<p>The Indian general election finally began on Friday (April 19). In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the voting started in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories. Today, the voting is also taking place in Tamil Nadu, and several renowned stars of South Indian cinema stepped out to cast their votes. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-live-voting-up-rajasthan-bihar-mp-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-nagaland-sikkim-mizoram-712699">Check Lok Sabha elections live update here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth&nbsp;and actors such as Vijay Sethupathi, Ajith Kumar and Dhanush were among the first few celebrities to&nbsp;cast their votes. Actor Talapathy Vijay, who recently launched&nbsp;his political party, Tamiliaga Vetri Kazhagam, returned from Russia on Friday to cast his vote in the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vikram, Suriya, and Karthi have also cast their votes in Chennai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, many celebrities arrived to cast their votes in TN but Thalapathy VIJAY stole the spotlight. The media couldn't get enough of him, using drones to broadcast his every move.<br />
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That's the MASS of VIJAY. His star power is unmatched, leaving everyone else in the shadows. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/XKs5yYlFt8">pic.twitter.com/XKs5yYlFt8</a></p>
— N (@iNithinBarath) <a href="https://twitter.com/iNithinBarath/status/1781234396667810126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actor Ajith was the first&nbsp;who stepped out in the early hours to cast his vote. As per Trade Analyst Ramesh Bala, Ajith came at 6:45 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing a video of Ajith inside the polling booth, Bala wrote, “Actor Ajith Kumar came at 6:45 am and waited and was one of the earliest ones to vote.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Superstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Superstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajinikanth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gxnd2TyrVY">https://t.co/Gxnd2TyrVY</a></p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781163059773669702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actor Rajinikanth was spotted at a polling booth at Stella Maris College in Chennai. Dressed casually, the veteran actor was spotted at a polling station as he patiently waited for his chance. After casting his vote, the actor posed with the ink-marked finger.</p>

<p>While posing for a picture,&nbsp;Rajinikanth&nbsp;urged his fans to use their civic right&nbsp;and&nbsp;cast their votes</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakkalSelvan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakkalSelvan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VijaySethuOffl</a> has cast his vote..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/4avJLAOrA3">pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3</a></p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781162234175225987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Escorted by his security and the police, actor&nbsp;Dhanush was also spotted at a polling booth.&nbsp;Later, he happily posed for the media present outside the polling station as he showed his inked finger. <em>Merry Christmas </em>actor Vijay Sethupathi too was seen casting his vote in Chennai with his wife.&nbsp;The Tamil actor was captured standing in the queue as he waited for his chance. He was seen chatting with the people standing in the&nbsp;line with him.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Irony,Vikram looks younger than all three of them😹😹😹 <a href="https://t.co/7H4KVZgOSX">pic.twitter.com/7H4KVZgOSX</a></p>
— Vedha/Patty &amp; Minny Stan (@Vedhaviyaas5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedhaviyaas5/status/1781226026049425788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After exercising his right to vote,&nbsp;Sethupathi happily posed for the cameras as he showed off his&nbsp;inked finger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan, the actor-politician, cast his vote in Chennai. &nbsp;The head of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting in the election this time. However, the actor's party supports the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in the Lok Sabha 2024 election.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: Actor and MNM chief Kamal Haasan arrives at a polling booth in Koyambedu, Chennai to cast his vote.<br />
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Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a>, the party supported and campaigned for DMK. <a href="https://t.co/q1bizg3Wey">pic.twitter.com/q1bizg3Wey</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781178114074124550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actor Trisha showed her inked finger after casting a vote in the Lok Sabha election 2024, in Chennai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Actress Trisha Krishnan casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/yLPQW0Kki2">pic.twitter.com/yLPQW0Kki2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781205155083612288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/QjaWWu7gV7">pic.twitter.com/QjaWWu7gV7</a></p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781162557807681899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakkalSelvan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakkalSelvan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VijaySethuOffl</a> has cast his vote..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/4avJLAOrA3">pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3</a></p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781162234175225987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Young Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/iamharishkalyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamharishkalyan</a> has done his democratic duty..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/RMgkr3dnvW">pic.twitter.com/RMgkr3dnvW</a></p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781170255521533954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/Gautham_Karthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gautham_Karthik</a> cast his vote..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/WzJDnWTBsZ">pic.twitter.com/WzJDnWTBsZ</a></p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781173747103236562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first phase of the 2024 Lok sabha elections has commenced today&nbsp;in&nbsp;102 constituencies of&nbsp;21 states/UTs. In Tamil Nadu, one of the most prominent states, the&nbsp;polls are being&nbsp;held in all 39 constituencies.</p>


The Indian general election finally began on Friday (April 19). In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the voting started in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories.

The Indian general election finally began on Friday (April 19). In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the voting started in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories. Today, the voting is also taking place in Tamil Nadu, and several renowned stars of South Indian cinema stepped out to cast their votes. Check Lok Sabha elections live update here. Superstar Rajinikanth and actors such as Vijay Sethupathi, Ajith Kumar and Dhanush were among the first few celebrities to cast their votes. Actor Talapathy Vijay, who recently launched his political party, Tamiliaga Vetri Kazhagam, returned from Russia on Friday to cast his vote in the Lok Sabha election. Vikram, Suriya, and Karthi have also cast their votes in Chennai. Today, many celebrities arrived to cast their votes in TN but Thalapathy VIJAY stole the spotlight. The media couldn't get enough of him, using drones to broadcast his every move. That's the MASS of VIJAY. His star power is unmatched, leaving everyone else in the shadows. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XKs5yYlFt8 — N (@iNithinBarath) April 19, 2024 × Actor Ajith was the first who stepped out in the early hours to cast his vote. As per Trade Analyst Ramesh Bala, Ajith came at 6:45 am. Sharing a video of Ajith inside the polling booth, Bala wrote, “Actor Ajith Kumar came at 6:45 am and waited and was one of the earliest ones to vote.'' #Superstar @rajinikanth #LokSabhaElections2024 https://t.co/Gxnd2TyrVY — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Actor Rajinikanth was spotted at a polling booth at Stella Maris College in Chennai. Dressed casually, the veteran actor was spotted at a polling station as he patiently waited for his chance. After casting his vote, the actor posed with the ink-marked finger. While posing for a picture, Rajinikanth urged his fans to use their civic right and cast their votes #MakkalSelvan @VijaySethuOffl has cast his vote..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Escorted by his security and the police, actor Dhanush was also spotted at a polling booth. Later, he happily posed for the media present outside the polling station as he showed his inked finger. Merry Christmas actor Vijay Sethupathi too was seen casting his vote in Chennai with his wife. The Tamil actor was captured standing in the queue as he waited for his chance. He was seen chatting with the people standing in the line with him. Irony,Vikram looks younger than all three of them😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/7H4KVZgOSX — Vedha/Patty & Minny Stan (@Vedhaviyaas5) April 19, 2024 × After exercising his right to vote, Sethupathi happily posed for the cameras as he showed off his inked finger. Kamal Haasan, the actor-politician, cast his vote in Chennai. The head of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting in the election this time. However, the actor's party supports the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in the Lok Sabha 2024 election. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Actor and MNM chief Kamal Haasan arrives at a polling booth in Koyambedu, Chennai to cast his vote. Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting the #LokSabhaElections2024, the party supported and campaigned for DMK. pic.twitter.com/q1bizg3Wey — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × Actor Trisha showed her inked finger after casting a vote in the Lok Sabha election 2024, in Chennai. #WATCH | Actress Trisha Krishnan casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/yLPQW0Kki2 — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × pic.twitter.com/QjaWWu7gV7 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × #MakkalSelvan @VijaySethuOffl has cast his vote..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Young Actor @iamharishkalyan has done his democratic duty..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/RMgkr3dnvW — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Actor @Gautham_Karthik cast his vote..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/WzJDnWTBsZ — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × The first phase of the 2024 Lok sabha elections has commenced today in 102 constituencies of 21 states/UTs. In Tamil Nadu, one of the most prominent states, the polls are being held in all 39 constituencies.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Rajinikanth, Dhanush and other South Indian stars come out to vote. See pics

<p>After two daughters of separatist leaders disassociated themselves from their family ideologies, jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother, Muneer, has joined mainstream politics to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after joining the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNFP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front Party was launched two years ago and is named similar to Nayeem Khan’s separatist party National Front, which is a banned organisation in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and Muneer Khan will be its candidate from the Baramulla constituency in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-accuses-congress-of-deploying-deepfake-to-influence-voters-711461">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP accuses Congress of deploying 'deepfake' to influence voters</a></strong></p>

<p>Muneer Khan, while speaking to reporters after joining mainstream politics, said, “Nayeem Khan is my brother, and that can’t be changed, but in a democratic setup, we all have individual mindsets. We all have different ideologies. I believe we should focus on our new generations so that we create a platform where there is no mainstream and separatism but the welfare of the young.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muneer further said, “I want to start with a small party and show that with a new party, we will be doing new things and making things easier for the youth. If you stay with separatism, you will only have dead bodies. We are going to write a new era for the youth of Kashmir. Around 30-40 thousand people are jailed, and it's not only my brother. We will focus on education and the economy.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/pm-modi-accuses-opposition-of-spreading-lies-on-electoral-bonds-scheme-everyone-will-regret-it-711561">PM Modi accuses opposition of ‘spreading lies’ on electoral bonds scheme; says ‘everyone will regret it’</a></strong></p>

<p>Former separatist leader and People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone is also fighting from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency. The National Conference has fielded its Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from this Lok Sabha seat, while jailed former legislator Engineer Rashid has also announced plans to contest the polls from the Baramulla constituency.</p>

<p>The entry of Muneer Khan has made the contest for this Lok Sabha seat even more interesting. Nayeem Khan, who was a main constituent of Hurriyat in the Kashmir Valley, was arrested by the NIA in 2018 following his involvement in agitation and secessionist activities.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After two daughters of separatist leaders disassociated themselves from their family ideologies, jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother, Muneer, has joined mainstream politics to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after joining the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNFP).

After two daughters of separatist leaders disassociated themselves from their family ideologies, jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother, Muneer, has joined mainstream politics to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after joining the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNFP). Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front Party was launched two years ago and is named similar to Nayeem Khan’s separatist party National Front, which is a banned organisation in Jammu and Kashmir. The party will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and Muneer Khan will be its candidate from the Baramulla constituency in the Kashmir Valley. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP accuses Congress of deploying 'deepfake' to influence voters Muneer Khan, while speaking to reporters after joining mainstream politics, said, “Nayeem Khan is my brother, and that can’t be changed, but in a democratic setup, we all have individual mindsets. We all have different ideologies. I believe we should focus on our new generations so that we create a platform where there is no mainstream and separatism but the welfare of the young.” Muneer further said, “I want to start with a small party and show that with a new party, we will be doing new things and making things easier for the youth. If you stay with separatism, you will only have dead bodies. We are going to write a new era for the youth of Kashmir. Around 30-40 thousand people are jailed, and it's not only my brother. We will focus on education and the economy.” Also Read | PM Modi accuses opposition of ‘spreading lies’ on electoral bonds scheme; says ‘everyone will regret it’ Former separatist leader and People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone is also fighting from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency. The National Conference has fielded its Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from this Lok Sabha seat, while jailed former legislator Engineer Rashid has also announced plans to contest the polls from the Baramulla constituency. The entry of Muneer Khan has made the contest for this Lok Sabha seat even more interesting. Nayeem Khan, who was a main constituent of Hurriyat in the Kashmir Valley, was arrested by the NIA in 2018 following his involvement in agitation and secessionist activities.

India: Jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother Muneer to contest Lok Sabha polls

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years. The state sends a whopping 80 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party along with its minor allies have managed to win 73 and 62 of these 80 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively.</p>

<p>The BJP's chief challenger in the state is the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister and son of three-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister late Mulayam Singh Yadav, considered one of India's tallest socialist leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav has aligned with the Congress party-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) and is set to contest on lion's share of eighty seats in the state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/lok-sabha-elections-2024-emerging-battles-reeling-scions-1709398368978">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Emerging battles, reeling scions</a></strong></p>

<p>Unlike the 2014 polls, Akhilesh failed to stitch an alliance with&nbsp;another former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister&nbsp;Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Its former ally in the western part of the state, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also switched the sides to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conferred Jayant Chaudhary's (RLD chief) grandfather, late former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, with Bharat Ratna&nbsp;— India's highest civilian honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA</strong></p>

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<p>With the Congress party's popularity at a historic low, for Yadav, the principal challenge remains to save the party's strongholds amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented popularity and a mix of political equations favouring his Bharatiya Janata Party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sps-akhilesh-yadav-shuns-rahul-gandhis-march-as-deeper-crack-appears-in-oppn-india-bloc-691721">SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc</a></strong></p>

<p>The BJP has been in power in the state assembly of Uttar Pradesh since 2017 when it first displaced Akhilesh Yadav from power. PM Modi himself is a Member of Parliament from the Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Modi's parliamentary placement from the holy city&nbsp;has helped the BJP to sway the support for the party in the adjoining state's densely populated eastern region&nbsp;known as <em>Poorvanchal</em>.</p>

<p>But after the Samajwadi Party aligned with the Bahujan Samaj&nbsp;Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, and Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and allies' tally came down from 73 to 64 seats, with most losses from the western region of the state.</p>

<p>To counter this, the BJP this time has managed to stitch an alliance with Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party popular among the farmers and <em>Jaat</em> community.</p>

<h2><strong>Akhilesh Yadav's bid to win SP strongholds</strong></h2>

<p>As the electoral arithmetic of Uttar Pradesh continues to favour the BJP, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has upped the ante to save his party's strongholds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Kannauj</strong>: The seat, once represented in parliament by iconic socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohiya, remained a stronghold of Samajwadi Party since its founding in 1992. But in 2019, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a narrow margin of over 12,000 votes. The party has appointed Dharmendra Yadav, a cousin of Akhilesh Yadav as seat-in-charge of Kannauj.</p>

