A large swathe of India is now governed by the BJP alone or in coalition with its allies. The biggest victory for the BJP in state elections was undoubtedly the landslide win in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Since then the BJP has struggled to replicate that success. In Gujarat elections held in December 2017, the BJP won the election with a much narrower margin. However, in Karnataka elections earlier this year, the BJP despite trying every hook and trick in the book failed to dislodge the Congress which remains in government in coalition with JD(S).&nbsp;

Since then the BJP has lost several bypolls (both Lok Sabha and Assembly) in multiple states. It has looked increasingly desperate and lacking in the innovation and ability to re-endear itself to the voter. &nbsp;The overexposure of ‘Brand Modi’ coupled with the oversaturation of the public’s mind with Modi-centric messaging and campaigns seem to have led to people’s disenchantment with the central government. The most recent Lok Sabha bypolls in Karnataka where BJP lost its stronghold of Bellary by a margin of more than two lakh votes shows the extent to which people are disillusioned with the saffron party’s unkempt promise of ‘Ache Din’. &nbsp;It has also given a further boost to the idea of a united opposition’s ability to take on the BJP in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the fact that the Congress could not ally with the BSP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, opposition unity remains a distinct possibility for the Lok Sabha elections this year. The BJP’s principal opposition party in these states is the Congress. In both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is facing a huge anti-incumbency factor and its national leadership was under massive pressure from state units to fight alone instead of ceding space to other parties. 
 
In Chhattisgarh where one round of voting is over, and the second round takes place today, early surveys show that the electorate has voted for ‘Badlav’. It remains to be seen whether this Badlav will mean a Congress sweep or a Karnataka style Congress in an alliance (with Ajit Jogi and Mayawati who are fighting this election together). It is this innate longing for change that the Congress and a united opposition are banking on. In Rajasthan, the contest is heavily skewed against the incumbent BJP government. It is only in MP that the Congress, riven by factionalism, still looks unsure. However, here too the widespread discontentment with Shivraj –led BJP government could give the Congress just enough edge over the BJP. It is for the Congress to convert the desire for change into electoral victory.&nbsp;

It is being speculated that the lack of a credible and universally acceptable face is one of the main weaknesses of the proposed Mahagathbandhan; that a faceless opposition will not be able to take on the popularity and charisma of Brand Modi. It’s hard to disagree completely with this view as it quite likely that 2019 elections will be a contest between personalities: Prime Minister Modi on the NDA side and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress- UPA&nbsp;side. 
 
If that indeed turns out to be true then Gandhi with his unproven track record in government and the considerable baggage of Congress will not pass muster. Undoubtedly, an opposition with a universally acceptable face would have been a better bet but the lack of one gives it an opportunity to avoid a personality contest and instead emphasise the democratic nature of the Mahagathbandhan.&nbsp;

Therefore, it is only an opposition with a broadly shared understanding, region-wise local leaders and strategic vote-pooling can take on an opponent like Prime Minister Modi and the BJP.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A large swathe of India is now governed by the BJP alone or in coalition with its allies. The biggest victory for the BJP in state elections was undoubtedly the landslide win in Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

A large swathe of India is now governed by the BJP alone or in coalition with its allies. The biggest victory for the BJP in state elections was undoubtedly the landslide win in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Since then the BJP has struggled to replicate that success. In Gujarat elections held in December 2017, the BJP won the election with a much narrower margin. However, in Karnataka elections earlier this year, the BJP despite trying every hook and trick in the book failed to dislodge the Congress which remains in government in coalition with JD(S). Since then the BJP has lost several bypolls (both Lok Sabha and Assembly) in multiple states. It has looked increasingly desperate and lacking in the innovation and ability to re-endear itself to the voter. The overexposure of ‘Brand Modi’ coupled with the oversaturation of the public’s mind with Modi-centric messaging and campaigns seem to have led to people’s disenchantment with the central government. The most recent Lok Sabha bypolls in Karnataka where BJP lost its stronghold of Bellary by a margin of more than two lakh votes shows the extent to which people are disillusioned with the saffron party’s unkempt promise of ‘Ache Din’. It has also given a further boost to the idea of a united opposition’s ability to take on the BJP in the 2019 elections. Notwithstanding the fact that the Congress could not ally with the BSP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, opposition unity remains a distinct possibility for the Lok Sabha elections this year. The BJP’s principal opposition party in these states is the Congress. In both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is facing a huge anti-incumbency factor and its national leadership was under massive pressure from state units to fight alone instead of ceding space to other parties. In Chhattisgarh where one round of voting is over, and the second round takes place today, early surveys show that the electorate has voted for ‘Badlav’. It remains to be seen whether this Badlav will mean a Congress sweep or a Karnataka style Congress in an alliance (with Ajit Jogi and Mayawati who are fighting this election together). It is this innate longing for change that the Congress and a united opposition are banking on. In Rajasthan, the contest is heavily skewed against the incumbent BJP government. It is only in MP that the Congress, riven by factionalism, still looks unsure. However, here too the widespread discontentment with Shivraj –led BJP government could give the Congress just enough edge over the BJP. It is for the Congress to convert the desire for change into electoral victory. It is being speculated that the lack of a credible and universally acceptable face is one of the main weaknesses of the proposed Mahagathbandhan; that a faceless opposition will not be able to take on the popularity and charisma of Brand Modi. It’s hard to disagree completely with this view as it quite likely that 2019 elections will be a contest between personalities: Prime Minister Modi on the NDA side and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress- UPA side. If that indeed turns out to be true then Gandhi with his unproven track record in government and the considerable baggage of Congress will not pass muster. Undoubtedly, an opposition with a universally acceptable face would have been a better bet but the lack of one gives it an opportunity to avoid a personality contest and instead emphasise the democratic nature of the Mahagathbandhan. Therefore, it is only an opposition with a broadly shared understanding, region-wise local leaders and strategic vote-pooling can take on an opponent like Prime Minister Modi and the BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What Opposition unity could mean for BJP

