Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the highest civilian award of United Arab Emirates (UAE) --The Zayed Medal. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces made the announcement through a tweet.&nbsp;

"We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces tweets that UAE President has awarded PM Narendra Modi with the Zayed Medal. <a href="https://t.co/owXnP8BRqU">pic.twitter.com/owXnP8BRqU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113698733684867072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj welcomed the announcement of the award to PM Modi saying the award is recognition of Prime Minister’s stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership.

She tweeted, "I am extremely happy to welcome the announcement of Order of Zayed for a great son of India Prime Minister &nbsp;@narendramodi by His Highness @MohamedBinZayed."

Adding, "This is in recognition of Prime Minister’s stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership with UAE and the best ever relations with the Islamic world."

Earlier recipients of Zayed medal &nbsp;or Order of Zayed includes Russian President Vladimir Putin (2007), President of China Xi Jinping (2018), Queen Elizabeth of UK (2010) and King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2016).

UAE-India ties in the last few years have grown manifold especially with a number of high-level visits.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by a visit by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. UAE is one of the very few countries Modi had visited twice.

Earlier this year, in a first, UAE invited India as a guest of honour at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet despite reservations from Pakistan.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the highest civilian award of United Arab Emirates (UAE) --The Zayed Medal. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces made the announcement through a tweet.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the highest civilian award of United Arab Emirates (UAE) --The Zayed Medal. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces made the announcement through a tweet. "We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal," he tweeted. Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces tweets that UAE President has awarded PM Narendra Modi with the Zayed Medal. pic.twitter.com/owXnP8BRqU — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj welcomed the announcement of the award to PM Modi saying the award is recognition of Prime Minister’s stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership. She tweeted, "I am extremely happy to welcome the announcement of Order of Zayed for a great son of India Prime Minister @narendramodi by His Highness @MohamedBinZayed." Adding, "This is in recognition of Prime Minister’s stellar role in ushering in a new era of strategic partnership with UAE and the best ever relations with the Islamic world." Earlier recipients of Zayed medal or Order of Zayed includes Russian President Vladimir Putin (2007), President of China Xi Jinping (2018), Queen Elizabeth of UK (2010) and King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2016). UAE-India ties in the last few years have grown manifold especially with a number of high-level visits. Indian PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by a visit by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. UAE is one of the very few countries Modi had visited twice. Earlier this year, in a first, UAE invited India as a guest of honour at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet despite reservations from Pakistan.

Zayed Medal: PM Modi honoured with UAE's highest civilian award 

India's general election: Mahayudh between Congress's old idea of India and Modi's 'Naya Bharat'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Modi also talked about Congress' 2014 manifesto&nbsp;and said it had promised that every house would have electricity by 2009.

"However, till 2014 around 18,000 houses were unelectrified... Just like them (the Congress), their manifesto is corrupt and full of lies. Therefore, it should be called hypocrisy document, not a manifesto," Modi said.

Citing Congress' manifesto for farmers, Modi said, ''Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) govt has never asked for votes by fooling farmers.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-unveils-manifesto-titled-congress-will-deliver-207408">Congress released party's manifesto</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Modi also talked about the developments of roads, national highways and railways.

''It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improves air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us,'' Modi said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Modi in Pasighat: It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improve air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunachalPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/cV7h5pfMR7">pic.twitter.com/cV7h5pfMR7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113309653402673154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">BJP on Tuesday said</a> that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Modi also talked about Congress' 2014 manifesto and said it had promised that every house would have electricity by 2009. "However, till 2014 around 18,000 houses were unelectrified... Just like them (the Congress), their manifesto is corrupt and full of lies. Therefore, it should be called hypocrisy document, not a manifesto," Modi said. Citing Congress' manifesto for farmers, Modi said, ''Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) govt has never asked for votes by fooling farmers.'' Congress released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Modi also talked about the developments of roads, national highways and railways. ''It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improves air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us,'' Modi said. PM Modi in Pasighat: It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improve air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us. #ArunachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/cV7h5pfMR7 — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × BJP on Tuesday said that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". (With inputs from PTI)

Congress manifesto corrupt, full of lies: PM Modi in Arunachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

"I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also took on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">the Congress and their election manifesto</a>, as he had done earlier in the day during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-is-corrupt-full-of-lies-pm-modi-in-arunachal-pradesh-207658">an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress had released its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">manifesto</a> at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang".&nbsp;

Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir.&nbsp;

"They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday.

He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate.&nbsp;

Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable".&nbsp;

Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata.

"Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?"

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. "I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added. Modi also took on the Congress and their election manifesto, as he had done earlier in the day during an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress had released its manifesto at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous". Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang". Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir. "They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday. He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan. The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate. Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable". Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.) "Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata. "Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?" (With inputs from PTI)

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-a-speed-breaker-in-bengals-development-modi-in-siliguri-207693">Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-snaps-4-day-winning-streak-drops-180-points-207701">Sensex snaps 4-day winning streak, drops 180 points</a>

Breaking its four-day rising streak, the BSE Sensex dropped about 180 points Wednesday on profit booking and forecast of below-normal monsoon this year.

Despite a strong rally in global equities, Indian market failed to sustain at lifetime highs led by losses in oil and gas, telecom, metal and healthcare stocks.

After swinging nearly 450 points, the 30-share Sensex settled 179.53 points, or 0.46 per cent lower at 38,877.12.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-intelligence-officer-who-helped-osama-bin-laden-sworn-in-as-minister-report-207692">Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister</a>

Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-intelligence-officer-who-helped-osama-bin-laden-sworn-in-as-minister-report-207692">This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover</a>

Sonia Gandhi, after going through the Congress manifesto, suggested that the photograph published on page nine could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women wearing ghoonghats (veils).&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725">Malaysia Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725">first</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725"> round after losing to Thailand's Chochuwong</a>

Saina Nehwal Wednesday registered a major upset as she lost to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21 in the first round of the Malaysian Open.

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state.

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. Sensex snaps 4-day winning streak, drops 180 points Breaking its four-day rising streak, the BSE Sensex dropped about 180 points Wednesday on profit booking and forecast of below-normal monsoon this year. Despite a strong rally in global equities, Indian market failed to sustain at lifetime highs led by losses in oil and gas, telecom, metal and healthcare stocks. After swinging nearly 450 points, the 30-share Sensex settled 179.53 points, or 0.46 per cent lower at 38,877.12. Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here. This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover Sonia Gandhi, after going through the Congress manifesto, suggested that the photograph published on page nine could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women wearing ghoonghats (veils). Malaysia Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out in first round after losing to Thailand's Chochuwong Saina Nehwal Wednesday registered a major upset as she lost to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21 in the first round of the Malaysian Open.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday slammed Congress' manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.&nbsp;

During a press conference in Delhi, Sitharaman citing manifesto said, ''Congress is supporting separatists and anti-nationalists and&nbsp;its leaders back terrorists.''

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">Congress released party's manifesto</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Congress announced that it would review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for which Sitharaman said, ''Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. The security forces need immunity.''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Defence Minister &amp; BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Congress party election manifesto promising to amend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act - AFSPA: Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. <a href="https://t.co/v1vqIriFjy">pic.twitter.com/v1vqIriFjy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113341677102489600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sitharaman also said that Congress is demoralising our forces.

Earlier, The BJP said that some of the ideas in the Congress <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">manifesto were "positively dangerous"</a>.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday slammed Congress' manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. During a press conference in Delhi, Sitharaman citing manifesto said, ''Congress is supporting separatists and anti-nationalists and its leaders back terrorists.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday slammed Congress' manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. During a press conference in Delhi, Sitharaman citing manifesto said, ''Congress is supporting separatists and anti-nationalists and its leaders back terrorists.'' Congress released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Congress announced that it would review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for which Sitharaman said, ''Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. The security forces need immunity.'' Defence Minister & BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Congress party election manifesto promising to amend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act - AFSPA: Is this right? It is an effort to weaken the armed forces. They are trying to dilute the immunity of our security forces. pic.twitter.com/v1vqIriFjy — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × Sitharaman also said that Congress is demoralising our forces. Earlier, The BJP said that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".

Congress trying to dilute immunity of our security forces: Nirmala Sitharaman

As you move away from Delhi, one understands that election has become regional and local despite the powerful narrative of nationalism married to Hindutva injected by BJP continues to dominate social media and TV screens. &nbsp;

It also holds true for the Congress which has decided to push Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) as its main electoral plank against BJP. Like nationalism driven campaign, it also hangs as one of the themes of the Lok Sabha elections. As of now, as the battle for phase one begins, regional issues have started to gain ground, making elections diverse and less Modi-centric.&nbsp;

For example, with SP-BSP-RLD combine in play, BJP cannot repeat its performance this time in UP. Unlike 2014, where election revolved around Modi, caste, candidates, local issues and delivery programmes of the government are also participating in the campaign in the state and not to mention the problem of stray cattle.&nbsp;

Same is the case with other states. Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are contesting elections on strong regional issues revolving around regional pride, regional discrimination and welfare schemes. BJP has seen green shoots in Kerala, but there too, the issues are regional. Even Sabarimala has not been able to acquire sentiment of national proportion which Ayodhya did in the 1990s. Though BJP is expected to open an account in the state. 
 
