWvGuo3">https://t.co/nXsHWvGuo3</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/957990666541215744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>The tweet also shared a video &quot;Don&#39;t worry be happy&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Economic Survey was tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday during the first day of the Budget session 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The budget estimated the real GDP growth to clock 6.75 percent this fiscal year.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;economic survey predicts 7-7.5 percent growth in 2018-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the session, Jaitley also noted Employment, education &amp; agriculture to be the focus areas of this term.</p>

<p>The Economic Survey is the Finance Ministry&#39;s yearly document that reviews the economic development of the country in the past year.</p>


He tweeted 'Acche Din are here except for minor hiccups- decrease in industrial growth, agriculture growth, GDP growth and Job growth'

After the release of the Economic Survey by the government of India, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the Modi government. He tweeted " Acche Din are here except for minor hiccups- decrease in industrial growth, agriculture growth, GDP growth and Job growth" The #EconomicSurvey2018 says, #AccheDin are here, except for these minor hiccups: Industrial Growth is ⬇ Agricultural Growth is ⬇ GDP Growth is ⬇ JOB Growth is ⬇ "Don't worry Be Happy!"https://t.co/nXsHWvGuo3 — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 29, 2018 × The tweet also shared a video "Don't worry be happy". The Economic Survey was tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday during the first day of the Budget session 2019. The budget estimated the real GDP growth to clock 6.75 percent this fiscal year. The economic survey predicts 7-7.5 percent growth in 2018-19. During the session, Jaitley also noted Employment, education & agriculture to be the focus areas of this term. The Economic Survey is the Finance Ministry's yearly document that reviews the economic development of the country in the past year.

Acche din are here except for minor hiccups: Rahul Gandhi's jibe on Economic Survey

<p>US president Donald Trump is all set to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, an hour-long speech to Congress and the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The speech marks the ceremonial kickoff of Trump&rsquo;s second year in office and is traditionally a president&rsquo;s biggest platform to speak to the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The State of the Union speech is expected to focus on &ldquo;building a safe, strong, and proud America,&rdquo; and will touch&nbsp;on topics such as the economy, infrastructure, immigration, and trade. &ldquo;The tone will be one of bipartisanship. It will be very forward-looking,&rdquo; officials say.</p>

<p>What will be a surprise is if Trump talks at all about Robert Mueller&rsquo;s Russia investigation and, in turn, congressional Republican efforts to respond with their own probe of the government &ldquo;deep state.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here is what Trump is expected to talk about in his first State of the Union speech:&nbsp;</p>

<p><ins><strong>Trade and Infrastructure&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<p>President Trump will likely urge Democrats for their support on an infrastructure bill to rebuild the nation&#39;s crumbling roads, bridges and airports. White House aides have said they will propose $200 billion in federal spending, but they haven&#39;t said where the money will come from.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has pledged to rebuild the nation&rsquo;s ageing infrastructure but has provided few details on his $1.7 trillion plan, but most of that would be state and local spending, not federal dollars, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump also said that his speech will cover his efforts to lower trade barriers around the world for American exports. &ldquo;We have to have reciprocal trade. It&rsquo;s not a one-way deal anymore,&rdquo; an official&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>He is also likely to discuss the US trade imbalance with China during his State of the Union speech and may&nbsp;consider&nbsp;retaliation over intellectual property issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><ins><strong>Immigration&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<p>The most controversial part of his speech is likely to be when he talks about immigration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Donald Trump said on Monday he will address his proposed immigration overhaul in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday and will seek Democratic support for it.</p>

<p>Trump said his immigration overhaul will have to be bipartisan &ldquo;because the Republicans don&rsquo;t really have the votes to get it done in any other way.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Republicans and Democrats have been long arguing over the future of some 1.8 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has vowed to protect the so-called &quot;Dreamers&quot; (a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States) from deportation but is also calling for changes to legal immigration that are controversial with both parties - &nbsp;in return for $25 billion to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and other tougher border security measures as well.</p>

<p>He will also insist lawmakers to agree to curb immigrants&rsquo; ability to sponsor family members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some Democratic lawmakers have invited &ldquo;Dreamers&rdquo; as guests to hear the speech in person.</p>

<p><strong><ins>Jobs&nbsp;</ins></strong></p>

<p>The path towards&nbsp;lower unemployment and higher growth began during Trump&#39;s administration. Trump argues that the tax overhaul he signed late last year has boosted business confidence and will lead companies to reinvest in the United States.</p>

<p>With unemployment for African Americans, Hispanics and women at record lows, in his speech on Tuesday, Trump will &ldquo;make clear that all groups are benefiting under this presidency,&rdquo; officials said.</p>

<p>He may also talk about some of first lady Melania Trump&rsquo;s guests for the speech, who are expected to include people who have benefited from the tax cuts.</p>

<p><ins><strong>Mid-Term polls&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<p>Republicans might want to check in on the state of its own party as we inch closer to the fall midterm elections. On paper, the GOP remains in the strongest position, it&rsquo;s been ahead of the elections since before the Obama administration. There are more than two times as many Republican governors as Democrats this time around.</p>

<p>But there are warning signs that the party&rsquo;s time may be coming to an end ahead of the midterm elections in November.</p>

<p>While Republicans in Congress are eyeing the exits, a growing number of Democrats are looking for a way in.&nbsp;</p>

<p><ins><strong>Unfiltered Moments&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<p>This could be an opportunity for the audience to see the unfiltered Trump for 60 minutes, and an opportunity for Trump to try to boost his approval ratings which have sagged in the mid- to upper- 30s.</p>

<p>The White House often struggles to maintain momentum on policy when Trump&rsquo;s tweets and off-the-cuff remarks upstage his scripted speeches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He can be captivating at a campaign rally when his speech is an unpredictable stream of consciousness. He can be straight and authentic on Twitter, the unfiltered mode of communication that he says is &quot;MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL.&quot;</p>

<p><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SH1KZ7nw_L8" width="560"></iframe><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The theme of the speech will be: 'Building a safe, strong and proud America'

