BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest.

Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state.&nbsp;

"Upar Modi, neechey Yogi (Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as chief minister). This general election will be Modi versus the rest," he said, adding that this would be the poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh.

"The BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons, of parivaarvad. Yogi has tackled land mafia in Uttar Pradesh. Goons are now scared of cops," the BJP chief said.

Shah said crime was under control in the state after Yogi Adityanath government came to power.

Slamming the alliance between the SP and the BSP for the parliamentary polls, he said, "We will put Aligarh locks on their shop. BJP workers will put Aligarh locks on the shop of Buaa-Bhatija (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav)."

Aligarh is known for locks, now a dying industry.

Shah said, "Reporters often ask me that when buaa and bhatija have come together, then how 74 seats will be won in UP? I say that if you see the sea of party workers, you will come to know that from where 74 seats will come."

The BJP is different from other parties, as victory is guaranteed by the booth level workers and not by any one leader, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest. Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest. Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state. "Upar Modi, neechey Yogi (Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as chief minister). This general election will be Modi versus the rest," he said, adding that this would be the poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh. "The BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons, of parivaarvad. Yogi has tackled land mafia in Uttar Pradesh. Goons are now scared of cops," the BJP chief said. Shah said crime was under control in the state after Yogi Adityanath government came to power. Slamming the alliance between the SP and the BSP for the parliamentary polls, he said, "We will put Aligarh locks on their shop. BJP workers will put Aligarh locks on the shop of Buaa-Bhatija (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav)." Aligarh is known for locks, now a dying industry. Shah said, "Reporters often ask me that when buaa and bhatija have come together, then how 74 seats will be won in UP? I say that if you see the sea of party workers, you will come to know that from where 74 seats will come." The BJP is different from other parties, as victory is guaranteed by the booth level workers and not by any one leader, he said. Amit Shah,BJP President in Aligarh: BJP's stand is clear that Ram Temple will be built in that very place in Ayodhya. SP, BSP and Congress should clear their agenda, whether they want the construction of Ram Mandir or not. pic.twitter.com/DZSV3mPGLG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 6, 2019 ×

Lok Sabha polls will be Modi vs the rest: BJP chief Shah in Aligarh

Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls.

"Bilkul, hum 2019 mein chunav ladenge (I will definitely contest the 2019 elections)," Patel told reporters in Lucknow when asked if would take a plunge into electoral politics.

On joining the Congress, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader said he would take a decision about it later.

Congress sources said negotiations were on with Patel about his joining the party to fight the elections. He might contest the elections from Mehsana or Amreli seat, which have a strong presence of the Patel community, party leaders said.

But Patel has been barred from entering Mehsana by a court in a case of violence during the 2015 Patidar agitation, party sources said. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order.

"If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him," they said.

Congress leaders, however, did not rule out the possibility of the PAAS leader contesting the election as an Independent candidate with the party's outside support.

Patel's entry into electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

"After the Centre granted 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS), it was our wish that Hardik should contest the Lok Sabha polls and take ahead the cause of our community," PAAS leader Dharmik Malaviya said.

Since Hardik has crossed the age of 25, he is eligible to contest elections now, he added.

Patel came into limelight for leading strident protests in the state over his community's demand to get reservation in education and jobs. Clashes had broken out during the quota agitation led by Patel on August 25, 2015, leading to the death of 14 people and large-scale destruction of public property.

The Patidar leader was slapped with sedition and other charges. He was in jail for nine months, before being released on bail in July 2016. 
Before the state Assembly election in December 2017, Patel had declared support to the Congress.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls.

Firebrand Patidar community leader Hardik Patel announced on Wednesday that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Although Patel did not specify whether he would join any political party or contest as an Independent, sources in the Congress claimed that he is likely to join the party to fight the polls. "Bilkul, hum 2019 mein chunav ladenge (I will definitely contest the 2019 elections)," Patel told reporters in Lucknow when asked if would take a plunge into electoral politics. On joining the Congress, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader said he would take a decision about it later. Congress sources said negotiations were on with Patel about his joining the party to fight the elections. He might contest the elections from Mehsana or Amreli seat, which have a strong presence of the Patel community, party leaders said. But Patel has been barred from entering Mehsana by a court in a case of violence during the 2015 Patidar agitation, party sources said. He had filed a plea in the Gujarat high court against the lower court order. "If the HC vacates the ban on his entry into Mehsana district, he is most likely to contest from Mehsana (in north Gujarat).... Amreli (in Saurasthra) is another seat which has been offered to him," they said. Congress leaders, however, did not rule out the possibility of the PAAS leader contesting the election as an Independent candidate with the party's outside support. Patel's entry into electoral fray will have an impact in Gujarat, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been winning assembly elections since 1995. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state. "After the Centre granted 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS), it was our wish that Hardik should contest the Lok Sabha polls and take ahead the cause of our community," PAAS leader Dharmik Malaviya said. Since Hardik has crossed the age of 25, he is eligible to contest elections now, he added. Patel came into limelight for leading strident protests in the state over his community's demand to get reservation in education and jobs. Clashes had broken out during the quota agitation led by Patel on August 25, 2015, leading to the death of 14 people and large-scale destruction of public property. The Patidar leader was slapped with sedition and other charges. He was in jail for nine months, before being released on bail in July 2016. Before the state Assembly election in December 2017, Patel had declared support to the Congress.

Hardik Patel to fight Lok Sabha polls, Congress says may join party

The CBI-Kolkata Police row Monday washed out proceedings in both houses of Parliament, even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the developments in West Bengal as "unprecedented" and warned that the Centre has powers to take action.

After repeated adjournments, both the houses were adjourned for the day.

 
In the Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress members were joined in their protest by members of the Congress, BJD, NCP, SP and RJD who spoke out against the Centre over developments in West Bengal, with many of them alleging that the Narendra Modi government was misusing the CBI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee</a> Sunday began a sit-in protest in Kolkata over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams.

A CBI team, which went to Kumar's residence in the city's Loudon Street area, was denied permission, bundled into police jeeps and whisked to a police station on Sunday.

Amid noisy protests by Trinamool Congress members, Singh told the Lok Sabha that it was "unprecedented" that the CBI was stopped from lawfully doing its duty when it wanted to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar regarding chit fund scams on Sunday.

In the first reaction from the Centre on the incident, the Home Minister said the CBI team wanted to question Kumar as he was "not cooperating".

Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal system of the country.

"There may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he said.

"Whatever happened on Sunday, it indicates a constitutional breakdown," Singh said amid din in the House.

He also said that a report has been sought from the Governor. 
The home minister hoped that the West Bengal government, as well as other state governments, provide a conducive atmosphere for law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties.

Earlier, opposition parties in Lok Sabha attacked the government over the alleged misuse of central agencies against political rivals, saying it was against democratic norms.

Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy said there is a crisis in West Bengal and that the Centre was "misusing" the CBI to politically capture the state. 
While alleging that the Centre was "constantly using the CBI to throttle the Opposition", Roy said the party is strongly protesting with all forces at its command.

BJD leader B Mahtab said the incident smacks of impropriety and also questions the integrity of the CBI.

"We are not a banana republic...," he said, adding the CBI is becoming a "political stooge and political weapon" in the hands of the Centre. 
Stressing that the CBI should be a professional organisation, Mahtab charged that there have been attempts in Odisha by the probe agency to defame the BJD.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge charged that the government was using the CBI as a weapon to finish the Opposition and put in place an autocratic regime.

Referring to alleged misuse of the CBI, Kharge said such things have happened not only in West Bengal but also in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Neither the people nor any party would bow down before such actions, he added.

NCP leader Supriya Sule said her party is condemning the CBI for allegedly using its muscle power against a woman chief minister. 
Dharmendra Yadav (SP) and Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) also spoke against the Centre.

CPI-M member Badaruddoza Khan said both the Trinamool Congress and the Centre were at fault, adding the CBI did not take action during the last four years.

Saumitra Khan, who won on a Trinamool Congress ticket and had recently joined the BJP, also spoke.

Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes with proceedings washed out amid ruckus by Trinamool Congress members over the issue of alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre.

As soon as the House assembled, slogan shouting by TMC members on the issue resulted in adjournment of the House till 2 PM.

The same situation prevailed when the House resumed in the afternoon. 
TMC leader Derek O'Brien had moved a notice for discussion on the issue. But he was told by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he can raise this issue during Zero Hour as also during the motion of thanks to the President's address.

In the meanwhile, TMC and SP members trooped into the well and started raising slogans.

The chairman said, "You don't want discussion. You don't want to speak in reply to the motion of thanks (to President's address)".

When TMC members did not show any signs of relenting, Naidu adjourned the House for the day.

In Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar made a plea to agitating members to go back to their seats, stating it was time for motion of thanks on the President's address.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said as the CBI matter is already in the Supreme Court, the court should be allowed to take a call.

The Speaker allowed Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy to speak about the incident in Kolkata involving the CBI and the Kolkata Police.

BJD leader B Mahtab, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and those from the Left, SP, NCP and RJD also spoke against the Centre during the Zero Hour.

When Home Minister Rajnath Singh started to speak on the issue, Trinamool Congress members trooped into the Well and began shouting slogans. Some of them were also seen clapping.

Mahajan continued with the Zero Hour for less than ten minutes and as the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 PM.

Several political leaders, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and RJD national president Lalu Prasad have come out in support of Banerjee.

Gandhi had called up Banerjee and extended support to her, saying the entire opposition is together and will defeat "fascist" forces.

The CBI-Kolkata Police row Monday washed out proceedings in both houses of Parliament, even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the developments in West Bengal as "unprecedented" and warned that the Centre has powers to take action.

The CBI-Kolkata Police row Monday washed out proceedings in both houses of Parliament, even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the developments in West Bengal as "unprecedented" and warned that the Centre has powers to take action. After repeated adjournments, both the houses were adjourned for the day. In the Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress members were joined in their protest by members of the Congress, BJD, NCP, SP and RJD who spoke out against the Centre over developments in West Bengal, with many of them alleging that the Narendra Modi government was misusing the CBI. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee Sunday began a sit-in protest in Kolkata over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. A CBI team, which went to Kumar's residence in the city's Loudon Street area, was denied permission, bundled into police jeeps and whisked to a police station on Sunday. Amid noisy protests by Trinamool Congress members, Singh told the Lok Sabha that it was "unprecedented" that the CBI was stopped from lawfully doing its duty when it wanted to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar regarding chit fund scams on Sunday. In the first reaction from the Centre on the incident, the Home Minister said the CBI team wanted to question Kumar as he was "not cooperating". Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal system of the country. "There may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he said. "Whatever happened on Sunday, it indicates a constitutional breakdown," Singh said amid din in the House. He also said that a report has been sought from the Governor. The home minister hoped that the West Bengal government, as well as other state governments, provide a conducive atmosphere for law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties. Earlier, opposition parties in Lok Sabha attacked the government over the alleged misuse of central agencies against political rivals, saying it was against democratic norms. Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy said there is a crisis in West Bengal and that the Centre was "misusing" the CBI to politically capture the state. While alleging that the Centre was "constantly using the CBI to throttle the Opposition", Roy said the party is strongly protesting with all forces at its command. BJD leader B Mahtab said the incident smacks of impropriety and also questions the integrity of the CBI. "We are not a banana republic...," he said, adding the CBI is becoming a "political stooge and political weapon" in the hands of the Centre. Stressing that the CBI should be a professional organisation, Mahtab charged that there have been attempts in Odisha by the probe agency to defame the BJD. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge charged that the government was using the CBI as a weapon to finish the Opposition and put in place an autocratic regime. Referring to alleged misuse of the CBI, Kharge said such things have happened not only in West Bengal but also in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Neither the people nor any party would bow down before such actions, he added. NCP leader Supriya Sule said her party is condemning the CBI for allegedly using its muscle power against a woman chief minister. Dharmendra Yadav (SP) and Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) also spoke against the Centre. CPI-M member Badaruddoza Khan said both the Trinamool Congress and the Centre were at fault, adding the CBI did not take action during the last four years. Saumitra Khan, who won on a Trinamool Congress ticket and had recently joined the BJP, also spoke. Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes with proceedings washed out amid ruckus by Trinamool Congress members over the issue of alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre. As soon as the House assembled, slogan shouting by TMC members on the issue resulted in adjournment of the House till 2 PM. The same situation prevailed when the House resumed in the afternoon. TMC leader Derek O'Brien had moved a notice for discussion on the issue. But he was told by Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he can raise this issue during Zero Hour as also during the motion of thanks to the President's address. In the meanwhile, TMC and SP members trooped into the well and started raising slogans. The chairman said, "You don't want discussion. You don't want to speak in reply to the motion of thanks (to President's address)". When TMC members did not show any signs of relenting, Naidu adjourned the House for the day. In Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar made a plea to agitating members to go back to their seats, stating it was time for motion of thanks on the President's address. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said as the CBI matter is already in the Supreme Court, the court should be allowed to take a call. The Speaker allowed Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy to speak about the incident in Kolkata involving the CBI and the Kolkata Police. BJD leader B Mahtab, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and those from the Left, SP, NCP and RJD also spoke against the Centre during the Zero Hour. When Home Minister Rajnath Singh started to speak on the issue, Trinamool Congress members trooped into the Well and began shouting slogans. Some of them were also seen clapping. Mahajan continued with the Zero Hour for less than ten minutes and as the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 PM. Several political leaders, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and RJD national president Lalu Prasad have come out in support of Banerjee. Gandhi had called up Banerjee and extended support to her, saying the entire opposition is together and will defeat "fascist" forces.