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

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

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

Mizoram government allocates Rs 52.75 cr for poll expenses

BJP and JD(U) will fight in equal number of seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, said BJP president Amit Shah after meeting state chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

''It has been decided that BJP and JDU will contest equal number of seats for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in Bihar. Other allies will also get a respectable seat share,'' Shah said.&nbsp;

An exact number of seats that each party may contest will be announced in a few days, he added.&nbsp;

''Upendra Kushwaha and Ram Vilas Paswan will remain with us. When a new ally has joined us, there will be a reduction in seat share for everyone,'' Shah said.&nbsp;

JD(U) contested the last Lok Sabha elections in alliance with Lef parties. However, the party formed grand alliance with RJD and Congress for the 2015 Assembly polls.&nbsp;

BJP and JD(U) will fight in equal number of seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, said BJP president Amit Shah after meeting state chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

BJP and JD(U) will fight in equal number of seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, said BJP president Amit Shah after meeting state chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar. ''It has been decided that BJP and JDU will contest equal number of seats for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in Bihar. Other allies will also get a respectable seat share,'' Shah said. An exact number of seats that each party may contest will be announced in a few days, he added. ''Upendra Kushwaha and Ram Vilas Paswan will remain with us. When a new ally has joined us, there will be a reduction in seat share for everyone,'' Shah said. JD(U) contested the last Lok Sabha elections in alliance with Lef parties. However, the party formed grand alliance with RJD and Congress for the 2015 Assembly polls.

Lok Sabha elections: BJP, JD(U) to contest equal number of seats in Bihar

Didi has apparently learned from her mistakes in the recent past. The TMC supremo is eager to prove that she doesn't differentiate between Hindu and Muslims, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis.

TMC swept the West Bengal Panchayat elections in May and the BJP emerged as the main challenger to the party. The CPI-M was at the third position, while the Congress was literally wiped out.&nbsp;

On the one hand, BJP's performance worked as a morale booster for the Saffron party, and a wake-up call for the TMC on the other. Panchayat election was the last significant electoral event before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and BJP has emerged as a strong player.

Mamata, accused of dividing people of the state on the religious lines to secure its vote bank, is trying to balance it out to avoid the backlash of the Hindu community.

Durga Puja&nbsp;

Last year, Banerjee drew massive criticism for her decision to impose restrictions on idol immersion during Durga Puja as it collided with Muharram. The Kolkata high court too slammed the state government for creating a divide between the two communities. “Let them (Hindus and Muslims) live in harmony, do not create a line between them," the court had observed.

To cover up the lapses, the chief minister, this year, announced a grant of Rs 28 Crore to 28,000 Puja committees across the state. This is not all. She also penned a theme song for a popular Durga Puja in the city.

The state government then also urged the Muslim community to avoid displaying weapons in processions during Muharram as this could hurt members of other communities.

Cyber War

To widen the use of social media in the run up for 2019 elections, Didi, last month, announced that her party will form a team of 30,000 'cyber sainiks' to counter BJP IT cell for their alleged vindictive politics.

Mamata said the warriors, without using any foul language, will take on the IT cell members of the BJP for their malicious attempts to defame TMC. According to reports, the warriors will respond to the BJP not just in Bengali but in Hindi as well.

BJP too is all set for the cyber war. Party chief Amit Shah and IT Cell head Amit Malviya met the IT cell members in Kolkata recently and reportedly asked them to take government's plans and policies to masses through social media.

TMC Hindi Wing&nbsp;

TMC has announced opening a Hindi wing in the party for a broader reach. Mamata also announced her desire to open a Hindu University in the state. This is again an effort by TMC to revamp its image and win the confidence of BJP's non-Bengali support base in the state.

Federal Front

Mamata Banerjee has been urging opposition parties to set aside their differences and come together to take on the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Leading the pack to unite the opposition, Mamata has announced a massive anti-BJP rally to be held in Kolkata in January, 2019.

She has also met leaders of regional and opposition parties as her efforts to stitch an anti-BJP alliance. Several top opposition leaders, like &nbsp;Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, have already confirmed their presence.

TMC has also planned to invite BSP Supremo Mayawati, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

With all the above strategies, TMC is attempting to overhaul its image of being a party which indulges in minority appeasement and opportunistic politics.&nbsp;

To counter TMC's strategies, BJP has appointed Mukul Roy as the convener of the party's election management committee in West Bengal. Roy, who had quit the TMC to join BJP, is familiar with Mamata Banerjee's style of working.

Beginning December, the Saffron party will take out three Rath Yatras covering all the 42 parliamentary constituencies of the state. Through these Rath Yatras, the party also plans to reach out to the general people to garner support for Assam’s National Register of Citizens.

BJP is likely to score brownie points over TMC on NRC issue after Banerjee faced flak over her U-turn. Mamata, in 2005, had favoured NRC in West Bengal, claiming that the illegal immigrants in Bangladesh had spelt disaster for West Bengal.

However, this year she opposed the Assam’s National Register of Citizens.

