As Narendra Modi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-ushers-in-second-term-as-prime-minister-222608">gets ready to take oath</a> as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in.

According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Swaraj was the high-profile External Affairs Minister in the last government and there was speculation that she might not get a ministerial berth this time around as she did not contest elections citing health grounds.&nbsp;Singh was the Home Minister in the previous tenure of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-strive-to-enhance-good-governance-and-transform-lives-pm-modi-222627">Modi government</a>.&nbsp;

The names of probable ministers in the new government are emerging after a meeting between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Thursday morning. Modi and Shah have been brainstorming to decide the contours of the Cabinet after the results were announced on May 23.

Nirmala Sitharaman, who was the defence minister in the last government, has received a call, said sources, and so has BJP leader Jitendra Singh.

Giant slayer and textiles minister Smriti Irani has also received a call and is expected to return to the Modi Cabinet. She wrested Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls and is likely to get a plum post. Irani has earlier served as Information &amp; Broadcasting and HRD minister.

BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said today that he has also received a call from BJP chief Amit Shah. "I received a call from Amit Shah. He said that I should be there at home office of PM at 5 o'clock and swearing-in ceremony at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock, the PM will have tea with cabinet and other ministerial colleagues and then we'll go to Rashtrapati Bhavan to take oath," he told reporters.

Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan are among the allies who have received calls to be part of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for today evening. The other allies to be invited to be part of swearing-in ceremony is Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the NDA government.

Nitin Gadkari, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thawar Chand Gehlot, who were serving as ministers in the previous Modi government, have also received calls for today's swearing-in ceremony.

Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out

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Apart from those mentioned above, these leaders have also got invite to be part of the swearing-in ceremony:

Piyush Goyal (BJP) 
Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) 
Prakash Javadekar (BJP) 
Kiren Rijiju (BJP) 
Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) 
Kishan reddy (BJP) 
Suresh Angadi (BJP) 
Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) 
Giriraj Singh (BJP) 
Dharmendra Pradhan (BJP) 
Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (BJP) 
Santosh Gangwar (BJP) 
Prahlad Joshi (BJP) 
Babul Supriyo (BJP) 
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) 
Mansukh Lal Mandaviya (BJP) 
Sanjeev Balyan (BJP) 
Krishan Pal Gurjar (BJP) 
Rao Inderjit Singh (BJP) 
RCP Singh (JDU) 
Som Prakash (BJP) 
VK Singh (BJP)

Modi, along with his Council of Ministers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ahead-of-oath-taking-ceremony-pm-modi-pays-tribute-mahatma-gandhi-vajpayee-visits-national-war-memorial-222611">will take oath</a> as the 15th Prime Minister of India at 7pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function.

President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Myanmar U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Thailand's Special Envoy Grisada Boonrach are in the national capital for attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov will also be present at the event.

Several overseas friends of BJP from 15 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK, have also been invited. Modi has also invited families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack in February.

As Narendra Modi gets ready to take oath as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in. According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

As Narendra Modi gets ready to take oath as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in. According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Swaraj was the high-profile External Affairs Minister in the last government and there was speculation that she might not get a ministerial berth this time around as she did not contest elections citing health grounds. Singh was the Home Minister in the previous tenure of the Modi government. The names of probable ministers in the new government are emerging after a meeting between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Thursday morning. Modi and Shah have been brainstorming to decide the contours of the Cabinet after the results were announced on May 23. Nirmala Sitharaman, who was the defence minister in the last government, has received a call, said sources, and so has BJP leader Jitendra Singh. Giant slayer and textiles minister Smriti Irani has also received a call and is expected to return to the Modi Cabinet. She wrested Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls and is likely to get a plum post. Irani has earlier served as Information & Broadcasting and HRD minister. BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said today that he has also received a call from BJP chief Amit Shah. "I received a call from Amit Shah. He said that I should be there at home office of PM at 5 o'clock and swearing-in ceremony at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock, the PM will have tea with cabinet and other ministerial colleagues and then we'll go to Rashtrapati Bhavan to take oath," he told reporters. Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan are among the allies who have received calls to be part of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for today evening. The other allies to be invited to be part of swearing-in ceremony is Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the NDA government. Nitin Gadkari, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thawar Chand Gehlot, who were serving as ministers in the previous Modi government, have also received calls for today's swearing-in ceremony. Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out Apart from those mentioned above, these leaders have also got invite to be part of the swearing-in ceremony: Piyush Goyal (BJP) Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) Prakash Javadekar (BJP) Kiren Rijiju (BJP) Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) Kishan reddy (BJP) Suresh Angadi (BJP) Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) Giriraj Singh (BJP) Dharmendra Pradhan (BJP) Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (BJP) Santosh Gangwar (BJP) Prahlad Joshi (BJP) Babul Supriyo (BJP) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) Mansukh Lal Mandaviya (BJP) Sanjeev Balyan (BJP) Krishan Pal Gurjar (BJP) Rao Inderjit Singh (BJP) RCP Singh (JDU) Som Prakash (BJP) VK Singh (BJP) Modi, along with his Council of Ministers, will take oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India at 7pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function. President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Myanmar U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Thailand's Special Envoy Grisada Boonrach are in the national capital for attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony. The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov will also be present at the event. Several overseas friends of BJP from 15 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK, have also been invited. Modi has also invited families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack in February.

Sushma Swaraj, Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari & some allies get calls as Modi gears up to take oath as PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/great-honour-to-be-part-of-govt-will-keep-away-this-time-arun-jaitley-in-letter-to-pm-222463">Finance Minister&nbsp;Arun Jaitley</a> at his residence&nbsp;today.

According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government.

Modi also enquired about Jaitley's health and well being, reports added.

Specific details about the meeting was not known immediately but the visit was possibly to convey a message that Jaitley is valued, appreciated and wanted by him and his government.

Earlier today, Jaitley has written a letter to Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'Allow me reasonable time for myself', says Arun Jaitley

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He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader.

A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government.

He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence today. According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence today. According to media reports, Modi asked Jaitley to rethink his decision and continue to remain in the government. Modi also enquired about Jaitley's health and well being, reports added. Specific details about the meeting was not known immediately but the visit was possibly to convey a message that Jaitley is valued, appreciated and wanted by him and his government. Earlier today, Jaitley has written a letter to Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons. Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. Watch: 'Allow me reasonable time for myself', says Arun Jaitley He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader. A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government. He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

PM Narendra Modi visits Arun Jaitley; urges him to reconsider opting out of government

What's in store for NDA allies in Modi's new Cabinet?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-magazine-does-an-about-face-from-divider-in-chief-to-modi-has-united-india-222490">Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India'</a>

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION</a>

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mountaineer-ravindra-kumar-speaks-to-wion-explains-why-everest-has-turned-into-death-zone-222486">Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone'</a>

With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-to-work-closely-with-great-ally-india-state-department-spokesperson-222484">US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson</a>

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-wont-attend-modis-swearing-in-says-bjp-using-occasion-to-scare-political-points-222479">Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India' Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India' Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done. Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone' With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'. US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Weeks after Time magazine featured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/world-leaders-congratulate-pm-modi-on-re-election-221092">Narendra Modi </a>on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/road-ahead-for-pm-narendra-modi-222133">prime minister </a>has united India in decades the way he has done.

The article titled ‘Modi Has United India Like No Prime Minister in Decades’ is written by Manoj Ladwa, founder and chief executive of the India Inc Group, a London-based media organisation.

The article comes just days after BJP secured a landslide victory in the country's general elections, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-to-take-oath-as-pm-on-may-30-221788">winning 303 seats in the 542</a>-member Lok Sabha.

Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades'

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“Despite the strong and often unfair criticisms levelled at Modi’s policies both throughout his first term and this marathon election, no Prime Minister has united the Indian electorate as much in close to five decades," Ladwa writes.

Ladwa, who in 2014 had led the Research Analysis and Messaging division of the Narendra Modi for Prime Minister campaign, further writes that Modi won a massive mandate as he managed to transcend India’s greatest fault line: the class divide.

The article is published in the Time Ideas section, which the publication said: “hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture.”

The article is in stark contrast to the the magazine's cover story done on Modi earlier this month titled ‘India's Divider in Chief’, written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer.

As Modi enters his second term as leader of the world’s largest democracy, Ladwa writes that he still has work to do.

“Having plugged some horrendous holes in India’s notoriously inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy in his first term, he will now need to focus much more ruthlessly on reforming those institutions and make them fit for the coming decades. This will require him to remain the pragmatic politician he is, and continue to shun the temptations of populism as he sets out his stall for a second term."

While all achievements of the Modi’s government are still “works-in-progress”, Ladwa said that its efforts have been recognised by virtually every single global institute of any standing, including the World Bank, the IMF, and the UN, and “Modi’s India is finally progressing at a rate worthy of its size and potential.

“Modi may have been criticised for remaining silent during incidents of social unrest. But his work has been given the thumbs up at the ballot box by the Indian voters for directly addressing the root causes of some of India’s divisions. For them, the Modi dream of a New India remains very much intact,” Ladwa added.

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done. The article titled ‘Modi Has United India Like No Prime Minister in Decades’ is written by Manoj Ladwa, founder and chief executive of the India Inc Group, a London-based media organisation. The article comes just days after BJP secured a landslide victory in the country's general elections, winning 303 seats in the 542-member Lok Sabha. Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades' “Despite the strong and often unfair criticisms levelled at Modi’s policies both throughout his first term and this marathon election, no Prime Minister has united the Indian electorate as much in close to five decades," Ladwa writes. Ladwa, who in 2014 had led the Research Analysis and Messaging division of the Narendra Modi for Prime Minister campaign, further writes that Modi won a massive mandate as he managed to transcend India’s greatest fault line: the class divide. The article is published in the Time Ideas section, which the publication said: “hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture.” The article is in stark contrast to the the magazine's cover story done on Modi earlier this month titled ‘India's Divider in Chief’, written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer. As Modi enters his second term as leader of the world’s largest democracy, Ladwa writes that he still has work to do. “Having plugged some horrendous holes in India’s notoriously inefficient and corrupt bureaucracy in his first term, he will now need to focus much more ruthlessly on reforming those institutions and make them fit for the coming decades. This will require him to remain the pragmatic politician he is, and continue to shun the temptations of populism as he sets out his stall for a second term." While all achievements of the Modi’s government are still “works-in-progress”, Ladwa said that its efforts have been recognised by virtually every single global institute of any standing, including the World Bank, the IMF, and the UN, and “Modi’s India is finally progressing at a rate worthy of its size and potential. “Modi may have been criticised for remaining silent during incidents of social unrest. But his work has been given the thumbs up at the ballot box by the Indian voters for directly addressing the root causes of some of India’s divisions. For them, the Modi dream of a New India remains very much intact,” Ladwa added.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India'

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-5-hour-long-meeting-pm-modi-and-amit-shah-discuss-new-cabinet-222396">Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term</a> on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was looking forward having a "robust discussion" with his Indian counterpart on a wide range of issues.

The Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Pompeo, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on the spectacular electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We, of course, will work closely with Modi, as we have many times," Ortagus told reporters in response to a question during an off-camera news conference on Tuesday.

"We're confident in the fairness and integrity of the elections, and I think that Secretary Pompeo will have a very robust discussion on a range of issues. India is a great ally and partner of the United States," Ortagus said.

Her comment came amid a report that Pompeo may visit New Delhi next month on his way to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, US President Donald Trump and other leaders.

Watch:&nbsp;'Modi united India like no PM in decades'

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Meanwhile, US lawmakers and senior government officials continue to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory.

According to a compilation made by the Indian Embassy here, more than 50 Congressmen, Senators and the senior government officials have sent congratulatory messages to Modi.

"India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner.&nbsp;Congratulations to Narendra Modi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen," tweeted Indian-American politician Nikki Haley.

"Congratulations to Modi 'on being re-elected' as Prime Minister of India, said Congressman Al Green.

