<p>The Upper House of the Parliament <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-28436" target="_blank">was disrupted</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-28436" target="_blank"> again</a> on the second day due to the continued uproar over the triple talaq bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition&#39;s demand to present the bill to the Select Committee led to a heated debate between TMC MP Derek O Brien and BJP leader Smriti Irani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to Derek O Brien, Smriti Irani reversed asking them to have a discussion, if they really supported women empowerment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India&#39;s textile minister&nbsp;later questioned the Congress and the Opposition for &quot;obstructing the path of justice for Muslim women&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani&nbsp;blamed them for running away from the discussion in Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;She further said that the double standards of the&nbsp;Congress-led&nbsp;Opposition were exposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani said &quot;It was a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian&nbsp;women. &quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Opposition stands exposed in RS, for past 2 days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a>, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress -led opposition running away from discussion?: Smirit Irani <a href="https://t.co/3RNuyAG7vc">pic.twitter.com/3RNuyAG7vc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948902367121965057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women: Union Minister Smriti Irani <a href="https://t.co/RHJEXZGG76">pic.twitter.com/RHJEXZGG76</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948903690362019841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Derek O Brien blamed the Centre for hindering women empowerment. He added that the latest move had exposed them.</p>

<p>He said &quot;It&#39;s clear that this side (opposition) wants to empower women, and you (Government) stand exposed.</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 11 am on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today BJP has been exposed, they don&#39;t have the guts to empower women: TMC MP Derek O Brien on debate over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://t.co/MiEcRmsI56">pic.twitter.com/MiEcRmsI56</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948897490283069443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Responding to media over triple talaq, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the government was isolated on the issue while the Opposition was united. He added that the bill should be sent to Select Committee.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee: Kapil Sibal, Congress on debate over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://t.co/IhuiHE7Grk">pic.twitter.com/IhuiHE7Grk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948899383075995648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi hit out at Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The duplicity of Congress is quite clear, it has become typical characteristic of Congress: Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/1eisyu6XbR">pic.twitter.com/1eisyu6XbR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948907521237950464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-agrees-to-send-triple-talaq-bill-to-select-committee-reports-28497" target="_blank">Government agrees to send triple talaq bill to select committee: Reports</a></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 the&nbsp;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>&nbsp;</p>


She blamed the Congress and the Opposition from running away from the discussion in Rajya Sabha.?She further said that the double standards of the?Congress-led?Opposition were exposed

The Upper House of the Parliament was disrupted again on the second day due to the continued uproar over the triple talaq bill. The opposition's demand to present the bill to the Select Committee led to a heated debate between TMC MP Derek O Brien and BJP leader Smriti Irani. Responding to Derek O Brien, Smriti Irani reversed asking them to have a discussion, if they really supported women empowerment. India's textile minister later questioned the Congress and the Opposition for "obstructing the path of justice for Muslim women". Irani blamed them for running away from the discussion in Rajya Sabha. She further said that the double standards of the Congress-led Opposition were exposed. Irani said "It was a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian women. " Opposition stands exposed in RS, for past 2 days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken on #TripleTalaqBill, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress -led opposition running away from discussion?: Smirit Irani pic.twitter.com/3RNuyAG7vc — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women: Union Minister Smriti Irani pic.twitter.com/RHJEXZGG76 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Derek O Brien blamed the Centre for hindering women empowerment. He added that the latest move had exposed them. He said "It's clear that this side (opposition) wants to empower women, and you (Government) stand exposed. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 11 am on Friday. Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women: TMC MP Derek O Brien on debate over #TripleTalaqBill in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/MiEcRmsI56 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Responding to media over triple talaq, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the government was isolated on the issue while the Opposition was united. He added that the bill should be sent to Select Committee. The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee: Kapil Sibal, Congress on debate over #TripleTalaqBill in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/IhuiHE7Grk — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi hit out at Congress. The duplicity of Congress is quite clear, it has become typical characteristic of Congress: Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/1eisyu6XbR — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × Also read: Government agrees to send triple talaq bill to select committee: Reports 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 the 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.

Shame on Congress for obstructing path of justice for Muslim women: Smriti Irani

<p>Congress leader Anand Sharma has sent a notice proposing names of 17 Rajya Sabha MPs to be members of Select Committee for the Triple Talaq Bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposal includes the name of MPs such as Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Derek O Brien, Javed Ahmad, Majeed Memon, KK Ragesh, D Raja.</p>

<p>The names of MPs proposed mostly belong to the Congress, AIADMK, SP, BSP, DMK, NCP, CPI(M), CPI parties.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Name of 17 Rajya Sabha MPs including Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Derek O Brien, Javed Ahmad, Majeed Memon, KK Ragesh, D Raja proposed to be members of Select Committee in the notice sent by Congress&#39; Anand Sharma <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/aExOfiFMnL">pic.twitter.com/aExOfiFMnL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948511309179400192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Opposition today demanded that the Triple Talaq bill should be sent to the Select Committee for modifications of certain provisions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had tabled the bill in Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Within few&nbsp;hours of tabling the bill, the Upper House was disrupted due to Opposition&#39;s demand of&nbsp;sending the bill to Select Committee.</p>


The proposal includes name of MPs including Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Derek O Brien, Javed Ahmad, Majeed Memon, KK Ragesh, D Raja

Congress leader Anand Sharma has sent a notice proposing names of 17 Rajya Sabha MPs to be members of Select Committee for the Triple Talaq Bill. The proposal includes the name of MPs such as Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Derek O Brien, Javed Ahmad, Majeed Memon, KK Ragesh, D Raja. The names of MPs proposed mostly belong to the Congress, AIADMK, SP, BSP, DMK, NCP, CPI(M), CPI parties. Name of 17 Rajya Sabha MPs including Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Derek O Brien, Javed Ahmad, Majeed Memon, KK Ragesh, D Raja proposed to be members of Select Committee in the notice sent by Congress' Anand Sharma #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/aExOfiFMnL — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × The Opposition today demanded that the Triple Talaq bill should be sent to the Select Committee for modifications of certain provisions. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had tabled the bill in Rajya Sabha. Within few hours of tabling the bill, the Upper House was disrupted due to Opposition's demand of sending the bill to Select Committee.

Triple Talaq Bill: Congress leader Anand Sharma proposes names for Select Committee members

<p>Disruptions followed as soon as the triple talaq Bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Speaker adjourned&nbsp;the Upper House&nbsp;till 11 am Thursday within a few hours as the Opposition pressed to the government&nbsp;to send the bill to the Select&nbsp;Committee.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am, tomorrow after continued pandemonium over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/U5nKC0BSG9">pic.twitter.com/U5nKC0BSG9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948500923709456384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tabled the bill in Rajya Sabha, Congress immediately moved a resolution to send the bill to the standing committee.</p>

<p>Finance minister Arun Jaitley said it was an &quot;invalid resolution&quot;.</p>

<p>Jaitley asserted that the motion should have been submitted a day earlier, adding that a motion has to be given at least 24 hours in advance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The house is taken by surprise that a motion is suddenly moved, it has not been submitted a day before. The motion has to be give at least 24 hours in advance: Arun Jaitley on Anand Sharma&#39;s notice <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/GbQZw3Nskk">pic.twitter.com/GbQZw3Nskk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948494898117754881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The whole country is watching that in the other house you supported the bill and in this house you are trying to derail the bill: Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948495761234251778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jaitley said that the motion should not be referred to Select Committee. Citing urgency, he said that the legislature must act with a sense of responsibility.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reason why it should not be referred (to select committee) is that when the practice was declared unconstitutional, 2 of the judges held it as unfair &amp; used their extraordinary power to suspend it for 6 months, which expire on 22 Feb: Arun Jaitley in RS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> 1/2</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948497931883048960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Judges said, &#39;we are now suspending it for 6 months &amp; we beseech all parties, therefore within this period come out with apt legislation.&#39; So, there is an urgency that country expects from Parl. Legislature must act with sense of responsibility: Jaitley in RS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> 2/2</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948498346775162880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The bill was earlier presented by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> tabled in Rajya Sabha by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948491264869019648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad cited a case of the latest victim of triple talaq in Moradabad.</p>

<p>He said,&quot;Even after passage of Triple Talaq in Lok Sabha the practice is continuing, a woman in Moradabad was given triple talaq over dowry.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even after passage of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> in Lok Sabha the practice is continuing, a woman in Moradabad was given <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaq</a> over dowry: Law Minister RS Prasad in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://t.co/otec2iq6GE">pic.twitter.com/otec2iq6GE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948491918429716480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pandemonium in Rajya Sabha after tabling of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bp7GZgPy4">pic.twitter.com/5bp7GZgPy4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948492825452138497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, seeks to criminalise triple talaq.</p>

<p>The Congress, Left, and the AIADMK and DMK have supported the bill but have called for the modifications of certain provisions, claiming the bill could upset the sentiments of Muslim women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Left parties, which have had consultations with the Congress in the past week, have asked that the bill &quot;be referred to a select committee&quot;.</p>


While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad cited a case of a woman in Moradabad who is the latest victim of Triple Talaq

Disruptions followed as soon as the triple talaq Bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Speaker adjourned the Upper House till 11 am Thursday within a few hours as the Opposition pressed to the government to send the bill to the Select Committee. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am, tomorrow after continued pandemonium over #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/U5nKC0BSG9 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × As Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tabled the bill in Rajya Sabha, Congress immediately moved a resolution to send the bill to the standing committee. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said it was an "invalid resolution". Jaitley asserted that the motion should have been submitted a day earlier, adding that a motion has to be given at least 24 hours in advance. The house is taken by surprise that a motion is suddenly moved, it has not been submitted a day before. The motion has to be give at least 24 hours in advance: Arun Jaitley on Anand Sharma's notice #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/GbQZw3Nskk — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × The whole country is watching that in the other house you supported the bill and in this house you are trying to derail the bill: Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha #TripleTalaqBill — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Jaitley said that the motion should not be referred to Select Committee. Citing urgency, he said that the legislature must act with a sense of responsibility. Reason why it should not be referred (to select committee) is that when the practice was declared unconstitutional, 2 of the judges held it as unfair & used their extraordinary power to suspend it for 6 months, which expire on 22 Feb: Arun Jaitley in RS #TripleTalaqBill 1/2 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Judges said, 'we are now suspending it for 6 months & we beseech all parties, therefore within this period come out with apt legislation.' So, there is an urgency that country expects from Parl. Legislature must act with sense of responsibility: Jaitley in RS #TripleTalaqBill 2/2 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × The bill was earlier presented by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. #TripleTalaqBill tabled in Rajya Sabha by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad cited a case of the latest victim of triple talaq in Moradabad. He said,"Even after passage of Triple Talaq in Lok Sabha the practice is continuing, a woman in Moradabad was given triple talaq over dowry." Even after passage of #TripleTalaqBill in Lok Sabha the practice is continuing, a woman in Moradabad was given #TripleTalaq over dowry: Law Minister RS Prasad in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/otec2iq6GE — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Pandemonium in Rajya Sabha after tabling of #TripleTalaqBill pic.twitter.com/5bp7GZgPy4 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, seeks to criminalise triple talaq. The Congress, Left, and the AIADMK and DMK have supported the bill but have called for the modifications of certain provisions, claiming the bill could upset the sentiments of Muslim women. The Left parties, which have had consultations with the Congress in the past week, have asked that the bill "be referred to a select committee".

