<p>Assembly election results in five states reflect the anger of the farmers who have waited for four-and-a-half years for the government to fulfil their poll promise of loan waiver and minimum support price (MSP) for the crops in accordance with the Swaminathan report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These two demands are the centre point of the countrywide struggle by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella of 209 farming organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sensing the mood of the farmers’ movement, the Congress along with 20 other political parties has signed a resolution to support the two bills, namely Freedom From Debt and Guaranteed Remunerative Minimum Support Prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead of one-time complete loan waiver, the Congress party in its manifesto mentioned a waiver of Rs 2 lakh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, immediately after being sworn in, has written off loans up to Rs 2 lakh, with cutoff date mentioned as March 31, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is no clarification as yet whether all those who took loans as on March 31, 2018, would be entitled to this benefit or only defaulters would be entitled to the declaration. It should not be like the last waiver by the Congress government at the Centre in 2008-09, which waived loans only of defaulters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would not only end up in large-scale manipulations by bank officers but also dissuade those who have returned the loans in adverse circumstances, by either borrowing or raising money by accumulating further debt.</p>

<p>The farmer usually gets crop loans for six months and it is likely that many of them would have renewed the same in September 2018. These days, the banks have evolved a technique to renew loans. On one hand, loan entry is reversed from the suspense account or any other account at 2 per cent additional cost and on the other, the limit of the farmer is increased, whereby he gets some money for his subsistence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In these circumstances, if the farmer has repaid the debt taken by him on March 31, 2018, it would be very unfortunate to exclude him from the loan waiver scheme and would be against the spirit of the agenda to empower the farmers. The only way would be to credit a maximum of Rs 2 lakh in the account of every farmer who had taken the loan as on March 31, 2018.</p>

<p>Loan waiver without increasing the MSP or without a guarantee to ensure that the farmers get the MSP will only accumulate loans in the future. These two demands are closely connected – if the issue of remunerative prices alone is tackled without providing relief from indebtedness, the increased returns will only go to pay back increasing loans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, if only loan waivers are provided without addressing the issue of remunerative prices, farmers will again be pushed back into the debt trap. Therefore, AIKSCC seeks to secure these two as legal rights for all farmers, through the enactment of two Central legislation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bills were submitted as private member bills by Raju Shetti in the Lok Sabha and KK Ragesh in the Rajya Sabha. They may have been submitted as private member bills, but they have the mandate of all the country’s farmers.</p>

<p>The first bill clearly mentions that it is a one-time loan waiver and would be benefitting all the farmers who have paid the loan or who have defaulted with their payment. The second bill ensures that the MSP is fixed as per the Swaminathan report, i.e, one-and-a-half times the production cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The production cost must be a comprehensive one (C2) wherein apart from input cost (A2), cost of family labour (FL), the interest on capital, rent of land and depreciation of machinery is also taken into account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill also guarantees that no person can purchase the produce below the MSP and if anyone buys below the MSP, then he would be imprisoned and will also have to pay double the difference of the amount paid and the MSP as a penalty to the farmer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the only way to get farming back on track. The next generation is not interested in continuing with farming, as agriculture is a losing proposition.</p>

<p>The only way out to discuss and pass the bills, which has the consent of 21 political parties, is by calling for a special session of the Parliament. This is the solution to discuss the agrarian crisis in the present scenario. In the last session the No Confidence motion was not allowed to be taken up due to disorder in the house and no business has been transacted in this session so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the country can have a midnight special session for GST, don’t the farmers of the country who have been sacrificing their lives to feed the nation, deserve the passing of these bills in the hope of a better living. These bills will ensure that once the debt is over and done with, there is no further debt once the farmer gets one-and-a-half times his production cost, i.e C2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All this will go a long way in providing livelihood to the next generation, who in the absence of job availability and agriculture being a losing preposition, are disillusioned and are getting into depression or into drugs.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-wretched-of-the-earth-2697728">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Assembly election results in five states reflect the anger of the farmers who have waited for four-and-a-half years for the government to fulfil their poll promise of loan waiver and minimum support price (MSP) for the crops in accordance with the Swaminathan report.

Assembly election results in five states reflect the anger of the farmers who have waited for four-and-a-half years for the government to fulfil their poll promise of loan waiver and minimum support price (MSP) for the crops in accordance with the Swaminathan report. These two demands are the centre point of the countrywide struggle by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella of 209 farming organisations. Sensing the mood of the farmers’ movement, the Congress along with 20 other political parties has signed a resolution to support the two bills, namely Freedom From Debt and Guaranteed Remunerative Minimum Support Prices. Instead of one-time complete loan waiver, the Congress party in its manifesto mentioned a waiver of Rs 2 lakh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, immediately after being sworn in, has written off loans up to Rs 2 lakh, with cutoff date mentioned as March 31, 2018. There is no clarification as yet whether all those who took loans as on March 31, 2018, would be entitled to this benefit or only defaulters would be entitled to the declaration. It should not be like the last waiver by the Congress government at the Centre in 2008-09, which waived loans only of defaulters. This would not only end up in large-scale manipulations by bank officers but also dissuade those who have returned the loans in adverse circumstances, by either borrowing or raising money by accumulating further debt. The farmer usually gets crop loans for six months and it is likely that many of them would have renewed the same in September 2018. These days, the banks have evolved a technique to renew loans. On one hand, loan entry is reversed from the suspense account or any other account at 2 per cent additional cost and on the other, the limit of the farmer is increased, whereby he gets some money for his subsistence. In these circumstances, if the farmer has repaid the debt taken by him on March 31, 2018, it would be very unfortunate to exclude him from the loan waiver scheme and would be against the spirit of the agenda to empower the farmers. The only way would be to credit a maximum of Rs 2 lakh in the account of every farmer who had taken the loan as on March 31, 2018. Loan waiver without increasing the MSP or without a guarantee to ensure that the farmers get the MSP will only accumulate loans in the future. These two demands are closely connected – if the issue of remunerative prices alone is tackled without providing relief from indebtedness, the increased returns will only go to pay back increasing loans. On the other hand, if only loan waivers are provided without addressing the issue of remunerative prices, farmers will again be pushed back into the debt trap. Therefore, AIKSCC seeks to secure these two as legal rights for all farmers, through the enactment of two Central legislation. The bills were submitted as private member bills by Raju Shetti in the Lok Sabha and KK Ragesh in the Rajya Sabha. They may have been submitted as private member bills, but they have the mandate of all the country’s farmers. The first bill clearly mentions that it is a one-time loan waiver and would be benefitting all the farmers who have paid the loan or who have defaulted with their payment. The second bill ensures that the MSP is fixed as per the Swaminathan report, i.e, one-and-a-half times the production cost. The production cost must be a comprehensive one (C2) wherein apart from input cost (A2), cost of family labour (FL), the interest on capital, rent of land and depreciation of machinery is also taken into account. The bill also guarantees that no person can purchase the produce below the MSP and if anyone buys below the MSP, then he would be imprisoned and will also have to pay double the difference of the amount paid and the MSP as a penalty to the farmer. This is the only way to get farming back on track. The next generation is not interested in continuing with farming, as agriculture is a losing proposition. The only way out to discuss and pass the bills, which has the consent of 21 political parties, is by calling for a special session of the Parliament. This is the solution to discuss the agrarian crisis in the present scenario. In the last session the No Confidence motion was not allowed to be taken up due to disorder in the house and no business has been transacted in this session so far. If the country can have a midnight special session for GST, don’t the farmers of the country who have been sacrificing their lives to feed the nation, deserve the passing of these bills in the hope of a better living. These bills will ensure that once the debt is over and done with, there is no further debt once the farmer gets one-and-a-half times his production cost, i.e C2. All this will go a long way in providing livelihood to the next generation, who in the absence of job availability and agriculture being a losing preposition, are disillusioned and are getting into depression or into drugs. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Farmers' woes: Without MSP hike, loan waivers won't end agrarian crisis

<p>A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors such as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a one-day visit to Maharashtra, at Raj Bhavan here to discuss the issues being faced by the Indian film industry.<br />
<br />
The delegation also included prominent film producers such as Ritesh Sidhwani, Siddharth Roy Kapur, the president of the Film Producers Guild, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwvala, Vijay Singh - CEO - Fox Star Studios and Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) along with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The team from the film fraternity gave an overview of the vast growth potential of the media and entertainment industry. They also pitched for lower and uniform rates of GST for the entertainment industry in India, a statement issued by PIB said.<br />
<br />
The Prime Minister said that the Indian entertainment industry enjoys immense popularity across the world. It is one of the key elements of India's rising soft power status, globally, he added.<br />
<br />
He assured the delegation that the Union Government is supportive of the media and entertainment industry; and would consider the suggestions positively.<br />
<br />
In a tweet later, Modi said, "Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry. The delegation spoke about the studies being made by the film and entertainment industry, and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry.<br />
<br />
The delegation spoke about the strides being made by the film and entertainment industry, and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector. <a href="https://t.co/ulQMtxTJQj">https://t.co/ulQMtxTJQj</a> <a href="https://t.co/n4Dn38EJLr">pic.twitter.com/n4Dn38EJLr</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1075005835590258689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kumar, who was part of the delegation from the film industry, said, "Heartfelt thank you to the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BriRrQNnvJI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Heartfelt thank you to the honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/akshaykumar/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Akshay Kumar</a> (@akshaykumar) on <time datetime="2018-12-18T16:34:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 18, 2018 at 8:34am PST</time></p>
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<p>Members of the delegation also called for the development of Mumbai as the global entertainment capital through various initiatives and proactive approaches.<br />
<br />
This was the second meeting of the filmmakers with the prime minister since October 24 this year. They, along with actor Aamir Khan and Sidhwani, had met the PM in Delhi.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BriQS_Cjqo2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">It was enlightening to hear the honourable Prime Minsiter @narendramodi share his views on our Industry’s soft power status and the strength of our cinema...he gave our media and entertainment representatives a patient and solid hearing....thank you Sir!!</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karanjohar/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Karan Johar</a> (@karanjohar) on <time datetime="2018-12-18T16:22:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 18, 2018 at 8:22am PST</time></p>
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<p>Sidhwani, according to the industry sources, urged the prime minister to look towards treating cinema as an "industry" by acknowledging its contribution to the nation's exchequer and fiscal growth, and in promoting bilateral ties between nations as a global cultural ambassador.<br />
<br />
"It was a collaborative effort to come forward, address issues and seek solutions from the Prime Minister directly," the insiders said, adding that the PM "acknowledged that our films are being recognised internationally and agreed that filmmakers are no less important than nation-builders".<br />
<br />
"He has assured the delegation that he will personally work towards setting up a special committee to look into the industry matters and address them urgently," sources said, adding that it was a "productive meeting with a positive outcome."<br />
<br />
The prime minister is on a day's visit to Maharashtra in which he will launch infrastructure and housing projects worth about Rs 41,000 crore in the state.&nbsp;</p>


A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors such as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a one-day visit to Maharashtra, at Raj Bhavan here to discuss the issues being faced by the Indian film industry.

A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors such as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a one-day visit to Maharashtra, at Raj Bhavan here to discuss the issues being faced by the Indian film industry. The delegation also included prominent film producers such as Ritesh Sidhwani, Siddharth Roy Kapur, the president of the Film Producers Guild, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwvala, Vijay Singh - CEO - Fox Star Studios and Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) along with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. The team from the film fraternity gave an overview of the vast growth potential of the media and entertainment industry. They also pitched for lower and uniform rates of GST for the entertainment industry in India, a statement issued by PIB said. The Prime Minister said that the Indian entertainment industry enjoys immense popularity across the world. It is one of the key elements of India's rising soft power status, globally, he added. He assured the delegation that the Union Government is supportive of the media and entertainment industry; and would consider the suggestions positively. In a tweet later, Modi said, "Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry. The delegation spoke about the studies being made by the film and entertainment industry, and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector." Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry. The delegation spoke about the strides being made by the film and entertainment industry, and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector. https://t.co/ulQMtxTJQj pic.twitter.com/n4Dn38EJLr — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2018 × Kumar, who was part of the delegation from the film industry, said, "Heartfelt thank you to the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions." View this post on Instagram Heartfelt thank you to the honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for taking out time to hear us at length, discuss issues pertaining to our industry and assuring positive consideration of suggestions. A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Dec 18, 2018 at 8:34am PST × Members of the delegation also called for the development of Mumbai as the global entertainment capital through various initiatives and proactive approaches. This was the second meeting of the filmmakers with the prime minister since October 24 this year. They, along with actor Aamir Khan and Sidhwani, had met the PM in Delhi. View this post on Instagram It was enlightening to hear the honourable Prime Minsiter @narendramodi share his views on our Industry’s soft power status and the strength of our cinema...he gave our media and entertainment representatives a patient and solid hearing....thank you Sir!! A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) on Dec 18, 2018 at 8:22am PST × Sidhwani, according to the industry sources, urged the prime minister to look towards treating cinema as an "industry" by acknowledging its contribution to the nation's exchequer and fiscal growth, and in promoting bilateral ties between nations as a global cultural ambassador. "It was a collaborative effort to come forward, address issues and seek solutions from the Prime Minister directly," the insiders said, adding that the PM "acknowledged that our films are being recognised internationally and agreed that filmmakers are no less important than nation-builders". "He has assured the delegation that he will personally work towards setting up a special committee to look into the industry matters and address them urgently," sources said, adding that it was a "productive meeting with a positive outcome." The prime minister is on a day's visit to Maharashtra in which he will launch infrastructure and housing projects worth about Rs 41,000 crore in the state.

Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Ajay Devgn and other Bollywood producers meet PM Modi to discuss issues faced by film industry

<p>Though the Congress leadership has come under a dark cloud over its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the life sentence given to its former MP Sajjan Kumar, the party hopes that the controversy over Kamal Nath, whose name is also involved in the riots, will soon die down. &nbsp;</p>

<p>1984 riots in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assassination will remain a blot on the Congress till it squarely and openly admits the role of its leaders and shuns them from the party. But that controversy aside in the last few days Congress president Rahul Gandhi has scored a few crucial political points over its main rival the BJP. Despite some ugly wrangling over chief ministership in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Gandhi scion has ensured a relatively smooth process of appointment of chief ministers in three central Indian states. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It is not just a coincidence that since the results of these crucial Assembly elections have come out the BJP President Amit Shah has not really spoken on it. He just said, “Congress might have won but the BJP hasn’t lost either”. In a way Shah is correct as barring Chhattisgarh, Congress has been able to reach the majority figure only with the help of allies like the BSP and SP, as well as some independents. Moreover, with the crushing defeat in Mizoram, the Congress lost its last bastion in the northeast there making it 'Congress Mukt'. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite that, on the whole, far from being 'Congress Mukt' the country seems to be warming up again to the grand old party and its young leader, Rahul Gandhi.<br />
<br />
Adding more allure to Rahul’s appeal are the farm loan-waivers being undertaken by MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan government. “Victory has many fathers and failure has none”, goes the saying. Today, this holds true for Rahul Gandhi as on one hand his acceptability both in the Congress old guard and the opposition ranks is now a debate that is settled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DMK’s M K Stalin may have prematurely pushed for Rahul as the Opposition’s PM candidate, but even if it precipitated disapproving murmurs from parties like the TMC, Rahul’s case for becoming the face of 'Grand Alliance' has only been strengthened by the Assembly victories. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Though the Congress leadership has come under a dark cloud over its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the life sentence given to its former MP Sajjan Kumar, the party hopes that the controversy over Kamal Nath, whose name is also involved in the riots, will soon die down.

Though the Congress leadership has come under a dark cloud over its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the life sentence given to its former MP Sajjan Kumar, the party hopes that the controversy over Kamal Nath, whose name is also involved in the riots, will soon die down. 1984 riots in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assassination will remain a blot on the Congress till it squarely and openly admits the role of its leaders and shuns them from the party. But that controversy aside in the last few days Congress president Rahul Gandhi has scored a few crucial political points over its main rival the BJP. Despite some ugly wrangling over chief ministership in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Gandhi scion has ensured a relatively smooth process of appointment of chief ministers in three central Indian states. It is not just a coincidence that since the results of these crucial Assembly elections have come out the BJP President Amit Shah has not really spoken on it. He just said, “Congress might have won but the BJP hasn’t lost either”. In a way Shah is correct as barring Chhattisgarh, Congress has been able to reach the majority figure only with the help of allies like the BSP and SP, as well as some independents. Moreover, with the crushing defeat in Mizoram, the Congress lost its last bastion in the northeast there making it 'Congress Mukt'. Despite that, on the whole, far from being 'Congress Mukt' the country seems to be warming up again to the grand old party and its young leader, Rahul Gandhi. Adding more allure to Rahul’s appeal are the farm loan-waivers being undertaken by MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan government. “Victory has many fathers and failure has none”, goes the saying. Today, this holds true for Rahul Gandhi as on one hand his acceptability both in the Congress old guard and the opposition ranks is now a debate that is settled. DMK’s M K Stalin may have prematurely pushed for Rahul as the Opposition’s PM candidate, but even if it precipitated disapproving murmurs from parties like the TMC, Rahul’s case for becoming the face of 'Grand Alliance' has only been strengthened by the Assembly victories. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is it going to be Rahul Gandhi vs Narendra Modi in 2019?