West Bengal is crucial for the BJP for its growth in the Lok Sabha elections and the party is targetting at least 22 seats in the state. Meanwhile, TMC, confident of triggering a revolution by uniting the opposition to defeat the BJP in 2019, is putting its best efforts to maintain its stronghold in the state.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Didi has apparently learned from her mistakes in the recent past. The TMC supremo is eager to prove that she doesn't differentiate between Hindu and Muslims, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis.

Didi has apparently learned from her mistakes in the recent past. The TMC supremo is eager to prove that she doesn't differentiate between Hindu and Muslims, Bengalis and Non-Bengalis. TMC swept the West Bengal Panchayat elections in May and the BJP emerged as the main challenger to the party. The CPI-M was at the third position, while the Congress was literally wiped out. On the one hand, BJP's performance worked as a morale booster for the Saffron party, and a wake-up call for the TMC on the other. Panchayat election was the last significant electoral event before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and BJP has emerged as a strong player. Mamata, accused of dividing people of the state on the religious lines to secure its vote bank, is trying to balance it out to avoid the backlash of the Hindu community. Durga Puja Last year, Banerjee drew massive criticism for her decision to impose restrictions on idol immersion during Durga Puja as it collided with Muharram. The Kolkata high court too slammed the state government for creating a divide between the two communities. “Let them (Hindus and Muslims) live in harmony, do not create a line between them," the court had observed. To cover up the lapses, the chief minister, this year, announced a grant of Rs 28 Crore to 28,000 Puja committees across the state. This is not all. She also penned a theme song for a popular Durga Puja in the city. The state government then also urged the Muslim community to avoid displaying weapons in processions during Muharram as this could hurt members of other communities. Cyber War To widen the use of social media in the run up for 2019 elections, Didi, last month, announced that her party will form a team of 30,000 'cyber sainiks' to counter BJP IT cell for their alleged vindictive politics. Mamata said the warriors, without using any foul language, will take on the IT cell members of the BJP for their malicious attempts to defame TMC. According to reports, the warriors will respond to the BJP not just in Bengali but in Hindi as well. BJP too is all set for the cyber war. Party chief Amit Shah and IT Cell head Amit Malviya met the IT cell members in Kolkata recently and reportedly asked them to take government's plans and policies to masses through social media. TMC Hindi Wing TMC has announced opening a Hindi wing in the party for a broader reach. Mamata also announced her desire to open a Hindu University in the state. This is again an effort by TMC to revamp its image and win the confidence of BJP's non-Bengali support base in the state. Federal Front Mamata Banerjee has been urging opposition parties to set aside their differences and come together to take on the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Leading the pack to unite the opposition, Mamata has announced a massive anti-BJP rally to be held in Kolkata in January, 2019. She has also met leaders of regional and opposition parties as her efforts to stitch an anti-BJP alliance. Several top opposition leaders, like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, have already confirmed their presence. TMC has also planned to invite BSP Supremo Mayawati, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. With all the above strategies, TMC is attempting to overhaul its image of being a party which indulges in minority appeasement and opportunistic politics. To counter TMC's strategies, BJP has appointed Mukul Roy as the convener of the party's election management committee in West Bengal. Roy, who had quit the TMC to join BJP, is familiar with Mamata Banerjee's style of working. Beginning December, the Saffron party will take out three Rath Yatras covering all the 42 parliamentary constituencies of the state. Through these Rath Yatras, the party also plans to reach out to the general people to garner support for Assam’s National Register of Citizens. BJP is likely to score brownie points over TMC on NRC issue after Banerjee faced flak over her U-turn. Mamata, in 2005, had favoured NRC in West Bengal, claiming that the illegal immigrants in Bangladesh had spelt disaster for West Bengal. However, this year she opposed the Assam’s National Register of Citizens. West Bengal is crucial for the BJP for its growth in the Lok Sabha elections and the party is targetting at least 22 seats in the state. Meanwhile, TMC, confident of triggering a revolution by uniting the opposition to defeat the BJP in 2019, is putting its best efforts to maintain its stronghold in the state. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee plans to take on BJP in West Bengal

What will former President Pranab Mukherji say at the RSS function tomorrow is less of a talk, more of a horrified reaction within Congress. It seems that some of the senior leaders, despite the party's loss in 2014 elections, are living in a political cocoon untouched by the transformation Indian politics has gone through.

The RSS-BJP combine has electorate's legitimacy, and nothing matters more than it. The touch-me-not posture of some of the leaders comes across as childish and undemocratic. It reminds me of a famous quote: "If popular sentiments globally have become illiberal then liberal response has become undemocratic."

Congress has fallen into the same trap. Rather than responding to the situation, the party has reacted and handed over a plate of opportunity to the RSS-BJP combine. It makes RSS looks grand and inclusive and grudging Congressmen as tiny tot intellectuals.

There is no doubt that this interaction is part of the hunt for social legitimacy which has been denied to RSS post Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. It remains a sore point for RSS since then. It is this very social and intellectual boycott of RSS which eventually spurned them to erect their own ideation platforms like India Foundation and multiple allied organisations working in various social sectors.

The RSS might cloak invitation to Pranab Mukherji as regular interaction, but it is part of their outreach programme. The effort has become intense and expansive after the 2014 victory. The confidence stems from the verdict which gave BJP simple majority and RSS much awaited opportunity to pursue its goals unbridled in cultural and social sphere which was curtailed because of the compulsion of the coalition politics during Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

On the other hand, consternation within Congress is neither politically savvy nor grounded in intellectual brilliance. It looks more of a knee jerk reaction to BJP's politically ugly and intolerant campaign of 'Congress Mukt Bharat'.