The story in Tamil Nadu is also similar. It is a fight between two regional parties over regional issues and both the BJP and Congress claim a very small role. So whatever the result may be, a regional player will be the winner.

The state of Karnataka saw BJP’s resurgence during assembly elections but it had more to do with its brilliant performance in SC seats than because of urban voters - who these days are voting for BJP. Nonetheless, Karnataka is like UP where BJP can give a tough fight to the JDS-Congress alliance

In states like Odisha and West Bengal, where BJP has made inroads, election again is being fought on regional issues. Both BJD and TMC are fighting elections on pro-welfare agenda in the state. Though BJP again expected to do better, has not gone beyond criticism of Mamta Banerjee. 
&nbsp; 
Another example is that of the North East, an area where BJP had done exceptionally well. Even there, the issues are regional like, cross border migration and citizenship amendment bill. Before the citizenship amendment bill, BJP was all set to sweep the area but now it is difficult to say which way the election will turn after protests broke out in NE over the bill.&nbsp;

In Bihar, BJP is strong and well entrenched but it rests on the shoulder of Nitish Kumar, unlike 2014 when it swept the state on Modi’s name. Both Haryana and Punjab are voting on regional issues too. Haryana has witnessed strong pro BJP consolidation on anti-Jat line and in Punjab Congress has gained because of anti- SAD sentiment continues to persist and AAP has completely collapsed in the state.&nbsp;

Even big states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Rajasthan are being fought on regional issues ranging from caste reservation, agrarian loans, candidature, hard Hindutva and etc. It is not to say that the direct benefit schemes introduced by the Prime Minister including welfare projects will have no impact on the electorate but will short when it comes to the creation of a wave like 2014. Even in the 2017 assembly election, the results were more out of Hindu-Muslim polarisation than the success of Ujjwala scheme.&nbsp;

More so, the injection of hard Hindutva in body politics by BJP will add and subtract votes at the same time which was not the case in 2014 elections which were solely focussed around New India. 
 
The states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh too will be fought on the basis of candidates and performance of the respective governments. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state that will respond to the policy decision of the BJP and promises it is making during national elections.

If one looks at the election history, victory comes often at the time when things seem lost. No one thought within the Opposition that they would be able to defeat the Congress in 1977. Even Rajiv Gandhi did fathom his scale of defeat in 1989. His campaign, Mera Bharat Mahan was a royal flop. Narasimha Rao felt that he was winning the election in 1996. &nbsp;In 2004 every political pundit wrote off Congress party but it was BJP who lost elections under the weight of Shining India campaign. Even in 2009, not a single political pundit gave Congress more than 200 seats and very few people believed that BJP would get a simple majority in 2014.&nbsp;

There is no doubt that propaganda of BJP is loud, and the Congress party’s electoral campaign is weak and badly coordinated. In fact, the campaign does not stand anywhere close to BJP but even then, voters have a way of surprising powerful people.

This election holds the capacity to put regional parties at the forefront of decision making as gain and loss of both BJP and Congress ‘can’ be incremental because of regional placement of the elections.&nbsp;

BJP is trying to polarise it on the national security issue, but it has not been able to create a surge in the electorate. Even the Kargil war did not help Vajpayee during elections. In the case of BJP and Congress getting confined within 270 to 300 seats, regional players will emerge as the king makers. This is scenario one.&nbsp;

But if Lok Sabha elections follow the old hard pattern of Indian politics, then BJP may end up with a shocking result which is - where a losing side ends up with a huge loss and gainer ends up with most.

It happened with BJP in 2014, wherein it got a simple majority and Congress who thought it may end up with 100 seats ended up with 44.&nbsp;

If this scenario is reversed with current issues in play, India is looking at a fractured Parliament where the difference between BJP and Congress can stand anywhere between 50 to 70 seats with BJP in the lead.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

As you move away from Delhi, one understands that election has become regional and local despite the powerful narrative of nationalism married to Hindutva injected by BJP continues to dominate social media and TV screens.

As you move away from Delhi, one understands that election has become regional and local despite the powerful narrative of nationalism married to Hindutva injected by BJP continues to dominate social media and TV screens. It also holds true for the Congress which has decided to push Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) as its main electoral plank against BJP. Like nationalism driven campaign, it also hangs as one of the themes of the Lok Sabha elections. As of now, as the battle for phase one begins, regional issues have started to gain ground, making elections diverse and less Modi-centric. For example, with SP-BSP-RLD combine in play, BJP cannot repeat its performance this time in UP. Unlike 2014, where election revolved around Modi, caste, candidates, local issues and delivery programmes of the government are also participating in the campaign in the state and not to mention the problem of stray cattle. Same is the case with other states. Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are contesting elections on strong regional issues revolving around regional pride, regional discrimination and welfare schemes. BJP has seen green shoots in Kerala, but there too, the issues are regional. Even Sabarimala has not been able to acquire sentiment of national proportion which Ayodhya did in the 1990s. Though BJP is expected to open an account in the state. The story in Tamil Nadu is also similar. It is a fight between two regional parties over regional issues and both the BJP and Congress claim a very small role. So whatever the result may be, a regional player will be the winner. The state of Karnataka saw BJP’s resurgence during assembly elections but it had more to do with its brilliant performance in SC seats than because of urban voters - who these days are voting for BJP. Nonetheless, Karnataka is like UP where BJP can give a tough fight to the JDS-Congress alliance In states like Odisha and West Bengal, where BJP has made inroads, election again is being fought on regional issues. Both BJD and TMC are fighting elections on pro-welfare agenda in the state. Though BJP again expected to do better, has not gone beyond criticism of Mamta Banerjee. Another example is that of the North East, an area where BJP had done exceptionally well. Even there, the issues are regional like, cross border migration and citizenship amendment bill. Before the citizenship amendment bill, BJP was all set to sweep the area but now it is difficult to say which way the election will turn after protests broke out in NE over the bill. In Bihar, BJP is strong and well entrenched but it rests on the shoulder of Nitish Kumar, unlike 2014 when it swept the state on Modi’s name. Both Haryana and Punjab are voting on regional issues too. Haryana has witnessed strong pro BJP consolidation on anti-Jat line and in Punjab Congress has gained because of anti- SAD sentiment continues to persist and AAP has completely collapsed in the state. Even big states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Rajasthan are being fought on regional issues ranging from caste reservation, agrarian loans, candidature, hard Hindutva and etc. It is not to say that the direct benefit schemes introduced by the Prime Minister including welfare projects will have no impact on the electorate but will short when it comes to the creation of a wave like 2014. Even in the 2017 assembly election, the results were more out of Hindu-Muslim polarisation than the success of Ujjwala scheme. More so, the injection of hard Hindutva in body politics by BJP will add and subtract votes at the same time which was not the case in 2014 elections which were solely focussed around New India. The states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh too will be fought on the basis of candidates and performance of the respective governments. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state that will respond to the policy decision of the BJP and promises it is making during national elections. If one looks at the election history, victory comes often at the time when things seem lost. No one thought within the Opposition that they would be able to defeat the Congress in 1977. Even Rajiv Gandhi did fathom his scale of defeat in 1989. His campaign, Mera Bharat Mahan was a royal flop. Narasimha Rao felt that he was winning the election in 1996. In 2004 every political pundit wrote off Congress party but it was BJP who lost elections under the weight of Shining India campaign. Even in 2009, not a single political pundit gave Congress more than 200 seats and very few people believed that BJP would get a simple majority in 2014. There is no doubt that propaganda of BJP is loud, and the Congress party’s electoral campaign is weak and badly coordinated. In fact, the campaign does not stand anywhere close to BJP but even then, voters have a way of surprising powerful people. This election holds the capacity to put regional parties at the forefront of decision making as gain and loss of both BJP and Congress ‘can’ be incremental because of regional placement of the elections. BJP is trying to polarise it on the national security issue, but it has not been able to create a surge in the electorate. Even the Kargil war did not help Vajpayee during elections. In the case of BJP and Congress getting confined within 270 to 300 seats, regional players will emerge as the king makers. This is scenario one. But if Lok Sabha elections follow the old hard pattern of Indian politics, then BJP may end up with a shocking result which is - where a losing side ends up with a huge loss and gainer ends up with most. It happened with BJP in 2014, wherein it got a simple majority and Congress who thought it may end up with 100 seats ended up with 44. If this scenario is reversed with current issues in play, India is looking at a fractured Parliament where the difference between BJP and Congress can stand anywhere between 50 to 70 seats with BJP in the lead. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

BJP’s nationalist narrative driving TV debates but may not get party the result it wants

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday launched a broadside against the Congress, accusing it of branding "peace-loving Hindus" as terrorists and insulting those who follow the religion.