<p><strong>Azamgarh</strong>: Azamgarh too remained a socialist stronghold but shifted gears of power between Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party in recent decades. But in 2022 by-polls, BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', a popular actor in the region, managed to win the seat by a slim margin of over 8,000 votes. Yadav has been named the BJP candidate from Azamgarh again. But Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party managed to induct former BSP MLA Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, a popular Muslim face in the region, into the party last week. The party hopes to boost its PDA (Pichhda or backward, Dalit or Scheduled Castes, and Alpasankhyak or minorities) voter base with Jamali on its side.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Mainpuri</strong>: Mainpuri remains a Samajwadi Party bastion with the Yadavs managing to hold through the Lok Sabha constituency both during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav represents the constituency after she won the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls by over 290,000 votes. The SP has again fielded sitting MP Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri.</p>

<p><strong>Badaun</strong>: The BJP managed to win a former SP stronghold after Sanghmitra Maura defeated SP's Dharmendra Yadav by about 20,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has fielded Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Shivpal Yadav from Badaun.</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years. The state sends a whopping 80 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party along with its minor allies have managed to win 73 and 62 of these 80 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively. The BJP's chief challenger in the state is the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister and son of three-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister late Mulayam Singh Yadav, considered one of India's tallest socialist leaders. Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav has aligned with the Congress party-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) and is set to contest on lion's share of eighty seats in the state. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Emerging battles, reeling scions Unlike the 2014 polls, Akhilesh failed to stitch an alliance with another former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Its former ally in the western part of the state, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also switched the sides to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conferred Jayant Chaudhary's (RLD chief) grandfather, late former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, with Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour. Also watch | India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA × With the Congress party's popularity at a historic low, for Yadav, the principal challenge remains to save the party's strongholds amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented popularity and a mix of political equations favouring his Bharatiya Janata Party. Also read | SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc The BJP has been in power in the state assembly of Uttar Pradesh since 2017 when it first displaced Akhilesh Yadav from power. PM Modi himself is a Member of Parliament from the Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Modi's parliamentary placement from the holy city has helped the BJP to sway the support for the party in the adjoining state's densely populated eastern region known as Poorvanchal. But after the Samajwadi Party aligned with the Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, and Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and allies' tally came down from 73 to 64 seats, with most losses from the western region of the state. To counter this, the BJP this time has managed to stitch an alliance with Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party popular among the farmers and Jaat community. Akhilesh Yadav's bid to win SP strongholds As the electoral arithmetic of Uttar Pradesh continues to favour the BJP, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has upped the ante to save his party's strongholds. Kannauj: The seat, once represented in parliament by iconic socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohiya, remained a stronghold of Samajwadi Party since its founding in 1992. But in 2019, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a narrow margin of over 12,000 votes. The party has appointed Dharmendra Yadav, a cousin of Akhilesh Yadav as seat-in-charge of Kannauj. Azamgarh: Azamgarh too remained a socialist stronghold but shifted gears of power between Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party in recent decades. But in 2022 by-polls, BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', a popular actor in the region, managed to win the seat by a slim margin of over 8,000 votes. Yadav has been named the BJP candidate from Azamgarh again. But Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party managed to induct former BSP MLA Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, a popular Muslim face in the region, into the party last week. The party hopes to boost its PDA (Pichhda or backward, Dalit or Scheduled Castes, and Alpasankhyak or minorities) voter base with Jamali on its side. Mainpuri: Mainpuri remains a Samajwadi Party bastion with the Yadavs managing to hold through the Lok Sabha constituency both during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav represents the constituency after she won the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls by over 290,000 votes. The SP has again fielded sitting MP Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri. Badaun: The BJP managed to win a former SP stronghold after Sanghmitra Maura defeated SP's Dharmendra Yadav by about 20,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has fielded Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Shivpal Yadav from Badaun.

Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make Yadavs win in Samajwadi Party strongholds

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier.</p>

<p>The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-meghalaya-to-vote-in-phase-1-here-are-the-key-candidates-712703">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a></p>

<p>The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-a-guide-on-how-to-vote-for-first-time-voters-712688">Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters</a></p>

<p>Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690">India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections</a></strong></p>

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<p>Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP.</p>

<p>Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'.</p>

<p>Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.</p>

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency. Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier. The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance. Also Read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut. Watch | India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections × Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP. Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'. Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Union minister Narayan Rane from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat

<p>Ahead of India's upcoming general elections, Kankar Munjare, Bahujan Samaj Party's&nbsp;Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, on Saturday (Apr 6) said that he had left his house as he felt that he should not stay under one roof with his wife, Anubha Munjare, who is a Congress MLA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stated that two people following varied ideologies should not stay in the same home during polls.</p>

<p>Former MLA and MP Munjare said that he would come back to his residence after the polls that are due on April 19.</p>

<p>"I left my home on Friday and am living in a hut near a dam. If two persons following different ideologies live under one roof, people will think it is match-fixing," he told the news agency PTI.</p>

<p>His wife Anubha, who defeated Bharatiya Janata Party's Gaurishanker Bisen during the Assembly polls in November 2023, expressed disappointment over Munjare's decision to leave the house and said that she was extremely hurt and further claimed that a woman, after her marriage, goes to her marital home to remain there till death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-team-attacked-in-bengals-east-medinipur-officer-injured-during-raid-708369">NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured</a></p>

<p>"When he was Gondwana Gantantra Party candidate from Paraswada here and I was contesting from Balaghat on a Congress ticket, we had stayed together. We have been married for 33 years and have lived happily with our son," she said.</p>

<p>Anubha affirmed that she was a loyal representative of the Congress party and said that would put all efforts in order to make sure that the grand old party's candidate, Samrat Saraswat, wins the Lok Sabha elections from Balaghat.</p>

<p>However, she highlighted that she wouldn't be critical of her husband during the election campaigns.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of India's upcoming general elections, Kankar Munjare, Bahujan Samaj Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, on Saturday (Apr 6) said that he had left his house as he felt that he should not stay under one roof with his wife, Anubha Munjare, who is a Congress MLA.

Ahead of India's upcoming general elections, Kankar Munjare, Bahujan Samaj Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, on Saturday (Apr 6) said that he had left his house as he felt that he should not stay under one roof with his wife, Anubha Munjare, who is a Congress MLA. He stated that two people following varied ideologies should not stay in the same home during polls. Former MLA and MP Munjare said that he would come back to his residence after the polls that are due on April 19. "I left my home on Friday and am living in a hut near a dam. If two persons following different ideologies live under one roof, people will think it is match-fixing," he told the news agency PTI. His wife Anubha, who defeated Bharatiya Janata Party's Gaurishanker Bisen during the Assembly polls in November 2023, expressed disappointment over Munjare's decision to leave the house and said that she was extremely hurt and further claimed that a woman, after her marriage, goes to her marital home to remain there till death. Also read: NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured "When he was Gondwana Gantantra Party candidate from Paraswada here and I was contesting from Balaghat on a Congress ticket, we had stayed together. We have been married for 33 years and have lived happily with our son," she said. Anubha affirmed that she was a loyal representative of the Congress party and said that would put all efforts in order to make sure that the grand old party's candidate, Samrat Saraswat, wins the Lok Sabha elections from Balaghat. However, she highlighted that she wouldn't be critical of her husband during the election campaigns. (With inputs from agencies)

BSP Lok Sabha candidate leaves home as Congress MLA wife had ‘different ideology’

<p>A day after being expelled from the Congress National party, Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday (April 4) took a swipe at the Congress, and said, "Congress is currently a collapsed party."</p>

<p>The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’, amid seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>While addressing the media, Nirupam said, “Congress is a party that has disintegrated structurally. Earlier, there used to be one power centre in the Congress, however, there are five power centres in the party. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal. All have their own separate power centres and these lobbies keep exerting their power against each other."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-mulls-expelling-sanjay-nirupam-after-he-targeted-ally-707387">Congress expels Sanjay Nirupam for 6 years over ‘indiscipline’, ‘anti-party statements’</a></p>

<p>The former Congress leader further added, "I just want to tell you all that I will contest election from Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency and win. Those who are thinking to write political obituary of Sanjay Nirupam will be hugely disappointed on June 4."</p>

<p>Nirupam also shared a screenshot of his resignation mail to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on X and wrote, “Looks like immediately after the party received my resignation letter last night, they decided to issue my expulsion. Good to see such promptness. Just sharing this information.”</p>

<h2><strong>Friction with Shiv Sena (UBT)</strong></h2>

<p>Nirupam is opposed to Congress' alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT)&nbsp;for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;He raised concerns about the seat allocation within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, questioning the integrity of the Congress leadership's decisions.</p>

<p>Nirupam's criticisms extended to allegations of corruption against Amol Kirtikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for Mumbai North West, whom he called 'khichdi chor'. He drew attention to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the 'khichdi scam'&nbsp;involving Kirtikar, adding fuel to the political fire.</p>

<p>The Shiv Sena's nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats in Mumbai, particularly the Mumbai North West constituency, prompted Nirupam's accusations of a concerted effort to undermine the Congress party's electoral prospects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tihar-denies-aaps-claims-of-arvind-kejriwal-losing-45-kg-says-weight-remains-same-atishi-hits-back-707322">Also read |&nbsp;Tihar denies AAP's claims of Arvind Kejriwal losing 4.5 Kg, says weight remains same, Atishi hits back</a></p>

<p>Nirupam's tenure as Mumbai Congress chief was marked by internal dissent and challenges to his leadership style. Conflicts within the party, especially regarding candidate selection and organisational decisions, exacerbated tensions leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Nirupam's transition from being a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena to a dissenting voice within the Congress reflects the shifting sands of Indian politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after being expelled from the Congress National party, Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday (April 4) took a swipe at the Congress, and said, "Congress is currently a collapsed party.

A day after being expelled from the Congress National party, Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday (April 4) took a swipe at the Congress, and said, "Congress is currently a collapsed party." The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’, amid seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. While addressing the media, Nirupam said, “Congress is a party that has disintegrated structurally. Earlier, there used to be one power centre in the Congress, however, there are five power centres in the party. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal. All have their own separate power centres and these lobbies keep exerting their power against each other." Also read: Congress expels Sanjay Nirupam for 6 years over ‘indiscipline’, ‘anti-party statements’ The former Congress leader further added, "I just want to tell you all that I will contest election from Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency and win. Those who are thinking to write political obituary of Sanjay Nirupam will be hugely disappointed on June 4." Nirupam also shared a screenshot of his resignation mail to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on X and wrote, “Looks like immediately after the party received my resignation letter last night, they decided to issue my expulsion. Good to see such promptness. Just sharing this information.” Friction with Shiv Sena (UBT) Nirupam is opposed to Congress' alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He raised concerns about the seat allocation within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, questioning the integrity of the Congress leadership's decisions. Nirupam's criticisms extended to allegations of corruption against Amol Kirtikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for Mumbai North West, whom he called 'khichdi chor'. He drew attention to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the 'khichdi scam' involving Kirtikar, adding fuel to the political fire. The Shiv Sena's nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats in Mumbai, particularly the Mumbai North West constituency, prompted Nirupam's accusations of a concerted effort to undermine the Congress party's electoral prospects. Also read | Tihar denies AAP's claims of Arvind Kejriwal losing 4.5 Kg, says weight remains same, Atishi hits back Nirupam's tenure as Mumbai Congress chief was marked by internal dissent and challenges to his leadership style. Conflicts within the party, especially regarding candidate selection and organisational decisions, exacerbated tensions leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Nirupam's transition from being a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena to a dissenting voice within the Congress reflects the shifting sands of Indian politics. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress is a collapsed party, has 5 power centres: Sanjay Nirupam hits out after expulsion

<p>Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD).</p>

<p>While addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was making attempts to stifle the grand old party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Maken further stated that it was the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure fair play during the elections.</p>

<p>"We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari. A total of Rs 1823 crores has been made by the IT department from Congress," he said.</p>

<p>"We have analysed all violations of the BJP using the same parameters they used to analyse our violations... BJP has a penalty of Rs 4600 crore. The income Tax department should raise a demand from the BJP for the payment of this amount," he added.</p>

<p>Maken alleged that the saffron party was making efforts to weaken the Congress financially by freezing their bank accounts ahead of Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"Our analysis reveals that out of the 1,297 individuals who donated to the BJP, their identities remain undisclosed with no addresses or evidence of contribution totalling Rs 42 crore, indicating a blatant breach of regulations. Additionally, there are 92 individuals whose names are absent from the list but they provided electoral bonds to the BJP," he said.</p>

<p>The Congress leaders also hit out at BJP over the electoral bond scheme.</p>

<p>Ramesh accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and its government of resorting to "tax terrorism".</p>

<p>"Through the electoral bond scam, the BJP collected over Rs 8,200 crore as donations. There were different routes, there was a prepaid bribe route, there was post-paid bribe route, there was post raid group 'chanda-dhandha, raid-paid', and there was a shell company route," alleged Ramesh.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-india-bloc-announces-seat-sharing-in-bihar-rjd-gets-26-seats-congress-gets-9-705566">Lok Sabha elections 2024: INDIA bloc announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9</a></p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to his official X account and stated that his party would take stern action against the ones attempting to "disintegrate democracy".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">जब सरकार बदलेगी तो ‘लोकतंत्र का चीरहरण’ करने वालों पर कार्रवाई ज़रूर होगी!<br />
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और ऐसी कार्रवाई होगी कि दोबारा फिर किसी की हिम्मत नहीं होगी, ये सब करने की।<br />
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ये मेरी गारंटी है।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPTaxTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPTaxTerrorism</a> <a href="https://t.co/SSkiolorvH">pic.twitter.com/SSkiolorvH</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1773663481679458688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'disintegrate democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee," he said in a post on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Venugopal accuses EC of being mute spectator</strong></h2>

<p>Party leader KC Venugopal further accused the Election Commission of being a mute spectator.</p>

<p>"Notice, account freeze, notice, account freeze. That is the BJP's modus operandi of stifling INC financially. In a new bizarre notice, a penalty of Rs. 1800 crore has been imposed on INC. Is this how a fair election is supposed to be conducted? Is the idea of a level playing field only on paper? Why is the Election Commission a mute spectator to this?" he asked.</p>

<p>"If the same treatment was meted out to the BJP, they should have to pay Rs. 4600 crore. But has there been any action on them? Have any of the authorities involved moved an inch against them? This is a blatant murder of democracy and we will protest across the country against this illegal action," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD).

Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD). While addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was making attempts to stifle the grand old party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Maken further stated that it was the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure fair play during the elections. "We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari. A total of Rs 1823 crores has been made by the IT department from Congress," he said. "We have analysed all violations of the BJP using the same parameters they used to analyse our violations... BJP has a penalty of Rs 4600 crore. The income Tax department should raise a demand from the BJP for the payment of this amount," he added. Maken alleged that the saffron party was making efforts to weaken the Congress financially by freezing their bank accounts ahead of Lok Sabha polls. "Our analysis reveals that out of the 1,297 individuals who donated to the BJP, their identities remain undisclosed with no addresses or evidence of contribution totalling Rs 42 crore, indicating a blatant breach of regulations. Additionally, there are 92 individuals whose names are absent from the list but they provided electoral bonds to the BJP," he said. The Congress leaders also hit out at BJP over the electoral bond scheme. Ramesh accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and its government of resorting to "tax terrorism". "Through the electoral bond scam, the BJP collected over Rs 8,200 crore as donations. There were different routes, there was a prepaid bribe route, there was post-paid bribe route, there was post raid group 'chanda-dhandha, raid-paid', and there was a shell company route," alleged Ramesh. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: INDIA bloc announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to his official X account and stated that his party would take stern action against the ones attempting to "disintegrate democracy". जब सरकार बदलेगी तो ‘लोकतंत्र का चीरहरण’ करने वालों पर कार्रवाई ज़रूर होगी! और ऐसी कार्रवाई होगी कि दोबारा फिर किसी की हिम्मत नहीं होगी, ये सब करने की। ये मेरी गारंटी है।#BJPTaxTerrorism pic.twitter.com/SSkiolorvH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 29, 2024 × "When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'disintegrate democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee," he said in a post on X. Venugopal accuses EC of being mute spectator Party leader KC Venugopal further accused the Election Commission of being a mute spectator. "Notice, account freeze, notice, account freeze. That is the BJP's modus operandi of stifling INC financially. In a new bizarre notice, a penalty of Rs. 1800 crore has been imposed on INC. Is this how a fair election is supposed to be conducted? Is the idea of a level playing field only on paper? Why is the Election Commission a mute spectator to this?" he asked. "If the same treatment was meted out to the BJP, they should have to pay Rs. 4600 crore. But has there been any action on them? Have any of the authorities involved moved an inch against them? This is a blatant murder of democracy and we will protest across the country against this illegal action," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress accuses IT department of double standards after receiving notice for fresh tax demand

<p>Actor Kangana Ranaut is set to make her debut in politics. The actress will contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket.</p>

<p>On Sunday (Mar&nbsp;24), Kangana's name was announced in BJP's fifth list of candidates for the Lok Sabha election. Soon after the announcement, the <em>Tanu Weds Manu </em>actress expressed her gratitude saying that she's ''honoured'' to&nbsp;officially join the party.</p>

<p>In a post shared on X, Kangana wrote, "My beloved Bharat and Bharatiya Janata’s own party, Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high command’s decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to be a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta’s own party, Bharatiya Janta party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Loksabha candidate from my birth place Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high…</p>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1771926746826162447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kangana has been a vocal supporter of the ruling party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the years, the renowned Bollywood actress has never shied away from showing her support to the political party and putting her views forward on several political matters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;<em>Queen </em>actress has several times teased that she may step into the political world soon. In an interview with Indian news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh, the actress said that in February 2024, ''it's the right time'' for her to join politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have literally fought from film sets with political parties. That doesn't keep me away, it doesn't take me a seat to do what I want to do for my country. But, if I want to get into politics, I probably think this is the right time," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Family background&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Born in Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Kangana comes from a middle-class family.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman. While&nbsp;her mother&nbsp;Asha Ranaut&nbsp;is a school teacher. If we take a look at her family history, her grandfather was an IAS officer, and&nbsp;her great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, was a Member of the Legislative Assembly.</p>

<p><strong>Kangana's career trajectory</strong></p>

<p>Kangana has established her name as one of the finest and most versatile actresses of Indian cinema. Coming from a small town, the actress started her work at the young age of 16 when she left her parent's house and moved to Delhi and started working as a model. After years of struggle, she got her first break in acting at the age of 19 with Anurag Basu’s <em>Gangster</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In her career spanning two decades, the actress has garnered immense praise for her prolific work in movies like&nbsp;<em>Woh Lamhe (2006), Life in a Metro (2007) Fashion (2008), Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Queen (2014).</em></p>

<p>She's the recipient of several prestigious awards including four National Film Awards, and five Filmfare Awards among others. In 2020, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award.</p>


Actor Kangana Ranaut is set to make her debut in politics. The actress will contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket.

Actor Kangana Ranaut is set to make her debut in politics. The actress will contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket. On Sunday (Mar 24), Kangana's name was announced in BJP's fifth list of candidates for the Lok Sabha election. Soon after the announcement, the Tanu Weds Manu actress expressed her gratitude saying that she's ''honoured'' to officially join the party. In a post shared on X, Kangana wrote, "My beloved Bharat and Bharatiya Janata’s own party, Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high command’s decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to be a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks." My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta’s own party, Bharatiya Janta party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Loksabha candidate from my birth place Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high… — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 24, 2024 × Kangana has been a vocal supporter of the ruling party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the years, the renowned Bollywood actress has never shied away from showing her support to the political party and putting her views forward on several political matters. The Queen actress has several times teased that she may step into the political world soon. In an interview with Indian news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh, the actress said that in February 2024, ''it's the right time'' for her to join politics. "I have literally fought from film sets with political parties. That doesn't keep me away, it doesn't take me a seat to do what I want to do for my country. But, if I want to get into politics, I probably think this is the right time," she said. Family background Born in Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Kangana comes from a middle-class family. Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman. While her mother Asha Ranaut is a school teacher. If we take a look at her family history, her grandfather was an IAS officer, and her great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, was a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Kangana's career trajectory Kangana has established her name as one of the finest and most versatile actresses of Indian cinema. Coming from a small town, the actress started her work at the young age of 16 when she left her parent's house and moved to Delhi and started working as a model. After years of struggle, she got her first break in acting at the age of 19 with Anurag Basu’s Gangster. In her career spanning two decades, the actress has garnered immense praise for her prolific work in movies like Woh Lamhe (2006), Life in a Metro (2007) Fashion (2008), Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Queen (2014). She's the recipient of several prestigious awards including four National Film Awards, and five Filmfare Awards among others. In 2020, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award.

Actor Kangana Ranaut to contest Lok Sabha elections on BJP ticket from Mandi in Himachal

<p>India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024.</p>

<p>The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 and the result will be out on June 4, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.</p>

<p>The Chief Election Commissioner announced that a total of 96.8 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in the elections this year.</p>

<p>During a press briefing, Kumar said that there would be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff would be deployed in the country to conduct free and fair polls.</p>

<p>"We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.</p>

<p>Kumar, who was also accompanied by the two Election Commissioners while addressing the press conference, said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 - All Phase Map <a href="https://t.co/ils9MiK5U3">pic.twitter.com/ils9MiK5U3</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768947249726505120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Focus on stopping 4Ms’</strong></h2>

<p>The Election Commissioner during the presser, underlined the main challenges that arise during polls referring to them as the 4Ms.</p>

<p>The four main areas categorised by the EC were:</p>

<p><strong>- Money power<br />
- Muscle power<br />
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations<br />
- Misinformation</strong></p>

<p>ECI stated that it was committed to overcoming the daunting challenges and putting in place measures to ensure fair polls.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations - CEC Rajiv Kumar<br />
ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with these disruptive challenges. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/iABXMLqB81">pic.twitter.com/iABXMLqB81</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768938776276160695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Muscle power</strong></h2>

<p>In order to combat pre-poll and post-poll violence and disputes, Kumar highlighted that the ECI was deploying an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure safety.</p>

<p>He further stated that the CAPF would be assisted by integrated control rooms in each district with webcasting in sensitive booths.</p>

<p>There would also be drone-based checking at the borders.</p>

<p>"There is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections. From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them," Kumar said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule</a></p>

<h2><strong>Money power&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago.</p>

<p>Kumar said that the ECI had directed the enforcement agencies "to crack down on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and freebies, staying vigilant against disruptive methods."</p>

<p>The monetary transactions will be scrutinised and the authorities will also thoroughly inspect non-scheduled chartered flights and helicopters in order to prevent illegal transport of contraband or cash.</p>

<h2><strong>Misinformation</strong></h2>

<p>Kumar said that the political parties were advised to ensure responsible social behaviour.</p>

<p>He highlighted that Section (79)(3)(B) of the IT Act provides the nodal officers in each state with the authority to remove unlawful content.</p>

<p>The Election Commission also announced initiatives like 'Myth vs Reality' that aim at debunking false information by spreading facts via its platform.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws: CEC Kumar <a href="https://t.co/LiTy2Pne3X">pic.twitter.com/LiTy2Pne3X</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768941190580408453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news are to be dealt with severely as per extant laws," Kumar said.</p>

<p>"Remember, "Verify Before You Amplify" is the mantra to combat fake news. Let's rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान plummeting discourse के issue से निपटने के लिए चुनाव आयोग पूरी तरह तैयार है- CEC Kumar<br />
Urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language.No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility.Let's not cross lines in our rivalry <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elections</a> <a href="https://t.co/neQdPKWt35">pic.twitter.com/neQdPKWt35</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768942565712425405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ECI established guidelines which include refraining from hate or religious speeches and divisive statements. Caste and religious appeals are prohibited.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024. The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 and the result will be out on June 4, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024. The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 and the result will be out on June 4, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The Chief Election Commissioner announced that a total of 96.8 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in the elections this year. During a press briefing, Kumar said that there would be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff would be deployed in the country to conduct free and fair polls. "We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Kumar, who was also accompanied by the two Election Commissioners while addressing the press conference, said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female. General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 - All Phase Map pic.twitter.com/ils9MiK5U3 — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × ‘Focus on stopping 4Ms’ The Election Commissioner during the presser, underlined the main challenges that arise during polls referring to them as the 4Ms. The four main areas categorised by the EC were: - Money power - Muscle power - Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations - Misinformation ECI stated that it was committed to overcoming the daunting challenges and putting in place measures to ensure fair polls. The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations - CEC Rajiv Kumar ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with these disruptive challenges. #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/iABXMLqB81 — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × Muscle power In order to combat pre-poll and post-poll violence and disputes, Kumar highlighted that the ECI was deploying an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure safety. He further stated that the CAPF would be assisted by integrated control rooms in each district with webcasting in sensitive booths. There would also be drone-based checking at the borders. "There is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections. From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them," Kumar said. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule Money power In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago. Kumar said that the ECI had directed the enforcement agencies "to crack down on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and freebies, staying vigilant against disruptive methods." The monetary transactions will be scrutinised and the authorities will also thoroughly inspect non-scheduled chartered flights and helicopters in order to prevent illegal transport of contraband or cash. Misinformation Kumar said that the political parties were advised to ensure responsible social behaviour. He highlighted that Section (79)(3)(B) of the IT Act provides the nodal officers in each state with the authority to remove unlawful content. The Election Commission also announced initiatives like 'Myth vs Reality' that aim at debunking false information by spreading facts via its platform. Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws: CEC Kumar pic.twitter.com/LiTy2Pne3X — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × "Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news are to be dealt with severely as per extant laws," Kumar said. "Remember, "Verify Before You Amplify" is the mantra to combat fake news. Let's rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process," he added. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान plummeting discourse के issue से निपटने के लिए चुनाव आयोग पूरी तरह तैयार है- CEC Kumar Urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language.No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility.Let's not cross lines in our rivalry #Elections pic.twitter.com/neQdPKWt35 — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × The ECI established guidelines which include refraining from hate or religious speeches and divisive statements. Caste and religious appeals are prohibited. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: 96.8 crore voters eligible to cast vote, ECI vows ‘free and fair’ elections

<p>Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks&nbsp;ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect.<br />
<br />
With Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission of India&nbsp;now has only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. There was already a vacancy after Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month.</p>

<p>"In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024,"&nbsp;an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-dmk-allots-10-seats-for-congress-in-tamil-nadu-puducherry-698377">Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law &amp; Justice <a href="https://t.co/88tuyXm4uP">pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1766488053688770940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development comes&nbsp;days ahead of the vote dates announcement, which is expected to take place next week.Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An Indian Administrative Service officer of 1985 batch from the Punjab cadre,&nbsp;Goel had superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India after more than 37 years of service before joining the EC.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He previously worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in April-May 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect. With Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission of India now has only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. There was already a vacancy after Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month. "In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024," an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read. Also read: Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law & Justice pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024 × The development comes days ahead of the vote dates announcement, which is expected to take place next week.Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India in 2022. An Indian Administrative Service officer of 1985 batch from the Punjab cadre, Goel had superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India after more than 37 years of service before joining the EC. He previously worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in April-May 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns ahead of Lok Sabha polls, president accepts resignation

<p>The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu gave 10 seats to Congress in the state and neighbouring Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Besides the one Puducherry seat, the Dravidian party awarded the Congress nine seats in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The seat-sharing deal was finalised by DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin and TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai in the presence of AICC leaders KC Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar.</p>

<p>While addressing the reporters, Venugopal expressed confidence that the DMK-led combine would win all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and claimed that the ‘bonding’ between the Congress and the DMK “is intact.”&nbsp;</p>


The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu gave 10 seats to Congress in the state and neighbouring Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu gave 10 seats to Congress in the state and neighbouring Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Besides the one Puducherry seat, the Dravidian party awarded the Congress nine seats in Tamil Nadu. The seat-sharing deal was finalised by DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin and TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai in the presence of AICC leaders KC Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar. While addressing the reporters, Venugopal expressed confidence that the DMK-led combine would win all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and claimed that the ‘bonding’ between the Congress and the DMK “is intact.”

