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<p>Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Mar 28) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the latter's remarks on the country's judiciary. Prominent lawyers including Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra and Adish Aggarwala wrote to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud expressing concern over attempts to undermine the judiciary’s integrity.</p>

<p>In the letter to CJI Chandrachud, the lawyers said that they were expressing concerns about how a vested interest group was trying to press the judiciary, influence the judicial process and defame the country's courts based on frivolous logic and stale political agendas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prominent lawyers including Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, Adish Aggarwala, Chetan Mittal, Pinky Anand, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, Swaroopama Chaturvedi have written to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CJIChandrachud?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CJIChandrachud</a> expressing concern over attempts to undermine the judiciary’s integrity. <a href="https://t.co/jnOVOUwvBB">pic.twitter.com/jnOVOUwvBB</a></p>
— LawBeat (@LawBeatInd) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawBeatInd/status/1773210523145777472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Their antics are vitiating the atmosphere of trust and harmony, which characterises the functioning of the judiciary," the letter added.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi vs Congress over the letter</strong></h2>

<p>In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday shared the letter and slammed the Congress. "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. 5 decades ago itself they had called for a "committed judiciary" - they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation," Modi said.</p>

<p>"No wonder 140 crore Indians are rejecting them," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Kharge hits back</strong></h2>

<p>Hitting back at the prime minister, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "...you are obviously not aware, but it is not proper form for the PM to comment on our judiciary."</p>

<p>Kharge posed four questions to Modi among which one included about former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My statement on PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>'s remarks on Judiciary - <a href="https://t.co/yLtSR8zKkF">https://t.co/yLtSR8zKkF</a> <a href="https://t.co/RSGc2jIrBC">pic.twitter.com/RSGc2jIrBC</a></p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1773373189667553301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Modi ji, India's institutions are the property of India's people. You are personally responsible for usurping their powers and weakening our country," Kharge said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Congress party helped build and nurture these institutions. Thousands of our workers and leaders gave their lives for them. We will take these institutions back from you and return them to the people of India," the Congress chief added.&nbsp;</p>


Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Mar 28) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the latter's remarks on the country's judiciary.

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Mar 28) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the latter's remarks on the country's judiciary. Prominent lawyers including Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra and Adish Aggarwala wrote to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud expressing concern over attempts to undermine the judiciary’s integrity. In the letter to CJI Chandrachud, the lawyers said that they were expressing concerns about how a vested interest group was trying to press the judiciary, influence the judicial process and defame the country's courts based on frivolous logic and stale political agendas. Prominent lawyers including Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, Adish Aggarwala, Chetan Mittal, Pinky Anand, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, Swaroopama Chaturvedi have written to #CJIChandrachud expressing concern over attempts to undermine the judiciary’s integrity. pic.twitter.com/jnOVOUwvBB — LawBeat (@LawBeatInd) March 28, 2024 × "Their antics are vitiating the atmosphere of trust and harmony, which characterises the functioning of the judiciary," the letter added. Modi vs Congress over the letter In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday shared the letter and slammed the Congress. "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. 5 decades ago itself they had called for a "committed judiciary" - they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation," Modi said. "No wonder 140 crore Indians are rejecting them," he added. Kharge hits back Hitting back at the prime minister, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "...you are obviously not aware, but it is not proper form for the PM to comment on our judiciary." Kharge posed four questions to Modi among which one included about former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. My statement on PM @narendramodi's remarks on Judiciary - https://t.co/yLtSR8zKkF pic.twitter.com/RSGc2jIrBC — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 28, 2024 × "Modi ji, India's institutions are the property of India's people. You are personally responsible for usurping their powers and weakening our country," Kharge said. "The Congress party helped build and nurture these institutions. Thousands of our workers and leaders gave their lives for them. We will take these institutions back from you and return them to the people of India," the Congress chief added.