<p>The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-judgement-govt-moves-sc-seeking-correction-in-para-which-makes-reference-to-cag-report-pac-184280">Rafale deal</a> asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different.<br />
<br />
Chidambaram took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "The jurisdiction of the SC and the domain of the sovereign Parliament are very different. Nothing can stop Parliament, present or future, from examining the Rafale deal."<br />
<br />
He also claimed that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">verdict of the top court</a> was constrained by its 'jurisdictional limitation' and said, "The judgment of the SC was constrained by its jurisdictional limitations. See the last sentence of the judgment as well as several other observations. Therefore, the issue of Rafale remains wide open.'<br />
<br />
Senior Congress leader Chidambaram also took a dig at Prime Minister Modi's comment questioning Congress's faith in Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
"Congress does not believe in SC", says PM Modi. Wrong. Congress believes in SC, but Congress does not believe in misleading SC," he wrote.<br />
<br />
The comments by former finance minister Chidambaram comes after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack at the Congress for allegedly considering itself above every institution and the people of the country.<br />
<br />
Taking a jibe at the recent reaction of the Congress on the Supreme Court's verdict on the Rafale deal, he said that one should "Stay alert and safe from such people and parties."<br />
<br />
The fresh controversy started after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report.</p>


The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the Rafale deal asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different.

The Parliament cannot be stopped from examining the Rafale deal asserted former finance minister and senior advocate P Chidambaram on Monday while citing that authority of the Supreme Court and Parliament are very different. Chidambaram took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote, "The jurisdiction of the SC and the domain of the sovereign Parliament are very different. Nothing can stop Parliament, present or future, from examining the Rafale deal." He also claimed that the verdict of the top court was constrained by its 'jurisdictional limitation' and said, "The judgment of the SC was constrained by its jurisdictional limitations. See the last sentence of the judgment as well as several other observations. Therefore, the issue of Rafale remains wide open.' Senior Congress leader Chidambaram also took a dig at Prime Minister Modi's comment questioning Congress's faith in Supreme Court. "Congress does not believe in SC", says PM Modi. Wrong. Congress believes in SC, but Congress does not believe in misleading SC," he wrote. The comments by former finance minister Chidambaram comes after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack at the Congress for allegedly considering itself above every institution and the people of the country. Taking a jibe at the recent reaction of the Congress on the Supreme Court's verdict on the Rafale deal, he said that one should "Stay alert and safe from such people and parties." The fresh controversy started after discrepancies were pointed out in certain paragraphs of the apex court judgement on Rafale issue. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had raised questions over the claims of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining the CAG report, claiming that PAC Chairman Kharge had seen no such report.

Can't stop Parliament from examining Rafale, says P Chidambaram

<p>For a country still reeling from the aftermath of the recent assembly election results, this may be easy to miss: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-president-solihs-visit-maldives-resets-india-first-policy-india-reciprocates-with-14-bn-aid-package-184877">an election India won outside its borders</a>. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While Indian political leaders were busy criss-crossing states for poll yatras, the prime minister was attending a swearing-in ceremony outside the country — the only one he'd not visited in the neighbourhood in the four years he'd been in office. (And that's saying a lot for a man accused of spending more time globe-trotting than governing.) In November, in the thick of election season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed Ibrahim Mohammed Solih take oath as the president of the Maldives. In diplomatic terms — India had beaten China in an election in Male. Not many expected this win, but most welcomed it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was hardly surprising then that President Solih's first foreign visit was to India. Today, in a string of meetings, India and the Maldives have pressed the reset button to revive a relationship that was being ruined by Chinese money. India has promised more than a billion dollars in aid. Bilateral pacts have been signed. But this visit is as significant in bilateral terms, as for its larger geopolitical impact. &nbsp;</p>

<p>All business, including business of the political kind, is driven by money. Asia needs a lot of it, $26 trillion dollars according to one estimate. That's how much this region needs for investment in highways, railways and other infrastructure projects. The big moneybags is Beijing. It splurges in the garb of being a benign harbinger of development. It extracts market access and strategic influence in return. It's what we call China's debt diplomacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But history is no mean player in geopolitics. India has been an unofficial security guarantor to smaller neighbours in the Indian ocean. Island states like Mauritius, the Maldives and Seychelles depend on New Delhi for military training and equipment. India has the access China desires. These countries sit on key sea routes. Hence the tug of war between New Delhi and Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As China launched a charm offensive with its Belt and Road Initiative, most of India's neighbours were awed by its cash. They began slipping into China's orbit. India worried about this "policy of encirclement" but it did not have money to match China's. It used diplomatic dexterity. China's aggression played in India's favour too. Country after country began seeing through the plot. Chinese influence became a domestic political issue. From Malaysia to Sri Lanka to the Maldives, the political players changed on the promise of containing China. &nbsp;</p>

<p>For India, it's an opportunity worth converting. But Delhi's record on delivery is hardly inspiring. Plus, many of these countries with their crushing burden of debt are too far gone in China's fold to fully exit. For the Maldives alone, its debt to China is equivalent to 20 per cent &nbsp;of its GDP. There is an unspecified number of islands leased to China for building tourist resorts. There's a free trade agreement that has helped spike Chinese imports to 18 per cent. There's no clarity on how much money the government owes to Beijing. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This is a test for President Solih. This is also a test for India. It must deliver on promises. Prime Minister Modi's diplomacy will have to be followed up with deft action. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


For a country still reeling from the aftermath of the recent assembly election results, this may be easy to miss: an election India won outside its borders. While Indian political leaders were busy criss-crossing states for poll yatras, the prime minister was attending a swearing-in ceremony outside the country — the only one he'd not visited in the neighbourhood in the four years he'd been in office.

For a country still reeling from the aftermath of the recent assembly election results, this may be easy to miss: an election India won outside its borders. While Indian political leaders were busy criss-crossing states for poll yatras, the prime minister was attending a swearing-in ceremony outside the country — the only one he'd not visited in the neighbourhood in the four years he'd been in office. (And that's saying a lot for a man accused of spending more time globe-trotting than governing.) In November, in the thick of election season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed Ibrahim Mohammed Solih take oath as the president of the Maldives. In diplomatic terms — India had beaten China in an election in Male. Not many expected this win, but most welcomed it. It was hardly surprising then that President Solih's first foreign visit was to India. Today, in a string of meetings, India and the Maldives have pressed the reset button to revive a relationship that was being ruined by Chinese money. India has promised more than a billion dollars in aid. Bilateral pacts have been signed. But this visit is as significant in bilateral terms, as for its larger geopolitical impact. All business, including business of the political kind, is driven by money. Asia needs a lot of it, $26 trillion dollars according to one estimate. That's how much this region needs for investment in highways, railways and other infrastructure projects. The big moneybags is Beijing. It splurges in the garb of being a benign harbinger of development. It extracts market access and strategic influence in return. It's what we call China's debt diplomacy. But history is no mean player in geopolitics. India has been an unofficial security guarantor to smaller neighbours in the Indian ocean. Island states like Mauritius, the Maldives and Seychelles depend on New Delhi for military training and equipment. India has the access China desires. These countries sit on key sea routes. Hence the tug of war between New Delhi and Beijing. As China launched a charm offensive with its Belt and Road Initiative, most of India's neighbours were awed by its cash. They began slipping into China's orbit. India worried about this "policy of encirclement" but it did not have money to match China's. It used diplomatic dexterity. China's aggression played in India's favour too. Country after country began seeing through the plot. Chinese influence became a domestic political issue. From Malaysia to Sri Lanka to the Maldives, the political players changed on the promise of containing China. For India, it's an opportunity worth converting. But Delhi's record on delivery is hardly inspiring. Plus, many of these countries with their crushing burden of debt are too far gone in China's fold to fully exit. For the Maldives alone, its debt to China is equivalent to 20 per cent of its GDP. There is an unspecified number of islands leased to China for building tourist resorts. There's a free trade agreement that has helped spike Chinese imports to 18 per cent. There's no clarity on how much money the government owes to Beijing. This is a test for President Solih. This is also a test for India. It must deliver on promises. Prime Minister Modi's diplomacy will have to be followed up with deft action.

Maldives: The election win India should not forget

<p>Maldives and India officially announced the positive reset in their ties with the visit of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While President Solih reaffirmed his government’s "India First" policy and commitment to working closely with India, New Delhi announced a $1.4 billion aid package for the Maldives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will provide the cash in the form of budgetary support, currency swap, and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the Maldives' socio-economic development programmes. This was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Solih during their joint press statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am happy to announce, for social and economic development of Maldives, we will provide currency swap, credit with lines of credit worth 1.4 billion dollar," Modi said in Delhi on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi announced that both countries "will increase cooperation to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean region" and "security interests of both the countries are interlinked in the region and both will not allowing their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to the other."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solih talked of how both countries can strengthen security in the Indian Ocean. "India and Maldives agreed to strength maritime security in Indian Ocean region &nbsp;coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information and capacity building," the Maldivian president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will provide a thousand additional slots over the next five years for training and capacity building in diverse fields including judicial, policing and law-enforcement, audit and financial management, local governance, community development etc.</p>

<p>President Solih reiterated his country's support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The Maldives will also support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21.</p>

<p><strong>Visa pact</strong></p>

<p>India and Maldives signed four agreements. One was an agreement on the facilitation of visa arrangements which will ease the issuance of visas for the people of both countries. PM Modi noted that the new agreement will address common concerns and ensure that people-to-people contacts are enhanced. President Solih said the agreement will allow many Maldivians who send their children to school in India to be able to accompany them. The agreement also facilitates easier visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens and their families to come to India for medical treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Maldives is one of the very few countries with which India has a visa-free arrangement.</p>

<p>In an important gesture, President Solih is staying in the Rashtrapati Bhawan as a special guest of President Ram Nath Kovind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs: "This demonstrates the close ties between India and the Maldives, and the warmth and mutual respect between the two governments."</p>

<p>This is President Solih's first foreign visit after entering office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit comes exactly a month after PM Modi's visit to the Maldives on November 17 to take part in President Solih's swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was the only head of state invited to take part in the swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's relationship with the Maldives had suffered under the previous Yameen government who had junked his country's pro-India policy for a pro-China policy.&nbsp;</p>


Maldives and India officially announced the positive reset in their ties with the visit of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. While President Solih reaffirmed his government’s "India First" policy and commitment to working closely with India, New Delhi announced a $1.

Maldives and India officially announced the positive reset in their ties with the visit of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. While President Solih reaffirmed his government’s "India First" policy and commitment to working closely with India, New Delhi announced a $1.4 billion aid package for the Maldives. India will provide the cash in the form of budgetary support, currency swap, and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the Maldives' socio-economic development programmes. This was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Solih during their joint press statement. "I am happy to announce, for social and economic development of Maldives, we will provide currency swap, credit with lines of credit worth 1.4 billion dollar," Modi said in Delhi on Monday. Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region. Modi announced that both countries "will increase cooperation to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean region" and "security interests of both the countries are interlinked in the region and both will not allowing their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to the other." Solih talked of how both countries can strengthen security in the Indian Ocean. "India and Maldives agreed to strength maritime security in Indian Ocean region coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information and capacity building," the Maldivian president said. India will provide a thousand additional slots over the next five years for training and capacity building in diverse fields including judicial, policing and law-enforcement, audit and financial management, local governance, community development etc. President Solih reiterated his country's support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The Maldives will also support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21. Visa pact India and Maldives signed four agreements. One was an agreement on the facilitation of visa arrangements which will ease the issuance of visas for the people of both countries. PM Modi noted that the new agreement will address common concerns and ensure that people-to-people contacts are enhanced. President Solih said the agreement will allow many Maldivians who send their children to school in India to be able to accompany them. The agreement also facilitates easier visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens and their families to come to India for medical treatment. The Maldives is one of the very few countries with which India has a visa-free arrangement. In an important gesture, President Solih is staying in the Rashtrapati Bhawan as a special guest of President Ram Nath Kovind. According to the joint statement released by the ministry of external affairs: "This demonstrates the close ties between India and the Maldives, and the warmth and mutual respect between the two governments." This is President Solih's first foreign visit after entering office. The visit comes exactly a month after PM Modi's visit to the Maldives on November 17 to take part in President Solih's swearing-in ceremony. PM Modi was the only head of state invited to take part in the swearing-in ceremony. India's relationship with the Maldives had suffered under the previous Yameen government who had junked his country's pro-India policy for a pro-China policy.

With President Solih's visit, Maldives resets 'India First' policy; India reciprocates with $1.4 bn aid package

<p>Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in India Sunday on a three-day India visit. He was received by Minister of State Hardeep Singh Puri. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-maldives-see-closer-ties-india-under-ibrahim-mohamed-solih-167676">This is Solih's first visit to a foreign country</a> after taking over as president of the Maldives on November 17. Maldivian First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a high-level delegation of the Maldives government are accompanying President Solih on his visit.</p>

<p>In a statement on his visit, Solih highlighted that India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives. He also expressed his "gratitude to the Indian government for the continuous support and assistance provided for the development of the Maldives".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solih had, on the eve of his visit to India, appointed Aishath Mohamed Didi as the new Maldivian ambassador to India.</p>

<p>Solih will during his visit also meet with the Maldivian community and enquire about the challenges they face.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of bilateral agreements will be signed between the Maldives and India during Solih's visit, one of which is an agreement on a new visa regime that will ease the process of obtaining a dependent and medical visa for Maldivian travellers to India.</p>

<p>Monday will be the main day of engagements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solih will be given a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House and a press statement at 1 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solih will also meet Indian business leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the state visit, a banquet in honour of President Solih and the first lady will be hosted by Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi visited the Maldives last month to attend Solih's swearing-in ceremony. Ties between India and the Maldives had suffered a downward spiral under the previous Abdulla Yameen administration who replaced the Maldives' pro-India stance with a pro-Bejing stance. Yameen had also signed a free trade agreement with China.&nbsp;</p>


Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in India Sunday on a three-day India visit. He was received by Minister of State Hardeep Singh Puri. This is Solih's first visit to a foreign country after taking over as president of the Maldives on November 17.

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in India Sunday on a three-day India visit. He was received by Minister of State Hardeep Singh Puri. This is Solih's first visit to a foreign country after taking over as president of the Maldives on November 17. Maldivian First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a high-level delegation of the Maldives government are accompanying President Solih on his visit. In a statement on his visit, Solih highlighted that India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives. He also expressed his "gratitude to the Indian government for the continuous support and assistance provided for the development of the Maldives". Solih had, on the eve of his visit to India, appointed Aishath Mohamed Didi as the new Maldivian ambassador to India. Solih will during his visit also meet with the Maldivian community and enquire about the challenges they face. A number of bilateral agreements will be signed between the Maldives and India during Solih's visit, one of which is an agreement on a new visa regime that will ease the process of obtaining a dependent and medical visa for Maldivian travellers to India. Monday will be the main day of engagements. Solih will be given a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House and a press statement at 1 pm. Solih will also meet Indian business leaders. As part of the state visit, a banquet in honour of President Solih and the first lady will be hosted by Prime Minister Modi. Modi visited the Maldives last month to attend Solih's swearing-in ceremony. Ties between India and the Maldives had suffered a downward spiral under the previous Abdulla Yameen administration who replaced the Maldives' pro-India stance with a pro-Bejing stance. Yameen had also signed a free trade agreement with China.