Both houses of Parliament adjourned over CBI-Kolkata Police row

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength.

Addressing BJP booth workers at the Trishakti Sammelan, Shah said, "The aunt-nephew in Uttar Pradesh, who never saw eye-to-eye, united and came together on one platform. That itself speaks volumes about our strength, they had to unite because of us".

He further attacked the opposition parties, saying that they might actually benefit from chanting the name of God as many times as they talk about removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP president said that while in most other parties, the candidates for posts like party president and Prime Minister are chosen from a particular family, the BJP gives opportunities for common people to become the Prime Minister.

Shah hailed the work done by the Modi government in the last five years, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a landmark in medical relief for the poor.

"70 years since independence and the poor could not afford medical treatment. Modi ji implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and now, the government will pay the medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor," Shah said.

He also said that the interim budget presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal yesterday left the opposition perplexed. &nbsp;

"Modi ji's government has also exempted everyone with annual income below Rs 5 lakh from paying tax. There cannot be a bigger incentive for the middle class. His government also gave the country's largest Defence budget since Independence. The agro schemes announced will benefit up to 12 crore farmers," Shah said.

He said that the BJP government has also taken massive steps towards removing corruption.

"Rajiv Gandhi had said that when he sends a rupee from New Delhi, only 15 paise reaches the villages. Through the means of DBT, we are sending pensions and the financial benefits of various schemes directly to people's accounts," he said.

While saying that the "double engine" of BJP governments in the Centre and Uttarakhand has accelerated the state's welfare, Shah said Modi's re-election in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections is imperative for the country's ensured development and security.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength. Addressing BJP booth workers at the Trishakti Sammelan, Shah said, "The aunt-nephew in Uttar Pradesh, who never saw eye-to-eye, united and came together on one platform. That itself speaks volumes about our strength, they had to unite because of us". He further attacked the opposition parties, saying that they might actually benefit from chanting the name of God as many times as they talk about removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP president said that while in most other parties, the candidates for posts like party president and Prime Minister are chosen from a particular family, the BJP gives opportunities for common people to become the Prime Minister. Shah hailed the work done by the Modi government in the last five years, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a landmark in medical relief for the poor. "70 years since independence and the poor could not afford medical treatment. Modi ji implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and now, the government will pay the medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor," Shah said. He also said that the interim budget presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal yesterday left the opposition perplexed. "Modi ji's government has also exempted everyone with annual income below Rs 5 lakh from paying tax. There cannot be a bigger incentive for the middle class. His government also gave the country's largest Defence budget since Independence. The agro schemes announced will benefit up to 12 crore farmers," Shah said. He said that the BJP government has also taken massive steps towards removing corruption. "Rajiv Gandhi had said that when he sends a rupee from New Delhi, only 15 paise reaches the villages. Through the means of DBT, we are sending pensions and the financial benefits of various schemes directly to people's accounts," he said. While saying that the "double engine" of BJP governments in the Centre and Uttarakhand has accelerated the state's welfare, Shah said Modi's re-election in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections is imperative for the country's ensured development and security.

Their alliance proves our strength: Amit Shah on SP-BSP coming together

The Finance Ministry has declined to share copies of three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying they were being examined by a Parliamentary panel and disclosing details will cause a breach of privilege of the House.

These reports were submitted to the government more than four years ago. 
&nbsp; 
The UPA government had commissioned in 2011 the studies by the Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM) in Faridabad.

Replying to an RTI query, it said the study reports of the NIPFP, NCAER, and NIFM were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014, and August 21, 2014, respectively.

"The reports and government's response to it have been forwarded to Lok Sabha secretariat for placing them before the Standing Committee on Finance," the ministry said.

 
The Lok Sabha secretariat has informed that the same has been placed before the committee which will examine it, it said in a reply to an RTI application filed by this PTI correspondent.

It denied to share the copies of these reports, saying the disclosure would cause the breach of privilege of Parliament and, therefore, the information sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (c) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The section bars information, "the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament". The reports were submitted to the panel on July 21, 2017.

There is, at present, no official assessment of the quantum of black money in India and abroad.

According to a study by US-based think-tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), an estimated US$ 770 billion in black money entered India during 2005-2014.

Nearly US$ 165 billion in illicit money exited the country during the same period, the latest report by the global financial watchdog said.

"The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far, there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country," the Finance Ministry had said while ordering the studies in 2011.

These estimates were based on various unverifiable assumptions and approximations, it had said.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the studies included the assessment or survey of unaccounted income and wealth, and profiling the nature of activities engendering money laundering both within and outside the country.

The studies were to identify, among other issues, important sectors of the economy in which unaccounted money was generated and examine the causes and conditions that resulted in the generation.&nbsp;

The Finance Ministry has declined to share copies of three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying they were being examined by a Parliamentary panel and disclosing details will cause a breach of privilege of the House.

The Finance Ministry has declined to share copies of three reports on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying they were being examined by a Parliamentary panel and disclosing details will cause a breach of privilege of the House. These reports were submitted to the government more than four years ago. The UPA government had commissioned in 2011 the studies by the Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM) in Faridabad. Replying to an RTI query, it said the study reports of the NIPFP, NCAER, and NIFM were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014, and August 21, 2014, respectively. "The reports and government's response to it have been forwarded to Lok Sabha secretariat for placing them before the Standing Committee on Finance," the ministry said. The Lok Sabha secretariat has informed that the same has been placed before the committee which will examine it, it said in a reply to an RTI application filed by this PTI correspondent. It denied to share the copies of these reports, saying the disclosure would cause the breach of privilege of Parliament and, therefore, the information sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (c) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The section bars information, "the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament". The reports were submitted to the panel on July 21, 2017. There is, at present, no official assessment of the quantum of black money in India and abroad. According to a study by US-based think-tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), an estimated US$ 770 billion in black money entered India during 2005-2014. Nearly US$ 165 billion in illicit money exited the country during the same period, the latest report by the global financial watchdog said. "The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far, there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country," the Finance Ministry had said while ordering the studies in 2011. These estimates were based on various unverifiable assumptions and approximations, it had said. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the studies included the assessment or survey of unaccounted income and wealth, and profiling the nature of activities engendering money laundering both within and outside the country. The studies were to identify, among other issues, important sectors of the economy in which unaccounted money was generated and examine the causes and conditions that resulted in the generation.

Can't disclose black money reports as Par Panel examining them: Finance Ministry

The BJP would go it alone in Telangana for the upcoming general elections and contest in all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, senior party leader Bandaru Dattatreya said Sunday.

Asserting that his party is making efforts to cross 400 Lok Sabha seats this time, the former Union minister and an MP from Secunderabad claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a corruption-free government and his image and popularity continues to rise.

"The BJP will independently contest in all the 17 Lok Sabha seats. The Assembly election was a totally different scenario. This is is parliamentary election and we are confident," Dattatreya, the lone BJP MP from Telangana, told reporters in Hyderabad.

In the December Assembly polls in Telangana, BJP managed to win only one out of 120 seats.

Dattatreya alleged that opposition leaders are involved in one scam or the other and they are "criticising" Modi only to garner votes of minorities.

Be it Congress president Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu or Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao, no opposition leader can match him, he claimed.

According to Dattatreya, nearly 40 crore people have benefited from various welfare schemes launched by the Modi government, including around 16 crore who had benefited from the MUDRA Yojana alone.

"We are making efforts to cross 400 Lok Sabha seats. We are confident BJP will come to power and Modiji will again become Prime Minister," he said.

Dattatreya said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will on February 5 take part in the BJP's cluster meeting of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Malkajgiri parliamentary seats here and Amit Shah is expected to visit the state on February 13 to review the party's poll preparedness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several central ministers are also likely to visit Telangana in the coming days, he said.

Dattatreya slammed the TRS government in Telangana for not implementing Central schemes including the PMJAY health insurance scheme in Telangana.

The Telangana government will get Rs 3,000 crore towards the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi', under which Rs 6,000 will be transferred into bank accounts of farmers holding up to two hectares land, he said and demanded the TRS government to separately implement the Centre's scheme and its 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme.

Under Rythu Bandhu, an agriculture investment support scheme, the Telangana government is providing farmers Rs 4,000 per acre per season for purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, twice a year -- for rabi and kharif seasons.

The BJP would go it alone in Telangana for the upcoming general elections and contest in all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, senior party leader Bandaru Dattatreya said Sunday.

The BJP would go it alone in Telangana for the upcoming general elections and contest in all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, senior party leader Bandaru Dattatreya said Sunday. Asserting that his party is making efforts to cross 400 Lok Sabha seats this time, the former Union minister and an MP from Secunderabad claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a corruption-free government and his image and popularity continues to rise. "The BJP will independently contest in all the 17 Lok Sabha seats. The Assembly election was a totally different scenario. This is is parliamentary election and we are confident," Dattatreya, the lone BJP MP from Telangana, told reporters in Hyderabad. In the December Assembly polls in Telangana, BJP managed to win only one out of 120 seats. Dattatreya alleged that opposition leaders are involved in one scam or the other and they are "criticising" Modi only to garner votes of minorities. Be it Congress president Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu or Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao, no opposition leader can match him, he claimed. According to Dattatreya, nearly 40 crore people have benefited from various welfare schemes launched by the Modi government, including around 16 crore who had benefited from the MUDRA Yojana alone. "We are making efforts to cross 400 Lok Sabha seats. We are confident BJP will come to power and Modiji will again become Prime Minister," he said. Dattatreya said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will on February 5 take part in the BJP's cluster meeting of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Malkajgiri parliamentary seats here and Amit Shah is expected to visit the state on February 13 to review the party's poll preparedness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several central ministers are also likely to visit Telangana in the coming days, he said. Dattatreya slammed the TRS government in Telangana for not implementing Central schemes including the PMJAY health insurance scheme in Telangana. The Telangana government will get Rs 3,000 crore towards the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi', under which Rs 6,000 will be transferred into bank accounts of farmers holding up to two hectares land, he said and demanded the TRS government to separately implement the Centre's scheme and its 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme. Under Rythu Bandhu, an agriculture investment support scheme, the Telangana government is providing farmers Rs 4,000 per acre per season for purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, twice a year -- for rabi and kharif seasons.

BJP to go it alone in Telangana, to contest in all 17 Lok Sabha seats

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the prime minister.