A sensible way of dealing with a former stalwart would have been to make use of the opportunity. Congress should have taken the position that RSS ultimately had to borrow wisdom from a Congressman and they welcome it. They should have said that in all sincerity RSS should listen to wise words of Congressman Pranab Mukherji. They should have said that we hope that RSS shines in Pranab's intellectual glory. The message would have stopped RSS in its track.

Today the response looks childish as RSS's hunt for social legitimacy did not begin with Pranab and will neither end there.

It is also foolish if someone within the RSS is of the view that Pranab Mukherji's visit is an affirmation of their ideology. Pranab Mukherji's visit must be understood in the Indian cultural context where scholars and religious figures have constantly debated and argued the idea of God with each other.

The idea of an ideological enemy is a western import. It is the BJP which pushed this thought electorally when it spoke about Congress Mukt Bharat and Congress should have used this opportunity to expose BJP-RSS double standards. Instead, touch-me-not, elitist attitude of some of the party leaders ended up creating a wrong public impression.

Lastly, a letter shot of by one of the former Congress minister shows selective use of history. Though it is the BJP which generally resorts to selective use of history when it comes to freedom struggle and appropriating founding fathers. This time, it has happened from the other side.

Ambedkar's differences with Gandhi and Nehru were as acute as his abhorrence for the type of Hinduism advocated by the RSS. Ambedkar quit Congress over difference with Nehru. Ambedkar fought with Gandhi. All of this had nothing to do with the RSS.

If Congress wants to stand up to the challenge led by RSS-BJP, then it should stay away from drawing discussions on nationalism and political untouchability and remain focused on farm issues which today is BJP's Achilles Heel. Opposition for opposition sake does not work in long run and legitimacy ultimately flow from the electorate.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ZMCL)

The RSS might cloak invitation to Pranab Mukherji as regular interaction, but it is part of their outreach programme.

What will former President Pranab Mukherji say at the RSS function tomorrow is less of a talk, more of a horrified reaction within Congress. It seems that some of the senior leaders, despite the party's loss in 2014 elections, are living in a political cocoon untouched by the transformation Indian politics has gone through. The RSS-BJP combine has electorate's legitimacy, and nothing matters more than it. The touch-me-not posture of some of the leaders comes across as childish and undemocratic. It reminds me of a famous quote: "If popular sentiments globally have become illiberal then liberal response has become undemocratic." Congress has fallen into the same trap. Rather than responding to the situation, the party has reacted and handed over a plate of opportunity to the RSS-BJP combine. It makes RSS looks grand and inclusive and grudging Congressmen as tiny tot intellectuals. There is no doubt that this interaction is part of the hunt for social legitimacy which has been denied to RSS post Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. It remains a sore point for RSS since then. It is this very social and intellectual boycott of RSS which eventually spurned them to erect their own ideation platforms like India Foundation and multiple allied organisations working in various social sectors. The RSS might cloak invitation to Pranab Mukherji as regular interaction, but it is part of their outreach programme. The effort has become intense and expansive after the 2014 victory. The confidence stems from the verdict which gave BJP simple majority and RSS much awaited opportunity to pursue its goals unbridled in cultural and social sphere which was curtailed because of the compulsion of the coalition politics during Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On the other hand, consternation within Congress is neither politically savvy nor grounded in intellectual brilliance. It looks more of a knee jerk reaction to BJP's politically ugly and intolerant campaign of 'Congress Mukt Bharat'. A sensible way of dealing with a former stalwart would have been to make use of the opportunity. Congress should have taken the position that RSS ultimately had to borrow wisdom from a Congressman and they welcome it. They should have said that in all sincerity RSS should listen to wise words of Congressman Pranab Mukherji. They should have said that we hope that RSS shines in Pranab's intellectual glory. The message would have stopped RSS in its track. Today the response looks childish as RSS's hunt for social legitimacy did not begin with Pranab and will neither end there. It is also foolish if someone within the RSS is of the view that Pranab Mukherji's visit is an affirmation of their ideology. Pranab Mukherji's visit must be understood in the Indian cultural context where scholars and religious figures have constantly debated and argued the idea of God with each other. The idea of an ideological enemy is a western import. It is the BJP which pushed this thought electorally when it spoke about Congress Mukt Bharat and Congress should have used this opportunity to expose BJP-RSS double standards. Instead, touch-me-not, elitist attitude of some of the party leaders ended up creating a wrong public impression. Lastly, a letter shot of by one of the former Congress minister shows selective use of history. Though it is the BJP which generally resorts to selective use of history when it comes to freedom struggle and appropriating founding fathers. This time, it has happened from the other side. Ambedkar's differences with Gandhi and Nehru were as acute as his abhorrence for the type of Hinduism advocated by the RSS. Ambedkar quit Congress over difference with Nehru. Ambedkar fought with Gandhi. All of this had nothing to do with the RSS. If Congress wants to stand up to the challenge led by RSS-BJP, then it should stay away from drawing discussions on nationalism and political untouchability and remain focused on farm issues which today is BJP's Achilles Heel. Opposition for opposition sake does not work in long run and legitimacy ultimately flow from the electorate. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Hunt for social legitimacy by RSS and Congress's self-goal

Braving heavy rains, people turned out in large numbers to cast their franchise on Monday&nbsp;morning today as bypoll in the Chengannur Assembly constituency began.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala state assembly, Ramesh Chennithalawas among the early voters in the constituency, which had witnessed a fierce contest between all the three fronts in the run-up to the polls.

While CPM's Saji Cheriyan, the party's Alappuzha district secretary, is the candidate of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress leader D Vijayakumar is the United Democratic Front (UDF) nominee.

Former BJP president P S Sreedharan Pillai, is testing his luck once again from the constituency.