You're responsible for weakening India: Cong chief Kharge hits out at Indian PM Modi over remark on judiciary

<p>As India's general elections approach, the political atmosphere in&nbsp;the Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi has reached a fever pitch&nbsp;with the announcement of Congress leader Ajay Rai's candidacy against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third consecutive time.</p>

<p>The stage is set for a riveting contest between two seasoned contenders. Each of them speaks of a deep-rooted connection to the ancient city of Kashi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajay Rai as he went to Varanasi on Sunday (Mar 24), said, "...I am from Kashi and I am well aware of every street, house, and person in Kashi. The time will tell whether the BJP will cross 10 lakh votes or will lose by 10 lakh votes."</p>

<p>When Modi, on May 14, 2014, selected Varanasi as his constituency for the first time, he referred to himself as a "Kashi vaasi" (Resident of Kashi) and conveyed an emotional message to the people.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-gears-up-for-grand-holi-celebrations-post-ram-mandir-consecration-703787">Ayodhya gears up for grand Holi celebrations post-Ram Mandir consecration</a></p>

<p>Rai, a stalwart in Uttar Pradesh politics and the head of Congress party's&nbsp;state unit has once again challenged PM Modi in his bastion.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Ajay Rai?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Despite suffering defeat in the previous two electoral bouts against PM Modi, Rai's is again throwing his hat in the ring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rai began his political journey with the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing ABVP before traversing through the corridors of the BJP. His electoral triumphs in the UP legislative assembly elections cemented his stature within the saffron party.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-703783">Jharkhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats and all you need to know</a></p>

<p>He secured victory from the Kolasla constituency three times between 1996 and 2007.&nbsp;However, he resigned as an MLA when denied a Lok Sabha ticket from Varanasi by the BJP.</p>

<p>The saffron party selected veteran leader Murli Manohar Joshi as its candidate for the Lok Sabha seat from Varanasi.</p>

<p>Rai switched allegiance to the Samajwadi Party and continued his electoral pursuits, vying against BJP's Murli Manohar Joshi in a closely contested battle for Varanasi's parliamentary seat. The electorate favoured Joshi over Rai and other contenders and the then-SP leader lost. At the time, mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari had secured second place and Rai third.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rai's eventually joined&nbsp;the Congress party in 2012. Winning the Pindra seat in Varanasi bolstered his association with the party. However, electoral fortunes fluctuated, with Rai tasting defeat in 2017 state polls.</p>

<h2><strong>Battle with PM Modi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Rai first contested against PM Modi in 2014. However,&nbsp;Modi won the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat by defeating his rival SP's Shalini Yadav. Ajay Rai secured third position with&nbsp;14.38 per cent vote share in comparison to PM Modi's 63.62 per cent vote share.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-2024-congress-releases-fourth-list-of-candidates-for-lok-sabha-polls-703805">India Election 2024: Congress releases fourth list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls</a></strong></p>

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<p>In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Rai and Modi again faced each other.&nbsp;Modi's vote share was 63.60 pe rcent, SP's Shalini Yadav's vote share was 18.40 per cent and Rai's 14.38 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rai commands influence in Varanasi and his active involvement in the party's grassroots initiatives, including the Bharat Jodo and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, aligns with Congress party's vision of engaging directly with the voters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


As India's general elections approach, the political atmosphere in the Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi has reached a fever pitch with the announcement of Congress leader Ajay Rai's candidacy against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third consecutive time.