Lok Sabha elections 2024: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

<p>Congress on Friday (March 8) released its first list of candidates for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, a week after the Bharatiya Janta party came out with its list.</p>

<p>The announcement by the grand old party has been made for the Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshwadeep, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana and Tripura.</p>

<p>Out of the total 39 candidates announced, 16 are from Kerala, seven from Karnataka,&nbsp;six from Chhattisgarh, and four from Telangana. Two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Lakshwadeep.</p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will again contest from the Wayanad constituency.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित 'केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति' की बैठक में लोकसभा चुनाव, 2024 के लिए 39 लोकसभा सीटों पर कांग्रेस उम्मीदवारों के नाम घोषित किए गए। <a href="https://t.co/jOQk3rycwG">pic.twitter.com/jOQk3rycwG</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1766102445833220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is where he won the elections in the year 2019.</p>

<p>The list was announced after the party held its Central Election Committee meeting on Thursday (March 7).</p>

<p>Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "The central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal says, "Central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there..." <a href="https://t.co/lbk4ybxSep">pic.twitter.com/lbk4ybxSep</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1766100593704067232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-itat-dismisses-congress-plea-to-stay-i-t-recovery-freezing-of-bank-accounts-698068">India: Income Tax Tribunal dismisses Congress' plea to stay I-T recovery, freezing of bank accounts</a></p>

<h2><strong>Top points</strong></h2>

<p>- A total of six seats were announced from the state of Chhattisgarh</p>

<p>-Shivkumar Dahariya will contest from Jangir-Champa</p>

<p>- Jyotsana Mahant from Korba</p>

<p>- Bhupesh Baghel from Rajnandgaon</p>

<p>- Rajendra Sahu from Durg</p>

<p>- Vikas Upadhay from Raipur</p>

<p>- Tamradhwaj Sahu from Mahasamund</p>

<p>- Names for seven seats in Karnataka were also announced including DK Suresh contesting from Bengaluru Rural</p>

<p>- Anandaswamy Gaddadevara Mat will contest from Haveri in Karnataka</p>

<p>- Geetha Shivarajkumar has been fielded from Shimoga</p>

<p>- Shreyal Patel from Hassan</p>

<p>- SP Muddahanumegowda from Tumkur and Vekanataramegowda (Star Chandru) from Mandya&nbsp;</p>

<p>- 16 candidates have been announced from Kerala</p>

<p>- Shashi Tharoor will contest from Thiruvananthapuram</p>

<p>- KC Venugopal said," Out of these 39 candidates, 15 are from the General category and 24 are from SC, ST, OBC, and minorities."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress on Friday (March 8) released its first list of candidates for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, a week after the Bharatiya Janta party came out with its list.

Congress on Friday (March 8) released its first list of candidates for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, a week after the Bharatiya Janta party came out with its list. The announcement by the grand old party has been made for the Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshwadeep, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana and Tripura. Out of the total 39 candidates announced, 16 are from Kerala, seven from Karnataka, six from Chhattisgarh, and four from Telangana. Two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Lakshwadeep. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will again contest from the Wayanad constituency. कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री @kharge की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित 'केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति' की बैठक में लोकसभा चुनाव, 2024 के लिए 39 लोकसभा सीटों पर कांग्रेस उम्मीदवारों के नाम घोषित किए गए। pic.twitter.com/jOQk3rycwG — Congress (@INCIndia) March 8, 2024 × This is where he won the elections in the year 2019. The list was announced after the party held its Central Election Committee meeting on Thursday (March 7). Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "The central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there." #WATCH | Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal says, "Central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there..." pic.twitter.com/lbk4ybxSep — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024 × Also read: India: Income Tax Tribunal dismisses Congress' plea to stay I-T recovery, freezing of bank accounts Top points - A total of six seats were announced from the state of Chhattisgarh -Shivkumar Dahariya will contest from Jangir-Champa - Jyotsana Mahant from Korba - Bhupesh Baghel from Rajnandgaon - Rajendra Sahu from Durg - Vikas Upadhay from Raipur - Tamradhwaj Sahu from Mahasamund - Names for seven seats in Karnataka were also announced including DK Suresh contesting from Bengaluru Rural - Anandaswamy Gaddadevara Mat will contest from Haveri in Karnataka - Geetha Shivarajkumar has been fielded from Shimoga - Shreyal Patel from Hassan - SP Muddahanumegowda from Tumkur and Vekanataramegowda (Star Chandru) from Mandya - 16 candidates have been announced from Kerala - Shashi Tharoor will contest from Thiruvananthapuram - KC Venugopal said," Out of these 39 candidates, 15 are from the General category and 24 are from SC, ST, OBC, and minorities." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections: Congress releases first list of 39 candidates, Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad

<p>Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies".</p>

<p>He further affirmed that his party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'.</p>

<p>"I can say with confidence that the BJP is a factory of lies... but the RJD stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'."</p>

<p>"BJP leaders make false promises (jumla karte hain)... but we fight for the rights and jobs of the people of Bihar and the country," Yadav said.</p>

<p>He then stated that while some claim people that RJD is a party of the M-Y (Muslim and Yadav), it in fact is a party of the M-Y and BAAP, where B stands for Bahujan, A for 'Agda' (upper caste), A for 'Aadhi Aabadi' (women) and P for poor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-chair-key-ministerial-meet-ahead-of-polls-whats-on-agenda-696119">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda?</a></p>

<h2><strong>‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’:&nbsp;Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar with film song reference</strong></h2>

<p>Yadav further took a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "What the Mahagathbandhan government did in the last 17 months in the state, Nitish ji, who has joined hands with the BJP, could not do in the last 17 years."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then mocked Kumar, who earlier this year dumped the RJD-led Grand Alliance to return to the NDA, referring to a song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" (I'm going from here to there) from actor Hrithik Roshan's film.</p>

<p>"Nitish chacha (uncle) does something like this and frequently changes sides. Currently Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, one is a foul mouth while another is a loud mouth. The deputy CM who is a loudmouth has not contested any poll in the last 14 years. The last time he fought elections and won was on an RJD ticket," he said, in an apparent reference to Samrat Chaudhary.</p>

<p>Accusing the BJP-led NDA of indulging in horse-trading, he said, "It will not make any difference to the Grand Alliance. People will decide their fate&nbsp;in the polls."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies".

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies". He further affirmed that his party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'. "I can say with confidence that the BJP is a factory of lies... but the RJD stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'." "BJP leaders make false promises (jumla karte hain)... but we fight for the rights and jobs of the people of Bihar and the country," Yadav said. He then stated that while some claim people that RJD is a party of the M-Y (Muslim and Yadav), it in fact is a party of the M-Y and BAAP, where B stands for Bahujan, A for 'Agda' (upper caste), A for 'Aadhi Aabadi' (women) and P for poor. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda? ‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’: Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar with film song reference Yadav further took a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "What the Mahagathbandhan government did in the last 17 months in the state, Nitish ji, who has joined hands with the BJP, could not do in the last 17 years." He then mocked Kumar, who earlier this year dumped the RJD-led Grand Alliance to return to the NDA, referring to a song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" (I'm going from here to there) from actor Hrithik Roshan's film. "Nitish chacha (uncle) does something like this and frequently changes sides. Currently Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, one is a foul mouth while another is a loud mouth. The deputy CM who is a loudmouth has not contested any poll in the last 14 years. The last time he fought elections and won was on an RJD ticket," he said, in an apparent reference to Samrat Chaudhary. Accusing the BJP-led NDA of indulging in horse-trading, he said, "It will not make any difference to the Grand Alliance. People will decide their fate in the polls." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Tejashwi Yadav mocks Bihar CM Nitish Kumar with Bollywood song

<p>Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament from India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party Mimi Chakraborty, on Thursday (Feb 15) said that she has submitted her resignation as lawmaker to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to accept it.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Chakraborty resign?</strong></h2>

<p>The first-time MP from Jadavpur, a locality south of the state capital Kolkata&nbsp;went to the state assembly in the afternoon (local time) to meet with Banerjee," reported PTI.</p>

<p>“Today, I met our party supremo. I had submitted my resignation to her on February 13. I have understood in all these years that politics is not my cup of tea,” she told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have definitely resigned, but my resignation hasn't been accepted. I have coordinated with the CM, and she assured me that she will take care of everything," Mimi added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-speaker-affirms-ajit-pawar-faction-as-real-ncp-rejects-disqualification-appeals-for-both-sides-690656">Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked about why she tendered her resignation to the TMC chief and not the Lok Sabha Speaker as per the norm, the actor-turned-politician said “Once I get the nod from the TMC, I will submit it to the Speaker.”</p>

<p>Notably, the 35-year-old who was elected from Jadavpur in 2019 on a TMC ticket, also resigned from two Parliament committees – the Standing Committee on Industrial Affairs of Parliament and the Joint Committee of Union Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy, earlier this week.</p>

<p>“Politics is not for me. You have to promote someone here (in politics) if you are helping someone...Besides being a politician, I also work as an actor. I have equal responsibilities,” Chakraborty told ANI news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor-turned-politician also revealed that she had tried resigning from her post back in 2022, but the West Bengal CM rejected it at that time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I wanted to tell her (Banerjee) about my resignation from a party that gave me an opportunity to go ahead. I had also told her in 2022 about my resignation from the post of an MP. She had rejected it at that time," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Other TMC MPs to quit?</strong></h2>

<p>Chakraborty’s resignation comes days after another actor MP from TMC Deepak Adhikari quit from three administrative posts in his constituency, Ghatal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-farooq-abdullah-to-contest-solo-in-jammu-and-kashmir-hints-potential-nda-return-690633">India: Farooq Abdullah to contest solo in Jammu and Kashmir, hints potential NDA return</a></strong></p>

<p>The move sparked speculation about him quitting politics or the party, which he denied. However, Adhikari said he may not contest the Lok Sabha polls this year, adding that he had discussed the issue with the TMC chief and the final decision was up to her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chakraborty’s move comes at a time when another actor MP from the state has come under fire for not addressing the allegations of sexual harassment against Trinamool leaders in the violence-hit Sandeshkhali village.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TMC, which is a part of the opposition INDIA bloc, has&nbsp;come under fire as women in Sandeshkhali have been protesting for days against the party leader&nbsp;Shajahan Sheikh and his men&nbsp;for 'sexually harassing them'.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament from India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party Mimi Chakraborty, on Thursday (Feb 15) said that she has submitted her resignation as lawmaker to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to accept it.

Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament from India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party Mimi Chakraborty, on Thursday (Feb 15) said that she has submitted her resignation as lawmaker to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to accept it. Why did Chakraborty resign? The first-time MP from Jadavpur, a locality south of the state capital Kolkata went to the state assembly in the afternoon (local time) to meet with Banerjee," reported PTI. “Today, I met our party supremo. I had submitted my resignation to her on February 13. I have understood in all these years that politics is not my cup of tea,” she told reporters. “I have definitely resigned, but my resignation hasn't been accepted. I have coordinated with the CM, and she assured me that she will take care of everything," Mimi added. Also Read | Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides When asked about why she tendered her resignation to the TMC chief and not the Lok Sabha Speaker as per the norm, the actor-turned-politician said “Once I get the nod from the TMC, I will submit it to the Speaker.” Notably, the 35-year-old who was elected from Jadavpur in 2019 on a TMC ticket, also resigned from two Parliament committees – the Standing Committee on Industrial Affairs of Parliament and the Joint Committee of Union Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy, earlier this week. “Politics is not for me. You have to promote someone here (in politics) if you are helping someone...Besides being a politician, I also work as an actor. I have equal responsibilities,” Chakraborty told ANI news agency. The actor-turned-politician also revealed that she had tried resigning from her post back in 2022, but the West Bengal CM rejected it at that time. “I wanted to tell her (Banerjee) about my resignation from a party that gave me an opportunity to go ahead. I had also told her in 2022 about my resignation from the post of an MP. She had rejected it at that time," she said. Other TMC MPs to quit? Chakraborty’s resignation comes days after another actor MP from TMC Deepak Adhikari quit from three administrative posts in his constituency, Ghatal. Also Read | India: Farooq Abdullah to contest solo in Jammu and Kashmir, hints potential NDA return The move sparked speculation about him quitting politics or the party, which he denied. However, Adhikari said he may not contest the Lok Sabha polls this year, adding that he had discussed the issue with the TMC chief and the final decision was up to her. Chakraborty’s move comes at a time when another actor MP from the state has come under fire for not addressing the allegations of sexual harassment against Trinamool leaders in the violence-hit Sandeshkhali village. TMC, which is a part of the opposition INDIA bloc, has come under fire as women in Sandeshkhali have been protesting for days against the party leader Shajahan Sheikh and his men for 'sexually harassing them'. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Politics not my cup of tea’: Mimi Chakraborty resigns as Trinamool Congress MP

<p>BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic".</p>

<p>Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction&nbsp;of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue.</p>

<p>"I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol&nbsp;on January 22. It is historic to see the Pran Pratishtha and offer prayers to Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya," he said while initiating the discussion on the consecration ceremony during the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Lord Ram is a source of inspiration, not a communal issue, says Singh</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP MP further said that Lord Ram was a source of inspiration for people and not a communal issue.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/white-paper-is-serious-document-says-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-slams-opposition-in-lok-sabha-688798">'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>"Ram is not a communal issue; Bhagwan Ram is a source of inspiration for us," he said, adding that "Ram was Maryada Purushottam (the man who is supreme in honour)."</p>

<p>"A discussion on Ram is also a blessing for all of us; Ram is a feeling for us..it is our legacy and heritage," the BJP MP said.</p>

<p>He then said "Ram is everywhere..."</p>

<p>Singh further&nbsp;slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2007 at the time the Ram Setu project was taken up.</p>

<p>"In 2007, when the Ram Setu project was taken up, the UPA government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there is no such person as Ram; it&nbsp;is a myth," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Jan 22 will be remembered as historic day:&nbsp;Amit Shah</strong></h2>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution said that January 22 would be remembered as a historic day for decades to come as it was when the "aspirations of Ram devotees were fulfilled."</p>

<p>"January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come...It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees," Shah said.&nbsp;It "was the beginning of great India...Those who imagine a country without Lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism".</p>

<p>"No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," he added.</p>

<p>Saturday (Feb 10) will be the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament and also of the current Lok Sabha ahead of the general elections that are likely&nbsp;to take place in April-May 2024.</p>

<p>Earlier, the budget session was scheduled to conclude on Feb 9 but was extended by a day.</p>

<p>Rajya Sabha will also hold a short-duration discussion on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22 and on the White Paper that was put out by the Modi government in the Parliament on Thursday (Feb 8).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic". Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue.

BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic". Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue. "I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol on January 22. It is historic to see the Pran Pratishtha and offer prayers to Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya," he said while initiating the discussion on the consecration ceremony during the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Lord Ram is a source of inspiration, not a communal issue, says Singh The BJP MP further said that Lord Ram was a source of inspiration for people and not a communal issue. Also read: 'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha "Ram is not a communal issue; Bhagwan Ram is a source of inspiration for us," he said, adding that "Ram was Maryada Purushottam (the man who is supreme in honour)." "A discussion on Ram is also a blessing for all of us; Ram is a feeling for us..it is our legacy and heritage," the BJP MP said. He then said "Ram is everywhere..." Singh further slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2007 at the time the Ram Setu project was taken up. "In 2007, when the Ram Setu project was taken up, the UPA government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there is no such person as Ram; it is a myth," he said. Jan 22 will be remembered as historic day: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution said that January 22 would be remembered as a historic day for decades to come as it was when the "aspirations of Ram devotees were fulfilled." "January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come...It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees," Shah said. It "was the beginning of great India...Those who imagine a country without Lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism". "No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," he added. Saturday (Feb 10) will be the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament and also of the current Lok Sabha ahead of the general elections that are likely to take place in April-May 2024. Earlier, the budget session was scheduled to conclude on Feb 9 but was extended by a day. Rajya Sabha will also hold a short-duration discussion on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22 and on the White Paper that was put out by the Modi government in the Parliament on Thursday (Feb 8). (With inputs from agencies)

India: Lok Sabha discusses Ram Temple, BJP MP says ‘Ram is everywhere’

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed election-in charge of Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Vinod Tawde of Bihar and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May.<br />
BJP chief JP Nadda on Saturday appointed election in-charges and co-incharges for various states on Saturday.</p>

<p>According to a BJP release, former Tripura Chief Biplab Kumar Deb has been appointed election in-charge for Haryana. Surendra Singh Nagar will be co-in-charge of the state.</p>

<p>In Bihar, Deepak Prakash will assist Vinod Tawde as co-incharge.</p>

<p>Party leader Shrikant Sharma will be in charge of Himachal Pradesh and Sanjay Tandon will be the co-in-charge of the state.</p>

<p>Tarun Chugh and Laxmikant Bajpai have been made election in-charges of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand respectively.</p>

<p>Radha Mohan Das Agarwal will be poll in-charge Karnataka and Sudhakar Reddy is the co-in-charge of Karnataka</p>

<p>Mangal Pandey has been appointed as election in-charge of West Bengal while Amit Malviya and Asha Lakra have been appointed as co-in-charges for the state.</p>

<p>The responsibility of the poll in charge for Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu has been given to Arvind Menon, and Mahendra Singh will be the poll in charge for Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>Satish Upadhyay will be co-incharge of Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been named election in-charge of the union territory of Chandigarh as also Punjab. Narinder Singh is the co-in-charge of Punjab.</p>

<p>Satya Kumar Y will be the election in charge of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and for Daman and Diu it is Purnesh Modi. Dushyant Patel is the co-in-charge of Daman and Diu.</p>

<p>Ashish Sood has been appointed poll in-charge for Goa and Tarun Chugh for Ladakh.</p>

<p>Vijaypal Singh Tomar has been appointed as the election in-charge for Odisha and Nirmal Kumar Surana for Puducherry. Lata Usendi is co-in-charge of Odisha.</p>

<p>Dilip Kumar Jaiswal has been appointed election in-charge for Sikkim and Dushyant Kumar Gautam for Uttarakhand.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed election-in charge of Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Vinod Tawde of Bihar and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May.

Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed election-in charge of Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Vinod Tawde of Bihar and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May. BJP chief JP Nadda on Saturday appointed election in-charges and co-incharges for various states on Saturday. According to a BJP release, former Tripura Chief Biplab Kumar Deb has been appointed election in-charge for Haryana. Surendra Singh Nagar will be co-in-charge of the state. In Bihar, Deepak Prakash will assist Vinod Tawde as co-incharge. Party leader Shrikant Sharma will be in charge of Himachal Pradesh and Sanjay Tandon will be the co-in-charge of the state. Tarun Chugh and Laxmikant Bajpai have been made election in-charges of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand respectively. Radha Mohan Das Agarwal will be poll in-charge Karnataka and Sudhakar Reddy is the co-in-charge of Karnataka Mangal Pandey has been appointed as election in-charge of West Bengal while Amit Malviya and Asha Lakra have been appointed as co-in-charges for the state. The responsibility of the poll in charge for Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu has been given to Arvind Menon, and Mahendra Singh will be the poll in charge for Madhya Pradesh. Satish Upadhyay will be co-incharge of Madhya Pradesh. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been named election in-charge of the union territory of Chandigarh as also Punjab. Narinder Singh is the co-in-charge of Punjab. Satya Kumar Y will be the election in charge of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and for Daman and Diu it is Purnesh Modi. Dushyant Patel is the co-in-charge of Daman and Diu. Ashish Sood has been appointed poll in-charge for Goa and Tarun Chugh for Ladakh. Vijaypal Singh Tomar has been appointed as the election in-charge for Odisha and Nirmal Kumar Surana for Puducherry. Lata Usendi is co-in-charge of Odisha. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal has been appointed election in-charge for Sikkim and Dushyant Kumar Gautam for Uttarakhand.

BJP appoints state election in-charges for Lok Sabha polls

<p>The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern&nbsp;the telecom sector in India. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament, by India's Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill if passed, would enable the Government of India to take over, manage, or suspend telecom services for national security reasons.</p>

<p>"On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification-- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from any authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority," the bill read.</p>

<p>The draft bill also seeks to remove OTT (Over-the-top) content apps from the definition of telecom services. Moreover, communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will not be in the purview of the bill.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia, will meet Russian counterpart</strong></p>

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<p>The Cabinet gave its nod to the bill in August this year. At the time, the bill had proposed that OTT apps and messaging platforms be brought under the definition of telecom services.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-high-level-committee-on-one-nation-one-election-to-assess-progress-670843">India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress</a></strong></p>

<p>The bill also empowers the government to take steps such as waiving entry fees, license fees or imposing penalty in order to maintain competition in the telecom sector.</p>

<p>As per media reports, the bill also seeks to relax rules governing refund of license fees in case a company surrenders its permit.</p>

<p>The bill reportedly provides for administrative allocation of spectrums. As of now, the spectrums are auctioned. The government expects that this change will help in faster launch of new services.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition protests</strong></h2>

<p>Lok Sabha had to be adjournded twice on Monday as Opposition MPs protested demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah give a statement on the parliament security breach.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-no-interest-in-politics-says-former-rbi-governor-raghuram-rajan-670822">‘I have no interest in politics,’ says former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan</a></strong></p>

<p>The proceedings were adjourned till 12 pm at first but as Opposition continued protesting even after 12 pm, it had to be adjourned till 2 pm.</p>

<p>On December 13, two men jumped into the house from public gallery&nbsp;with smoke bombs and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by the MPs. More arrests have been made in the days since.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern the telecom sector in India.

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern the telecom sector in India. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament, by India's Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill if passed, would enable the Government of India to take over, manage, or suspend telecom services for national security reasons. "On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification-- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from any authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority," the bill read. The draft bill also seeks to remove OTT (Over-the-top) content apps from the definition of telecom services. Moreover, communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will not be in the purview of the bill. Watch | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia, will meet Russian counterpart × The Cabinet gave its nod to the bill in August this year. At the time, the bill had proposed that OTT apps and messaging platforms be brought under the definition of telecom services. Also Read | India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress The bill also empowers the government to take steps such as waiving entry fees, license fees or imposing penalty in order to maintain competition in the telecom sector. As per media reports, the bill also seeks to relax rules governing refund of license fees in case a company surrenders its permit. The bill reportedly provides for administrative allocation of spectrums. As of now, the spectrums are auctioned. The government expects that this change will help in faster launch of new services. Opposition protests Lok Sabha had to be adjournded twice on Monday as Opposition MPs protested demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah give a statement on the parliament security breach. Also Read | ‘I have no interest in politics,’ says former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan The proceedings were adjourned till 12 pm at first but as Opposition continued protesting even after 12 pm, it had to be adjourned till 2 pm. On December 13, two men jumped into the house from public gallery with smoke bombs and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by the MPs. More arrests have been made in the days since. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha lets govt take over mobile network for ‘national security’

<p>The halls of Indian Parliament are witnessing chaos after a security breach on Wednesday (December 13) stunned the entire nation. Fourteen&nbsp;Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended for stalling the proceedings of the house. Among the MPs suspended for "unruly behaviour", nine are from Congress, two from CPM, and one each from DMK, CPI (M) and TMC.</p>

<p>Let's have a look at MP suspensions in India, the criteria and what happens to the grounded leaders.</p>

<h2><strong>Recent suspensions</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday (Dec 14), a total of 15 MPs were suspended, 14 from Lok Sabha — the lower house and one from Rajya Sabha — the upper house. Later, the suspension of DMK MP SR Pratiban, a Rajya Sabha MP, was withdrawn.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-security-breach-all-accused-were-part-of-bhagat-singh-fan-club-sent-on-remand-669707">Indian parliament security breach: All accused were part of 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'; sent to remand</a></strong></p>

<p>The 14 leaders that stand grounded are: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party; P R Natarajan-Communist Party of India (Marxist); V K Sreekandan-Congress; Benny Behanan-Congress; K Subbarayan-CPI; S Venkateshan-CPM; Manickam Tagore-Congress party; Mohammed Javed-Congress; T N Prathapan-Congress; Hibi Eden-Congress; S Jothimani-Congress; Ramya Haridas-Congress and Dean Kuriakose-Congress.</p>

<p>They stand suspended for purportedly stalling proceedings in both houses, which led to subsequent adjournments.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Dec 13), the security of Lok Sabha was breached after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled canisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans of 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy).</p>

<h2><strong>Rising MP suspensions under NDA</strong></h2>

<p>As per the Indian Express, it has been alleged by the Opposition that the ruling NDA targets their MPs for protests over various issues. They have also raised concerns over the government's approach to dissent.</p>

<p>Under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the number of suspensions has nearly doubled, reported The Hindu in October.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-security-breach-two-more-suspects-with-links-to-lalit-jha-detained-for-questioning-669906">Parliament security breach: Lalit Jha, 'mastermind' of entire row, sent to seven-day police remand</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the report, during the Indian National Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government, 50 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended over the two terms from 2004 to 2014. Under the current government, the number of suspensions reached 94 in October. With the latest groundings the number has crossed 100. Reportedly, none of the suspensions during the NDA terms were of BJP members.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the process of suspension of MPs?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As a general principle, it is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer — Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — to maintain order so that the Parliament House can carry out its duties smoothly. To ensure this, the House presiding officers are empowered to force a member to withdraw from the House.</p>

<h2><strong>What happens to a suspended MP?</strong></h2>

<p>The Member of Parliament, who stands suspended by the order of the leader of the House, is barred from entering the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha chambers. Furthermore, they cannot attend the meetings of committees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, suspended MPs are not eligible to give notice for discussion or submission, and they also lose the right to get a reply to their questions, if any.</p>

<p>The period of suspension in either house cannot exceed the remainder of the ongoing session.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-lalit-jha-the-mastermind-who-planned-the-parliament-security-breach-669916">Who is Lalit Jha, the mastermind who planned the Parliament security breach?</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Is there any method of recourse available to them?</strong></h2>

<p>The suspension can be terminated by a motion in the Parliament House. However, suspended MPs cannot demand a court intervention, as under Article 122 of the Indian Constitution, parliamentary proceedings cannot be questioned before a court.</p>

<h2><strong>The largest MP suspensions in India (Decreasing order)</strong></h2>

<p>— 1989: 63 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for a week on 15th March 1689 for loudly protesting the Thakkar Commission report looking into the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi.</p>

<p>— 2019: 45 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five consecutive sittings for disrupting proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>— 2015: 25 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for "persistently, wilfully obstructing" the lower house of the Indian Parliament by displaying placards and shouting slogans.</p>

<p>— 2022: 19 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for pressing for an urgent discussion on price rise and GST hike.</p>

<p>— 2014: 18 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for the rest of the session for creating chaos in the house over the introduction of the Telangana Bill. One of them even used pepper spray to disrupt the proceedings.</p>

<p>— 2023: The recent suspension of 14 Lok Sabha members for their "unruly behaviour" amid security concerns after the parliament attack.</p>

<p>— 2013: 12 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five days for causing unending disruption. They were protesting the creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>— 2021: 12 Rajya Sabha Members were suspended for the rest of the session for "unprecedented acts of misconduct, contemptuous, unruly and violent behaviour and intentional attacks on security personnel". This happened after the Bill to repeal the farm laws was passed in the Upper House of Parliament.</p>

<p>— 2012: Eight Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for demanding the separate state of Telangana.</p>

<p>— 2020: Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" during the passage of the so-called farm bills.</p>

<p>-2020: Seven Lok Sabha MPs were suspended after they trooped into the well and snatched papers from the Speaker’s table.</p>

<p>— 2010: Seven Rajya Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" over the Women's Reservation Bill.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The halls of Indian Parliament are witnessing chaos after a security breach on Wednesday (December 13) stunned the entire nation. Fourteen Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended for stalling the proceedings of the house.