The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA K K Ramachandran Nair (CPM) in January this year due to illness.&nbsp;The outcome of the bypoll is widely seen as a referendum of the performance of the Pinarayi Vijayan led government in the state and Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

The nearly two-month-long electioneering witnessed an unparalleled fierce campaign by the fronts, who used all means to launch attacks against each other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA K K Ramachandran Nair (CPM) in January this year due to illness.

Braving heavy rains, people turned out in large numbers to cast their franchise on Monday morning today as bypoll in the Chengannur Assembly constituency began. Leader of Opposition in the Kerala state assembly, Ramesh Chennithalawas among the early voters in the constituency, which had witnessed a fierce contest between all the three fronts in the run-up to the polls. While CPM's Saji Cheriyan, the party's Alappuzha district secretary, is the candidate of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress leader D Vijayakumar is the United Democratic Front (UDF) nominee. Former BJP president P S Sreedharan Pillai, is testing his luck once again from the constituency. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA K K Ramachandran Nair (CPM) in January this year due to illness. The outcome of the bypoll is widely seen as a referendum of the performance of the Pinarayi Vijayan led government in the state and Narendra Modi government at the Centre. The nearly two-month-long electioneering witnessed an unparalleled fierce campaign by the fronts, who used all means to launch attacks against each other.

Bypolls: Despite rain, large voter turnout in Chengannur Assembly constituency

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S.

Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country.

He spoke to WION on a plethora of issue ranging from the Lingayats to a separate state flag for Karnataka to Bengaluru's dying lakes. Siddaramaiah's entire interview to WION follows:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Q: What makes you so confident that Congress can buck the trend of Karnataka not giving a repeat term to any government?

A: We have given good governance. Law and order is much better than previous governments. Lot of investments have come to Karnataka which is far better than other states. So, we have done well on many fronts.

Q: How have schemes like Indira Canteen and Anna Bhagya done?

A: Four crore people of Karnataka have benefitted from Anna Bhagya scheme. Seven kg of rice per head is being given free of cost. We are the only government distributing rice free of cost. We are also giving five rupees subsidy per litre to milk farmers. We are giving loans to farmers without interest up to three lakh. Certain categories of loans have been waived. We are giving milk to 1.2 crore schoolgoing children. We have taken up a number of welfare schemes to help poor. Similar support is also being extended in the education sector. We have also provided laptops. This budget, I announced that girl students will be given free education and also free bus pass to students coming to schools.

Q: What have you done in the agriculture sector and secondly, there was a lot of acrimony between you and the Centre over the issue of fund allocation?

A: Centre provided us money under norms. We were facing unprecedented drought but still they gave us funds according to the norms. Centre did not provide us additional funds. I even requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to waive the loans but prime minister did not agree.

Q: Are you saying that Karnataka was discriminated against?

A: &nbsp;As per the NDRF funds are concerned, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu got more funds than us. Karnataka is getting less funds. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-mos-to-wion-ruling-party-not-facing-anti-incumbency-for-first-time-in-30-years-130659">It is discrimination</a>. I requested the Prime Minister to set aside the injustice being done to Karnataka.

Q: You had strong issues pertaining to the 15th Finance Commission?

A: Population cannot be a criteria for fund. UP and Bihar have not implemented family programme and they are getting more money. We have implemented it and we are ending up getting less money. It is not fair.

Q: Why did you shift your seat?

A: Two years back, my son was looking after the constituency and I had announced that I’m not going to fight the elections. My son passed away last year and my second son started looking after the constituency. Now people want him to contest. Chamundeshwari was my old constituency. I have successfully contested elections from the seat. I have been in touch with the people. It is a neighbouring constituency.

Q: The BJP and JD-S are happy as they feel they can tie the chief minister down to a single seat?

A: They are living in an illusion. They cannot tie me down to a seat. They are trying to defeat me. BJP and JD-S were together in a coalition. I contested as an independent when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and Yeddyurappa was the deputy CM. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy sat there for days. Even then, I got elected.

Q: Are you worried about the infighting which has erupted post ticket distribution in the Congress?

A: Only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-struggles-to-contain-dissent-in-karnataka-congress-after-ticket-distribution-130902">four or five constituencies are affected</a>. But we are trying to tackle the issue.

Q: Do you feel that the southern perspective of a strong cultural identity of a state does not match with the northern experience of a Union?

A: The states were recognised on the basis of languages and it should remain supreme in each state. We are in federal structure and we want our language to be respected. Regional languages should reign supreme. Likewise, Lingayat religious issue was not created by us.

It was established by Basvanna in 12th century. The community wants a separate tag. All the representatives of the community met me two years ago. They said that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are separate. I referred the matter to the state Minority Commission. &nbsp;The Minority Commission, in turn, constituted an expert committee under a high court judge whose recommendation was accepted by us and which we forwarded to the Centre.

Q: The BJP says this is divide and rule...

A: This proposal also existed during BJP’s regime. We did not initiate it. In this context, they had met both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi.

Q: What about the flag?

A: Is there a provision that states should not have own flag? In the United States, every state has its own flag so why not Karnataka. The national flag is flying above the state flag. We can have a state flag.

Q: Has Siddaramaiah become a symbol of regional pride?

A: I’m proud to say that I’m a Kannadiga and am proud to be a symbol of Kannadiga pride.

Q: Congress is organisationally weak and Modi, on the other hand, has the capacity to turn around an election? Can Modi do a Gujarat in Karnataka?&nbsp;

A: Karnataka cannot be compared with Gujarat. BJP was in power in Gujarat. Our party structure was not strong in Gujarat. Compared to previous elections, our performance was good in Gujarat. BJP cannot play a communal card in the state. People like secularism here and they will not tolerate communal card.