"I wish peace and prosperity for India and its neighbours and look forward to seeing you at India House in my congressional district in Houston, Texas, USA," he said.

In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha seats.&nbsp;

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was looking forward having a "robust discussion" with his Indian counterpart on a wide range of issues. The Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Pompeo, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on the spectacular electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections. "We, of course, will work closely with Modi, as we have many times," Ortagus told reporters in response to a question during an off-camera news conference on Tuesday. "We're confident in the fairness and integrity of the elections, and I think that Secretary Pompeo will have a very robust discussion on a range of issues. India is a great ally and partner of the United States," Ortagus said. Her comment came amid a report that Pompeo may visit New Delhi next month on his way to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades' Meanwhile, US lawmakers and senior government officials continue to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory. According to a compilation made by the Indian Embassy here, more than 50 Congressmen, Senators and the senior government officials have sent congratulatory messages to Modi. "India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner. Congratulations to Narendra Modi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen," tweeted Indian-American politician Nikki Haley. "Congratulations to Modi 'on being re-elected' as Prime Minister of India, said Congressman Al Green. "I wish peace and prosperity for India and its neighbours and look forward to seeing you at India House in my congressional district in Houston, Texas, USA," he said. In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha seats.

US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

"It was my plan to accept the constitutional invitation and attend the oath-taking ceremony. However, in the last one hour, I am seeing media reports that the BJP are claiming 54 people have been murdered in political violence in Bengal. This is completely untrue," Banerjee said in her statement posted on Twitter. The tweet accompanying the statement reads, "The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party."

These deaths may have occurred due to personal enmity, family quarrels and other disputes; nothing related to politics. There is no such record with us. So, I am sorry Narendra Modi ji, this has compelled me not to attend the ceremony, Banerjee further said in her statement.

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The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party <a href="https://t.co/Mznq0xN11Q">pic.twitter.com/Mznq0xN11Q</a>
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1133656252381184001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP lost many workers in panchayat, local body and parliamentary elections in West Bengal during election-related violence. Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah repeatedly highlighted the issue at the rallies they addressed.

Fifty four special guests, besides leaders from BIMSTEC countries and a host of celebrities and politicians, would be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday. The Prime Minister has specially invited family members of BJP workers who were killed in incidents of political violence in West Bengal over the past few years, a senior BJP leader said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Banerjee had said that she has accepted the invite to attend the ceremony. "I have spoken to other Chief Ministers also. Since it is a ceremonial program, we thought of attending it. Yes, I will go," she told media in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Banerjee had indulged in a war of words with Modi during the campaign period in the run-up to the elections, in which the BJP has made deep inroads into the Trinamool territory in West Bengal by winning 18 Lok Sabha seats out of 42. The TMC's victory was reduced from 34 in 2014 to 22 in 2019.

Modi will be sworn in for a second term as the prime minister on Thursday at 7pm in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, along with members of the Union Council of Ministers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal. "It was my plan to accept the constitutional invitation and attend the oath-taking ceremony. However, in the last one hour, I am seeing media reports that the BJP are claiming 54 people have been murdered in political violence in Bengal. This is completely untrue," Banerjee said in her statement posted on Twitter. The tweet accompanying the statement reads, "The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party." These deaths may have occurred due to personal enmity, family quarrels and other disputes; nothing related to politics. There is no such record with us. So, I am sorry Narendra Modi ji, this has compelled me not to attend the ceremony, Banerjee further said in her statement. The oath-taking ceremony is an august occasion to celebrate democracy, not one that should be devalued by any political party pic.twitter.com/Mznq0xN11Q — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 29, 2019 × The BJP lost many workers in panchayat, local body and parliamentary elections in West Bengal during election-related violence. Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah repeatedly highlighted the issue at the rallies they addressed. Fifty four special guests, besides leaders from BIMSTEC countries and a host of celebrities and politicians, would be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday. The Prime Minister has specially invited family members of BJP workers who were killed in incidents of political violence in West Bengal over the past few years, a senior BJP leader said. Earlier on Tuesday, Banerjee had said that she has accepted the invite to attend the ceremony. "I have spoken to other Chief Ministers also. Since it is a ceremonial program, we thought of attending it. Yes, I will go," she told media in Kolkata on Tuesday. Banerjee had indulged in a war of words with Modi during the campaign period in the run-up to the elections, in which the BJP has made deep inroads into the Trinamool territory in West Bengal by winning 18 Lok Sabha seats out of 42. The TMC's victory was reduced from 34 in 2014 to 22 in 2019. Modi will be sworn in for a second term as the prime minister on Thursday at 7pm in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, along with members of the Union Council of Ministers.

Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points

It would be stating the obvious in noting that there was a Modi wave in the landslide win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in this year's general elections. While there is little doubt that the political genius of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the awesome reach of the BJPs political machinery led by party chief Amit Shah was important as I have tried to explain in another piece, there was more to it than meets the eye. It had something to do with the national mood. In the growth of any plant, the seed, the water and the fertiliser are important, but so is the soil. I like to think that the national mood is comparable to the soil.

Electoral politics a complex business in which parties and leaders try to capture a number of factors and feelings in a manner that results in the pressing of a single button by a single voter on one symbol in a mammoth nationwide exercise. That makes predictions difficult. But post-facto analysis often reveals interesting patterns. My own take is that there this year, there was something in the national mood that favoured not just Modi but others who had qualities similar to him. I would like to say that this year's Modi Wave was a subset of a nationwide "leadership wave" in which the parties that did well were those perceived to have strong leaders - not in the political sense but in the sense of administrative capabilities. This requires a strong (and strange) mix of decisiveness, empathy and concern for issues.

Now, let's look at who were those other than the BJP who did reasonably well in terms of the seats won as a share of seats in which they were in the reckoning. The final results table shows the DMK won 23 seats out of 39 in Tamil Nadu, the Biju Janata Dal 12 seats out of 21 in Odisha, the All India Trinamool Congress with 22 out of 42 in West Bengal and the YSR Congress 22 out of 25 in Andhra Pradesh did remarkably.

Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh's YSR Congress leader Jagan Reddy steered clear of both the NDA and UPA and yet showed a creditable performance and managed to contain the Modi wave sweeping the country. DMK's MK Stalin had the power of the Dravidian ideology and a strong party organisation backing him, but, like Patnaik and Reddy, he worked hard to tower as the strongest local leader with an active interest in local issues.

My contention is that these leaders could work some magic because, despite their differing styles, they moved empathetically among local people and dealt with local issues in an articulate manner.&nbsp;

Trinamool's Mamata Banerjee was up against difficult factors such as illegal infiltration on the state border that helped the BJP's Hindutva politics. Her own militant style also worked against her but at the same she has shown strong administrative capabilities as a chief minister. However, like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, she showed signs of vulnerability because she played the victim rather than project herself as a master.

Patnaik, Reddy and Stalin exuded positive energy and a capacity to govern - despite their individual differences. These men in that sense were just like Modi. My view is that ideology mattered less this year compared with immediate issues and a positive leadership style. That is why I call this a leadership wave.

Now, look at Punjab. The Indian National Congress won 8 out of the state's 13 seats, helping the grand old party led by Rahul Gandhi take the national tally to 52. I would credit Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for that.

What is common between Patnaik, Reddy, Stalin and Captain Singh? They are all articulate men who do not whine much. They understand local aspirations and show a capacity to govern. Patnaik is not a demagogue but showed a tremendous capacity to show sensitivity in listening and designing programmes, such as the showpiece KALIA scheme for agriculture that covers landowners, sharecroppers and landless labourers alike.&nbsp;

Relative to these men, Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee showed themselves to be more like protesters than governance executives. Modi's acidic speeches against the Congress showed him in a similar light in media reports but it is important to note he exuded strength after the Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan, and the BJP's machinery was working in tandem to showcase his development schemes. Congress had a solid manifesto, but the leadership style, like that of Mamata and Kejriwal, was more of "They are bad" than "We are cool."

Leadership is a complex business, but it is my firm conclusion that the national mood favoured positive leadership. The ones who managed to check Modi were precisely those who, like him, knew how to blend politics with governance with a confident, methodical approach. Modi converted the parliamentary elections into a presidential-style contest. Those who could take him on showed similar traits.

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/not-just-a-modi-wave-it-was-a-leadership-wave-that-dominated-lok-sabha-elections-2019-results-2207272.html">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

It would be stating the obvious in noting that there was a Modi wave in the landslide win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in this year's general elections. While there is little doubt that the political genius of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the awesome reach of the BJPs political machinery led by party chief Amit Shah was important as I have tried to explain in another piece, there was more to it than meets the eye.

It would be stating the obvious in noting that there was a Modi wave in the landslide win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in this year's general elections. While there is little doubt that the political genius of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the awesome reach of the BJPs political machinery led by party chief Amit Shah was important as I have tried to explain in another piece, there was more to it than meets the eye. It had something to do with the national mood. In the growth of any plant, the seed, the water and the fertiliser are important, but so is the soil. I like to think that the national mood is comparable to the soil. Electoral politics a complex business in which parties and leaders try to capture a number of factors and feelings in a manner that results in the pressing of a single button by a single voter on one symbol in a mammoth nationwide exercise. That makes predictions difficult. But post-facto analysis often reveals interesting patterns. My own take is that there this year, there was something in the national mood that favoured not just Modi but others who had qualities similar to him. I would like to say that this year's Modi Wave was a subset of a nationwide "leadership wave" in which the parties that did well were those perceived to have strong leaders - not in the political sense but in the sense of administrative capabilities. This requires a strong (and strange) mix of decisiveness, empathy and concern for issues. Now, let's look at who were those other than the BJP who did reasonably well in terms of the seats won as a share of seats in which they were in the reckoning. The final results table shows the DMK won 23 seats out of 39 in Tamil Nadu, the Biju Janata Dal 12 seats out of 21 in Odisha, the All India Trinamool Congress with 22 out of 42 in West Bengal and the YSR Congress 22 out of 25 in Andhra Pradesh did remarkably. Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh's YSR Congress leader Jagan Reddy steered clear of both the NDA and UPA and yet showed a creditable performance and managed to contain the Modi wave sweeping the country. DMK's MK Stalin had the power of the Dravidian ideology and a strong party organisation backing him, but, like Patnaik and Reddy, he worked hard to tower as the strongest local leader with an active interest in local issues. My contention is that these leaders could work some magic because, despite their differing styles, they moved empathetically among local people and dealt with local issues in an articulate manner. Trinamool's Mamata Banerjee was up against difficult factors such as illegal infiltration on the state border that helped the BJP's Hindutva politics. Her own militant style also worked against her but at the same she has shown strong administrative capabilities as a chief minister. However, like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, she showed signs of vulnerability because she played the victim rather than project herself as a master. Patnaik, Reddy and Stalin exuded positive energy and a capacity to govern - despite their individual differences. These men in that sense were just like Modi. My view is that ideology mattered less this year compared with immediate issues and a positive leadership style. That is why I call this a leadership wave. Now, look at Punjab. The Indian National Congress won 8 out of the state's 13 seats, helping the grand old party led by Rahul Gandhi take the national tally to 52. I would credit Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for that. What is common between Patnaik, Reddy, Stalin and Captain Singh? They are all articulate men who do not whine much. They understand local aspirations and show a capacity to govern. Patnaik is not a demagogue but showed a tremendous capacity to show sensitivity in listening and designing programmes, such as the showpiece KALIA scheme for agriculture that covers landowners, sharecroppers and landless labourers alike. Relative to these men, Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee showed themselves to be more like protesters than governance executives. Modi's acidic speeches against the Congress showed him in a similar light in media reports but it is important to note he exuded strength after the Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan, and the BJP's machinery was working in tandem to showcase his development schemes. Congress had a solid manifesto, but the leadership style, like that of Mamata and Kejriwal, was more of "They are bad" than "We are cool." Leadership is a complex business, but it is my firm conclusion that the national mood favoured positive leadership. The ones who managed to check Modi were precisely those who, like him, knew how to blend politics with governance with a confident, methodical approach. Modi converted the parliamentary elections into a presidential-style contest. Those who could take him on showed similar traits. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Not just a Narendra Modi wave, it was a leadership wave that dominated Lok Sabha elections 2019 results

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Jaitley begins his letter by saying, "It was a great honour and a learning experience for me to have been a part of the government led by you for the past five years. Even earlier, the party had blessed me with responsibilities in the first NDA government, in the party organisation and also while we were in the opposition. I could not have asked for more."