The halls of Indian Parliament are witnessing chaos after a security breach on Wednesday (December 13) stunned the entire nation. Fourteen Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended for stalling the proceedings of the house. Among the MPs suspended for "unruly behaviour", nine are from Congress, two from CPM, and one each from DMK, CPI (M) and TMC. Let's have a look at MP suspensions in India, the criteria and what happens to the grounded leaders. Recent suspensions On Thursday (Dec 14), a total of 15 MPs were suspended, 14 from Lok Sabha — the lower house and one from Rajya Sabha — the upper house. Later, the suspension of DMK MP SR Pratiban, a Rajya Sabha MP, was withdrawn. Also read | Indian parliament security breach: All accused were part of 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'; sent to remand The 14 leaders that stand grounded are: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party; P R Natarajan-Communist Party of India (Marxist); V K Sreekandan-Congress; Benny Behanan-Congress; K Subbarayan-CPI; S Venkateshan-CPM; Manickam Tagore-Congress party; Mohammed Javed-Congress; T N Prathapan-Congress; Hibi Eden-Congress; S Jothimani-Congress; Ramya Haridas-Congress and Dean Kuriakose-Congress. They stand suspended for purportedly stalling proceedings in both houses, which led to subsequent adjournments. On Wednesday (Dec 13), the security of Lok Sabha was breached after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled canisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans of 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy). Rising MP suspensions under NDA As per the Indian Express, it has been alleged by the Opposition that the ruling NDA targets their MPs for protests over various issues. They have also raised concerns over the government's approach to dissent. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the number of suspensions has nearly doubled, reported The Hindu in October. Also read | Parliament security breach: Lalit Jha, 'mastermind' of entire row, sent to seven-day police remand As per the report, during the Indian National Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government, 50 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended over the two terms from 2004 to 2014. Under the current government, the number of suspensions reached 94 in October. With the latest groundings the number has crossed 100. Reportedly, none of the suspensions during the NDA terms were of BJP members. What is the process of suspension of MPs? As a general principle, it is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer — Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — to maintain order so that the Parliament House can carry out its duties smoothly. To ensure this, the House presiding officers are empowered to force a member to withdraw from the House. What happens to a suspended MP? The Member of Parliament, who stands suspended by the order of the leader of the House, is barred from entering the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha chambers. Furthermore, they cannot attend the meetings of committees. Additionally, suspended MPs are not eligible to give notice for discussion or submission, and they also lose the right to get a reply to their questions, if any. The period of suspension in either house cannot exceed the remainder of the ongoing session. Also read | Who is Lalit Jha, the mastermind who planned the Parliament security breach? Is there any method of recourse available to them? The suspension can be terminated by a motion in the Parliament House. However, suspended MPs cannot demand a court intervention, as under Article 122 of the Indian Constitution, parliamentary proceedings cannot be questioned before a court. The largest MP suspensions in India (Decreasing order) — 1989: 63 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for a week on 15th March 1689 for loudly protesting the Thakkar Commission report looking into the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi. — 2019: 45 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five consecutive sittings for disrupting proceedings. — 2015: 25 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for "persistently, wilfully obstructing" the lower house of the Indian Parliament by displaying placards and shouting slogans. — 2022: 19 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for pressing for an urgent discussion on price rise and GST hike. — 2014: 18 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for the rest of the session for creating chaos in the house over the introduction of the Telangana Bill. One of them even used pepper spray to disrupt the proceedings. — 2023: The recent suspension of 14 Lok Sabha members for their "unruly behaviour" amid security concerns after the parliament attack. — 2013: 12 Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five days for causing unending disruption. They were protesting the creation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. — 2021: 12 Rajya Sabha Members were suspended for the rest of the session for "unprecedented acts of misconduct, contemptuous, unruly and violent behaviour and intentional attacks on security personnel". This happened after the Bill to repeal the farm laws was passed in the Upper House of Parliament. — 2012: Eight Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for demanding the separate state of Telangana. — 2020: Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" during the passage of the so-called farm bills. -2020: Seven Lok Sabha MPs were suspended after they trooped into the well and snatched papers from the Speaker’s table. — 2010: Seven Rajya Eight Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for "unruly behaviour" over the Women's Reservation Bill. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs

<p>Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament&nbsp;Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Announcing her expulsion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee tabled its report recommending Moitra's expulsion early on Friday and within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was shown the door.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TMC and other parties backing Moitra argued that she was not given a chance to plead&nbsp;innocence in the house. The TMC had requested the speaker to allow Moitra to speak on the party's behalf during the debate.</p>

<p>Explaining his decision to not give Moitra an opportunity to speak for herself in the house, Birla said he followed the precedent set by former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Somnath Chatterjee had said that members against whom there are accusations are given ample time to speak before the Committee. This House has the tradition that the traditions followed by the previous Speakers are always further followed by the next Speakers," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-mahua-moitras-cash-for-query-row-how-tmc-mp-became-the-eye-of-the-storm-656879"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP became the eye of the storm</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Ethics panel broke every rule: Moitra&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to media after her expulsion, Moitra maintained there was no 'evidence' that could prove her involvement in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard,” a visibly furious Moitra told reporters outside the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do - which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to 'thok do' (blast) us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "The Ethics Committee has no power to expel....This is the beginning of your(BJP) end," says Mahua Moitra after her expulsion as TMC MP. <a href="https://t.co/WZsnqiucoE">pic.twitter.com/WZsnqiucoE</a></p>
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<h2><strong>What is the cash-for-query controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>Moitra, one of the prominent voices in the opposition, was accused by her former&nbsp;friend&nbsp;and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey - a&nbsp;lawmaker from PM Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;— of having accepted money and expensive gifts in return for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Later, Dubey approached Birla for Moitra's expulsion and the case was handed to the ethics committee which was tasked to investigate the truth behind the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Moitra accepted in front of&nbsp;the committee that she&nbsp;shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mp-mahua-moitra-admits-sharing-parliament-login-credentials-with-businessman-friend-652243"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra admits sharing Parliament login credentials with businessman friend</strong></a></p>

<p>The committee investigating the allegations adopted its 500-page report last month. The draft report&nbsp;adopted by 6:4 majority in the panel showed that Moitra visited the UAE four times from between 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the committee observed that&nbsp;not only Moitra&nbsp;breached the parliamentary code of ethics but she also compromised the country's national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case.

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case. Announcing her expulsion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP." The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee tabled its report recommending Moitra's expulsion early on Friday and within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was shown the door. TMC and other parties backing Moitra argued that she was not given a chance to plead innocence in the house. The TMC had requested the speaker to allow Moitra to speak on the party's behalf during the debate. Explaining his decision to not give Moitra an opportunity to speak for herself in the house, Birla said he followed the precedent set by former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee. "Somnath Chatterjee had said that members against whom there are accusations are given ample time to speak before the Committee. This House has the tradition that the traditions followed by the previous Speakers are always further followed by the next Speakers," he said. Also read | Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP became the eye of the storm Ethics panel broke every rule: Moitra Speaking to media after her expulsion, Moitra maintained there was no 'evidence' that could prove her involvement in the case. “There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard,” a visibly furious Moitra told reporters outside the parliament. "Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do - which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to 'thok do' (blast) us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book," she added. #WATCH | "The Ethics Committee has no power to expel....This is the beginning of your(BJP) end," says Mahua Moitra after her expulsion as TMC MP. pic.twitter.com/WZsnqiucoE — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2023 × What is the cash-for-query controversy? Moitra, one of the prominent voices in the opposition, was accused by her former friend and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey - a lawmaker from PM Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party — of having accepted money and expensive gifts in return for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha. Later, Dubey approached Birla for Moitra's expulsion and the case was handed to the ethics committee which was tasked to investigate the truth behind the allegations. Notably, Moitra accepted in front of the committee that she shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha. Also read | India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra admits sharing Parliament login credentials with businessman friend The committee investigating the allegations adopted its 500-page report last month. The draft report adopted by 6:4 majority in the panel showed that Moitra visited the UAE four times from between 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times. According to reports, the committee observed that not only Moitra breached the parliamentary code of ethics but she also compromised the country's national security. (With inputs from agencies)

India: MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha over cash-for-query row

<p>Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”. Responding to the allegations, the TMC leader has said that she would welcome any probe into the claim.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the allegations?</strong></h2>

<p>In a letter to the speaker of Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded setting up an inquiry committee against Moitra and sought her “immediate suspension” alleging that he has “irrefutable evidence” that bribes were exchanged between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dubey said&nbsp;that the TMC leader received “cash” and “gifts” to ask questions in Parliament claiming that out of Moitra’s recent 61 questions, 50 “shockingly seek information, with the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests of Shri Darshan Hiranandani and his Company.”</p>

<p>“The questions were also often focused on the Adani Group, another business conglomerate, Hiranandani Group was bidding for business against,” the letter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The “entire conspiracy” doesn't end there, the BJP MP wrote, and said that the TMC leader also “vehemently targeted” PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by “constantly referencing…the Adani Group giving the impression that she was critical of the Government, possibly with the intention of seeking cover against her clandestine criminal operation”.</p>

<p>In the letter, Dubey also wrote how he and “several other Members of Parliament, were always perplexed&nbsp;as to why this ‘shouting brigade’ of TMC led by Smt Mahua Moitra indulges in such tactics, which infringes on the constitutional rights of other members, to debate and discuss the issues of common people and policies of the Government.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP MP said that the TMC leader is in clear ‘Breach of Privilege’ and ‘Contempt of the House’ and her actions would also attract penalty for a criminal offence under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code and went on to call for an inquiry committee to be set up for the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I also request you that during the interregnum period, i.e. constitution of an ‘Inquiry Committee’ and its submission of Report, Smt Mahua Moitra may be immediately suspended from the services of the House,” wrote Dubey.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>TMC leader responds</strong></h2>

<p>In response to these allegations, Moitra in a series of posts on X&nbsp;said CBI is welcome to investigate “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over-invoicing, benami account”.</p>

<p>“If Adani group is relying on dodgy dossier created by dubious Sanghis &amp; circulated by fake degree wallahs to either shut me up or bring me down I would advise them not to waste their time. Use your lawyers wisely,” said the TMC leader in a separate post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”.

Indian Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday (Oct 15) accused Mahua Moitra from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) of taking bribes for asking questions in the Parliament and called for her “immediate suspension”. Responding to the allegations, the TMC leader has said that she would welcome any probe into the claim. What are the allegations? In a letter to the speaker of Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Om Birla, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey demanded setting up an inquiry committee against Moitra and sought her “immediate suspension” alleging that he has “irrefutable evidence” that bribes were exchanged between her and businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Dubey said that the TMC leader received “cash” and “gifts” to ask questions in Parliament claiming that out of Moitra’s recent 61 questions, 50 “shockingly seek information, with the intent of protecting or perpetuating business interests of Shri Darshan Hiranandani and his Company.” “The questions were also often focused on the Adani Group, another business conglomerate, Hiranandani Group was bidding for business against,” the letter added. The “entire conspiracy” doesn't end there, the BJP MP wrote, and said that the TMC leader also “vehemently targeted” PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by “constantly referencing…the Adani Group giving the impression that she was critical of the Government, possibly with the intention of seeking cover against her clandestine criminal operation”. In the letter, Dubey also wrote how he and “several other Members of Parliament, were always perplexed as to why this ‘shouting brigade’ of TMC led by Smt Mahua Moitra indulges in such tactics, which infringes on the constitutional rights of other members, to debate and discuss the issues of common people and policies of the Government.” The BJP MP said that the TMC leader is in clear ‘Breach of Privilege’ and ‘Contempt of the House’ and her actions would also attract penalty for a criminal offence under Section 120-A of the Indian Penal Code and went on to call for an inquiry committee to be set up for the case. “I also request you that during the interregnum period, i.e. constitution of an ‘Inquiry Committee’ and its submission of Report, Smt Mahua Moitra may be immediately suspended from the services of the House,” wrote Dubey. TMC leader responds In response to these allegations, Moitra in a series of posts on X said CBI is welcome to investigate “right after they finish investigating Adani’s offshore money trail, over-invoicing, benami account”. “If Adani group is relying on dodgy dossier created by dubious Sanghis & circulated by fake degree wallahs to either shut me up or bring me down I would advise them not to waste their time. Use your lawyers wisely,” said the TMC leader in a separate post. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: BJP MP claims Mahua Moitra took bribes to ask questions in Parliament; TMC leader welcomes probe

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his last speech in the country's old Lok Sabha on Monday (September 18) as the Parliament's five-day special session started. The session will conclude on September 22.<br />
<br />
The prime minister stated that the MPs will shift to the new building on September 19. He added that the special session will be held for a short duration but the people's representatives will take historic decisions during the five days.<br />
<br />
The prime minister started his speech with the historic legacy of the old Parliament building.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-pm-vishwakarma-scheme-inaugurates-mega-convention-centre-yashobhoomi-636859">Modi launches PM Vishwakarma scheme, inaugurates mega convention centre 'Yashobhoomi'</a></p>

<p>“All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen,” PM Modi stated.</p>

<h2><strong>G20's success is the success of 1.4 billion citizens: PM</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the success of the G20 Summit and Chandrayaan-3, the prime minister said, “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. G20's success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success, not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate."<br />
<br />
“Today, the achievements of all Indians are being discussed everywhere. This is the result of our united efforts during the 75 years of the history of our Parliament. The success of Chandrayaan-3 has not only made India but the world proud. This has highlighted a new form of India's strength which is connected to technology, science, the potential of our scientists and the strength of the 140 crore people in the country. Today, I again want to congratulate our scientists,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>PM recalls terror attack on Parliament</strong></h2>

<p>"There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists," reminisced the prime minister.<br />
<br />
Speaking about historic decisions taken, PM Modi said, “This House removed Article 370 [on special status of Jammu and Kashmir], took decision on Goods and Services Tax and One Rank One Pension, implemented reservation for Economically Weaker Section.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi to visit Greece, focus on Mediterranean | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Modi takes sharp jibe at Congress</strong></h2>