Tejashwi is the second Opposition leader after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin to propose the Congress chief`s name as the prime ministerial candidate. He stressed that the Gandhi scion was "capable and qualified" for the post.

"You have all the qualifications to become the next Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi is capable and qualified for the post of Prime Minister. The biggest responsibility for the Congress is to take along all the other parties", Tejashwi said at the 'Jan Akanksha Rally'&nbsp;at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

He further said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, then he would focus more on Bihar.

The RJD leader said that the Congress` biggest responsibility was to save democracy in the country.

Tejashwi accused the BJP of not fulfilling all promises they made in 2014 and alleged that they were using institutions like CBI and ED to target its political opponents.

Earlier, Stalin, while addressing a rally in Chennai in December last year, said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, he could provide a stable government, adding that the Congress chief had the ability to defeat the "fascist" Narendra Modi-led government.

Later, the DMK chief defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong with his suggestion as he was merely expressing the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu."Yes, I did propose the name of Rahul Gandhi as the next prime ministerial candidate (for Lok Sabha elections) in the DMK rally. What is wrong with it? It was the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu," Stalin had said.

The comments by both Stalin and Tejashwi assumes significance when all the political parties have come forward ahead of the general elections, just a few months away, to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the prime minister. Tejashwi is the second Opposition leader after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin to propose the Congress chief`s name as the prime ministerial candidate.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the prime minister. Tejashwi is the second Opposition leader after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin to propose the Congress chief`s name as the prime ministerial candidate. He stressed that the Gandhi scion was "capable and qualified" for the post. "You have all the qualifications to become the next Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi is capable and qualified for the post of Prime Minister. The biggest responsibility for the Congress is to take along all the other parties", Tejashwi said at the 'Jan Akanksha Rally' at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. He further said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, then he would focus more on Bihar. The RJD leader said that the Congress` biggest responsibility was to save democracy in the country. Tejashwi accused the BJP of not fulfilling all promises they made in 2014 and alleged that they were using institutions like CBI and ED to target its political opponents. Earlier, Stalin, while addressing a rally in Chennai in December last year, said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, he could provide a stable government, adding that the Congress chief had the ability to defeat the "fascist" Narendra Modi-led government. Later, the DMK chief defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong with his suggestion as he was merely expressing the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu."Yes, I did propose the name of Rahul Gandhi as the next prime ministerial candidate (for Lok Sabha elections) in the DMK rally. What is wrong with it? It was the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu," Stalin had said. The comments by both Stalin and Tejashwi assumes significance when all the political parties have come forward ahead of the general elections, just a few months away, to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

After Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav backs Rahul Gandhi as PM

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-indicates-wont-be-back-in-india-to-reply-to-budget-debate-194768">Union Minister Arun Jaitley</a> Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes.

He also slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs 17 a day dole, saying the opposition leader must "grow up" and realise that he is contesting a national election and not a college union poll.

The plan to give Rs 6,000 cash to 12 crore small and marginal farmers every year together with government schemes for giving them a house, subsidised food, free healthcare and hospitalisation, free sanitation, electricity, roads, gas connections, twice the amount of credit at very cheap rate are all aimed at addressing farm distress, Jaitley told PTI in an interview here.

"This is the first year where it (farmer income support scheme) has begun. I am sure as the government resources improve, this can be increased," he said.

On nearly 15 crore landless farmers being left out of the scheme, he said they have rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA plus other benefits for the rural population.

"What is the biggest thing that the Congress claims that they ever did? (UPA regime Finance Minister) P Chidambaram announced a Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver... (but) actual distributed was only Rs 52,000 crore. (Also), CAG said a large part of that money went to traders and businessmen and converted itself into a fraud," he said.

The present government, he said, is "starting off over and above the lakhs of crores we are putting into rural areas."

"We are starting off with Rs 75,000 crore a year and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, it will increase," he added.

Jaitley, who is in New York for medical treatment, said the state governments too have a responsibility to address farm distress by bringing their own income support schemes.

"Some state governments have started it," he said. "So my advise to what I call the 'Nawabs of Negativity' is ask your own state governments to top it off with their own income support schemes. Ideally, like the GST, this is a case where all political parties must defy party lines and in the spirit of cooperative federalism, have a Centre plus state scheme."

He said most of the central schemes are divided into 60:40 ratio, so "let us enhance this to 60:40 in the spirit of cooperative federalism" and instead of "giving criticism, let the states give 40 (per cent)."

"In addition to the fertiliser subsidy - another big amount, the healthcare, cheap ration, over a dozen other things you are spending on. This is just an add-on, this (income support) is not something being thrown in the air. The Congress doesn't understand it because it did nothing," he said.

On Gandhi's criticism of the Budget proposal, he said, "I think he needs to grow up. He must realise that he is contesting a national election not a college union one."

On his predecessor P Chidambaram's criticism that the interim budget was an "account for vote" and not a 'Vote on Account', he said, "I have no problem with monies being spent on either of these two accounts. But I have a serious problem when monies go into personal accounts."

Taking on the Congress, he said the comments by the leaders of the principal opposition party and "some other compulsive contrarians" indicate that they have a complete lack of understanding of the subject.

"Others have been in power much longer than we have been and did nothing. There is a real problem in India, both with regard to the urban-rural divide, which is reflective of the quality of life available in rural areas, and the state of agriculture. You have to look at both these issues compositely," he said.

Jaitley, who had to give up charge of the finance ministry to undergo medical treatment just weeks before the budget was presented, said the Congress gave just slogans like 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) but delivered very little.

Dwelling on the steps taken by the BJP-led NDA government since coming to power in 2014 to address farm sector distress, he said the Centre adopted a two-pronged approach of raising rural infrastructure spend and raising farm incomes.&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes. He also slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs 17 a day dole, saying the opposition leader must "grow up" and realise that he is contesting a national election and not a college union poll. The plan to give Rs 6,000 cash to 12 crore small and marginal farmers every year together with government schemes for giving them a house, subsidised food, free healthcare and hospitalisation, free sanitation, electricity, roads, gas connections, twice the amount of credit at very cheap rate are all aimed at addressing farm distress, Jaitley told PTI in an interview here. "This is the first year where it (farmer income support scheme) has begun. I am sure as the government resources improve, this can be increased," he said. On nearly 15 crore landless farmers being left out of the scheme, he said they have rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA plus other benefits for the rural population. "What is the biggest thing that the Congress claims that they ever did? (UPA regime Finance Minister) P Chidambaram announced a Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver... (but) actual distributed was only Rs 52,000 crore. (Also), CAG said a large part of that money went to traders and businessmen and converted itself into a fraud," he said. The present government, he said, is "starting off over and above the lakhs of crores we are putting into rural areas." "We are starting off with Rs 75,000 crore a year and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, it will increase," he added. Jaitley, who is in New York for medical treatment, said the state governments too have a responsibility to address farm distress by bringing their own income support schemes. "Some state governments have started it," he said. "So my advise to what I call the 'Nawabs of Negativity' is ask your own state governments to top it off with their own income support schemes. Ideally, like the GST, this is a case where all political parties must defy party lines and in the spirit of cooperative federalism, have a Centre plus state scheme." He said most of the central schemes are divided into 60:40 ratio, so "let us enhance this to 60:40 in the spirit of cooperative federalism" and instead of "giving criticism, let the states give 40 (per cent)." "In addition to the fertiliser subsidy - another big amount, the healthcare, cheap ration, over a dozen other things you are spending on. This is just an add-on, this (income support) is not something being thrown in the air. The Congress doesn't understand it because it did nothing," he said. On Gandhi's criticism of the Budget proposal, he said, "I think he needs to grow up. He must realise that he is contesting a national election not a college union one." On his predecessor P Chidambaram's criticism that the interim budget was an "account for vote" and not a 'Vote on Account', he said, "I have no problem with monies being spent on either of these two accounts. But I have a serious problem when monies go into personal accounts." Taking on the Congress, he said the comments by the leaders of the principal opposition party and "some other compulsive contrarians" indicate that they have a complete lack of understanding of the subject. "Others have been in power much longer than we have been and did nothing. There is a real problem in India, both with regard to the urban-rural divide, which is reflective of the quality of life available in rural areas, and the state of agriculture. You have to look at both these issues compositely," he said. Jaitley, who had to give up charge of the finance ministry to undergo medical treatment just weeks before the budget was presented, said the Congress gave just slogans like 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) but delivered very little. Dwelling on the steps taken by the BJP-led NDA government since coming to power in 2014 to address farm sector distress, he said the Centre adopted a two-pronged approach of raising rural infrastructure spend and raising farm incomes.

Arun Jaitley hints at raising Rs 500 a month cash support to farmers in future

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday presented Modi government's last Budget of the current tenure. While presenting the Budget, Goyal said he is deeply concerned by Arun Jaitley's absence.

With elections due in a few months, Goyal listed the achievements of Modi government in the last five years.

Here are the highlights of his Budget speech:

<ul>
	<li>Committed to eliminating the scourge of black money; the anti-black money measures we took brought an undisclosed income of about Rs 1.30 lakh crore to the fore; 3.38 lakh shell companies de-registered</li>
	<li>We have gone beyond incremental growth,to attain trans-formative achievements. As far as infrastructure development is concerned, we now have more than 100 operational airports, domestic passenger traffic has doubled in last five years and India is today the fastest highway developer in the world</li>
	<li>GST is the undoubtedly the biggest taxation reform implemented since Independence; through tax consolidation, India became one common market; inter-state movements became faster through e-way bills, improving ease of doing business. GST collections in January 2019 has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore</li>
	<li>The defence budget has enhanced beyond Rs 3 lakh crore</li>
	<li>75% of women beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, 26 weeks of maternity leave and the Pradhan Mantri Matritva Yojana, are all empowering women in the country</li>
	<li>Rs 1 crore loan can now be obtained under 59 minutes</li>
	<li>A pension scheme is being launched called Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3000 per month, with the contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age</li>
	<li>Ayushman Bharat the world's largest healthcare programme was launched to provide medical care to almost 50 crore people, resulting in 3,000 crore savings by poor families</li>
	<li>We have provide electricity connection to almost all households in the country - aiming to provide it to the rest by March 2019</li>
	<li>India's youth have turned job creators from job seekers, India has become the second largest hub for start-ups</li>
	<li>Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Rs 6000 per year for each farmer, in three instalments, will be transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts, for those who hold less than two hectares of land</li>
	<li>This initiative will benefit 12 crore small and marginal farmers, at an estimated cost of Rs 75,000 crore</li>
	<li>Rs 60,000 crore set aside for MNREGA this year</li>
	<li>We have prepared the foundation for sustainable growth</li>
	<li>Country saw best phase of macro economic stability in last four years</li>
	<li>Bad debts worth almost Rs 3 lakh crore recovered</li>
	<li>Today, India is recognised as a bright spot in the global economy</li>
	<li>To restore the health of public sector banks, recapitalisation has been done with an investment of Rs. 2.6 lakh crore. Amalgamation of banks has also been done to reap the benefits of economies of scale, improved access to capital and to cover a larger geographical spread</li>
	<li>The 4R approach and a number of measures have been implemented to ensure clean banking: Recognition, resolution, recapitalisation and reforms</li>
	<li>As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, world's largest behavioural change movement - the Swachh Bharat - was initiated. More than 98% rural sanitation coverage has been achieved under this mission and more than 5.45 lakh villages have been declared open defecation free (ODF)</li>
	<li>Rs 19,000 crore allocated for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana</li>
	<li>During 2014-18, 1.53 crore houses have been constructed under PM Awas Yojana</li>
	<li>We strived to change the mindset and ignited self-confidence in the entire nation</li>
	<li>We also worked towards bridging the urban and rural divide in the country</li>
</ul>