US president Donald Trump is all set to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, an hour-long speech to Congress and the nation. The speech marks the ceremonial kickoff of Trump’s second year in office and is traditionally a president’s biggest platform to speak to the nation. The State of the Union speech is expected to focus on “building a safe, strong, and proud America,” and will touch on topics such as the economy, infrastructure, immigration, and trade. “The tone will be one of bipartisanship. It will be very forward-looking,” officials say. What will be a surprise is if Trump talks at all about Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and, in turn, congressional Republican efforts to respond with their own probe of the government “deep state.” Here is what Trump is expected to talk about in his first State of the Union speech: Trade and Infrastructure President Trump will likely urge Democrats for their support on an infrastructure bill to rebuild the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and airports. White House aides have said they will propose $200 billion in federal spending, but they haven't said where the money will come from. Trump has pledged to rebuild the nation’s ageing infrastructure but has provided few details on his $1.7 trillion plan, but most of that would be state and local spending, not federal dollars, reports said. Trump also said that his speech will cover his efforts to lower trade barriers around the world for American exports. “We have to have reciprocal trade. It’s not a one-way deal anymore,” an official said. He is also likely to discuss the US trade imbalance with China during his State of the Union speech and may consider retaliation over intellectual property issues. Immigration The most controversial part of his speech is likely to be when he talks about immigration. President Donald Trump said on Monday he will address his proposed immigration overhaul in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday and will seek Democratic support for it. Trump said his immigration overhaul will have to be bipartisan “because the Republicans don’t really have the votes to get it done in any other way.” Republicans and Democrats have been long arguing over the future of some 1.8 million immigrants living in the United States illegally. Trump has vowed to protect the so-called "Dreamers" (a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States) from deportation but is also calling for changes to legal immigration that are controversial with both parties - in return for $25 billion to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and other tougher border security measures as well. He will also insist lawmakers to agree to curb immigrants’ ability to sponsor family members. Some Democratic lawmakers have invited “Dreamers” as guests to hear the speech in person. Jobs The path towards lower unemployment and higher growth began during Trump's administration. Trump argues that the tax overhaul he signed late last year has boosted business confidence and will lead companies to reinvest in the United States. With unemployment for African Americans, Hispanics and women at record lows, in his speech on Tuesday, Trump will “make clear that all groups are benefiting under this presidency,” officials said. He may also talk about some of first lady Melania Trump’s guests for the speech, who are expected to include people who have benefited from the tax cuts. Mid-Term polls Republicans might want to check in on the state of its own party as we inch closer to the fall midterm elections. On paper, the GOP remains in the strongest position, it’s been ahead of the elections since before the Obama administration. There are more than two times as many Republican governors as Democrats this time around. But there are warning signs that the party’s time may be coming to an end ahead of the midterm elections in November. While Republicans in Congress are eyeing the exits, a growing number of Democrats are looking for a way in. Unfiltered Moments This could be an opportunity for the audience to see the unfiltered Trump for 60 minutes, and an opportunity for Trump to try to boost his approval ratings which have sagged in the mid- to upper- 30s. The White House often struggles to maintain momentum on policy when Trump’s tweets and off-the-cuff remarks upstage his scripted speeches. He can be captivating at a campaign rally when his speech is an unpredictable stream of consciousness. He can be straight and authentic on Twitter, the unfiltered mode of communication that he says is "MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL."

Immigration, jobs, trade: What to expect from Trump's first State of the Union address

<p>Vadgam MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani said on Monday that he will be campaigning against the BJP in the upcoming Karnataka state assembly polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at an event to mark the 56th birth anniversary of slain journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, Jignesh Mevani said, &quot;An alliance of all mainstream political parties and concrete people&#39;s alliance should come together to defeat &#39;chaddidharis&#39; in the state.&quot;</p>

<p>Mevani said he would tell the Dalits in the state not to vote for the BJP.</p>

<p>&quot;I am coming to Karnataka in April to campaign for three weeks to make sure that the 20% of Dalits votes won&#39;t go to the BJP&quot;, Mewani said during his speech at Gauri Day programme at the Town Hall&nbsp;on Monday.</p>

<p>He further stated&nbsp;that some &quot;ideological compromises&quot; must be made in order to defeat BJP, he said while stating how 15 parties had campaigned for him in the recent elections in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also talked about how Modi government failed to give youth any employment, after a number of promises. He also suggested that Modi should retire and said that he plans to come up with ideas to generate employment in the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mevani recently made headlines after being denied permission to hold a Yuva Hunkar rally in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>


He further said that some 'ideological compromises' must be made in order to defeat BJP, he said while stating how 15 parties had campaigned for him in the recent elections in Gujarat

Vadgam MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani said on Monday that he will be campaigning against the BJP in the upcoming Karnataka state assembly polls. Speaking at an event to mark the 56th birth anniversary of slain journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, Jignesh Mevani said, "An alliance of all mainstream political parties and concrete people's alliance should come together to defeat 'chaddidharis' in the state." Mevani said he would tell the Dalits in the state not to vote for the BJP. "I am coming to Karnataka in April to campaign for three weeks to make sure that the 20% of Dalits votes won't go to the BJP", Mewani said during his speech at Gauri Day programme at the Town Hall on Monday. He further stated that some "ideological compromises" must be made in order to defeat BJP, he said while stating how 15 parties had campaigned for him in the recent elections in Gujarat. He also talked about how Modi government failed to give youth any employment, after a number of promises. He also suggested that Modi should retire and said that he plans to come up with ideas to generate employment in the nation. Mevani recently made headlines after being denied permission to hold a Yuva Hunkar rally in New Delhi.

Will make sure 20% Dalits votes don't go to BJP in Karnataka election: Mewani

<p>Ahead of the release of the Union Budget 2018, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a jibe at the BJP-led central government.</p>

<p>He targetted the government over unemployment, stagnant agricultural and economy.</p>

<p>Tharoor said &quot; It&#39;s their last budget, naturally they would leave a political message.Our economy isn&#39;t in good shape.They&#39;ll have to do something for farmers, there&#39;s agricultural stagnation. If they want votes, they&#39;ll have to do something about jobs they promised four years ago.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s their last budget, naturally they would leave a political message. Our economy isn&#39;t in good shape. They&#39;ll have to do something for farmers, there&#39;s agricultural stagnation. If they want votes, they&#39;ll have to do something about jobs they promised 4 yrs ago: Shashi Tharoor <a href="https://t.co/n2AZbCzDy4">pic.twitter.com/n2AZbCzDy4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957673713138245632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The budget session of the parliament will begin from January 29&nbsp;and it will end on April 6.</p>

<p>The phase 1 of the session will be held from January 29 to February 9. The second phase will take place from March 5 to April 6.</p>

<p>The budget will be tabled by finance minister Arun Jaitley on February 1, making it a first budget to be presented after Goods and Services Tax implementation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tharoor said 'It's their last budget, naturally they would leave a political message.Our economy isn't in good shape.They'll have to do something for farmers, there's agricultural stagnation. If they want votes, they'll have to do something about jobs they promised four years ago'

Ahead of the release of the Union Budget 2018, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a jibe at the BJP-led central government. He targetted the government over unemployment, stagnant agricultural and economy. Tharoor said " It's their last budget, naturally they would leave a political message.Our economy isn't in good shape.They'll have to do something for farmers, there's agricultural stagnation. If they want votes, they'll have to do something about jobs they promised four years ago." It's their last budget, naturally they would leave a political message. Our economy isn't in good shape. They'll have to do something for farmers, there's agricultural stagnation. If they want votes, they'll have to do something about jobs they promised 4 yrs ago: Shashi Tharoor pic.twitter.com/n2AZbCzDy4 — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2018 × The budget session of the parliament will begin from January 29 and it will end on April 6. The phase 1 of the session will be held from January 29 to February 9. The second phase will take place from March 5 to April 6. The budget will be tabled by finance minister Arun Jaitley on February 1, making it a first budget to be presented after Goods and Services Tax implementation.