<p>In his speech, the prime minister also took a sharp jibe at Congress. “This is a House where the four-member party was in the government and the largest party was in the Opposition bench. This House also witnessed 'cash for votes' scam during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” said PM Modi.<br />
<br />
The prime minister further acknowledged various leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh for their work in the Parliament.<br />
<br />
“This Parliament will remember Indira Gandhi's decision on Pakistan's partition and formation of Bangladesh. Nehru's ‘At the stroke of Midnight Hour’ poem will always echo inside the premises of the old Parliament building," PM Modi said.<br />
<br />
“By just one vote, Atal Vajpayee's government fell in this building," he said while remembering his famous speech 'Sarkarein ayengi jayengi' (governments will come and go).<br />
<br />
Speaking about the tough path he trod to reach this place and the love he received in the Parliament, he said, “When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his last speech in the country's old Lok Sabha on Monday (September 18) as the Parliament's five-day special session started.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his last speech in the country's old Lok Sabha on Monday (September 18) as the Parliament's five-day special session started. The session will conclude on September 22. The prime minister stated that the MPs will shift to the new building on September 19. He added that the special session will be held for a short duration but the people's representatives will take historic decisions during the five days. The prime minister started his speech with the historic legacy of the old Parliament building. ALSO READ | Modi launches PM Vishwakarma scheme, inaugurates mega convention centre 'Yashobhoomi' “All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen,” PM Modi stated. G20's success is the success of 1.4 billion citizens: PM Speaking about the success of the G20 Summit and Chandrayaan-3, the prime minister said, “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. G20's success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success, not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate." “Today, the achievements of all Indians are being discussed everywhere. This is the result of our united efforts during the 75 years of the history of our Parliament. The success of Chandrayaan-3 has not only made India but the world proud. This has highlighted a new form of India's strength which is connected to technology, science, the potential of our scientists and the strength of the 140 crore people in the country. Today, I again want to congratulate our scientists,” he added. PM recalls terror attack on Parliament "There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists," reminisced the prime minister. Speaking about historic decisions taken, PM Modi said, “This House removed Article 370 [on special status of Jammu and Kashmir], took decision on Goods and Services Tax and One Rank One Pension, implemented reservation for Economically Weaker Section.” WATCH | Indian PM Modi to visit Greece, focus on Mediterranean | WION Pulse Modi takes sharp jibe at Congress In his speech, the prime minister also took a sharp jibe at Congress. “This is a House where the four-member party was in the government and the largest party was in the Opposition bench. This House also witnessed 'cash for votes' scam during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” said PM Modi. The prime minister further acknowledged various leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh for their work in the Parliament. “This Parliament will remember Indira Gandhi's decision on Pakistan's partition and formation of Bangladesh. Nehru's ‘At the stroke of Midnight Hour’ poem will always echo inside the premises of the old Parliament building," PM Modi said. “By just one vote, Atal Vajpayee's government fell in this building," he said while remembering his famous speech 'Sarkarein ayengi jayengi' (governments will come and go). Speaking about the tough path he trod to reach this place and the love he received in the Parliament, he said, “When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Blood, sweat, tears and legacy': PM Modi reflects on Indian Parliament's rich history

<p>Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”. The meeting was called at the CPP office at the Parliament at 10:30 am.<br />
<br />
On Thursday (August 10), a resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi for the suspension of Chowdhury after the Congress leader's certain remarks on the prime minister amid the no-confidence motion debate led to outrage from the treasury benches. The resolution was passed using a voice vote.<br />
<br />
Later, Chowdhury defended his remarks stating that he was not insulting the country's prime minister. "Modi ji is sitting 'nirav' on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi," said the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-suspended-from-lok-sabha-till-report-of-privileges-committee-624370">Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee</a></p>

<p>"PM Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me. I came to know that (the matter) has been referred to the privileges committee and I have been suspended till then," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Congress responds to </strong>Chowdhury's&nbsp;<strong>suspension</strong></h2>

<p>Congress MP Manish Tewari said that the suspension was “unfortunate” and an “utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India”.<br />
<br />
“It has profound implications for democracy &amp; freedom speech in Parliament &amp; the legislatures,” he said while writing on X.<br />
<br />
“It is in utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India that states Subject to the provisions of this constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament,” he added.<br />
<br />
“This is a fit case for to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law,” Tewari stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore stated, "First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;No-Confidence motion LIVE: PM Modi attacks Opposition in Parliament: They are betraying people| WION</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi stated, “It has become habitual for him (Adhir) and it has become most unfortunate. He is the leader of the Congress party, which is the largest party in the opposition in this House. Despite repeated warnings, he has not improved himself.”<br />
<br />
"Always in his debate he makes these baseless charges, he tries to lower the dignity of the government. There are no facts in his arguments and he never apologises. Today also, we demanded that he apologise. He did the same thing when the home minister was speaking," Joshi added.</p>

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Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”.

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”. The meeting was called at the CPP office at the Parliament at 10:30 am. On Thursday (August 10), a resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi for the suspension of Chowdhury after the Congress leader's certain remarks on the prime minister amid the no-confidence motion debate led to outrage from the treasury benches. The resolution was passed using a voice vote. Later, Chowdhury defended his remarks stating that he was not insulting the country's prime minister. "Modi ji is sitting 'nirav' on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi," said the Congress leader in Lok Sabha. ALSO READ | Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee "PM Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me. I came to know that (the matter) has been referred to the privileges committee and I have been suspended till then," he added. Congress responds to Chowdhury's suspension Congress MP Manish Tewari said that the suspension was “unfortunate” and an “utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India”. “It has profound implications for democracy & freedom speech in Parliament & the legislatures,” he said while writing on X. “It is in utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India that states Subject to the provisions of this constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament,” he added. “This is a fit case for to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law,” Tewari stated. Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore stated, "First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy." WATCH | No-Confidence motion LIVE: PM Modi attacks Opposition in Parliament: They are betraying people| WION Speaking in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi stated, “It has become habitual for him (Adhir) and it has become most unfortunate. He is the leader of the Congress party, which is the largest party in the opposition in this House. Despite repeated warnings, he has not improved himself.” "Always in his debate he makes these baseless charges, he tries to lower the dignity of the government. There are no facts in his arguments and he never apologises. Today also, we demanded that he apologise. He did the same thing when the home minister was speaking," Joshi added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Sonia Gandhi to hold meeting with Congress MPs over suspension of Adhir Ranjan from Lok Sabha

<p>Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday over “deliberate and repeated misconduct” and the matter has been referred to Privileges Committee. The resolution for suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is Congress leader in Lok Sabha, was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.</p>

<p>"This House having taken the serious note of the gross, deliberate and repeated misconduct of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in utter disregard to the House and authority of Chair resolves that the matter of his misconduct be referred to Committee of Privileges of the House for the further investigation and report to the House and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury be suspended from the service of the House till the Committee submits its report," he said.</p>

<p>The House adopted the resolution by voice vote. Earlier in the day, some remarks of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury pertaining to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were expunged from the proceedings.</p>

<p>BJP members had strongly objected to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s remarks. Pralhad Joshi had raised point of order and demanded an apology from the Congress member. After the debate on no-confidence motion, which was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker said that conduct of BJP member Virendra Awasthi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had not been in accordance with the decorum of the House. Virendra Awasthi tenderd apology for his conduct and said he could not tolerate words against the Prime Minister.</p>

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Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday over “deliberate and repeated misconduct” and the matter has been referred to Privileges Committee.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday over “deliberate and repeated misconduct” and the matter has been referred to Privileges Committee. The resolution for suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is Congress leader in Lok Sabha, was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. "This House having taken the serious note of the gross, deliberate and repeated misconduct of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in utter disregard to the House and authority of Chair resolves that the matter of his misconduct be referred to Committee of Privileges of the House for the further investigation and report to the House and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury be suspended from the service of the House till the Committee submits its report," he said. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote. Earlier in the day, some remarks of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury pertaining to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were expunged from the proceedings. BJP members had strongly objected to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s remarks. Pralhad Joshi had raised point of order and demanded an apology from the Congress member. After the debate on no-confidence motion, which was defeated, Lok Sabha Speaker said that conduct of BJP member Virendra Awasthi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had not been in accordance with the decorum of the House. Virendra Awasthi tenderd apology for his conduct and said he could not tolerate words against the Prime Minister. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee

<p>Prices of tomatoes will be slashed as the government is taking steps to control inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday (August 10) that tomatoes are being imported from Nepal to meet the demand and check prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the no-confidence motion, Sitharaman said: "Lot of steps have been taken to contain inflation. Group of Ministers has been taking timely steps to control prices which are hitting common people."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While mentioning rising prices of other food items, she said that Tur dal is being imported from Mozambique, Urad dal will be imported from Myanmar, while around three lakh tonnes of onions have been procured to create a buffer stock.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-on-manipur-issue-says-centre-and-state-working-together-to-restore-peace-624288">PM Modi speaks on Manipur issue, says centre and state working together to restore peace</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The finance minister said that tomatoes are being procured from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and distributed in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and other cooperative societies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further stated that the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) has distributed 8.84 lakh kg of tomatoes in these states and also said that the wholesale prices of tomatoes in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are coming down.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uber-ride-gone-wrong-driver-assaults-indian-woman-and-son-over-cab-mix-up-624208">Uber ride goes wrong, driver assaults woman and son over cab mix-up</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China's economy slides into deflation. What are its impacts on the global economy?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>She said, "This will continue, and be increased."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have allowed imports from Nepal by removing import restrictions. The first lot will reach Varanasi, Kanpur, and Lucknow this week," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister said that more such steps will be taken by the government to control the prices. She added NCCF is also planning a mega sale of tomatoes in the Delhi NCR region at a subsidized rate of Rs 70 per kg this weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Prices of tomatoes will be slashed as the government is taking steps to control inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday (August 10) that tomatoes are being imported from Nepal to meet the demand and check prices.

Prices of tomatoes will be slashed as the government is taking steps to control inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday (August 10) that tomatoes are being imported from Nepal to meet the demand and check prices. While speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the no-confidence motion, Sitharaman said: "Lot of steps have been taken to contain inflation. Group of Ministers has been taking timely steps to control prices which are hitting common people." While mentioning rising prices of other food items, she said that Tur dal is being imported from Mozambique, Urad dal will be imported from Myanmar, while around three lakh tonnes of onions have been procured to create a buffer stock. Also read: PM Modi speaks on Manipur issue, says centre and state working together to restore peace The finance minister said that tomatoes are being procured from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and distributed in Delhi-NCR, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and other cooperative societies. She further stated that the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) has distributed 8.84 lakh kg of tomatoes in these states and also said that the wholesale prices of tomatoes in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are coming down. Also read: Uber ride goes wrong, driver assaults woman and son over cab mix-up Watch: China's economy slides into deflation. What are its impacts on the global economy? × She said, "This will continue, and be increased." "We have allowed imports from Nepal by removing import restrictions. The first lot will reach Varanasi, Kanpur, and Lucknow this week," she said. The minister said that more such steps will be taken by the government to control the prices. She added NCCF is also planning a mega sale of tomatoes in the Delhi NCR region at a subsidized rate of Rs 70 per kg this weekend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian government taking steps to control price rise, tomatoes being imported from Nepal

<p>Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill, which will replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi, will provide the Central Government with the authority to make rules in relation to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi which include the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The centre had promulgated the ordinance days after the Supreme Court's verdict on the issue that had ruled that Delhi's elected government has control over services except in matters of law and order, police and land.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-muslims-approach-indias-top-court-to-contest-ruling-allowing-asi-survey-622014">Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey</a></p>

<h2><strong>Walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance</strong></h2>

<p>The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by a voice vote after a walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, made a sharp attack on parties of the I.N.D.I.A bloc and said that their main aim is to “save their alliance”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah said that the opposition parties did not participate in the debate on any of the bills that were passed in the House, rather kept staging demonstrations on their respective demands over the debate on the ongoing Manipur situation. While pointing towards opposition benches, he asked as to what changed suddenly that made them take part in the passage of bill which was related to Delhi.</p>

<p>“The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the right to make laws for Delhi...," Amit Shah said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the… <a href="https://t.co/9ivxALDKfB">pic.twitter.com/9ivxALDKfB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1687094522961088512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Even after the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, PM Modi will become the Prime Minister again with full majority...All bills are important &amp; you should have been present in House...After this (Delhi Services bill) bill is passed, the alliance will be broken," he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, while moving the bill for passage in the house, Shah took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party government saying that the party's motive was not to serve the people, but rather, to fight with the Centre.</p>

<p>“In the year 2015, a party came to power in Delhi whose only motive was to fight, not serve...The problem is not getting right to do transfer postings, but getting control of the vigilance department to hide their corruption like building their bungalows,” Amit Shah said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The bill, which will replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi, will provide the Central Government with the authority to make rules in relation to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi which include the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The bill, which will replace the ordinance for control of services in Delhi, will provide the Central Government with the authority to make rules in relation to the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi which include the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees. The centre had promulgated the ordinance days after the Supreme Court's verdict on the issue that had ruled that Delhi's elected government has control over services except in matters of law and order, police and land. Also read: Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey Walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by a voice vote after a walkout by members of I.N.D.I.A alliance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, made a sharp attack on parties of the I.N.D.I.A bloc and said that their main aim is to “save their alliance”. Shah said that the opposition parties did not participate in the debate on any of the bills that were passed in the House, rather kept staging demonstrations on their respective demands over the debate on the ongoing Manipur situation. While pointing towards opposition benches, he asked as to what changed suddenly that made them take part in the passage of bill which was related to Delhi. “The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the right to make laws for Delhi...," Amit Shah said. #WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "The opposition's priority is to save their alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur...Everyone is talking about the rights of a state. But which state? Delhi is not a state but a Union Territory...The Parliament has the… pic.twitter.com/9ivxALDKfB — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2023 × "Even after the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, PM Modi will become the Prime Minister again with full majority...All bills are important & you should have been present in House...After this (Delhi Services bill) bill is passed, the alliance will be broken," he added. Earlier, while moving the bill for passage in the house, Shah took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party government saying that the party's motive was not to serve the people, but rather, to fight with the Centre. “In the year 2015, a party came to power in Delhi whose only motive was to fight, not serve...The problem is not getting right to do transfer postings, but getting control of the vigilance department to hide their corruption like building their bungalows,” Amit Shah said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lok Sabha passes bill to replace ordinance for control of services in Delhi; Shah slams opposition