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday presented Modi government's last Budget of the current tenure. While presenting the Budget, Goyal said he is deeply concerned by Arun Jaitley's absence.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday presented Modi government's last Budget of the current tenure. While presenting the Budget, Goyal said he is deeply concerned by Arun Jaitley's absence. With elections due in a few months, Goyal listed the achievements of Modi government in the last five years. Here are the highlights of his Budget speech: Committed to eliminating the scourge of black money; the anti-black money measures we took brought an undisclosed income of about Rs 1.30 lakh crore to the fore; 3.38 lakh shell companies de-registered We have gone beyond incremental growth,to attain trans-formative achievements. As far as infrastructure development is concerned, we now have more than 100 operational airports, domestic passenger traffic has doubled in last five years and India is today the fastest highway developer in the world GST is the undoubtedly the biggest taxation reform implemented since Independence; through tax consolidation, India became one common market; inter-state movements became faster through e-way bills, improving ease of doing business. GST collections in January 2019 has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore The defence budget has enhanced beyond Rs 3 lakh crore 75% of women beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, 26 weeks of maternity leave and the Pradhan Mantri Matritva Yojana, are all empowering women in the country Rs 1 crore loan can now be obtained under 59 minutes A pension scheme is being launched called Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3000 per month, with the contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age Ayushman Bharat the world's largest healthcare programme was launched to provide medical care to almost 50 crore people, resulting in 3,000 crore savings by poor families We have provide electricity connection to almost all households in the country - aiming to provide it to the rest by March 2019 India's youth have turned job creators from job seekers, India has become the second largest hub for start-ups Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Rs 6000 per year for each farmer, in three instalments, will be transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts, for those who hold less than two hectares of land This initiative will benefit 12 crore small and marginal farmers, at an estimated cost of Rs 75,000 crore Rs 60,000 crore set aside for MNREGA this year We have prepared the foundation for sustainable growth Country saw best phase of macro economic stability in last four years Bad debts worth almost Rs 3 lakh crore recovered Today, India is recognised as a bright spot in the global economy To restore the health of public sector banks, recapitalisation has been done with an investment of Rs. 2.6 lakh crore. Amalgamation of banks has also been done to reap the benefits of economies of scale, improved access to capital and to cover a larger geographical spread The 4R approach and a number of measures have been implemented to ensure clean banking: Recognition, resolution, recapitalisation and reforms As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, world's largest behavioural change movement - the Swachh Bharat - was initiated. More than 98% rural sanitation coverage has been achieved under this mission and more than 5.45 lakh villages have been declared open defecation free (ODF) Rs 19,000 crore allocated for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana During 2014-18, 1.53 crore houses have been constructed under PM Awas Yojana We strived to change the mindset and ignited self-confidence in the entire nation We also worked towards bridging the urban and rural divide in the country

Union Budget 2019: Highlights of Finance Minister Piyush Goyal's speech

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the interim budget as a ‘budget of desperation’ on Friday.

“We feel this is an expiry budget. This is a budget of desperation. This budget will not be implemented. The tenure of this government will be over in one month. After elections, a new government will come and present a new budget. I am not an economist, but I have practical knowledge and ideas. Nobody knows what the financial situation of the country is, she said.

The chief minister further added, "It is obvious, economic emergency is going on in the country. Where will this money come from? How will it be managed? This government has no moral authority to put forth this budget. After expiry is there any value? This is a value-less budget".

Banerjee also alleged that the budget is a farce and an attempt to cheat farmers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. She claimed that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was copied from Bengal government’s Krishak Bandhu scheme introduced on December 31, last year.

“Why has this government not announced a single agenda for farmers for the last four and a half years? We have already started the ‘Krishak Bandhu’ scheme. A similar scheme has been announced today. Why did not announce these schemes earlier? They know they can never implement these scheme but it is an attempt to get votes,” she said.

She further added that the MGNREGA’s total budget has been curtailed as a result of which the 100 days work for the poor will be affected.&nbsp; 
“They have not given any extra amount for MGNREGA scheme. The funds are lower than revised estimate. People are not getting their dues. They have decreased funds for Swachh Bharat Mission by 25 per cent,” Banerjee said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the interim budget as a ‘budget of desperation’ on Friday. “We feel this is an expiry budget. This is a budget of desperation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the interim budget as a ‘budget of desperation’ on Friday. “We feel this is an expiry budget. This is a budget of desperation. This budget will not be implemented. The tenure of this government will be over in one month. After elections, a new government will come and present a new budget. I am not an economist, but I have practical knowledge and ideas. Nobody knows what the financial situation of the country is, she said. The chief minister further added, "It is obvious, economic emergency is going on in the country. Where will this money come from? How will it be managed? This government has no moral authority to put forth this budget. After expiry is there any value? This is a value-less budget". Banerjee also alleged that the budget is a farce and an attempt to cheat farmers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. She claimed that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was copied from Bengal government’s Krishak Bandhu scheme introduced on December 31, last year. “Why has this government not announced a single agenda for farmers for the last four and a half years? We have already started the ‘Krishak Bandhu’ scheme. A similar scheme has been announced today. Why did not announce these schemes earlier? They know they can never implement these scheme but it is an attempt to get votes,” she said. She further added that the MGNREGA’s total budget has been curtailed as a result of which the 100 days work for the poor will be affected. “They have not given any extra amount for MGNREGA scheme. The funds are lower than revised estimate. People are not getting their dues. They have decreased funds for Swachh Bharat Mission by 25 per cent,” Banerjee said.

Budget of desperation: Mamata Banerjee slams Centre

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal today presented the final Budget of Narendra Modi government's current tenure. This was an interim Budget, keeping in view the elections which are just months away.

The Budget was focussed on farmers and unorganised sectors for which Goyal announced a number of schemes. Here are the big takeaways from this year's Budget:

No tax for income upto Rs 5 lakh: Piyush Goyal proposed that individuals earning up to Rs 5 lakh would get a full tax rebate for this fiscal. &nbsp;Since this is a rebate and not a slab change, it will not impact the tax incidence of those with larger incomes.

The Finance Minister also said, "Individuals with gross income up to Rs&nbsp;6.5 lakh will not need to pay any tax if they make investments in provident funds and prescribed equities." Standard deduction too has been increased to Rs 50,000 from the current level of Rs 40,000.

Assured farmer income: Piyush Goyal announced in his Budget speech that the government has decided to provide Rs 6000 per income support to farmers who hold less than two hectares of land. The amounts, Goyal said, will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in three instalments. "The scheme will benefit 12 crore families and cost government Rs 75,000 crore per year," Goyal said.

Pension for 10 crore labourers: Goyal also announced a pension scheme for the unorganised sector. "A pension scheme is being launched called Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3000 per month, with the contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age," he said in his Budget speech today.

Highest ever defence budget: The government also showcased its resolve towards the defence forces by enhancing the defence budget beyond Rs 3 lakh crore, the highest in any year so far. "Our soldiers protect the country on the borders and they are our pride. We have allocated more than Rs 3 lakh crore in this budget for securing our borders, which is the highest so far. If necessary, additional funds would be provided," he said presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-20.

One lakh digital villages: Goyal said that mobile data usage in India has increased by a phenomenal 50 per cent within no time and the cost of data and voice calls in the country are now possibly the lowest in the world. "We aim to have one lakh digital villages in the next five years," he added.

Power for all by March 2019: Highlighting the government's focus on providing power to all, the finance minister said 2.5 crore families were without electricity in 2014 and that the government has provided power to almost all families. "Through Saubhagya scheme, every village in India has been connected to electricity and by March 2019, all families will get electricity," Goyal said.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal today presented the final Budget of Narendra Modi government's current tenure. This was an interim Budget, keeping in view the elections which are just months away.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal today presented the final Budget of Narendra Modi government's current tenure. This was an interim Budget, keeping in view the elections which are just months away. The Budget was focussed on farmers and unorganised sectors for which Goyal announced a number of schemes. Here are the big takeaways from this year's Budget: No tax for income upto Rs 5 lakh: Piyush Goyal proposed that individuals earning up to Rs 5 lakh would get a full tax rebate for this fiscal. Since this is a rebate and not a slab change, it will not impact the tax incidence of those with larger incomes. The Finance Minister also said, "Individuals with gross income up to Rs 6.5 lakh will not need to pay any tax if they make investments in provident funds and prescribed equities." Standard deduction too has been increased to Rs 50,000 from the current level of Rs 40,000. Assured farmer income: Piyush Goyal announced in his Budget speech that the government has decided to provide Rs 6000 per income support to farmers who hold less than two hectares of land. The amounts, Goyal said, will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in three instalments. "The scheme will benefit 12 crore families and cost government Rs 75,000 crore per year," Goyal said. Pension for 10 crore labourers: Goyal also announced a pension scheme for the unorganised sector. "A pension scheme is being launched called Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3000 per month, with the contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age," he said in his Budget speech today. Highest ever defence budget: The government also showcased its resolve towards the defence forces by enhancing the defence budget beyond Rs 3 lakh crore, the highest in any year so far. "Our soldiers protect the country on the borders and they are our pride. We have allocated more than Rs 3 lakh crore in this budget for securing our borders, which is the highest so far. If necessary, additional funds would be provided," he said presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-20. One lakh digital villages: Goyal said that mobile data usage in India has increased by a phenomenal 50 per cent within no time and the cost of data and voice calls in the country are now possibly the lowest in the world. "We aim to have one lakh digital villages in the next five years," he added. Power for all by March 2019: Highlighting the government's focus on providing power to all, the finance minister said 2.5 crore families were without electricity in 2014 and that the government has provided power to almost all families. "Through Saubhagya scheme, every village in India has been connected to electricity and by March 2019, all families will get electricity," Goyal said.

Big takeaways from Union Budget 2019

Gearing up for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-congress-to-fight-lok-sabha-polls-in-14-states-193214">Lok Sabha polls</a> due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly.

It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively.

It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair.

The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections.

The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty.

Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years. In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly. It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively. It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair. The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections. The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty. Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Election Commission orders transfer of officials posted in home districts

Actor Isha Koppikar on Sunday joined the BJP in the presence of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

She has been given the charge of Women Transport Wing as its working president.

Isha began her film career in 1998 with a Tamil movie and entered the Bollywood bandwagon with film 'Fiza'&nbsp;in 2000.

On January 2, Bollywood actor Moushumi Chatterjee too had joined the BJP.

Meanwhile, as the 2019 general elections are inching closer, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday appointed senior party leader Mallikarjun Kharge as Chairman of Maharashtra Co-ordination Committee.

Actor Isha Koppikar on Sunday joined the BJP in the presence of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. She has been given the charge of Women Transport Wing as its working president.

Actor Isha Koppikar on Sunday joined the BJP in the presence of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. She has been given the charge of Women Transport Wing as its working president. Isha began her film career in 1998 with a Tamil movie and entered the Bollywood bandwagon with film 'Fiza' in 2000. On January 2, Bollywood actor Moushumi Chatterjee too had joined the BJP. Meanwhile, as the 2019 general elections are inching closer, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday appointed senior party leader Mallikarjun Kharge as Chairman of Maharashtra Co-ordination Committee.

Actor Isha Koppikar joins BJP, made incharge of Women Transport Wing

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kishor, who is also an election strategist, said: "The fight is between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;as the Congress is still not strong opposition."

Kishor, who had worked as an election strategist for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Nitish Kumar in 2015, joined the JD(U) in September last year. He was made JD(U) national vice-president after a month of joining the party. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On being asked to respond on allegations on him being recommended by BJP president Amit Shah to become JD (U) vice president, Kishor said that media has distorted Nitish Kumar's statement."

In an interview by a channel, Nitish Kumar was asked that why Prashant Kishor has been given such a big post and named JD(U) vice president then Kumar clarified that it is not monarchy and not only us but the president of our alliance partner (BJP) Amit Shah has called up and said to induct me to the party. It is because Nitish Kumar and I thought we need approval from the BJP, who is our alliance partner. Nitish Kumar has said it was not just JD(U)`s decision but also approval from our alliance to include me to his party," Kishor said.

This clarification came after a few media reports started doing rounds that Amit Shah dialled Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar twice as the recommendation to appoint Prashant Kishor as JD(U) vice president.