In first visit to foreign country after taking over, Maldives President Solih arrives in India    

<p><strong>Stockholm Syndrome or Spiral of Silence?</strong></p>

<p>Right after demonetisation, we started a series of tracking polls to gauge the public sentiment around it. First things first: while in November 2016, as many as 85 per cent Indians believed that the troubles they faced during demonetisation were absolutely worth the fight against black money. As of today, that number has come crashing down to just 63 per cent. That's a huge drop of 22 per cent in support for the drastic move within a gap of 24 months.</p>

<p>While this number could fancy any Modi-baiter to say that the public has finally said what it wanted to say, it is equally important to note that even after so much of hardship and shine coming off the (mis)adventure, two out of three Indians still support demonetisation as of today. Yes, this is down from four out of five in 2016, but 2 out of 3 is not small a number. Certainly, in a FPTP democracy where Parties tend to get a majority with just over 33 per cent votes this figure matters.</p>

<p>However, this statement becomes interesting in light of 43 per cent Indians considering it a personal setback. Why does demonetisation still enjoy public support of a two-third majority despite negatively impacting more people? Seems PM Modi has hijacked the narrative on the debate on 'national interest'.</p>

<p>If that is true, one probability can be that a large part of the populace is struck with Stockholm Syndrome. They are in awe of the government taking such a drastic measure and pulling it off in no time. Hence, they seek to be on the side of their tormentor and sympathize with the mission of cash eradication!<br />
<br />
Demonetisation as a policy move is akin to major surgery of the body - it has beneficial impacts and side-effects that become apparent over time. When this policy was implemented in 2016, there were two questions lingering in public discourse:<br />
<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a) What will be the actual impacts of this move on nation, in the long run?<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b) How will people perceive the move today and tomorrow, given that this move was bound to generate some pain?</p>

<p>At Cvoter, we have tracked the public sentiment on this important issue since 2016 and have concluded the 7th wave of demonetisation tracker.<br />
<br />
The other probability is of stigmatisation of criticism. Prime Minister Modi in his rallies has repeatedly stated that "those hurt the most, are crying out the loudest". In other words, the critics of the policy are the ones who were hoarding the money in cash and now they were trying to vent their frustration. Thus, people could go in a spiral of silence and give socially acceptable replies when asked survey questions. If it is the former than electoral advantage will lie with the NDA but if it is the latter case, then it is advantage opposition.</p>

<p>Time has tempered the support and positive sentiment enjoyed by demonetisation. Demographic groups like middle-aged citizens, rural populace and poor have begun to wonder about the move. Although net sentiment among the population is positive, the shrinkage of support for demonetisation is consistent and an ongoing trend.</p>

<p><strong>To answer the questions asked above:</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a) People largely view demonetisation as a positive move and support its implementation, however, there is a distinct decline in the number of people doing so.</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b) Increasing number of citizens have begun to view demonetisation as a negative event. Especially the fence sitters have begun to migrate towards the negative territory. In other words, former supporters are turning into critics and former neutrals are also turning critical regarding demonetisation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>The Demonetisation Tracker details stand unpacked as follows:<br />
<br />
Demonetisation at a personal level</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Demonetisation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7279bfaf-f9d7-4bb9-a20c-86e784c95da5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Demonetisation1_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>Treating of demonetisation as a setback at personal level, the support for demonetisation has now fallen to its lowest level of 56.5 per cent in wave 7 after an all-time high of 76 per cent in wave 2. The positive sentiment for demonetisation hovered in the early 70s through wave 3-5. From wave 6 onwards there has been a stark decline in support for demonetisation. Perhaps indicative of headwinds in the local economy or a brewing unemployment crisis, post-facto people have begun to increasingly identify demonetisation as a personal setback of sorts. Semi-urban population and middle-aged citizens are two demographic segments who are more negative in their sentiments towards demonetisation.</p>

<p><strong>Worth it?</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Demonetisation2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d098afa-cc07-499d-893f-8c6d33323a83" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation2.jpg" /></p>

<p>An exercise like demonetisation was fraught with troubles for common citizens. It was the goodwill of the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that carried the day in 2016. Today, the net sentiment of demonetisation being worth it has touched an all-time low of 30%. Meaning, the difference between the yay-sayers and nay-sayers is down to just 30 per cent in wave 7, this figure was 82 per cent in wave 2. Somewhere, we have seen more and more people defecting from the yay camp to nay camp between wave 2 and wave 7. Senior citizens are still mostly in favour of the policy at a net sentiment of 54 per cent while middle-aged citizens are the least supportive, with a net sentiment of 17 per cent. Also, worth mentioning are the middle-income group and rural citizens with respective net sentiments of 22 per cent and 26.7 per cent. These voters are high on priority for PM Modi and disaffection among them should be a cause of concern.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Was the implementation sound?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23ea565a-e02d-4825-8f21-aafeb1dee673" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation3.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>While economists and intelligentsia were in a different mood with respect to the implementation of demonetisation in 2016, they were pushed back by a solid 85 per cent of Indians who believed that demonetisation was implemented in a satisfactory to good manner. Today, the number of those with positive sentiment has not exactly crashed in wave 7, a 66 per cent positive sentiment still constitutes a significant decline. In other words, from more than 4 out of 5 Indian finding the implementation satisfactory, today only 2 out of 3 support its implementation mechanism. Freshers (those below 35 years of age) are more satisfied with the implementation at 72 per cent approval while higher income group is least positive and understandably so.</p>

<p><strong>How about a rollback?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5671d419-1e84-4541-acea-a17b3d777479" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation-4.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>India has a history of governments backtracking on unpopular policies or reforms, therefore demonetisation was considered fit for a rollback by some sections. The support for a rollback has increased between 2016-18, although the majority still supports no-rollback or backtracking. Nearly 63 per cent respondents support staying firm on the policy while 33% supported a rollback either in practice or principle. The support for staying firm is down from 84 per cent in 2016 a significant decline. Major declines have happened in the middle-aged and lower income group demographics.<br />
<br />
<strong>Who was hurt more, rich or the poor?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f7e3bba-9acc-49d7-9273-c9673ad26aa0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation_5.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>Politically, demonetisation was a safe policy as it hurt the proverbial 'haves' of a corrupt system. Surprisingly, while the perception of demonetisation has shifted across the board on this metric, the perception of demonetisation has remained largely stable. 48.5 per cent believe that demonetisation has hit the poor more, while 35.5% believe that rich were hurt more. Despite apparent stability, it is worth noting that poor continue to believe that they sacrificed more for implementation of this policy measure. Therefore, they may seek more political entitlement and an absence of such measure may trigger discontent against the government.<br />
<br />
<strong>Does living through demonetisation change your views?</strong><br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 6" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="456bc763-bfb6-4012-baa4-81011ea3ea22" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation_6.jpg" /></p>

<p>Fewer respondents (44 per cent) supported demonetisation after having experienced it in 2016. In 2018, 59 per cent people supported demonetisation having experienced the aftermath. However, the people who oppose it and intend to punish BJP by voting against it have risen from 13 per cent in 2016 to 20 per cent in 2018. Politically, this signifies a deep and rising polarisation over the question of demonetisation - supporters and detractors are firming up their positions.<br />
<br />
<strong>The aftershocks of demonetisation?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62df15d9-c7dd-4475-8884-afdef171133f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation7.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>A majority 51 per cent people say that there is no persistent problem post-demonetisation in 2018, a huge rise when compared to 11 per cent in 2016. This is a heartening statistic for the government as it signifies that there are fewer long-term implications of demonetisation on citizens and some of the anger on ground is indicative of the memory of instantaneous events in 2016. The only statistic of concern is 18.5 per cent respondents saying that their problems have increased - this is a rise over the 12.3 per cent in 2016.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Prime Minister's popularity? </strong><br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 8" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a761be7-a7f2-40ab-bf50-60ef90549440" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation8.jpg" /></p>

<p>Demonetisation left 17 per cent of the population in limbo and they professed no opinion in 2016 on its impact on PM Modi's popularity. Worryingly for the PM, roughly 13 per cent of these have migrated to the decreased popularity column by 2018. The column for respondents who thought this might result in increased popularity has undergone a mild decline from 52 per cent in 2016 to 49 per cent in 2018. Although PM Modi's stock remains high, the high conversion rate of neutrals to critics is a cause of concern. Perhaps the loyalists have stuck it out with the PM but the fence sitters are choosing otherwise.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sentiment on </strong><strong>economy</strong><strong>?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 9" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bec9ec54-b816-4d11-8e18-7bd4313bf773" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetsaition9.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>The dominant and almost-majority sentiment of respondents in 2016 predicted a recovery after short-term blip for the economy. 49&nbsp; per cent respondents averred that economy may dip for a while and then recover strongly. This sentiment has crashed down to 29.5 per cent now, whereas the bearish sentiment of a long-lasting recession has strengthened from 12 per cent in 2016 to 28 per cent in 2018. Interestingly, the bullish sentiment has also strengthened from 19.5 per cent in 2016 to 29 per cent in 2018. This is yet another indicator of the deep vertical divide that come to occupy Indian polity in all matters of national discourse.<br />
<br />
<strong>Conclusion: Good idea or bad idea?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 10" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4102bc7f-4e1b-44c1-9fd0-261fbb86a4f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation-10.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>In 2016, 27 per cent respondents thought that demonetisation was a good step but poorly implemented. This figure declined to 17 per cent by 2018 and most of the migration of opinion occurred towards the option of "bad step which is poorly implemented". The respondents who believed in it rose from 5 per cent in 2016 to 28.5 per cent in 2018, this indicates yet again the trend of fence sitters migrating towards the critics' category. The supporters of the demonetisation in toto declined from 66 per cent in 2016 to 51 per cent in 2018. In other words, demonetisation has lost supporters and managed to drive the fence sitters away, something somewhere has not clicked with sections of society.<br />
<br />
Although the net sentiment continues to be positive, the presence of pain in politically significant sections of society is undeniable and salient. Whether that will the have mild or huge impact on upcoming Lok Sabha election 2019 is a matter of conjecture.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/63-of-indians-still-support-demonetisation-but-that-number-has-fallen-2163127.html">Zeenews</a>. Read the original article)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Stockholm Syndrome or Spiral of Silence? Right after demonetisation, we started a series of tracking polls to gauge the public sentiment around it. First things first: while in November 2016, as many as 85 per cent Indians believed that the troubles they faced during demonetisation were absolutely worth the fight against black money.

Stockholm Syndrome or Spiral of Silence? Right after demonetisation, we started a series of tracking polls to gauge the public sentiment around it. First things first: while in November 2016, as many as 85 per cent Indians believed that the troubles they faced during demonetisation were absolutely worth the fight against black money. As of today, that number has come crashing down to just 63 per cent. That's a huge drop of 22 per cent in support for the drastic move within a gap of 24 months. While this number could fancy any Modi-baiter to say that the public has finally said what it wanted to say, it is equally important to note that even after so much of hardship and shine coming off the (mis)adventure, two out of three Indians still support demonetisation as of today. Yes, this is down from four out of five in 2016, but 2 out of 3 is not small a number. Certainly, in a FPTP democracy where Parties tend to get a majority with just over 33 per cent votes this figure matters. However, this statement becomes interesting in light of 43 per cent Indians considering it a personal setback. Why does demonetisation still enjoy public support of a two-third majority despite negatively impacting more people? Seems PM Modi has hijacked the narrative on the debate on 'national interest'. If that is true, one probability can be that a large part of the populace is struck with Stockholm Syndrome. They are in awe of the government taking such a drastic measure and pulling it off in no time. Hence, they seek to be on the side of their tormentor and sympathize with the mission of cash eradication! Demonetisation as a policy move is akin to major surgery of the body - it has beneficial impacts and side-effects that become apparent over time. When this policy was implemented in 2016, there were two questions lingering in public discourse: a) What will be the actual impacts of this move on nation, in the long run? b) How will people perceive the move today and tomorrow, given that this move was bound to generate some pain? At Cvoter, we have tracked the public sentiment on this important issue since 2016 and have concluded the 7th wave of demonetisation tracker. The other probability is of stigmatisation of criticism. Prime Minister Modi in his rallies has repeatedly stated that "those hurt the most, are crying out the loudest". In other words, the critics of the policy are the ones who were hoarding the money in cash and now they were trying to vent their frustration. Thus, people could go in a spiral of silence and give socially acceptable replies when asked survey questions. If it is the former than electoral advantage will lie with the NDA but if it is the latter case, then it is advantage opposition. Time has tempered the support and positive sentiment enjoyed by demonetisation. Demographic groups like middle-aged citizens, rural populace and poor have begun to wonder about the move. Although net sentiment among the population is positive, the shrinkage of support for demonetisation is consistent and an ongoing trend. To answer the questions asked above: a) People largely view demonetisation as a positive move and support its implementation, however, there is a distinct decline in the number of people doing so. b) Increasing number of citizens have begun to view demonetisation as a negative event. Especially the fence sitters have begun to migrate towards the negative territory. In other words, former supporters are turning into critics and former neutrals are also turning critical regarding demonetisation. The Demonetisation Tracker details stand unpacked as follows: Demonetisation at a personal level Treating of demonetisation as a setback at personal level, the support for demonetisation has now fallen to its lowest level of 56.5 per cent in wave 7 after an all-time high of 76 per cent in wave 2. The positive sentiment for demonetisation hovered in the early 70s through wave 3-5. From wave 6 onwards there has been a stark decline in support for demonetisation. Perhaps indicative of headwinds in the local economy or a brewing unemployment crisis, post-facto people have begun to increasingly identify demonetisation as a personal setback of sorts. Semi-urban population and middle-aged citizens are two demographic segments who are more negative in their sentiments towards demonetisation. Worth it? An exercise like demonetisation was fraught with troubles for common citizens. It was the goodwill of the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that carried the day in 2016. Today, the net sentiment of demonetisation being worth it has touched an all-time low of 30%. Meaning, the difference between the yay-sayers and nay-sayers is down to just 30 per cent in wave 7, this figure was 82 per cent in wave 2. Somewhere, we have seen more and more people defecting from the yay camp to nay camp between wave 2 and wave 7. Senior citizens are still mostly in favour of the policy at a net sentiment of 54 per cent while middle-aged citizens are the least supportive, with a net sentiment of 17 per cent. Also, worth mentioning are the middle-income group and rural citizens with respective net sentiments of 22 per cent and 26.7 per cent. These voters are high on priority for PM Modi and disaffection among them should be a cause of concern. Was the implementation sound? While economists and intelligentsia were in a different mood with respect to the implementation of demonetisation in 2016, they were pushed back by a solid 85 per cent of Indians who believed that demonetisation was implemented in a satisfactory to good manner. Today, the number of those with positive sentiment has not exactly crashed in wave 7, a 66 per cent positive sentiment still constitutes a significant decline. In other words, from more than 4 out of 5 Indian finding the implementation satisfactory, today only 2 out of 3 support its implementation mechanism. Freshers (those below 35 years of age) are more satisfied with the implementation at 72 per cent approval while higher income group is least positive and understandably so. How about a rollback? India has a history of governments backtracking on unpopular policies or reforms, therefore demonetisation was considered fit for a rollback by some sections. The support for a rollback has increased between 2016-18, although the majority still supports no-rollback or backtracking. Nearly 63 per cent respondents support staying firm on the policy while 33% supported a rollback either in practice or principle. The support for staying firm is down from 84 per cent in 2016 a significant decline. Major declines have happened in the middle-aged and lower income group demographics. Who was hurt more, rich or the poor? Politically, demonetisation was a safe policy as it hurt the proverbial 'haves' of a corrupt system. Surprisingly, while the perception of demonetisation has shifted across the board on this metric, the perception of demonetisation has remained largely stable. 48.5 per cent believe that demonetisation has hit the poor more, while 35.5% believe that rich were hurt more. Despite apparent stability, it is worth noting that poor continue to believe that they sacrificed more for implementation of this policy measure. Therefore, they may seek more political entitlement and an absence of such measure may trigger discontent against the government. Does living through demonetisation change your views? Fewer respondents (44 per cent) supported demonetisation after having experienced it in 2016. In 2018, 59 per cent people supported demonetisation having experienced the aftermath. However, the people who oppose it and intend to punish BJP by voting against it have risen from 13 per cent in 2016 to 20 per cent in 2018. Politically, this signifies a deep and rising polarisation over the question of demonetisation - supporters and detractors are firming up their positions. The aftershocks of demonetisation? A majority 51 per cent people say that there is no persistent problem post-demonetisation in 2018, a huge rise when compared to 11 per cent in 2016. This is a heartening statistic for the government as it signifies that there are fewer long-term implications of demonetisation on citizens and some of the anger on ground is indicative of the memory of instantaneous events in 2016. The only statistic of concern is 18.5 per cent respondents saying that their problems have increased - this is a rise over the 12.3 per cent in 2016. Prime Minister's popularity? Demonetisation left 17 per cent of the population in limbo and they professed no opinion in 2016 on its impact on PM Modi's popularity. Worryingly for the PM, roughly 13 per cent of these have migrated to the decreased popularity column by 2018. The column for respondents who thought this might result in increased popularity has undergone a mild decline from 52 per cent in 2016 to 49 per cent in 2018. Although PM Modi's stock remains high, the high conversion rate of neutrals to critics is a cause of concern. Perhaps the loyalists have stuck it out with the PM but the fence sitters are choosing otherwise. Sentiment on economy? The dominant and almost-majority sentiment of respondents in 2016 predicted a recovery after short-term blip for the economy. 49 per cent respondents averred that economy may dip for a while and then recover strongly. This sentiment has crashed down to 29.5 per cent now, whereas the bearish sentiment of a long-lasting recession has strengthened from 12 per cent in 2016 to 28 per cent in 2018. Interestingly, the bullish sentiment has also strengthened from 19.5 per cent in 2016 to 29 per cent in 2018. This is yet another indicator of the deep vertical divide that come to occupy Indian polity in all matters of national discourse. Conclusion: Good idea or bad idea? In 2016, 27 per cent respondents thought that demonetisation was a good step but poorly implemented. This figure declined to 17 per cent by 2018 and most of the migration of opinion occurred towards the option of "bad step which is poorly implemented". The respondents who believed in it rose from 5 per cent in 2016 to 28.5 per cent in 2018, this indicates yet again the trend of fence sitters migrating towards the critics' category. The supporters of the demonetisation in toto declined from 66 per cent in 2016 to 51 per cent in 2018. In other words, demonetisation has lost supporters and managed to drive the fence sitters away, something somewhere has not clicked with sections of society. Although the net sentiment continues to be positive, the presence of pain in politically significant sections of society is undeniable and salient. Whether that will the have mild or huge impact on upcoming Lok Sabha election 2019 is a matter of conjecture. (This article was originally published on The Zeenews. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Support remains strong for both demonetisation and PM Narendra Modi

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">BJP</a> Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit</a>.</p>

<p>The apex court dismissed all the petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar defense deal.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict</a></p>

<p>Welcoming the judgement, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Every deal is not Bofors deal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is the culture and tradition of Congress and its top leadership to mint money from such deals on the cost of country's national security," he said.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making false allegations against him and questioning his credibility, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there is a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without the jets.</p>

<p>The CJI, who read out the judgement for the three-judge bench, said no reasons were found to interfere in the procurement process for the fighter jets.</p>

<p>The verdict was pronounced on a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into deal.</p>


The BJP Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit.