"During the last 18 months, I have had some serios health challenges... I had orally informed you I would in future, for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility," Jaitley writes further in his letter. "I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and, therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government."

Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader.

The government has, however, said that reports on Jaitley's deteriorating health are false and baseless, and that the media should avoid "rumour mongering". "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet last week.

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Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering.
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A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government.

He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

Jaitley had returned to India on February 9 after undergoing skin grafting. He is believed to had undergone some kind of a medical procedure again when he last month visited the US to attend the IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings.

Jaitley had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS, New Delhi, with Goyal filling in for him at that time too. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office since early April 2018, was back in the finance ministry on August 23, 2018.

Earlier in September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

(With inputs from PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons. Jaitley begins his letter by saying, "It was a great honour and a learning experience for me to have been a part of the government led by you for the past five years. Even earlier, the party had blessed me with responsibilities in the first NDA government, in the party organisation and also while we were in the opposition. I could not have asked for more." "During the last 18 months, I have had some serios health challenges... I had orally informed you I would in future, for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility," Jaitley writes further in his letter. "I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and, therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government." Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader. The government has, however, said that reports on Jaitley's deteriorating health are false and baseless, and that the media should avoid "rumour mongering". "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet last week. Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering. — Sitanshu Kar (@DG_PIB) May 26, 2019 × A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government. He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20. Jaitley had returned to India on February 9 after undergoing skin grafting. He is believed to had undergone some kind of a medical procedure again when he last month visited the US to attend the IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings. Jaitley had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS, New Delhi, with Goyal filling in for him at that time too. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office since early April 2018, was back in the finance ministry on August 23, 2018. Earlier in September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition. (With inputs from PTI)

Great honour to be part of govt, will keep away this time: Arun Jaitley in letter to PM

The people of India have given a bigger mandate to Narendra Modi and the BJP in 2019. The stupendous, record-breaking mandate comes with multiple challenges, which he has to juggle through. The challenges he faces could be classified broadly into political, economic and social.&nbsp;

Modi needs to manage the aspirations of allies and keep them in good humour, especially Shiv Sena and JD(U), balancing it with good governance. Though the BJP has got a majority on its own, it needs to share power, given the fact that polls are due in Maharashtra this year and Bihar next year.&nbsp;

Retaining both the states is important for the party’s game plan of securing a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. The party does not enjoy a majority in the Rajya Sabha. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Polls are also due within a year in Haryana and Jharkhand, where the chief ministers are facing natural anti-incumbency.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir, where the BJP was in power before President’s rule was imposed and Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal dealt a big blow to the party in 2015, also go to polls next year.&nbsp;

The challenge for Modi will be to maintain the Lok Sabha election momentum in the state polls and come back to power with a thumping majority.&nbsp;

Modi needs to build relations with regional parties, which share an anti-Congress stand, like BJD and YSR. This will give him the much-needed leeway to pass big structural and constitutional reforms.&nbsp;

There could be pressure from right-wing groups to pass an ordinance on Ram Temple, abolish Article 370 and 35A and establish a Uniform Civil Code. There could also be pressure from the party organisation in Karnataka and MP to topple state governments and install BJP chief ministers there. He needs to tread with caution.&nbsp;

Dealing with loose cannons like Sakshi Maharaj, Pragya Thakur and some others, who have a penchant for making controversial statements, will be tough for Modi. Taking stern action against these Hindu poster boys and girls is not easy, because it takes the focus away from development.&nbsp;

Economic challenges

The economy is slowing down, clocking 6.6 per cent growth in Q3 FY 2018-19. The global environment is not as conducive as in his first term. Oil prices are expected to rise amid Iran sanctions, putting further pressure on the rupee.

Modi 2.0 doesn’t have the luxury of lower oil prices like Modi 1.0. This is also likely to put pressure on inflation. To put growth to 8 per cent levels is a big challenge for Modi given that private investment has been lacklustre.&nbsp;

A stable and powerful government could gain the confidence of industry, kick-starting the capex cycle with the uncertainty over election results vaporising.

 
Unemployment was the topmost issue in the elections. Before polls, there were heated exchanges between BJP and opposition spokespersons on the number of jobs created during Modi 1.0 with both citing numerous data sources to drive home their point.&nbsp;

The truth of the matter is that 10-12 million people are added to the workforce each year and we need to find them gainful employment. Taking a leaf out of Congress manifesto, BJP should first try and fill the 20-lakh plus government positions vacant.&nbsp;

The manufacturing sector needs a big boost and IIP was negative in February 2019. SMEs, which account for 45 per cent of India’s total output and employ 40 per cent of the workforce, are facing a liquidity crisis.

Though ease of business rankings has improved, there is scope, especially for startups. The Make in India initiative needs a rejig as it could be the Indian answer to unemployment.&nbsp;

Modi has promised to double farmers’ income by 2022. This is a herculean task as merely increasing the MSP won’t help. The government would need to increase its procurement from farmers at MSP. Doubling income by offering higher remunerative prices also has implications on inflation, which BJP has claimed of getting under control.&nbsp;

Social challenges

In his Parliament hall speech, when he addressed NDA allies, Modi said, “Our mantra should be "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas."&nbsp;He further added, ‘“We have to break through this deception. We have to win their trust. It is a big responsibility that we have to fulfil. Those who vote us are ours and even our most trenchant opponents are ours. We cannot believe in any discrimination.”&nbsp;

Without going into who’s responsible for the deep lines of division between the Hindus and minorities in the country, Modi will face an uphill task to win their trust and confidence. &nbsp;

All over India, it was a general phenomenon that minorities voted for candidates best placed to defeat the BJP, resulting in a severe trust deficit.&nbsp;

Given this backdrop, it would not be easy for Modi, as he has to tread with caution, lest he will be seen as indulging in minority appeasement. And to this, the right-wing groups would increase pressure on him to declare India a Hindu Rashtra by 2022.&nbsp;

Modi has promised ‘a new journey to build a new India with new energy’. While he faces significant headwinds, he loves challenges, as they bring out the best in him. With this bigger mandate comes bigger responsibilities.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-road-ahead-for-pm-narendra-modi-2754356">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The people of India have given a bigger mandate to Narendra Modi and the BJP in 2019. The stupendous, record-breaking mandate comes with multiple challenges, which he has to juggle through.

The people of India have given a bigger mandate to Narendra Modi and the BJP in 2019. The stupendous, record-breaking mandate comes with multiple challenges, which he has to juggle through. The challenges he faces could be classified broadly into political, economic and social. Modi needs to manage the aspirations of allies and keep them in good humour, especially Shiv Sena and JD(U), balancing it with good governance. Though the BJP has got a majority on its own, it needs to share power, given the fact that polls are due in Maharashtra this year and Bihar next year. Retaining both the states is important for the party’s game plan of securing a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. The party does not enjoy a majority in the Rajya Sabha. Polls are also due within a year in Haryana and Jharkhand, where the chief ministers are facing natural anti-incumbency. Jammu and Kashmir, where the BJP was in power before President’s rule was imposed and Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal dealt a big blow to the party in 2015, also go to polls next year. The challenge for Modi will be to maintain the Lok Sabha election momentum in the state polls and come back to power with a thumping majority. Modi needs to build relations with regional parties, which share an anti-Congress stand, like BJD and YSR. This will give him the much-needed leeway to pass big structural and constitutional reforms. There could be pressure from right-wing groups to pass an ordinance on Ram Temple, abolish Article 370 and 35A and establish a Uniform Civil Code. There could also be pressure from the party organisation in Karnataka and MP to topple state governments and install BJP chief ministers there. He needs to tread with caution. Dealing with loose cannons like Sakshi Maharaj, Pragya Thakur and some others, who have a penchant for making controversial statements, will be tough for Modi. Taking stern action against these Hindu poster boys and girls is not easy, because it takes the focus away from development. Economic challenges The economy is slowing down, clocking 6.6 per cent growth in Q3 FY 2018-19. The global environment is not as conducive as in his first term. Oil prices are expected to rise amid Iran sanctions, putting further pressure on the rupee. Modi 2.0 doesn’t have the luxury of lower oil prices like Modi 1.0. This is also likely to put pressure on inflation. To put growth to 8 per cent levels is a big challenge for Modi given that private investment has been lacklustre. A stable and powerful government could gain the confidence of industry, kick-starting the capex cycle with the uncertainty over election results vaporising. Unemployment was the topmost issue in the elections. Before polls, there were heated exchanges between BJP and opposition spokespersons on the number of jobs created during Modi 1.0 with both citing numerous data sources to drive home their point. The truth of the matter is that 10-12 million people are added to the workforce each year and we need to find them gainful employment. Taking a leaf out of Congress manifesto, BJP should first try and fill the 20-lakh plus government positions vacant. The manufacturing sector needs a big boost and IIP was negative in February 2019. SMEs, which account for 45 per cent of India’s total output and employ 40 per cent of the workforce, are facing a liquidity crisis. Though ease of business rankings has improved, there is scope, especially for startups. The Make in India initiative needs a rejig as it could be the Indian answer to unemployment. Modi has promised to double farmers’ income by 2022. This is a herculean task as merely increasing the MSP won’t help. The government would need to increase its procurement from farmers at MSP. Doubling income by offering higher remunerative prices also has implications on inflation, which BJP has claimed of getting under control. Social challenges In his Parliament hall speech, when he addressed NDA allies, Modi said, “Our mantra should be "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas." He further added, ‘“We have to break through this deception. We have to win their trust. It is a big responsibility that we have to fulfil. Those who vote us are ours and even our most trenchant opponents are ours. We cannot believe in any discrimination.” Without going into who’s responsible for the deep lines of division between the Hindus and minorities in the country, Modi will face an uphill task to win their trust and confidence. All over India, it was a general phenomenon that minorities voted for candidates best placed to defeat the BJP, resulting in a severe trust deficit. Given this backdrop, it would not be easy for Modi, as he has to tread with caution, lest he will be seen as indulging in minority appeasement. And to this, the right-wing groups would increase pressure on him to declare India a Hindu Rashtra by 2022. Modi has promised ‘a new journey to build a new India with new energy’. While he faces significant headwinds, he loves challenges, as they bring out the best in him. With this bigger mandate comes bigger responsibilities. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Road ahead for PM Narendra Modi

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit will take place in the second week of June.&nbsp;

It will be for the first time that both leaders will be face to face since Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan&nbsp;last year.

Government sources said, "Report appearing in a section of the media about a possible meeting between Modi and Imran Khan is entirely speculative."

Khan had called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30.

Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit will take place in the second week of June. It will be for the first time that both leaders will be face to face since Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan last year. Government sources said, "Report appearing in a section of the media about a possible meeting between Modi and Imran Khan is entirely speculative." Khan had called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30. Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

PM Modi, Pakistan's Imran Khan structured meet unlikely at SCO in Bishkek

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted the invitation to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-to-take-oath-as-pm-on-may-30-221788">Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony</a> as Prime Minister, which will take place on May 30 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

"I have spoken to other Chief Ministers also. Since it is a ceremonial program, we thought of attending it. Yes, I will go," Mamata Banerjee was quoted as saying.

The two leaders had indulged in a war of words during the campaign period in the run-up to the elections, in which the BJP has made deep inroads into the Trinamool territory in West Bengal by winning 18 Lok Sabha seats out of 42.&nbsp;

The TMC's victory was reduced from 34 in 2014 to 22 in 2019.

Leaders of BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation are also set to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan are the BIMSTEC member states.