"Nitish Kumar has said that I have been working with his party for a long time and we share good terms and it`s not only him but Amit Shah has also called to induct me in JD(U)," Kishor told ANI.

"It clearly shows that both BJP and JD(U) have an understanding between each other and whatever decision we take we take in unison," he added.

Talking about the upcoming polls, Kishor stated that he has been tasked with the job of connecting the party with the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I have been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments to politics which was becoming inaccessible and I am doing that," Kishor told ANI.

Kishor said that he is confident that the NDA alliance will be victorious in Bihar in the coming elections.&nbsp;

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition.

Janata Dal (United) vice-president Prashant Kishor on Thursday said it will be a fight between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the Congress is still not strong opposition. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kishor, who is also an election strategist, said: "The fight is between the BJP and the 'mahagathbandhan' as the Congress is still not strong opposition." Kishor, who had worked as an election strategist for both Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Nitish Kumar in 2015, joined the JD(U) in September last year. He was made JD(U) national vice-president after a month of joining the party. On being asked to respond on allegations on him being recommended by BJP president Amit Shah to become JD (U) vice president, Kishor said that media has distorted Nitish Kumar's statement." In an interview by a channel, Nitish Kumar was asked that why Prashant Kishor has been given such a big post and named JD(U) vice president then Kumar clarified that it is not monarchy and not only us but the president of our alliance partner (BJP) Amit Shah has called up and said to induct me to the party. It is because Nitish Kumar and I thought we need approval from the BJP, who is our alliance partner. Nitish Kumar has said it was not just JD(U)`s decision but also approval from our alliance to include me to his party," Kishor said. This clarification came after a few media reports started doing rounds that Amit Shah dialled Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) supremo Nitish Kumar twice as the recommendation to appoint Prashant Kishor as JD(U) vice president. "Nitish Kumar has said that I have been working with his party for a long time and we share good terms and it`s not only him but Amit Shah has also called to induct me in JD(U)," Kishor told ANI. "It clearly shows that both BJP and JD(U) have an understanding between each other and whatever decision we take we take in unison," he added. Talking about the upcoming polls, Kishor stated that he has been tasked with the job of connecting the party with the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I have been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments to politics which was becoming inaccessible and I am doing that," Kishor told ANI. Kishor said that he is confident that the NDA alliance will be victorious in Bihar in the coming elections.

Congress not a strong opposition to fight Lok Sabha polls, says Prashant Kishor

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday said that AAP will extend support to the Congress if the next Prime Minister will be from the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

“Somebody told me outside that people are saying they will vote for the Congress because the next prime minister will be from that party. We are saying that if this happens, then we will also extend support to their Prime Minister (Abhi bahar mujhse koi keh raha tha ki log keh rahe hain ki Congress ko vote isliye denge kyunki Pradhanmantri unka banega, hum ye keh rahe hain ki agar Pradhanmantri unka hi bana toh hum bhi usey support kar denge),” Khan said at an event in Delhi..

His statement comes after leaders from both AAP and Congress&nbsp;said that they are currently in no mood to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together.

"Our party will contest Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana alone. For Congress, their arrogance is bigger than national interest, it is visible from recent statements of Punjab Chief Minister (Captain Amarinder Singh) and Sheila Dikshit ji," AAP leader Gopal Rai told ANI last week.

Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also said, “Till now there is no question of Congress allying with the AAP as the party does not have its presence in Punjab.”&nbsp;

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday said that AAP will extend support to the Congress if the next Prime Minister will be from the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday said that AAP will extend support to the Congress if the next Prime Minister will be from the Rahul Gandhi-led party. “Somebody told me outside that people are saying they will vote for the Congress because the next prime minister will be from that party. We are saying that if this happens, then we will also extend support to their Prime Minister (Abhi bahar mujhse koi keh raha tha ki log keh rahe hain ki Congress ko vote isliye denge kyunki Pradhanmantri unka banega, hum ye keh rahe hain ki agar Pradhanmantri unka hi bana toh hum bhi usey support kar denge),” Khan said at an event in Delhi.. His statement comes after leaders from both AAP and Congress said that they are currently in no mood to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together. "Our party will contest Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana alone. For Congress, their arrogance is bigger than national interest, it is visible from recent statements of Punjab Chief Minister (Captain Amarinder Singh) and Sheila Dikshit ji," AAP leader Gopal Rai told ANI last week. Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also said, “Till now there is no question of Congress allying with the AAP as the party does not have its presence in Punjab.”

Will support Congress if next prime minister is from their party: AAP leader

A four-member committee of opposition party leaders has been formed after reports of EVM manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC supremo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/change-the-government-at-centre-mamatas-war-cry-at-opposition-rally-191472">Mamata Banerjee</a> said on Saturday.

In addition to evaluating the functioning of EVMs and finding ways to stop any malpractice, the committee will suggest electoral reforms to the Election Commission before the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee added.

The announcement was made after the West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo hosted a tea party here for the top leaders of 14 opposition parties who participated in her united opposition rally.

The committee, comprising Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Satish Mishra (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Aadmi Party) will submit its recommendations to the EC for implementation and will press for wider use of VVPAT, she said.

National Conference (NC) chairman Farooq Abdullah had called the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) "chor machine" while speaking at the rally and demanded that the ballot paper system be reinstated for the sake of transparency.

"The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used," he said.

"The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he added.

Speaking after the meeting with Banerjee over tea, Abdullah said, "Time is short and hence we want election panel to carry out reforms expeditiously for the sake of democracy in the country. Our Constitution is under threat.

"We want free and fair elections. We will never accept if election is held in fraudulent manner," he added.

Stressing that very little time was left for the Lok Sabha polls, Singhvi said: "We are not asking for returning to the physical ballot system immediately".

The VVPAT system should be enforced for proper verification of the ballots, he said, adding already four European countries have gone back to the use of physical ballot from EVMs.

Mishra said there were reports of EVM tampering in the recent state assembly elections in the country.

"Hence, we believe it is necessary to go for electoral reforms".

A four-member committee of opposition party leaders has been formed after reports of EVM manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday.

A four-member committee of opposition party leaders has been formed after reports of EVM manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday. In addition to evaluating the functioning of EVMs and finding ways to stop any malpractice, the committee will suggest electoral reforms to the Election Commission before the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee added. The announcement was made after the West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo hosted a tea party here for the top leaders of 14 opposition parties who participated in her united opposition rally. The committee, comprising Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Satish Mishra (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Aadmi Party) will submit its recommendations to the EC for implementation and will press for wider use of VVPAT, she said. National Conference (NC) chairman Farooq Abdullah had called the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) "chor machine" while speaking at the rally and demanded that the ballot paper system be reinstated for the sake of transparency. "The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used," he said. "The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he added. Speaking after the meeting with Banerjee over tea, Abdullah said, "Time is short and hence we want election panel to carry out reforms expeditiously for the sake of democracy in the country. Our Constitution is under threat. "We want free and fair elections. We will never accept if election is held in fraudulent manner," he added. Stressing that very little time was left for the Lok Sabha polls, Singhvi said: "We are not asking for returning to the physical ballot system immediately". The VVPAT system should be enforced for proper verification of the ballots, he said, adding already four European countries have gone back to the use of physical ballot from EVMs. Mishra said there were reports of EVM tampering in the recent state assembly elections in the country. "Hence, we believe it is necessary to go for electoral reforms".

Opposition leaders form four-member committee to look into EVM manipulation

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunil-arora-takes-charge-as-new-chief-election-commissioner-of-india-180847">Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora</a> Friday lamented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being treated like a "football" by parties suffering electoral losses, and said the voting equipment was foolproof as far as fears of manipulation were concerned.

Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed.

"It is not possible to manipulate the EVMs. It is definitely foolproof as far as apprehensions of conspiracy and manipulation are concerned. But technical snags are possible as in case of any other device," he said.

"But the incidence of snags has been very low. In the recent assembly polls in five states, 1.76 lakh EVMs were installed out of which only six reported the malfunction. The complaints were promptly taken care of," Arora claimed.

Asked about apprehensions expressed about EVMs by several parties, he said they had noticed that whenever a party lost an election it started having complaints about EVMs which vanished the moment it won.&nbsp;

"It is my request to all, please do not make EVMs a football," Arora said.

He said VVPATs were introduced to address the misgivings that people might have about EVMs.&nbsp;

"The Lok Sabha polls would see the use of these on a still larger scale. The Election Commission is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner," he said.

Replying to a query regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said once all preparations are complete and the election schedule drawn, the EC would announce it at a press conference in New Delhi.

He also said during the EC team's tour of Bihar, instructions were issued for completing the revision of electoral rolls by January 31.

Earlier, on Thursday upon its arrival in the city, the EC team had interacted with representatives of various political parties which had come up with suggestions to improve the poll process.

While the RJD had come out strongly against the EVMs and advocated reverting to the use of ballot papers, the JD(U) had stressed on making VVPATs available at every polling booth.

The CPI came up with an elaborate list of suggestions which included limiting the number of voters in a booth to 800 and setting up mobile polling stations which could be of help to those having difficulty in travelling to their respective booths.

The BJP requested that complaints of anomalies in electoral rolls be seriously looked into and resolved.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora Friday lamented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being treated like a "football" by parties suffering electoral losses, and said the voting equipment was foolproof as far as fears of manipulation were concerned. Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed. "It is not possible to manipulate the EVMs. It is definitely foolproof as far as apprehensions of conspiracy and manipulation are concerned. But technical snags are possible as in case of any other device," he said. "But the incidence of snags has been very low. In the recent assembly polls in five states, 1.76 lakh EVMs were installed out of which only six reported the malfunction. The complaints were promptly taken care of," Arora claimed. Asked about apprehensions expressed about EVMs by several parties, he said they had noticed that whenever a party lost an election it started having complaints about EVMs which vanished the moment it won. "It is my request to all, please do not make EVMs a football," Arora said. He said VVPATs were introduced to address the misgivings that people might have about EVMs. "The Lok Sabha polls would see the use of these on a still larger scale. The Election Commission is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner," he said. Replying to a query regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said once all preparations are complete and the election schedule drawn, the EC would announce it at a press conference in New Delhi. He also said during the EC team's tour of Bihar, instructions were issued for completing the revision of electoral rolls by January 31. Earlier, on Thursday upon its arrival in the city, the EC team had interacted with representatives of various political parties which had come up with suggestions to improve the poll process. While the RJD had come out strongly against the EVMs and advocated reverting to the use of ballot papers, the JD(U) had stressed on making VVPATs available at every polling booth. The CPI came up with an elaborate list of suggestions which included limiting the number of voters in a booth to 800 and setting up mobile polling stations which could be of help to those having difficulty in travelling to their respective booths. The BJP requested that complaints of anomalies in electoral rolls be seriously looked into and resolved.

EVMs being treated like football by parties suffering electoral losses: Chief Election Commissioner

Expressing confidence that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trs-to-hold-talks-with-ysr-congress-on-federal-front-190677">the TRS would be a decisive force</a> at the Centre, its working president K T Rama Rao Friday claimed that neither the BJP nor the Congress were in a position to get a comfortable number of seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Addressing a party gathering here, he said the UPA was not a position get more than 100-110 Lok Sabha seats and the ruling NDA would also not get more 150-160 seats.

"That means, even if the Congress and the BJP come together, they cannot reach the magic number of 273," he said.&nbsp;

He said the Congress, on its own or as the UPA, was not in a position to win more than 100 or 110 seats and the BJP had nothing on the ground, it was the 'Build up Jateeya (national) Party'.

"The NDA and the UPA both are not in a good situation. The way political developments are taking place... The day is not far when the TRS would be a decisive force, an important force, in Delhi," he said.&nbsp;

Noting that the BJP lacked support on the ground, he said the party had suffered a massive defeat in the recent Telangana Assembly polls, though a host of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, had campaigned in the state.&nbsp;

"The situation is no different nationwide. Modiji's build up is good outside... There is nothing on the ground. KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) has been saying, the Congress and the BJP have done grave injustice to the country," Rama Rao alleged.&nbsp;

TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has been advocating for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front to realise the spirit of federalism and to bring about a qualitative change in politics, he said.&nbsp;

Rama Rao said he met YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as part of efforts to build the federal front because joint effort by the MPs from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh could increase their say in getting their due from the Centre.

