<p>On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed ''mahagathbandhan'' or grand alliance, saying their grand alliance was an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability.</p>

<p>"The Opposition's mahagathbandhan is an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability. The Opposition has 'dhanshakti' (money power), we have 'janshakti' (people's power)," Modi said.</p>

<p>Modi also said, ''They've formed alliances with each other. We have formed an alliance with 125 crore countrymen. Which alliance do you think is stronger? Most leaders at that stage in Kolkata were either son of influential people or were trying to set their own children.''</p>

<p>While addressing BJP's booth-level workers through video-conference, he said, ''They've already started making excuses for their defeat (in 2019 polls). EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls, but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted. They consider public stupid and so keep changing colours.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM: They've already started making excuses for their defeat(in 2019 polls).EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls,but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted.They consider public stupid &amp; so keep changing colours</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086895361652899840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Leaders from over a dozen opposition parties gathered in Kolkata on Saturday in ''maha-rally'' and vowed to put up a united fight in the coming Lok Sabha elections and oust Modi from power.</p>

<p>Modi also wished good health to Goa's chief minister Manohar Parrikar, saying ''I pray that my dear friend Manohar Ji, popular CM of Goa and architect of modern Goa, recovers soon. He is working even in this condition and his passion towards work is inspirational for us.''</p>


On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed ''mahagathbandhan'' or grand alliance, saying their grand alliance was an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability.

On a day when many opposition parties came together on a common platform in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at their proposed ''mahagathbandhan'' or grand alliance, saying their grand alliance was an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability. "The Opposition's mahagathbandhan is an alliance of corruption, negativity and instability. The Opposition has 'dhanshakti' (money power), we have 'janshakti' (people's power)," Modi said. Modi also said, ''They've formed alliances with each other. We have formed an alliance with 125 crore countrymen. Which alliance do you think is stronger? Most leaders at that stage in Kolkata were either son of influential people or were trying to set their own children.'' While addressing BJP's booth-level workers through video-conference, he said, ''They've already started making excuses for their defeat (in 2019 polls). EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls, but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted. They consider public stupid and so keep changing colours.'' PM: They've already started making excuses for their defeat(in 2019 polls).EVM is being made villain. It's natural that every political party wants to win the polls,but it's worrisome when some parties take public for granted.They consider public stupid & so keep changing colours — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × Leaders from over a dozen opposition parties gathered in Kolkata on Saturday in ''maha-rally'' and vowed to put up a united fight in the coming Lok Sabha elections and oust Modi from power. Modi also wished good health to Goa's chief minister Manohar Parrikar, saying ''I pray that my dear friend Manohar Ji, popular CM of Goa and architect of modern Goa, recovers soon. He is working even in this condition and his passion towards work is inspirational for us.''

Opposition's 'mahagathbandhan' an alliance of corruption, negativity: PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)&nbsp;by opposition parties, calling it a combine of those he prevented from looting India.</p>

<p>Modi said that the ''this 'gathbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi in Silvassa: This 'ganthbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share. <a href="https://t.co/UbpNULGgHA">pic.twitter.com/UbpNULGgHA</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086552329636196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi also took potshots at the TMC's opposition rally in Kolkata while addressing a public function at Silvassa, the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.</p>

<p>''My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan,'' Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi in Silvassa: My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan <a href="https://t.co/3WPyJtKRx5">pic.twitter.com/3WPyJtKRx5</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086553107763527680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking about his 5-year term, he said, ''The previous government was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi in Silvassa: The previous govt was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built. <a href="https://t.co/EDCfu3D2tX">pic.twitter.com/EDCfu3D2tX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086550876679032832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"When those involved in suffocating democracy talk of saving it, then people will say 'wah kya baat hai'," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">PM Modi in Silvassa: Jab loktantra ka gala ghotne wale loktantra ko bachane ki baat karte toh desh ke munh se nikalta hai 'wah kya baat'. <a href="https://t.co/Ac7D0e3tkt">pic.twitter.com/Ac7D0e3tkt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086553893197307904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi also met his mother Hiraba in Raisan village before going to Ahmedabad airport.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) by opposition parties, calling it a combine of those he prevented from looting India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) by opposition parties, calling it a combine of those he prevented from looting India. Modi said that the ''this 'gathbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share.'' PM Modi in Silvassa: This 'ganthbandhan' is not against Modi but against the people of India. Currently, they are not even properly together and already that have started bargaining for their share. pic.twitter.com/UbpNULGgHA — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Modi also took potshots at the TMC's opposition rally in Kolkata while addressing a public function at Silvassa, the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. ''My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan,'' Modi said. PM Modi in Silvassa: My actions against corruption have infuriated some people. It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan pic.twitter.com/3WPyJtKRx5 — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Speaking about his 5-year term, he said, ''The previous government was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built. PM Narendra Modi in Silvassa: The previous govt was only able to build 25 lakh houses in five years. However, in the last 5 years, around 1.25 crore houses have been built. pic.twitter.com/EDCfu3D2tX — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × "When those involved in suffocating democracy talk of saving it, then people will say 'wah kya baat hai'," he said. PM Modi in Silvassa: Jab loktantra ka gala ghotne wale loktantra ko bachane ki baat karte toh desh ke munh se nikalta hai 'wah kya baat'. pic.twitter.com/Ac7D0e3tkt — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Modi also met his mother Hiraba in Raisan village before going to Ahmedabad airport.