NDA tables triple talaq bill, Opposition disrupts Rajya Sabha

<p>Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge brought up the Maharashtra caste violence that had broken out on Monday in Bhima-Koregaon near Pune. One person had died in the clashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge added that Prime Minister Modi would have to speak on the issue. He is a &quot;mauni baba on such issues,&quot; Kharge said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Who instigated and interfered in this event?&quot; Kharge asked in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge answered his question himself. &quot;Samaaj mein division karne ke liye, kattar Hindutvavaadi, jo wahan RSS ke log hain...iske peecha unka haath hai. Unhone ye kaam karwaya hai,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge also asked for a Supreme Court judge to be appointed to look into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Live updates: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-maharastra-tense-after-pune-violence-28382">Maharashtra bandh today; Dalit protesters block roads, occupy railway tracks, stop metros</a></p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-tense-after-pune-violence-28374" target="_blank">Maharashtra on edge after Bhima-Koregaon violence, protests</a></p>

<p>Kharge was replied to by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar.</p>

<p>&quot;Congress divide and rule ki policy use kar rahe hain. Aur sabka saath, sabka vikaas karke Narendra Modi ji desh ko saath le rahe hain,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Aag ko bujhaane ke bajaaye, bhadkaane ka kaam Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi aur Congress party kar rahi hai. Ise desh bardasht nahin karega,&quot; Kumar added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhima-Koregaon is where the last of the three Anglo-Maratha wars was fought on January 1, 1818.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The English, who had beaten the Peshwas in the war, had had a large number of Dalit soldiers in their army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was BR Ambedkar who had first referred to the war, and the beating of the Peshwa Brahmins, as an example of caste assertion by the Dalits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Dalits have ever since commemorated the anniversary of what they see as their &quot;victory&quot; in the last of the Anglo-Maratha wars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The commemoration of the anniversary this year was reportedly opposed by Hindu groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The violence had broken out thereafter.&nbsp;</p>


Mallikarjun Kharge also asked for a Supreme Court judge to be appointed to look into the matter

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge brought up the Maharashtra caste violence that had broken out on Monday in Bhima-Koregaon near Pune. One person had died in the clashes. Kharge added that Prime Minister Modi would have to speak on the issue. He is a "mauni baba on such issues," Kharge said. "Who instigated and interfered in this event?" Kharge asked in the Lok Sabha. Kharge answered his question himself. "Samaaj mein division karne ke liye, kattar Hindutvavaadi, jo wahan RSS ke log hain...iske peecha unka haath hai. Unhone ye kaam karwaya hai," he said. Kharge also asked for a Supreme Court judge to be appointed to look into the matter. Live updates: Maharashtra bandh today; Dalit protesters block roads, occupy railway tracks, stop metros Also read: Maharashtra on edge after Bhima-Koregaon violence, protests Kharge was replied to by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar. "Congress divide and rule ki policy use kar rahe hain. Aur sabka saath, sabka vikaas karke Narendra Modi ji desh ko saath le rahe hain," he said. "Aag ko bujhaane ke bajaaye, bhadkaane ka kaam Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi aur Congress party kar rahi hai. Ise desh bardasht nahin karega," Kumar added. Bhima-Koregaon is where the last of the three Anglo-Maratha wars was fought on January 1, 1818. The English, who had beaten the Peshwas in the war, had had a large number of Dalit soldiers in their army. It was BR Ambedkar who had first referred to the war, and the beating of the Peshwa Brahmins, as an example of caste assertion by the Dalits. The Dalits have ever since commemorated the anniversary of what they see as their "victory" in the last of the Anglo-Maratha wars. The commemoration of the anniversary this year was reportedly opposed by Hindu groups. The violence had broken out thereafter.

As Maharashtra comes to standstill, Congress demands statement from PM on Bhima-Koregaon violence

<p>In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The four legislators, including Congress&#39;Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre.</p>

<p>The development comes ahead of the scheduled&nbsp;2018 state assembly elections.</p>

<p>Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People&#39;s Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.&nbsp;</p>


Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to PM Modi

In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday. The four legislators, including Congress'Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre. The development comes ahead of the scheduled 2018 state assembly elections. Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People's Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also. BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level. Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.

Meghalaya: 4 MLAs quit Congress to join BJP ahead of assembly elections

<p>Eight days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani today assumed charge of his office at Gandhinagar.</p>

<p>Before assuming the office for the second consecutive term, Rupani visited Swaminarayan temple at Vadtal in Kheda district and took blessings from the head priest Rakeshprasadjee Maharaj and some other saints, an official release said.</p>

<p>Earlier on December 26, the newly-elected BJP government under Vijay Rupani was sworn-in at a grand ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.</p>

<p>Visitors thronged Rupani&#39;s office to greet him after he took charge this afternoon.</p>

<p>While BJP won 99 seats, the main opposition Congress bagged 77 seats in the recently held polls to the Gujarat Assembly.</p>


While BJP won 99 seats, the main opposition Congress bagged 77 seats in the recently held polls to the Gujarat Assembly

Eight days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani today assumed charge of his office at Gandhinagar. Before assuming the office for the second consecutive term, Rupani visited Swaminarayan temple at Vadtal in Kheda district and took blessings from the head priest Rakeshprasadjee Maharaj and some other saints, an official release said. Earlier on December 26, the newly-elected BJP government under Vijay Rupani was sworn-in at a grand ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Visitors thronged Rupani's office to greet him after he took charge this afternoon. While BJP won 99 seats, the main opposition Congress bagged 77 seats in the recently held polls to the Gujarat Assembly.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani assumes office

<p>The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, seeking to criminalise triple talaq, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today.</p>

<p>The Congress, Left, and the AIADMK and DMK have supported the bill but have called for the modifications of certain provisions, claiming the bill could upset the sentiments of Muslim women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Left parties, which have had consultations with the Congress in the past week, have asked that the bill &quot;be referred to a select committee&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP issues a three line whip for all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs asking them to remain present in the Parliament on Jan 2nd and 3rd for passage of several crucial bills during the period <a href="https://t.co/nXbKeUtcb5">pic.twitter.com/nXbKeUtcb5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948015003273068544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The contentious bill had garnered a mixed response from all parties when it was introduced in the lower house but it was passed after the house rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members.</p>

<p>The opposition parties have expressed reservations over the inclusion of a jail term -- extending to three years -- for people who continue to use triple talaq.</p>

<p>They have said the jail term may be excessive and some Muslim organisations like&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aimplb-says-will-request-pm-to-withhold-withdraw-triple-talaq-bill-27594">All India Muslim Personal Law Board</a>&nbsp;(AIMPLB) have said the Supreme Court ruling striking down triple talaq as unconstitutional is against Sharia law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP however is hopeful the bill will find passage.</p>

<p>&quot;I have complete conviction that Congress will support the Bill the same way it did in Lok Sabha, or else the minority women will not spare them,&quot; Union Minister Giriraj Singh told ANI on Monday.</p>

<p>Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar echoed the same conviction.</p>

<p>&quot;I believe all our office-bearers will talk to all parties, and all parties will understand the problem faced by our aggrieved sisters. This bill, I believe, will be passed in the Rajya Sabha,&quot;</p>

<p>All eyes are on the Congress for the party&#39;s stance may decide the fate of the bill in the upper house. The Congress has also asked for the bill to be referred to a standing committee so that its clauses could be put under the microscope.&nbsp;</p>


The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last week

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, seeking to criminalise triple talaq, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today. The Congress, Left, and the AIADMK and DMK have supported the bill but have called for the modifications of certain provisions, claiming the bill could upset the sentiments of Muslim women. The Left parties, which have had consultations with the Congress in the past week, have asked that the bill "be referred to a select committee". BJP issues a three line whip for all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs asking them to remain present in the Parliament on Jan 2nd and 3rd for passage of several crucial bills during the period pic.twitter.com/nXbKeUtcb5 — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × The contentious bill had garnered a mixed response from all parties when it was introduced in the lower house but it was passed after the house rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members. The opposition parties have expressed reservations over the inclusion of a jail term -- extending to three years -- for people who continue to use triple talaq. They have said the jail term may be excessive and some Muslim organisations like All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have said the Supreme Court ruling striking down triple talaq as unconstitutional is against Sharia law. The BJP however is hopeful the bill will find passage. "I have complete conviction that Congress will support the Bill the same way it did in Lok Sabha, or else the minority women will not spare them," Union Minister Giriraj Singh told ANI on Monday. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar echoed the same conviction. "I believe all our office-bearers will talk to all parties, and all parties will understand the problem faced by our aggrieved sisters. This bill, I believe, will be passed in the Rajya Sabha," All eyes are on the Congress for the party's stance may decide the fate of the bill in the upper house. The Congress has also asked for the bill to be referred to a standing committee so that its clauses could be put under the microscope.

Triple talaq bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today

<p>Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling it a drama, the Congress leader said that surgical strike had no impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;One thing is very clear with this [Pulwama terror attack] that all the drama of surgical strike and their policies on Pakistan are clearly not working. We have to think in a different way and I don&#39;t think this government is able to keep our borders safe. On one hand, you are saying that there is no enemy like Pakistan and on the other hand, you are holding an NSC meeting,&quot; Dikshit told ANI</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Ek baat to saabit ho gayi ki sarkaar ki niti, khaaskar surgical strike ke jo natakiya inke pradarshan rahe hain, uska koi asar nahi ho paya. Hume dusre tarike se sochna padega aur mujhe nahi lagta ki sarkaar ke bas me hai ki senaon ko surakshit rakh sakein: S Dikshit, Congress <a href="https://t.co/jEQqpq0LXI">pic.twitter.com/jEQqpq0LXI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947732678219984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian army led by the PM Modi destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader&#39;s remarks came after five soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack carried out by&nbsp;Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammed.</p>


Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes. Calling it a drama, the Congress leader said that surgical strike had no impact. ''One thing is very clear with this [Pulwama terror attack] that all the drama of surgical strike and their policies on Pakistan are clearly not working. We have to think in a different way and I don't think this government is able to keep our borders safe. On one hand, you are saying that there is no enemy like Pakistan and on the other hand, you are holding an NSC meeting," Dikshit told ANI Ek baat to saabit ho gayi ki sarkaar ki niti, khaaskar surgical strike ke jo natakiya inke pradarshan rahe hain, uska koi asar nahi ho paya. Hume dusre tarike se sochna padega aur mujhe nahi lagta ki sarkaar ke bas me hai ki senaon ko surakshit rakh sakein: S Dikshit, Congress pic.twitter.com/jEQqpq0LXI — ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2018 × The surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian army led by the PM Modi destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists. The Congress leader's remarks came after five soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Congress leader hits out at government over surgical strikes, calls it 'drama'

<p>The BJP rejected firebrand Patidar leader Hardik Patel&#39;s proposal saying that their party leaders are loyal and cannot be lured by anyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes following Patel&#39;s offer to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel to quit BJP along with 10 MLA&#39;s and join Congress for a more deserving position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that Hardik&#39;s statement should not be given attention as &quot;he is fishing in troubled waters&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t pay any importance to what Hardik Patel says because he is fishing in troubled waters. I think Nitin Patel is an old worker of ours and he cannot be made unhappy. If he is unhappy we should find out and try to remove is unhappiness,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>BJP leader Murlidhar Rao also slammed Hardik and said that BJP is party of loyal and honest leaders unlike Congress.</p>

<p>&quot;This is BJP not Congress. Our party leaders are loyal and honest. They cannot be lured. We can resolve our internal issue among ourselves,&quot; Rao said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who has been sulking since the announcement of portfolios in the new BJP government in the state, today said the issue was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-about-self-respect-says-sulking-gujarat-deputy-cm-nitin-patel-28134">about his &quot;self-respect&quot;</a> and would not join office till his &quot;honour is restored&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;I have conveyed my feelings to the party high-command and I am hopeful that they will give a proper reply to my feelings soon,&quot; he told reporters.</p>

<p>&quot;This is not about some departments, this is about self- respect,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Patidar leader Hardik Patel on Saturday conveyed to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel that he would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-talk-to-congress-if-nitin-patel-ready-to-leave-bjp-hardik-patel-28108">talk to the Congress</a> to &quot;get him a good position&quot; if he was ready to leave the BJP with the support of 10 legislators.</p>