As India's general elections approach, the political atmosphere in the Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi has reached a fever pitch with the announcement of Congress leader Ajay Rai's candidacy against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third consecutive time. The stage is set for a riveting contest between two seasoned contenders. Each of them speaks of a deep-rooted connection to the ancient city of Kashi. Ajay Rai as he went to Varanasi on Sunday (Mar 24), said, "...I am from Kashi and I am well aware of every street, house, and person in Kashi. The time will tell whether the BJP will cross 10 lakh votes or will lose by 10 lakh votes." When Modi, on May 14, 2014, selected Varanasi as his constituency for the first time, he referred to himself as a "Kashi vaasi" (Resident of Kashi) and conveyed an emotional message to the people. Also Read | Ayodhya gears up for grand Holi celebrations post-Ram Mandir consecration Rai, a stalwart in Uttar Pradesh politics and the head of Congress party's state unit has once again challenged PM Modi in his bastion. Who is Ajay Rai? Despite suffering defeat in the previous two electoral bouts against PM Modi, Rai's is again throwing his hat in the ring. Rai began his political journey with the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing ABVP before traversing through the corridors of the BJP. His electoral triumphs in the UP legislative assembly elections cemented his stature within the saffron party. Also Read | Jharkhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats and all you need to know He secured victory from the Kolasla constituency three times between 1996 and 2007. However, he resigned as an MLA when denied a Lok Sabha ticket from Varanasi by the BJP. The saffron party selected veteran leader Murli Manohar Joshi as its candidate for the Lok Sabha seat from Varanasi. Rai switched allegiance to the Samajwadi Party and continued his electoral pursuits, vying against BJP's Murli Manohar Joshi in a closely contested battle for Varanasi's parliamentary seat. The electorate favoured Joshi over Rai and other contenders and the then-SP leader lost. At the time, mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari had secured second place and Rai third. Rai's eventually joined the Congress party in 2012. Winning the Pindra seat in Varanasi bolstered his association with the party. However, electoral fortunes fluctuated, with Rai tasting defeat in 2017 state polls. Battle with PM Modi Rai first contested against PM Modi in 2014. However, Modi won the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat by defeating his rival SP's Shalini Yadav. Ajay Rai secured third position with 14.38 per cent vote share in comparison to PM Modi's 63.62 per cent vote share. Watch | India Election 2024: Congress releases fourth list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls × In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Rai and Modi again faced each other. Modi's vote share was 63.60 pe rcent, SP's Shalini Yadav's vote share was 18.40 per cent and Rai's 14.38 per cent. Rai commands influence in Varanasi and his active involvement in the party's grassroots initiatives, including the Bharat Jodo and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, aligns with Congress party's vision of engaging directly with the voters. (With inputs from agencies)

Ajay Rai, Congress candidate from Varanasi, to face PM Modi for the 3rd time. Who is he?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. Modi was joined by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu – a Bhutan-India friendship project dedicated to the people of the Himalayan kingdom.</p>

<p>Modi, who arrived in Bhutan on Friday for a two-day State visit to further cement India's unique relations with the Himalayan nation, called on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay on Friday.</p>

<p>Bhutan's King Wangchuck conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Glyalpo’ honour to Prime Minister Modi at a public ceremony on Friday, making him the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, which stands as a beacon of hope for several families, offering quality healthcare. This facility embodies a commitment to nurturing a healthy future generation. <a href="https://t.co/4A3y80L7yA">pic.twitter.com/4A3y80L7yA</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1771386285065679295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The award recognises Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership.</p>

<p>"It is with great humility that I accept the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. I am grateful to HM the King of Bhutan for presenting the Award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens," Modi wrote in a post on X on Friday night. India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968.</p>

<p>The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. Modi was joined by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu – a Bhutan-India friendship project dedicated to the people of the Himalayan kingdom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. Modi was joined by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu – a Bhutan-India friendship project dedicated to the people of the Himalayan kingdom. Modi, who arrived in Bhutan on Friday for a two-day State visit to further cement India's unique relations with the Himalayan nation, called on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay on Friday. Bhutan's King Wangchuck conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Glyalpo’ honour to Prime Minister Modi at a public ceremony on Friday, making him the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour. Inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, which stands as a beacon of hope for several families, offering quality healthcare. This facility embodies a commitment to nurturing a healthy future generation. pic.twitter.com/4A3y80L7yA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024 × The award recognises Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership. "It is with great humility that I accept the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. I am grateful to HM the King of Bhutan for presenting the Award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens," Modi wrote in a post on X on Friday night. India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968. The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.