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital.<br />
<br />
The new parliament, which is a part of the government's ambitious Central Vista project, has been constructed in a span of two years by Tata Projects Limited, a Tata Group company.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi unveils plaque; dedicates new Parliament building to nation<br />
<br />
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story | <a href="https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r">https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewParliamentBuilding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewParliamentBuilding</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewParliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewParliament</a> <a href="https://t.co/cRs8VM1snJ">pic.twitter.com/cRs8VM1snJ</a></p>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/1662662043114041345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>PM installs 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha</strong></h2>

<p>Before the inauguration of the parliament, PM Modi attended an early morning ‘havan’ and multi-faith or 'sarv-dharma' prayers. The prayer meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, union ministers and CMs of different states.<br />
<br />
The prime minister also performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods and seek their blessings before the parliament building's inauguration. Adheenams from Tamil Nadu's different mutts also arrived at the new parliament building to attend the inaugural ceremony.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-glimpses-of-indias-new-parliament-set-to-be-inaugurated-on-may-28-597151">In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi</a></p>

<p>The prime minister prostrated before the 'Sengol' to pay&nbsp;his respects. The much-talked-about 'Sengol' is a historical sceptre whose name originates from the Tamil word "semmai" which means righteousness.<br />
<br />
PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' or sceptre in the new parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber, next to the chair of the speaker, in a special enclosure. The Adheenams handed over the historic 'Sengol' to the prime minister before it was installed in the new parliament.<br />
<br />
India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the sceptre as a mark of transfer of power from the British.<br />
<br />
The prime minister also met the workers who were involved in the construction of the new parliament building and felicitated them.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, the prime minister had received blessings from Adheenams, spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu, at his residence.</p>

<p>After the inauguration, PM Modi tweeted, "As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress. <a href="https://t.co/zzGuRoHrUS">pic.twitter.com/zzGuRoHrUS</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1662684955787542528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>All about India's new parliament building</strong></h2>

<p>The new parliament building will have more seating capacity. In the Lok Sabha, there will be seats for 888 MPs which was earlier only for 552 MPs and in Rajya Sabha, the seating capacity enhanced from 245 to 384.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's new Parliament: PM Modi inaugurates the new building | Key features of the new Parliament</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-new-parliament-pm-modi-inaugurates-the-new-building-key-features-of-the-new-parliament-597360/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The design of the new Lok Sabha is inspired by India's national bird peacock and Rajya Sabha has been designed with a focus on India's national flower – lotus. The new parliament is spread over an area of around 65,000 square metres.<br />
<br />
If a joint session is held, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. In the rest of the building, there will be four floors with offices of ministers and committee rooms.<br />
<br />
The new parliament building has been constructed ensuring that there is the latest communications technology, efficient space utilisation, and secure infrastructure which can meet the demand for workspaces.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 28) unveiled the plaque and inaugurated the country's new parliament building, which has been constructed adjacent to the old one in the national capital. The new parliament, which is a part of the government's ambitious Central Vista project, has been constructed in a span of two years by Tata Projects Limited, a Tata Group company. PM Modi unveils plaque; dedicates new Parliament building to nation Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/RJS7OnK39r#PMModi #NewParliamentBuilding #NewParliament pic.twitter.com/cRs8VM1snJ — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 28, 2023 × PM installs 'Sengol' in Lok Sabha Before the inauguration of the parliament, PM Modi attended an early morning ‘havan’ and multi-faith or 'sarv-dharma' prayers. The prayer meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, union ministers and CMs of different states. The prime minister also performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods and seek their blessings before the parliament building's inauguration. Adheenams from Tamil Nadu's different mutts also arrived at the new parliament building to attend the inaugural ceremony. ALSO READ | In Pics | Glimpses of India's new parliament inaugurated by PM Modi The prime minister prostrated before the 'Sengol' to pay his respects. The much-talked-about 'Sengol' is a historical sceptre whose name originates from the Tamil word "semmai" which means righteousness. PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' or sceptre in the new parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber, next to the chair of the speaker, in a special enclosure. The Adheenams handed over the historic 'Sengol' to the prime minister before it was installed in the new parliament. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had received the sceptre as a mark of transfer of power from the British. The prime minister also met the workers who were involved in the construction of the new parliament building and felicitated them. On Saturday, the prime minister had received blessings from Adheenams, spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu, at his residence. After the inauguration, PM Modi tweeted, "As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress." As the new building of India’s Parliament is inaugurated, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and promise. May this iconic building be a cradle of empowerment, igniting dreams and nurturing them into reality. May it propel our great nation to new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/zzGuRoHrUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2023 × All about India's new parliament building The new parliament building will have more seating capacity. In the Lok Sabha, there will be seats for 888 MPs which was earlier only for 552 MPs and in Rajya Sabha, the seating capacity enhanced from 245 to 384. WATCH | India's new Parliament: PM Modi inaugurates the new building | Key features of the new Parliament The design of the new Lok Sabha is inspired by India's national bird peacock and Rajya Sabha has been designed with a focus on India's national flower – lotus. The new parliament is spread over an area of around 65,000 square metres. If a joint session is held, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. In the rest of the building, there will be four floors with offices of ministers and committee rooms. The new parliament building has been constructed ensuring that there is the latest communications technology, efficient space utilisation, and secure infrastructure which can meet the demand for workspaces. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian PM Modi inaugurates new parliament, installs ‘Sengol’ in Lok Sabha

<p>India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.</p>

<p>Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision.</p>

<p>"There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed.</p>

<p>Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back".</p>

<p>"India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations.</p>

<p>"Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said.</p>

<p>"That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation.</p>

<p>"My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king.</p>

<p>"There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said.</p>

<p>He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations.</p>

<p>"We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said.</p>

<p>The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses.</p>

<p>"You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs.</p>

<p>"You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created".</p>

<p>He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs.</p>

<p>Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states".</p>

<p>The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few.</p>

<p>"I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said.</p>

<p>Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India.</p>

<p>"The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan.</p>

<p>"The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&amp;K and in our foreign policy," he said.</p>

<p>Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers.</p>

<p>"The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.</p>


India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally. Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision. "There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed. Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back". "India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations. "Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said. "That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation. "My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said. Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king. "There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said. He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations. "We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said. The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses. "You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs. "You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said. The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created". He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs. Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states". The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few. "I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said. Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India. "The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan. "The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&K and in our foreign policy," he said. Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers. "The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor; gap widening: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi

<p>The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid a disturbance by opposition MPs on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has demanded that the Bill be discussed in the House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the three 'Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021' was distributed to Rajya Sabha members.</p>

<p>In a speech on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of three central farm laws in a speech to the country.</p>

<p>The government has stated that a bill repealing three agriculture legislation would be taken up as soon as possible.</p>

<p>Last Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the bill.</p>

<p>The winter season is set to end on December 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid a disturbance by opposition MPs on Monday. The Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has demanded that the Bill be discussed in the House.

The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid a disturbance by opposition MPs on Monday. The Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has demanded that the Bill be discussed in the House. On Friday, the three 'Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021' was distributed to Rajya Sabha members. In a speech on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of three central farm laws in a speech to the country. The government has stated that a bill repealing three agriculture legislation would be taken up as soon as possible. Last Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved the bill. The winter season is set to end on December 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament Winter Session 2021: Farm Laws Repeal Bill passed in Lok Sabha

<p>The government on Thursday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to bury retrospective tax demands it had made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha which seeks to withdraw tax demands made on indirect transfer of Indian assets prior to May 28, 2012.</p>

<p>"It is also proposed to refund the amount paid in these cases without any interest thereon," the bill said.</p>

<p>This bill impacts retro tax cases of at least two big companies — Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK.</p>

<p>Both firms had won international arbitrations against levy of retrospective taxes on them.</p>


The government on Thursday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to bury retrospective tax demands it had made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK.

The government on Thursday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to bury retrospective tax demands it had made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha which seeks to withdraw tax demands made on indirect transfer of Indian assets prior to May 28, 2012. "It is also proposed to refund the amount paid in these cases without any interest thereon," the bill said. This bill impacts retro tax cases of at least two big companies — Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Group of UK. Both firms had won international arbitrations against levy of retrospective taxes on them.

Indian govt buries retro tax; introduces bill in parliament to withdraw demands on Cairn, Vodafone

<p>The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The decision on the dates of the session was taken in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told ANI.</p>

<p>The sources said provision has not been kept for holidays or weekly offs during the 18-day session but a final decision on "no-leaves during the entire session" will be taken at the all-party meeting.</p>

<p>Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 18 sittings each.</p>

<p>The sources said that the opposition parties are ready for 18 sittings but they want the session to be extended by a week so that there are weekly offs.</p>

<p>The government thinks that the conducting monsoon session during the coronavirus pandemic in itself is a big challenge.</p>

<p>It is looking to change the timings of both the Houses to prevent any overcrowding in the Parliament premises at any point of time.</p>

<p>It is also looking to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing and sanitization.</p>

<p>A proposal for changing the rules for entry of journalists in the Parliament premises is also being considered owing to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>According to it, less than 30 media passes will be issued for covering the Lok Sabha proceedings while around 20 passes will be issued for covering Rajya Sabha proceedings.</p>

<p>The much-awaited session, for which the government has a heavy legislative agenda, has been delayed due to conditions created by COVID-19 pandemic.</p>


The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday.

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday. The decision on the dates of the session was taken in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told ANI. The sources said provision has not been kept for holidays or weekly offs during the 18-day session but a final decision on "no-leaves during the entire session" will be taken at the all-party meeting. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 18 sittings each. The sources said that the opposition parties are ready for 18 sittings but they want the session to be extended by a week so that there are weekly offs. The government thinks that the conducting monsoon session during the coronavirus pandemic in itself is a big challenge. It is looking to change the timings of both the Houses to prevent any overcrowding in the Parliament premises at any point of time. It is also looking to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing and sanitization. A proposal for changing the rules for entry of journalists in the Parliament premises is also being considered owing to COVID-19 pandemic. According to it, less than 30 media passes will be issued for covering the Lok Sabha proceedings while around 20 passes will be issued for covering Rajya Sabha proceedings. The much-awaited session, for which the government has a heavy legislative agenda, has been delayed due to conditions created by COVID-19 pandemic.

Monsoon session of Parliament to be held from September 14 to October 1

<p>Former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-worried-over-slow-gdp-growth-pranab-mukherjee-267778">Pranab Mukherjee</a> pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/remembering-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-first-death-anniversary-243317">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi.</p>

<p>Last time the strength of Lok Sabha was re-examined in 1977 which was based on the 1971 census that put the total population at 55 crores. And currently, the population has increased to 1.37 billion, approximately double the number mentioned in the 1971 census.</p>

<p>There is a need to remove the hold in the delimitation exercise. “It should be ideally increased to 1,000,” Mukherjee added.</p>

<p>Delimitation provides equal representation to equal segments of a population. It aims to a fair division of geographical areas so that only one party doesn't have all the advantages over the elections.</p>

<p>The process has been undergone modification four times ( 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002) under the Acts of 1952. No delimitation took place after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.</p>

<p>During Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976, the constitution was suspended delimitation until 2001. The upper limit on the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies was supposed to be lifted after the 2001 Census but another amendment postponed this until 2026. It was justified on the ground that a uniform growth rate of the population would be achieved by 2026.</p>

<p>“This has resulted in the fact that the number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency as per the 2011 census, has risen to more than 16 lakh,” Mukherjee said. He noted that there has been a need on increasing the number of seats in Parliament and state assemblies till 2026.</p>

<p>He even favoured Vajpayee as a consensus-builder who worked to bring everyone along and noted that people may have given strong majorities to different parties since 1952 but over 50 per cent of them have never voted for one party.</p>

<p>"A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable government. The lack of a popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian government. That is the message and essence of our parliamentary democracy," Mukherjee said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable Government.The lack of popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian Government.That is the message &amp; essence of our Parliamentary Democracy."<br />
Delivered the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> Memorial Lecture today. <a href="https://t.co/qUfqZmyecx">pic.twitter.com/qUfqZmyecx</a></p>
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee/status/1206585951838883840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former President Pranab Mukherjee pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi. Last time the strength of Lok Sabha was re-examined in 1977 which was based on the 1971 census that put the total population at 55 crores. And currently, the population has increased to 1.37 billion, approximately double the number mentioned in the 1971 census. There is a need to remove the hold in the delimitation exercise. “It should be ideally increased to 1,000,” Mukherjee added. Delimitation provides equal representation to equal segments of a population. It aims to a fair division of geographical areas so that only one party doesn't have all the advantages over the elections. The process has been undergone modification four times ( 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002) under the Acts of 1952. No delimitation took place after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses. During Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976, the constitution was suspended delimitation until 2001. The upper limit on the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies was supposed to be lifted after the 2001 Census but another amendment postponed this until 2026. It was justified on the ground that a uniform growth rate of the population would be achieved by 2026. “This has resulted in the fact that the number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency as per the 2011 census, has risen to more than 16 lakh,” Mukherjee said. He noted that there has been a need on increasing the number of seats in Parliament and state assemblies till 2026. He even favoured Vajpayee as a consensus-builder who worked to bring everyone along and noted that people may have given strong majorities to different parties since 1952 but over 50 per cent of them have never voted for one party. "A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable government. The lack of a popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian government. That is the message and essence of our parliamentary democracy," Mukherjee said. "A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable Government.The lack of popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian Government.That is the message & essence of our Parliamentary Democracy." Delivered the 2nd #AtalBihariVajpayee Memorial Lecture today. pic.twitter.com/qUfqZmyecx — Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) December 16, 2019 ×

Lok Sabha should have 1000 seats: Pranab Mukherjee

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