Launching the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's Lok Sabha poll campaign in Maharashtra at a public rally here, Modi said the Congress coined the term 'Hindu terror'.

"Leaders of that party are now scared of contesting from constituencies dominated by majority (Hindu) population," Modi said.

His barb was apparently directed at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who will be contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad constituency in Kerala, besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

"Congress used the term 'Hindu terror'...It labelled the peace-loving Hindus as terrorists...Is there a single incident of Hindu terrorism?" Modi said.

"Congress insulted Hindus...People have decided to punish it in election...Hence, it is scared of fielding candidate from constituencies dominated by majority population," Modi added.

He accused the Congress and NCP of questioning the valour of soldiers and insulting them after the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot air strike.&nbsp;

These parties spoke language that was suitable to be used in Pakistan, he added.

Modi also hit out at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who he said, chose not to contest the Lok Sabha election after deciding to do so first.

This was because the NCP chief sensed an unfavourable situation, Modi said, taunting the latter for "shying away" from poll fight.

Modi also claimed there was a family feud in the Pawar family and that Pawar was losing his grip on the party.

Modi also termed the Congress' "abuse" that he was a "chowkidar of toilets" as an "ornament" for him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday launched a broadside against the Congress, accusing it of branding "peace-loving Hindus" as terrorists and insulting those who follow the religion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday launched a broadside against the Congress, accusing it of branding "peace-loving Hindus" as terrorists and insulting those who follow the religion. Launching the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's Lok Sabha poll campaign in Maharashtra at a public rally here, Modi said the Congress coined the term 'Hindu terror'. "Leaders of that party are now scared of contesting from constituencies dominated by majority (Hindu) population," Modi said. His barb was apparently directed at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who will be contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad constituency in Kerala, besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. "Congress used the term 'Hindu terror'...It labelled the peace-loving Hindus as terrorists...Is there a single incident of Hindu terrorism?" Modi said. "Congress insulted Hindus...People have decided to punish it in election...Hence, it is scared of fielding candidate from constituencies dominated by majority population," Modi added. He accused the Congress and NCP of questioning the valour of soldiers and insulting them after the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot air strike. These parties spoke language that was suitable to be used in Pakistan, he added. Modi also hit out at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who he said, chose not to contest the Lok Sabha election after deciding to do so first. This was because the NCP chief sensed an unfavourable situation, Modi said, taunting the latter for "shying away" from poll fight. Modi also claimed there was a family feud in the Pawar family and that Pawar was losing his grip on the party. Modi also termed the Congress' "abuse" that he was a "chowkidar of toilets" as an "ornament" for him.

Congress labelled peace-loving Hindus as terrorists: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today interact with people, who have pledged their support to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in all parliamentary constituencies.

The Prime Minister will address the biggest town hall programme at the Talkatora Stadium at 5 PM later today. As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the town hall.

At the same time, PM Modi will interact with lakhs of people across the country, through video conferencing set up at more than 500 locations across the country.

Taking to the Twitter, Prime Minister wrote, "The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic Main Bhi Chowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The day we were most looking forward to is here! 
 
At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MainBhiChowkidar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MainBhiChowkidar</a> programme. 
 
This is an interaction you must not miss. 
 
Watch it live on the NaMoApp or NaMo TV. <a href="https://t.co/XXKkLUuE7X">pic.twitter.com/XXKkLUuE7X</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1112190255849865216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Expressing confidence that vibrant professionals especially youngster will facilitate 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign with their presence, Prime Minister said, "These professionals energise and strengthen India. It is their&nbsp;hardwork&nbsp;that is powering the rise of a New India in the 21st century."

'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign was launched on March 16 by Prime Minister Modi. A day after the launch, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix ‘chowkidar’ to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign.

On March 20, Prime Minister Modi had addressed over 25 lakh chowkidars from across the country via audio conference. He also launched a scathing attack on the opposition party’s 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign.

The origin of the word 'chowkidar' dates back to the poll campaigning ahead of the 2014 general elections when Modi had promised to work as a 'chowkidar' to guard the people's money and their trust once elected to the top office.&nbsp;

'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ has been started after extensive surveys and data analysis by BJP strategists who feel that Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s 'chowkidar chor hai’ jibe and campaign is not resonating among people. The surveys also suggested that it is actually angering people in the country, according to a release.

A similar strategy was adopted by the BJP ahead of the 2014 general elections, wherein the party turned around senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar’s "chaiwallah" jibe into a mass campaign.

This campaign is expected to drive the narrative of the Prime Minister’s strong and decisive image which multiple surveys have conveyed is the main factor in the upcoming elections, the release mentioned.

Under the aegis of this campaign, the BJP has leveraged a tech innovation called conversation cards on Twitter, whereby people will get a personalized message from the Prime Minister on Twitter on participating in this campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today interact with people, who have pledged their support to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in all parliamentary constituencies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today interact with people, who have pledged their support to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in all parliamentary constituencies. The Prime Minister will address the biggest town hall programme at the Talkatora Stadium at 5 PM later today. As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the town hall. At the same time, PM Modi will interact with lakhs of people across the country, through video conferencing set up at more than 500 locations across the country. Taking to the Twitter, Prime Minister wrote, "The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic Main Bhi Chowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss." The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic #MainBhiChowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss. Watch it live on the NaMoApp or NaMo TV. pic.twitter.com/XXKkLUuE7X — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2019 × Expressing confidence that vibrant professionals especially youngster will facilitate 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign with their presence, Prime Minister said, "These professionals energise and strengthen India. It is their hardwork that is powering the rise of a New India in the 21st century." 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign was launched on March 16 by Prime Minister Modi. A day after the launch, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix ‘chowkidar’ to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign. On March 20, Prime Minister Modi had addressed over 25 lakh chowkidars from across the country via audio conference. He also launched a scathing attack on the opposition party’s 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign. The origin of the word 'chowkidar' dates back to the poll campaigning ahead of the 2014 general elections when Modi had promised to work as a 'chowkidar' to guard the people's money and their trust once elected to the top office. 'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ has been started after extensive surveys and data analysis by BJP strategists who feel that Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s 'chowkidar chor hai’ jibe and campaign is not resonating among people. The surveys also suggested that it is actually angering people in the country, according to a release. A similar strategy was adopted by the BJP ahead of the 2014 general elections, wherein the party turned around senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar’s "chaiwallah" jibe into a mass campaign. This campaign is expected to drive the narrative of the Prime Minister’s strong and decisive image which multiple surveys have conveyed is the main factor in the upcoming elections, the release mentioned. Under the aegis of this campaign, the BJP has leveraged a tech innovation called conversation cards on Twitter, whereby people will get a personalized message from the Prime Minister on Twitter on participating in this campaign.

Mai bhi chowkidar campaign: PM Modi to address thousands through video conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the scheduled public rally here on April 3 at a ground belonging to the Railways, after the West Bengal government denied permission for the venue earlier sought by the BJP.

The new venue for the prime minister's rally sits adjacent to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, BJP's Darjeeling district president Avijit Roy Chowdhury said on Saturday.

"The local administration did not give permission for the venue we had earlier selected. Then, we looked for another ground and got permission for it," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The saffron party had earlier selected a piece of land belonging to the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) here, which had denied consent for the PM's rally.

"Earlier, too, similar incidents have happened when we were denied permission. But, the TMC cannot prevent BJP's victory march by stopping us from holding rallies," Ghosh asserted.

Modi will address two back-to-back election rallies on April 3, the second public meeting slated at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the scheduled public rally here on April 3 at a ground belonging to the Railways, after the West Bengal government denied permission for the venue earlier sought by the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the scheduled public rally here on April 3 at a ground belonging to the Railways, after the West Bengal government denied permission for the venue earlier sought by the BJP. The new venue for the prime minister's rally sits adjacent to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, BJP's Darjeeling district president Avijit Roy Chowdhury said on Saturday. "The local administration did not give permission for the venue we had earlier selected. Then, we looked for another ground and got permission for it," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The saffron party had earlier selected a piece of land belonging to the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) here, which had denied consent for the PM's rally. "Earlier, too, similar incidents have happened when we were denied permission. But, the TMC cannot prevent BJP's victory march by stopping us from holding rallies," Ghosh asserted. Modi will address two back-to-back election rallies on April 3, the second public meeting slated at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.

West Bengal government denies permission for BJP campaign rally in Siliguri

Proscribed Naxal outfit CPI (Maoist) has given a call for Magadh Bandh on April 2 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Gaya's Gandhi Maidan.