Modi in Bhutan: Indian PM inaugurates hospital in Thimpu built with New Delhi’s assistance

<p>The US on Wednesday (Mar 20) stated it recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and it opposes any unilateral attempts made to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, in a reference to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control."</p>

<p>His remarks come days after the Chinese repeated its claim over the northeast Indian state following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the strategically important Sela&nbsp;tunnel there.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-sela-worlds-longest-bi-tunnel-in-arunachal-heres-why-it-is-strategically-important-698283">PM Modi inaugurates world's longest bi-lane Sela tunnel in Arunachal | Know its strategic importance</a></strong></p>

<p>China had been claiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet and repeated the same in reaction to PM Modi's&nbsp;visit, only to get a sharp retort from New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">US recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory &amp; we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments military or civilian, across LAC: US state dept on Arunachal Pradesh after China objected to PM Modi's visit <a href="https://t.co/0m1vPLu1bU">pic.twitter.com/0m1vPLu1bU</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1770639255712493956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Communist China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang by stating that the sixth Dalai Lama was born there in the 17th century.</p>

<p>Beijing claims that the birthplaces of all Dalai Lamas historically belong to China.</p>

<p>The People's Republic of China, however, similarly does not claim Mongolia in its entirety despite it being the birthplace of the fourth Dalai Lama.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-inaugurates-nearly-90-infrastructure-projects-along-lac-635421">India inaugurates nearly 90 infrastructure projects along LAC</a></strong></p>

<p>New Delhi maintains that Beijing's claims do not alter the reality in Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Mar19), Indian external affairs ministry&nbsp;said that China was "advancing absurd claims" over Arunachal Pradesh and that the northeastern state "was, is, and will always be" an integral part of India.<br />
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The US on Wednesday (Mar 20) stated it recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and it opposes any unilateral attempts made to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, in a reference to China.

The US on Wednesday (Mar 20) stated it recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and it opposes any unilateral attempts made to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, in a reference to China. US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control." His remarks come days after the Chinese repeated its claim over the northeast Indian state following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the strategically important Sela tunnel there. Also read | PM Modi inaugurates world's longest bi-lane Sela tunnel in Arunachal | Know its strategic importance China had been claiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet and repeated the same in reaction to PM Modi's visit, only to get a sharp retort from New Delhi. US recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory & we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments military or civilian, across LAC: US state dept on Arunachal Pradesh after China objected to PM Modi's visit pic.twitter.com/0m1vPLu1bU — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 21, 2024 × Communist China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang by stating that the sixth Dalai Lama was born there in the 17th century. Beijing claims that the birthplaces of all Dalai Lamas historically belong to China. The People's Republic of China, however, similarly does not claim Mongolia in its entirety despite it being the birthplace of the fourth Dalai Lama. Also read | India inaugurates nearly 90 infrastructure projects along LAC New Delhi maintains that Beijing's claims do not alter the reality in Arunachal Pradesh. On Tuesday (Mar19), Indian external affairs ministry said that China was "advancing absurd claims" over Arunachal Pradesh and that the northeastern state "was, is, and will always be" an integral part of India.

US states the obvious: 'Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory '

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<p>The Congress, which is the main opposition party in India, slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the freezing of its bank accounts weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Addressing a party press conference in New Delhi, Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi said, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no democracy in India today."</p>

<p>"Twenty per cent of India votes for us and we are not able to pay Rs 2 for anything. It has been orchestrated to cripple us in the elections. Even if our bank accounts are unfrozen today, a huge amount of debt damage has been done to Indian democracy," Gandhi, the former party president, said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On freezing of party accounts ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no… <a href="https://t.co/W9SOKyxU4z">pic.twitter.com/W9SOKyxU4z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1770705334148972635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"What’s interesting to me is that there are institutions in this country that are supposed to protect the democratic framework. There is an Election Commission in the country but it has not even said anything; that you have frozen the bank accounts of one of the biggest political parties and largest opposition in the country," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Systematic effort by PM to cripple Cong financially'</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was present at the press conference, said on Thursday that a systematic effort was underway by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cripple the Congress financially.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Here’s what former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said during a press conference in Delhi.<br />
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“The issue we are taking up today is extremely serious. The issue affects not just Indian National Congress but the democracy itself. A systematic effort is underway by the Prime… <a href="https://t.co/BijzOEpSes">pic.twitter.com/BijzOEpSes</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1770703405960311275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"However, even under these most challenging circumstances, we are doing our very best to maintain the effectiveness of our election campaign. On one hand, there is the Electoral Bond issue which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Electoral Bonds benefitted the BJP hugely. On the other hand, the finances of the principal opposition party - the INC - are under a determined assault. This, we all believe, is unprecedented and undemocratic," she told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, appealed to the constitutional bodies to allow the Congress to access its bank accounts if they wanted free and fair elections.</p>