<p>&quot;If Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel along with 10 MLAs is ready to leave BJP, then will talk to Congress to get him a good position. If BJP does not respect him, he should leave the party,&quot; Hardik Patel told the press Sarangpur, Gujarat.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)&nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday rejected his proposal saying that their party leaders are loyal and cannot be lured by anyone

The BJP rejected firebrand Patidar leader Hardik Patel's proposal saying that their party leaders are loyal and cannot be lured by anyone. This comes following Patel's offer to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel to quit BJP along with 10 MLA's and join Congress for a more deserving position. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that Hardik's statement should not be given attention as "he is fishing in troubled waters". "I don't pay any importance to what Hardik Patel says because he is fishing in troubled waters. I think Nitin Patel is an old worker of ours and he cannot be made unhappy. If he is unhappy we should find out and try to remove is unhappiness," he said. BJP leader Murlidhar Rao also slammed Hardik and said that BJP is party of loyal and honest leaders unlike Congress. "This is BJP not Congress. Our party leaders are loyal and honest. They cannot be lured. We can resolve our internal issue among ourselves," Rao said. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who has been sulking since the announcement of portfolios in the new BJP government in the state, today said the issue was about his "self-respect" and would not join office till his "honour is restored". "I have conveyed my feelings to the party high-command and I am hopeful that they will give a proper reply to my feelings soon," he told reporters. "This is not about some departments, this is about self- respect," he added. Patidar leader Hardik Patel on Saturday conveyed to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel that he would talk to the Congress to "get him a good position" if he was ready to leave the BJP with the support of 10 legislators. "If Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel along with 10 MLAs is ready to leave BJP, then will talk to Congress to get him a good position. If BJP does not respect him, he should leave the party," Hardik Patel told the press Sarangpur, Gujarat. (With inputs from ANI)

BJP fumes after Hardik asks Nitin Patel to join Congress

<p>Patidar leader Hardik Patel today conveyed to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel that he would talk to the Congress to &quot;get him a good position&quot; if he was ready to leave the BJP with the support of 10 legislators.</p>

<p>&quot;If Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel along with 10 MLAs is ready to leave BJP, then will talk to Congress to get him a good position. If BJP does not respect him, he should leave the party,&quot; Hardik Patel told the press Sarangpur, Gujarat.</p>

<p>Nitin Patel, having been stripped of three key portfolios - finance, urban development and petroleum, did not assume office in the Sachivalaya in Gandhinagar on Friday even as many ministers took charge, PTI reported.</p>

<p>He ie yet to take charge of the portfolios alloted to him, days after being sworn-in for the second time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source in the BJP told PTI that the Gujarat deputy chief minister, who used to handle important portfolios like finance and urban development in the previous government, has conveyed his displeasure to the party leadership over the departments alloted to him.</p>

<p>Asked about Nitin Patel&#39;s &quot;unhappiness&quot; with the party, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani did not give any reply.</p>

<p>Despite repeated attempts, Nitin Patel could not be reached for comments.</p>

<p>The BJP scraped through the Gujarat assembly elections, winning 99 seats in the 182-member assembly and only seven more than needed for a majority. The Congress had won 80 seats. &nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Patidar leader Hardik Patel today conveyed to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel that he would talk to the Congress to 'get him a good position' if he was ready to leave the BJP with the support of 10 legislators

Patidar leader Hardik Patel today conveyed to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel that he would talk to the Congress to "get him a good position" if he was ready to leave the BJP with the support of 10 legislators. "If Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel along with 10 MLAs is ready to leave BJP, then will talk to Congress to get him a good position. If BJP does not respect him, he should leave the party," Hardik Patel told the press Sarangpur, Gujarat. Nitin Patel, having been stripped of three key portfolios - finance, urban development and petroleum, did not assume office in the Sachivalaya in Gandhinagar on Friday even as many ministers took charge, PTI reported. He ie yet to take charge of the portfolios alloted to him, days after being sworn-in for the second time. A source in the BJP told PTI that the Gujarat deputy chief minister, who used to handle important portfolios like finance and urban development in the previous government, has conveyed his displeasure to the party leadership over the departments alloted to him. Asked about Nitin Patel's "unhappiness" with the party, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani did not give any reply. Despite repeated attempts, Nitin Patel could not be reached for comments. The BJP scraped through the Gujarat assembly elections, winning 99 seats in the 182-member assembly and only seven more than needed for a majority. The Congress had won 80 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Will talk to Congress if Nitin Patel ready to leave BJP: Hardik Patel

<p><br />
Byelections for three Lok Sabha seats - Ajmer and Alwar in Rajasthan and WB&#39;s Uluberia -&nbsp;and for two assembly constituencies -Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Noapara in West Bengal - to be held on January 29, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting will take place on February 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commision announced the byelection date on Thursday in Delhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">By elections for three Lok Sabha seats(Ajmer and Alwar in Rajasthan and WB&#39;s Uluberia) and for two assembly constituencies( Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Noapara in West Bengal) to be held on Jan 29th 2018 and counting on February 1</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946350152859582464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ajmer is Sachin Pilot former Lok Sabha constituency that he lost to Sanwarlal Jat in the 2014 general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajmer bypoll was necessitated following the death of Sanwarlal Jat&#39;s demise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Alwar, the Congress has a strong candidate in Jitendra Singh, a former parliamentarian. While the party has not formally declared a candidate, Singh is already participating in chaupals and late-night meetings.</p>

<p>The CPI and CPM are also likely to support Singh to topple the BJP. The seat fell vacant after the demise of sitting BJP MP Mahant Chandnath.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commision announced the byelection date on Thursday in Delhi

Byelections for three Lok Sabha seats - Ajmer and Alwar in Rajasthan and WB's Uluberia - and for two assembly constituencies -Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Noapara in West Bengal - to be held on January 29, 2018. The counting will take place on February 1. The Election Commision announced the byelection date on Thursday in Delhi. By elections for three Lok Sabha seats(Ajmer and Alwar in Rajasthan and WB's Uluberia) and for two assembly constituencies( Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Noapara in West Bengal) to be held on Jan 29th 2018 and counting on February 1 — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2017 × Ajmer is Sachin Pilot former Lok Sabha constituency that he lost to Sanwarlal Jat in the 2014 general elections. Ajmer bypoll was necessitated following the death of Sanwarlal Jat's demise. In Alwar, the Congress has a strong candidate in Jitendra Singh, a former parliamentarian. While the party has not formally declared a candidate, Singh is already participating in chaupals and late-night meetings. The CPI and CPM are also likely to support Singh to topple the BJP. The seat fell vacant after the demise of sitting BJP MP Mahant Chandnath.

Bypoll date for Rajasthan's Ajmer, Alwar and WB's Uluberia announced

<p>The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, which criminalises <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-all-you-need-to-know-19324">triple talaq</a> among Muslims, will be presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday amid several Muslim organisations as well as opposition parties&nbsp;such as Congress, Left and BJD voicing their concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the BJP is believed to have issued a three-line whip to its MPs asking them to be present&nbsp;to ensure that the introduction is smooth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP is understood to have issued the whip so that any stiff opposition from members on the other side at the introduction stage could be blocked.</p>

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<h5>Opposition parties have voiced reservations over the jail term -- which may extend to three years -- and fine included in the bill</h5>
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<p>The opposition parties have expressed their reservations over the given jail term for violators of the instant divorce, which may extend to three years and a fine for the accused and further envisages entitling Muslim women for maintenance.</p>

<p>It also has a provision for the divorced Muslim women to have the custody of their minor children. The offences under the purview of this bill will be cognisable and non-bailable.</p>

<p>The draft bill says, &quot;any pronouncement of talaq by a person upon his wife, by words, either spoken or written or in electronic form or in any other manner whatsoever, shall be void and illegal&quot;.</p>

<p>The government is sure to press ahead with the bill in Lok Sabha considering its strong majority even though the oppositions parties voice their apprehensions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill will be introduced by law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The government is all set for questions and comments and is ready to discuss the justification for proposing the law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/triple-talaq-destroying-lives-of-muslim-women-says-indian-pm-narendra-modi-7849">&nbsp;Triple talaq destroying lives of Muslim women, says Indian PM Narendra Modi</a></p>

<p>The opposition parties have said that the jail term may be excessive and some Muslim organisations like <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aimplb-says-will-request-pm-to-withhold-withdraw-triple-talaq-bill-27594">All India Muslim Personal Law Board</a> (AIMPLB) have held that the Supreme Court ruling striking down triple talaq as unconstitutional is against Sharia law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The AIMPLB urges the Central Government to not table the Bill in the Parliament,&quot; said AIMPLB&#39;s Sajjad Nomani after attending an emergency meeting organised by the Board in Lucknow.</p>

<p>The AIMPLB spokesperson further accused the Centre of not following the laid procedure in drafting the bill.</p>

<p>&quot;No procedure was followed in drafting this bill; neither was any stakeholder consulted,&quot; said Nomani.</p>

<p>AIMPLB even claimed that the Bill was against women and children, and if implemented, it would destroy many families.</p>

<p>Earlier in August, in a historic judgement, the Supreme Court had ruled that the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims is &quot;void&quot;, &quot;illegal&quot; and &quot;unconstitutional&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 will be introduced by law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, which criminalises triple talaq among Muslims, will be presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday amid several Muslim organisations as well as opposition parties such as Congress, Left and BJD voicing their concerns. Moreover, the BJP is believed to have issued a three-line whip to its MPs asking them to be present to ensure that the introduction is smooth. The BJP is understood to have issued the whip so that any stiff opposition from members on the other side at the introduction stage could be blocked. Opposition parties have voiced reservations over the jail term -- which may extend to three years -- and fine included in the bill × The opposition parties have expressed their reservations over the given jail term for violators of the instant divorce, which may extend to three years and a fine for the accused and further envisages entitling Muslim women for maintenance. It also has a provision for the divorced Muslim women to have the custody of their minor children. The offences under the purview of this bill will be cognisable and non-bailable. The draft bill says, "any pronouncement of talaq by a person upon his wife, by words, either spoken or written or in electronic form or in any other manner whatsoever, shall be void and illegal". The government is sure to press ahead with the bill in Lok Sabha considering its strong majority even though the oppositions parties voice their apprehensions. The bill will be introduced by law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The government is all set for questions and comments and is ready to discuss the justification for proposing the law. Also read: Triple talaq destroying lives of Muslim women, says Indian PM Narendra Modi The opposition parties have said that the jail term may be excessive and some Muslim organisations like All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have held that the Supreme Court ruling striking down triple talaq as unconstitutional is against Sharia law. "The AIMPLB urges the Central Government to not table the Bill in the Parliament," said AIMPLB's Sajjad Nomani after attending an emergency meeting organised by the Board in Lucknow. The AIMPLB spokesperson further accused the Centre of not following the laid procedure in drafting the bill. "No procedure was followed in drafting this bill; neither was any stakeholder consulted," said Nomani. AIMPLB even claimed that the Bill was against women and children, and if implemented, it would destroy many families. Earlier in August, in a historic judgement, the Supreme Court had ruled that the practice of divorce through triple talaq among Muslims is "void", "illegal" and "unconstitutional". (With inputs from ANI)

Government to table triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha today, BJP reportedly issues whip to MPs