People of Gaya, the Lok Sabha constituency, which falls in the Magadh division, would vote on April 11 in the first phase along with three other constituencies of Aurangabad, Nawada and Jamui.

Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad and Arwal are also part of the division.

The bandh call has been given to unitedly oppose the operation Green hunt and Mission Samadhan, CPI(Maoist) spokesman Manas said in a leaflet.

When asked about the Naxalites announcement of the bandh, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajiv Mishra said that all the guidelines have been strictly followed for Prime Minister's election rally and also for ensuring free, fair and peaceful voting.

The Naxal outfits spokesman also claimed responsibility for blowing up BJP leader and ex-MLC Anuj Kumar Singhs house at Bodhibigaha under the jurisdiction of Dumaria police station area on Wednesday night, police sources said.

The Naxalites had called for the boycott of Lok Sabha election and threatened the villagers (of Bodhibigaha) with dire consequences if they failed to ensure a complete boycott of the general election in the Magadha region.

Proscribed Naxal outfit CPI (Maoist) has given a call for Magadh Bandh on April 2 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Gaya's Gandhi Maidan.

Proscribed Naxal outfit CPI (Maoist) has given a call for Magadh Bandh on April 2 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally at Gaya's Gandhi Maidan. People of Gaya, the Lok Sabha constituency, which falls in the Magadh division, would vote on April 11 in the first phase along with three other constituencies of Aurangabad, Nawada and Jamui. Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad and Arwal are also part of the division. The bandh call has been given to unitedly oppose the operation Green hunt and Mission Samadhan, CPI(Maoist) spokesman Manas said in a leaflet. When asked about the Naxalites announcement of the bandh, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajiv Mishra said that all the guidelines have been strictly followed for Prime Minister's election rally and also for ensuring free, fair and peaceful voting. The Naxal outfits spokesman also claimed responsibility for blowing up BJP leader and ex-MLC Anuj Kumar Singhs house at Bodhibigaha under the jurisdiction of Dumaria police station area on Wednesday night, police sources said. The Naxalites had called for the boycott of Lok Sabha election and threatened the villagers (of Bodhibigaha) with dire consequences if they failed to ensure a complete boycott of the general election in the Magadha region.

Bihar: Naxals call for 'Magadh bandh' on April 2 when PM will Address rally in Gaya

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

"Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&amp;K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here.

Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state.

Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir.

The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India.&nbsp;

"Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said.

Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters.&nbsp;

Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked. "Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here. Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state. Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India. "Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said. Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters. Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

If special status withdrawn, ties between J&K and India will be over: Mehbooba

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the previous Congress-led UPA government, saying its leaders indulged in corruption and kept personal interests above national interests.

He also alleged that the previous government "lacked" political will to test fire the anti-satellite missile despite the country having the capability to build it.&nbsp;

The prime minister also took on the entire opposition, saying they were chosen for the task by the people, but they failed to live up to their responsibility.&nbsp; 
He alleged that the opposition raked up all the wrong issues like national security and seeking proof of Balakot air strike thus questioning the armed forces.

He only referred to "proof" but did not mention air strike or Balakot.

"Why seek proof ... Why talk in favour of Pakistan," he quipped.

Modi also said that his government has the political will to withstand pressure and take immediate decisions in national interests.&nbsp;

"Delaying decisions of national interests amounts to criminal negligence," he said at the launch of TV9 'Bharatvarsh' news channel here.

Noting that his government believes in "commitment not confusion" Modi alleged that those who earlier ran the country created hurdles in the path of development due to "corrupt behaviour".

He alleged that those in power in the past chose "personal interest before national interest".

"Were not they responsible to make things (system) fool-proof to check corruption ... But the intent was not honest," he claimed.

He said the then government delayed the decision on forming a special investigation team to probe black money. "We decided to set up the SIT in our very first Cabinet meet," he said.

He alleged that the previous UPA government took little initiative in bringing back black money and entered into "weak" agreements with foreign governments in this regard.

"Now we have reworked agreement with Mauritius ... Switzerland will now provide information (on black money of Indians) on realtime basis from this year," he said.

He alleged that while the previous government gave scams such as 2G spectrum allocation, Commonwealth Games, Bofors howitzer and AgustaWestland helicopter, his dispensation is moving about things in a very transparent manner.

Without naming the Rafale jet deal, he said the Supreme Court found nothing wrong in his government's defence preparedness after going through documents.

Without naming former Union minister P Chidambaram, PM said the Congress leader thinks he is very intelligent.

"He said the Asat launch should have been kept a secret. By that yardstick, why was the Pokhran (nuclear test) not kept a secret (during Congress rule in 1974) ... I can understand the visits to courts (in alleged cases of corruption) can be kept a secret," he said taking a dig.

Referring to black money, he said when the government was framing The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, he was under immense pressure by those who knew it would hit them hard.

"There was phone banking then. A phone call would go and banks would issue loans. Then more loans were issued to pay back the previous loans ... We have changed that," he said.

In an oblique reference to fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi, he said properties worth more than the scam he had allegedly indulged in have been attached by investigative agencies.

Addressing the gathering, he said his government has decentralised things and focus in now on states. "Earlier, everything was launched a Vigyan Bhawan," he said.

Referring to Hyderabad House where government hosts foreign heads of states and governments, he said they to are being hosted outside Delhi. 
"International platforms where Pakistani propaganda used to echo now listen to India and our views find a place," he said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the previous Congress-led UPA government, saying its leaders indulged in corruption and kept personal interests above national interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the previous Congress-led UPA government, saying its leaders indulged in corruption and kept personal interests above national interests. He also alleged that the previous government "lacked" political will to test fire the anti-satellite missile despite the country having the capability to build it. The prime minister also took on the entire opposition, saying they were chosen for the task by the people, but they failed to live up to their responsibility. He alleged that the opposition raked up all the wrong issues like national security and seeking proof of Balakot air strike thus questioning the armed forces. He only referred to "proof" but did not mention air strike or Balakot. "Why seek proof ... Why talk in favour of Pakistan," he quipped. Modi also said that his government has the political will to withstand pressure and take immediate decisions in national interests. "Delaying decisions of national interests amounts to criminal negligence," he said at the launch of TV9 'Bharatvarsh' news channel here. Noting that his government believes in "commitment not confusion" Modi alleged that those who earlier ran the country created hurdles in the path of development due to "corrupt behaviour". He alleged that those in power in the past chose "personal interest before national interest". "Were not they responsible to make things (system) fool-proof to check corruption ... But the intent was not honest," he claimed. He said the then government delayed the decision on forming a special investigation team to probe black money. "We decided to set up the SIT in our very first Cabinet meet," he said. He alleged that the previous UPA government took little initiative in bringing back black money and entered into "weak" agreements with foreign governments in this regard. "Now we have reworked agreement with Mauritius ... Switzerland will now provide information (on black money of Indians) on realtime basis from this year," he said. He alleged that while the previous government gave scams such as 2G spectrum allocation, Commonwealth Games, Bofors howitzer and AgustaWestland helicopter, his dispensation is moving about things in a very transparent manner. Without naming the Rafale jet deal, he said the Supreme Court found nothing wrong in his government's defence preparedness after going through documents. Without naming former Union minister P Chidambaram, PM said the Congress leader thinks he is very intelligent. "He said the Asat launch should have been kept a secret. By that yardstick, why was the Pokhran (nuclear test) not kept a secret (during Congress rule in 1974) ... I can understand the visits to courts (in alleged cases of corruption) can be kept a secret," he said taking a dig. Referring to black money, he said when the government was framing The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, he was under immense pressure by those who knew it would hit them hard. "There was phone banking then. A phone call would go and banks would issue loans. Then more loans were issued to pay back the previous loans ... We have changed that," he said. In an oblique reference to fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi, he said properties worth more than the scam he had allegedly indulged in have been attached by investigative agencies. Addressing the gathering, he said his government has decentralised things and focus in now on states. "Earlier, everything was launched a Vigyan Bhawan," he said. Referring to Hyderabad House where government hosts foreign heads of states and governments, he said they to are being hosted outside Delhi. "International platforms where Pakistani propaganda used to echo now listen to India and our views find a place," he said.

Leaders of previous government indulged in corruption; kept personal interest above nation's: PM Modi

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2.

A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year.

The government has extended this deadline over half a dozen times since June 2018, when it decided to impose these duties in retaliation to a move by the US to impose high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products.

India is pushing the dates as both sides are negotiating a trade package to boost bilateral commerce. But earlier this month, the US decided to withdraw export incentives being provided by them to Indian exporters for certain goods under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme.

Extension of these benefits was part of the negotiations between India and the US among other issues. These incentives are expected to be withdrawn from May 2. Domestic exporters are jittery over US' decision to withdraw these incentives as they export goods worth $5.6 billion under GSP programme. About 1,900 items including from chemicals and engineering sectors avail these sops.