<p>"Defreeze our accounts to ensure a level playing field in polls," Kharge said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP hits back</strong></h2>

<p>Hitting back at the Congress' remarks over its bank accounts being frozen, the BJP said that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress created an alibi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: At the BJP Press Conference, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "If we summarise the press conference of Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, we can say that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress party has created an alibi today." <a href="https://t.co/JXzUrbZE0e">pic.twitter.com/JXzUrbZE0e</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1770735144225079804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"As far as bank account freezing is concerned if you are a defaulter, you will be treated like one. The sense of entitlement that the Gandhi family had that even if we were a defaulter, provisions of the law of this country would not apply to us. The era of this kind of entitlement is now over under PM Narendra Modi..." BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress, which is the main opposition party in India, slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the freezing of its bank accounts weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.

The Congress, which is the main opposition party in India, slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the freezing of its bank accounts weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Addressing a party press conference in New Delhi, Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi said, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no democracy in India today." "Twenty per cent of India votes for us and we are not able to pay Rs 2 for anything. It has been orchestrated to cripple us in the elections. Even if our bank accounts are unfrozen today, a huge amount of debt damage has been done to Indian democracy," Gandhi, the former party president, said. #WATCH | On freezing of party accounts ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no… pic.twitter.com/W9SOKyxU4z — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024 × "What’s interesting to me is that there are institutions in this country that are supposed to protect the democratic framework. There is an Election Commission in the country but it has not even said anything; that you have frozen the bank accounts of one of the biggest political parties and largest opposition in the country," he added. 'Systematic effort by PM to cripple Cong financially' Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was present at the press conference, said on Thursday that a systematic effort was underway by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cripple the Congress financially. VIDEO | Here’s what former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said during a press conference in Delhi. “The issue we are taking up today is extremely serious. The issue affects not just Indian National Congress but the democracy itself. A systematic effort is underway by the Prime… pic.twitter.com/BijzOEpSes — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 21, 2024 × "However, even under these most challenging circumstances, we are doing our very best to maintain the effectiveness of our election campaign. On one hand, there is the Electoral Bond issue which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Electoral Bonds benefitted the BJP hugely. On the other hand, the finances of the principal opposition party - the INC - are under a determined assault. This, we all believe, is unprecedented and undemocratic," she told reporters. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, appealed to the constitutional bodies to allow the Congress to access its bank accounts if they wanted free and fair elections. "Defreeze our accounts to ensure a level playing field in polls," Kharge said. BJP hits back Hitting back at the Congress' remarks over its bank accounts being frozen, the BJP said that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress created an alibi. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BJP Press Conference, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "If we summarise the press conference of Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, we can say that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress party has created an alibi today." pic.twitter.com/JXzUrbZE0e — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024 × "As far as bank account freezing is concerned if you are a defaulter, you will be treated like one. The sense of entitlement that the Gandhi family had that even if we were a defaulter, provisions of the law of this country would not apply to us. The era of this kind of entitlement is now over under PM Narendra Modi..." BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters.

Lok Sabha polls | 'Criminal act by Modi, Shah': Congress slams govt over bank account freeze, BJP hits back

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Shakti' remark stating that the grand old party and INDIA bloc were trying to challenge the concept of 'Nari Shakti'.</p>

<p>While addressing a public meeting in Shivamogga, PM Modi said, "Yesterday an announcement to destroy Shakti was made from Shivaji Park (in Mumbai). How much it must have hurt the soul of Balasaheb Thackeray. Nari Shakti ka yahi aashirvad mera sabse bada kawach hai (Blessings of Nari Shaki is my biggest security shield). No other government has given so much focus to Nari Shakti since Independence."</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stating that every mother and daughter is a form of ‘shakti’ in India he said that Gandhi's&nbsp;remark was an attack on the women of the country and also accused the INDIA bloc of disliking the rise of 'Nari Shakti' or 'woman&nbsp;power'.</p>