Q: Is Karnataka going to be an antidote to the BJP’s cultural nationalism?

A: Karnataka is being looked at by the entire country. Congress will come to power and will prove to be a stepping stone for the national politics. Modi’s government has failed. They have not fulfilled a single promise to the people of Karnataka. Look what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra Babu Nadu is saying. Modi could not even keep the promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Q: Is the Third Front a good idea for the Congress?

A: Congress and all like-minded parties should come together and fight communal elements and Congress must take a leading role.

Q: Is this election about Siddaramaiah vs Modi or Siddaramaiah vs Yeddyurappa?

A: This election is about me and Yeddyurappa. This election is about the people of Karnataka. People have to choose between me and Yeddyurappa and not Modi.

Q: I think you forgot about the JD-S. Surveys have shown strong Vokaligga consolidation for the JD-S?

A: JD-S is a regional party confined to six to seven districts in southern Karnataka. Their presence is meagre in the northern part of the state. They cannot win more than 20 to 25 seats.

Q: There was a time when Kumaraswamy went on to become the chief minister?

A: Kumaraswamy is an illusion. He is thinking of a hung assembly where he thinks that he will get to play the role of a kingmaker. This situation will not arise at all. Congress party is going to form the government in Karnataka.

Q: Don’t you think that the JD-S has been able to use the Cauvery issue?

A: How will it help JD-S? There was a tribunal order and the Karnataka government went in for appeal against it to the Supreme Court. The judgement of the tribunal was modified. 14.75 TMC of water was additionally allotted to us. JD-S cannot take advantage of this issue. People of Karnataka were happy with the Cauvery judgement.

Q: So the JD-S is not a player in the state?

A: They are not our main rival. In the&nbsp;north, we fight BJP and in south Karnataka, JD-S.

Q: What has your administration done to curb the violence rocking coastal Karnataka?

A: BJP is trying to mislead people. Law and Order situation is good in the coastal areas. They claim that 24 BJP workers have been killed by SDPI. It is not correct. Yes, 12 BJP workers have died and rest belong to other groups. It is claimed that all of them are BJP workers which is not true. Some of them were not even communal clashes.

Q: Rationalists have been targeted in your state? What have you done to protect them?

A: It is not only in Karnataka. People were also targeted in Maharashtra. The investigation is going on. They are organised criminals. In Gauri Lankesh’s case, there is considerable progress. Kalburgi’s case has already been referred to the CBI.

Q: The dying lakes of Bengaluru get a lot of global attention. What have you done to save them and what do you intend to do?

A: We have to provide world-class infrastructure to Bengaluru. All the lakes have to be developed and beautified. We need to tackle the garbage problem including congestion. These are the urgent urban issues which we intend to solve if we come to power again. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What should the Congress do to revive itself nationally? What is your advice to Rahul Gandhi?