The government is considering to send a delegation to the US earlier next month to hold discussions on ways to resolve all trade-related issues.

Both sides were holding two-track discussions to increase trade in the short and medium term and identify long-term trade potentials.

India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their GSP programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors.

On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products.

As part of the imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut has been hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent currently, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.&nbsp;

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2. A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year.

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2. A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year. The government has extended this deadline over half a dozen times since June 2018, when it decided to impose these duties in retaliation to a move by the US to impose high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products. India is pushing the dates as both sides are negotiating a trade package to boost bilateral commerce. But earlier this month, the US decided to withdraw export incentives being provided by them to Indian exporters for certain goods under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme. Extension of these benefits was part of the negotiations between India and the US among other issues. These incentives are expected to be withdrawn from May 2. Domestic exporters are jittery over US' decision to withdraw these incentives as they export goods worth $5.6 billion under GSP programme. About 1,900 items including from chemicals and engineering sectors avail these sops. The government is considering to send a delegation to the US earlier next month to hold discussions on ways to resolve all trade-related issues. Both sides were holding two-track discussions to increase trade in the short and medium term and identify long-term trade potentials. India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their GSP programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products. As part of the imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut has been hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent currently, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India again extends deadline to impose high import duties on 29 US products till May 2

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 30th, 2019

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asat-test-russia-welcomes-new-delhis-efforts-to-prevent-arms-race-in-outer-space-206424">India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test</a> by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

It, however, said the United States was aware of India's first test-fire of an anti-satellite missile.

"No US assets were spying on India. In fact, the US continues to expand its enduring partnership with India, resulting in enhanced interoperability and stronger economic ties," US Defense Department spokesperson Lt Col David W Eastburn told PTI.

Aircraft Spots, which monitors military air movements, had said that a US Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia went "for a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India's anti-satellite missile test".

This was interpreted by many that the US spied on Indian ASAT test.

"I don't think that it implies coordination between India and the US," astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told PTI on the Aircraft Spots report.

"This implies that the US intelligence community were aware of the test in advance because to some extent they're spying on India," he alleged.

"Everybody spies on their friends as well as their enemies. That's the way the world works these days. It would be surprising if the US were not detecting or observing the launch site and aware of activities preparing for the test. So one assumes that they knew it was coming," he claimed.

McDowell, who is a staff member at the Chandra X-ray Center and author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail-distributed newsletter documenting satellite launches, said he has not looked into the issue of the aircraft, but it is certainly not surprising that the US would fly a sensor aircraft to try and observe the test.

The Pentagon, however, strongly denied the spying allegation.

"It's a relationship so strong that no topic is off limits," Eastburn said.

"Both nations enjoy shared principles regarding our respect of sovereignty, free and fair trade, adherence to international norms, and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said.

Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers Thursday that the US was aware that India's ASAT test was coming.

"First of all, we knew it was coming because of flight bans that India had announced and information they published previously. The launch occurred at 1.39 AM EST," he told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces during a Congressional hearing.

"First of all, it was detected, characterised and reported by Air Force Missile Warning systems and Airmen at Buckley AFB. Immediately after the test (it struck the target vehicle), the Joint Space Ops Center and USAF 18 Space control Squadron began collecting information about the breakup of the vehicle," Thompson said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development. It, however, said the United States was aware of India's first test-fire of an anti-satellite missile. "No US assets were spying on India. In fact, the US continues to expand its enduring partnership with India, resulting in enhanced interoperability and stronger economic ties," US Defense Department spokesperson Lt Col David W Eastburn told PTI. Aircraft Spots, which monitors military air movements, had said that a US Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia went "for a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India's anti-satellite missile test". This was interpreted by many that the US spied on Indian ASAT test. "I don't think that it implies coordination between India and the US," astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told PTI on the Aircraft Spots report. "This implies that the US intelligence community were aware of the test in advance because to some extent they're spying on India," he alleged. "Everybody spies on their friends as well as their enemies. That's the way the world works these days. It would be surprising if the US were not detecting or observing the launch site and aware of activities preparing for the test. So one assumes that they knew it was coming," he claimed. McDowell, who is a staff member at the Chandra X-ray Center and author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail-distributed newsletter documenting satellite launches, said he has not looked into the issue of the aircraft, but it is certainly not surprising that the US would fly a sensor aircraft to try and observe the test. The Pentagon, however, strongly denied the spying allegation. "It's a relationship so strong that no topic is off limits," Eastburn said. "Both nations enjoy shared principles regarding our respect of sovereignty, free and fair trade, adherence to international norms, and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said. Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers Thursday that the US was aware that India's ASAT test was coming. "First of all, we knew it was coming because of flight bans that India had announced and information they published previously. The launch occurred at 1.39 AM EST," he told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces during a Congressional hearing. "First of all, it was detected, characterised and reported by Air Force Missile Warning systems and Airmen at Buckley AFB. Immediately after the test (it struck the target vehicle), the Joint Space Ops Center and USAF 18 Space control Squadron began collecting information about the breakup of the vehicle," Thompson said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

US didn't spy on India's ASAT test: Pentagon

External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-national-stabbed-to-death-in-germanys-munich-sushma-swaraj-206661">Sushma Swaraj on Saturday</a> gave a befitting reply to a Twitter user who asked why has she inducted 'Chowkidar' in her official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

The user tweeted out calling Swaraj "the only one sensible leader in the BJP" who, he thought, would not hop on to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chowkidar-is-pure-another-term-for-him-is-sure-rajnath-singh-goes-poetic-on-modi-205719">'Chowkidar' bandwagon on Twitter</a>.&nbsp;

Swaraj replied saying that she is one of the country's watchdog and that she looks after the security of national interests and the nationals abroad.&nbsp;

"Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad," read her tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad. <a href="https://t.co/dCgiBPsagz">https://t.co/dCgiBPsagz</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1111862550579142657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Scores of BJP leaders changed their Twitter handle to add 'Chowkidar' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on Twitter to 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi'.&nbsp;

On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

"Your Chowkidar is standing firm &amp; serving the nation," Modi had tweeted out earlier this month launching -#MainBhiChowkidar campaign.

"But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar."&nbsp;

"Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday gave a befitting reply to a Twitter user who asked why has she inducted 'Chowkidar' in her official Twitter handle.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday gave a befitting reply to a Twitter user who asked why has she inducted 'Chowkidar' in her official Twitter handle. The user tweeted out calling Swaraj "the only one sensible leader in the BJP" who, he thought, would not hop on to the 'Chowkidar' bandwagon on Twitter. Swaraj replied saying that she is one of the country's watchdog and that she looks after the security of national interests and the nationals abroad. "Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad," read her tweet. Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad. https://t.co/dCgiBPsagz — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 30, 2019 × Scores of BJP leaders changed their Twitter handle to add 'Chowkidar' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his name on Twitter to 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi'. On March 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. "Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation," Modi had tweeted out earlier this month launching -#MainBhiChowkidar campaign. "But, I am not alone," he said. "Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar." "Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," he added. The Prime Minister had first referred to himself as the chowkidar (watchman) of the nation in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga (I will not be corrupt, I will not let others be corrupt)," he had said then.

Because I'm doing 'chowkidari' of Indian interests and nationals abroad: Swaraj on adding 'Chowkidar' to Twitter handle

People saw in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lots-to-be-done-to-take-country-forward-im-here-to-complete-that-work-pm-modi-206738">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-files-nomination-for-gandhinagar-seat-206682">BJP chief Amit Shah</a> claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country.

Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, he said the BJP was his life, and also recalled his journey -- from being a party worker in 1982 to becoming its national president.

Shah has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998, from the prestigious constituency. The BJP chief is contesting the Lok Sabha poll for the first time.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah at the rally.

"This election will be fought on only one issue, and that is, who will lead this country? When I ask who will lead the country, from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, only one word is heard, that is, Modi, Modi, Modi," Shah said.

"Why was this trust formed in just five years? Why has a Gujarat chief minister, who had not even contested a panchayat election before becoming the chief minister, became the favourite of the entire country in just five years? It is because people saw in Narendra Modi a leader that they had been waiting to have for the last 70 years," he said.

Shah claimed that only Modi, the BJP and the NDA government can assure security to the country.

"The question before the country is who can assure security to the country? Only one person, only one party can assure this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA government can assure security to the country," he said.

Shah said he was fortunate to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar seat, which was earlier represented by leaders including Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Purushottam Ganesh Mavlankar. He said he was an MLA for five times from the region, which falls under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

"I am fortunate that BJP has made me the candidate from Gandhinagar seat that was represented by Lal Krishna Advani, Atalji and Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar. It is this region from where I was elected MLA for five times. From this region, I successfully did electoral politics with your support," he said.