The BJP Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit. The apex court dismissed all the petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar defense deal. Also read: Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict Welcoming the judgement, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Every deal is not Bofors deal." "It is the culture and tradition of Congress and its top leadership to mint money from such deals on the cost of country's national security," he said. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making false allegations against him and questioning his credibility, he added. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there is a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without the jets. The CJI, who read out the judgement for the three-judge bench, said no reasons were found to interfere in the procurement process for the fighter jets. The verdict was pronounced on a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into deal.

Rafale deal verdict: BJP demands apology to PM Modi from Congress and Rahul Gandhi

<p>Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">dismissing&nbsp;petitions seeking an investigation</a> into&nbsp;multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal. He said that it "establishes the falsity of politically motivated allegations against&nbsp;him and his firm."</p>

<p>"I welcome the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict&nbsp;summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally,"&nbsp;Anil Ambani said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anil Ambani statement: Welcome judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073465444898693120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Company committed to India's national security, including implementing offset deal with Dassault," Ambani added.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court today dismissed all petitions pertaining Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process."</p>

<p>A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.</p>

<p>Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier in October said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/reliance-has-10-per-cent-of-offset-in-rafael-deal-dassault-ceo-170983">joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments</a> under the Rafale jet deal. After the report, it was alleged that Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by PM Modi, despite it having almost no experience in the aviation sector.</p>

<p>According to the report, Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India.</p>

<p>But those talks were cancelled after PM Modi took office when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Friday's verdict on Rafale jet has been welcomed by BJP party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">matter war crystal clear from the beginning</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan has said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">campaign certainly won't drop</a> and they may file a review petition.</p>

<p>"In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."</p>


Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of dismissing petitions seeking an investigation into multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal.

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of dismissing petitions seeking an investigation into multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal. He said that it "establishes the falsity of politically motivated allegations against him and his firm." "I welcome the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally," Anil Ambani said in a statement. Anil Ambani statement: Welcome judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "Company committed to India's national security, including implementing offset deal with Dassault," Ambani added. The Supreme Court today dismissed all petitions pertaining Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process." A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier in October said that the joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal. After the report, it was alleged that Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by PM Modi, despite it having almost no experience in the aviation sector. According to the report, Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India. But those talks were cancelled after PM Modi took office when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France. The Friday's verdict on Rafale jet has been welcomed by BJP party. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the matter war crystal clear from the beginning. "The allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage." Meanwhile, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan has said that the campaign certainly won't drop and they may file a review petition. "In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."

Falsity of wild, baseless allegations against Reliance Group established: Anil Ambani on Rafale verdict

<p>The Congress Friday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court</a> has vindicated its stand that "corruption" in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">Rafale fighter jet deal</a> cannot be decided by it and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal.</p>

<p>Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Congress had stated earlier that the Rafale issue cannot be decided by the Supreme Court, and the alleged corruption in the defence contract can only be brought out by a JPC after examining the files and notings in the contract.</p>

<p>"The verdict of the Supreme Court is a validation of what the Congress party stated months ago that the Supreme Court is not the forum to decide such sensitive defence contracts," he told reporters.</p>

<p>Surjewala said the only forum that can probe the corruption in the Rafale contract after examining the pricing process and sovereign guarantee is the JPC.</p>

<p>"If they have nothing to hide, I challenge Modi ji and his government to submit to a JPC probe which will question and go into the corruption in the defence deal," he said.</p>

<p>"We again challenge the prime minister for a JPC probe to unveil every layer of corruption in the deal," he said, alleging that corruption has been "guided by the highest echelons of power".</p>

<p>The Congress leader also alleged that the government gave a "one-sided half-baked information to the Supreme Court which has not been scrutinised by anyone".</p>

<p>Surjewala said the Congress has maintained from day-one that it wants a JPC probe and the government should agree to it if it has nothing to hide.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress Friday said the Supreme Court has vindicated its stand that "corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal cannot be decided by it and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal.

The Congress Friday said the Supreme Court has vindicated its stand that "corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal cannot be decided by it and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Congress had stated earlier that the Rafale issue cannot be decided by the Supreme Court, and the alleged corruption in the defence contract can only be brought out by a JPC after examining the files and notings in the contract. "The verdict of the Supreme Court is a validation of what the Congress party stated months ago that the Supreme Court is not the forum to decide such sensitive defence contracts," he told reporters. Surjewala said the only forum that can probe the corruption in the Rafale contract after examining the pricing process and sovereign guarantee is the JPC. "If they have nothing to hide, I challenge Modi ji and his government to submit to a JPC probe which will question and go into the corruption in the defence deal," he said. "We again challenge the prime minister for a JPC probe to unveil every layer of corruption in the deal," he said, alleging that corruption has been "guided by the highest echelons of power". The Congress leader also alleged that the government gave a "one-sided half-baked information to the Supreme Court which has not been scrutinised by anyone". Surjewala said the Congress has maintained from day-one that it wants a JPC probe and the government should agree to it if it has nothing to hide.

Congress challenges Modi government for JPC probe into Rafale jet deal: Surjewala

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections.</p>

<p>The state presidents and in-charges of BJP will be present in the meeting which will start at 2 pm and is likely to continue for seven hours.</p>

<p>Congress registered a resounding victory over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and with the help of independent candidates, garnered the numbers to form the government in Rajasthan after having prevailed in 99 out of the 200 assembly seats.</p>

<p>Following a nerve-wracking finish in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 elected candidates as opposed to their rival's 109 and roped in seven legislators from BSP (2), SP (1) and independent candidates (4), to cross the halfway mark. In Telangana, however, K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has left behind the Congress-Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Mizoram, the regional dominant party Mizo National Front (MNF) has made the Congress lick the dust. In a House of 40 members, MNF won 26 seats, Congress five and BJP one. &nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections. The state presidents and in-charges of BJP will be present in the meeting which will start at 2 pm and is likely to continue for seven hours. Congress registered a resounding victory over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and with the help of independent candidates, garnered the numbers to form the government in Rajasthan after having prevailed in 99 out of the 200 assembly seats. Following a nerve-wracking finish in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 elected candidates as opposed to their rival's 109 and roped in seven legislators from BSP (2), SP (1) and independent candidates (4), to cross the halfway mark. In Telangana, however, K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has left behind the Congress-Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance. In Mizoram, the regional dominant party Mizo National Front (MNF) has made the Congress lick the dust. In a House of 40 members, MNF won 26 seats, Congress five and BJP one.

Amit Shah to chair meeting on defeat in assembly elections

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tribute&nbsp;to the martyrs of 2001 parliament attack at Parliament House today.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the other leaders who paid tribute on the&nbsp;17th anniversary of the attack were, home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and&nbsp;Ghulam Nabi Azad.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi also saluted the courage of those killed in the terrorist attack, saying their valour encourages people.</p>

<p>Modi took to Twitter to recall the courage of the security personnel.</p>

<p>"We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1073046995864940544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>President Ram Nath Kovind also paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the terrorist attack on Twitter writing, "Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India gratefully remembers those martyred while defending Parliament from terrorists on this day in 2001. Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values. They did not succeed. And we will never let them succeed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1073032238386827264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On December 13, 2001, five gunmen stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire.</p>

<p>Five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police official, two Parliament watch and ward staff, a gardener and a camera person were among those who killed in the attack.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tribute to the martyrs of 2001 parliament attack at Parliament House today. Among the other leaders who paid tribute on the 17th anniversary of the attack were, home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tribute to the martyrs of 2001 parliament attack at Parliament House today. Among the other leaders who paid tribute on the 17th anniversary of the attack were, home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also saluted the courage of those killed in the terrorist attack, saying their valour encourages people. Modi took to Twitter to recall the courage of the security personnel. "We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian," he said. We salute the valour of those who were martyred during the dastardly attack on our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their courage and heroism inspires every Indian. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2018 × President Ram Nath Kovind also paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the terrorist attack on Twitter writing, "Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values." India gratefully remembers those martyred while defending Parliament from terrorists on this day in 2001. Forces of hate and terror targeted what we cherish most — India's democracy and democratic values. They did not succeed. And we will never let them succeed #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 13, 2018 × On December 13, 2001, five gunmen stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire. Five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police official, two Parliament watch and ward staff, a gardener and a camera person were among those who killed in the attack.

2001 Parliament attack: PM Modi, other leaders pay floral tribute to martyrs

<p>India can benefit from the trade tensions between the United States and China, Henry Kravis, co-chief of KKR &amp; Co Inc said on Wednesday, but he also said the country needed to cut back on red tape to attract more investment.</p>

<p>US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-china-called-a-truce-in-the-trade-war-now-what-181070">Donald Trump started a trade war with China</a> earlier this year as his administration imposed tariffs on steel, aluminium and various Chinese products. Beijing retaliated with import taxes of its own on products such as American-made cars.</p>

<p>"This (the trade war) is very positive for South East Asia and is very positive, in my view, for India," Henry R. Kravis, co-CEO of KKR told journalists at a media roundtable on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-pm-talks-about-trade-wars-and-terror-180797">At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies</a></p>

<p>"As you (India) get better infrastructure, get rid of some of this red tape bureaucracy ... this country will benefit big time."</p>

<p>India rose 23 places to 77th in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index for 2019, up from 100th in 2018, thanks to improving metrics in areas including access to credit and construction permits.</p>

<p>Kravis also said India's large youth population was a big positive and that the country needed major investment in several sectors such as education, finance, healthcare and environment.</p>

<p>"That's an opportunity for people like us," he said.</p>

<p>Kravis also highlighted the need for a healthy local bond market in India.</p>

<p>"If you don't have a long-term bond market you limit the growth because you're putting all the onus back on to the banks to basically be the provider of capital," Kravis. "That's the reason that we set up our two NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) here - one in real estate credit and one is in corporate credit."</p>

<p>KKR, founded in 1976, currently manages assets roughly worth $195 billion. The company opened an office in India in 2009 and currently has about 43 staff. It has invested more than $7 billion in its credit business in the country and will invest more in the business going forward, he said.</p>

<p>KKR has also changed its focus to acquiring control positions or significant minority with near-control rights in companies instead of taking minority positions that did not give the company influence, Kravis said.</p>

<p>KKR's investments in India include hospital management firm Radiant Life Care and Max Financial Services, the holding company of private insurance firm Max Life Insurance.</p>


India can benefit from the trade tensions between the United States and China, Henry Kravis, co-chief of KKR & Co Inc said on Wednesday, but he also said the country needed to cut back on red tape to attract more investment.

India can benefit from the trade tensions between the United States and China, Henry Kravis, co-chief of KKR & Co Inc said on Wednesday, but he also said the country needed to cut back on red tape to attract more investment. US President Donald Trump started a trade war with China earlier this year as his administration imposed tariffs on steel, aluminium and various Chinese products. Beijing retaliated with import taxes of its own on products such as American-made cars. "This (the trade war) is very positive for South East Asia and is very positive, in my view, for India," Henry R. Kravis, co-CEO of KKR told journalists at a media roundtable on Wednesday. Also read: At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies "As you (India) get better infrastructure, get rid of some of this red tape bureaucracy ... this country will benefit big time." India rose 23 places to 77th in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index for 2019, up from 100th in 2018, thanks to improving metrics in areas including access to credit and construction permits. Kravis also said India's large youth population was a big positive and that the country needed major investment in several sectors such as education, finance, healthcare and environment. "That's an opportunity for people like us," he said. Kravis also highlighted the need for a healthy local bond market in India. "If you don't have a long-term bond market you limit the growth because you're putting all the onus back on to the banks to basically be the provider of capital," Kravis. "That's the reason that we set up our two NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) here - one in real estate credit and one is in corporate credit." KKR, founded in 1976, currently manages assets roughly worth $195 billion. The company opened an office in India in 2009 and currently has about 43 staff. It has invested more than $7 billion in its credit business in the country and will invest more in the business going forward, he said. KKR has also changed its focus to acquiring control positions or significant minority with near-control rights in companies instead of taking minority positions that did not give the company influence, Kravis said. KKR's investments in India include hospital management firm Radiant Life Care and Max Financial Services, the holding company of private insurance firm Max Life Insurance.

India can benefit from US-China trade war: KKR chief

<p>The Prime Minister’s exhortation to political parties at the start of the winter session of Parliament to debate issues, bore an extraordinarily friendly tinge. “Let’s debate sharply if you want. Let’s rise above party politics to discuss public issues and have a ‘samwad’, ( dialogue ) he said.</p>

<p>It is hard to read whether that mellowed and fervent appeal from PM Modi reflected his mental turmoil at a time when counting for five state elections were in progress and the BJP seemed to be trailing in all the five states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the trends started pouring in for the five states, it became clear the K Chandrashekhar Rao government was retaining its hold over Telangana and the people wanted Raman Singh and Lal Thanhawla out in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram respectively.</p>

<p>But it were the electoral trends in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that kept party workers, supporters and political pundits, guessing through the day. The two states saw a tortuous seesaw battle between the two major contenders – the BJP which was defending its turf in both the states, and the Congress, the principal challenger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few takeaways. Chhattisgarh proved to be a veritable case of voter fatigue. The Congress’s early start to campaigning in the state coupled with populist promises of farm loan waiver proved decisive. The anti-incumbency only rubbed the proverbial salt into Raman Singh’s wounds bringing his juggernaut to a halt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chhattisgarh may well be in the Congress kitty, but there are no less than four contenders for the post of chief minister, including party state unit chief Bhupesh Baghel, the party’s lone MP from Durg, Tamradhwaj Sahu and former leader in last state assembly T S Singh Deo. Former minister Charan Das Mahant is also in the race.</p>

<p>In MP, Congress leaders went into a huddle deliberating each and every result as they poured in. They don’t want the BJP to do a Goa in MP. In such a close contest, the Congress shall prefer a veteran like Kamal Nath over Jyotiraditya to lead the party in the Assembly, in the event of it maintaining the lead and being invited to form the government.</p>

<p>In neighbouring MP, Shivraj Singh proved to be a tough customer, refusing to cede ground to the Congress. As the trend emerged it seemed ‘Mamaji’ could sail through. But by late afternoon, the trends had tipped towards the Congress. It consistently hovered around the mid-way mark of 115, at times even slipping as the BJP caught up to close the gap, keeping the game wide open for either party.</p>

<p>It appears the Congress strategy of not projecting a CM face did not go down well with the voters in a state that had grown familiar with the style and functioning of Chouhan over the last decade-and-a-half. His ‘personal touch’ with constituents is now legendary. This only shrunk Congress’s lead.</p>

<p>Even in Rajasthan, the party fell short of its own expectations. The state alternates between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP had returned to power in 2013 with more than three-fourth majority. By evening, the Congress barely crossed the halfway mark on Tuesday, as the trend showed BJP losing half of its seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As in other states, the Congress had not projected any CM face and had relied on the ingeniousness of a veteran like Ashok Gehlot and a young colt like Sachin Pilot, heading the party in the state. &nbsp;But the ticket distribution triggered rebellion in the party. The trends showed 25 ‘Others’ leading in their respective constituencies. Later it turned out, many of these ‘Others’ were Congress rebels. Gehlot seems to have an edge over Pilot in the race for chief ministership.</p>

<p>The Congress went alone in both these states, failing to strike an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party. And this could have led to party’s less than bright showing in the state.</p>

<p>With Mizoram having slipped from the Congress kitty, the BJP has partly realised its dream of a Congress-mukt North-East, though the BJP barely managed to win a single seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP was handed a drubbing in Telangana, where voters rejected brand Hindutva. The BJP did everything it could to polarise the elections by pitching Yogi Adityanath as star campaigner in the last leg. Yogi’s acerbic utterances in Hyderabad boomeranged on the party. Modi lost, but Rahul did not win. Congress’s Hindu card and its recent flirtation with religiosity did not yield results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, the monster of demonetisation followed by clumsy execution of GST only weighed heavily on the three BJP chief ministers, as they geared for campaigning at the start of the elections. Posters and banners bore images of chief ministers, rather than Prime Minister Modi. Agrarian distress coupled with shrinking job avenues did not help matters.</p>

<p>The state election results have proved that the BJP’s hypothesis of delivering a Congress-mukt Bharat had no firm basis. If at all, the BJP needs Congress for its survival and vice-versa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election results may give Rahul more heft in the Mahagathbandhan, if it firms up, but it has also underlined that if he fails to stitch up strategic alliances he shall be a loser nonetheless.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-hand-that-rocked-the-boat-2695006">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The Prime Minister’s exhortation to political parties at the start of the winter session of Parliament to debate issues, bore an extraordinarily friendly tinge. “Let’s debate sharply if you want.