A: Electoral victory in Karnataka will revive the Congress Party nationally. We will capture power in the Centre. Modi’s popularity is declining quickly. They will not win 2019 elections. BJP will not make it to the Centre again. Like-minded parties must come together to defeat BJP for Lok Sabha elections.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah added that like-minded parties must come together to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country. He spoke to WION on a plethora of issue ranging from the Lingayats to a separate state flag for Karnataka to Bengaluru's dying lakes. Siddaramaiah's entire interview to WION follows: Q: What makes you so confident that Congress can buck the trend of Karnataka not giving a repeat term to any government? A: We have given good governance. Law and order is much better than previous governments. Lot of investments have come to Karnataka which is far better than other states. So, we have done well on many fronts. Q: How have schemes like Indira Canteen and Anna Bhagya done? A: Four crore people of Karnataka have benefitted from Anna Bhagya scheme. Seven kg of rice per head is being given free of cost. We are the only government distributing rice free of cost. We are also giving five rupees subsidy per litre to milk farmers. We are giving loans to farmers without interest up to three lakh. Certain categories of loans have been waived. We are giving milk to 1.2 crore schoolgoing children. We have taken up a number of welfare schemes to help poor. Similar support is also being extended in the education sector. We have also provided laptops. This budget, I announced that girl students will be given free education and also free bus pass to students coming to schools. Q: What have you done in the agriculture sector and secondly, there was a lot of acrimony between you and the Centre over the issue of fund allocation? A: Centre provided us money under norms. We were facing unprecedented drought but still they gave us funds according to the norms. Centre did not provide us additional funds. I even requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to waive the loans but prime minister did not agree. Q: Are you saying that Karnataka was discriminated against? A: As per the NDRF funds are concerned, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu got more funds than us. Karnataka is getting less funds. It is discrimination. I requested the Prime Minister to set aside the injustice being done to Karnataka. Q: You had strong issues pertaining to the 15th Finance Commission? A: Population cannot be a criteria for fund. UP and Bihar have not implemented family programme and they are getting more money. We have implemented it and we are ending up getting less money. It is not fair. Q: Why did you shift your seat? A: Two years back, my son was looking after the constituency and I had announced that I’m not going to fight the elections. My son passed away last year and my second son started looking after the constituency. Now people want him to contest. Chamundeshwari was my old constituency. I have successfully contested elections from the seat. I have been in touch with the people. It is a neighbouring constituency. Q: The BJP and JD-S are happy as they feel they can tie the chief minister down to a single seat? A: They are living in an illusion. They cannot tie me down to a seat. They are trying to defeat me. BJP and JD-S were together in a coalition. I contested as an independent when Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and Yeddyurappa was the deputy CM. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy sat there for days. Even then, I got elected. Q: Are you worried about the infighting which has erupted post ticket distribution in the Congress? A: Only four or five constituencies are affected. But we are trying to tackle the issue. Q: Do you feel that the southern perspective of a strong cultural identity of a state does not match with the northern experience of a Union? A: The states were recognised on the basis of languages and it should remain supreme in each state. We are in federal structure and we want our language to be respected. Regional languages should reign supreme. Likewise, Lingayat religious issue was not created by us. It was established by Basvanna in 12th century. The community wants a separate tag. All the representatives of the community met me two years ago. They said that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are separate. I referred the matter to the state Minority Commission. The Minority Commission, in turn, constituted an expert committee under a high court judge whose recommendation was accepted by us and which we forwarded to the Centre. Q: The BJP says this is divide and rule... A: This proposal also existed during BJP’s regime. We did not initiate it. In this context, they had met both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. Q: What about the flag? A: Is there a provision that states should not have own flag? In the United States, every state has its own flag so why not Karnataka. The national flag is flying above the state flag. We can have a state flag. Q: Has Siddaramaiah become a symbol of regional pride? A: I’m proud to say that I’m a Kannadiga and am proud to be a symbol of Kannadiga pride. Q: Congress is organisationally weak and Modi, on the other hand, has the capacity to turn around an election? Can Modi do a Gujarat in Karnataka? A: Karnataka cannot be compared with Gujarat. BJP was in power in Gujarat. Our party structure was not strong in Gujarat. Compared to previous elections, our performance was good in Gujarat. BJP cannot play a communal card in the state. People like secularism here and they will not tolerate communal card. Q: Is Karnataka going to be an antidote to the BJP’s cultural nationalism? A: Karnataka is being looked at by the entire country. Congress will come to power and will prove to be a stepping stone for the national politics. Modi’s government has failed. They have not fulfilled a single promise to the people of Karnataka. Look what Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra Babu Nadu is saying. Modi could not even keep the promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh. Q: Is the Third Front a good idea for the Congress? A: Congress and all like-minded parties should come together and fight communal elements and Congress must take a leading role. Q: Is this election about Siddaramaiah vs Modi or Siddaramaiah vs Yeddyurappa? A: This election is about me and Yeddyurappa. This election is about the people of Karnataka. People have to choose between me and Yeddyurappa and not Modi. Q: I think you forgot about the JD-S. Surveys have shown strong Vokaligga consolidation for the JD-S? A: JD-S is a regional party confined to six to seven districts in southern Karnataka. Their presence is meagre in the northern part of the state. They cannot win more than 20 to 25 seats. Q: There was a time when Kumaraswamy went on to become the chief minister? A: Kumaraswamy is an illusion. He is thinking of a hung assembly where he thinks that he will get to play the role of a kingmaker. This situation will not arise at all. Congress party is going to form the government in Karnataka. Q: Don’t you think that the JD-S has been able to use the Cauvery issue? A: How will it help JD-S? There was a tribunal order and the Karnataka government went in for appeal against it to the Supreme Court. The judgement of the tribunal was modified. 14.75 TMC of water was additionally allotted to us. JD-S cannot take advantage of this issue. People of Karnataka were happy with the Cauvery judgement. Q: So the JD-S is not a player in the state? A: They are not our main rival. In the north, we fight BJP and in south Karnataka, JD-S. Q: What has your administration done to curb the violence rocking coastal Karnataka? A: BJP is trying to mislead people. Law and Order situation is good in the coastal areas. They claim that 24 BJP workers have been killed by SDPI. It is not correct. Yes, 12 BJP workers have died and rest belong to other groups. It is claimed that all of them are BJP workers which is not true. Some of them were not even communal clashes. Q: Rationalists have been targeted in your state? What have you done to protect them? A: It is not only in Karnataka. People were also targeted in Maharashtra. The investigation is going on. They are organised criminals. In Gauri Lankesh’s case, there is considerable progress. Kalburgi’s case has already been referred to the CBI. Q: The dying lakes of Bengaluru get a lot of global attention. What have you done to save them and what do you intend to do? A: We have to provide world-class infrastructure to Bengaluru. All the lakes have to be developed and beautified. We need to tackle the garbage problem including congestion. These are the urgent urban issues which we intend to solve if we come to power again. Q: What should the Congress do to revive itself nationally? What is your advice to Rahul Gandhi? A: Electoral victory in Karnataka will revive the Congress Party nationally. We will capture power in the Centre. Modi’s popularity is declining quickly. They will not win 2019 elections. BJP will not make it to the Centre again. Like-minded parties must come together to defeat BJP for Lok Sabha elections.

Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded a conciliatory note for its ally Shiv Sena when he hinted that BJP will jointly contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Uddhav Thackeray's party.

Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut interviewed him.

"The Shiv Sena may be a party led by Uddhav Thackeray, but it is run on the ethos of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Looking at the current situation, I can say that all secular, but Hindutva parties will come together to counter the pseudo-secular opposition parties," Fadnavis said. "This was Balasaheb's thinking as well," he added.

When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four more seats.

"We had offered you 147 seats, but you were adamant on 151. Had you accepted our offer, the Sena would have got more seats than the BJP (in the ensuing Assembly polls), and either Uddhavji or you would have become the CM," Fadnavis retorted.

Raut also asked Fadnavis how he knew the Sena's future plans when he could not even predict the next move of the RSS.