Asserting that he would carry forward Advani's legacy once he gets elected from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said, "Development of Gandhinagar seat is the commitment of all of BJP party workers.

"Today, Gandhinagar seat is among the most developed seat in the country and I will humbly and from the bottom of my heart try to carry forward the legacy of Advaniji," he said.

Recalling his days as a BJP worker in 1982, Shah said, "If you remove BJP from my life, then what is left is zero. Whatever I have received, learnt and tried to give to the country and the state is what was given to me by the BJP."

The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency replacing Advani marks a generational shift in the party. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

People saw in Prime Minister Narendra Modi a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country.

People saw in Prime Minister Narendra Modi a leader they had been waiting for the last 70 years, BJP chief Amit Shah claimed Saturday and asserted that this Lok Sabha polls will be fought only on the issue of who will lead the country. Addressing a rally here before filing his nomination papers for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, he said the BJP was his life, and also recalled his journey -- from being a party worker in 1982 to becoming its national president. Shah has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998, from the prestigious constituency. The BJP chief is contesting the Lok Sabha poll for the first time. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari and leaders of NDA allies, including Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan were present on the stage with Shah at the rally. "This election will be fought on only one issue, and that is, who will lead this country? When I ask who will lead the country, from Himachal to Kanyakumari and from Kamrup to Gandhinagar, only one word is heard, that is, Modi, Modi, Modi," Shah said. "Why was this trust formed in just five years? Why has a Gujarat chief minister, who had not even contested a panchayat election before becoming the chief minister, became the favourite of the entire country in just five years? It is because people saw in Narendra Modi a leader that they had been waiting to have for the last 70 years," he said. Shah claimed that only Modi, the BJP and the NDA government can assure security to the country. "The question before the country is who can assure security to the country? Only one person, only one party can assure this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA government can assure security to the country," he said. Shah said he was fortunate to file his nomination papers from Gandhinagar seat, which was earlier represented by leaders including Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Purushottam Ganesh Mavlankar. He said he was an MLA for five times from the region, which falls under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. "I am fortunate that BJP has made me the candidate from Gandhinagar seat that was represented by Lal Krishna Advani, Atalji and Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar. It is this region from where I was elected MLA for five times. From this region, I successfully did electoral politics with your support," he said. Asserting that he would carry forward Advani's legacy once he gets elected from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said, "Development of Gandhinagar seat is the commitment of all of BJP party workers. "Today, Gandhinagar seat is among the most developed seat in the country and I will humbly and from the bottom of my heart try to carry forward the legacy of Advaniji," he said. Recalling his days as a BJP worker in 1982, Shah said, "If you remove BJP from my life, then what is left is zero. Whatever I have received, learnt and tried to give to the country and the state is what was given to me by the BJP." The BJP chief's Lok Sabha poll debut from the Gandhinagar constituency replacing Advani marks a generational shift in the party. The state BJP feels that Shah's nomination will energise the party in Gujarat and help it win all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

People saw in Modi the leader they waited for 70 years: Amit Shah

IEW: Congress with a play on PM Modi's 'Achhe Din Promise', GIFs also got viral

IEW: J&K's battle is huge & some trolls Modi for his SaRaBa acronym

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance.

This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct. Critics have accused the Modi government of politicising the foreign policy. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate the failure and success of foreign policy under PM Modi with a view that to what extent the issue of “strong leadership”, “muscular foreign policy” and “national security” discourse would influence the electoral outcome of 2019 parliamentary elections. &nbsp;

Critics have accused that Modi government could not succeed in ensuring a good relationship with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, and restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s foreign policy has been criticised for alienating the neighbour countries except Bangladesh. It’s considered that India does not have a good relationship either with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan etc. How true is this perception?&nbsp;

Such analysis is based on a traditional understanding of foreign policy and lacks a thorough comprehension of changing the dimension of globalisation and its impact on foreign policy behaviour of the states, at a time when terrorism has become a global agenda and national security has assumed core agenda of foreign policy. Hence, it is futile to expect India behaving in terms of traditional understanding of the interstate relationship.&nbsp;

It may be noted here that had India paid attention to national security and developed doctrines of national security, India would not have lost 1962 war. The traditional Indian foreign policy, as fashioned by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a failure in ensuring India’s great power status in international relation or even curbing Pakistan’s belligerent foreign policy. &nbsp;

Under PM Modi, India has achieved a new sense of dignity and status in the international arena, as well as, in the South Asian region. PM Modi has successfully checked the Chinese advancement in Doklam and insulated Bangladesh and Nepal from falling into the hands of China. PM Modi’s great leadership has been acknowledged at world level as evident from Trump’s exemption of India from US sanctions, which would ensure that Indian import of oil from Iran would continue without interruption.&nbsp;

This is indeed a major success of PM Modi ’s foreign policy. Thus, in all probability, a 'muscular foreign policy' with assertive Indian nationalism is likely to yield good electoral dividends for PM Modi. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance. This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct.

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance. This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct. Critics have accused the Modi government of politicising the foreign policy. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate the failure and success of foreign policy under PM Modi with a view that to what extent the issue of “strong leadership”, “muscular foreign policy” and “national security” discourse would influence the electoral outcome of 2019 parliamentary elections. Critics have accused that Modi government could not succeed in ensuring a good relationship with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, and restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s foreign policy has been criticised for alienating the neighbour countries except Bangladesh. It’s considered that India does not have a good relationship either with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan etc. How true is this perception? Such analysis is based on a traditional understanding of foreign policy and lacks a thorough comprehension of changing the dimension of globalisation and its impact on foreign policy behaviour of the states, at a time when terrorism has become a global agenda and national security has assumed core agenda of foreign policy. Hence, it is futile to expect India behaving in terms of traditional understanding of the interstate relationship. It may be noted here that had India paid attention to national security and developed doctrines of national security, India would not have lost 1962 war. The traditional Indian foreign policy, as fashioned by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a failure in ensuring India’s great power status in international relation or even curbing Pakistan’s belligerent foreign policy. Under PM Modi, India has achieved a new sense of dignity and status in the international arena, as well as, in the South Asian region. PM Modi has successfully checked the Chinese advancement in Doklam and insulated Bangladesh and Nepal from falling into the hands of China. PM Modi’s great leadership has been acknowledged at world level as evident from Trump’s exemption of India from US sanctions, which would ensure that Indian import of oil from Iran would continue without interruption. This is indeed a major success of PM Modi ’s foreign policy. Thus, in all probability, a 'muscular foreign policy' with assertive Indian nationalism is likely to yield good electoral dividends for PM Modi. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, India has earned significant status in global arena

Gravitas: PM Modi rallies in UP, Uttarakhand and J&K

Watch: WION Gravitas, 28th March, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans.

Launching his campaign in eastern India with a rally in Jeypore area of Odisha's Koraput district, the prime minister said the NDA government wouldn't have been able to do any development work in the country without the support of the people.

He sought blessings from his supporters for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the NDA government has left no stone unturned to bring about development in the state.

"The NDA government has been working hard to develop road and rail infrastructure in the state. There is no dearth of funds when it comes to development work in the country.

"In the last five years, the government has been able to build homes for eight lakh families, light up 3,000 houses and provide gas connections to 40 lakh homes," Modi stated.

Referring to Mission Shakti, when India demonstrated anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, he said the government has taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' (watchman ) in space.

He came down heavily on opposition parties who he said "belittled" the space achievement.

"Those that are criticising the anti-satellite technology will be given a befitting reply in the elections," he claimed, urging people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions, not the one that only raises slogans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government had taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' in space and asked people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions and not just raise slogans. Launching his campaign in eastern India with a rally in Jeypore area of Odisha's Koraput district, the prime minister said the NDA government wouldn't have been able to do any development work in the country without the support of the people. He sought blessings from his supporters for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the NDA government has left no stone unturned to bring about development in the state. "The NDA government has been working hard to develop road and rail infrastructure in the state. There is no dearth of funds when it comes to development work in the country. "In the last five years, the government has been able to build homes for eight lakh families, light up 3,000 houses and provide gas connections to 40 lakh homes," Modi stated. Referring to Mission Shakti, when India demonstrated anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, he said the government has taken measures to set up a 'chowkidar' (watchman ) in space. He came down heavily on opposition parties who he said "belittled" the space achievement. "Those that are criticising the anti-satellite technology will be given a befitting reply in the elections," he claimed, urging people to vote for a government that can take concrete decisions, not the one that only raises slogans.

Government has taken measures to set up 'chowkidar' in space: Modi in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address rallies in 3 States

After the May 2014 victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo decided to bench its newly elected MPs of seventy years and above. None was given a ministerial berth, and the tallest among them were designated as ‘mentors’. That the so-called Margdarshak Mandal of which these veteran leaders were made members, ended up a showpiece, should not have surprised anyone, because it was an informal arrangement to register a generational shift within the party.