Union Budget 2018: 'It's their last budget, naturally, they would leave political message' says Tharoor

<p>In a major development in poll-bound Nagaland, 11 parties including the ruling Naga People&#39;s Front today decided not to contest the February 27 elections, agreeing to the demand of tribal bodies and civil society groups to resolve the protracted Naga political problem first.</p>

<p>The decision came at a meeting called by the core committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) and attended by representatives of 11 parties.</p>

<p>&quot;It is the unanimous view of the Naga people that the political solution or Naga peace accord is more important than elections and therefore, it has become imperative that the elections to the legislative assembly of Nagaland be deferred for peace and tranquillity,&quot; read a joint declaration signed by the parties.</p>

<p>An all-party meeting in Dimapur took the decision to &lsquo;come together in the greater interest of the state in solidarity with the call &ldquo;Solution Before Election&rdquo;. It also decided to defer the 13th Nagaland Assembly elections and allow the Naga political process to reach its logical conclusion by giving space and time to the negotiating groups to bring out an early solution.</p>

<p>Altogether, 79 members were present in the meeting, including representatives from political parties, NSCN(I-M), Tribal Hohos and civil society groups.</p>

<p>The parties are -- Naga People&#39;s Front, Congress, BJP, Nationalist Democratic People&#39;s&nbsp;Party, Nagaland Congress, United Nagaland Democratic Party, Aam Admi Party, National Congress Party, Lok Jan Party, Janata Dal (United) and National People&#39;s Party.</p>

<p>&quot;We, on behalf of all the political parties and the intending candidates, have in compliance with the wishes of the people decided not to go ahead with the issuance of party tickets or filing of nominations,&quot; it read.</p>

<p>The Naga Hoho, an apex Naga tribal body, had earlier this month sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s help in postponing the elections, saying the vexed issue should be resolved first.</p>

<p>Civil society groups in Nagaland have also launched a campaign &#39;Solution before Election&#39;.</p>


The decision came at a meeting called by the core committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) and attended by representatives of 11 parties

In a major development in poll-bound Nagaland, 11 parties including the ruling Naga People's Front today decided not to contest the February 27 elections, agreeing to the demand of tribal bodies and civil society groups to resolve the protracted Naga political problem first. The decision came at a meeting called by the core committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) and attended by representatives of 11 parties. "It is the unanimous view of the Naga people that the political solution or Naga peace accord is more important than elections and therefore, it has become imperative that the elections to the legislative assembly of Nagaland be deferred for peace and tranquillity," read a joint declaration signed by the parties. An all-party meeting in Dimapur took the decision to ‘come together in the greater interest of the state in solidarity with the call “Solution Before Election”. It also decided to defer the 13th Nagaland Assembly elections and allow the Naga political process to reach its logical conclusion by giving space and time to the negotiating groups to bring out an early solution. Altogether, 79 members were present in the meeting, including representatives from political parties, NSCN(I-M), Tribal Hohos and civil society groups. The parties are -- Naga People's Front, Congress, BJP, Nationalist Democratic People's Party, Nagaland Congress, United Nagaland Democratic Party, Aam Admi Party, National Congress Party, Lok Jan Party, Janata Dal (United) and National People's Party. "We, on behalf of all the political parties and the intending candidates, have in compliance with the wishes of the people decided not to go ahead with the issuance of party tickets or filing of nominations," it read. The Naga Hoho, an apex Naga tribal body, had earlier this month sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help in postponing the elections, saying the vexed issue should be resolved first. Civil society groups in Nagaland have also launched a campaign 'Solution before Election'.

11 political parties in Nagaland not to contest assembly polls over stalled peace accord

<p>President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US&nbsp;government &ldquo;could very well&rdquo; shut down and that would be very harmful to the military.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A government shutdown will be devastating to our military...something the Dems care very little about!</p>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/953987636057821184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Already on Thursday, the White House appeared to be downplaying the impact of a possible shutdown, while at the same time preparing to lay blame on Congress if the government shuts down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Less than an hour before a scheduled House vote on a spending bill Thursday night, Trump tweeted at lawmakers: &quot;Our military needs it!&quot; he wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">House of Representatives needs to pass Government Funding Bill tonight. So important for our country - our Military needs it!</p>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/954136290768846850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The president has consistently claimed that Democrats in Congress actually want a government shutdown, in order to detract attention away from the recently enacted Republican tax cuts.</p>

<p>Trump took to Twitter and wrote: &quot;either elect more Republican Senators in 2018 or change the rules now to 51%. Our country needs a good &quot;shutdown&quot; in September to fix mess!&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">either elect more Republican Senators in 2018 or change the rules now to 51%. Our country needs a good &quot;shutdown&quot; in September to fix mess!</p>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/859393829505552385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&ldquo;If the country shuts down, which could very well be, the budget should be handled a lot different than it has been handled for the last long period of time,&rdquo; Trump said in answer to reporters&rsquo; questions as he arrived for a visit at the Pentagon. &ldquo;If for any reason it shuts down, the worst thing is what happens to our military.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Already on Thursday, the White House appeared to be downplaying the impact of a possible shutdown, while at the same time preparing to lay blame on Congress if the government shuts down.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US government “could very well” shut down and that would be very harmful to the military. A government shutdown will be devastating to our military...something the Dems care very little about! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 × Already on Thursday, the White House appeared to be downplaying the impact of a possible shutdown, while at the same time preparing to lay blame on Congress if the government shuts down. Less than an hour before a scheduled House vote on a spending bill Thursday night, Trump tweeted at lawmakers: "Our military needs it!" he wrote. House of Representatives needs to pass Government Funding Bill tonight. So important for our country - our Military needs it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 × The president has consistently claimed that Democrats in Congress actually want a government shutdown, in order to detract attention away from the recently enacted Republican tax cuts. Trump took to Twitter and wrote: "either elect more Republican Senators in 2018 or change the rules now to 51%. Our country needs a good "shutdown" in September to fix mess!" either elect more Republican Senators in 2018 or change the rules now to 51%. Our country needs a good "shutdown" in September to fix mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 2, 2017 × “If the country shuts down, which could very well be, the budget should be handled a lot different than it has been handled for the last long period of time,” Trump said in answer to reporters’ questions as he arrived for a visit at the Pentagon. “If for any reason it shuts down, the worst thing is what happens to our military.”