"The Shiv Sena is a political party and hence it is easy to predict what it will do in future. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not have any political compulsions. Its programmes are fixed at times a year in advance and it executes them as per their schedule," Fadnavis said.

He denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP chief Amit Shah hold the "remote control" of the Maharashtra government.

Fadnavis also refuted allegations that he has failed as the state's home minister, saying the conviction rate is important and not the crime rate.

"In the last three years, we have taken the rate of conviction to 32 per cent from 8 per cent. That is my achievement.... (late NCP leader and former home minister) R R Patil had once told me that the CM must keep the Home portfolio with himself, because most of the decisions of the department are given a final nod by the CM," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said.

Fadnavis also appealed to all political parties to introspect whether they were glorifying criminals by inducting them. People too should decide if such criminals should be elected, he said.

When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sounded a conciliatory note for its ally Shiv Sena when he hinted that BJP will jointly contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections with Uddhav Thackeray's party. Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday where Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut interviewed him. "The Shiv Sena may be a party led by Uddhav Thackeray, but it is run on the ethos of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Looking at the current situation, I can say that all secular, but Hindutva parties will come together to counter the pseudo-secular opposition parties," Fadnavis said. "This was Balasaheb's thinking as well," he added. When Raut asked him why Bal Thackeray's ideology was forgotten by the BJP in 2014 when it snapped ties with the Sena, Fadnavis blamed the estranged ally for being adamant for just four more seats. "We had offered you 147 seats, but you were adamant on 151. Had you accepted our offer, the Sena would have got more seats than the BJP (in the ensuing Assembly polls), and either Uddhavji or you would have become the CM," Fadnavis retorted. Raut also asked Fadnavis how he knew the Sena's future plans when he could not even predict the next move of the RSS. "The Shiv Sena is a political party and hence it is easy to predict what it will do in future. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not have any political compulsions. Its programmes are fixed at times a year in advance and it executes them as per their schedule," Fadnavis said. He denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP chief Amit Shah hold the "remote control" of the Maharashtra government. Fadnavis also refuted allegations that he has failed as the state's home minister, saying the conviction rate is important and not the crime rate. "In the last three years, we have taken the rate of conviction to 32 per cent from 8 per cent. That is my achievement.... (late NCP leader and former home minister) R R Patil had once told me that the CM must keep the Home portfolio with himself, because most of the decisions of the department are given a final nod by the CM," the Maharashtra Chief Minister said. Fadnavis also appealed to all political parties to introspect whether they were glorifying criminals by inducting them. People too should decide if such criminals should be elected, he said.

Devendra Fadnavis subtly hints at BJP-Shiv Sena tie-up for 2019 polls

Opposition leaders came together in Mumbai for a march on Friday which began from B R Ambedkar&#39;s statue near the state secretariat in the afternoon.

Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, D Raja, Hardik Patel, Omar Abdullah, Dinesh Trivedi and Sushilkumar Shinde took part in the &#39;Save Constitution&#39; march.

&quot;Since 1947, we have been deriving our identity from the Indian Constitution. We all have come here to send across a message that to save the country, the constitution should be protected,&quot; former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said after the march.

Earlier, the leaders met at the official residence of Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in south Mumbai.

Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sharad Yadav (rebel JD-U leader), D Raja (CPI), Hardik Patel (Gujarat&#39;s Patidar leader), Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamool Congress) and Sushilkumar Shinde (Congress) attended the meeting.

The &#39;Save Constitution&#39; march is being seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP parties ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Independent MP from Maharashtra Raju Shetti, the convener of the &#39;Save Constitution&#39; march, who was also present at the meeting, said participants gathered near the Ambedkar statue and began walking towards Shivaji Maharaj statue at the Gateway of India.

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam also joined the march.

The Maharashtra unit of the BJP has, meanwhile, organised &#39;Tiranga Yatra&#39; in the city on Friday to counter the opposition event.

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar said that several ministers, MPs and MLAs will participate in the Yatra.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will address the gathering when it converges at Kamgar Maidan, he said.

The procession will start from Chaityabhumi, the memorial of B R Ambedkar in Dadar, before reaching Kamgar Maidan in central Mumbai.

Earlier, the leaders met at the official residence of Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in south Mumbai.

Opposition leaders came together in Mumbai for a march on Friday which began from B R Ambedkar's statue near the state secretariat in the afternoon. Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, D Raja, Hardik Patel, Omar Abdullah, Dinesh Trivedi and Sushilkumar Shinde took part in the 'Save Constitution' march. "Since 1947, we have been deriving our identity from the Indian Constitution. We all have come here to send across a message that to save the country, the constitution should be protected," former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said after the march. Earlier, the leaders met at the official residence of Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in south Mumbai. Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sharad Yadav (rebel JD-U leader), D Raja (CPI), Hardik Patel (Gujarat's Patidar leader), Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamool Congress) and Sushilkumar Shinde (Congress) attended the meeting. The 'Save Constitution' march is being seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP parties ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Independent MP from Maharashtra Raju Shetti, the convener of the 'Save Constitution' march, who was also present at the meeting, said participants gathered near the Ambedkar statue and began walking towards Shivaji Maharaj statue at the Gateway of India. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam also joined the march. The Maharashtra unit of the BJP has, meanwhile, organised 'Tiranga Yatra' in the city on Friday to counter the opposition event. Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar said that several ministers, MPs and MLAs will participate in the Yatra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will address the gathering when it converges at Kamgar Maidan, he said. The procession will start from Chaityabhumi, the memorial of B R Ambedkar in Dadar, before reaching Kamgar Maidan in central Mumbai.

Opposition leaders march together in Mumbai, setting tone for 2019 polls

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