That shift has now been formalised with ticket distribution for the 2019 general elections. If in 2014, the senior founding members of the party contested elections, this time around they have been kept out of the electoral fray.&nbsp; 
 
LK Advani, MM Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, Shanta Kumar and Karia Munda are only three of such names that have been ‘persuaded’ to not contest. The decision is in keeping with the party’s strategy of pushing up new faces and preparing them for a longer inning in active politics as parliamentarians. It also signals curtains for the veterans who formed the backbone of the party in its earlier, formative stages. While the BJP leadership of the day has stated that these seniors had themselves expressed their desire to keep away from the electoral fray, it is obvious that some of them have not been happy with their exclusion.&nbsp;

Yet, they have little leverage in today’s BJP to cause the party any real harm.&nbsp;

There are those who had seen the writing on the wall earlier on and rebelled. Yashwant Sinha is prominent among them. After being left out of the ministry in 2014 and realising months later that there was no scope of rehabilitation, he began to speak bitterly against the present leadership, including Prime Minister Modi. That his son Jayant Sinha was taken in as a minister and given charge of important portfolios, did not work as an emollient on his wounds.&nbsp;

It would be erroneous to judge the decision of keeping the veterans out as a sign of ‘ingratitude’. With the change in time, the old has to make way for the new. it would have added to the stature of these veteran leaders had they themselves taken the initiative and declared their non-availability, and pledged to work whole-heartedly for the newer crop of leaders. Instead, they sulked and revolted. A few others, though not seventy-five plus of age, cast their lot with the seniors and regularly took potshots at the Prime Minister and Amit Shah. One such name is Shatrughan Sinha who is now firmly in the opposition camp and is slated to contest against senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Patna Sahib seat in Bihar.&nbsp;

The Advani case is especially interesting. He has represented the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat and won handsomely from there. It is an open secret that Amit Shah had played a stellar role in Advani’s successful bids from there, so much so that, had the BJP veteran not stepped in the constituency, he would have still won. Now, Shah will himself contest from the same seat that he had managed with aplomb for Advani. Amit Shah’s inclusion in the list of candidates has come as no surprise since it had been anticipated that ever since he became a Rajya Sabha member, he would seek to make it to the so-called lower House.&nbsp;

There was a time when Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had the final say in ticket distribution in the BJP. It is an indication of changed circumstances that, let alone having a say in candidate selection, Advani could not get a ticket for himself. it is truly a political sunset for him, because, even as the most prominent name in the Margdarshak Mandal, he has little role to play; indeed, the Mandal itself is a decorative item.&nbsp;

Joshi too has come to the end of his political journey. In 2014, he was displaced from Varanasi and packed off to Kanpur. He won from the latter seat by riding the Modi wave. The denial of a ticket to him had to do with his age, but the decision was also taken on the winnability factor. Joshi was not seen as a winnable candidate from the constituency — one, because the popular feedback in the region went against him, and two, because the BJP was up against the formidable SP-BSP alliance.&nbsp;

With the purge of veterans, the BJP is hoping to kill two birds with one stone. Stem anti-incumbency and project a fresh look for the party. Yashwant Sinha had sarcastically remarked that the party’s new leadership considered those above 75 years of age as “brain dead”. It remains to be seen whether the BJP’s new move turns out to be brainy.&nbsp; 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the May 2014 victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo decided to bench its newly elected MPs of seventy years and above. None was given a ministerial berth, and the tallest among them were designated as ‘mentors’.

After the May 2014 victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo decided to bench its newly elected MPs of seventy years and above. None was given a ministerial berth, and the tallest among them were designated as ‘mentors’. That the so-called Margdarshak Mandal of which these veteran leaders were made members, ended up a showpiece, should not have surprised anyone, because it was an informal arrangement to register a generational shift within the party. That shift has now been formalised with ticket distribution for the 2019 general elections. If in 2014, the senior founding members of the party contested elections, this time around they have been kept out of the electoral fray. LK Advani, MM Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, Shanta Kumar and Karia Munda are only three of such names that have been ‘persuaded’ to not contest. The decision is in keeping with the party’s strategy of pushing up new faces and preparing them for a longer inning in active politics as parliamentarians. It also signals curtains for the veterans who formed the backbone of the party in its earlier, formative stages. While the BJP leadership of the day has stated that these seniors had themselves expressed their desire to keep away from the electoral fray, it is obvious that some of them have not been happy with their exclusion. Yet, they have little leverage in today’s BJP to cause the party any real harm. There are those who had seen the writing on the wall earlier on and rebelled. Yashwant Sinha is prominent among them. After being left out of the ministry in 2014 and realising months later that there was no scope of rehabilitation, he began to speak bitterly against the present leadership, including Prime Minister Modi. That his son Jayant Sinha was taken in as a minister and given charge of important portfolios, did not work as an emollient on his wounds. It would be erroneous to judge the decision of keeping the veterans out as a sign of ‘ingratitude’. With the change in time, the old has to make way for the new. it would have added to the stature of these veteran leaders had they themselves taken the initiative and declared their non-availability, and pledged to work whole-heartedly for the newer crop of leaders. Instead, they sulked and revolted. A few others, though not seventy-five plus of age, cast their lot with the seniors and regularly took potshots at the Prime Minister and Amit Shah. One such name is Shatrughan Sinha who is now firmly in the opposition camp and is slated to contest against senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Patna Sahib seat in Bihar. The Advani case is especially interesting. He has represented the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat and won handsomely from there. It is an open secret that Amit Shah had played a stellar role in Advani’s successful bids from there, so much so that, had the BJP veteran not stepped in the constituency, he would have still won. Now, Shah will himself contest from the same seat that he had managed with aplomb for Advani. Amit Shah’s inclusion in the list of candidates has come as no surprise since it had been anticipated that ever since he became a Rajya Sabha member, he would seek to make it to the so-called lower House. There was a time when Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had the final say in ticket distribution in the BJP. It is an indication of changed circumstances that, let alone having a say in candidate selection, Advani could not get a ticket for himself. it is truly a political sunset for him, because, even as the most prominent name in the Margdarshak Mandal, he has little role to play; indeed, the Mandal itself is a decorative item. Joshi too has come to the end of his political journey. In 2014, he was displaced from Varanasi and packed off to Kanpur. He won from the latter seat by riding the Modi wave. The denial of a ticket to him had to do with his age, but the decision was also taken on the winnability factor. Joshi was not seen as a winnable candidate from the constituency — one, because the popular feedback in the region went against him, and two, because the BJP was up against the formidable SP-BSP alliance. With the purge of veterans, the BJP is hoping to kill two birds with one stone. Stem anti-incumbency and project a fresh look for the party. Yashwant Sinha had sarcastically remarked that the party’s new leadership considered those above 75 years of age as “brain dead”. It remains to be seen whether the BJP’s new move turns out to be brainy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi's exit from electoral fray: The old has to make way for the new

India accomplishes mission Shakti, Joins elite space club

PM Modi addresses rally in Meerut, Says Chowkidar never do injustice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself.&nbsp;

"Five years ago, when I sought your blessings, you gave me a lot of love," Modi said in Meerut.&nbsp;

"I had said that I will return the blessings and the love with interest, and I had also said that I will give account of the work that I have done," he added.&nbsp;

Modi then said that he would give his "hisab", but added that he would also ask others for theirs.&nbsp;

"Apna hisab doonga, saath saath doosra ka hisab bhi lunga. Ye dono kaam saath saath chalne waale hain. Tabhi to hoga hisab barabar (I will give my account, but will also ask others for theirs. Both will be done together. Only then will accounts be settled)," he said.&nbsp;

"Aur aap to jaante hain main chowkidaar hu. Aur chowkidaar kabhi nainsaafi nahi karta hai (You know that I am Chowkidar. And Chowkidar will never do injustice)," he said&nbsp;

"Hisab hoga, sabka hoga, aur baari baari se hoga (The accounts will be settled, one by one)," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also made mention of Mission Shakti, in which India shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Meerut: Zameen ho, aasmaan ho, ya fir antriksh, surgical strike ka saahas aapke isi chowkidaar ki sarkaar ne dikhaya pic.twitter.com/W2TK0Q7OvG
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2019</blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
×</div>

"Whether on the ground, the sky, or space, only Chowkidar has the courage to conduct a surgical strike," he said.&nbsp;

Modi will next speak in Rudrapur.&nbsp;

India will go to the polls on April 11 next month. Voting will be carried out over seven phases and will continue up to May 19.&nbsp;

The results will be out on May 23.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs today. He is currently speaking in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, after which he will take in two more states — Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir — on Thursday itself. "Five years ago, when I sought your blessings, you gave me a lot of love," Modi said in Meerut. "I had said that I will return the blessings and the love with interest, and I had also said that I will give account of the work that I have done," he added. Modi then said that he would give his "hisab", but added that he would also ask others for theirs. "Apna hisab doonga, saath saath doosra ka hisab bhi lunga. Ye dono kaam saath saath chalne waale hain. Tabhi to hoga hisab barabar (I will give my account, but will also ask others for theirs. Both will be done together. Only then will accounts be settled)," he said. "Aur aap to jaante hain main chowkidaar hu. Aur chowkidaar kabhi nainsaafi nahi karta hai (You know that I am Chowkidar. And Chowkidar will never do injustice)," he said "Hisab hoga, sabka hoga, aur baari baari se hoga (The accounts will be settled, one by one)," he added. Modi also made mention of Mission Shakti, in which India shot down a satellite in space on Wednesday. PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Meerut: Zameen ho, aasmaan ho, ya fir antriksh, surgical strike ka saahas aapke isi chowkidaar ki sarkaar ne dikhaya pic.twitter.com/W2TK0Q7OvG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2019 × "Whether on the ground, the sky, or space, only Chowkidar has the courage to conduct a surgical strike," he said. Modi will next speak in Rudrapur. India will go to the polls on April 11 next month. Voting will be carried out over seven phases and will continue up to May 19. The results will be out on May 23.