The Prime Minister’s exhortation to political parties at the start of the winter session of Parliament to debate issues, bore an extraordinarily friendly tinge. “Let’s debate sharply if you want. Let’s rise above party politics to discuss public issues and have a ‘samwad’, ( dialogue ) he said. It is hard to read whether that mellowed and fervent appeal from PM Modi reflected his mental turmoil at a time when counting for five state elections were in progress and the BJP seemed to be trailing in all the five states. As the trends started pouring in for the five states, it became clear the K Chandrashekhar Rao government was retaining its hold over Telangana and the people wanted Raman Singh and Lal Thanhawla out in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram respectively. But it were the electoral trends in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that kept party workers, supporters and political pundits, guessing through the day. The two states saw a tortuous seesaw battle between the two major contenders – the BJP which was defending its turf in both the states, and the Congress, the principal challenger. A few takeaways. Chhattisgarh proved to be a veritable case of voter fatigue. The Congress’s early start to campaigning in the state coupled with populist promises of farm loan waiver proved decisive. The anti-incumbency only rubbed the proverbial salt into Raman Singh’s wounds bringing his juggernaut to a halt. Chhattisgarh may well be in the Congress kitty, but there are no less than four contenders for the post of chief minister, including party state unit chief Bhupesh Baghel, the party’s lone MP from Durg, Tamradhwaj Sahu and former leader in last state assembly T S Singh Deo. Former minister Charan Das Mahant is also in the race. In MP, Congress leaders went into a huddle deliberating each and every result as they poured in. They don’t want the BJP to do a Goa in MP. In such a close contest, the Congress shall prefer a veteran like Kamal Nath over Jyotiraditya to lead the party in the Assembly, in the event of it maintaining the lead and being invited to form the government. In neighbouring MP, Shivraj Singh proved to be a tough customer, refusing to cede ground to the Congress. As the trend emerged it seemed ‘Mamaji’ could sail through. But by late afternoon, the trends had tipped towards the Congress. It consistently hovered around the mid-way mark of 115, at times even slipping as the BJP caught up to close the gap, keeping the game wide open for either party. It appears the Congress strategy of not projecting a CM face did not go down well with the voters in a state that had grown familiar with the style and functioning of Chouhan over the last decade-and-a-half. His ‘personal touch’ with constituents is now legendary. This only shrunk Congress’s lead. Even in Rajasthan, the party fell short of its own expectations. The state alternates between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP had returned to power in 2013 with more than three-fourth majority. By evening, the Congress barely crossed the halfway mark on Tuesday, as the trend showed BJP losing half of its seats. As in other states, the Congress had not projected any CM face and had relied on the ingeniousness of a veteran like Ashok Gehlot and a young colt like Sachin Pilot, heading the party in the state. But the ticket distribution triggered rebellion in the party. The trends showed 25 ‘Others’ leading in their respective constituencies. Later it turned out, many of these ‘Others’ were Congress rebels. Gehlot seems to have an edge over Pilot in the race for chief ministership. The Congress went alone in both these states, failing to strike an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party. And this could have led to party’s less than bright showing in the state. With Mizoram having slipped from the Congress kitty, the BJP has partly realised its dream of a Congress-mukt North-East, though the BJP barely managed to win a single seat. The BJP was handed a drubbing in Telangana, where voters rejected brand Hindutva. The BJP did everything it could to polarise the elections by pitching Yogi Adityanath as star campaigner in the last leg. Yogi’s acerbic utterances in Hyderabad boomeranged on the party. Modi lost, but Rahul did not win. Congress’s Hindu card and its recent flirtation with religiosity did not yield results. In fact, the monster of demonetisation followed by clumsy execution of GST only weighed heavily on the three BJP chief ministers, as they geared for campaigning at the start of the elections. Posters and banners bore images of chief ministers, rather than Prime Minister Modi. Agrarian distress coupled with shrinking job avenues did not help matters. The state election results have proved that the BJP’s hypothesis of delivering a Congress-mukt Bharat had no firm basis. If at all, the BJP needs Congress for its survival and vice-versa. The election results may give Rahul more heft in the Mahagathbandhan, if it firms up, but it has also underlined that if he fails to stitch up strategic alliances he shall be a loser nonetheless. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

PM Narendra Modi lost, but Rahul Gandhi did not win

<p>India is set to increase its public health spending to 2.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. He also said India is one of the first countries to advocate focused attention on adolescence and to implement a full-fledged health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents.</p>

<p>Addressing the 2018 Partners’ Forum here, he said the central government is set to increase its spending on public health to 2.5 per cent of the GDP. As of now, the country spends 1.15 per cent of the GDP on health.</p>

<p>The Partners’ Forum meets this year will focus on improving multi-sectoral action for results, sharing country solutions and capturing the best practices and knowledge within the health sector and among related sectors.</p>

<p>Modi said that under Mission Indradhaush, a massive immunisation programme, India reached 32.8 million children and 8.4 million pregnant women over the last three years.</p>

<p>“We have made a lot of progress in the last few years and yet a lot remains to be done. From bigger budgets to better outcomes and from mindset change to monitoring, there are a lot of interventions required,” he told the gathering which comprised experts from several countries.</p>


India is set to increase its public health spending to 2.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. He also said India is one of the first countries to advocate focused attention on adolescence and to implement a full-fledged health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents.

India is set to increase its public health spending to 2.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. He also said India is one of the first countries to advocate focused attention on adolescence and to implement a full-fledged health promotion and prevention programme for adolescents. Addressing the 2018 Partners’ Forum here, he said the central government is set to increase its spending on public health to 2.5 per cent of the GDP. As of now, the country spends 1.15 per cent of the GDP on health. The Partners’ Forum meets this year will focus on improving multi-sectoral action for results, sharing country solutions and capturing the best practices and knowledge within the health sector and among related sectors. Modi said that under Mission Indradhaush, a massive immunisation programme, India reached 32.8 million children and 8.4 million pregnant women over the last three years. “We have made a lot of progress in the last few years and yet a lot remains to be done. From bigger budgets to better outcomes and from mindset change to monitoring, there are a lot of interventions required,” he told the gathering which comprised experts from several countries.

India to increase public health spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, says PM Narendra Modi

<p>Congress Party has made a come-back. This time the credit for this victory goes to none other than Rahul Gandhi who took over as Congress President a year back.</p>

<p>After a series of defeats and upsets, Rahul Gandhi has earned the victory for himself. Such was the image problem that the&nbsp;win in Punjab was not attributed to the planning he did, instead, the credit went to Captain Amarinder Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time around it was his campaign style and selection of issues which worked for the party. There was also no Sonia Gandhi around with whom the credit could be shared with.</p>

<p>The results themselves are an eye-opener. It breaks the myth of BJP of turning around lost elections. It also breaks the myth of Congress as a failed party which cannot fight elections against the Modi-Shah regime. The result also breaks the myth of impregnable strength of RSS which had been projected as an organisation that had mastered the dark art of winning elections in India.</p>

<p>This election also saw senior and junior leadership of the Congress fighting elections. But the best surprise came from Chhattisgarh where Congress leadership was non-existent. The Congress sweep in Chhattisgarh shows that electoral turn around can also take place in absence of state leadership if the messaging on key issues remain clear and strong.</p>

<p>Though it does not mean that Congress on its own is set to sweep elections in 2019. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee after sweeping the three north Indian states in 2003 went on to lose the national elections in 2004.</p>

<p>It is a lesson to BJP that not all elections can be polarised on emotive issues. It is a reminder to them that rural distress and anti-farmer messaging by Congress against BJP can have disastrous results and cannot be ignored.</p>

<p>But Congress should also ponder over two issues. It has not been able to recover ground in Telangana. The arithmetic did not create the right chemistry which could attract the voters. In fact, it shows that the opportunistic alliance does not work at local level and Telangana repeated Uttar Pradesh where SP-Congress alliance failed to counter BJP which it swept handsomely. More so, Congress has been wiped out of Northeast. Probably it is first time after 1952 that Northeast does not a single state under its belt. Northeast has truly become 'Congress Mukt'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress should also learn a lesson from Amit Shah's campaign style which resurrected his party in Rajasthan where political pundits gave clean sweep to the Congress Party. Congress will form the government in the state but it will not be called a sweep.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The victory will allow Rahul Gandhi to assert himself far more powerfully with regional parties to negotiate alliances which would be state specific. The victory also thwarts the idea of 'Grand Alliance' in which Congress would have been the side player.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victory has given Rahul Gandhi a window right before the Lok Sabha elections to position himself to negotiate a better bargain for the Congress. This time he will be taken more seriously.</p>

<p>BJP, on the other hand, will have to rethink whether they would fight the election on governance issue or an emotive issue like Ayodhya. The clock ticks for both Congress and BJP but as of now, Congress has survived the bout to stay in the ring as a credible challenger for 2019 elections which a year back was being thought a cakewalk for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;</em></p>


Congress Party has made a come-back. This time the credit for this victory goes to none other than Rahul Gandhi who took over as Congress President a year back. After a series of defeats and upsets, Rahul Gandhi has earned the victory for himself.

Congress Party has made a come-back. This time the credit for this victory goes to none other than Rahul Gandhi who took over as Congress President a year back. After a series of defeats and upsets, Rahul Gandhi has earned the victory for himself. Such was the image problem that the win in Punjab was not attributed to the planning he did, instead, the credit went to Captain Amarinder Singh. This time around it was his campaign style and selection of issues which worked for the party. There was also no Sonia Gandhi around with whom the credit could be shared with. The results themselves are an eye-opener. It breaks the myth of BJP of turning around lost elections. It also breaks the myth of Congress as a failed party which cannot fight elections against the Modi-Shah regime. The result also breaks the myth of impregnable strength of RSS which had been projected as an organisation that had mastered the dark art of winning elections in India. This election also saw senior and junior leadership of the Congress fighting elections. But the best surprise came from Chhattisgarh where Congress leadership was non-existent. The Congress sweep in Chhattisgarh shows that electoral turn around can also take place in absence of state leadership if the messaging on key issues remain clear and strong. Though it does not mean that Congress on its own is set to sweep elections in 2019. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee after sweeping the three north Indian states in 2003 went on to lose the national elections in 2004. It is a lesson to BJP that not all elections can be polarised on emotive issues. It is a reminder to them that rural distress and anti-farmer messaging by Congress against BJP can have disastrous results and cannot be ignored. But Congress should also ponder over two issues. It has not been able to recover ground in Telangana. The arithmetic did not create the right chemistry which could attract the voters. In fact, it shows that the opportunistic alliance does not work at local level and Telangana repeated Uttar Pradesh where SP-Congress alliance failed to counter BJP which it swept handsomely. More so, Congress has been wiped out of Northeast. Probably it is first time after 1952 that Northeast does not a single state under its belt. Northeast has truly become 'Congress Mukt'. Congress should also learn a lesson from Amit Shah's campaign style which resurrected his party in Rajasthan where political pundits gave clean sweep to the Congress Party. Congress will form the government in the state but it will not be called a sweep. The victory will allow Rahul Gandhi to assert himself far more powerfully with regional parties to negotiate alliances which would be state specific. The victory also thwarts the idea of 'Grand Alliance' in which Congress would have been the side player. The victory has given Rahul Gandhi a window right before the Lok Sabha elections to position himself to negotiate a better bargain for the Congress. This time he will be taken more seriously. BJP, on the other hand, will have to rethink whether they would fight the election on governance issue or an emotive issue like Ayodhya. The clock ticks for both Congress and BJP but as of now, Congress has survived the bout to stay in the ring as a credible challenger for 2019 elections which a year back was being thought a cakewalk for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rahul Gandhi 2.0: Hand also rises

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on December 22 to address BJP women's wing workers in the state, a party office-bearer said Wednesday.</p>

<p>The ruling BJP has organised a two-day national convention of its Mahila Morcha at Trimandir near Gandhinagar from December 21.</p>

<p>"On the second and last day of the convention, Modi would provide guidance to the women workers," Gujarat BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya said.</p>

<p>"The BJP leadership has decided to hold national conventions of the party's various wings in different states. As part of that, this national convention of the BJP Mahila Morcha will be held at Trimandir near Gandhinagar," he said, adding that the event would be held after 4 pm.</p>

<p>On December 20, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a three-day annual conference of state Director Generals of Police (DGPs), to be held at the convention facilities at the Statue of Unity near Kevadia village in his home state's Narmada district.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on December 22 to address BJP women's wing workers in the state, a party office-bearer said Wednesday. The ruling BJP has organised a two-day national convention of its Mahila Morcha at Trimandir near Gandhinagar from December 21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on December 22 to address BJP women's wing workers in the state, a party office-bearer said Wednesday. The ruling BJP has organised a two-day national convention of its Mahila Morcha at Trimandir near Gandhinagar from December 21. "On the second and last day of the convention, Modi would provide guidance to the women workers," Gujarat BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya said. "The BJP leadership has decided to hold national conventions of the party's various wings in different states. As part of that, this national convention of the BJP Mahila Morcha will be held at Trimandir near Gandhinagar," he said, adding that the event would be held after 4 pm. On December 20, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a three-day annual conference of state Director Generals of Police (DGPs), to be held at the convention facilities at the Statue of Unity near Kevadia village in his home state's Narmada district.

Modi to address BJP women workers in Gujarat on Dec 22

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the Congress, Telangana's K Chandrashekar Rao and the Mizo National Front for their victories in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-2018-live-stakes-high-ahead-of-2019-general-elections-183025">Assembly elections.</a></p>

<p>PM Modi, in a series of tweets, thanked party workers and said that "we (BJP) accept the people's mandate with humility."</p>

<p>"We accept the people’s mandate with humility. I thank the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for giving us the opportunity to serve these states. The BJP Governments in these states worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people," tweeted PM Narendra Modi.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We accept the people’s mandate with humility.<br />
<br />
I thank the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for giving us the opportunity to serve these states. The BJP Governments in these states worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072526642357198849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</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>

<p>He also wrote party worker and other parties on Twitter: “The family of BJP Karyakartas worked day and night for the state elections. I salute them for their hard work. Victory and defeat are an integral part of life. Today’s results will further our resolve to serve people and work even harder for the development of India. Congratulations to the Congress for their victories. Congratulations to KCR Garu for the thumping win in Telangana and to the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their impressive victory in Mizoram.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The family of BJP Karyakartas worked day and night for the state elections. I salute them for their hardwork.<br />
<br />
Victory and defeat are an integral part of life.<br />
<br />
Today’s results will further our resolve to serve people and work even harder for the development of India.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072528590443610112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the Congress for their victories.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to KCR Garu for the thumping win in Telangana and to the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their impressive victory in Mizoram.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072527036181303298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference sometime back saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "failed to listen to the heartbeat of the nation."</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the Congress, Telangana's K Chandrashekar Rao and the Mizo National Front for their victories in Assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the Congress, Telangana's K Chandrashekar Rao and the Mizo National Front for their victories in Assembly elections. PM Modi, in a series of tweets, thanked party workers and said that "we (BJP) accept the people's mandate with humility." "We accept the people’s mandate with humility. I thank the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for giving us the opportunity to serve these states. The BJP Governments in these states worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people," tweeted PM Narendra Modi. We accept the people’s mandate with humility. I thank the people of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for giving us the opportunity to serve these states. The BJP Governments in these states worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2018 × He also wrote party worker and other parties on Twitter: “The family of BJP Karyakartas worked day and night for the state elections. I salute them for their hard work. Victory and defeat are an integral part of life. Today’s results will further our resolve to serve people and work even harder for the development of India. Congratulations to the Congress for their victories. Congratulations to KCR Garu for the thumping win in Telangana and to the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their impressive victory in Mizoram.” The family of BJP Karyakartas worked day and night for the state elections. I salute them for their hardwork. Victory and defeat are an integral part of life. Today’s results will further our resolve to serve people and work even harder for the development of India. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2018 × Congratulations to the Congress for their victories. Congratulations to KCR Garu for the thumping win in Telangana and to the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their impressive victory in Mizoram. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2018 × Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference sometime back saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "failed to listen to the heartbeat of the nation."