BJP alone bagged 303 of total 542 seats contested, 21 more than it had got in the 2014 elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted the invitation to Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister, which will take place on May 30 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted the invitation to Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister, which will take place on May 30 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. "I have spoken to other Chief Ministers also. Since it is a ceremonial program, we thought of attending it. Yes, I will go," Mamata Banerjee was quoted as saying. The two leaders had indulged in a war of words during the campaign period in the run-up to the elections, in which the BJP has made deep inroads into the Trinamool territory in West Bengal by winning 18 Lok Sabha seats out of 42. The TMC's victory was reduced from 34 in 2014 to 22 in 2019. Leaders of BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation are also set to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan are the BIMSTEC member states. BJP alone bagged 303 of total 542 seats contested, 21 more than it had got in the 2014 elections.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will attend Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister

The guest list for Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister

'The Modern Monk', a book about Swami Vivekananda's relevance to present-day life and times, is set to be made into a film.

Film producer Sunil Bohra has bought the rights of the book, written by Hindol Sengupta and published by Penguin Random House India.

"India has a great heritage and I want to make films on some of the people like Swami Vivekananda and Sardar Patel who have built this heritage. It`s my tribute to our country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Bohra said in a statement.

Bohra earlier had also bought the rights of 'The Man Who Saved India', a book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,&nbsp;for a web series.

"More than perhaps any other person in the last 200 years, Swami Vivekananda spoke most passionately of a vision of a renewed, reinvigorate Indian civilization which serves as a beacon of peace and prosperity to the world.''

"I wrote 'The Modern Monk' to explain in the most contemporary language the importance of Vivekananda's vision for the past, present and future of India and I am delighted to partner with Sunil Bohra, a visionary in the world of cinema, in bringing this story to millions of people," Sengupta said.

Apparently, the work on the project has begun to get the process started.

'The Modern Monk', a book about Swami Vivekananda's relevance to present-day life and times, is set to be made into a film. Film producer Sunil Bohra has bought the rights of the book, written by Hindol Sengupta and published by Penguin Random House India.

'The Modern Monk', a book about Swami Vivekananda's relevance to present-day life and times, is set to be made into a film. Film producer Sunil Bohra has bought the rights of the book, written by Hindol Sengupta and published by Penguin Random House India. "India has a great heritage and I want to make films on some of the people like Swami Vivekananda and Sardar Patel who have built this heritage. It`s my tribute to our country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Bohra said in a statement. Bohra earlier had also bought the rights of 'The Man Who Saved India', a book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, for a web series. "More than perhaps any other person in the last 200 years, Swami Vivekananda spoke most passionately of a vision of a renewed, reinvigorate Indian civilization which serves as a beacon of peace and prosperity to the world.'' "I wrote 'The Modern Monk' to explain in the most contemporary language the importance of Vivekananda's vision for the past, present and future of India and I am delighted to partner with Sunil Bohra, a visionary in the world of cinema, in bringing this story to millions of people," Sengupta said. Apparently, the work on the project has begun to get the process started.

'The Modern Monk' book inspired by Swami Vivekananda to get screen adaptation

Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi on Tuesday met former president Pranab Mukherjee after a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

Modi termed the meeting as an enriching experience.

''Meeting Pranab Da is always an enriching experience. His knowledge and insights are unparalleled. He is a statesman who has made an indelible contribution to our nation. Sought his blessings during our meeting today,'' Modi tweeted.

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Meeting Pranab Da is always an enriching experience. His knowledge and insights are unparalleled. He is a statesman who has made an indelible contribution to our nation. 
 
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Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;secured a clear majority with 303 seats, which is 22 more than its 2014 tally. Along with its allies, the NDA stands at 352 in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi was elected as leader of the NDA in a ceremony at Parliament's Central Hall. Later, he met President Ram Nath Kovind and staked claim to form government at the centre.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-meets-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-222225/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Narendra Modi will take oath as the Prime Minister for a second term on May 30.

Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi on Tuesday met former president Pranab Mukherjee after a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Modi termed the meeting as an enriching experience.

Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi on Tuesday met former president Pranab Mukherjee after a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Modi termed the meeting as an enriching experience. ''Meeting Pranab Da is always an enriching experience. His knowledge and insights are unparalleled. He is a statesman who has made an indelible contribution to our nation. Sought his blessings during our meeting today,'' Modi tweeted. Meeting Pranab Da is always an enriching experience. His knowledge and insights are unparalleled. He is a statesman who has made an indelible contribution to our nation. Sought his blessings during our meeting today. pic.twitter.com/dxFj6NPNd5 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 28, 2019 × Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a clear majority with 303 seats, which is 22 more than its 2014 tally. Along with its allies, the NDA stands at 352 in the 17th Lok Sabha. Earlier on Saturday, Modi was elected as leader of the NDA in a ceremony at Parliament's Central Hall. Later, he met President Ram Nath Kovind and staked claim to form government at the centre. Narendra Modi will take oath as the Prime Minister for a second term on May 30.

Meeting Pranab Da is always an enriching experience: Narendra Modi

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

"This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai.

He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday.

Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor.

On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added.

On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role.

About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna."

He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-indian-superstar-rajinikanth-to-attend-pm-modis-oath-taking-222206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders.

"I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do."

In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

&nbsp;

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership. "This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai. He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday. Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor. On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added. On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role. About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna." He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut. Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders. "I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do." In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth to attend Modi's swearing-in; calls BJP win in Lok Sabha polls victory for 'charismatic' leader Modi

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has organised an Iftar party on &nbsp;June 1 and has extended an invitation to Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Other invited Pakistani dignitaries include the Pakistani President Arif Alvi, the foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood, Senate Chairman and the speaker of the national assembly.&nbsp;

The mission invites all dignitaries each year and normally Prime Minister never comes.

Ties between India and Pakistan are frayed in the aftermath Pulwama terror attack. On Sunday, Imran Khan called India's Prime Minister-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/road-ahead-for-pm-narendra-modi-222133">Narendra Modi</a> and congratulated him on his re-election.

During the conversation, PM-designate Modi "stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism" which is "essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region," the ministry of external affairs said.

Sunday's call was the first conversation between the two leaders after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which more than 40 Indian security personnel had died. Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, no invitation has been extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in the second week of June will be the first time both leaders will be under the same roof, though it is not confirmed whether they will meet.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has organised an Iftar party on June 1 and has extended an invitation to Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has organised an Iftar party on June 1 and has extended an invitation to Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan. Other invited Pakistani dignitaries include the Pakistani President Arif Alvi, the foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood, Senate Chairman and the speaker of the national assembly. The mission invites all dignitaries each year and normally Prime Minister never comes. Ties between India and Pakistan are frayed in the aftermath Pulwama terror attack. On Sunday, Imran Khan called India's Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi and congratulated him on his re-election. During the conversation, PM-designate Modi "stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism" which is "essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region," the ministry of external affairs said. Sunday's call was the first conversation between the two leaders after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which more than 40 Indian security personnel had died. Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, no invitation has been extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in the second week of June will be the first time both leaders will be under the same roof, though it is not confirmed whether they will meet.

India mission in Pakistan invites Imran Khan to Iftar party on June 1

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for strengthening ties with India as part of 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' He said this in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-buy-105-f-35-us-stealth-warplanes-donald-trump-221898">press conference standing along with US President Donald Trump</a> who is on a state visit to the Asian country.

Abe said, "We will expand and enhance our efforts on free and open Indo-Pacific with India, Australia and ASEAN countries."

Abe, who shares close ties with PM-designate Narendra Modi, was the first foreign leader to congratulate the latter after his landslide victory in India's 17th general election.

Abe and Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan from June 28 to 29.

The Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India later this year for the 14th India Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which the East Asian country announced that it will join New Delhi led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-beef-aside-trump-and-abe-bond-over-burgers-sumo-and-golf-221840">Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a> held a joint press conference after holding talks.

While Trump stated that US ties with Japan have never been better, Abe said he is determined to show the strength of US-Japan ties to the world.

Trump said that even though there exists an "imbalance" in trade with Japan, the same should be resolved over time.

"I think we will be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries."&nbsp;

Trump and Abe are slated to meet again for the G20 Summit to be held in Osaka, Japan this year. &nbsp;

The two leaders met in Tokyo and discussed a range of issues from Iran, North Korea to bilateral trade.&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for strengthening ties with India as part of 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' He said this in a press conference standing along with US President Donald Trump who is on a state visit to the Asian country.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for strengthening ties with India as part of 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' He said this in a press conference standing along with US President Donald Trump who is on a state visit to the Asian country. Abe said, "We will expand and enhance our efforts on free and open Indo-Pacific with India, Australia and ASEAN countries." Abe, who shares close ties with PM-designate Narendra Modi, was the first foreign leader to congratulate the latter after his landslide victory in India's 17th general election. Abe and Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan from June 28 to 29. The Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India later this year for the 14th India Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which the East Asian country announced that it will join New Delhi led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a joint press conference after holding talks. While Trump stated that US ties with Japan have never been better, Abe said he is determined to show the strength of US-Japan ties to the world. Trump said that even though there exists an "imbalance" in trade with Japan, the same should be resolved over time. "I think we will be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries." Trump and Abe are slated to meet again for the G20 Summit to be held in Osaka, Japan this year. The two leaders met in Tokyo and discussed a range of issues from Iran, North Korea to bilateral trade.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe calls for strengthening ties with India

Prime Minister Modi had said in his election campaign that for making India a superpower, the country needs a sturdy government. Now that a strong government is elected by the people at the Centre, the country will be expecting various reforms. PM Modi has already started the work and it is reported that the plans for the first 100 days are already being made. &nbsp;

In a diverse and growing country like us, we have multiple issues to take care of simultaneously. The emphasis on economy, power, health, defence and infrastructure are the key to development. However, there are some other areas, which are really urgent but are mostly neglected. We suggest that these areas are given much higher priority than what they are receiving now.&nbsp;

The first and foremost issue to address should be the burgeoning population of the nation. The much talked about demographic dividend would be a disaster-in-waiting, if not addressed timely. The rapidly growing population puts an enormous strain on the nation’s resources, whilst making governance a big challenge. It also has dangerous implications for the sustainability of forests and our rich biodiversity. The population of India is projected to reach 1.68 billion by 2050. Should the government limit the reproductive rights of people is a controversial question that needs to be asked with urgency. China’s experience of “one-child policy” has been mixed. However, it is said that a lack of such a policy would have added 1 billion additional people to China by 2050.&nbsp;

The policy had positive approval from 76 per cent of the Chinese nationals. We may not be able to take such a drastic step on population control but we may be able to adopt an approach where governmental benefits would not be available for the second child, making it costly for people to think of having another child. At the same time, information and communication initiatives should highlight the benefits of one child. The obstacles to such a policy are many. The government might need to bring in the Uniform Civil Code to even pursue a nationwide population policy. &nbsp;Needless to say, it would require a lot of stakeholder management but it is the need of the hour.&nbsp;

A second urgent issue is of waste-management. We are very poor in terms of recycling waste or getting rid of garbage dumps, that greet visitors at the outskirts of every Indian city. Many countries in Europe have laws against dumping waste. Countries like Sweden have revolutionised waste processing, so much so that they are importing garbage to produce electricity. In India, Indore is a recent example of such an experiment. Policies need to be developed that addresses both the stock and the flow problem associated with waste management. Stock relates to the garbage that has accumulated over years of neglect. The flow deals with the incremental garbage creation that happens on a day-to-day basis. Intermittent stock clearing programs (Safai-Abhiyans) are not helpful in the long term unless it is accompanied by a strong policy that addresses generation of waste. &nbsp;Education, intelligent policies and strict implementation is the key to Swachh Bharat 2.0.&nbsp;