<p>The government and the opposition used the Kulbhusan Jadhav issue to work out their row, which had stalled Parliament for the last two weeks, but news reports said Thursday that another one was brewing over Karnataka BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-who-call-themselves-secular-dont-know-about-their-parentage-mp-ananth-kumar-hegde-27714" target="_blank">statements</a> on secular people not knowing their parentage and changing the constitution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impasse had begun over Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">statement</a> while campaigning for the Gujarat election that Congress leaders were conspiring with Pakistan to affect the outcome of the Gujarat election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impasse had hit the winter session of Parliament, with the Congress demanding an apology from the prime minister on the floor of the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress had later -- after the BJP had said there was no apology coming -- watered down its demand for an apology to asking for a clarification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Modi in his statements and speeches, &quot;did not question nor did he mean to question the commitment to this nation either by Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, or Hamid Ansari, the former vice president.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Any such perception is completely erroneous. We hold these leaders in high esteem, as also their commitment to this nation,&quot; Jaitley said.</p>

<p>Responding to his statement, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: &quot;I want to thank the Leader of the House that he issued a clarification on the issue which was causing the deadlock.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;If during the elections, any member of our party gave such a statement that was against the stature of the prime minister, then our party dissociates itself from any such statement and we would not want any word to be said against the stature of the prime minister,&quot; Azad said.</p>

<p>News reports said Thursday that it was a formal meeting between Jaitley and and Azad earlier and other informal meetings that helped break the deadlock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azad later said the Congress wanted to discuss the treatment meted out by Pakistan to Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azad was reported as saying that &quot;for us it is India first and opposition second&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that &quot;we want to raise our voice for a fellow citizen&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the reports added that while the government and opposition had shut down one front, they had opened another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the opposition forced the shutdown of the Lok Sabha a number of times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from taking offence to his comments on secularism, the opposition also accused Hegde -- he is a union minister -- of disrespecting the architect of the constitution BR Ambedkar by saying &quot;we are here to change it&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has since distanced itself from Hegde&#39;s comments but the opposition says he should either apologise or quit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Congress had wanted to talk about Kulbhushan Jadhav which was proving impossible in a checkmated winter session of Parliament

The government and the opposition used the Kulbhusan Jadhav issue to work out their row, which had stalled Parliament for the last two weeks, but news reports said Thursday that another one was brewing over Karnataka BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde's statements on secular people not knowing their parentage and changing the constitution. The impasse had begun over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement while campaigning for the Gujarat election that Congress leaders were conspiring with Pakistan to affect the outcome of the Gujarat election. The impasse had hit the winter session of Parliament, with the Congress demanding an apology from the prime minister on the floor of the house. The Congress had later -- after the BJP had said there was no apology coming -- watered down its demand for an apology to asking for a clarification. In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Modi in his statements and speeches, "did not question nor did he mean to question the commitment to this nation either by Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, or Hamid Ansari, the former vice president." "Any such perception is completely erroneous. We hold these leaders in high esteem, as also their commitment to this nation," Jaitley said. Responding to his statement, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I want to thank the Leader of the House that he issued a clarification on the issue which was causing the deadlock." "If during the elections, any member of our party gave such a statement that was against the stature of the prime minister, then our party dissociates itself from any such statement and we would not want any word to be said against the stature of the prime minister," Azad said. News reports said Thursday that it was a formal meeting between Jaitley and and Azad earlier and other informal meetings that helped break the deadlock. Azad later said the Congress wanted to discuss the treatment meted out by Pakistan to Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother. Azad was reported as saying that "for us it is India first and opposition second". He added that "we want to raise our voice for a fellow citizen". But the reports added that while the government and opposition had shut down one front, they had opened another. On Wednesday, the opposition forced the shutdown of the Lok Sabha a number of times. Apart from taking offence to his comments on secularism, the opposition also accused Hegde -- he is a union minister -- of disrespecting the architect of the constitution BR Ambedkar by saying "we are here to change it". The government has since distanced itself from Hegde's comments but the opposition says he should either apologise or quit. (With inputs from PTI)

Government, opposition use Jadhav issue to end deadlock, but another brews

<p>The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has won the Sabang Assembly constituency bypoll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Trinamool candidate&nbsp;Gita Rani Bhunaia won by a margin of 64,192 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Rita Mondal secured 41,987 votes, losing out to Gita Rani Bhunaia who secured 1,06,179 votes.</p>

<p>Though the BJP candidate secured only 37,476 votes, the party acquired a substantial increase in the number of votes in this election.</p>

<p>The BJP received about 5,000 votes in the 2016 Assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted expressing his happiness on the significant rise in the BJPs vote share in Sabang.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy to see a significant rise in the BJP&rsquo;s vote share in Sabang, West Bengal. I thank the people for their support and assure them that BJP will leave no stone unturned in serving West Bengal. I appreciate the <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Bengal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Bengal</a> Karyakartas for their effort.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/944918455362371586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bypoll&nbsp;results&nbsp;made a major dent on the Congress party as&nbsp;it lost the seat it had won in the 2016 Assembly polls. Congress candidate Chiranjib Bhowmick secured only 18,060 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Secretary-General of the winning party said that the people voted for them because of the development they carried.</p>

<p>The opposition CPI(M) party has accused the winning party of indulging in a&nbsp;massive rigging.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Antara Bhattacharyya, the BJP candidate in the election has also accused that the elections were not &quot;free and fair&quot;.</p>

<p>The bypolls in the constituency were conducted after sitting Congress legislator Manas Bhunia resigned and moved over to the Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trinamool candidate Gita Rani is Manas Bhunia`s wife.</p>


The Trinamool candidate won by a margin of 64,192 votes

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has won the Sabang Assembly constituency bypoll. The Trinamool candidate Gita Rani Bhunaia won by a margin of 64,192 votes. Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Rita Mondal secured 41,987 votes, losing out to Gita Rani Bhunaia who secured 1,06,179 votes. Though the BJP candidate secured only 37,476 votes, the party acquired a substantial increase in the number of votes in this election. The BJP received about 5,000 votes in the 2016 Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted expressing his happiness on the significant rise in the BJPs vote share in Sabang. Happy to see a significant rise in the BJP’s vote share in Sabang, West Bengal. I thank the people for their support and assure them that BJP will leave no stone unturned in serving West Bengal. I appreciate the @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas for their effort. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2017 × The bypoll results made a major dent on the Congress party as it lost the seat it had won in the 2016 Assembly polls. Congress candidate Chiranjib Bhowmick secured only 18,060 votes. The Secretary-General of the winning party said that the people voted for them because of the development they carried. The opposition CPI(M) party has accused the winning party of indulging in a massive rigging. Antara Bhattacharyya, the BJP candidate in the election has also accused that the elections were not "free and fair". The bypolls in the constituency were conducted after sitting Congress legislator Manas Bhunia resigned and moved over to the Trinamool Congress. Trinamool candidate Gita Rani is Manas Bhunia`s wife.

West Bengal by-polls: Congress loses Sabang assembly seat to Trinamool Congress

<p>The results of the Arunachal Pradesh bypolls&nbsp;which released on Sunday demonstrated yet another victory of the BJP over&nbsp;the Congress party.</p>

<p>The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh snatched two assembly seats, Pakke-Kessang and Likabali, from the Congress.</p>

<p>Terming the victory as a &quot;perfect Christmas gift&quot; for BJP, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has promised to return the gesture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the people of the two constituencies have shown that they are with good governance and development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;By electing BJP nominees they (people) foresee the accelerated development of their respective regions,&quot; the chief minister said.</p>

<p>Candidates BR Waghe and Kardo Nyigyor fought the bypolls from the BJP tickets.</p>

<p>Prime Minister thanked the people of the two constituencies for placing their faith in the BJP.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I thank the people of Likabali and Pakke Kesang in Arunachal Pradesh for reposing their faith in BJP. We derive immense strength from this affection and remain committed to transforming the Northeast. <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Arunachal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Arunachal</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/944917903081488384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh snatched two assembly seats, Pakke-Kessang and Likabali, from the Congress

The results of the Arunachal Pradesh bypolls which released on Sunday demonstrated yet another victory of the BJP over the Congress party. The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh snatched two assembly seats, Pakke-Kessang and Likabali, from the Congress. Terming the victory as a "perfect Christmas gift" for BJP, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has promised to return the gesture. He said that the people of the two constituencies have shown that they are with good governance and development. "By electing BJP nominees they (people) foresee the accelerated development of their respective regions," the chief minister said. Candidates BR Waghe and Kardo Nyigyor fought the bypolls from the BJP tickets. Prime Minister thanked the people of the two constituencies for placing their faith in the BJP. I thank the people of Likabali and Pakke Kesang in Arunachal Pradesh for reposing their faith in BJP. We derive immense strength from this affection and remain committed to transforming the Northeast. @BJP4Arunachal — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2017 ×

BJP wins bypolls in Arunachal Pradesh

<p>Marking&nbsp;another victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party has managed to hold the Sikandra Assembly seat in the Uttar Pradesh by-elections.</p>

<p>BJP&nbsp;candidate Ajit Singh Pal has secured 44.86 per cent votes against the Samajwadi Party rival Seema Sachan who bagged 37.60 per cent votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP candidate won by a margin of over 11,861 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the BJP candidate secured 73,284 votes, Congress candidate secured 19,084 and Samajwadi&nbsp;Party&#39;s candidate 61,423 votes.</p>

<p>The Samajwadi and the Congress party claimed that the seals of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were broken. They alleged that the authorities had tampered with the machines for ensuring the victory of the BJP.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Superintendent of Police (SP) Ratan Kant Pandey, however, clarified that there were three seals and they&nbsp;were intact.</p>

<p>The elections in the region were conducted after the death of its sitting BJP MLA, Mathura Prasad Pal on July 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 53 per cent people had exercised their franchise in the bypolls&nbsp;on December 21.</p>

<p>Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Sikandra for extending their support to the party.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My gratitude to the people of Sikandra for once again supporting BJP. Our commitment to serving India&#39;s villages and taking them to new heights of progress is unwavering. I congratulate CM <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myogiadityanath</a> Ji and the <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4UP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4UP</a> Team for their stupendous efforts.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/944916937171132417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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BJP's candidate Ajit Singh Pal has secured 44.86 per cent votes against the Samajwadi Party rival Seema Sachan who bagged 37.60 per cent votes

Marking another victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party has managed to hold the Sikandra Assembly seat in the Uttar Pradesh by-elections. BJP candidate Ajit Singh Pal has secured 44.86 per cent votes against the Samajwadi Party rival Seema Sachan who bagged 37.60 per cent votes. The BJP candidate won by a margin of over 11,861 votes. While the BJP candidate secured 73,284 votes, Congress candidate secured 19,084 and Samajwadi Party's candidate 61,423 votes. The Samajwadi and the Congress party claimed that the seals of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were broken. They alleged that the authorities had tampered with the machines for ensuring the victory of the BJP. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Ratan Kant Pandey, however, clarified that there were three seals and they were intact. The elections in the region were conducted after the death of its sitting BJP MLA, Mathura Prasad Pal on July 22. Over 53 per cent people had exercised their franchise in the bypolls on December 21. Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Sikandra for extending their support to the party. My gratitude to the people of Sikandra for once again supporting BJP. Our commitment to serving India's villages and taking them to new heights of progress is unwavering. I congratulate CM @myogiadityanath Ji and the @BJP4UP Team for their stupendous efforts. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2017 ×

BJP retains power in Sikandra, wins UP bypoll

<p>Always giving controversial statements, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that &quot;the time he wears &#39;green&#39; everything will be green&quot; on Friday in Hyderabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Aap karen to kuch nahi, par hum jab green pehnenge to pura hara karenge ..insha allah... aur hamare hare rang ke aage koi rang nahi tikega, na Modi ka rang, na Congress ka, kisi ka rang nahi khali hamara rang rahega...hara, hara, hara...: Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad, last night <a href="https://t.co/wRhjGCu9lq">pic.twitter.com/wRhjGCu9lq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944450807755182081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Not Modi&#39;s, not Congress&#39;s only colour will stay, green green green,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The controversial AIMIM leader&nbsp;gave this statement during an event in Hyderabad on Friday evening.</p>

<p>Earlier in December Owaisi had tweeted that India&nbsp;cannot be governed on the basis of &quot;Hindi, Hindu, and Hindustan&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As an MP I have taken oath in Urdu 3 Times so is that unconstitutional and will again take in Urdu in 2019 in sha Allah<br />
India cannot be governed on the basis of Hindi Hindu Hindusthan <a href="https://t.co/inOoGLXkn3">https://t.co/inOoGLXkn3</a></p>
&mdash; Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/940833759791853568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>That time he was speaking in the context of a scuffle that had broken out in UP between a BJP and BSP members after a BSP corporator took an oath in Urdu.</p>

<p>Owaisi added that he himself has taken&nbsp;oath in Urdu as an MP and will do the same in 2019.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


?Owaisi gave this statement during an event in Hyderabad on Friday evening.