'We accept the people’s mandate with humility,' says PM Narendra Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged all parties to utilise the winter session of Parliament for public interest rather than individual interests. &nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said leaders should participate in debates, even if sharp, in the winter session of Parliament.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister hoped that winter session functions more than its stipulated time and issues are taken up in public interest.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged all parties to utilise the winter session of Parliament for public interest rather than individual interests. PM Modi said leaders should participate in debates, even if sharp, in the winter session of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged all parties to utilise the winter session of Parliament for public interest rather than individual interests. PM Modi said leaders should participate in debates, even if sharp, in the winter session of Parliament. The Indian prime minister hoped that winter session functions more than its stipulated time and issues are taken up in public interest.

Leaders should participate in debates in winter session of Parliament:  PM Modi

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-2018-live-stakes-high-ahead-of-2019-general-elections-183025">looked set to lose power in the three key states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh</a>, official vote counts showed on Tuesday, likely handing Prime Minister Narendra Modi his biggest defeat since he took office in 2014, and only months ahead of a general election.</p>

<p>The results in the heartland could force the central government run by Modi's BJP to lift spending in the countryside, where more than two-thirds of India's 1.3 billion people live.</p>

<p>Political analysts say the BJP's likely defeat underscores rural dismay with the government and could help unite the opposition led by the Congress party, despite Modi's high personal popularity, in the face of criticism he did not deliver jobs for young people and better conditions for farmers.</p>

<p>"We've all voted for Congress this time and our candidate is winning here," said Bishnu Prasad Jalodia, a wheat farmer in Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress was ahead of the BJP and only slightly short of the majority needed to rule.</p>

<p>"BJP ignored us farmers, they ignored those of us at the bottom of the pyramid."</p>

<p>The elections are also a test for Rahul Gandhi, president of the left-of-centre Congress party, who is trying to forge a broad alliance with regional groups and present Modi with his most serious challenge yet, in the election that must be held by May.</p>

<p>In Rajasthan, the Congress was leading in 100 of the 199 seats contested, against 65 for the BJP, according to data in by the early evening from the Election Commission.</p>

<p>In Chhattisgarh, Congress was ahead in 62 of the 90 seats at stake, with the BJP at 13. In Madhya Pradesh, the most important of the five states that held assembly elections over the past few weeks, Congress was leading with 115 seats while BJP had 105 out of 230.</p>

<p>Regional parties were leading in two smaller states that also voted, Telangana in the south and Mizoram in the northeast.</p>

<p>Congress said it was confident of forming governments in all of the three big states. The BJP had been ruling in all three, for three terms in two of them.</p>

<p>The BJP said the state results would not necessarily dictate what happens in next year's general election.</p>

<p>Investors said the BJP had not fared as badly as feared, and nationally it would still likely have an edge over an opposition coalition in the general election.</p>

<p>Markets recovered from sharp early losses, though the central bank governor's resignation on Monday kept investors nervous.</p>

<p><strong>GOODWILL LOST</strong></p>

<p>Local issues usually dominate state polls, but politicians and analysts are seeing the elections as a pointer to the national vote just months away.</p>

<p>"A disappointing set of state election results ... suggests that the ruling national party has lost some goodwill and the risk now is that, in response, fiscal (and potentially even monetary) policy is loosened ahead of the general election when the economy is already running into capacity constraints," London-based economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note.</p>

<p>"That said, we maintain our view that the BJP will secure victory in the general election, which would allow PM Modi to get his reform agenda back on track after a lacklustre 2018."</p>

<p>Gandhi, the fourth generation scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, has sought to build a coalition of regional groups, some headed by experienced firebrand, ambitious politicians.</p>

<p>Congress has already said it would not name Gandhi, who is seen as lacking experience, as a prime ministerial candidate.</p>

<p>A lawmaker for the BJP said it had erred in focusing its campaign on partisan themes, such as building a Hindu temple at a site disputed by Muslims, instead of offering jobs and growth.</p>

<p>"I knew we would lose in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh but Madhya Pradesh trends have come as a surprise," Sanjay Kakade, a BJP member of parliament told the Reuters partner ANI media outlet.</p>

<p>"We forgot the issue of development that Modi took up in 2014."`</p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party looked set to lose power in the three key states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, official vote counts showed on Tuesday, likely handing Prime Minister Narendra Modi his biggest defeat since he took office in 2014, and only months ahead of a general election.

The Bharatiya Janata Party looked set to lose power in the three key states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, official vote counts showed on Tuesday, likely handing Prime Minister Narendra Modi his biggest defeat since he took office in 2014, and only months ahead of a general election. The results in the heartland could force the central government run by Modi's BJP to lift spending in the countryside, where more than two-thirds of India's 1.3 billion people live. Political analysts say the BJP's likely defeat underscores rural dismay with the government and could help unite the opposition led by the Congress party, despite Modi's high personal popularity, in the face of criticism he did not deliver jobs for young people and better conditions for farmers. "We've all voted for Congress this time and our candidate is winning here," said Bishnu Prasad Jalodia, a wheat farmer in Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress was ahead of the BJP and only slightly short of the majority needed to rule. "BJP ignored us farmers, they ignored those of us at the bottom of the pyramid." The elections are also a test for Rahul Gandhi, president of the left-of-centre Congress party, who is trying to forge a broad alliance with regional groups and present Modi with his most serious challenge yet, in the election that must be held by May. In Rajasthan, the Congress was leading in 100 of the 199 seats contested, against 65 for the BJP, according to data in by the early evening from the Election Commission. In Chhattisgarh, Congress was ahead in 62 of the 90 seats at stake, with the BJP at 13. In Madhya Pradesh, the most important of the five states that held assembly elections over the past few weeks, Congress was leading with 115 seats while BJP had 105 out of 230. Regional parties were leading in two smaller states that also voted, Telangana in the south and Mizoram in the northeast. Congress said it was confident of forming governments in all of the three big states. The BJP had been ruling in all three, for three terms in two of them. The BJP said the state results would not necessarily dictate what happens in next year's general election. Investors said the BJP had not fared as badly as feared, and nationally it would still likely have an edge over an opposition coalition in the general election. Markets recovered from sharp early losses, though the central bank governor's resignation on Monday kept investors nervous. GOODWILL LOST Local issues usually dominate state polls, but politicians and analysts are seeing the elections as a pointer to the national vote just months away. "A disappointing set of state election results ... suggests that the ruling national party has lost some goodwill and the risk now is that, in response, fiscal (and potentially even monetary) policy is loosened ahead of the general election when the economy is already running into capacity constraints," London-based economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note. "That said, we maintain our view that the BJP will secure victory in the general election, which would allow PM Modi to get his reform agenda back on track after a lacklustre 2018." Gandhi, the fourth generation scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, has sought to build a coalition of regional groups, some headed by experienced firebrand, ambitious politicians. Congress has already said it would not name Gandhi, who is seen as lacking experience, as a prime ministerial candidate. A lawmaker for the BJP said it had erred in focusing its campaign on partisan themes, such as building a Hindu temple at a site disputed by Muslims, instead of offering jobs and growth. "I knew we would lose in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh but Madhya Pradesh trends have come as a surprise," Sanjay Kakade, a BJP member of parliament told the Reuters partner ANI media outlet. "We forgot the issue of development that Modi took up in 2014."`

Election results could force government to up spending in rural India

PM Modi addresses media before Parliament's winter session

<p>RBI Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">Urjit Patel has resigned</a>,&nbsp;saying he was doing so for "personal reasons".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been proximate driver of Bank’s considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and directors of RBI Central Board and wish them all the best for future," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pointedly, he made no mention of the finance ministry or the government with which he had been tussling with of late over the issue of the bank's reserve funds.</p>

<p>The government was of the opinion that the bank should hand over a larger share of them to the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government was also keen that the central bank free up credit — by loosening its curbs on the non-banking financial sector — for small and medium enterprises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government had wanted to kick-start growth. (A general election is to be held before May next year.)</p>

<p>Patel is the first RBI governor to step down before completing his term since 1990.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The larger battle between the government and Patel had devolved down to one of autonomy. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had recently warned that any government that does not respect the central bank's financial autonomy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-govt-that-does-not-respect-rbis-independence-will-incur-wrath-of-markets-rbi-deputy-governor-173752">will have to face the wrath of the markets</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government however&nbsp;reportedly invoked Section 7 of the RBI act which allows it to issue directions to the central bank. The section has never before been invoked in independent India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will miss him immensely," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a pair of tweeets after Patel announced his departure.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072104938908508161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072105285303492614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also put out a pair of tweets, saying "It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2)</p>
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1072103484642783233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service. (2/2)</p>
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1072103756056195077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added that "I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service."&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement. "Support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been proximate driver of Bank’s considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and directors of RBI Central Board and wish them all the best for future," he added. Pointedly, he made no mention of the finance ministry or the government with which he had been tussling with of late over the issue of the bank's reserve funds. The government was of the opinion that the bank should hand over a larger share of them to the government. The government was also keen that the central bank free up credit — by loosening its curbs on the non-banking financial sector — for small and medium enterprises. The government had wanted to kick-start growth. (A general election is to be held before May next year.) Patel is the first RBI governor to step down before completing his term since 1990. The larger battle between the government and Patel had devolved down to one of autonomy. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had recently warned that any government that does not respect the central bank's financial autonomy will have to face the wrath of the markets. The government however reportedly invoked Section 7 of the RBI act which allows it to issue directions to the central bank. The section has never before been invoked in independent India. "We will miss him immensely," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a pair of tweeets after Patel announced his departure. Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018 × Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018 × "He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," Modi added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also put out a pair of tweets, saying "It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship." The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2) — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018 × I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service. (2/2) — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018 × He added that "I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service."

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons'

<p>American Walter K Andersen, the author of the book on the RSS "The Brotherhood in Saffron" has been a keen South Asia watcher for decades. He has worked extensively for the US government at various levels from the days Henry Kissinger. He is in India once again witnessing the state elections and the big general elections in 2019.</p>

<p>He spoke exclusively to WION on the rise of the BJP &amp; RSS, PM Modi and his relations with President Trump and other big issues connected with the ruling party.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you view PM Modi's tenure now that his government is set to face the electorate again next year?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> That is a complicated question because there are layers of success. India is now the fastest growing economy in the world today and that has been the status for the last four and a half years. The country has also received the largest foreign direct investment (FDI), I think it was $61 billion last year, which more than China. Also, infrastructure work has been going on but that has a delayed reaction, infrastructure work and FDI results do not show immediately.</p>

<p>The failure has been on the issue of jobs which has had a political impact but then no one could really do it because the number is quite high, in millions. He came into office with the expectation that he will be able to create a lot of jobs for many young people, but he has been able to help the poor... there are a large number of poor people. The health scheme is the perfect example, the gas cylinder scheme too.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Also, the BJP is now in 19 states across India which seems to have fueled it.</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Yes, the Opposition wasn't able to put up candidates which captured the imagination of the people. There has been a blowback in the three states which have gone to the polls in which the BJP seems to be running neck-and-neck but they have been in power for quite a few years.</p>

<p>Rajasthan is an example which tends to go back and forth, so if they lose Rajasthan it won't be unusual. They have dominated Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for quite some time, so it remains to be seen how much the anti-incumbency factor works against the BJP.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> As far as PM Modi the statesman is concerned, how does the West view him?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Don't forget he could not visit the US for over a dozen years due to the Godhra riots but once it was clear he was going to be prime minister in 2014, the US ambassador at the time Nancy Powell went to visit him with flowers and there was a sense that maybe he wouldn't get a good reception but in fact he has. PM Modi has been able to turnaround his preception.</p>

<p>PM Modi invited Obama and they seemed to get along beautifully with each other. I understand he invited President Trump for the Republic Day celebrations but for some reason, it didn't work out but I won't be surprised if President Trump is not invited for the big event later.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you view PM Modi's relations with President Trump?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> PM Modi worked at getting along, he did his homework on what President Trump was like, the prime minister is a very good politician. He is also a good actor, he has done it from when he was a child. If you watch him on the stage, he has a stage presence, he seems to be someone who was born for the stage.</p>

<p>He is also very good at private conversation, I have met him and he looks at you as if you are the most important person, unlike other prominent people who look over your shoulder. He remembers who you are and the circumstances in which you met him earlier which is very effective.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> And about your book "The Brotherhood In Saffron", how has that been viewed in India?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Actually, PM Modi read it and said it is outdated, he didn't say write another one (laughs). It was of course written in 1988, at that time Congress was still the dominant party, the BJP was relatively a small party, but some things haven't changed.</p>

<p>The things that have changed is India's largest labour union, India's largest student group and India's largest party - the ruling party - and you can just go down the list and you can see how the RSS has penetrated in all parts of society.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> The rise of the RSS has been quite meteoric in the last few years.</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Yes, the growth was driven by the economic reforms of the 90s and as the Indian economy grew, urbanisation began to take place and that seems to have worked to the benefit of the Sangh including the BJP.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you view the effect of the RSS on the party and then the country?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Obviously, it has some influence. During the elections their cadre worked for the party. In the recent state elections, the RSS cadres went all out in Rajasthan and they used their polling network and the grassroots connect to find out how was the party faring and they got word that they have problems, so in the last few weeks they activated the cadre to attend the local meetings. In fact, the RSS is the best polling agency in India. They really go to the local level - the <em>shakhas</em> and they collect local information and pass it to the party.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you think that affects the party?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> There is a common feeling that the BJP and the RSS sit down together but that is incorrect. Both are separate organizations and they have differences. Right now the big issue is the Ram Temple at Ayodhya.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> The view of the party and RSS it seems differs...</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Yes, the RSS and some of the affiliates like the VHP want the construction of the Ram Temple to start tomorrow but within the party, they think we need legislation and there are other views. The other big issue is on development.</p>

<p>The RSS has a much more older, protective view on the Indian economy. It is much less enthusiastic about FDI. The affiliates too the Mazdoor Sangh, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch were organised in the late 90s to oppose FDI and it still does.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Is that good for the country?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> It certainly hasn't harmed the country, it has generated debate which one does not often see in political parties. It allows them to think. PM Modi sides with globalisation because he thinks it creates more jobs. He comes from a small enterprise background, his father ran a tea shop, so he understands you have to keep a ledger of inputs and outputs... so he understands as a young person the frustrations involved in moving up the ranks.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> In foreign affairs, what do you think has been PM Modi's greatest achievement?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Ironically, I think it is getting India more involved in the international community and in relations with China. It now wants to improve its relations with India. PM Modi too wants to improve relations with China, he has been there several times. He has said some very complimentary things about China but he is a nationalist and the Chinese recognise it.</p>

<p>The RSS wants him to protect India's security and PM Modi has done it at Doklam, he has been able to do it and both sides declared victory which is the best thing - a win-win situation.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> And finally, how do you see Amit Shah and PM Modi working together?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> It is a remarkable pair. I haven't seen anything like it in Indian politics. There is an example of this in the late 19th century in Germany with Bismark who would organise things and the Emperor who was the public figure. A man like Amit Shah is all organization, he works the ground... he has no doubt built the most effective political organisation which is the BJP.</p>

<p>Amit Shah has worked at the booth level and has people who give feedback and analysis, so planning and execution helps the party and PM Modi and Amit Shah get along well too. They are two very self-possessed individuals, not insulted easily, a lot of people feel insulted, in that sense he is much like our President but then if you feel insulted, you should never be in politics.</p>

<p>I would like to have either one of them on my side in a battle, they are tough guys.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> But for the BJP the question is what next?</p>

<p><strong>Walter K Andersen:</strong> Yes that is true, there does not seem to be a successor. It is true for Amit Shah as well. He has deputies but none that I know who is waiting to step in... the party needs both PM Modi and Amit Shah.</p>


American Walter K Andersen, the author of the book on the RSS "The Brotherhood in Saffron" has been a keen South Asia watcher for decades. He has worked extensively for the US government at various levels from the days Henry Kissinger.