He alleged that since after the meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been attacking the TRS, though it is making efforts for a qualitative change in politics and end Centre's control on the states, he alleged.&nbsp;

Naidu is trying to confuse the people of Andhra Pradesh by showing the BJP as an object of fear to hide his own failures, despite the TDP having been a part of the NDA government, he claimed.&nbsp;

Rama Rao, the son of Chandrasekhar Rao, was speaking at an event where Congress leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, who contested against the TRS president in Gajwel Assembly segment in the recent polls, joined the TRS.&nbsp;

Pratap Reddy joining the TRS could be a setback for the Congress in Gajwel.&nbsp;

Addressing a party gathering here, K T Rama Rao said the UPA was not a position get more than 100-110 Lok Sabha seats and the ruling NDA would also not get more 150-160 seats.

Expressing confidence that the TRS would be a decisive force at the Centre, its working president K T Rama Rao Friday claimed that neither the BJP nor the Congress were in a position to get a comfortable number of seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a party gathering here, he said the UPA was not a position get more than 100-110 Lok Sabha seats and the ruling NDA would also not get more 150-160 seats. "That means, even if the Congress and the BJP come together, they cannot reach the magic number of 273," he said. He said the Congress, on its own or as the UPA, was not in a position to win more than 100 or 110 seats and the BJP had nothing on the ground, it was the 'Build up Jateeya (national) Party'. "The NDA and the UPA both are not in a good situation. The way political developments are taking place... The day is not far when the TRS would be a decisive force, an important force, in Delhi," he said. Noting that the BJP lacked support on the ground, he said the party had suffered a massive defeat in the recent Telangana Assembly polls, though a host of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, had campaigned in the state. "The situation is no different nationwide. Modiji's build up is good outside... There is nothing on the ground. KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) has been saying, the Congress and the BJP have done grave injustice to the country," Rama Rao alleged. TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has been advocating for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front to realise the spirit of federalism and to bring about a qualitative change in politics, he said. Rama Rao said he met YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as part of efforts to build the federal front because joint effort by the MPs from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh could increase their say in getting their due from the Centre. He alleged that since after the meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been attacking the TRS, though it is making efforts for a qualitative change in politics and end Centre's control on the states, he alleged. Naidu is trying to confuse the people of Andhra Pradesh by showing the BJP as an object of fear to hide his own failures, despite the TDP having been a part of the NDA government, he claimed. Rama Rao, the son of Chandrasekhar Rao, was speaking at an event where Congress leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, who contested against the TRS president in Gajwel Assembly segment in the recent polls, joined the TRS. Pratap Reddy joining the TRS could be a setback for the Congress in Gajwel.

TRS will be decisive force at Centre: KT Rama Rao

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet&nbsp;which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CLP meeting was&nbsp;called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka.

The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence.

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In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law.

As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli.

Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet.

He requested that his absence may be "excused."&nbsp;

Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet.

Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion.

"Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it."&nbsp;

He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram.

In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government.

Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'. The CLP meeting was called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence. Bengaluru: Congress MLAs move to Eagleton resort after CLP meeting pic.twitter.com/Y2W9t0ZGEK — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law. As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli. Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet. He requested that his absence may be "excused." Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet. Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion. "Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it." He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government. Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Karnataka Congress moves MLAs to resort after 4 dissidents give party meet a miss

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her party Trinamool Congress' proposed opposition rally on January 19 will see participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari".

Banerjee, however, said she is yet to get a response from the Left parties on attending the rally at Brigade Parade Ground, which she claimed will be the biggest public meeting in the eastern region in the last four decades.

The Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, she said.

On the presence of Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, she said the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was yet to confirm and "perhaps someone else will be nominated to represent her party".

"You will witness how big the representation will be this year from all regions. Heavy-weight national leaders, including a former prime minister and ex-chief ministers will attend this meeting," she told reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' here.

The TMC has forwarded invitations to several opposition parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janata Dal (Secular), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

"Political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari -- H D Devegowda (former PM), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka CM), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi CM), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party chief), Sharad Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party chief), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference chief) -- and many more will be attending the rally," Banerjee claimed.

On the participation of Left parties, she said: "I had invited the Left, including the Kerala Chief Minister. I have performed my responsibility. If any party does not want to come due to political compulsions, I respect the decision."

Banerjee has been touring the country for the last one year, attempting to stitch together a strong opposition front to challenge the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her party Trinamool Congress' proposed opposition rally on January 19 will see participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her party Trinamool Congress' proposed opposition rally on January 19 will see participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari". Banerjee, however, said she is yet to get a response from the Left parties on attending the rally at Brigade Parade Ground, which she claimed will be the biggest public meeting in the eastern region in the last four decades. The Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, she said. On the presence of Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, she said the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was yet to confirm and "perhaps someone else will be nominated to represent her party". "You will witness how big the representation will be this year from all regions. Heavy-weight national leaders, including a former prime minister and ex-chief ministers will attend this meeting," she told reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' here. The TMC has forwarded invitations to several opposition parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janata Dal (Secular), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference (NC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). "Political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari -- H D Devegowda (former PM), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka CM), Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi CM), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party chief), Sharad Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party chief), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference chief) -- and many more will be attending the rally," Banerjee claimed. On the participation of Left parties, she said: "I had invited the Left, including the Kerala Chief Minister. I have performed my responsibility. If any party does not want to come due to political compulsions, I respect the decision." Banerjee has been touring the country for the last one year, attempting to stitch together a strong opposition front to challenge the saffron party in the Lok Sabha polls.

TMC rally to see participation of non-BJP political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acted as an astute politician by presiding over the Cabinet decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the economically deprived in the general category and then ensuring the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha (lower House of Parliament) on Tuesday (January 8, 2018).

The passage of The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 in Lok Sabha, after a marathon debate, proved to be a tame affair. With 323 members voting in its favour and only three voting against. In this way, the Bill was passed by the requisite majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting as prescribed under Article 368 of the Constitution.

The 124th Constitution Amendment Bill provides for special provision for a maximum of 10 per cent reservation to all economically weaker sections of citizens from the general category for the reservation of appointments or posts and also for admission to educational institutions, including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the state, excluding the minority educational institutions.

Prime Minister Modi's move ahead of parliamentary elections, to go for 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker sections cutting across religious lines in government jobs and educational institutions is being described as a game changer. The debate on this Bill in Parliament showed that all the opposition party's that are pitching for a 'grand alliance' against the BJP for the coming parliamentary election have been caught flat-footed and had no choice but to support the Bill. All they had to say against it was its "timing". Modi was targetted in Parliament and the charge levelled against him was that ahead of Lok Sabha polls, he was trying to regain lost ground among the "Savarnas" (the so-called upper castes) who have been excluded from the quota system and were demanding reservation on an economic basis and not on caste lines.&nbsp;

The demand for reservation on economic basis was raised in a big way in Madhya Pradesh by SAPAKS Samaj, a people’s organisation founded in November 2016. During electioneering for the just-concluded Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, a large section of those wedded to the SAPAKS ideology were in favour of NOTA and they had circulated this message through the social media across constituencies among the die-hard SAPAKS activists who had &nbsp;been galvanised by the massive support to the call for Bharat Bandh against the amendment to the SC/ST Atrocities Act by the Union Government and this had led to what could be described as a “tectonic shift” of votes away from the BJP at a time when there was neither a wave against the BJP nor an over-riding support for the Congress party in Madhya Pradesh.

When both parties were fighting neck to neck and chasing every vote, when the victory margin for dozens of candidates got reduced to just a few hundred votes, the half a million plus NOTA votes have played a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.&nbsp;

The implementation of 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections, will increase the reserved quota to 59.5 per cent from the existing 49.5 per cent.

There is a need for a national debate to evaluate and analyse the overall impact of the existing reservation regime when it comes to the advancement and progress of the "socially and educationally" backward SC/ST communities. We also need to prepare state-wise comprehensive human development reports (HDRs) covering a whole gamut of indices to pin-point backwardness and to identify sections that still require the benefit of reservation.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acted as an astute politician by presiding over the Cabinet decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the economically deprived in the general category and then ensuring the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha (lower House of Parliament) on Tuesday (January 8, 2018).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acted as an astute politician by presiding over the Cabinet decision to grant 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the economically deprived in the general category and then ensuring the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha (lower House of Parliament) on Tuesday (January 8, 2018). The passage of The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 in Lok Sabha, after a marathon debate, proved to be a tame affair. With 323 members voting in its favour and only three voting against. In this way, the Bill was passed by the requisite majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting as prescribed under Article 368 of the Constitution. The 124th Constitution Amendment Bill provides for special provision for a maximum of 10 per cent reservation to all economically weaker sections of citizens from the general category for the reservation of appointments or posts and also for admission to educational institutions, including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the state, excluding the minority educational institutions. Prime Minister Modi's move ahead of parliamentary elections, to go for 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker sections cutting across religious lines in government jobs and educational institutions is being described as a game changer. The debate on this Bill in Parliament showed that all the opposition party's that are pitching for a 'grand alliance' against the BJP for the coming parliamentary election have been caught flat-footed and had no choice but to support the Bill. All they had to say against it was its "timing". Modi was targetted in Parliament and the charge levelled against him was that ahead of Lok Sabha polls, he was trying to regain lost ground among the "Savarnas" (the so-called upper castes) who have been excluded from the quota system and were demanding reservation on an economic basis and not on caste lines. The demand for reservation on economic basis was raised in a big way in Madhya Pradesh by SAPAKS Samaj, a people’s organisation founded in November 2016. During electioneering for the just-concluded Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, a large section of those wedded to the SAPAKS ideology were in favour of NOTA and they had circulated this message through the social media across constituencies among the die-hard SAPAKS activists who had been galvanised by the massive support to the call for Bharat Bandh against the amendment to the SC/ST Atrocities Act by the Union Government and this had led to what could be described as a “tectonic shift” of votes away from the BJP at a time when there was neither a wave against the BJP nor an over-riding support for the Congress party in Madhya Pradesh. When both parties were fighting neck to neck and chasing every vote, when the victory margin for dozens of candidates got reduced to just a few hundred votes, the half a million plus NOTA votes have played a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. The implementation of 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker sections, will increase the reserved quota to 59.5 per cent from the existing 49.5 per cent. There is a need for a national debate to evaluate and analyse the overall impact of the existing reservation regime when it comes to the advancement and progress of the "socially and educationally" backward SC/ST communities. We also need to prepare state-wise comprehensive human development reports (HDRs) covering a whole gamut of indices to pin-point backwardness and to identify sections that still require the benefit of reservation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opposition parties fall in line and support quota for economically weaker sections

The Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha for 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically backward section in the general category.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-10-quota-for-economically-weak-among-upper-castes-188798">The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday</a> and was brought in on the last day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party. The debate on the bill is expected to start at 2 pm.

The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark.&nbsp;

The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota.&nbsp;

The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said.&nbsp;

Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha for 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically backward section in the general category.

The Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha for 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically backward section in the general category. The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday and was brought in on the last day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha. Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party. The debate on the bill is expected to start at 2 pm. The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark. The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota. The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections. PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said. Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added. (With inputs from PTI)

Government introduces quota bill in Lok Sabha

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The meeting is likely to be attended by all constituents of the 'Mahagathbandhan' that comprises the RJD, the Congress, former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav's LJD.

Tejashwi Yadav is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.

According to sources in the Grand Alliance, the meeting will be marked by "broad discussions on the respective number of seats to be fought by each constituent, and identifying constituencies best suited for each alliance partner".