Always giving controversial statements, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that "the time he wears 'green' everything will be green" on Friday in Hyderabad. Aap karen to kuch nahi, par hum jab green pehnenge to pura hara karenge ..insha allah... aur hamare hare rang ke aage koi rang nahi tikega, na Modi ka rang, na Congress ka, kisi ka rang nahi khali hamara rang rahega...hara, hara, hara...: Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad, last night pic.twitter.com/wRhjGCu9lq — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017 × "Not Modi's, not Congress's only colour will stay, green green green," he added. The controversial AIMIM leader gave this statement during an event in Hyderabad on Friday evening. Earlier in December Owaisi had tweeted that India cannot be governed on the basis of "Hindi, Hindu, and Hindustan". As an MP I have taken oath in Urdu 3 Times so is that unconstitutional and will again take in Urdu in 2019 in sha Allah India cannot be governed on the basis of Hindi Hindu Hindusthan https://t.co/inOoGLXkn3 — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) December 13, 2017 × That time he was speaking in the context of a scuffle that had broken out in UP between a BJP and BSP members after a BSP corporator took an oath in Urdu. Owaisi added that he himself has taken oath in Urdu as an MP and will do the same in 2019.

AIMIM leader Owaisi hits out at Modi, Congress

<p>Amid speculations regarding&nbsp;the appointment of the&nbsp;new chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal has clarified that he is out of the race.</p>

<p>Prem Kumar Dhumal, who was&nbsp;the BJP&#39;s chief ministerial candidate, said that despite his party&#39;s victory in the state he cannot become the chief minister as he could not win from his seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He cleared the speculations which were&nbsp;on the rife after he lost his seat.</p>

<p>Prem Kumar Dhumal had fought the elections&nbsp;from Sujanpur constituency. He lost the seat against Congress candidate Rajinder Rana.</p>

<p>He said he had clarified it on the day of the results itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhumal said that the decisions lay with the high command of the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-rupani-nitin-patel-swearing-in-ceremony-to-take-place-on-december-26-27547" target="_blank">Vijay Rupani to be sworn-in as chief minister on December 26</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Despite BJP&#39;s great victory, unfortunately I could not win from my seat. Speculations rife that I am still in the running for Himachal CM.Had clarified on day of results itself that I am not in the running for any position.The decision lies with the high command:Prem Kumar Dhumal <a href="https://t.co/bAL9fM8GQT">pic.twitter.com/bAL9fM8GQT</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944582677323169792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhumal had changed his traditional constituency of Hamirpur and contested from Sujanpur in this election.</p>

<p>He was made the chief ministerial face only nine days before the polling.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Amid speculations regarding?the appointment of the?new chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal has clarified that he is out of the race

Amid speculations regarding the appointment of the new chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal has clarified that he is out of the race. Prem Kumar Dhumal, who was the BJP's chief ministerial candidate, said that despite his party's victory in the state he cannot become the chief minister as he could not win from his seat. He cleared the speculations which were on the rife after he lost his seat. Prem Kumar Dhumal had fought the elections from Sujanpur constituency. He lost the seat against Congress candidate Rajinder Rana. He said he had clarified it on the day of the results itself. Dhumal said that the decisions lay with the high command of the party. Also read: Vijay Rupani to be sworn-in as chief minister on December 26 Despite BJP's great victory, unfortunately I could not win from my seat. Speculations rife that I am still in the running for Himachal CM.Had clarified on day of results itself that I am not in the running for any position.The decision lies with the high command:Prem Kumar Dhumal pic.twitter.com/bAL9fM8GQT — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017 × Dhumal had changed his traditional constituency of Hamirpur and contested from Sujanpur in this election. He was made the chief ministerial face only nine days before the polling.

Not running for chief minister's position: Prem Kumar Dhumal

<p>Reactions poured in from various quarters&nbsp;following Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-found-guilty-in-fodder-scam-case-27532"> Lalu Prasad&#39;s conviction</a> in the fodder scam on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> of Lalu Prasad Yadav outside Ranchi&#39;s Special CBI Court after being convicted in a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FodderScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FodderScam</a> case <a href="https://t.co/BxValvnv8n">pic.twitter.com/BxValvnv8n</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944523051474960384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soon after the verdict was declared, RJD leader Manoj Jha lashed out claiming that &quot;legally amicable evidence provided was set aside&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The RJD leader said, &quot;They are trying to scare and intimidate us and I want to tell them - Do whatever you want, your end has begun.&quot;</p>

<p>He also said the&nbsp;CBI&nbsp;has become a motorised parrot and the control mechanism in the hands of two most powerful people in the country.</p>

<p>He claimed that Lalu became a victim of a well-webbed conspiracy, adding, &quot;We believe the judiciary system and we will go in the court and clear everything and the truth will prevail.&quot;</p>

<p>Taking a dig at Lalu Prasad Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad&nbsp;that &quot;the law will catch up with you if you commit corruption&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said: &quot;For me, it is a matter of some personal assurance that I had the privilege to argue the PIL in Patna High Court in the early 90s leading to the institution of CBI inquiry which was strongly opposed by the then state government headed by Lalu Yadav&quot;</p>

<p>Minister of Health and Family Welfare&nbsp;JP Nadda&nbsp;blamed Lalu Prasad for his unnecessary reason for politicising the verdict - following the RJD chief&#39;s tweet&nbsp;on how&nbsp;&quot;truth had been made to appear as a lie.&quot;</p>

<p>Nadda said, &quot;Lalu Prasad Yadav is even now politicising the issue instead of accepting the verdict, just to deviate he is levelling allegations of conspiracy on BJP.&nbsp;The alliance between Congress and Lalu Yadav&#39;s party is an alliance of corruption, connivance and cheating the people of India, it is clear from the verdict of the court.&quot;</p>

<p>Congress leader Manish Tiwari said that Yadav has been in this legal battle since 1996 when BJP leaders filed a Public Interest Litigation against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also posed a question to the BJP asking why the part has not investigated the Srijan case so far.</p>

<p>Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Saturday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-found-guilty-in-fodder-scam-case-27532">convicted by a special CBI court</a> in the 1996 fodder scam case along with 14 others co-accused in the case.</p>

<p>Lalu Prasad Yadav was taken into custody immediately after the verdict and sent to a jail in Ranchi.</p>

<p>Lalu Prasad was earlier convicted and sentenced to five years of imprisonment in one of the five fodder scam cases against him. The former Bihar chief minister faces four other fodder scam cases.</p>

<p>The scam came to light in 1996. The CBI filed chargesheets against Prasad and 55 other co-accused in 1997.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Saturday convicted by a special CBI court in the 1996 fodder scam case along with 14 others co-accused in the case

Reactions poured in from various quarters following Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad's conviction in the fodder scam on Saturday. #Visuals of Lalu Prasad Yadav outside Ranchi's Special CBI Court after being convicted in a #FodderScam case pic.twitter.com/BxValvnv8n — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017 × Soon after the verdict was declared, RJD leader Manoj Jha lashed out claiming that "legally amicable evidence provided was set aside". The RJD leader said, "They are trying to scare and intimidate us and I want to tell them - Do whatever you want, your end has begun." He also said the CBI has become a motorised parrot and the control mechanism in the hands of two most powerful people in the country. He claimed that Lalu became a victim of a well-webbed conspiracy, adding, "We believe the judiciary system and we will go in the court and clear everything and the truth will prevail." Taking a dig at Lalu Prasad Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad that "the law will catch up with you if you commit corruption". He further said: "For me, it is a matter of some personal assurance that I had the privilege to argue the PIL in Patna High Court in the early 90s leading to the institution of CBI inquiry which was strongly opposed by the then state government headed by Lalu Yadav" Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda blamed Lalu Prasad for his unnecessary reason for politicising the verdict - following the RJD chief's tweet on how "truth had been made to appear as a lie." Nadda said, "Lalu Prasad Yadav is even now politicising the issue instead of accepting the verdict, just to deviate he is levelling allegations of conspiracy on BJP. The alliance between Congress and Lalu Yadav's party is an alliance of corruption, connivance and cheating the people of India, it is clear from the verdict of the court." Congress leader Manish Tiwari said that Yadav has been in this legal battle since 1996 when BJP leaders filed a Public Interest Litigation against him. He also posed a question to the BJP asking why the part has not investigated the Srijan case so far. Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Saturday convicted by a special CBI court in the 1996 fodder scam case along with 14 others co-accused in the case. Lalu Prasad Yadav was taken into custody immediately after the verdict and sent to a jail in Ranchi. Lalu Prasad was earlier convicted and sentenced to five years of imprisonment in one of the five fodder scam cases against him. The former Bihar chief minister faces four other fodder scam cases. The scam came to light in 1996. The CBI filed chargesheets against Prasad and 55 other co-accused in 1997.

Fodder scam verdict: How politicians reacted to Lalu Prasad's conviction

<p>Rajya Sabha&nbsp;got adjourned till&nbsp;11 am&nbsp;on&nbsp;December 27 amid the uproar by Congress demanding apology over the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against former prime minister Manmohan Singh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 AM on 27th December amid uproar by Congress demanding PM Modi&#39;s apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944084799999827968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress MPs also raised slogans on&nbsp;the same issue in Lok Sabha today.</p>

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<p>Early on Friday morning, Congress had sent an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gives-adjournment-motion-notice-to-rajya-sabha-27427">adjournment motion notice</a> to Rajya Sabha under the rule 267&nbsp;of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also gave adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under the same rule.</p>

<p>Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-agrees-to-have-discussion-with-the-government-over-allegations-made-against-manmohan-singh-27177">opposition that the government</a>&nbsp;was open to discussion.&nbsp;</p>


Congress MPs also raised slogans for the same issue in Lok Sabha also

Rajya Sabha got adjourned till 11 am on December 27 amid the uproar by Congress demanding apology over the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 AM on 27th December amid uproar by Congress demanding PM Modi's apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Congress MPs also raised slogans on the same issue in Lok Sabha today. Uproar in Lok Sabha,Congress MPs raise slogans demanding PM Modi's apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Early on Friday morning, Congress had sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also gave adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under the same rule. Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections. Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till Tuesday amid uproar over Modi's remark on Manmohan Singh

<p>Congress continuing its standoff&nbsp;in Parliament over Prime Minister Modi&#39;s remarks on Manmohan Singh sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha on Friday.</p>

<p>The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on PM Modi&#39;s remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh <a href="https://t.co/g5d7p9Bwdk">pic.twitter.com/g5d7p9Bwdk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944049701199888384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vice President and Speaker of Rajya Sabha will be taking a final decision on the adjournment today.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the parliament was adjourned for the day even before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">Sachin Tendulkar</a> could begin his debate on &quot;Right to Play and the future of sports in India&quot; due to the Congress outcry.</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha had been repeatedly adjourned since Monday as the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks made by PM Modi on former PM Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Gujarat last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-over-pm-modi-remarks-against-manmohan-singh-27253">Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh</a></p>

<p>On Tuesday, the Congress also walked out of the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-agrees-to-have-discussion-with-the-government-over-allegations-made-against-manmohan-singh-27177">opposition that the government</a> was open to discussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.