'Mahagathbandhan' is not against me but people of India: PM Modi in Gujarat

<p>Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders include HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.&nbsp;</p>


Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. "We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat. According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited. Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead. Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party. On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally. The leaders include HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha. The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati to skip Mamata Banerjee's Mahagathbandhan meet on January 19

<p>Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday made it clear that his BJD will not be a part of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance).</p>

<p>Patnaik said as part of his party's policy, the BJD will continue to maintain equal distance from both the BJP and the Congress.</p>

<p>"We will continue with our policy of equidistance from the BJP and the Congress," he said.</p>

<p>"I want to clarify that as far as the Mahagathbandhan is concerned, the Biju Janata Dal is not a part of it," Patnaik told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting here.&nbsp;</p>


Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday made it clear that his BJD will not be a part of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). Patnaik said as part of his party's policy, the BJD will continue to maintain equal distance from both the BJP and the Congress.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday made it clear that his BJD will not be a part of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). Patnaik said as part of his party's policy, the BJD will continue to maintain equal distance from both the BJP and the Congress. "We will continue with our policy of equidistance from the BJP and the Congress," he said. "I want to clarify that as far as the Mahagathbandhan is concerned, the Biju Janata Dal is not a part of it," Patnaik told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting here.

BJD not to be part of Mahagathbandhan: Naveen Patnaik

<p>The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">"public versus coalition"</a> contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.</p>

<p>In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi.</p>

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<p>He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years.</p>

<p>"I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul.</p>

<p>Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added.</p>

<p>Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections."</p>

<p>Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues."</p>

<p>He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people."</p>

<p>Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence."</p>

<p>Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country.</p>

<p>To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly.</p>

<p>"They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said.</p>

<p>"Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi.</p>

<p>"I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing".</p>

<p>His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP.</p>

<p>"Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added.</p>

<p>He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma.</p>

<p>"Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added.</p>

<p>Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom."</p>

<p>Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition.</p>

<p>Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot."</p>

<p>Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."&nbsp;</p>


The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties. In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014. The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi. × He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years. "I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul. Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added. Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections." Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together." The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues." He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people." Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence." Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country. To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly. "They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said. "Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said. He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said. PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi. "I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied. The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing". His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi. In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP. "Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added. He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful." The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma. "Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added. Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom." Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition. Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot." Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi

<p>Amid speculation on finalisation of 2019 seat-sharing arrangement between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, top sources in BSP tells ANI that party is still analyzing and talks on seat sharing is yet to take concrete shape.</p>

<p>Top BSP sources also say that BSP Chief Mayawati is holding a series of meetings with party leaders from inside Uttar Pradesh and outside the state as well.</p>

<p>Sources further say that she is yet to take a final call on Gathbandhan in UP as the party is observing political developments and is in wait and watch mode.</p>

<p>It has been widely reported that SP BSP alliance is sealed however there is no official word from BSP.</p>

<p>Mayawati had openly expressed her reservation with Congress party which is playing a key role in stitching Mahagathbandhan against Modi led NDA government in 2019 general elections.</p>

<p>BSP chief Mayawati was first to offer her party support to Congress for forming a government in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.</p>

<p>In another political churn, there is an attempt to form non-BJP and non-Congress front ahead of 2019 elections.</p>

<p>Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is spearheading this move. KCR met with Mamata Banerjee yesterday and is expected to meet Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav.</p>


Amid speculation on finalisation of 2019 seat-sharing arrangement between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, top sources in BSP tells ANI that party is still analyzing and talks on seat sharing is yet to take concrete shape.