Trump says government 'could very well' shut down

<p>A court in Bhiwandi has asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to be present in the court on April 23 for framing charges against him in connection with a defamation case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court granted him exemption after his lawyer presented an exemption application. Gandhi was supposed to be present in the court today.</p>

<p>A defamation case was filed against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for making a comment on RSS.</p>

<p>At a rally in Thane in March 2014, he had said: &quot;RSS people killed Gandhi&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi RSS defamation case in Bhiwandi : Court sets a new date for framing of charges against Rahul Gandhi as he was not present in court today, court allowed exemption application by his lawyer and directed Rahul Gandhi to remain present on 23rd April. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJIMHAIgxj">pic.twitter.com/rJIMHAIgxj</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953518187538075649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Gandhi was supposed to be present in the court today. However, the court granted him exemption after his lawyer presented an exemption application

A court in Bhiwandi has asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to be present in the court on April 23 for framing charges against him in connection with a defamation case. The court granted him exemption after his lawyer presented an exemption application. Gandhi was supposed to be present in the court today. A defamation case was filed against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for making a comment on RSS. At a rally in Thane in March 2014, he had said: "RSS people killed Gandhi". Rahul Gandhi RSS defamation case in Bhiwandi : Court sets a new date for framing of charges against Rahul Gandhi as he was not present in court today, court allowed exemption application by his lawyer and directed Rahul Gandhi to remain present on 23rd April. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/rJIMHAIgxj — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2018 ×

Defamation case: Rahul Gandhi to be present in court on April 23

<p>Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Pravin Togadia who went &quot;missing&quot; in Ahmedabad on Monday -- before being found unconscious in a park -- was visited in hospital Tuesday by Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia and Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel.</p>

<p>Modhwadia said it was a serious issue.</p>

<p>&quot;We all know the track record of Rajasthan police (about encounters). We also know what happens to those who raise voice against the BJP, be it (BJP leaders) Sanjay Joshi, Haren Pandya or (CBI) judge (B H) Loya. To stop recurrence of such incidents, an independent inquiry must be conducted in Togadia&#39;s case,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Togadia had gone &quot;missing&quot; after a Rajasthan Police contingent landed in Ahmedabad to arrest him in an old case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Togadia later said at a press conference attempts were being made to kill him while he was raising the voice of the Hindu community.</p>

<p>He said people had informed that he would be killed in a fake encounter.</p>

<p>Patel, after meeting Togadia, pointed a finger of blame at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.</p>

<p>&quot;Rights of common people are being snatched. I may not agree with Pravinbhai&#39;s ideology, but I am always with him. We all know what kind of conspiracies are being hatched by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. I don&#39;t know about Hindus, but a leader of a Hindu organisation is definitely in danger now,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The Congress party&#39;s Rajasthan in-charge Ashok Gehlot, who was chief minister of Rajasthan when Togadia was booked under section 188 of IPC for defying police orders in Gangapur in 2002, also sought an inquiry into Togadia&#39;s claims.</p>

<p>He added that the issue is serious since both states, Rajasthan and Gujarat, have BJP governments in power.</p>

<p>After being found Monday evening, Togadia was admitted to hospital in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>VHP workers had hit the streets of Ahmedabad and Surat after Togadia had gone &quot;missing&quot;.</p>


The VHP's Pravin Togadia went 'missing' in Ahmedabad for most of Monday after a Rajasthan Police team arrived in the city to arrest him

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Pravin Togadia who went "missing" in Ahmedabad on Monday -- before being found unconscious in a park -- was visited in hospital Tuesday by Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia and Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel. Modhwadia said it was a serious issue. "We all know the track record of Rajasthan police (about encounters). We also know what happens to those who raise voice against the BJP, be it (BJP leaders) Sanjay Joshi, Haren Pandya or (CBI) judge (B H) Loya. To stop recurrence of such incidents, an independent inquiry must be conducted in Togadia's case," he said. Togadia had gone "missing" after a Rajasthan Police contingent landed in Ahmedabad to arrest him in an old case. Togadia later said at a press conference attempts were being made to kill him while he was raising the voice of the Hindu community. He said people had informed that he would be killed in a fake encounter. Patel, after meeting Togadia, pointed a finger of blame at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. "Rights of common people are being snatched. I may not agree with Pravinbhai's ideology, but I am always with him. We all know what kind of conspiracies are being hatched by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. I don't know about Hindus, but a leader of a Hindu organisation is definitely in danger now," he said. The Congress party's Rajasthan in-charge Ashok Gehlot, who was chief minister of Rajasthan when Togadia was booked under section 188 of IPC for defying police orders in Gangapur in 2002, also sought an inquiry into Togadia's claims. He added that the issue is serious since both states, Rajasthan and Gujarat, have BJP governments in power. After being found Monday evening, Togadia was admitted to hospital in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad. VHP workers had hit the streets of Ahmedabad and Surat after Togadia had gone "missing".

After he goes 'missing', is found, Congress leader, Hardik Patel visit Togadia in hospital

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his greetings often manifested in warm embraces.</p>

<p>The Congress today mocked PM&#39;s &#39;hugplomacy&#39; and tweeted a video showcasing his interactions with world leaders that turned into awkward moments more than often.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hugplomacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hugplomacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/M3BKK2Mhmf">pic.twitter.com/M3BKK2Mhmf</a></p>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/952469912554946561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video starts by stating &#39;Modi is awkward&#39; and depicted an event where the Prime Minister&#39;s handshake was dismissed by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Video&#39;s &#39;Hug highlights&#39; included PM Modi&#39;s &#39;Titanic Hug&#39; with former French President Francois Hollande, the &#39;Barely There Hug&#39; with the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the &#39;Never Let You Go Hug&#39; with Japanese President Abe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We can&#39;t wait for more &#39;hugplomacy&#39;,&quot; noted the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy,&quot; noted Congress&#39; tweet.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste,&quot; PM Modi tweeted earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome to India, my friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a>! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraeliPM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShalomNamaste?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShalomNamaste</a> <a href="https://t.co/sidgMmA1fu">pic.twitter.com/sidgMmA1fu</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/952461694567047168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport,&quot; Netanyahu posted on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> , who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights! ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/bPZftC4caF">pic.twitter.com/bPZftC4caF</a></p>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/952490280481099776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress for releasing a video that &quot;insults&quot; PM Modi.</p>

<p>&quot;Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also the guest,&quot; Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar, noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also a guest: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi &amp; Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://t.co/oqrEwiu7lP">pic.twitter.com/oqrEwiu7lP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952527381893234689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Congress leaders have stooped low,&quot; exclaimed Union Minister Babul Supriyo.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The tweet proves that Congress leaders have stooped* low and shows their low mentality. They are indulging in crass humor to seek attention. Congress has taken another step towards its annihilation: Babul Supriyo, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi &amp; Israel PM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952531007713849344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his greetings often manifested in warm embraces. The Congress today mocked PM's 'hugplomacy' and tweeted a video showcasing his interactions with world leaders that turned into awkward moments more than often. With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy pic.twitter.com/M3BKK2Mhmf — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2018 × The video starts by stating 'Modi is awkward' and depicted an event where the Prime Minister's handshake was dismissed by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Video's 'Hug highlights' included PM Modi's 'Titanic Hug' with former French President Francois Hollande, the 'Barely There Hug' with the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the 'Never Let You Go Hug' with Japanese President Abe. "We can't wait for more 'hugplomacy'," noted the video. "With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy," noted Congress' tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug. "Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste," PM Modi tweeted earlier today. Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste pic.twitter.com/sidgMmA1fu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2018 × "Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport," Netanyahu posted on Twitter. Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi , who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/bPZftC4caF — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) January 14, 2018 × Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress for releasing a video that "insults" PM Modi. "Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also the guest," Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar, noted. Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also a guest: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi & Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/oqrEwiu7lP — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 × "Congress leaders have stooped low," exclaimed Union Minister Babul Supriyo. The tweet proves that Congress leaders have stooped* low and shows their low mentality. They are indulging in crass humor to seek attention. Congress has taken another step towards its annihilation: Babul Supriyo, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi & Israel PM — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 ×