Congress continuing its standoff in Parliament over Prime Minister Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha on Friday. The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha. Congress given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on PM Modi's remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/g5d7p9Bwdk — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Vice President and Speaker of Rajya Sabha will be taking a final decision on the adjournment today. On Thursday, the parliament was adjourned for the day even before Sachin Tendulkar could begin his debate on "Right to Play and the future of sports in India" due to the Congress outcry. The Rajya Sabha had been repeatedly adjourned since Monday as the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks made by PM Modi on former PM Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Gujarat last week. Also read: Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh On Tuesday, the Congress also walked out of the Lok Sabha. Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion. Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.

Congress sends adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha

<p>The final verdict is not yet out but first round of the 2G spectrum &ldquo;presumptive&rdquo; scam goes to the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, DMK leader A Raja, party patriarch M Karunanidhi&rsquo;s daughter MK Kanimozhi and 15 others, including former top telecom ministry officials whose stand has been vindicated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Case will go through legal scrutiny from the High Court to the Supreme court. The Top court had earlier taken cognisance and cancelled the 122 licenses issued by Raja and even fined accused telecom companies in February 2012, citing wrongdoings in the allocation of 2G spectrum. The Supreme Court noticed that PM Manmohan Singh was kept in the dark at that time. The latest verdict also raises questions on the role of officials in Manmohan Singh led PMO. That may worry Congress but politically they have a reason to smile for now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initial leaks in the case were fuelled by the UPA government&#39;s internal conflicts, emerging at the time due to the existence of many power centres, acting in their own capacities and interests over and above that of the Government.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Taint on Mr clean</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Post-2004 election victory, Sonia Gandhi had put her bait on Dr Manmohan Singh as the prime minister, projecting him as a leader with clean Image, which is rare in politics. Dr Manmohan Singh&rsquo;s claim, &ldquo;history will be kinder&rdquo; to him, is proven right in this round. An economist, founder of a liberalised economic regime in India, Manmohan Singh was questioned in scam after scam during UPA2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This Scam Series started with 2G spectrum allocation of 2008. Manmohan Singh has been given benefit of doubt but was questioned &ldquo;why did he let allies loot the nation under his nose&rdquo; when he was head of the government.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Reason for Congress rout</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition NDA, led by BJP, tore the government apart on the issue inside parliament forcing adjournments. Dr Singh was often accused by LK Advani as weak and dummy PM to 10 Janpath, which happens to be the official residence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Returning to power in 2009, Dr Manmohan Singh tried to assert his authority by internally rejecting to accommodate alliance partner DMK in his Council of Ministers. So, was there some admission of wrongdoing is the question.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition NDA led by BJP, Anna Hazare with Arvind Kejrival took to the streets. Politically Congress paid the price, Arvind Kejriwal got a foothold in Delhi and Narendra Modi swept the country with a historic electoral verdict.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Gandhi&#39;s challenge</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A clean chit in 2G and now Bombay High Court&#39;s &ldquo;no&rdquo; to prosecute Ashok Chavan in Adarsh scam have given a big boost to Congress. Dramatic events are building up to 8 states Assembly elections and the run-up to 2019, making it interesting. Turning the turf to his side will depend on political skills of Rahul Gandhi as the new president of the Grand Old Party. One thing is clear if Rahul was to pose any challenge, he would have to look for combinations which would be capable of taking on the election-winning duo of Modi and Shah as 2017 ends.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


2G verdict has emboldened Congress but Rahul Gandhi as the Congress President will have to come up with a combination which would be capable of taking on the election-winning duo of Modi and Shah as 2017 ends.

The final verdict is not yet out but first round of the 2G spectrum “presumptive” scam goes to the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, DMK leader A Raja, party patriarch M Karunanidhi’s daughter MK Kanimozhi and 15 others, including former top telecom ministry officials whose stand has been vindicated. The Case will go through legal scrutiny from the High Court to the Supreme court. The Top court had earlier taken cognisance and cancelled the 122 licenses issued by Raja and even fined accused telecom companies in February 2012, citing wrongdoings in the allocation of 2G spectrum. The Supreme Court noticed that PM Manmohan Singh was kept in the dark at that time. The latest verdict also raises questions on the role of officials in Manmohan Singh led PMO. That may worry Congress but politically they have a reason to smile for now. Initial leaks in the case were fuelled by the UPA government's internal conflicts, emerging at the time due to the existence of many power centres, acting in their own capacities and interests over and above that of the Government. Taint on Mr clean Post-2004 election victory, Sonia Gandhi had put her bait on Dr Manmohan Singh as the prime minister, projecting him as a leader with clean Image, which is rare in politics. Dr Manmohan Singh’s claim, “history will be kinder” to him, is proven right in this round. An economist, founder of a liberalised economic regime in India, Manmohan Singh was questioned in scam after scam during UPA2. This Scam Series started with 2G spectrum allocation of 2008. Manmohan Singh has been given benefit of doubt but was questioned “why did he let allies loot the nation under his nose” when he was head of the government. Reason for Congress rout Opposition NDA, led by BJP, tore the government apart on the issue inside parliament forcing adjournments. Dr Singh was often accused by LK Advani as weak and dummy PM to 10 Janpath, which happens to be the official residence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Returning to power in 2009, Dr Manmohan Singh tried to assert his authority by internally rejecting to accommodate alliance partner DMK in his Council of Ministers. So, was there some admission of wrongdoing is the question. Opposition NDA led by BJP, Anna Hazare with Arvind Kejrival took to the streets. Politically Congress paid the price, Arvind Kejriwal got a foothold in Delhi and Narendra Modi swept the country with a historic electoral verdict. Rahul Gandhi's challenge A clean chit in 2G and now Bombay High Court's “no” to prosecute Ashok Chavan in Adarsh scam have given a big boost to Congress. Dramatic events are building up to 8 states Assembly elections and the run-up to 2019, making it interesting. Turning the turf to his side will depend on political skills of Rahul Gandhi as the new president of the Grand Old Party. One thing is clear if Rahul was to pose any challenge, he would have to look for combinations which would be capable of taking on the election-winning duo of Modi and Shah as 2017 ends. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: With 2G Verdict, parties gear up to tap the waves for 2019

<p>NCP leader Dhananjay Munde today blamed the Congress for his party going solo in the just-concluded Gujarat polls but did not rule out an alliance with it for the general elections in 2019.</p>

<p>He said the NCP had demanded six seats in Gujarat, but the Congress did not agree to it.</p>

<p>&quot;The NCP had demanded six seats in Gujarat. As per my information, (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar and (then Congress president) Sonia Gandhi had agreed on seat-sharing. But on the next day, the Congress announced its list of the seats, which we were going to contest,&quot; Munde told reporters here ahead of the state&#39;s Legislature&#39;s sitting for the day.</p>

<p>&quot;This is how the Congress treated us and the NCP decided to go ahead. Now they should not blame us,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council was responding to a question about the NCP playing &#39;spoiler&#39; in the Gujarat elections.</p>

<p>In the 182-member Gujarat assembly, the BJP retained power by bagging 99 seats, while the Congress got 77 seats. The NCP emerged victorious on one seat.</p>

<p>Asked if the NCP and the Congress will join hands for the next general and Maharashtra assembly polls, Munde said, &quot;My hunch is that the BJP will hold the assembly elections along with general elections, which will be held in the summer of 2019.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The workers of both the parties (Congress and NCP) are talking about the possibility of the alliance before the elections. Top leaders of both the parties are aware of such expectations. It will take some time to decide on the alliance,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Commenting on the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, Munde said it is clear that the two parties are not very comfortable with each other.</p>

<p>&quot;The way the BJP is treating the Sena, I don&#39;t think they will contest together. Whereas both the Congress and the NCP are likely to contest general and assembly elections together,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>


In the 182-member Gujarat assembly, the BJP retained power by bagging 99 seats, while the Congress got 77 seats. The NCP emerged victorious on one seat.

NCP leader Dhananjay Munde today blamed the Congress for his party going solo in the just-concluded Gujarat polls but did not rule out an alliance with it for the general elections in 2019. He said the NCP had demanded six seats in Gujarat, but the Congress did not agree to it. "The NCP had demanded six seats in Gujarat. As per my information, (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar and (then Congress president) Sonia Gandhi had agreed on seat-sharing. But on the next day, the Congress announced its list of the seats, which we were going to contest," Munde told reporters here ahead of the state's Legislature's sitting for the day. "This is how the Congress treated us and the NCP decided to go ahead. Now they should not blame us," he said. The Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council was responding to a question about the NCP playing 'spoiler' in the Gujarat elections. In the 182-member Gujarat assembly, the BJP retained power by bagging 99 seats, while the Congress got 77 seats. The NCP emerged victorious on one seat. Asked if the NCP and the Congress will join hands for the next general and Maharashtra assembly polls, Munde said, "My hunch is that the BJP will hold the assembly elections along with general elections, which will be held in the summer of 2019." "The workers of both the parties (Congress and NCP) are talking about the possibility of the alliance before the elections. Top leaders of both the parties are aware of such expectations. It will take some time to decide on the alliance," he said. Commenting on the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, Munde said it is clear that the two parties are not very comfortable with each other. "The way the BJP is treating the Sena, I don't think they will contest together. Whereas both the Congress and the NCP are likely to contest general and assembly elections together," he said.

NCP says Congress did not respond to its poll tie-up call in Gujarat

<p><br />
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala took a dig at BJP on Wednesday, saying that young men and women should start taking permission from the saffron party before getting married.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The quote comes following BJP MLA&nbsp;Pannalal Shakya&#39;s objection to Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma wedding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surejwala took to Twitter on Wednesday and said: &quot;Attention--To all &#39;Young Men/Women&#39; in India. Please take prior approval from BJP for deciding whom to marry; deciding the venue of marriage; deciding the nature of festivities; deciding the food menu. Thank You. PS- Issued in Public Interest.&quot;</p>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Madhya Pradesh Pannalal Shakya <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-did-virat-anushka-not-hold-their-wedding-in-india-questions-madhya-pradesh-mla-27211">set off a massive controversy</a> on Tuesday after he questioned Indian cricket captain Virat Kolhi and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma&#39;s decision to get married in Italy, and not in India.</p>

<p>Shakya said: &quot;Virat earned money in India... But he didn&#39;t find any place to marry in the country. Is Hindustan untouchable?&quot;</p>

<p>He further added &quot;Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Vikramaditya, Yudhishthir got married on this land. You all must have got married here. None of us goes to a foreign country to get married...(Kohli) earned money here and spent billions there (Italy)...(he) doesn&#39;t have any respect for the country. This proves he is not a patriot,&quot; Shakhya had claimed.</p>

<p>Virat and Anushka recently got married at a private function in Italy&#39;s Tuscany recently.</p>


The comment from Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala came after a BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh asked why Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma had got married outside of the country

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala took a dig at BJP on Wednesday, saying that young men and women should start taking permission from the saffron party before getting married. The quote comes following BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya's objection to Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma wedding. Surejwala took to Twitter on Wednesday and said: "Attention--To all 'Young Men/Women' in India. Please take prior approval from BJP for deciding whom to marry; deciding the venue of marriage; deciding the nature of festivities; deciding the food menu. Thank You. PS- Issued in Public Interest." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Madhya Pradesh Pannalal Shakya set off a massive controversy on Tuesday after he questioned Indian cricket captain Virat Kolhi and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma's decision to get married in Italy, and not in India. Shakya said: "Virat earned money in India... But he didn't find any place to marry in the country. Is Hindustan untouchable?" He further added "Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Vikramaditya, Yudhishthir got married on this land. You all must have got married here. None of us goes to a foreign country to get married...(Kohli) earned money here and spent billions there (Italy)...(he) doesn't have any respect for the country. This proves he is not a patriot," Shakhya had claimed. Virat and Anushka recently got married at a private function in Italy's Tuscany recently.