American Walter K Andersen, the author of the book on the RSS "The Brotherhood in Saffron" has been a keen South Asia watcher for decades. He has worked extensively for the US government at various levels from the days Henry Kissinger. He is in India once again witnessing the state elections and the big general elections in 2019. He spoke exclusively to WION on the rise of the BJP & RSS, PM Modi and his relations with President Trump and other big issues connected with the ruling party. WION: How do you view PM Modi's tenure now that his government is set to face the electorate again next year? Walter K Andersen: That is a complicated question because there are layers of success. India is now the fastest growing economy in the world today and that has been the status for the last four and a half years. The country has also received the largest foreign direct investment (FDI), I think it was $61 billion last year, which more than China. Also, infrastructure work has been going on but that has a delayed reaction, infrastructure work and FDI results do not show immediately. The failure has been on the issue of jobs which has had a political impact but then no one could really do it because the number is quite high, in millions. He came into office with the expectation that he will be able to create a lot of jobs for many young people, but he has been able to help the poor... there are a large number of poor people. The health scheme is the perfect example, the gas cylinder scheme too. WION: Also, the BJP is now in 19 states across India which seems to have fueled it. Walter K Andersen: Yes, the Opposition wasn't able to put up candidates which captured the imagination of the people. There has been a blowback in the three states which have gone to the polls in which the BJP seems to be running neck-and-neck but they have been in power for quite a few years. Rajasthan is an example which tends to go back and forth, so if they lose Rajasthan it won't be unusual. They have dominated Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for quite some time, so it remains to be seen how much the anti-incumbency factor works against the BJP. WION: As far as PM Modi the statesman is concerned, how does the West view him? Walter K Andersen: Don't forget he could not visit the US for over a dozen years due to the Godhra riots but once it was clear he was going to be prime minister in 2014, the US ambassador at the time Nancy Powell went to visit him with flowers and there was a sense that maybe he wouldn't get a good reception but in fact he has. PM Modi has been able to turnaround his preception. PM Modi invited Obama and they seemed to get along beautifully with each other. I understand he invited President Trump for the Republic Day celebrations but for some reason, it didn't work out but I won't be surprised if President Trump is not invited for the big event later. WION: How do you view PM Modi's relations with President Trump? Walter K Andersen: PM Modi worked at getting along, he did his homework on what President Trump was like, the prime minister is a very good politician. He is also a good actor, he has done it from when he was a child. If you watch him on the stage, he has a stage presence, he seems to be someone who was born for the stage. He is also very good at private conversation, I have met him and he looks at you as if you are the most important person, unlike other prominent people who look over your shoulder. He remembers who you are and the circumstances in which you met him earlier which is very effective. WION: And about your book "The Brotherhood In Saffron", how has that been viewed in India? Walter K Andersen: Actually, PM Modi read it and said it is outdated, he didn't say write another one (laughs). It was of course written in 1988, at that time Congress was still the dominant party, the BJP was relatively a small party, but some things haven't changed. The things that have changed is India's largest labour union, India's largest student group and India's largest party - the ruling party - and you can just go down the list and you can see how the RSS has penetrated in all parts of society. WION: The rise of the RSS has been quite meteoric in the last few years. Walter K Andersen: Yes, the growth was driven by the economic reforms of the 90s and as the Indian economy grew, urbanisation began to take place and that seems to have worked to the benefit of the Sangh including the BJP. WION: How do you view the effect of the RSS on the party and then the country? Walter K Andersen: Obviously, it has some influence. During the elections their cadre worked for the party. In the recent state elections, the RSS cadres went all out in Rajasthan and they used their polling network and the grassroots connect to find out how was the party faring and they got word that they have problems, so in the last few weeks they activated the cadre to attend the local meetings. In fact, the RSS is the best polling agency in India. They really go to the local level - the shakhas and they collect local information and pass it to the party. WION: How do you think that affects the party? Walter K Andersen: There is a common feeling that the BJP and the RSS sit down together but that is incorrect. Both are separate organizations and they have differences. Right now the big issue is the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. WION: The view of the party and RSS it seems differs... Walter K Andersen: Yes, the RSS and some of the affiliates like the VHP want the construction of the Ram Temple to start tomorrow but within the party, they think we need legislation and there are other views. The other big issue is on development. The RSS has a much more older, protective view on the Indian economy. It is much less enthusiastic about FDI. The affiliates too the Mazdoor Sangh, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch were organised in the late 90s to oppose FDI and it still does. WION: Is that good for the country? Walter K Andersen: It certainly hasn't harmed the country, it has generated debate which one does not often see in political parties. It allows them to think. PM Modi sides with globalisation because he thinks it creates more jobs. He comes from a small enterprise background, his father ran a tea shop, so he understands you have to keep a ledger of inputs and outputs... so he understands as a young person the frustrations involved in moving up the ranks. WION: In foreign affairs, what do you think has been PM Modi's greatest achievement? Walter K Andersen: Ironically, I think it is getting India more involved in the international community and in relations with China. It now wants to improve its relations with India. PM Modi too wants to improve relations with China, he has been there several times. He has said some very complimentary things about China but he is a nationalist and the Chinese recognise it. The RSS wants him to protect India's security and PM Modi has done it at Doklam, he has been able to do it and both sides declared victory which is the best thing - a win-win situation. WION: And finally, how do you see Amit Shah and PM Modi working together? Walter K Andersen: It is a remarkable pair. I haven't seen anything like it in Indian politics. There is an example of this in the late 19th century in Germany with Bismark who would organise things and the Emperor who was the public figure. A man like Amit Shah is all organization, he works the ground... he has no doubt built the most effective political organisation which is the BJP. Amit Shah has worked at the booth level and has people who give feedback and analysis, so planning and execution helps the party and PM Modi and Amit Shah get along well too. They are two very self-possessed individuals, not insulted easily, a lot of people feel insulted, in that sense he is much like our President but then if you feel insulted, you should never be in politics. I would like to have either one of them on my side in a battle, they are tough guys. WION: But for the BJP the question is what next? Walter K Andersen: Yes that is true, there does not seem to be a successor. It is true for Amit Shah as well. He has deputies but none that I know who is waiting to step in... the party needs both PM Modi and Amit Shah.

Watch: PM Modi, Amit Shah a remarkable pair in Indian politics, says India watcher Andersen

<p>&nbsp;Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the prime minister's office and senior journalist Jagdish Thakkar passed away here Monday. Thakkar, 72, who was unwell for some time, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here.<br />
<br />
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise, saying he was a wonderful person who loved his work.<br />
<br />
"Extremely saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO. Jagdishbhai was a veteran journalist and I had the pleasure of working with him for years, both in Gujarat and in Delhi. He was known for his simplicity and warm-hearted nature," the PM tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met the family of late Shri Jagdish Thakkar and expressed condolences on Jagdishbhai’s unfortunate demise.<br />
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Shri Thakkar served as the PRO to PM and had previously worked with various Chief Ministers of Gujarat. He distinguished himself as a veteran journalist. <a href="https://t.co/ZTrVCNtD9E">pic.twitter.com/ZTrVCNtD9E</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1071975206623809536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said several journalists would have regularly interacted with Jagdishbhai over the years.<br />
<br />
He had previously served with many chief ministers of Gujarat.<br />
<br />
"We have lost a wonderful person, who loved his work and did it with utmost diligence. Condolences to his family and well-wishers," Modi said.</p>


Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the prime minister's office and senior journalist Jagdish Thakkar passed away here Monday. Thakkar, 72, who was unwell for some time, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the prime minister's office and senior journalist Jagdish Thakkar passed away here Monday. Thakkar, 72, who was unwell for some time, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise, saying he was a wonderful person who loved his work. "Extremely saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO. Jagdishbhai was a veteran journalist and I had the pleasure of working with him for years, both in Gujarat and in Delhi. He was known for his simplicity and warm-hearted nature," the PM tweeted. PM @narendramodi met the family of late Shri Jagdish Thakkar and expressed condolences on Jagdishbhai’s unfortunate demise. Shri Thakkar served as the PRO to PM and had previously worked with various Chief Ministers of Gujarat. He distinguished himself as a veteran journalist. pic.twitter.com/ZTrVCNtD9E — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 10, 2018 × He said several journalists would have regularly interacted with Jagdishbhai over the years. He had previously served with many chief ministers of Gujarat. "We have lost a wonderful person, who loved his work and did it with utmost diligence. Condolences to his family and well-wishers," Modi said.

PRO in Prime Minister's Office Jagdish Thakkar passes away at 72

<p>Rajasthan witnessed over one per cent lower voter turnout in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-polling-concludes-in-rajasthan-telangana-727-turnout-till-5pm-in-rajasthan-182256"> Friday's assembly poll </a>as compared to the previous assembly election despite marathon election rallies by star campaigners of both the BJP and the Congress.</p>

<p>As per the Chief Election Office, voter turnout in 2018 assembly election was recorded at 74.12 per cent compared to 75.23 per cent in 2013 despite its efforts to create awareness among voters through various means.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The department was expecting a surge in voter turnout this election considering a rise of 20 lakh new youth voters in state electoral rolls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan Chief Election Officer (CEO) had said he had expected a better poll percentage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Top campaigners including Prime Minister Narendra and Congress president Rahul Gandhi had addressed 12 and 9 public meetings respectively in Rajasthan where assembly elections to 199 of the 200 seats were held on December 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contrary to the sea of the crowd in the rallies, voting percentage in the respective areas were less.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Prime Minister's rallies, the voting percentage increased only in Dausa (78.41 per cent in 2018 compared to 75.68 per cent in 2013) and Nagaur (73.53 per cent in 2018 compared to 72.03 per cent in 2013).</p>

<p>Voting percentage in other areas, including Bhilwara, Bharatpur, Sikar or Hanumangarh where the prime minister held rallies remained less than the previous assembly election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Election rallies of Congress Rahul Gandhi too could not create a big impact among the people of the state. Voting percentage was recorded 1 to 2 per cent less than the previous assembly election where his public meetings were held.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP dissident and crowd puller Hanuman Beniwal who fought the election from Khinvsar assembly seats in 2013 and 2018 election could not woo the voters in his favour.</p>

<p>The voting percentage which was 77.10 per cent in 2013 was recorded at 75.26 per cent in the 2018 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress general secretary Sushil Sharma attributes lesser voting percentage to circumstances in both the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that 'Modi wave' had influenced the voters in the state in 2013, which was not seen in 2018 elections. In such circumstances, Congress will get the benefit in these polls, he claimed.</p>

<p>Senior BJP leader Onkar Singh Lakhawat said that over 74 per cent voter turnout figure cannot be termed poor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said it would be unfair to blame star campaigners for less voting percentage compared to last elections as image, caste equation of candidate and other factors also affect the voting process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting will be undertaken on December 11.</p>


Rajasthan witnessed over one per cent lower voter turnout in Friday's assembly poll as compared to the previous assembly election despite marathon election rallies by star campaigners of both the BJP and the Congress.

Rajasthan witnessed over one per cent lower voter turnout in Friday's assembly poll as compared to the previous assembly election despite marathon election rallies by star campaigners of both the BJP and the Congress. As per the Chief Election Office, voter turnout in 2018 assembly election was recorded at 74.12 per cent compared to 75.23 per cent in 2013 despite its efforts to create awareness among voters through various means. The department was expecting a surge in voter turnout this election considering a rise of 20 lakh new youth voters in state electoral rolls. Rajasthan Chief Election Officer (CEO) had said he had expected a better poll percentage. Top campaigners including Prime Minister Narendra and Congress president Rahul Gandhi had addressed 12 and 9 public meetings respectively in Rajasthan where assembly elections to 199 of the 200 seats were held on December 7. Contrary to the sea of the crowd in the rallies, voting percentage in the respective areas were less. After Prime Minister's rallies, the voting percentage increased only in Dausa (78.41 per cent in 2018 compared to 75.68 per cent in 2013) and Nagaur (73.53 per cent in 2018 compared to 72.03 per cent in 2013). Voting percentage in other areas, including Bhilwara, Bharatpur, Sikar or Hanumangarh where the prime minister held rallies remained less than the previous assembly election. Election rallies of Congress Rahul Gandhi too could not create a big impact among the people of the state. Voting percentage was recorded 1 to 2 per cent less than the previous assembly election where his public meetings were held. BJP dissident and crowd puller Hanuman Beniwal who fought the election from Khinvsar assembly seats in 2013 and 2018 election could not woo the voters in his favour. The voting percentage which was 77.10 per cent in 2013 was recorded at 75.26 per cent in the 2018 elections. Congress general secretary Sushil Sharma attributes lesser voting percentage to circumstances in both the elections. He said that 'Modi wave' had influenced the voters in the state in 2013, which was not seen in 2018 elections. In such circumstances, Congress will get the benefit in these polls, he claimed. Senior BJP leader Onkar Singh Lakhawat said that over 74 per cent voter turnout figure cannot be termed poor. He said it would be unfair to blame star campaigners for less voting percentage compared to last elections as image, caste equation of candidate and other factors also affect the voting process. Counting will be undertaken on December 11.

Rajasthan Assembly polls: Less voting percentage despite star campaigners

<p>As campaigning in the five state assembly elections winds down, the day of reckoning, December 11, looms. We will have a good idea of winners and losers by early afternoon, next Tuesday.</p>

<p>The results in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are especially crucial. A Congress victory in Rajasthan seems near certain, but Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are too close to call.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested personal political capital in both states. Though he has addressed fewer rallies than he did in Gujarat and Karnataka, the proximity of these assembly elections to the 2019 Lok Sabha poll gives their outcome a sharp edge.</p>

<p>Beyond the results though lies another critical question: has Prime Minister Narendra Modi over-extended himself? Few prime ministers after Indira Gandhi have campaigned as extensively as Modi. Rajiv Gandhi was not as enthusiastic a campaigner as his mother. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh too were not their parties’ star electoral campaigners.</p>

<p>Modi was nominated as head of the BJP’s campaign committee at the controversial national executive council meeting in Goa in June 2013 which LK Advani boycotted. It was only three months later, in September 2013, that then party president Rajnath Singh succeeded in nominating Modi, against fierce opposition from the Advani camp, as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. As late as August 2013, it was not certain Modi would, in fact, be declared the party’s prime ministerial candidate.</p>

<p>As campaign chief, Modi was then barnstorming across India ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Meeting him in his chief minister’s office in Gandhinagar, I told him bluntly that if the party did not declare him the prime ministerial candidate, he should ease up on his relentless, bone-crushing campaign and let other senior leaders, including those in the Advani camp opposing him, share the burden. Weeks later, Modi was officially declared the party’s PM candidate.</p>

<p>That though raises a question few have asked: has being the party’s chief electoral campaigner in multiple state polls over the past five election-heavy years cut into his role as prime minister? Modi already functions as the de facto foreign minister. He holds several cabinet portfolios. He travels abroad extensively, including last week’s G20 summit in Argentina. Is even the 18-hour workday that Modi puts in seven days a week enough to do justice to all the roles he has taken upon himself?</p>

<p>In a recently published book (Making of New India: Transformation Under Modi Government) to which I contributed a chapter, I wrote: “One of the challenges the prime minister has faced is fulfilling his multiple roles. Modi is the BJP’s most charismatic electoral asset. He leads the country’s global diplomatic outreach. And he oversees the work of a large Union Cabinet as well as a vast bureaucracy. These roles require sharply different approaches. Election campaigning needs exceptional oratory and the ability to connect with the masses. Global diplomacy requires the ability to present India’s case to world leaders with brevity, clarity and a natural, earthy self-confidence. But the most taxing is dealing with issues at home through the cabinet, the amorphous prime minister’s office (PMO) and a swathe of department officials.”</p>

<p>Over the past two weeks, Modi has travelled to Buenos Aires to meet world leaders at the G20 summit, campaigned in Rajasthan, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh and reviewed progress on dozens of welfare schemes monitored by groups of ministers and secretaries.</p>

<p>Campaigning takes the most toll. In the absence of other vote-catchers, the onus falls on Modi. Party president Amit Shah, rather than any senior minister, takes on a supplementary role. Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman, who form the inner core of the cabinet and are members of the cabinet committee on security (CCS), have played a minimal role in campaigning for the five state assembly elections.</p>

<p>They are, due to health and other reasons, unlikely to campaign actively for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It is for this reason that Modi has called for simultaneous parliamentary and assembly elections. Almost year-around campaigning takes away far too much time and energy.</p>

<p>Constitutional and logistical reasons, however, make simultaneous elections virtually impossible. Modi is thus left with the prospect of dividing his time between domestic governance, foreign affairs and electioneering. As a result, much of policymaking that should belong to the cabinet is delegated to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and then farmed out to groups of ministers and secretaries.</p>

<p>In Gujarat, relying on a tightly monitored bureaucracy worked well. In labyrinthic Delhi, where intrigue lurks around every corner, it hasn’t. The contretemps in the CBI, the dissonance with the RBI and the continuing slugfest over the Rafale deal underscore how a government can be undermined.</p>

<p>Modi at 67 is remarkably fit but the burden of carrying so many responsibilities will eventually tell on him. If the BJP-led NDA manage to form the government in 2019, he will need to change his strategy: bring more lateral talent into the cabinet, allow younger ministers to campaign across states and impose stronger control over the bureaucracy, especially in the ministries of finance, defence and civil aviation.</p>

<p>In May 2014, the question was: would Modi reform intrigue-plagued Delhi or would Delhi co-opt him? That question will be answered in May 2019.<br />
<br />
<em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-onerous-art-of-multi-tasking-2692659">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


As campaigning in the five state assembly elections winds down, the day of reckoning, December 11, looms. We will have a good idea of winners and losers by early afternoon, next Tuesday.