Congress releases video on PM Modi's 'hugplomacy', BJP slams it

<p>The verbal war between the Congress and BJP before the Karnataka assembly elections continued Thursday with chief minister Siddaramaiah saying the &quot;BJP and RSS people are Hindutva terrorists&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah had been trying to clarify his statements from yesterday when he had said the BJP and RSS have terrorists within their ranks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah said, &quot;What I had said was that BJP and RSS people are Hindutva terrorists.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>An earlier salvo had been fired by BJP President Amit Shah who had said on Wednesday that the Karnataka government was anti-Hindu and that it was guilty of vote-bank politics.</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-government-is-anti-hindu-government-amit-shah-29117" target="_blank">Karnataka government is anti-Hindu: Amit Shah</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What I had said was that BJP and RSS people are Hindutva terrorists: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah <a href="https://t.co/JMqxjWsldj">pic.twitter.com/JMqxjWsldj</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951368390915932161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP RSS needs to stop its divisive politics, Congress Karnataka Govt will not tolerate communal elements be it any organization: KC Venugopal,Congress <a href="https://t.co/tCu9KiJZTy">pic.twitter.com/tCu9KiJZTy</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951354570625622016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress leader KC Venugopal also targeted the BJP and the RSS, calling their politics &quot;divisive&quot;. He added that the state Congress government would not tolerate &quot;communal elements&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;BJP, RSS needs to stop its divisive politics, Congress Karnataka government will not tolerate communal&nbsp;elements be it any organisation,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joining the trail, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Congress chief, also hit out at the BJP and RSS. Calling the BJP-RSS Hindutva ideology &quot;fascist&quot;, he said they (the Congress) were more Hindu&nbsp;than the BJP and RSS.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;If we don&#39;t believe in a fascist ideology like Hindutva which produces terrorists and hate doesn&#39;t mean we are not Hindus, in fact&nbsp;we are more&nbsp;Hindu than BJP, RSS who use religion for politics.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If we don&#39;t believe in a fascist ideology like Hindutva which produces terrorists and hate doesn&#39;t mean we are not Hindus, infact we are more Hindu than BJP RSS who use religion for politics: Dinesh Gundu Rao,Karnataka Congress chief <a href="https://t.co/CaBWhLoTMY">pic.twitter.com/CaBWhLoTMY</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951358289295564800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also said, &quot;Banning PFI or SDPI or Bajrang Dal is the central government&#39;s job, if they have proof then they can ban any organisation.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah had yesterday pointed to the Karnataka government&#39;s lifting of the ban on the SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) as proof that it was anti-Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Banning PFI or SDPI or Bajrang Dal is the Central Government&#39;s job, if they have proof then they can ban any organization: Dinesh Gundu Rao,Karnataka Congress chief <a href="https://t.co/mEupdr4fZE">pic.twitter.com/mEupdr4fZE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951358291648569344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Responding to Siddaramaiah, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Thursday that Siddaramaiah&#39;s statement has reiterated Congress&#39;s policy of appeasement and its hatred towards Hindus.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The statement of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has reiterated Congress&#39;s policy of appeasement and its hatred towards Hindus: Sambit Patra,BJP <a href="https://t.co/h2h08J6ALc">pic.twitter.com/h2h08J6ALc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951372248408928257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Siddharamiah had on Wednesday said the BJP and RSS had terrorists within their ranks

The verbal war between the Congress and BJP before the Karnataka assembly elections continued Thursday with chief minister Siddaramaiah saying the "BJP and RSS people are Hindutva terrorists". Siddaramaiah had been trying to clarify his statements from yesterday when he had said the BJP and RSS have terrorists within their ranks. Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah said, "What I had said was that BJP and RSS people are Hindutva terrorists." An earlier salvo had been fired by BJP President Amit Shah who had said on Wednesday that the Karnataka government was anti-Hindu and that it was guilty of vote-bank politics. Also read: Karnataka government is anti-Hindu: Amit Shah What I had said was that BJP and RSS people are Hindutva terrorists: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pic.twitter.com/JMqxjWsldj — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 × BJP RSS needs to stop its divisive politics, Congress Karnataka Govt will not tolerate communal elements be it any organization: KC Venugopal,Congress pic.twitter.com/tCu9KiJZTy — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 × Congress leader KC Venugopal also targeted the BJP and the RSS, calling their politics "divisive". He added that the state Congress government would not tolerate "communal elements". "BJP, RSS needs to stop its divisive politics, Congress Karnataka government will not tolerate communal elements be it any organisation," he said. Joining the trail, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka Congress chief, also hit out at the BJP and RSS. Calling the BJP-RSS Hindutva ideology "fascist", he said they (the Congress) were more Hindu than the BJP and RSS. He said, "If we don't believe in a fascist ideology like Hindutva which produces terrorists and hate doesn't mean we are not Hindus, in fact we are more Hindu than BJP, RSS who use religion for politics." If we don't believe in a fascist ideology like Hindutva which produces terrorists and hate doesn't mean we are not Hindus, infact we are more Hindu than BJP RSS who use religion for politics: Dinesh Gundu Rao,Karnataka Congress chief pic.twitter.com/CaBWhLoTMY — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 × He also said, "Banning PFI or SDPI or Bajrang Dal is the central government's job, if they have proof then they can ban any organisation." Shah had yesterday pointed to the Karnataka government's lifting of the ban on the SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) as proof that it was anti-Hindu. Banning PFI or SDPI or Bajrang Dal is the Central Government's job, if they have proof then they can ban any organization: Dinesh Gundu Rao,Karnataka Congress chief pic.twitter.com/mEupdr4fZE — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 × Responding to Siddaramaiah, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Thursday that Siddaramaiah's statement has reiterated Congress's policy of appeasement and its hatred towards Hindus. The statement of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has reiterated Congress's policy of appeasement and its hatred towards Hindus: Sambit Patra,BJP pic.twitter.com/h2h08J6ALc — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018 ×

Karnataka CM says BJP, RSS are Hindutva terrorists after Amit Shah calls his government anti-Hindu