The third important issue is of managing the chaotic traffic on the roads. Our traffic laws and their implementation are probably one of the poorest in the world. It results in lots of accidents on the road (1.47 lakh people in 2017 died due to road accidents) and reduces traffic speed. Unruly drivers on the roads are a threat and, therefore, the government needs to revalidate the driving licenses and strictly monitor traffic rules implementation on the road. Making multiple mistakes should result in forfeiting of the driving licence. For that to happen, a lot of autonomous systems are to be put in place and infrastructure has to be created to detect ownership of vehicles instantly after a violation and automatically invoking penalties. There is a need to hire more traffic police force throughout the country. Ideally, one police personnel must be appointed for every 1000 vehicles. Only Kolkata meets this requirement with one police officer for every 421 vehicles. Comparable figures for Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai are 2134, 1773 and 1524 respectively. Traffic reforms are a need of the hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A related issue is of creating rapid transit or mass transport in the country. If we want to decongest the roads, we must create rapid transit-mass transport connectivity at a large scale. In the last 5 years, considerable effort has been made in launching mass transit systems across tier-1 and tier-2 cities. However, rapid transit connectivity plans to airports and railway stations are either ineffective (eg: Delhi) or non-existent (eg: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai). These need to be expedited to enable true seamless multi-modal transport across the country. And such connectivity options need to be built-in into new metro plans of any city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another area of concern is our depleting forest resources. Economic development creates pressure on our forest resources. In the recent past, Industries are given permission to operate from key forest areas, and some of those decisions were highly controversial. The long term impact of allowing an industry in a forest area has probably not been calculated, even though in the short term they are known to help in economic development. It is important to strictly monitor emissions for industries currently operating in forest areas. As a developing country, we will be pushed to invest more in economic development, but as a country, we need to decide to only use non-productive lands for the industry. Also, it is important that additional areas are brought into reserved forest zones from protected zones, where currently all activities such as hunting and grazing are allowed.&nbsp;

It is natural for people of India to expect a lot from the government that has returned to power with a bigger mandate than in 2014. Focussing on these issues is likely to bring in a lot of benefits for the citizens over the next five years. To achieve results in an urgent and time-bound manner, there will be a need to reorganise the ministries. We believe these are the five key areas and the citizens should hold the next government responsible for not taking action on these issues.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(Co-authored by Harish Rao. He is an assistant professor of International Management Institute, Delhi.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi had said in his election campaign that for making India a superpower, the country needs a sturdy government. Now that a strong government is elected by the people at the Centre, the country will be expecting various reforms.

Prime Minister Modi had said in his election campaign that for making India a superpower, the country needs a sturdy government. Now that a strong government is elected by the people at the Centre, the country will be expecting various reforms. PM Modi has already started the work and it is reported that the plans for the first 100 days are already being made. In a diverse and growing country like us, we have multiple issues to take care of simultaneously. The emphasis on economy, power, health, defence and infrastructure are the key to development. However, there are some other areas, which are really urgent but are mostly neglected. We suggest that these areas are given much higher priority than what they are receiving now. The first and foremost issue to address should be the burgeoning population of the nation. The much talked about demographic dividend would be a disaster-in-waiting, if not addressed timely. The rapidly growing population puts an enormous strain on the nation’s resources, whilst making governance a big challenge. It also has dangerous implications for the sustainability of forests and our rich biodiversity. The population of India is projected to reach 1.68 billion by 2050. Should the government limit the reproductive rights of people is a controversial question that needs to be asked with urgency. China’s experience of “one-child policy” has been mixed. However, it is said that a lack of such a policy would have added 1 billion additional people to China by 2050. The policy had positive approval from 76 per cent of the Chinese nationals. We may not be able to take such a drastic step on population control but we may be able to adopt an approach where governmental benefits would not be available for the second child, making it costly for people to think of having another child. At the same time, information and communication initiatives should highlight the benefits of one child. The obstacles to such a policy are many. The government might need to bring in the Uniform Civil Code to even pursue a nationwide population policy. Needless to say, it would require a lot of stakeholder management but it is the need of the hour. A second urgent issue is of waste-management. We are very poor in terms of recycling waste or getting rid of garbage dumps, that greet visitors at the outskirts of every Indian city. Many countries in Europe have laws against dumping waste. Countries like Sweden have revolutionised waste processing, so much so that they are importing garbage to produce electricity. In India, Indore is a recent example of such an experiment. Policies need to be developed that addresses both the stock and the flow problem associated with waste management. Stock relates to the garbage that has accumulated over years of neglect. The flow deals with the incremental garbage creation that happens on a day-to-day basis. Intermittent stock clearing programs (Safai-Abhiyans) are not helpful in the long term unless it is accompanied by a strong policy that addresses generation of waste. Education, intelligent policies and strict implementation is the key to Swachh Bharat 2.0. The third important issue is of managing the chaotic traffic on the roads. Our traffic laws and their implementation are probably one of the poorest in the world. It results in lots of accidents on the road (1.47 lakh people in 2017 died due to road accidents) and reduces traffic speed. Unruly drivers on the roads are a threat and, therefore, the government needs to revalidate the driving licenses and strictly monitor traffic rules implementation on the road. Making multiple mistakes should result in forfeiting of the driving licence. For that to happen, a lot of autonomous systems are to be put in place and infrastructure has to be created to detect ownership of vehicles instantly after a violation and automatically invoking penalties. There is a need to hire more traffic police force throughout the country. Ideally, one police personnel must be appointed for every 1000 vehicles. Only Kolkata meets this requirement with one police officer for every 421 vehicles. Comparable figures for Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai are 2134, 1773 and 1524 respectively. Traffic reforms are a need of the hour. A related issue is of creating rapid transit or mass transport in the country. If we want to decongest the roads, we must create rapid transit-mass transport connectivity at a large scale. In the last 5 years, considerable effort has been made in launching mass transit systems across tier-1 and tier-2 cities. However, rapid transit connectivity plans to airports and railway stations are either ineffective (eg: Delhi) or non-existent (eg: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai). These need to be expedited to enable true seamless multi-modal transport across the country. And such connectivity options need to be built-in into new metro plans of any city. Another area of concern is our depleting forest resources. Economic development creates pressure on our forest resources. In the recent past, Industries are given permission to operate from key forest areas, and some of those decisions were highly controversial. The long term impact of allowing an industry in a forest area has probably not been calculated, even though in the short term they are known to help in economic development. It is important to strictly monitor emissions for industries currently operating in forest areas. As a developing country, we will be pushed to invest more in economic development, but as a country, we need to decide to only use non-productive lands for the industry. Also, it is important that additional areas are brought into reserved forest zones from protected zones, where currently all activities such as hunting and grazing are allowed. It is natural for people of India to expect a lot from the government that has returned to power with a bigger mandate than in 2014. Focussing on these issues is likely to bring in a lot of benefits for the citizens over the next five years. To achieve results in an urgent and time-bound manner, there will be a need to reorganise the ministries. We believe these are the five key areas and the citizens should hold the next government responsible for not taking action on these issues. (Co-authored by Harish Rao. He is an assistant professor of International Management Institute, Delhi.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Key immediate reform areas for the new government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-varanasi-today-221858">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Monday took to Twitter to pay his obeisance to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary.

"Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

After getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister is slated to visit his constituency Varanasi today.

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Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1132836798906937344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial at Shantivan here.

Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh, Governor Motilal Vora.

A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule.

Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as Prime Minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter to pay his obeisance to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter to pay his obeisance to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. After getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister is slated to visit his constituency Varanasi today. Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2019 × Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial at Shantivan here. Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh, Governor Motilal Vora. A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule. Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as Prime Minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964.

PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has invited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bimstec-leaders-invited-for-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-222056">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and leaders of different political parties to his swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held here on Wednesday, party sources said Monday.&nbsp;

Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister for the fifth time in a row at 10.30 am on Wednesday.

"A special message has been sent to Delhi to invite the Prime Minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Odisha," sources in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said.

Invitations have also been sent to leaders of different political parties in the state. However, the invite to the prime minister is significant as Patnaik had during election campaign given an open invitation to Modi.

Patnaik at an election meeting at Basta under Balasore Lok Sabha constituency had invited Modi to his swearing-in, after Modi in a public meeting announced that he would again visit Odisha to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the next BJP government in the state.

Modi had also predicted that Patnaik's government will be out of power after the May 23 poll result announcement.

In his reply, Patnaik had said, "BJD has already secured a majority in the Assembly by the end of the third phase of polling. I humbly invite him (Modi) to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new BJD government."

Apart from the prime minister, the state government has also invited captains of industries, members of women self-help groups and others to the ceremony.&nbsp;

More than 5,000 people will attend Patnaik's swearing-in.

The BJD supremo's elder sister Gita Mehta and other members of his family may also attend the function.

This time, Patnaik will take oath at the exhibition ground here. In earlier four occasions, he had taken oath at Raj Bhavan.

Director General of Police R P Sharma and other senior officers reviewed the security arrangements at the new venue.&nbsp;

Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal will administer the oath of office to Patnaik and his council of ministers.

Patnaik had on May 24 tendered resignation of the council of ministers headed by him. He had on Sunday met the governor and staked claim for government formation.&nbsp;

After being satisfied that the BJD commands a majority in Odisha Legislative Assembly, the governor extended an invitation to the party chief to form the new government, an official communication said.

The Patnaik-led BJD has secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly followed by BJP that won 23 seats and Congress with nine seats.&nbsp; 
An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of different political parties to his swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held here on Wednesday, party sources said Monday.

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of different political parties to his swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held here on Wednesday, party sources said Monday. Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister for the fifth time in a row at 10.30 am on Wednesday. "A special message has been sent to Delhi to invite the Prime Minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Odisha," sources in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said. Invitations have also been sent to leaders of different political parties in the state. However, the invite to the prime minister is significant as Patnaik had during election campaign given an open invitation to Modi. Patnaik at an election meeting at Basta under Balasore Lok Sabha constituency had invited Modi to his swearing-in, after Modi in a public meeting announced that he would again visit Odisha to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the next BJP government in the state. Modi had also predicted that Patnaik's government will be out of power after the May 23 poll result announcement. In his reply, Patnaik had said, "BJD has already secured a majority in the Assembly by the end of the third phase of polling. I humbly invite him (Modi) to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new BJD government." Apart from the prime minister, the state government has also invited captains of industries, members of women self-help groups and others to the ceremony. More than 5,000 people will attend Patnaik's swearing-in. The BJD supremo's elder sister Gita Mehta and other members of his family may also attend the function. This time, Patnaik will take oath at the exhibition ground here. In earlier four occasions, he had taken oath at Raj Bhavan. Director General of Police R P Sharma and other senior officers reviewed the security arrangements at the new venue. Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal will administer the oath of office to Patnaik and his council of ministers. Patnaik had on May 24 tendered resignation of the council of ministers headed by him. He had on Sunday met the governor and staked claim for government formation. After being satisfied that the BJD commands a majority in Odisha Legislative Assembly, the governor extended an invitation to the party chief to form the new government, an official communication said. The Patnaik-led BJD has secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly followed by BJP that won 23 seats and Congress with nine seats. An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each.

Naveen Patnaik invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony as Odisha CM

For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-stakes-claim-to-form-the-government-swearing-in-likely-on-may-30-221611/amp">Narendra Modi's swearing-in</a> on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday.

According to a government release here, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior-most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government.

Prime Minister Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday, it said.

She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too.

Last time, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony held on May 26.

Prime Minister Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30, the President's Office said Sunday in New Delhi.

Several global leaders including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have congratulated Modi on his resounding victory.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 303 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Soon after Prime Minister Modi's victory, the two leaders pledged to continue to raise the relationship between the two countries to an "unprecedented new heights".

The Bangladesh Prime Minister was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Modi following his election victory, reflecting the "extraordinarily close and cordial ties" between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy, the report said.

She also spoke to Modi on Thursday and said this "emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of the world's largest democracy."&nbsp;

For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's swearing-in on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday.