As campaigning in the five state assembly elections winds down, the day of reckoning, December 11, looms. We will have a good idea of winners and losers by early afternoon, next Tuesday. The results in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are especially crucial. A Congress victory in Rajasthan seems near certain, but Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are too close to call. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested personal political capital in both states. Though he has addressed fewer rallies than he did in Gujarat and Karnataka, the proximity of these assembly elections to the 2019 Lok Sabha poll gives their outcome a sharp edge. Beyond the results though lies another critical question: has Prime Minister Narendra Modi over-extended himself? Few prime ministers after Indira Gandhi have campaigned as extensively as Modi. Rajiv Gandhi was not as enthusiastic a campaigner as his mother. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh too were not their parties’ star electoral campaigners. Modi was nominated as head of the BJP’s campaign committee at the controversial national executive council meeting in Goa in June 2013 which LK Advani boycotted. It was only three months later, in September 2013, that then party president Rajnath Singh succeeded in nominating Modi, against fierce opposition from the Advani camp, as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. As late as August 2013, it was not certain Modi would, in fact, be declared the party’s prime ministerial candidate. As campaign chief, Modi was then barnstorming across India ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Meeting him in his chief minister’s office in Gandhinagar, I told him bluntly that if the party did not declare him the prime ministerial candidate, he should ease up on his relentless, bone-crushing campaign and let other senior leaders, including those in the Advani camp opposing him, share the burden. Weeks later, Modi was officially declared the party’s PM candidate. That though raises a question few have asked: has being the party’s chief electoral campaigner in multiple state polls over the past five election-heavy years cut into his role as prime minister? Modi already functions as the de facto foreign minister. He holds several cabinet portfolios. He travels abroad extensively, including last week’s G20 summit in Argentina. Is even the 18-hour workday that Modi puts in seven days a week enough to do justice to all the roles he has taken upon himself? In a recently published book (Making of New India: Transformation Under Modi Government) to which I contributed a chapter, I wrote: “One of the challenges the prime minister has faced is fulfilling his multiple roles. Modi is the BJP’s most charismatic electoral asset. He leads the country’s global diplomatic outreach. And he oversees the work of a large Union Cabinet as well as a vast bureaucracy. These roles require sharply different approaches. Election campaigning needs exceptional oratory and the ability to connect with the masses. Global diplomacy requires the ability to present India’s case to world leaders with brevity, clarity and a natural, earthy self-confidence. But the most taxing is dealing with issues at home through the cabinet, the amorphous prime minister’s office (PMO) and a swathe of department officials.” Over the past two weeks, Modi has travelled to Buenos Aires to meet world leaders at the G20 summit, campaigned in Rajasthan, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh and reviewed progress on dozens of welfare schemes monitored by groups of ministers and secretaries. Campaigning takes the most toll. In the absence of other vote-catchers, the onus falls on Modi. Party president Amit Shah, rather than any senior minister, takes on a supplementary role. Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman, who form the inner core of the cabinet and are members of the cabinet committee on security (CCS), have played a minimal role in campaigning for the five state assembly elections. They are, due to health and other reasons, unlikely to campaign actively for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It is for this reason that Modi has called for simultaneous parliamentary and assembly elections. Almost year-around campaigning takes away far too much time and energy. Constitutional and logistical reasons, however, make simultaneous elections virtually impossible. Modi is thus left with the prospect of dividing his time between domestic governance, foreign affairs and electioneering. As a result, much of policymaking that should belong to the cabinet is delegated to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and then farmed out to groups of ministers and secretaries. In Gujarat, relying on a tightly monitored bureaucracy worked well. In labyrinthic Delhi, where intrigue lurks around every corner, it hasn’t. The contretemps in the CBI, the dissonance with the RBI and the continuing slugfest over the Rafale deal underscore how a government can be undermined. Modi at 67 is remarkably fit but the burden of carrying so many responsibilities will eventually tell on him. If the BJP-led NDA manage to form the government in 2019, he will need to change his strategy: bring more lateral talent into the cabinet, allow younger ministers to campaign across states and impose stronger control over the bureaucracy, especially in the ministries of finance, defence and civil aviation. In May 2014, the question was: would Modi reform intrigue-plagued Delhi or would Delhi co-opt him? That question will be answered in May 2019. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Onerous art of multi-tasking

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a happy married life to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrABGdtl7R7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Congratulations @priyankachopra and @nickjonas. Wishing you a happy married life.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/narendramodi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Narendra Modi</a> (@narendramodi) on <time datetime="2018-12-05T09:15:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 5, 2018 at 1:15am PST</time></p>
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<p>Making the night special for newlyweds, Prime Minister Modi attended their wedding reception in Delhi on Tuesday. He congratulated the couple and gifted a rose to the couple as a token of best wishes.</p>

<p>Sharing a snap from the reception, The Prime Minister wished the couple, writing,"Congratulations @priyankachopra and @nickjonas. Wishing you a happy married life."</p>

<p>In the candid photo, all three are seen greeting each other with a namaste.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Priyanka and Nick turned hosts at their grand wedding reception, held at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in the national capital.</p>

<p>The newlyweds looked their stylish best at the celebrations. While Priyanka was oozing radiance in a stunning sequin lehenga by Falguni-Shane Peacock, Nick opted for a more formal look, donning a black velvet tuxedo with matching shoes.</p>

<p>Priyanka and Nick tied the knot on December 1 and 2 in two elaborate ceremonies at Jodhpur`s Umaid Bhawan Palace. They first got hitched in a Christian wedding ceremony which was even more special as it was officiated by Nick`s father, Paul Kevin Jonas Sr. On the second day, they got married as per Hindu wedding rituals.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a happy married life to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. View this post on Instagram Congratulations @priyankachopra and @nickjonas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a happy married life to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. View this post on Instagram Congratulations @priyankachopra and @nickjonas. Wishing you a happy married life. A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on Dec 5, 2018 at 1:15am PST × Making the night special for newlyweds, Prime Minister Modi attended their wedding reception in Delhi on Tuesday. He congratulated the couple and gifted a rose to the couple as a token of best wishes. Sharing a snap from the reception, The Prime Minister wished the couple, writing,"Congratulations @priyankachopra and @nickjonas. Wishing you a happy married life." In the candid photo, all three are seen greeting each other with a namaste. Priyanka and Nick turned hosts at their grand wedding reception, held at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in the national capital. The newlyweds looked their stylish best at the celebrations. While Priyanka was oozing radiance in a stunning sequin lehenga by Falguni-Shane Peacock, Nick opted for a more formal look, donning a black velvet tuxedo with matching shoes. Priyanka and Nick tied the knot on December 1 and 2 in two elaborate ceremonies at Jodhpur`s Umaid Bhawan Palace. They first got hitched in a Christian wedding ceremony which was even more special as it was officiated by Nick`s father, Paul Kevin Jonas Sr. On the second day, they got married as per Hindu wedding rituals.

Narendra Modi wishes Priyanka and Nick a 'happy married life'

<p>Indian foreign policy is in a sweet spot these days. Wooed by major powers of all hues, it can afford to work with everyone, even if at times the pulls and pressures seem contradictory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was reflected at the G20 where New Delhi managed to pull off two seemingly contradictory trilaterals. Modi met with United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Japan, America and India, christened JAI) to underscore India’s firm commitment to make the Indo-Pacific a region for shared economic growth, prosperity and security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indo-Pacific construct is now at the centre of strategic jockeying in the region and the three nations have been trying to define the exact scope of their engagement. Modi had explained India’s stand on the strategic Indo-Pacific region in his keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in June.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“India does not see the Indo-Pacific Region as a strategy or as a club of limited members. Nor as a grouping that seeks to dominate,” he had said. But China’s rapid rise and the challenge it is posing to geopolitical stability is at the heart of the evolution of the Indo-Pacific and the trilateral in Argentina reinforced the desire of the three states to take it forward. Hours after the ‘JAI’ trilateral, Modi joined Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for another trilateral – the ‘RIC’ - the second among the three countries after a gap of 12 years. The underlying rationale for this trilateral was quite different as the three nations discussed enhancing mutual cooperation at international forums. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “They agreed on the importance of reform and strengthening of multilateral institutions that had benefitted the world, including the United Nations, WTO and well-established as well as new global financial institutions.”</p>

<p>While China is the one driving ‘JAI,’ it is the Trump Administration’s challenge to the global economic order that is largely behind India’s outreach to China and Russia. The fact that New Delhi managed to pull this off is a tribute to Modi’s astute investment in managing major power relations over the last few years. This is a period of fluid partnerships and Indian diplomacy will have to be nimble enough if her interests are to be preserved. Modi’s engagements at the G-20 underline that New Delhi is capable of managing this fluidity. India’s defence diplomacy is also being shaped by this reality.<br />
<br />
By the end of this year, India would have held military exercises with all P5 countries - US, Russia, China, France and the UK. So on one hand, there is the proposed military exercise with Russia and China, on the other 'Cope India’ between the Indian and US air forces has been restarted after a gap of nine years, showcasing “US and India’s efforts and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”India and Russia conducted Indo-Russia Joint Military Exercise-Indra 2018 in Madhya Pradesh last week while Indo-UK Konkan naval exercise is currently underway, off Goa, which is focusing on Anti-Air warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Seamanship Evolutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) is in India for a bilateral air exercise “SHINYUU Maitri-18” with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman is visiting the US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to chart the course for the first ever India-US tri-service military exercise off the Bay of Bengal in May-June, 2019. At the same time, the armies of India and China will be resuming their annual bilateral military exercise ‘Hand in Hand’ in December.<br />
<br />
India’s defence diplomacy has become truly ‘multivector’ and it is aimed at enhancing her strategic partnerships. It is a sign of India’s growing global profile that most powers want to engage with India on military and defence issues. The more partnerships India has, the better leverage it will have within diplomacy. But it is also important to recognise the challenges that come with this. Ultimately, India will have to enhance military interoperability with like-minded countries and that’s unlikely to happen if New Delhi will continue to keep its eggs in multiple baskets. It is good to be in a position where everyone wants to befriend us, but Indian policymakers should be aware of the fundamental challenge: which of these countries would come for help in face of an existential challenge?</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-profile-is-attracting-engagement-on-military-issues-2692655">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Indian foreign policy is in a sweet spot these days. Wooed by major powers of all hues, it can afford to work with everyone, even if at times the pulls and pressures seem contradictory.

Indian foreign policy is in a sweet spot these days. Wooed by major powers of all hues, it can afford to work with everyone, even if at times the pulls and pressures seem contradictory. This was reflected at the G20 where New Delhi managed to pull off two seemingly contradictory trilaterals. Modi met with United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Japan, America and India, christened JAI) to underscore India’s firm commitment to make the Indo-Pacific a region for shared economic growth, prosperity and security. The Indo-Pacific construct is now at the centre of strategic jockeying in the region and the three nations have been trying to define the exact scope of their engagement. Modi had explained India’s stand on the strategic Indo-Pacific region in his keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in June. “India does not see the Indo-Pacific Region as a strategy or as a club of limited members. Nor as a grouping that seeks to dominate,” he had said. But China’s rapid rise and the challenge it is posing to geopolitical stability is at the heart of the evolution of the Indo-Pacific and the trilateral in Argentina reinforced the desire of the three states to take it forward. Hours after the ‘JAI’ trilateral, Modi joined Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for another trilateral – the ‘RIC’ - the second among the three countries after a gap of 12 years. The underlying rationale for this trilateral was quite different as the three nations discussed enhancing mutual cooperation at international forums. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “They agreed on the importance of reform and strengthening of multilateral institutions that had benefitted the world, including the United Nations, WTO and well-established as well as new global financial institutions.” While China is the one driving ‘JAI,’ it is the Trump Administration’s challenge to the global economic order that is largely behind India’s outreach to China and Russia. The fact that New Delhi managed to pull this off is a tribute to Modi’s astute investment in managing major power relations over the last few years. This is a period of fluid partnerships and Indian diplomacy will have to be nimble enough if her interests are to be preserved. Modi’s engagements at the G-20 underline that New Delhi is capable of managing this fluidity. India’s defence diplomacy is also being shaped by this reality. By the end of this year, India would have held military exercises with all P5 countries - US, Russia, China, France and the UK. So on one hand, there is the proposed military exercise with Russia and China, on the other 'Cope India’ between the Indian and US air forces has been restarted after a gap of nine years, showcasing “US and India’s efforts and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”India and Russia conducted Indo-Russia Joint Military Exercise-Indra 2018 in Madhya Pradesh last week while Indo-UK Konkan naval exercise is currently underway, off Goa, which is focusing on Anti-Air warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Seamanship Evolutions. The Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) is in India for a bilateral air exercise “SHINYUU Maitri-18” with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman is visiting the US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii to chart the course for the first ever India-US tri-service military exercise off the Bay of Bengal in May-June, 2019. At the same time, the armies of India and China will be resuming their annual bilateral military exercise ‘Hand in Hand’ in December. India’s defence diplomacy has become truly ‘multivector’ and it is aimed at enhancing her strategic partnerships. It is a sign of India’s growing global profile that most powers want to engage with India on military and defence issues. The more partnerships India has, the better leverage it will have within diplomacy. But it is also important to recognise the challenges that come with this. Ultimately, India will have to enhance military interoperability with like-minded countries and that’s unlikely to happen if New Delhi will continue to keep its eggs in multiple baskets. It is good to be in a position where everyone wants to befriend us, but Indian policymakers should be aware of the fundamental challenge: which of these countries would come for help in face of an existential challenge? (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s profile is attracting engagement on military issues

PM Modi crosses 15 million followers on Instagram — continues to be at No 1 spot

<p>rime Minister Narendra Modi attended Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' wedding reception in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Priyanka and Nick got married in Jodhpur on 1st and 2nd December and arrived in Delhi on Monday evening. The PM gifted a rose each to the bride and the groom.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-OdiQHylV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#narendramodi at the wedding #priyankachopra #nickjonas #weddingreception ❤️ #delhi #priyankakishaadi @viralbhayani</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/viralbhayani/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Viral Bhayani</a> (@viralbhayani) on <time datetime="2018-12-04T16:34:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 4, 2018 at 8:34am PST</time></p>
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<p>Priyanka introduced the PM to her family members as well as her in-laws.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This is the first reception the couple is hosting.</p>

<p>Prior to the reception, Priyanka and Nick also posed for a photo-op outside the venue for the media. The couple had eyes just for each other as they gazed at each other holding hands and posed for the media. Priyanka wore a Falguni and Shane Peacock silver lehenga whereas her groom Nick wore a blue-black velvet jacket and black trousers.</p>

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<p>Nick's brother Joe Jonas also posed with his fiancee Sophie Turner who looked stunning in a Sabyasachi lehenga.</p>

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<p>The newlyweds also posed with their family members for the press- Priyanka's mother and brother and Nick's parents and grandmother.</p>

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The couple will host another reception in Mumbai later this week. Most of Bollywood celebrities are expected to be a part of the guest list.</p>

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<br />
Earlier on Tuesday, People magazine <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-chopra-and-nick-jonass-wedding-was-straight-out-of-a-fairytale-see-pics-video-181458">released inside photos and videos of the couple's fairytale</a> wedding that spanned over 5 days at Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur. The couple reportedly sold the rights of their wedding photos to the magazine for a whopping Rs 18 crores.</p>

<p>(Images by Yogen Shah)</p>


rime Minister Narendra Modi attended Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' wedding reception in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Priyanka and Nick got married in Jodhpur on 1st and 2nd December and arrived in Delhi on Monday evening.

rime Minister Narendra Modi attended Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' wedding reception in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Priyanka and Nick got married in Jodhpur on 1st and 2nd December and arrived in Delhi on Monday evening. The PM gifted a rose each to the bride and the groom. View this post on Instagram #narendramodi #priyankachopra #nickjonas #weddingreception ❤️ #delhi #priyankakishaadi @viralbhayani A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) on Dec 4, 2018 at 8:30am PST × View this post on Instagram #narendramodi at the wedding #priyankachopra #nickjonas #weddingreception ❤️ #delhi #priyankakishaadi @viralbhayani A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) on Dec 4, 2018 at 8:34am PST × Priyanka introduced the PM to her family members as well as her in-laws. This is the first reception the couple is hosting. Prior to the reception, Priyanka and Nick also posed for a photo-op outside the venue for the media. The couple had eyes just for each other as they gazed at each other holding hands and posed for the media. Priyanka wore a Falguni and Shane Peacock silver lehenga whereas her groom Nick wore a blue-black velvet jacket and black trousers. Nick's brother Joe Jonas also posed with his fiancee Sophie Turner who looked stunning in a Sabyasachi lehenga. The newlyweds also posed with their family members for the press- Priyanka's mother and brother and Nick's parents and grandmother. The couple will host another reception in Mumbai later this week. Most of Bollywood celebrities are expected to be a part of the guest list. Earlier on Tuesday, People magazine released inside photos and videos of the couple's fairytale wedding that spanned over 5 days at Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur. The couple reportedly sold the rights of their wedding photos to the magazine for a whopping Rs 18 crores. (Images by Yogen Shah)

PM Narendra Modi attends Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas' Delhi reception; see pics

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