Will give account of last 5 years, but will also ask others for theirs: PM Modi

Rahul Gandhi's sop of direct money transfer to 50 million poor families in the country as an electoral promise should rattle every right thinking and discerning Indian citizen.

One is seeing with a deep sense of concern, how a particular breed of politicians, represented by the Congress bandwagon led by Rahul Gandhi, is rapidly following theism of neopatrimonialism and doing everything to usurp and stay riveted to the seats of power.

There is a background to the Congress politics revolving around neopatrimonialism. The Hugo Chavez model of politics (the world is aghast by what's happening in Venezuela today) was followed to a great extent by the previous Manmohan Singh led UPÀ government at the Centre, presided over by the Congress party led by Sonia Gandhi and her band of loyalists.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez had crafted the Bolivian Missions focusing on social sectors and his populist policy included "redistribution of wealth". It is now clearly documented that in the early 2000s, when oil production brought rich dividends to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela due to soaring oil prices, the Chavez Government went on a spending spree on social programmes without caring a hoot for future eventualities. The upside of Chavez's Bolivian model was a big drop in inflation and unemployment and the downside, especially linked to the oil price collapse and the US sanctions is the economic turmoil that has gripped Venezuela, especially during the disputed second term of Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded Chavez in March 2013.

The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, went a step ahead and put itself on the pedestal and all along pretended as if they were the only ones to shape the destiny of Indian people through newly created Acts passed by&nbsp;Indian Parliament to guarantee jobs, food, and education. While doing this they also aped the cash transfer policy that was being followed in Brazil and Mexico without bothering even an iota about its pitfall and the impact it would leave on the middle-class wage earners and the economic growth of the country.

It will be interesting to recall how on the eve of the 2014 Parliamentary election, UPA-II led by Manmohan Singh had launched the ambitious scheme of "direct cash transfer" of subsidy to bank accounts of beneficiaries with the then finance minister P Chidambaram describing the move as a "game changer".

During the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Rahul Gandhi has announced that the poorest families in India will receive Rs. 72,000 per year. “We will wipe out poverty by guaranteeing a minimum income to Rs 5 crore to 20 per cent of the poorest families," he said.

The Congress functionaries are describing this as a historic decision. Addressing media persons at the Madhya Pradesh Congress headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday, the chief spokesperson of the party for Madhya Pradesh, Shobha Oza, lashed out at the BJP leaders criticising Rahul Gandhi’s decision and dubbed their party as anti-poor.&nbsp;

She was emphatic in pointing out that some front ranking economists have studied the intricacies involved, vetted and validated Rahul Gandhi’s decision for direct cash transfer to the poor. One of her co-spokesperson even came on the sidelines and said that former Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan and a few other top economists would soon be speaking in support of this policy. &nbsp;

The input by the Congress spokesperson that in next few days some renowned economists are going to openly support the Congress party’s “direct cash transfer” plan to "wipe out poverty" would mean that these economists would be supporting a move that would eat into the vitals of economic growth in India. &nbsp;

It is a move that has nothing to do with channelising resources for building a robust economic infrastructure, improving education and skill development, creating jobs and adding to the purchasing power of the people through multifarious economic activities and thereby improving their quality of life. If the Congress move brings in votes and power, it will benefit immensely the wheeler-dealers and agents in the corridors of power who are not used to living in the wilderness. Let's not talk of crony capitalists. One has seen them flourish everywhere under Congress rule. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi's sop of direct money transfer to 50 million poor families in the country as an electoral promise should rattle every right thinking and discerning Indian citizen.

Rahul Gandhi's sop of direct money transfer to 50 million poor families in the country as an electoral promise should rattle every right thinking and discerning Indian citizen. One is seeing with a deep sense of concern, how a particular breed of politicians, represented by the Congress bandwagon led by Rahul Gandhi, is rapidly following theism of neopatrimonialism and doing everything to usurp and stay riveted to the seats of power. There is a background to the Congress politics revolving around neopatrimonialism. The Hugo Chavez model of politics (the world is aghast by what's happening in Venezuela today) was followed to a great extent by the previous Manmohan Singh led UPÀ government at the Centre, presided over by the Congress party led by Sonia Gandhi and her band of loyalists. Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez had crafted the Bolivian Missions focusing on social sectors and his populist policy included "redistribution of wealth". It is now clearly documented that in the early 2000s, when oil production brought rich dividends to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela due to soaring oil prices, the Chavez Government went on a spending spree on social programmes without caring a hoot for future eventualities. The upside of Chavez's Bolivian model was a big drop in inflation and unemployment and the downside, especially linked to the oil price collapse and the US sanctions is the economic turmoil that has gripped Venezuela, especially during the disputed second term of Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded Chavez in March 2013. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, went a step ahead and put itself on the pedestal and all along pretended as if they were the only ones to shape the destiny of Indian people through newly created Acts passed by Indian Parliament to guarantee jobs, food, and education. While doing this they also aped the cash transfer policy that was being followed in Brazil and Mexico without bothering even an iota about its pitfall and the impact it would leave on the middle-class wage earners and the economic growth of the country. It will be interesting to recall how on the eve of the 2014 Parliamentary election, UPA-II led by Manmohan Singh had launched the ambitious scheme of "direct cash transfer" of subsidy to bank accounts of beneficiaries with the then finance minister P Chidambaram describing the move as a "game changer". During the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Rahul Gandhi has announced that the poorest families in India will receive Rs. 72,000 per year. “We will wipe out poverty by guaranteeing a minimum income to Rs 5 crore to 20 per cent of the poorest families," he said. The Congress functionaries are describing this as a historic decision. Addressing media persons at the Madhya Pradesh Congress headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday, the chief spokesperson of the party for Madhya Pradesh, Shobha Oza, lashed out at the BJP leaders criticising Rahul Gandhi’s decision and dubbed their party as anti-poor. She was emphatic in pointing out that some front ranking economists have studied the intricacies involved, vetted and validated Rahul Gandhi’s decision for direct cash transfer to the poor. One of her co-spokesperson even came on the sidelines and said that former Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan and a few other top economists would soon be speaking in support of this policy. The input by the Congress spokesperson that in next few days some renowned economists are going to openly support the Congress party’s “direct cash transfer” plan to "wipe out poverty" would mean that these economists would be supporting a move that would eat into the vitals of economic growth in India. It is a move that has nothing to do with channelising resources for building a robust economic infrastructure, improving education and skill development, creating jobs and adding to the purchasing power of the people through multifarious economic activities and thereby improving their quality of life. If the Congress move brings in votes and power, it will benefit immensely the wheeler-dealers and agents in the corridors of power who are not used to living in the wilderness. Let's not talk of crony capitalists. One has seen them flourish everywhere under Congress rule. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress's minimum income plan will eat into the vitals of economic growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today with an "important message".&nbsp;

"I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों, 
 
आज सवेरे लगभग 11.45 - 12.00 बजे मैं एक महत्वपूर्ण संदेश लेकर आप के बीच आऊँगा। 
 
I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message. 
 
Do watch the address on television, radio or social media.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1110781818238693376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today with an "important message". "I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today with an "important message". "I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted. मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों, आज सवेरे लगभग 11.45 - 12.00 बजे मैं एक महत्वपूर्ण संदेश लेकर आप के बीच आऊँगा। I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message. Do watch the address on television, radio or social media. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019 × "Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he added.

PM Modi to address nation today with 'important message'

narendra-modi-1

Narendra Modi  , News on Narendra Modi  , stories on Narendra Modi  , articles on Narendra Modi  , Narendra Modi   stories at Wion, Narendra Modi   news, Narendra Modi   latest news

narendra modi-1