For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's swearing-in on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday. According to a government release here, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior-most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government. Prime Minister Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday, it said. She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too. Last time, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony held on May 26. Prime Minister Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30, the President's Office said Sunday in New Delhi. Several global leaders including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have congratulated Modi on his resounding victory. Prime Minister Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 303 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Soon after Prime Minister Modi's victory, the two leaders pledged to continue to raise the relationship between the two countries to an "unprecedented new heights". The Bangladesh Prime Minister was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Modi following his election victory, reflecting the "extraordinarily close and cordial ties" between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy, the report said. She also spoke to Modi on Thursday and said this "emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of the world's largest democracy."

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will not attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony for second time

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/your-satisfaction-is-my-lifes-mantra-pm-modi-to-varanasi-bjp-workers-221920">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday</a> said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence.

On a thanksgiving visit to this temple town after his victory from Varanasi parliamentary constituency for the second straight time, Modi decried the misconception that the BJP was a Hindi heartland party.

Calling himself a 'sevak' of Varanasi, Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple that was preceded by a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of this temple town amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops trying to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as prime minister for a second term on May 30.

"Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic," Modi told his electorate while thanking them profusely for their hardwork and dedication, four days after he steered the BJP to power at the Centre with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Modi, who will be taking oath as the prime minister for the second time on May 30, said the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 -- vis-a-vis Uttar Pradesh -- is no mean achievement for the BJP.

"For the country, I am the PM, but for you, I am your MP, I am your sevak," he told the Varanasi electorate, wondering how political pundits still consider his party as that of the Hindi heartland. Modi's victory margin was over four lakh votes.

"There is no region where the BJP's poll percentage is not rising. We have government in Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (our's is) Hindi heartland politics, this is a misconception that has been created," he said at the meeting of BJP workers.

Admitting that politics is about perception, Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic.

"Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it," he said.

Modi also dwelled on the dangers faced by the BJP in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence.

"Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (these cases) it will not come in media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... Perhaps in India, only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is danger before us," he said.

"Babasaheb Bhimrao (Ambedkar) and (Mahatma) Gandhi had shunned untouchability but unfortunately, political untouchability is rising,...BJP workers were murdered," he said.

Amid such hatred, BJP's mantra remains 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' Modi said, adding that unlike others, his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank politics which has "spoiled" democracy.

The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him.

Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said: "When others come to power, there is no sign of opposition".

He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the decades of Left rule but "now that we are in government there is a 'jaandar and shandar vipaksh'. This is the spirit of democracy."

Thanking Uttar Pradesh for showing the way for India and strengthening the foundation of a healthy democracy, the prime minister also spoke about his Kedarnath visit after the completion of polling.

"Since the people of Kashi had ordered me not to come here for a month after filing my nomination papers, I thought if not Baba in Kashi then (baba) elsewhere," he said, adding perhaps no other candidate is as satisfied or contended as he was (before the results are announced) and its reason was the confidence of Kashivasis.

Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah said Modi has only shown a glimpse of development and Kashi will turn into an amazing city in the next five years.

In the city along with the prime minister for thanking the electorate and party workers for the landslide win in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP president said what a difference had come in Kashi of 2014 and today.

Watch:&nbsp;'Chemistry defeated arithmetic in 2019 LS polls', says PM Modi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chesmistry-defeated-arithmetic-in-2019-ls-polls-pm-modi-221971/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hinting at the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, he said some media was predicting Modi will not get clear majority but the party successfully gave a call for working on achieving 50 per cent vote share.

Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning Modi undertook in the run-up to the general elections.

Stressing on coordination between the government and party organisation, Modi said, "the perfect synergy between the government and party organisation was a big power and the BJP has realised it."

"The Government makes policies while the organisation makes 'ranniti' (strategy). The synergy of 'niti' (policies) and 'ranniti' (strategy) is the mirror of sarkar and organisation and the country is getting its benefits," he said.

"Work and workers create wonders," he said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness of his government's policies and programmes for the people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence. On a thanksgiving visit to this temple town after his victory from Varanasi parliamentary constituency for the second straight time, Modi decried the misconception that the BJP was a Hindi heartland party. Calling himself a 'sevak' of Varanasi, Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple that was preceded by a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of this temple town amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops trying to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as prime minister for a second term on May 30. "Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic," Modi told his electorate while thanking them profusely for their hardwork and dedication, four days after he steered the BJP to power at the Centre with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. Modi, who will be taking oath as the prime minister for the second time on May 30, said the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 -- vis-a-vis Uttar Pradesh -- is no mean achievement for the BJP. "For the country, I am the PM, but for you, I am your MP, I am your sevak," he told the Varanasi electorate, wondering how political pundits still consider his party as that of the Hindi heartland. Modi's victory margin was over four lakh votes. "There is no region where the BJP's poll percentage is not rising. We have government in Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (our's is) Hindi heartland politics, this is a misconception that has been created," he said at the meeting of BJP workers. Admitting that politics is about perception, Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic. "Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it," he said. Modi also dwelled on the dangers faced by the BJP in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence. "Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (these cases) it will not come in media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... Perhaps in India, only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is danger before us," he said. "Babasaheb Bhimrao (Ambedkar) and (Mahatma) Gandhi had shunned untouchability but unfortunately, political untouchability is rising,...BJP workers were murdered," he said. Amid such hatred, BJP's mantra remains 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' Modi said, adding that unlike others, his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank politics which has "spoiled" democracy. The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said: "When others come to power, there is no sign of opposition". He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the decades of Left rule but "now that we are in government there is a 'jaandar and shandar vipaksh'. This is the spirit of democracy." Thanking Uttar Pradesh for showing the way for India and strengthening the foundation of a healthy democracy, the prime minister also spoke about his Kedarnath visit after the completion of polling. "Since the people of Kashi had ordered me not to come here for a month after filing my nomination papers, I thought if not Baba in Kashi then (baba) elsewhere," he said, adding perhaps no other candidate is as satisfied or contended as he was (before the results are announced) and its reason was the confidence of Kashivasis. Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah said Modi has only shown a glimpse of development and Kashi will turn into an amazing city in the next five years. In the city along with the prime minister for thanking the electorate and party workers for the landslide win in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP president said what a difference had come in Kashi of 2014 and today. Watch: 'Chemistry defeated arithmetic in 2019 LS polls', says PM Modi Hinting at the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, he said some media was predicting Modi will not get clear majority but the party successfully gave a call for working on achieving 50 per cent vote share. Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning Modi undertook in the run-up to the general elections. Stressing on coordination between the government and party organisation, Modi said, "the perfect synergy between the government and party organisation was a big power and the BJP has realised it." "The Government makes policies while the organisation makes 'ranniti' (strategy). The synergy of 'niti' (policies) and 'ranniti' (strategy) is the mirror of sarkar and organisation and the country is getting its benefits," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," he said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness of his government's policies and programmes for the people.

Chemistry triumphed over poll arithmetic: PM Modi on Lok Sabha result

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-election-disaster-britains-main-parties-to-offer-brexit-clarity-221998">After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity</a>

Britain's two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-assembly-passes-resolution-to-prevent-forced-conversions-221987">Pakistan National Assembly adopts resolution to prevent forced conversions&nbsp;</a>

The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country.

The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/industrial-body-says-modi-needs-to-cut-tax-interest-rates-to-revive-economy-ahead-of-inauguration-222012">Industrial body says Modi needs to cut tax, interest rates to revive economy ahead of &nbsp;inauguration&nbsp;</a>

India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-any-us-trade-talks-must-be-based-on-mutual-respect-221968">China says any US trade talks must be based on 'mutual respect'&nbsp;</a>

China on Monday said any US trade talks must be based on "mutual respect" and equality after President Donald Trump said there was a good chance of clinching a deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-results-create-vacancies-in-uttar-pradesh-cabinet-first-reshuffle-likely-soon-221963">Lok Sabha results create vacancies in Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, first reshuffle likely soon</a>

The BJP's massive win in Uttar Pradesh has paved the way for the first reshuffle of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers as three ministers have won the Lok Sabha election creating vacancies in the state Cabinet.

After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity Britain's two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections.

After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity Britain's two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections. Pakistan National Assembly adopts resolution to prevent forced conversions The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country. The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion. Industrial body says Modi needs to cut tax, interest rates to revive economy ahead of inauguration India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term. China says any US trade talks must be based on 'mutual respect' China on Monday said any US trade talks must be based on "mutual respect" and equality after President Donald Trump said there was a good chance of clinching a deal. Lok Sabha results create vacancies in Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, first reshuffle likely soon The BJP's massive win in Uttar Pradesh has paved the way for the first reshuffle of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers as three ministers have won the Lok Sabha election creating vacancies in the state Cabinet.

The rupee Monday gave away its morning gains and closed with a marginal rise of 2 paise at 69.51 against the US dollar amid a recovery in the greenback against Asian currencies and foreign fund flows.

Forex traders said the rise in the rupee was in line with uptrend in equities and foreign fund inflows. However, rising crude oil prices dampened the sentiment of traders.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened higher at 69.40 and further went to touch the day's high of 69.34.

The local currency, however, pared gains and finally settled at 69.51, registering a rise of 2 paise over its previous close. On Friday, the domestic unit had closed at 69.53.

"Foreign funds back with a bang in domestic equity market with buying $555 million in last week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead NDA government got a second term with strong mandate. PM Modi's win assures policy continuity and stability, and economic reform will lead to fresh dollar inflows in domestic market," said V K Sharma, Head PCG &amp; Capital Markets Strategy, HDFC Securities.

The yield of benchmark 10-year government bonds fell to a 13-month low of 7.165 per cent after the Reserve Bank announced open market operations in June, Retail Research Head Deepak Jasani said.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the capital markets, buying shares worth 2,026.33 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.12 per cent to 97.72.

"Healthy FPIs flows and decisive general election results appear to have helped INR strengthen against US Dollar," Rajesh Cheruvu, the Chief Investment Officer, WGC Wealth said adding that domestic policy continuity and stability seems to have amplified the strength of domestic currency over its regional and emerging peers.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.70 per cent to trade at USD 69.17 per barrel.

The Financial Benchmark India Private Ltd (FBIL) set the reference rate for the rupee/dollar at 69.6096 and for rupee/euro at 77.9744. The reference rate for rupee/British pound was fixed at 88.3021 and for rupee/100 Japanese yen at 63.55.&nbsp;

The rupee Monday gave away its morning gains and closed with a marginal rise of 2 paise at 69.51 against the US dollar amid a recovery in the greenback against Asian currencies and foreign fund flows.

The rupee Monday gave away its morning gains and closed with a marginal rise of 2 paise at 69.51 against the US dollar amid a recovery in the greenback against Asian currencies and foreign fund flows. Forex traders said the rise in the rupee was in line with uptrend in equities and foreign fund inflows. However, rising crude oil prices dampened the sentiment of traders. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened higher at 69.40 and further went to touch the day's high of 69.34. The local currency, however, pared gains and finally settled at 69.51, registering a rise of 2 paise over its previous close. On Friday, the domestic unit had closed at 69.53. "Foreign funds back with a bang in domestic equity market with buying $555 million in last week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead NDA government got a second term with strong mandate. PM Modi's win assures policy continuity and stability, and economic reform will lead to fresh dollar inflows in domestic market," said V K Sharma, Head PCG & Capital Markets Strategy, HDFC Securities. The yield of benchmark 10-year government bonds fell to a 13-month low of 7.165 per cent after the Reserve Bank announced open market operations in June, Retail Research Head Deepak Jasani said. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the capital markets, buying shares worth 2,026.33 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.12 per cent to 97.72. "Healthy FPIs flows and decisive general election results appear to have helped INR strengthen against US Dollar," Rajesh Cheruvu, the Chief Investment Officer, WGC Wealth said adding that domestic policy continuity and stability seems to have amplified the strength of domestic currency over its regional and emerging peers. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.70 per cent to trade at USD 69.17 per barrel. The Financial Benchmark India Private Ltd (FBIL) set the reference rate for the rupee/dollar at 69.6096 and for rupee/euro at 77.9744. The reference rate for rupee/British pound was fixed at 88.3021 and for rupee/100 Japanese yen at 63.55.