Ask BJP before getting married, says Congress

<p>The BJP today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not uttered a single word for which he should apologise and accused the Congress of venting the frustration of its defeat in the recent assembly polls by stalling Parliament.</p>

<p>BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back at the Congress after its leaders demanded that Modi apologise for the allegation that his predecessor Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan to influence Gujarat polls.</p>

<p>He told reporters that the opposition party should rather come clean at the dinner meeting as its leader Anand Sharma had first denied any such event before accepting it.</p>

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<h5>It was appalling, Patra claimed, that Congress had stooped to stalling Parliament</h5>
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<p>Patra alleged that Congress leaders, including its former chief Sonia Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka and many others, had humiliated Modi the multiple&nbsp;times and the opposition party never tendered an apology to him.</p>

<p>It was appalling, he claimed, that the Congress had stooped down to stalling Parliament.</p>

<p>If anyone ever humiliated Manmohan Singh, then it was Congress president Rahul Gandhi who had torn up an ordinance proposed by the UPA government and called it nonsense, he claimed.</p>

<p>&quot;Our prime minister has not uttered a single word or done any wrong for which he should apologise,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The Congress ran out of issues after people showed their support to demonetisation and the GST by voting for the BJP as it used them to stall Parliament, he said.</p>

<p>&#39;Vikas purush&#39; (man of development) had defeated the &#39;Gabbar Singh&#39; and anti-reform politics, he said, a reference to Gandhi&#39;s moniker of &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; for the GST.</p>

<p>&#39;Vikas Purush&#39; is a reference to Modi.</p>

<p>When the Monsoon Session was delayed, then the Congress accused the government of not letting Parliament work and now when the session has started, it is not letting it work, Patra claimed.&nbsp;</p>


BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Congress should come clean on its dinner meeting with Pakistani leaders

The BJP today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not uttered a single word for which he should apologise and accused the Congress of venting the frustration of its defeat in the recent assembly polls by stalling Parliament. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back at the Congress after its leaders demanded that Modi apologise for the allegation that his predecessor Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan to influence Gujarat polls. He told reporters that the opposition party should rather come clean at the dinner meeting as its leader Anand Sharma had first denied any such event before accepting it. It was appalling, Patra claimed, that Congress had stooped to stalling Parliament × Patra alleged that Congress leaders, including its former chief Sonia Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka and many others, had humiliated Modi the multiple times and the opposition party never tendered an apology to him. It was appalling, he claimed, that the Congress had stooped down to stalling Parliament. If anyone ever humiliated Manmohan Singh, then it was Congress president Rahul Gandhi who had torn up an ordinance proposed by the UPA government and called it nonsense, he claimed. "Our prime minister has not uttered a single word or done any wrong for which he should apologise," he said. The Congress ran out of issues after people showed their support to demonetisation and the GST by voting for the BJP as it used them to stall Parliament, he said. 'Vikas purush' (man of development) had defeated the 'Gabbar Singh' and anti-reform politics, he said, a reference to Gandhi's moniker of 'Gabbar Singh Tax' for the GST. 'Vikas Purush' is a reference to Modi. When the Monsoon Session was delayed, then the Congress accused the government of not letting Parliament work and now when the session has started, it is not letting it work, Patra claimed.

Congress stalling Parliament to vent frustration over poll loss: BJP

<p>The government and opposition will discuss Prime Minister Modi&#39;s remarks on Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The upper house had been repeatedly adjourned on Monday with the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And the Congress walked out of the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-reiterates-pain-and-anguish-in-video-26668">Pakistan meddling in Gujarat allegation: Manmohan Singh reiterates pain and anguish in video </a></p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-dig-at-pm-modi-india-should-stop-dragging-pakistan-into-electoral-debate-says-pakistan-foreign-ministry-26433">Win Gujarat election on own strength, stop dragging us: Pakistan hits back after PM Modi&#39;s jibe </a></p>

<p>After the impasse, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said he met informally with the opposition and treasury benches to figure out a way forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the meeting, it was decided that the issue would be discussed in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finance Minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-to-pm-find-more-dignified-ways-to-seek-votes-25699">Manmohan to PM, find &#39;more dignified ways&#39; to seek votes</a></p>

<p>The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha by Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azad said a question mark had been placed on the dignity of the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also demanded Prime Minister Modi&#39;s presence to explain the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports said Tuesday that Manmohan had met Naidu personally and told him about the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi had, while campaigning in Gujarat, said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-questions-aiyars-meeting-with-pak-high-commissioner-26372">Why did Congress leaders meet in secret with Pakistanis? PM Modi in Gujarat </a></p>


Modi had while campaigning in Gujarat said Congress leaders including former prime minister Manmohan Singh had met with Pakistani leaders and discussed the Gujarat elections

The government and opposition will discuss Prime Minister Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. The upper house had been repeatedly adjourned on Monday with the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks. And the Congress walked out of the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Also read: Pakistan meddling in Gujarat allegation: Manmohan Singh reiterates pain and anguish in video Also read: Win Gujarat election on own strength, stop dragging us: Pakistan hits back after PM Modi's jibe After the impasse, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said he met informally with the opposition and treasury benches to figure out a way forward. At the meeting, it was decided that the issue would be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion. Also read: Manmohan to PM, find 'more dignified ways' to seek votes The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha by Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad. Azad said a question mark had been placed on the dignity of the prime minister. He also demanded Prime Minister Modi's presence to explain the allegations. Media reports said Tuesday that Manmohan had met Naidu personally and told him about the allegations. Modi had, while campaigning in Gujarat, said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections. Also read: Why did Congress leaders meet in secret with Pakistanis? PM Modi in Gujarat

Government, opposition to discuss Modi remarks on Manmohan in RS

<p>After running the BJP close <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-2017-live-results-27014">in the Gujarat elections, Rahul</a> Gandhi took a dig at PM Modi saying Modi has a &quot;credibility problem&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;The Gujarat verdict<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-bjps-99-seats-lowest-for-a-single-winning-party-since-1975-27137"> has clearly sent a message to</a> the BJP and PM Modi that anger will not help, love will finally conquer it,&quot; the Congress president said.</p>

<p>Congress won 77 seats in the Gujarat elections, trailing the ruling BJP which finished with 99 seats - the lowest seat-count for a winning party since 1975.</p>

<p>&quot;The people of Gujarat have given me a lot of love, they taught me that in a&nbsp;battle you might have a lot of anger, money power but it can be fought with love,&quot; Rahul said after Congress party&#39;s best showing in Gujarat in decades.</p>

<p>&quot;I got to know that people in Gujarat do not approve of Modi&#39;s model, the marketing and propaganda is very good but it is hollow from inside, he said, adding,&quot;they could not answer our campaign.&quot;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi took a dig at PM Modi saying Modi has a 'credibility problem'.

After running the BJP close in the Gujarat elections, Rahul Gandhi took a dig at PM Modi saying Modi has a "credibility problem". "The Gujarat verdict has clearly sent a message to the BJP and PM Modi that anger will not help, love will finally conquer it," the Congress president said. Congress won 77 seats in the Gujarat elections, trailing the ruling BJP which finished with 99 seats - the lowest seat-count for a winning party since 1975. "The people of Gujarat have given me a lot of love, they taught me that in a battle you might have a lot of anger, money power but it can be fought with love," Rahul said after Congress party's best showing in Gujarat in decades. "I got to know that people in Gujarat do not approve of Modi's model, the marketing and propaganda is very good but it is hollow from inside, he said, adding,"they could not answer our campaign."

Watch: I got to know people in Gujarat do not approve of Modi's model, says Rahul Gandhi

<p>Narendra Modi clinched a victory for BJP in Gujarat. He ensured it by consolidating his party&rsquo;s base in urban India. He has given a new political mantra for his party to function:&nbsp;hope and fear. Evidently, Indian politics has the potential to behave as T20 match and Test cricket at the same time. Gujarat result is an example in case.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi despite the loss, took away the sheen from BJP&rsquo;s victory. Under his leadership, the Congress brought the BJP&nbsp;down to a two-digit victory, making him the Man of the Match. Narendra Modi, however, remains the Man of the Series when it comes to elections. Modi proved, again, that he is the only one who has the stamina to either change the public mood or arrest a tsunami.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-in-spite-of-gst-how-modi-won-gujarat-27077"><strong>Also read: In spite of GST, how Modi won Gujarat</strong></a></p>

<p>Gujarat election changes a&nbsp;couple of things in the political narrative. It proves that Narendra Modi will not shy away from taking the battle to any level, provided it led to victory. Clearly, he is the only one in Indian politics who has the capacity to shape the mood of the voters if not completely shift them. It shows that Modi treats elections like a battle to be won at all the cost, and rest of the issues are shoved at the periphery.</p>

<p>Whether it is the dinner diplomacy gaffe or Mani-Kapil&#39;s quick mistakes between the wickets, the urban audience in Gujarat reacted positively to Modi&rsquo;s jibe. Urban Gujarat chose Modi despite economic distress. Ultimately, the Prime Minister is their original poster boy. To take him down would mean taking one&rsquo;s own down.</p>

<p>On the day Rahul Gandhi took over as the Congress President, the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of politics of hope and fear. He said that hope must triumph over fear. The results in Gujarat show&nbsp;that for urban India the hope and fear do not exist in a binary but are intermeshed.</p>

<p>It was best reflected by the speeches of the prime minister on the &#39;neech&#39; comment, dinner and temple issue. Both fear and hope were stoked at the same time. The hope was in the assertion of majoritarian politics and the fear was the return to a state where minority voice mattered.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-rahul-the-only-winner-in-gujarat-election-27045"><strong>Also read: Rahul, Hardik run out BJP at 99</strong></a></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi did neutralise his anti-Hindu stance which he inherited during 2014 elections but the political memories of hard secularism came flushing back into the electoral arena because of the mistakes committed by Congress leaders and activists. It is not to say that BJP supporters don&rsquo;t use abusive language. In fact, the correct picture is that twitter handles of far-right supporters have been far more abusive and rest seems to be only catching up now.</p>

<p>The challenge for Rahul Gandhi is to break this matrix put in place by the BJP which thrives on hard Hindutva during elections, and once the race is won it goes back to <i>sabka saath sabka vikas</i>. It works on fear and hope at the same time. It is also married to new and some repackaged government schemes which are all attributable to Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The only thing attributable to Rahul Gandhi today is the extension of NREGA throughout India. However, it is a distant memory today. It is this politics of hope and fear which Rahul Gandhi has to battle as it is enmeshed with fear of the return of massive corruption and minority politics. The hope is pinned on assertive India sitting on the stool of identity.</p>

<p>Rahul played the match well and lost. The vote share difference was again 8 per cent but rural Gujarat supported Congress. It reinforces the image of Congress as a party which takes up agrarian issues more than BJP. He won admiration from both his own party and other regional players. This has happened for the first time. He has received sympathy and grudging respect. To borrow it from &quot;The Last Jedi&quot;, the BJP should hope that Rahul doesn&rsquo;t become the spark which fires up the entire Opposition, which today is in the doghouse, lying straight on the ground.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-what-bjp-and-congress-learned-from-gujarat-elections-27138"><strong>Also read: What BJP and Congress learned from Gujarat elections</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


The challenge for Rahul Gandhi is to break this matrix put in place by the BJP which thrives on hard Hindutva during elections, and once the race is won it goes back to sabka saath sabka vikas.