Amid speculation on finalisation of 2019 seat-sharing arrangement between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, top sources in BSP tells ANI that party is still analyzing and talks on seat sharing is yet to take concrete shape. Top BSP sources also say that BSP Chief Mayawati is holding a series of meetings with party leaders from inside Uttar Pradesh and outside the state as well. Sources further say that she is yet to take a final call on Gathbandhan in UP as the party is observing political developments and is in wait and watch mode. It has been widely reported that SP BSP alliance is sealed however there is no official word from BSP. Mayawati had openly expressed her reservation with Congress party which is playing a key role in stitching Mahagathbandhan against Modi led NDA government in 2019 general elections. BSP chief Mayawati was first to offer her party support to Congress for forming a government in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In another political churn, there is an attempt to form non-BJP and non-Congress front ahead of 2019 elections. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is spearheading this move. KCR met with Mamata Banerjee yesterday and is expected to meet Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav.

BSP on 'wait and watch' mode on Mahagathbandhan in UP

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival".</p>

<p>People will see through the "incoherent alliance of rich dynasties," Modi said during his interaction with booth workers from Chennai Central, Chennai North, Madurai, Tiruchirappally and Tiruvallur constituencies in Tamil Nadu through video conference.</p>

<p>The prime minister recalled that the key constituent of the mega alliance - the Telugu Desam Party-- was formed against the very "high-handedness" of the Congress by the veteran, late chief minister N T Rama Rao but said the party was now keen to join hands with the Congress.</p>

<p>Some parties in the Mahagatbandhan claimed to be inspired by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, but the veteran himself opposed the Congress and its ideologies, Modi said.</p>

<p>"Today several leaders are talking about a grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan. This alliance is for personal survival, and is not ideology-based support. This alliance is for power, not for the people. This alliance for personal ambitions, not people's aspirations," he said.</p>

<p>While several parties and leaders in the coalition claimed to be deeply inspired by Lohia, he said "was deeply opposed to the Congress," Modi said.</p>

<p>Many leaders in the coalition were "arrested and tortured" during the Emergency, he said without referring to anyone.</p>

<p>The Congress "ecosytem" spared none, he said and pointed out at the dismissal of the AIADMK government of late chief minister MG Ramachandran in 1980 though he had people's support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahagathbandhan is a grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". People will see through the "incoherent alliance of rich dynasties," Modi said during his interaction with booth workers from Chennai Central, Chennai North, Madurai, Tiruchirappally and Tiruvallur constituencies in Tamil Nadu through video conference. The prime minister recalled that the key constituent of the mega alliance - the Telugu Desam Party-- was formed against the very "high-handedness" of the Congress by the veteran, late chief minister N T Rama Rao but said the party was now keen to join hands with the Congress. Some parties in the Mahagatbandhan claimed to be inspired by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, but the veteran himself opposed the Congress and its ideologies, Modi said. "Today several leaders are talking about a grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan. This alliance is for personal survival, and is not ideology-based support. This alliance is for power, not for the people. This alliance for personal ambitions, not people's aspirations," he said. While several parties and leaders in the coalition claimed to be deeply inspired by Lohia, he said "was deeply opposed to the Congress," Modi said. Many leaders in the coalition were "arrested and tortured" during the Emergency, he said without referring to anyone. The Congress "ecosytem" spared none, he said and pointed out at the dismissal of the AIADMK government of late chief minister MG Ramachandran in 1980 though he had people's support. Mahagathbandhan is a grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

PM Modi says Mahagathbandhan incoherent alliance of rich dynasties

<p>Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday.</p>

<p>While addressing a press conference, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rlsp-legislators-revolt-declare-they-will-remain-in-nda-184275">Kushwaha </a>said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.</p>

<p>"We had said that we have many options and UPA was one of them. The wholeheartedness shown by Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav is one of the reasons I joined but the biggest reason I'm here is the people of Bihar", he said.</p>

<p>Welcoming Kushwaha in the grand alliance in Bihar, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan".</p>

<p>Kushwaha was the former Minister of State for Human Resources Development (HRD).</p>

<p>The former member of the NDA had quit the alliance citing that he had several hopes from the NDA, however, the party did not live up to his expectations.</p>

<p>"Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," he wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Khushwa had been upset with the BJP after it asserted that his party RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahmed Patel, Congress: There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan. <a href="https://t.co/yftEF0IpJY">pic.twitter.com/yftEF0IpJY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075703414779047936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/apmwLHsu1U">pic.twitter.com/apmwLHsu1U</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075703662846988288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A day before joining the mahagathbandhan, Kushwaha had asserted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-arrogance-among-reasons-to-leave-nda-ljp-must-also-quit-upendra-kushwaha-185282">arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar</a> were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.</p>

<p>While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his "personality"&nbsp;and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Chirag Paswan, the leader of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ljp-makes-public-its-unease-with-bjp-over-ram-temple-185367"> Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) </a>a key ally of the NDA also expressed his disapproval with the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While being critical of the BJP, he praised Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he had raised "real" issues of the youth and farmers, which fetched his party victory in the recently-held Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.</p>


Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav. "We had said that we have many options and UPA was one of them. The wholeheartedness shown by Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav is one of the reasons I joined but the biggest reason I'm here is the people of Bihar", he said. Welcoming Kushwaha in the grand alliance in Bihar, Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan". Kushwaha was the former Minister of State for Human Resources Development (HRD). The former member of the NDA had quit the alliance citing that he had several hopes from the NDA, however, the party did not live up to his expectations. "Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," he wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi. Khushwa had been upset with the BJP after it asserted that his party RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Ahmed Patel, Congress: There is a gathbandhan in Bihar, it's a matter of happiness that Upendra Kushwaha is joining the mahagathbandhan. pic.twitter.com/yftEF0IpJY — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/apmwLHsu1U — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2018 × A day before joining the mahagathbandhan, Kushwaha had asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit. While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his "personality" and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi. Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) a key ally of the NDA also expressed his disapproval with the BJP. While being critical of the BJP, he praised Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying he had raised "real" issues of the youth and farmers, which fetched his party victory in the recently-held Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar

<p>The dream to stitch a grand alliance between Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal&nbsp;and Samajwadi Party turned out to be a cropper when SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav declared 325 out of 400 seats in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Mulayam, better known as Netaji in the political circuit of Uttar Pradesh, categorically said SP will not enter into any alliance for the forthcoming assembly elections. The elections are expected to be held in late February or early March in 2017 along with Punjab and Goa.</p>

<p>Insiders say that the decision to go alone comes from Mulayum Singh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav was in support of the grand alliance and had categorically said that if a grand alliance is put into place then it will end up winning 300 seats. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources say that the insistence of the Congress Party for 100 seats led to collapse of the talk which was taking place informally between the SP and Congress. Congress was also insisting for the position of deputy chief minister. Even Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi on Tuesday remained non-committal on the alliance with regional party without denying the question out right whether they are in talks with anyone.&nbsp;The Samajwadi Party is expected to release 78 seats sometime next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The list also indicates that both Mulayum and Shivpal Yadav are on the same page and have only accommodated people close to them. The party denied tickets to sitting ministers considered close to the chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. It includes Arvind Singh Gop from Barabanki, Pawan Pandey from Ayodhya and Kamal Akhtar from Western Uttar Pradesh. When asked as to where Akhilesh will contest the elections, Mulayam said,&rdquo; He can contest elections from anywhere he wants.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The list includes names which are controversial and team Akhilesh wanted them out of the power structure because of their antecedents. It includes dreaded don Atiq Ahmad from Kanpur Cant and Sibagtullah Ansari from Mohamdabad. Sibagtullah is elder brother of Muqthar Ansari again a noted don from the eastern Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Congress and Rashtriya Lok Dal wanted to forge an alliance with Samajwadi Party to contest polls in India's most populous state

The dream to stitch a grand alliance between Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal and Samajwadi Party turned out to be a cropper when SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav declared 325 out of 400 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Mulayam, better known as Netaji in the political circuit of Uttar Pradesh, categorically said SP will not enter into any alliance for the forthcoming assembly elections. The elections are expected to be held in late February or early March in 2017 along with Punjab and Goa. Insiders say that the decision to go alone comes from Mulayum Singh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav was in support of the grand alliance and had categorically said that if a grand alliance is put into place then it will end up winning 300 seats. Sources say that the insistence of the Congress Party for 100 seats led to collapse of the talk which was taking place informally between the SP and Congress. Congress was also insisting for the position of deputy chief minister. Even Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday remained non-committal on the alliance with regional party without denying the question out right whether they are in talks with anyone. The Samajwadi Party is expected to release 78 seats sometime next week. The list also indicates that both Mulayum and Shivpal Yadav are on the same page and have only accommodated people close to them. The party denied tickets to sitting ministers considered close to the chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. It includes Arvind Singh Gop from Barabanki, Pawan Pandey from Ayodhya and Kamal Akhtar from Western Uttar Pradesh. When asked as to where Akhilesh will contest the elections, Mulayam said,” He can contest elections from anywhere he wants.” The list includes names which are controversial and team Akhilesh wanted them out of the power structure because of their antecedents. It includes dreaded don Atiq Ahmad from Kanpur Cant and Sibagtullah Ansari from Mohamdabad. Sibagtullah is elder brother of Muqthar Ansari again a noted don from the eastern Uttar Pradesh. (WION)

Uttar Pradesh elections: Ruling Samajwadi Party pulls plug on pre-poll alliance talks

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