Rupee settles with marginal gain of 2 paise against US dollar amid recovery in greenback

India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term.

The economy grew 6.6% in the three months to December - the slowest pace in five quarters - and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FICCI) said the bigger worry was that domestic consumption was not growing fast enough to offset a weakening global economic environment.

"The recent signs of slowdown in the economy stem not only from slow growth in investments and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/next-5-years-is-time-to-regain-indias-lost-position-in-world-pm-modi-221824">subdued exports</a> but also from weakening growth in consumption demand," FICCI said in a statement suggesting various measures the government could adopt in the next budget expected in a month.

"This is a matter of serious concern and if not addressed urgently, the repercussions would be long term."

Modi - who won a thumping majority in the general election despite the agricultural sector's economic woes, a shortage of jobs and the stuttering economy - takes oath of office on Thursday and will need a finance minister who can help navigate through the challenges facing the economy.

Watch: Next 5 years are crucial for India, says&nbsp;PM Modi

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Some of the issues are slowing industrial output and manufacturing growth, slumping car and two-wheeler sales, and a drop in airline passenger traffic.

FICCI said the new government should cut corporate and individual taxes, expand a programme of handing 6,000 rupees ($86) a year to poor farmers to boost consumption demand and consider tax concessions for export-oriented manufacturers.

The Confederation of Indian Industry, another industry body, said it was crucial to reduce the income tax burden and expand the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-to-take-oath-as-pm-on-may-30-221788">scope of investment </a>allowance to all sectors, while higher incentives should be given to exporters.

The FICCI also called for an interest rate cut from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as real interest rates have remained high for a long time with commercial banks reluctant to pass on the benefits of recent cuts.

When Modi took power for the first time in 2014, global oil prices slumped. But as he gets set for a second term, rising oil prices could push the current account deficit higher.

The body also said the trade war between the United States and China could further slow down global trade and hurt India's already sluggish exports.

"Amidst rising uncertainties and economic challenges on both the domestic and global front, there is an urgent need to re-energise the engines of growth and pump prime the economy," FICCI said.

"The upcoming budget...is an opportunity for the government to boost consumption and investments through appropriate fiscal stimulus and policies."

Government bureaucrats have started consultations with industry bodies, such as the FICCI, before the budget.

India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term.

India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term. The economy grew 6.6% in the three months to December - the slowest pace in five quarters - and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) said the bigger worry was that domestic consumption was not growing fast enough to offset a weakening global economic environment. "The recent signs of slowdown in the economy stem not only from slow growth in investments and subdued exports but also from weakening growth in consumption demand," FICCI said in a statement suggesting various measures the government could adopt in the next budget expected in a month. "This is a matter of serious concern and if not addressed urgently, the repercussions would be long term." Modi - who won a thumping majority in the general election despite the agricultural sector's economic woes, a shortage of jobs and the stuttering economy - takes oath of office on Thursday and will need a finance minister who can help navigate through the challenges facing the economy. Watch: Next 5 years are crucial for India, says PM Modi × Some of the issues are slowing industrial output and manufacturing growth, slumping car and two-wheeler sales, and a drop in airline passenger traffic. FICCI said the new government should cut corporate and individual taxes, expand a programme of handing 6,000 rupees ($86) a year to poor farmers to boost consumption demand and consider tax concessions for export-oriented manufacturers. The Confederation of Indian Industry, another industry body, said it was crucial to reduce the income tax burden and expand the scope of investment allowance to all sectors, while higher incentives should be given to exporters. The FICCI also called for an interest rate cut from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as real interest rates have remained high for a long time with commercial banks reluctant to pass on the benefits of recent cuts. When Modi took power for the first time in 2014, global oil prices slumped. But as he gets set for a second term, rising oil prices could push the current account deficit higher. The body also said the trade war between the United States and China could further slow down global trade and hurt India's already sluggish exports. "Amidst rising uncertainties and economic challenges on both the domestic and global front, there is an urgent need to re-energise the engines of growth and pump prime the economy," FICCI said. "The upcoming budget...is an opportunity for the government to boost consumption and investments through appropriate fiscal stimulus and policies." Government bureaucrats have started consultations with industry bodies, such as the FICCI, before the budget.

Industrial body says Modi needs to cut tax, interest rates to revive economy ahead of  inauguration 

Domestic equity benchmarks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-jumps-over-100-points-nifty-nears-11900-221868">BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty Monday</a> closed at another record highs as investors continued to cheer the decisive mandate for the Narendra Modi's BJP in the national election.

After rallying nearly 400 points, the 30-share index ended 248.57 points, or 0.63 per cent, higher at 39,683.29 -- its all-time closing high. The gauge hit an intra-day high of 39,821.94 and a low of 39,353.16.

Likewise, the broader NSE Nifty jumped 80.65 points, or 0.68 per cent, to 11,924.75 -- a closing peak for the index. During the day, the bourse hit a high of 11,957.15 and a low of 11,812.40.

Tata Steel was the biggest gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying 5.78 per cent; followed by Yes Bank, NTPC, L&amp;T, Axis Bank, SBI, M&amp;M, HDFC twins, Vedanta, HUL, PowerGrid, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, HCL, TCS and ITC, gaining up to 3.79 per cent.

On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, RIL, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Maruti, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, Coal India, Hero MotoCorp, Sun Pharma and Infosys ended in the red, shedding up to 2.37 per cent.

The broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices outperformed benchmarks, ending up to 1.77 per cent higher.

According to experts, the market is witnessing a board-based rally expecting better outlook for the economy in the next one to two quarters, experts said.

Domestic and foreign investors have been euphoric ever since Modi-led NDA registered a thumping victory in the Lok Sabha polls.

Foreign institutional investors bought equity worth Rs 2,026.33 crore on Friday, while domestic institutional investors sold shares to the tune of Rs 195.35 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed.

Meanwhile, the Indian rupee depreciated marginally to 69.59 against the US dollar.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at 67.50 per barrel, higher by 0.04 per cent.

Globally, bourses in Asia ended on a mixed note, while those in Europe were trading in the green in their respective early deals.

Domestic equity benchmarks BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty Monday closed at another record highs as investors continued to cheer the decisive mandate for the Narendra Modi's BJP in the national election.

Domestic equity benchmarks BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty Monday closed at another record highs as investors continued to cheer the decisive mandate for the Narendra Modi's BJP in the national election. After rallying nearly 400 points, the 30-share index ended 248.57 points, or 0.63 per cent, higher at 39,683.29 -- its all-time closing high. The gauge hit an intra-day high of 39,821.94 and a low of 39,353.16. Likewise, the broader NSE Nifty jumped 80.65 points, or 0.68 per cent, to 11,924.75 -- a closing peak for the index. During the day, the bourse hit a high of 11,957.15 and a low of 11,812.40. Tata Steel was the biggest gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying 5.78 per cent; followed by Yes Bank, NTPC, L&T, Axis Bank, SBI, M&M, HDFC twins, Vedanta, HUL, PowerGrid, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, HCL, TCS and ITC, gaining up to 3.79 per cent. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, RIL, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Maruti, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, Coal India, Hero MotoCorp, Sun Pharma and Infosys ended in the red, shedding up to 2.37 per cent. The broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices outperformed benchmarks, ending up to 1.77 per cent higher. According to experts, the market is witnessing a board-based rally expecting better outlook for the economy in the next one to two quarters, experts said. Domestic and foreign investors have been euphoric ever since Modi-led NDA registered a thumping victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Foreign institutional investors bought equity worth Rs 2,026.33 crore on Friday, while domestic institutional investors sold shares to the tune of Rs 195.35 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee depreciated marginally to 69.59 against the US dollar. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at 67.50 per barrel, higher by 0.04 per cent. Globally, bourses in Asia ended on a mixed note, while those in Europe were trading in the green in their respective early deals.

Sensex, Nifty close at record highs as rally continues on Modi's return

In India, one of the most unedifying sights of an early morning rail ride is mass scale defecation along the tracks, in the villages as the train chugs along and in the open fields, where crops provide a cover for concluding one of nature’s most elementary acts.

Of all the flagship programmes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first term, one that seems to have carried the day is the Swachh Bharat mission. Its impact on the hundreds of millions of Indians, especially women, deprived of basic sanitation facilities, can scarcely be underestimated.&nbsp;

An important part of the Modi persona has been the BJP-led NDA government’s flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, among others. But in terms of impact on the common voter, the Swachh Bharat mission should be considered the high water mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Swachh Bharat or cleanliness programme, a nationwide campaign that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, towns, and rural areas, can be safely assumed to have impacted BJP’s electoral prospects, ahead of any other public welfare programme launched by the Modi government. Sure, one factor is never enough to tilt the balance in a party’s favour, yet certain facts are worthy of consideration.&nbsp;

On October 2, 2014, Modi launched the nation-wide cleanliness campaign on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The concept of Swachh Bharat is to provide sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness and safe and adequate drinking water supply. Modi’s pledges to keep the environment clean were met with sniggers from a class of people, who had never faced sanitation issues in their lives. But they, as luck would have it, were not the archetypal Indian voter. &nbsp;

To the professional historian, the prospects of Modi, a former RSS pracharak, invoking Gandhi would be anathema, but the prime minister went ahead nonetheless. In Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s memorable words, “Sanitation is more important than independence”. He made cleanliness and sanitation an integral part of his agitational politics.&nbsp;

In his newspaper Navajivan (November 2, 1919), Gandhi famously wrote: “In some countries spitting on the road is a criminal offence. Those who spit after chewing betel leaves and tobacco have no consideration for the feelings of others. Spittle, mucus from the nose, etc, should also be covered with earth.”&nbsp;

At the official launch of the Swachh Bharat campaign, Modi — who has a way with words — called it ‘Satyagraha se Swachhagrah’ in reference to Gandhi’s Champaran agitation in favour of indigo farmers. &nbsp;The mission had two thrusts: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (rural), which operates under the ministry of drinking water and sanitation and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (urban), which works under the aegis of the ministry of housing and urban affairs. According to the latest data, the government has constructed 86 million toilets since 2014 under the mission, reducing the number of open defecations from 550 million to fewer than 150 million in 2018. &nbsp;

In 2017, the government cited a UNICEF Survey carried out in 10,000 households across the country to claim that the Swachh Bharat Mission was meeting its targets, three years after its launch. The survey, conducted across 12 states, stated that 85 per cent members of the households studied were using toilets.

While government data should rightly be regarded with scepticism, in political terms, an idea had been thrown open in the public domain, coming from the highest office in the country. Somewhere the worm had turned, despite the Congress branding it as a mediocre idea, when it was first announced. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, from the benefit of hindsight, one can say that the Prime Minister knew all along what he was doing. As early as March last year, obviously with an eye on the on 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Modi urged chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to expedite implementation of welfare schemes and to take his government’s flagship programmes to the masses.

At this crucial meeting, work done by different states were discussed and deliberations were held on coordination between the Centre and the states for effective implementation of the government’s flagship schemes, in particular, the health insurance scheme. Even though the health scheme, promoted as NaMo Care, has not made as many waves as the party expected, it’s implementation in Modi’s second term, could be a potential winner. &nbsp;

The importance of social welfare programmes seem to have been driven home, even if it was not so evident during the course of political discourse in a virulent campaign. Chief ministers present at this meeting were asked to submit a report on the implementation of the welfare schemes. The support that Modi has got from the country’s 48 per cent women voters makes a good study for researchers. His ambitious social welfare scheme —Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana —with the aim of providing 5 crore LPG connections to women below the poverty line across the country, took a heavy toll on the opposition campaign. It seemed a strategic decision to reach out to women in a scheme aimed at replacing unclean cooking fuels, used mostly in rural India with the clean and more efficient LPG gas.&nbsp;

Election results, particularly in UP where the Prime Minister was able to develop a connection with women at large, seem to reflect in the UP Lok Sabha results.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-flagship-programme-wonders-2753695">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In India, one of the most unedifying sights of an early morning rail ride is mass scale defecation along the tracks, in the villages as the train chugs along and in the open fields, where crops provide a cover for concluding one of nature’s most elementary acts.