Narendra Modi clinched a victory for BJP in Gujarat. He ensured it by consolidating his party’s base in urban India. He has given a new political mantra for his party to function: hope and fear. Evidently, Indian politics has the potential to behave as T20 match and Test cricket at the same time. Gujarat result is an example in case. Rahul Gandhi despite the loss, took away the sheen from BJP’s victory. Under his leadership, the Congress brought the BJP down to a two-digit victory, making him the Man of the Match. Narendra Modi, however, remains the Man of the Series when it comes to elections. Modi proved, again, that he is the only one who has the stamina to either change the public mood or arrest a tsunami. Also read: In spite of GST, how Modi won Gujarat Gujarat election changes a couple of things in the political narrative. It proves that Narendra Modi will not shy away from taking the battle to any level, provided it led to victory. Clearly, he is the only one in Indian politics who has the capacity to shape the mood of the voters if not completely shift them. It shows that Modi treats elections like a battle to be won at all the cost, and rest of the issues are shoved at the periphery. Whether it is the dinner diplomacy gaffe or Mani-Kapil's quick mistakes between the wickets, the urban audience in Gujarat reacted positively to Modi’s jibe. Urban Gujarat chose Modi despite economic distress. Ultimately, the Prime Minister is their original poster boy. To take him down would mean taking one’s own down. On the day Rahul Gandhi took over as the Congress President, the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of politics of hope and fear. He said that hope must triumph over fear. The results in Gujarat show that for urban India the hope and fear do not exist in a binary but are intermeshed. It was best reflected by the speeches of the prime minister on the 'neech' comment, dinner and temple issue. Both fear and hope were stoked at the same time. The hope was in the assertion of majoritarian politics and the fear was the return to a state where minority voice mattered. Also read: Rahul, Hardik run out BJP at 99 Rahul Gandhi did neutralise his anti-Hindu stance which he inherited during 2014 elections but the political memories of hard secularism came flushing back into the electoral arena because of the mistakes committed by Congress leaders and activists. It is not to say that BJP supporters don’t use abusive language. In fact, the correct picture is that twitter handles of far-right supporters have been far more abusive and rest seems to be only catching up now. The challenge for Rahul Gandhi is to break this matrix put in place by the BJP which thrives on hard Hindutva during elections, and once the race is won it goes back to sabka saath sabka vikas. It works on fear and hope at the same time. It is also married to new and some repackaged government schemes which are all attributable to Narendra Modi. The only thing attributable to Rahul Gandhi today is the extension of NREGA throughout India. However, it is a distant memory today. It is this politics of hope and fear which Rahul Gandhi has to battle as it is enmeshed with fear of the return of massive corruption and minority politics. The hope is pinned on assertive India sitting on the stool of identity. Rahul played the match well and lost. The vote share difference was again 8 per cent but rural Gujarat supported Congress. It reinforces the image of Congress as a party which takes up agrarian issues more than BJP. He won admiration from both his own party and other regional players. This has happened for the first time. He has received sympathy and grudging respect. To borrow it from "The Last Jedi", the BJP should hope that Rahul doesn’t become the spark which fires up the entire Opposition, which today is in the doghouse, lying straight on the ground. Also read: What BJP and Congress learned from Gujarat elections (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Rahul is the Man of the Match. Modi is the Man of the Series

<p>Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram heaped praise on Congress president Rahul Gandhi after the party put up a good show in the recently concluded Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/942760572566757376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Immediately after it emerged that BJP has managed a clear majority in the hustings, the Congress leader tweeted &#39;&#39;What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/942760621203865601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another tweet, he said &#39;&#39;There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>The Congress has returned a morale-boosting performance in Gujarat under the stewardship of Rahul Gandhi, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Congress has returned a morale boosting performance in Gujarat under Mr Rahul Gandhi. The battle is now joined for five states in 2018,&#39;&#39; the Congress leader tweeted.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Immediately after it emerged that BJP has managed a clear majority in the hustings, the Congress leader tweeted ''What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.''

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram heaped praise on Congress president Rahul Gandhi after the party put up a good show in the recently concluded Gujarat elections. What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 18, 2017 × Immediately after it emerged that BJP has managed a clear majority in the hustings, the Congress leader tweeted ''What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.'' There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 18, 2017 × In another tweet, he said ''There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat.'' The Congress has returned a morale-boosting performance in Gujarat under the stewardship of Rahul Gandhi, he added. ''Congress has returned a morale boosting performance in Gujarat under Mr Rahul Gandhi. The battle is now joined for five states in 2018,'' the Congress leader tweeted.

'In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels'

<p>The Rajya Sabha today passed a bill, extending greater autonomy to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) by restricting the government&#39;s role in their functioning and granting them the power to award degrees to their graduates.</p>

<p>The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 -- which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members.</p>

<p>The bill gives them powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas.</p>

<p>&quot;The bill offers autonomy to these institutes. Through this bill, we will remove all interference of the government, bureaucracy in the functioning of the IIMs. They will themselves decide how to manage and run these premier institutes,&quot; HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said while initiating a discussion.</p>

<p>Replying to the debate, he said the rules would be framed soon and assured the Rajya Sabha members that their suggestions would be considered. The bill was passed by the Upper House unanimously.</p>

<p>The minister assured the House that no poor students would be denied admission in IIMs and said the government would bear the interest on the education loan.</p>

<p>He said the existing board of IIMs would continue but changes would be made to comply with the provisions of this bill related to representation of SC, ST, and women in the board of governors.</p>

<p>Javadekar said that the government would withdraw its four representatives from the board.</p>

<p>Jairam Ramesh of the Congress earlier sought to know about the fate of the existing boards.</p>

<p>Justifying the autonomy for IIMs, Javadekar said, &quot;This is new beginning...We must start believing in our best educational institutes.&quot;</p>

<p>He said the government was thinking of granting greater autonomy to best institutions. &quot;Good institutions should have freedom,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Seeking support from the opposition parties, he added that the bill seeks to bring about a positive change in the educational system in the country and hence should be supported wholeheartedly.</p>

<p>Congress member MV Rajeev Gowda, while supporting the bill, asked the government to ensure that the lack of resources do not come in the way of anybody who wishes to study in the IIMs.</p>

<p>While laying emphasis on identifying talent for the faculty positions, he also asked the government to ensure that SCs, STs, and OBCs get scholarships and get admissions for doctoral programmes around the world.</p>

<p>&quot;This initiative should be taken on a mission mode,&quot; Gowda said.</p>

<p>D Raja of the CPI said said the legislation should ensure academic freedom and end social discrimination. He also advocated more spending on education.</p>

<p>Naresh Agarwal (SP) said the educational syllabus should be uniform across the country and demanded that government investment on education be increased. He also said there should not be any politics in education.</p>

<p>AIADMK member N Gokulakrishnan, Nadimul Haque (TMC), Kahkashan Parveen of JD(U), Prasanna Acharya (BJD), K Somaprasad of CPI(M), Vijay Sai Reddy (YSRCP), Anil Desai (Shiv Sena) also participated in the debate.</p>


The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 -- which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members

The Rajya Sabha today passed a bill, extending greater autonomy to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) by restricting the government's role in their functioning and granting them the power to award degrees to their graduates. The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 -- which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members. The bill gives them powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas. "The bill offers autonomy to these institutes. Through this bill, we will remove all interference of the government, bureaucracy in the functioning of the IIMs. They will themselves decide how to manage and run these premier institutes," HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said while initiating a discussion. Replying to the debate, he said the rules would be framed soon and assured the Rajya Sabha members that their suggestions would be considered. The bill was passed by the Upper House unanimously. The minister assured the House that no poor students would be denied admission in IIMs and said the government would bear the interest on the education loan. He said the existing board of IIMs would continue but changes would be made to comply with the provisions of this bill related to representation of SC, ST, and women in the board of governors. Javadekar said that the government would withdraw its four representatives from the board. Jairam Ramesh of the Congress earlier sought to know about the fate of the existing boards. Justifying the autonomy for IIMs, Javadekar said, "This is new beginning...We must start believing in our best educational institutes." He said the government was thinking of granting greater autonomy to best institutions. "Good institutions should have freedom," he added. Seeking support from the opposition parties, he added that the bill seeks to bring about a positive change in the educational system in the country and hence should be supported wholeheartedly. Congress member MV Rajeev Gowda, while supporting the bill, asked the government to ensure that the lack of resources do not come in the way of anybody who wishes to study in the IIMs. While laying emphasis on identifying talent for the faculty positions, he also asked the government to ensure that SCs, STs, and OBCs get scholarships and get admissions for doctoral programmes around the world. "This initiative should be taken on a mission mode," Gowda said. D Raja of the CPI said said the legislation should ensure academic freedom and end social discrimination. He also advocated more spending on education. Naresh Agarwal (SP) said the educational syllabus should be uniform across the country and demanded that government investment on education be increased. He also said there should not be any politics in education. AIADMK member N Gokulakrishnan, Nadimul Haque (TMC), Kahkashan Parveen of JD(U), Prasanna Acharya (BJD), K Somaprasad of CPI(M), Vijay Sai Reddy (YSRCP), Anil Desai (Shiv Sena) also participated in the debate.

Rajya Sabha passes bill to grant more autonomy to IIMs

<p>The Congress has decided to make a big deal of the insinuation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Congress leaders had discussed the Gujarat elections with former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and the Pakistani high commissioner to India at a dinner hosted by former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections</a></p>

<p>Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said the Congress wants the prime minister to express regret and clarify his statement in Parliament.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Prime minister should undo what he has done. He should take back his words,&rdquo; Sharma said.</p>

<p>Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar in Parliament on Tuesday to discuss the issue.</p>

<p>In the case of a deadlock, Parliament is expected to see adjournments over the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Highly-placed sources in the government told WION that the prime minister is not going to reply on the issue, nor is there an apology coming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is however a small possibility that&nbsp;Finance Minister Arun Jaitley may respond to the issue on the floor of the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP is&nbsp;also&nbsp;expected to be aggressive on the issue, and may recall previous incidents of Narendra Modi being attacked by Congress leaders.</p>

<p>Sources in the Congress said the proposition has been suggested to the Centre and they are waiting for the government&rsquo;s response.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be in Lok Sabha on Wednesday and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.</p>

<p>Modi had insinuated that Pakistan was trying to influence the assembly elections in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s dinner&nbsp;was also attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former vice-president Hamid Ansari, former army chief Deepak Kapoor and a number of retired Indian bureaucrats.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The BJP wants Prime Minister Modi to apologise for insinuating that the Congress discussed the Gujarat elections with Pakistani leaders

The Congress has decided to make a big deal of the insinuation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Congress leaders had discussed the Gujarat elections with former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and the Pakistani high commissioner to India at a dinner hosted by former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar. Also read: Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said the Congress wants the prime minister to express regret and clarify his statement in Parliament. “Prime minister should undo what he has done. He should take back his words,” Sharma said. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar in Parliament on Tuesday to discuss the issue. In the case of a deadlock, Parliament is expected to see adjournments over the issue. Highly-placed sources in the government told WION that the prime minister is not going to reply on the issue, nor is there an apology coming. There is however a small possibility that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley may respond to the issue on the floor of the house. The BJP is also expected to be aggressive on the issue, and may recall previous incidents of Narendra Modi being attacked by Congress leaders. Sources in the Congress said the proposition has been suggested to the Centre and they are waiting for the government’s response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be in Lok Sabha on Wednesday and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Modi had insinuated that Pakistan was trying to influence the assembly elections in Pakistan. Mani Shankar Aiyar's dinner was also attended by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former vice-president Hamid Ansari, former army chief Deepak Kapoor and a number of retired Indian bureaucrats.

Storm gathering, BJP & Congress to spar over 'Pakistani dinner' in winter session of Parliament

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