They, however, added that a final agreement may be deferred till the release of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad serving sentences in fodder scam cases judgement on whose bail application has been reserved by the Jharkhand High Court.

Moreover, leaders of the Grand Alliance have also been stating that a public announcement about the seat-sharing arrangements will be made only after January 14, when the inauspicious month of 'Kharmaas' comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi rubbished reports that have appeared in a section of the media, claiming that he was toying with the idea of a possible return to the NDA, as he was not getting his due in the Grand Alliance.

"This is nonsense. Only on Saturday I was in Ranchi to meet Lalu Prasad. It is another thing that because of his poor health, I avoided getting into any detailed discussions on political matters," he told reporters.

In an alliance, all constituents have to be ready to make some sacrifices, the former chief minister said.

"We are not at all insistent on a particular number of seats in Lok Sabha polls, and though we maintain that we are in a good position in at least 20 out of 40 in the state, we will work for the 'Mahagathbandhan's' victory even if we end up fighting not a single seat," Manjhi asserted.

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar is likely to hold its first formal deliberation on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls during a meeting on Monday at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The meeting is likely to be attended by all constituents of the 'Mahagathbandhan' that comprises the RJD, the Congress, former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav's LJD. Tejashwi Yadav is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly. According to sources in the Grand Alliance, the meeting will be marked by "broad discussions on the respective number of seats to be fought by each constituent, and identifying constituencies best suited for each alliance partner". They, however, added that a final agreement may be deferred till the release of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad serving sentences in fodder scam cases judgement on whose bail application has been reserved by the Jharkhand High Court. Moreover, leaders of the Grand Alliance have also been stating that a public announcement about the seat-sharing arrangements will be made only after January 14, when the inauspicious month of 'Kharmaas' comes to an end. Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi rubbished reports that have appeared in a section of the media, claiming that he was toying with the idea of a possible return to the NDA, as he was not getting his due in the Grand Alliance. "This is nonsense. Only on Saturday I was in Ranchi to meet Lalu Prasad. It is another thing that because of his poor health, I avoided getting into any detailed discussions on political matters," he told reporters. In an alliance, all constituents have to be ready to make some sacrifices, the former chief minister said. "We are not at all insistent on a particular number of seats in Lok Sabha polls, and though we maintain that we are in a good position in at least 20 out of 40 in the state, we will work for the 'Mahagathbandhan's' victory even if we end up fighting not a single seat," Manjhi asserted.

Tejashwi Yadav to host Grand Alliance meet today

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444"> redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill</a>, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016.

Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported.

The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation.

This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014.

Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act.

The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation.

Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report.

Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament.

Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said. A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said. The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016. Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported. The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation. This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014. Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act. The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation. Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report. Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament. Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill. "The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill, to be introduced in Lok Sabha Tuesday

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll in-charges for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

For Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar islands, BJP chief Amit Shah appointed Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was given charge of Delhi.

Moreover, Health Minister JP Nadda was named the Uttar Pradesh in-charge, while P Murlidhar Rao and Kiran Maheshwari will be responsible for overseeing preparations in Karnataka.

Kalyan Misra and Vishwas Sarang will oversee preparations in Haryana while Avinash Rai Khanna will be responsible for steering campaigning efforts in Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll in-charges for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll in-charges for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh, among other states, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. For Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar islands, BJP chief Amit Shah appointed Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was given charge of Delhi. Moreover, Health Minister JP Nadda was named the Uttar Pradesh in-charge, while P Murlidhar Rao and Kiran Maheshwari will be responsible for overseeing preparations in Karnataka. Kalyan Misra and Vishwas Sarang will oversee preparations in Haryana while Avinash Rai Khanna will be responsible for steering campaigning efforts in Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman appointed BJP TN, Delhi poll in-charges

Cracking the whip, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday suspended 24 members of AIADMK for five sitting days for continuously disrupting the House.

The Speaker invoked Rule 374(A) against the erring members after they did not heed to her repeated pleas for maintaining order in the House, Parliament sources said.

On Wednesday, some members even threw papers toward the Speaker's Chair.

The AIADMK members have been continuously creating uproar in the House and even displaying placards to protest against the proposed Mekedatu dam in Karnataka on Cauvery river.

The AIADMK claims that the dam will affect farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Commenting on the Mahajan's action, AIADMK leader M Thambidurai, who is also Deputy Speaker, said the protest is their democratic right.

"We are not questioning the Speaker's decision" but the government is not responding to the concerns raised "democratically by us," he said.

He alleged that the Central BJP-led government had given approval to Karnataka to build Mekedatu dam as it wants to get some seats in that state.

The Rule 374(A) reads: "... in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the House or abusing the Rules of the House persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, such member shall, on being named by the Speaker, stand automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less..."Ever since the Winter Session began on December 11, the Lok Sabha has been witnessing repeated disruptions, because of which it has not been able to transact much business.&nbsp;

The Speaker invoked Rule 374(A) against the erring members after they did not heed to her repeated pleas for maintaining order in the House, Parliament sources said.

Cracking the whip, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday suspended 24 members of AIADMK for five sitting days for continuously disrupting the House. The Speaker invoked Rule 374(A) against the erring members after they did not heed to her repeated pleas for maintaining order in the House, Parliament sources said. On Wednesday, some members even threw papers toward the Speaker's Chair. The AIADMK members have been continuously creating uproar in the House and even displaying placards to protest against the proposed Mekedatu dam in Karnataka on Cauvery river. The AIADMK claims that the dam will affect farmers in Tamil Nadu. Commenting on the Mahajan's action, AIADMK leader M Thambidurai, who is also Deputy Speaker, said the protest is their democratic right. "We are not questioning the Speaker's decision" but the government is not responding to the concerns raised "democratically by us," he said. He alleged that the Central BJP-led government had given approval to Karnataka to build Mekedatu dam as it wants to get some seats in that state. The Rule 374(A) reads: "... in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the House or abusing the Rules of the House persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, such member shall, on being named by the Speaker, stand automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less..."Ever since the Winter Session began on December 11, the Lok Sabha has been witnessing repeated disruptions, because of which it has not been able to transact much business.

Lok Sabha Speaker suspends 24 AIADMK members for five sittings for disrupting House

Cracking the whip on unruly MPs, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has suspended 45 Lok Sabha members belonging to the TDP and the AIADMK since Wednesday after they created a ruckus in the House and continuously disrupted proceedings for days.

Mahajan had suspended 24 AIADMK members on Wednesday for five consecutive sittings. A day later, she suspended 21 members of AIADMK, TDP and an unattached YSR Congress member. The action was taken under rule 374A of Lok Sabha which says that they cannot attend the remaining days of the session, which concludes on January 8.

While AIADMK has 37 members, the TDP has 15 in the lower house. Action against such a large number of MPs is unusual. In February 2014, the then Speaker Meira Kumar had suspended 18 MPs from Andhra Pradesh following bedlam in the House. Those suspended then were either supporting or opposing the creation of Telangana.

Proceeding in Lok Sabha during the winter session that commenced on December 11 have been repeatedly stalled due to protests by AIADMK and TDP members over a proposed dam on river Cauvery and special state status to Andhra Pradesh respectively.

While 19 MPs were suspended around noon on Thursday, two others were asked to leave the House around 2.00 pm.

As soon as the Zero Hour commenced at noon on Thursday, AIADMK and TDP members trooped in the Well, raising slogans and carrying banners.The AIADMK members flung papers towards the chair several times. Amid the ruckus, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to the agitating MPs to return to their seats.

However, protests by the unrelenting members of the two Southern parties continued.

At this, the Speaker initially warned that she would be forced to name the unruly members and take action against them.

"I warn you, I will take your names. You have come to the Well and are persistently creating trouble," she said.

As the members refused to budge, the Speaker suspended 11 TDP MPs, seven AIADMK members and an unattached member under Rule 374(A) for the next four sitting of the House.

Among the suspended MPs were former Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju (TDP), Thota Narasimham (TDP) and Renuka Butta (unattached) who had won on a YSR Congress ticket.

"You are willfully obstructing the proceedings of the House. I am, therefore, constrained to name you and suspend you for four consecutive days," Mahajan said.

The Speaker subsequently adjourned the House till 2 pm after conducting business for nearly 15 minutes during the Zero Hour.

When the House met again at 2 pm, some members continued to protest in the Well despite being suspended.

She then suspended two more TDP members for disrupting proceedings. Amid the din, the House was adjourned for the day without taking up the remaining part of the debate on the Rafale issue.

Meanwhile, some pictures being shared on social media purportedly showed TDP members standing on the Speaker's podium and holding placards when the House was adjourned soon afternoon.

They had not left the Lok Sabha chamber even after the House was adjourned.

Two questions were taken up during the Question Hour even as the members continued to shout slogans.

Members from the Congress wanted to raise the Sabarimala issue and Mahajan told them that the matter can be raised later.&nbsp;

Cracking the whip on unruly MPs, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has suspended 45 Lok Sabha members belonging to the TDP and the AIADMK since Wednesday after they created a ruckus in the House and continuously disrupted proceedings for days.

Cracking the whip on unruly MPs, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has suspended 45 Lok Sabha members belonging to the TDP and the AIADMK since Wednesday after they created a ruckus in the House and continuously disrupted proceedings for days. Mahajan had suspended 24 AIADMK members on Wednesday for five consecutive sittings. A day later, she suspended 21 members of AIADMK, TDP and an unattached YSR Congress member. The action was taken under rule 374A of Lok Sabha which says that they cannot attend the remaining days of the session, which concludes on January 8. While AIADMK has 37 members, the TDP has 15 in the lower house. Action against such a large number of MPs is unusual. In February 2014, the then Speaker Meira Kumar had suspended 18 MPs from Andhra Pradesh following bedlam in the House. Those suspended then were either supporting or opposing the creation of Telangana. Proceeding in Lok Sabha during the winter session that commenced on December 11 have been repeatedly stalled due to protests by AIADMK and TDP members over a proposed dam on river Cauvery and special state status to Andhra Pradesh respectively. While 19 MPs were suspended around noon on Thursday, two others were asked to leave the House around 2.00 pm. As soon as the Zero Hour commenced at noon on Thursday, AIADMK and TDP members trooped in the Well, raising slogans and carrying banners.The AIADMK members flung papers towards the chair several times. Amid the ruckus, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to the agitating MPs to return to their seats. However, protests by the unrelenting members of the two Southern parties continued. At this, the Speaker initially warned that she would be forced to name the unruly members and take action against them. "I warn you, I will take your names. You have come to the Well and are persistently creating trouble," she said. As the members refused to budge, the Speaker suspended 11 TDP MPs, seven AIADMK members and an unattached member under Rule 374(A) for the next four sitting of the House. Among the suspended MPs were former Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju (TDP), Thota Narasimham (TDP) and Renuka Butta (unattached) who had won on a YSR Congress ticket. "You are willfully obstructing the proceedings of the House. I am, therefore, constrained to name you and suspend you for four consecutive days," Mahajan said. The Speaker subsequently adjourned the House till 2 pm after conducting business for nearly 15 minutes during the Zero Hour. When the House met again at 2 pm, some members continued to protest in the Well despite being suspended. She then suspended two more TDP members for disrupting proceedings. Amid the din, the House was adjourned for the day without taking up the remaining part of the debate on the Rafale issue. Meanwhile, some pictures being shared on social media purportedly showed TDP members standing on the Speaker's podium and holding placards when the House was adjourned soon afternoon. They had not left the Lok Sabha chamber even after the House was adjourned. Two questions were taken up during the Question Hour even as the members continued to shout slogans. Members from the Congress wanted to raise the Sabarimala issue and Mahajan told them that the matter can be raised later.

Lok Sabha rocked by disruptions; 45 MPs suspended in 2 days

Russia will start delivering the first of India's five S-400 missile regiments from 2020 with complete deliveries in the next three years by 2023 and will provide security to vulnerable areas and points from aerial threats, says Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre."A contract was signed on October 5, 2018, for delivery of S-400 system from Russia.