<p><br />
BJP on Sunday accused the Congress of sabotaging the Triple Talaq Bill and said that the Grand Old Party did not want BJP to get credit for passing the historic bill.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Congress sabotaged the bill because they didn&#39;t want BJP to get credit for it. They don&#39;t want Muslim women to get justice,&#39;&#39; news agency ANI said quoting Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The irony is that the communist friends who always talk about social justice are not in favour of justice to women, Singh added as per the report.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress sabotaged this bill because they didn&#39;t want BJP to get credit for it. They don&#39;t want Muslim women to get justice. The irony is that the communist friends who always talk about social justice are not in favour of justice to women: MoS Jitendra Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/c1pmXHW9Ue">pic.twitter.com/c1pmXHW9Ue</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949910488917291008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The bill, already cleared by the Lok Sabha, could not be passed in the upper house due to a deadlock over Opposition&#39;s demand to send it to the Select Committee for close scrutiny.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The legislation proposes to criminalise instant triple talaq and suggests up to three years in jail as punishment for a Muslim husband who divorces his wife by uttering &quot;talaq&quot; thrice.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a woman was given Triple Talaq in Gonda over phone after she asked money for the treatment of their differently-abled daughter.&nbsp;</p>


The irony is that the communist friends who always talk about social justice are not in favour of justice to women, Singh added.

BJP on Sunday accused the Congress of sabotaging the Triple Talaq Bill and said that the Grand Old Party did not want BJP to get credit for passing the historic bill. ''Congress sabotaged the bill because they didn't want BJP to get credit for it. They don't want Muslim women to get justice,'' news agency ANI said quoting Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region. The irony is that the communist friends who always talk about social justice are not in favour of justice to women, Singh added as per the report. Congress sabotaged this bill because they didn't want BJP to get credit for it. They don't want Muslim women to get justice. The irony is that the communist friends who always talk about social justice are not in favour of justice to women: MoS Jitendra Singh #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/c1pmXHW9Ue — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2018 × The bill, already cleared by the Lok Sabha, could not be passed in the upper house due to a deadlock over Opposition's demand to send it to the Select Committee for close scrutiny. The legislation proposes to criminalise instant triple talaq and suggests up to three years in jail as punishment for a Muslim husband who divorces his wife by uttering "talaq" thrice. Meanwhile, a woman was given Triple Talaq in Gonda over phone after she asked money for the treatment of their differently-abled daughter.

'Congress sabotaged Triple Talaq Bill as they didn't want BJP to get credit'

<p>Former union home minister P Chidambaram posted a total of nine tweets on Kashmir on Sunday -- the gist of his argument being that the government&#39;s &quot;hard, militaristic&quot; approach in the state was not working.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The last reminder,&quot; he said, &quot;came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three.&quot;</p>

<p>Chidambaram also referred to the appointment by the government of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor on Kashmir.</p>

<p>&quot;...but his (Sharma&#39;s) mandate was not clear,&quot; Chidambaram said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chidambaram finally went on to say that &quot;If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view.&quot;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1.From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846056367304704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2. The last reminder came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846105314836482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">3. On the eve of the election in Gujarat, the government appointed Mr Dineshwar Sharma as Special Representative (SR), but his mandate was not clear.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846165008236544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">4. Subsequently, it was indicated that the SR will talk to anyone who was willing to meet him, and therein lies the catch.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846215646003202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">5. It was claimed that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach will put an end to infiltration and militancy. Has it? <a href="https://t.co/AkT6ESrbJe">pic.twitter.com/AkT6ESrbJe</a></p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846277881085952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6. Wisdom lies in actively working to find a political solution to the issue of J&amp;K. Both Mr A B Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh will be remembered for their diligent efforts to find a solution to the issue.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846331157180416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">7. The way forward is to invite all stakeholders for talks.Unfortunately, the stakeholders have perceived the appointment of the SR as a pre-election gimmick and have totally rebuffed the good fellow.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846397720805376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">8. Still, all is not lost. I support the idea of interlocutors, but that step has to be part of a set of measures.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846548313137152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">9. If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846589933199361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP was quick to react, with GVL Narasimha Rao saying Chidambaram&#39;s ideas were a &quot;recipe for disaster&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rao added that &quot;our forces are doing a fantastic job.&quot; And that Chidambaram should &quot;support them&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it&#39;s anti-India agenda,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thiru Chidambaram,Your ideas on Kashmir are a recipe for disaster. Our forces are doing a fantastic job. Support them. Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it&#39;s anti-India agenda. Seems you are jealous of Thiru MS Aiyer &amp; trying to challenge him as Pak&#39;s &quot;Apologist No. 1&quot;. <a href="https://t.co/bgA0vhNsJK">https://t.co/bgA0vhNsJK</a></p>
&mdash; GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVLNRAO/status/949866640228798464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Do you ever see Cong leaders attack Pak for killing our soldiers? No.They dine with Pak, rejoice Hafiz Saeed&#39;s release, show &quot;fake&quot; concern for forces but abuse them &amp; their Twitter handles act as Poodles of Pakistan. Shame on <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PChidambaram_IN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KapilSibal</a></p>
&mdash; GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVLNRAO/status/949879396894105600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chidambaram posted a total of nine tweets on Kashmir. 'It was claimed that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach will put an end to infiltration and militancy. Has it?' he asked

Former union home minister P Chidambaram posted a total of nine tweets on Kashmir on Sunday -- the gist of his argument being that the government's "hard, militaristic" approach in the state was not working. "From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu & Kashmir," he said. "The last reminder," he said, "came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three." Chidambaram also referred to the appointment by the government of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor on Kashmir. "...but his (Sharma's) mandate was not clear," Chidambaram said. Chidambaram finally went on to say that "If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view." Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir 1.From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu & Kashmir. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 2. The last reminder came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 3. On the eve of the election in Gujarat, the government appointed Mr Dineshwar Sharma as Special Representative (SR), but his mandate was not clear. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 4. Subsequently, it was indicated that the SR will talk to anyone who was willing to meet him, and therein lies the catch. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 5. It was claimed that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach will put an end to infiltration and militancy. Has it? pic.twitter.com/AkT6ESrbJe — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 6. Wisdom lies in actively working to find a political solution to the issue of J&K. Both Mr A B Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh will be remembered for their diligent efforts to find a solution to the issue. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 7. The way forward is to invite all stakeholders for talks.Unfortunately, the stakeholders have perceived the appointment of the SR as a pre-election gimmick and have totally rebuffed the good fellow. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 8. Still, all is not lost. I support the idea of interlocutors, but that step has to be part of a set of measures. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 9. If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × The BJP was quick to react, with GVL Narasimha Rao saying Chidambaram's ideas were a "recipe for disaster". Rao added that "our forces are doing a fantastic job." And that Chidambaram should "support them". "Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it's anti-India agenda," he added. Thiru Chidambaram,Your ideas on Kashmir are a recipe for disaster. Our forces are doing a fantastic job. Support them. Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it's anti-India agenda. Seems you are jealous of Thiru MS Aiyer & trying to challenge him as Pak's "Apologist No. 1". https://t.co/bgA0vhNsJK — GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) January 7, 2018 × Do you ever see Cong leaders attack Pak for killing our soldiers? No.They dine with Pak, rejoice Hafiz Saeed's release, show "fake" concern for forces but abuse them & their Twitter handles act as Poodles of Pakistan. Shame on @INCIndia & @OfficeOfRG @PChidambaram_IN @KapilSibal — GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) January 7, 2018 ×