In India, one of the most unedifying sights of an early morning rail ride is mass scale defecation along the tracks, in the villages as the train chugs along and in the open fields, where crops provide a cover for concluding one of nature’s most elementary acts. Of all the flagship programmes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first term, one that seems to have carried the day is the Swachh Bharat mission. Its impact on the hundreds of millions of Indians, especially women, deprived of basic sanitation facilities, can scarcely be underestimated. An important part of the Modi persona has been the BJP-led NDA government’s flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, among others. But in terms of impact on the common voter, the Swachh Bharat mission should be considered the high water mark. The Swachh Bharat or cleanliness programme, a nationwide campaign that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, towns, and rural areas, can be safely assumed to have impacted BJP’s electoral prospects, ahead of any other public welfare programme launched by the Modi government. Sure, one factor is never enough to tilt the balance in a party’s favour, yet certain facts are worthy of consideration. On October 2, 2014, Modi launched the nation-wide cleanliness campaign on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The concept of Swachh Bharat is to provide sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness and safe and adequate drinking water supply. Modi’s pledges to keep the environment clean were met with sniggers from a class of people, who had never faced sanitation issues in their lives. But they, as luck would have it, were not the archetypal Indian voter. To the professional historian, the prospects of Modi, a former RSS pracharak, invoking Gandhi would be anathema, but the prime minister went ahead nonetheless. In Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s memorable words, “Sanitation is more important than independence”. He made cleanliness and sanitation an integral part of his agitational politics. In his newspaper Navajivan (November 2, 1919), Gandhi famously wrote: “In some countries spitting on the road is a criminal offence. Those who spit after chewing betel leaves and tobacco have no consideration for the feelings of others. Spittle, mucus from the nose, etc, should also be covered with earth.” At the official launch of the Swachh Bharat campaign, Modi — who has a way with words — called it ‘Satyagraha se Swachhagrah’ in reference to Gandhi’s Champaran agitation in favour of indigo farmers. The mission had two thrusts: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (rural), which operates under the ministry of drinking water and sanitation and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (urban), which works under the aegis of the ministry of housing and urban affairs. According to the latest data, the government has constructed 86 million toilets since 2014 under the mission, reducing the number of open defecations from 550 million to fewer than 150 million in 2018. In 2017, the government cited a UNICEF Survey carried out in 10,000 households across the country to claim that the Swachh Bharat Mission was meeting its targets, three years after its launch. The survey, conducted across 12 states, stated that 85 per cent members of the households studied were using toilets. While government data should rightly be regarded with scepticism, in political terms, an idea had been thrown open in the public domain, coming from the highest office in the country. Somewhere the worm had turned, despite the Congress branding it as a mediocre idea, when it was first announced. Now, from the benefit of hindsight, one can say that the Prime Minister knew all along what he was doing. As early as March last year, obviously with an eye on the on 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Modi urged chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to expedite implementation of welfare schemes and to take his government’s flagship programmes to the masses. At this crucial meeting, work done by different states were discussed and deliberations were held on coordination between the Centre and the states for effective implementation of the government’s flagship schemes, in particular, the health insurance scheme. Even though the health scheme, promoted as NaMo Care, has not made as many waves as the party expected, it’s implementation in Modi’s second term, could be a potential winner. The importance of social welfare programmes seem to have been driven home, even if it was not so evident during the course of political discourse in a virulent campaign. Chief ministers present at this meeting were asked to submit a report on the implementation of the welfare schemes. The support that Modi has got from the country’s 48 per cent women voters makes a good study for researchers. His ambitious social welfare scheme —Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana —with the aim of providing 5 crore LPG connections to women below the poverty line across the country, took a heavy toll on the opposition campaign. It seemed a strategic decision to reach out to women in a scheme aimed at replacing unclean cooking fuels, used mostly in rural India with the clean and more efficient LPG gas. Election results, particularly in UP where the Prime Minister was able to develop a connection with women at large, seem to reflect in the UP Lok Sabha results. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Swachh Bharat campaign had a major role to play in BJP’s spectacular poll success

BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the BJP's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said Sunday.

A JD(U) leader said the Bihar party expects at least one Cabinet berth in the government which will be sworn in on May 30. The party may also get one more berth in the Council of Ministers.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Sunday that Narendra Modi will be sworn in as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/your-satisfaction-is-my-lifes-mantra-pm-modi-to-varanasi-bjp-workers-221920">Prime Minister</a> on Thursday for his second term.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Though there has been no official word on likely faces in the new government, many leaders are of the view that most key members of the previous dispensation will be retained.

There has been speculation that Arun Jaitley, who held the finance portfolio in the previous government, may opt out due to health reasons but people close to him have insisted that he has been doing well after undergoing treatment.

The government on Sunday stepped in to insist that reports regarding his health condition are false and baseless.

"Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," its principal spokesperson Sitanshu Kar tweeted.

Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, who is associated with the BJP, said Jaitley is off all medication now and is recovering his strength. He is still meeting officials, Dasgupta said.

"Questions about Arun Jaitley health understandable. He is recovering from a bout of heavy medication. But he is still in terrific form and his wit is firmly intact. Needs a little rest to get back his strength. All our good wishes," Dasgupta tweeted.

A number of senior faces from the outgoing Cabinet including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar and Prakash Javadekar are expected to figure in the new Cabinet.

Speculation has been rife that BJP president Amit Shah, who won the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar with a massive margin, may also join the government. Shah has refrained from commenting on the matter.&nbsp;

Another BJP ally LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, sources said, has pushed for induction of his MP-son Chirag Paswan in the government.

His party LJP won six seats in the polls. Ram Vilas Paswan, one of the most veteran parliamentarians, was a Cabinet minister in the last government.

Though the AIADMK, which was also not part of the previous government, has won only one seat, it may be given a ministerial berth as it is in power in Tamil Nadu and a key Dravidian ally of the BJP.

The BJP put up its best-ever show in West Bengal and Telangana these elections, winning 18 (from two in 2014) and four seats (from one in 2014) respectively in the two states. This may result in the party giving greater representation to these states in the government.&nbsp;

BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the BJP's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said Sunday.

BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the BJP's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said Sunday. A JD(U) leader said the Bihar party expects at least one Cabinet berth in the government which will be sworn in on May 30. The party may also get one more berth in the Council of Ministers. The Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Sunday that Narendra Modi will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Thursday for his second term. Though there has been no official word on likely faces in the new government, many leaders are of the view that most key members of the previous dispensation will be retained. There has been speculation that Arun Jaitley, who held the finance portfolio in the previous government, may opt out due to health reasons but people close to him have insisted that he has been doing well after undergoing treatment. The government on Sunday stepped in to insist that reports regarding his health condition are false and baseless. "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," its principal spokesperson Sitanshu Kar tweeted. Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, who is associated with the BJP, said Jaitley is off all medication now and is recovering his strength. He is still meeting officials, Dasgupta said. "Questions about Arun Jaitley health understandable. He is recovering from a bout of heavy medication. But he is still in terrific form and his wit is firmly intact. Needs a little rest to get back his strength. All our good wishes," Dasgupta tweeted. A number of senior faces from the outgoing Cabinet including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar and Prakash Javadekar are expected to figure in the new Cabinet. Speculation has been rife that BJP president Amit Shah, who won the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar with a massive margin, may also join the government. Shah has refrained from commenting on the matter. Another BJP ally LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, sources said, has pushed for induction of his MP-son Chirag Paswan in the government. His party LJP won six seats in the polls. Ram Vilas Paswan, one of the most veteran parliamentarians, was a Cabinet minister in the last government. Though the AIADMK, which was also not part of the previous government, has won only one seat, it may be given a ministerial berth as it is in power in Tamil Nadu and a key Dravidian ally of the BJP. The BJP put up its best-ever show in West Bengal and Telangana these elections, winning 18 (from two in 2014) and four seats (from one in 2014) respectively in the two states. This may result in the party giving greater representation to these states in the government.

New allies, fresh conquests to find representation in Modi's new Cabinet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-imran-khan-speaks-to-pm-modi-expresses-desire-to-work-together-foreign-office-221781">Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism." &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-to-take-oath-as-pm-on-may-30-221788">Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 at 7pm</a>

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaganmohan-reddy-meets-pm-modi-discusses-special-status-for-andhra-pradesh-221763">Situation would have been different had BJP won just 250 seats, says Jagan Reddy after meeting Modi</a>

''Situation would have been different had the BJP won just 250 seats, we would have then supported the BJP only after they signed the Special Category Status (SCS) document,'' said YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-defend-itself-against-any-aggression-says-foreign-minister-221768">Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, says foreign minister Javad Zarif</a>

Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-first-foreign-visit-in-second-term-will-be-to-maldives-221777">Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje.

"Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.&nbsp;

Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism.

Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism." Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 at 7pm The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath. Situation would have been different had BJP won just 250 seats, says Jagan Reddy after meeting Modi ''Situation would have been different had the BJP won just 250 seats, we would have then supported the BJP only after they signed the Special Category Status (SCS) document,'' said YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, says foreign minister Javad Zarif Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed. Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje. "Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">Narendra Modi</a> along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath.

The President will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at 7 pm on May 30, 2019, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tweet said from President of India official handle.

The oath ceremony will be held at 7pm in&nbsp;Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Modi staked claim to form the government on Saturday after he was unanimously elected as leader of the NDA coalition.&nbsp;

An NDA delegation led by BJP President Amit Shah handed over a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-stakes-claim-to-form-the-government-swearing-in-likely-on-may-30-221611">letter&nbsp;to the President stating&nbsp;</a>that Narendra Modi had been elected as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi meets President Kovind to stake claim to form govt

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Letters of support from NDA constituent parties were also handed over to the President.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath. The President will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at 7 pm on May 30, 2019, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tweet said from President of India official handle. The oath ceremony will be held at 7pm in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Modi staked claim to form the government on Saturday after he was unanimously elected as leader of the NDA coalition. An NDA delegation led by BJP President Amit Shah handed over a letter to the President stating that Narendra Modi had been elected as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party. Watch: PM Modi meets President Kovind to stake claim to form govt × Letters of support from NDA constituent parties were also handed over to the President.

Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 at 7pm

narendra-modi-1

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Sushma Swaraj, Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari & some allies get calls as Modi gears up to take oath as PM

PM Narendra Modi visits Arun Jaitley; urges him to reconsider opting out of government

What's in store for NDA allies in Modi's new Cabinet?

News brief: Big stories of the day

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India'

US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson

Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points

Not just a Narendra Modi wave, it was a leadership wave that dominated Lok Sabha elections 2019 results

Great honour to be part of govt, will keep away this time: Arun Jaitley in letter to PM

Road ahead for PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi, Pakistan's Imran Khan structured meet unlikely at SCO in Bishkek

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will attend Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister

The guest list for Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister

'The Modern Monk' book inspired by Swami Vivekananda to get screen adaptation

Meeting Pranab Da is always an enriching experience: Narendra Modi

Rajinikanth to attend Modi's swearing-in; calls BJP win in Lok Sabha polls victory for 'charismatic' leader Modi

India mission in Pakistan invites Imran Khan to Iftar party on June 1

Japan PM Shinzo Abe calls for strengthening ties with India

Key immediate reform areas for the new government

PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary

Naveen Patnaik invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony as Odisha CM

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will not attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony for second time

Chemistry triumphed over poll arithmetic: PM Modi on Lok Sabha result

News brief: Big stories of the day

Rupee settles with marginal gain of 2 paise against US dollar amid recovery in greenback

Industrial body says Modi needs to cut tax, interest rates to revive economy ahead of inauguration