The deliveries will commence from October 2020 and will be completed by April 2023," adds the Minister.

"The system will provide very capable air defence coverage to vulnerable areas (Vas) and vulnerable points (VPs)," Minister Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a written reply.

India and Russia had signed a deal worth around Rs 40,000 crore for acquiring five regiments of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russian Almaz Antey.

The Russian missile system can track and destroy multiple targets at a distance between 100 to 380 km. India would be the second user of the missile system in Asia after China.

However, the Chinese system is believed to be less capable than the Indian system as Russia has not provided the longest-range missile system to China with 380 km strike range.

The Indian system has four tiers of strike range with the lowest being around 100 km.&nbsp;

India and Russia had signed a deal worth around Rs 40,000 crore for acquiring five regiments of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russian Almaz Antey.

Russia will start delivering the first of India's five S-400 missile regiments from 2020 with complete deliveries in the next three years by 2023 and will provide security to vulnerable areas and points from aerial threats, says Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre."A contract was signed on October 5, 2018, for delivery of S-400 system from Russia. The deliveries will commence from October 2020 and will be completed by April 2023," adds the Minister. "The system will provide very capable air defence coverage to vulnerable areas (Vas) and vulnerable points (VPs)," Minister Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a written reply. India and Russia had signed a deal worth around Rs 40,000 crore for acquiring five regiments of the S-400 air defence missile systems from Russian Almaz Antey. The Russian missile system can track and destroy multiple targets at a distance between 100 to 380 km. India would be the second user of the missile system in Asia after China. However, the Chinese system is believed to be less capable than the Indian system as Russia has not provided the longest-range missile system to China with 380 km strike range. The Indian system has four tiers of strike range with the lowest being around 100 km.

Russia to supply all five S-400 missile regiments by 2023

Launching a scathing attack on Congress during a debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petitioners-arun-shourie-yashwant-sinha-prashant-bhushan-to-move-sc-for-review-of-rafale-judgment-187838">Rafale deal </a>in Parliament, Union minister Arun Jaitley said that Rahul Gandhi is too scared to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-dont-think-there-is-anything-to-worry-about-french-ambassador-to-india-on-rafale-deal-controversy-186865">authenticate the tape</a> he wants to produce in Lok Sabha.

"On the last occasion, he (Rahul Gandhi) manufactured a conversation between him and the former French president. Today, he repeats the same. Today, he tried to produce a tap but he is too scared to authenticate it," Jaitley said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Accusing Rahul Gandhi of lying, Jaitley said, "The country is disappointed because every word the Congress lead speaker (Rahul Gandhi) has said is a lie on the word of the Supreme Court. When the apex court speaks on every issue, it is treated as the last word, except for the jurisdiction on certain issues in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi here says each of the contentions was raised before the court. There are some people who have a natural dislike for truth, from the first to the last word, every word has spoken is a lie."&nbsp;

Earlier today, Rahul opened the debate and hit out at the government. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his interview to news agency ANI on the first day of the new year was staged.

Rahul said the PM does not have the guts to face questions on Rafale deal and is "hiding in his room".

He also sought Speaker's permission to play an audio clip wherein a Goa minister is allegedly heard quoting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the latter has Rafale files in his bedroom. However, the Speaker denied him permission after Jaitley stepped in. Rahul then sought to read the transcript of the purported statement.

"PM spoke for 90 minutes in a staged interview but still did not answer questions on Rafale," Rahul said.

The Congress president said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that nobody was accusing him of wrongdoing on Rafale. "This is untrue. The entire nation is asking a direct question on Rafale but the prime minister could not answer a straight question even in a one-hour-long staged interview," Rahul said.

Continuing his attack, Gandhi also said that PM Modi does not have the guts to come to parliament to confront questions on rafale.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress during a debate on Rafale deal in Parliament, Union minister Arun Jaitley said that Rahul Gandhi is too scared to authenticate the tape he wants to produce in Lok Sabha. "On the last occasion, he (Rahul Gandhi) manufactured a conversation between him and the former French president. Today, he repeats the same. Today, he tried to produce a tap but he is too scared to authenticate it," Jaitley said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Accusing Rahul Gandhi of lying, Jaitley said, "The country is disappointed because every word the Congress lead speaker (Rahul Gandhi) has said is a lie on the word of the Supreme Court. When the apex court speaks on every issue, it is treated as the last word, except for the jurisdiction on certain issues in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi here says each of the contentions was raised before the court. There are some people who have a natural dislike for truth, from the first to the last word, every word has spoken is a lie." Earlier today, Rahul opened the debate and hit out at the government. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his interview to news agency ANI on the first day of the new year was staged. Rahul said the PM does not have the guts to face questions on Rafale deal and is "hiding in his room". He also sought Speaker's permission to play an audio clip wherein a Goa minister is allegedly heard quoting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the latter has Rafale files in his bedroom. However, the Speaker denied him permission after Jaitley stepped in. Rahul then sought to read the transcript of the purported statement. "PM spoke for 90 minutes in a staged interview but still did not answer questions on Rafale," Rahul said. The Congress president said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that nobody was accusing him of wrongdoing on Rafale. "This is untrue. The entire nation is asking a direct question on Rafale but the prime minister could not answer a straight question even in a one-hour-long staged interview," Rahul said.

Rafale deal debate: Arun Jaitley flays Rahul Gandhi who said PM Modi doesn't have guts to face questions

Actor Prakash Raj has announced that he will be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate.

The announcement was made by the actor on Tuesday night.

However, he is yet to decide on a constituency from where he would fight.

Prakash Raj is the third prominent actor after Rajinikanth and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rise-above-politics-kamal-hassan-to-kerala-cm-on-cyclone-gaja-aftermath-179723">Kamal Haasan</a> to enter politics in recent years.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/citizensvoice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#citizensvoice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justasking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justasking</a> in parliament too..
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/prakashraaj/status/1079806981299261440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too..," Raj tweeted.

Raj is known for his anti-BJP stance.

He also has been vocal in seeking justice for his friend and journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence.

He had earlier claimed that Bollywood stopped offering him roles as he has been critical of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

The 2019 general elections are due to be held in April or May to constitute the seventeenth Lok Sabha.

Actor Prakash Raj has announced that he will be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. The announcement was made by the actor on Tuesday night.

Actor Prakash Raj has announced that he will be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. The announcement was made by the actor on Tuesday night. However, he is yet to decide on a constituency from where he would fight. Prakash Raj is the third prominent actor after Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to enter politics in recent years. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too.. — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) December 31, 2018 × "HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too..," Raj tweeted. Raj is known for his anti-BJP stance. He also has been vocal in seeking justice for his friend and journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence. He had earlier claimed that Bollywood stopped offering him roles as he has been critical of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. The 2019 general elections are due to be held in April or May to constitute the seventeenth Lok Sabha.

Prakash Raj to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections

The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill may not able to get through during the Winter session of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mp-goof-up-in-lok-sabha-cites-miners-trapped-in-mizoram-instead-of-meghalaya-186977">Parliamen</a>t which comes to an end on January 8, sources said Sunday.

A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is examining the bill, will be held on Monday to finalise the proposed legislation before being submitted to the Lok Sabha.

The bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian nationality to people belonging to minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12, even if they don't possess any proper document.

This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014.

"The bill is likely to be tabled in the Lok Sabha either on January 7 or 8. There is very little time for debate before it is passed in the Lower House and then in the Rajya Sabha," a source privy to the deliberations told PTI.

However, in Monday's meeting the BJP may have its way in incorporating some "contentious" provisions in the proposed legislation.

JPC chairman Rajendra Agrawal said the committee will try to finalise the bill through consensus after examining every clause.

"However, if we cannot reach a consensus, we will go for voting, which is a standard procedure for Parliament," he told PTI.

The BJP has 14 MPs, including Agrawal, in the 30-member panel. The Congress has four members while the Trinamool Congress and the Biju Janata Dal have two MPs each. The Shiv Sena, JD(U), TRS, TDP, CPI(M), AIADMK, SP, BSP have one member each in the panel.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on basis of religion.

"If there is voting, the BJP is likely to have its way in incorporating some contentious clauses. Monday's meeting is very crucial," sources said.

In the last meeting of the JPC, held on November 27, opposition members moved clause-by-clause amendments and one Congress MP sought removal of Bangladesh from the purview of the proposed legislation.

Interestingly, an NDA member suggested that Assam, where the bill received strong opposition, should be excluded from the ambit of the legislation.

Various members from opposition parties have been asserting that&nbsp; 
citizenship is a constitutional provision and it cannot be based on religion, as India is a secular nation.

Rather than resolving the situation in Assam, this bill is making the condition more volatile in the already tense state, an opposition member in the panel had said.

Echoing similar sentiments, a Congress member said if all the proposed amendments come into force, then the Centre has to nullify the Assam Accord under which anyone entering the state illegally after March 1971, should be declared foreigner and deported.

Agrawal said they were bound to submit the report in this session as in all practical purposes, Winter session is the last session of the current Lok Sabha.

A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.

Even the governments of Meghalaya and Mizoram have strongly opposed the bill and adopted resolutions against it.

The committee has already taken six extensions from the Lok Sabha Speaker. Last time it had sought time for the presentation of the report was on the "first day of the last week of the Winter Session, 2018".

During the course of its examination and study visits, the committee met a cross-section of people in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam and Meghalaya and heard views of organisations, individuals, experts and others over the issue.

The committee also heard the views of the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal.&nbsp;

The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill may not able to get through during the Winter session of Parliament which comes to an end on January 8, sources said Sunday.

The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill may not able to get through during the Winter session of Parliament which comes to an end on January 8, sources said Sunday. A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is examining the bill, will be held on Monday to finalise the proposed legislation before being submitted to the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian nationality to people belonging to minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12, even if they don't possess any proper document. This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014. "The bill is likely to be tabled in the Lok Sabha either on January 7 or 8. There is very little time for debate before it is passed in the Lower House and then in the Rajya Sabha," a source privy to the deliberations told PTI. However, in Monday's meeting the BJP may have its way in incorporating some "contentious" provisions in the proposed legislation. JPC chairman Rajendra Agrawal said the committee will try to finalise the bill through consensus after examining every clause. "However, if we cannot reach a consensus, we will go for voting, which is a standard procedure for Parliament," he told PTI. The BJP has 14 MPs, including Agrawal, in the 30-member panel. The Congress has four members while the Trinamool Congress and the Biju Janata Dal have two MPs each. The Shiv Sena, JD(U), TRS, TDP, CPI(M), AIADMK, SP, BSP have one member each in the panel. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on basis of religion. "If there is voting, the BJP is likely to have its way in incorporating some contentious clauses. Monday's meeting is very crucial," sources said. In the last meeting of the JPC, held on November 27, opposition members moved clause-by-clause amendments and one Congress MP sought removal of Bangladesh from the purview of the proposed legislation. Interestingly, an NDA member suggested that Assam, where the bill received strong opposition, should be excluded from the ambit of the legislation. Various members from opposition parties have been asserting that citizenship is a constitutional provision and it cannot be based on religion, as India is a secular nation. Rather than resolving the situation in Assam, this bill is making the condition more volatile in the already tense state, an opposition member in the panel had said. Echoing similar sentiments, a Congress member said if all the proposed amendments come into force, then the Centre has to nullify the Assam Accord under which anyone entering the state illegally after March 1971, should be declared foreigner and deported. Agrawal said they were bound to submit the report in this session as in all practical purposes, Winter session is the last session of the current Lok Sabha. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. Even the governments of Meghalaya and Mizoram have strongly opposed the bill and adopted resolutions against it. The committee has already taken six extensions from the Lok Sabha Speaker. Last time it had sought time for the presentation of the report was on the "first day of the last week of the Winter Session, 2018". During the course of its examination and study visits, the committee met a cross-section of people in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam and Meghalaya and heard views of organisations, individuals, experts and others over the issue. The committee also heard the views of the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Citizenship amendment bill may not get through in Winter session

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