Government's 'hard' approach in Kashmir not working, Chidambaram tweets; BJP calls him 'Pakistani poodle'

<p>Mamata Banerjee today stands as one of the few unaligned politicians who has the capacity to capture the national audience. She is a state leader with a national stature. A quintessential outsider who made it big on her own merit and hard work.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;She not only defeated the Left Front but also stopped the BJP&rsquo;s surge in West Bengal. Whether it was &#39;Ma Mati Manush&#39; campaign line or Congress-Left combine campaign against her, Mamata survived. She bettered herself. Highly populist, overtly loud but simple in style, Mamata today stands at the crossroad. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;The question is whether Mamata Banerjee can do a Harkrishan Surjit? Can Mamata be a Kingmaker? Can Mamata forge an alliance of regional parties with the Congress to give a good fight in the Lok Sabha elections slated in 2019?</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The answer lies in the changing landscape of the Indian politics. The 1970s saw the rise of powerful non- Congress leadership across Indian states.&nbsp; Most of the leaders enjoyed iconic status in the national politics. From Karunanidhi to Prakash Singh Badal to Sharad Pawar to Hedge to Bal Thackery, these leaders had both way and the say. The politics at Centre had leaders like Charan Singh, Madhu Dandavate, Surendra Mohan, Somnath Banerji, Chandrashekhar and many others. They were united by anti-Congressism.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;It is this stream which birthed two non-Congress governments. The first was between 1970-80 and second was 1990 VP Singh&rsquo;s government and third was United Front experiment of 1996-98. Surprisingly all three tenures gave two prime ministers each. The first had Morarji Desai and Charan Singh. The second one gave VP Singh and Chandrasekhar and the last gave Deve Gowda and IK Gujaral.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once this exercise got politically discredited, India saw a split in the regional parties on the issue of Congress and, subsequently, most of them took positions on the issue of secularism. It is because of this division that Vajpayee government came to power in 1998. It was called the NDA. The same experiment was successfully replicated by Congress in 2004 when it formed the government under the rubric of UPA.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;This world collapsed after 2014. BJP expanded its base across India, edging out its own alliance partners like Shiv Sena. Similar expansion took place in North East where regional parties became subservient to BJP&rsquo;s consolidating social base. Those who managed to stand tall, either allied with BJP or stayed neutral like the TRS.&nbsp; It is this complex scenario that Mamata will have to navigate in case she wants to play a bigger role nationally.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Occasionally, Mamata has aligned with other regional leaders on national issues but she remains tied to the state where politics is volatile and she is the lobe pole. Secondly, Mamata also has to deal with the Left which has collaborated very closely with the Congress both at the state and national level. In my opinion, the days of the powerful kingmakers from states are over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the chief ministers are today only opinion makers. They can influence a discourse but none of them have the capacity to build a confederacy. Almost all are unpredictable and solely focused on their existence as a regional party which runs like a family cartel. In this scenario, Mamata will have her national say but stay rooted to West Bengal as she knows that her power stems from it, and rest of India can be extremely time consuming and politically disastrous as Kejriwal tasted it first-hand. For now, Mamata will stay in both news and views but from West Bengal, unless 2019 throws up a fractured Parliament and the Lady keeps her numbers in the Lower House.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</i></p>


Mamata will stay in both news and views but from West Bengal, unless 2019 throws up a fractured Parliament and the Lady keeps her numbers in the Lower House.

Mamata Banerjee today stands as one of the few unaligned politicians who has the capacity to capture the national audience. She is a state leader with a national stature. A quintessential outsider who made it big on her own merit and hard work. She not only defeated the Left Front but also stopped the BJP’s surge in West Bengal. Whether it was 'Ma Mati Manush' campaign line or Congress-Left combine campaign against her, Mamata survived. She bettered herself. Highly populist, overtly loud but simple in style, Mamata today stands at the crossroad. The question is whether Mamata Banerjee can do a Harkrishan Surjit? Can Mamata be a Kingmaker? Can Mamata forge an alliance of regional parties with the Congress to give a good fight in the Lok Sabha elections slated in 2019? The answer lies in the changing landscape of the Indian politics. The 1970s saw the rise of powerful non- Congress leadership across Indian states. Most of the leaders enjoyed iconic status in the national politics. From Karunanidhi to Prakash Singh Badal to Sharad Pawar to Hedge to Bal Thackery, these leaders had both way and the say. The politics at Centre had leaders like Charan Singh, Madhu Dandavate, Surendra Mohan, Somnath Banerji, Chandrashekhar and many others. They were united by anti-Congressism. It is this stream which birthed two non-Congress governments. The first was between 1970-80 and second was 1990 VP Singh’s government and third was United Front experiment of 1996-98. Surprisingly all three tenures gave two prime ministers each. The first had Morarji Desai and Charan Singh. The second one gave VP Singh and Chandrasekhar and the last gave Deve Gowda and IK Gujaral. Once this exercise got politically discredited, India saw a split in the regional parties on the issue of Congress and, subsequently, most of them took positions on the issue of secularism. It is because of this division that Vajpayee government came to power in 1998. It was called the NDA. The same experiment was successfully replicated by Congress in 2004 when it formed the government under the rubric of UPA. This world collapsed after 2014. BJP expanded its base across India, edging out its own alliance partners like Shiv Sena. Similar expansion took place in North East where regional parties became subservient to BJP’s consolidating social base. Those who managed to stand tall, either allied with BJP or stayed neutral like the TRS. It is this complex scenario that Mamata will have to navigate in case she wants to play a bigger role nationally. Occasionally, Mamata has aligned with other regional leaders on national issues but she remains tied to the state where politics is volatile and she is the lobe pole. Secondly, Mamata also has to deal with the Left which has collaborated very closely with the Congress both at the state and national level. In my opinion, the days of the powerful kingmakers from states are over. Most of the chief ministers are today only opinion makers. They can influence a discourse but none of them have the capacity to build a confederacy. Almost all are unpredictable and solely focused on their existence as a regional party which runs like a family cartel. In this scenario, Mamata will have her national say but stay rooted to West Bengal as she knows that her power stems from it, and rest of India can be extremely time consuming and politically disastrous as Kejriwal tasted it first-hand. For now, Mamata will stay in both news and views but from West Bengal, unless 2019 throws up a fractured Parliament and the Lady keeps her numbers in the Lower House. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Will anti-communal politics help Mamata to counter BJP?

<p>Eight MLAs in Meghalaya, which includes five from Congress, one from UDP and two independents, joined the National People&#39;s Party today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meghalaya: Eight MLAs (5- Congress, 1- UDP &amp; 2 independents) join National People&#39;s Party (NPP) in Shillong <a href="https://t.co/l3iHD7XEWU">pic.twitter.com/l3iHD7XEWU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948871822472232960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The MLAs had quit their respective parties on December 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The members of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-five-congress-mlas-resign-from-assembly-28044" target="_blank">ruling Congress who resigned from&nbsp;the party </a>included former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh.</p>

<p>Along with them, three other MLAs, one from the United Democratic Party and two Independents had resigned from the House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rowell had already announced that the eight MLAs would join the National People&#39;s Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National People&#39;s Party is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>On January 2,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-4-mlas-quit-congress-to-join-bjp-ahead-of-assembly-elections-28323" target="_blank">four MLAs from Congress in Meghalaya had joined the BJP party</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number of Congress Legislators in the 60 member assembly seat has reduced to 24.&nbsp;The Northeastern state will hold assembly elections this year after the current House ends on March 6.&nbsp;</p>


On January 2,?four MLAs from Congress in Meghalaya had joined the BJP party

Eight MLAs in Meghalaya, which includes five from Congress, one from UDP and two independents, joined the National People's Party today. Meghalaya: Eight MLAs (5- Congress, 1- UDP & 2 independents) join National People's Party (NPP) in Shillong pic.twitter.com/l3iHD7XEWU — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × The MLAs had quit their respective parties on December 29. The members of the ruling Congress who resigned from the party included former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh. Along with them, three other MLAs, one from the United Democratic Party and two Independents had resigned from the House. Rowell had already announced that the eight MLAs would join the National People's Party. National People's Party is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). On January 2, four MLAs from Congress in Meghalaya had joined the BJP party. The number of Congress Legislators in the 60 member assembly seat has reduced to 24. The Northeastern state will hold assembly elections this year after the current House ends on March 6.

Meghalaya: 8 MLAs join NDA ally National People's Party

<p>The government has agreed to send the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 -- or the triple talaq bill -- to a select committee, news reports said Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last Thursday.</p>

<p>It was tabled yesterday in the Rajya Sabha but did not go through after a united opposition insisted that it be sent to a select committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress, while maintaining that it supports the abolition of triple talaq, has been insisting that the bill be sent to a select committee so that&nbsp;any lacunae in it can be better understood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of BJP allies and parties friendly to it have been asking for the same thing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-tables-triple-talaq-in-lok-sabha-27946" target="_blank">Law about justice for women, not religion, says government as it tables triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>The main point of contention over the bill is the jail term included in it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition says the bill turns a civil issue into a criminal one by recommending a jail term extending up to three years for people who continue to use the practice. They add that a man who has been sent to jail cannot provide for his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The practice of triple talaq, which allows a man to divorce his wife by saying the word &quot;talaq&quot; (divorce) three times,&nbsp;was recently struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP has accused the Congress, which did not oppose the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, of playing politics over the bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress has accused the BJP of trying to win brownie points over the bill. The bill they say truly needs to help Muslim women, not just be a rubber stamp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They add that by criminalising triple talaq, and including a jail term, there is the fear that a future law might be misused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP had so far been saying it was hopeful the bill would be passed but it just did not have the numbers in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill can now only be passed in the next session of parliament, since the winter session of Parliament ends tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>


The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last Thursday.

The government has agreed to send the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 -- or the triple talaq bill -- to a select committee, news reports said Thursday. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last Thursday. It was tabled yesterday in the Rajya Sabha but did not go through after a united opposition insisted that it be sent to a select committee. The Congress, while maintaining that it supports the abolition of triple talaq, has been insisting that the bill be sent to a select committee so that any lacunae in it can be better understood. A number of BJP allies and parties friendly to it have been asking for the same thing. Also read: Law about justice for women, not religion, says government as it tables triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha The main point of contention over the bill is the jail term included in it. The opposition says the bill turns a civil issue into a criminal one by recommending a jail term extending up to three years for people who continue to use the practice. They add that a man who has been sent to jail cannot provide for his family. The practice of triple talaq, which allows a man to divorce his wife by saying the word "talaq" (divorce) three times, was recently struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The BJP has accused the Congress, which did not oppose the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, of playing politics over the bill. The Congress has accused the BJP of trying to win brownie points over the bill. The bill they say truly needs to help Muslim women, not just be a rubber stamp. They add that by criminalising triple talaq, and including a jail term, there is the fear that a future law might be misused. The BJP had so far been saying it was hopeful the bill would be passed but it just did not have the numbers in the Rajya Sabha. The bill can now only be passed in the next session of parliament, since the winter session of Parliament ends tomorrow.

Government agrees to send triple talaq bill to select committee: Reports

<p>Days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ishrat-jahan-triple-talaq-petitioner-joins-bjp-28214" target="_blank">Ishrat Jahan, one of the petitioners in the triple talaq case, joined the BJP</a>, her lawyer&nbsp;Nazia Elahi Khan also joined the party.</p>

<p>Nazia Elahi Khan is an activist and lawyer of triple talaq victim Ishrat Jahan.</p>

<p>He joined the BJP in Kolkata.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nazia Elahi Khan, activist and lawyer of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaq</a> victim Ishrat Jehan also joins BJP in Kolkata. Ishrat Jehan had already joined BJP <a href="https://t.co/cSmnCHnsM2">pic.twitter.com/cSmnCHnsM2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948886434433310721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ishrat&nbsp;was one of the five petitioners in the triple talaq case.</p>

<p>She said she would work in the party&#39;s women&#39;s wing.</p>

<p>She joined the BJP on December 30&nbsp;at Howrah office on December 30.</p>

<p>Her husband had divorced her over the phone from Dubai in 2014 by uttering &quot;talaq&quot; thrice.</p>

<p>The Islamic practice of Triple Talaq was struck down by the Supreme Court on August 22.</p>


Nazia Elahi Khan is an activist and lawyer of Triple Talaq victim Ishrat Jahan victim, he joined the BJP in Kolkata

Days after Ishrat Jahan, one of the petitioners in the triple talaq case, joined the BJP, her lawyer Nazia Elahi Khan also joined the party. Nazia Elahi Khan is an activist and lawyer of triple talaq victim Ishrat Jahan. He joined the BJP in Kolkata. Nazia Elahi Khan, activist and lawyer of #TripleTalaq victim Ishrat Jehan also joins BJP in Kolkata. Ishrat Jehan had already joined BJP pic.twitter.com/cSmnCHnsM2 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Ishrat was one of the five petitioners in the triple talaq case. She said she would work in the party's women's wing. She joined the BJP on December 30 at Howrah office on December 30. Her husband had divorced her over the phone from Dubai in 2014 by uttering "talaq" thrice. The Islamic practice of Triple Talaq was struck down by the Supreme Court on August 22.

Triple talaq: After Ishrat Jahan, her lawyer joins BJP

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