<p>"The people of the INDI alliance want to destroy this Shakti. They hate the increasing shakti of Maa Bharti. An attack on Shakti means an attack on women, daughters, Maa Bharti. INDI alliance and Congress has challenged this Shakti, our daughters, and women of this country will give them a befitting reply on June 4," he said.</p>

<p>He also denounced former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bal Thackeray's son Uddhav Thackeray, who was present along with Gandhi when he made the remark.</p>

<p>“And who were there on the dais? What would be happening to Bal Thackeray's soul?” PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-modi-responds-to-rahuls-shakti-remark-jaan-ki-baazi-laga-dunga-701404">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Modi responds to Rahul’s ‘Shakti’ remark: ‘Jaan ki baazi laga dunga’</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Modi ji twisting 'Shakti' remark', alleged Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi, on Monday, issuing a clarification over his remarks after severe backlash, said that PM Modi was “twisting" his remarks.</p>

<p>“Modi ji does not like my words, he always tries to change their meaning by twisting them in some way or the other because he knows that I have spoken a deep truth. The Shakti that I mentioned, the Shakti that we are fighting, is the mask of that power, Modi ji," Rahul Gandhi said in a long post on X.</p>

<p>The Congress leader invited sharp criticism after he criticised the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Modi on multiple fronts, including allegations of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), during his address in Mumbai at the closing ceremony of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.</p>

<p>“There is a word 'Shakti' (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax department, have traded their spines to the Centre," Gandhi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Shakti' remark stating that the grand old party and INDIA bloc were trying to challenge the concept of 'Nari Shakti'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Shakti' remark stating that the grand old party and INDIA bloc were trying to challenge the concept of 'Nari Shakti'. While addressing a public meeting in Shivamogga, PM Modi said, "Yesterday an announcement to destroy Shakti was made from Shivaji Park (in Mumbai). How much it must have hurt the soul of Balasaheb Thackeray. Nari Shakti ka yahi aashirvad mera sabse bada kawach hai (Blessings of Nari Shaki is my biggest security shield). No other government has given so much focus to Nari Shakti since Independence." #WATCH | Shivamogga, Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi says, "Yesterday an announcement to destroy Shakti was made from Shivaji Park (in Mumbai). How much it must have hurt the soul of Balasaheb Thackeray... Nari Shakti ka yahi aashirvad mera sabse bada kawach hai...The people of the… pic.twitter.com/BoFDzgeYW7 — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2024 × Stating that every mother and daughter is a form of ‘shakti’ in India he said that Gandhi's remark was an attack on the women of the country and also accused the INDIA bloc of disliking the rise of 'Nari Shakti' or 'woman power'. "The people of the INDI alliance want to destroy this Shakti. They hate the increasing shakti of Maa Bharti. An attack on Shakti means an attack on women, daughters, Maa Bharti. INDI alliance and Congress has challenged this Shakti, our daughters, and women of this country will give them a befitting reply on June 4," he said. He also denounced former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Bal Thackeray's son Uddhav Thackeray, who was present along with Gandhi when he made the remark. “And who were there on the dais? What would be happening to Bal Thackeray's soul?” PM Modi said. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Modi responds to Rahul’s ‘Shakti’ remark: ‘Jaan ki baazi laga dunga’ 'Modi ji twisting 'Shakti' remark', alleged Gandhi Gandhi, on Monday, issuing a clarification over his remarks after severe backlash, said that PM Modi was “twisting" his remarks. “Modi ji does not like my words, he always tries to change their meaning by twisting them in some way or the other because he knows that I have spoken a deep truth. The Shakti that I mentioned, the Shakti that we are fighting, is the mask of that power, Modi ji," Rahul Gandhi said in a long post on X. The Congress leader invited sharp criticism after he criticised the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Modi on multiple fronts, including allegations of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), during his address in Mumbai at the closing ceremony of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. “There is a word 'Shakti' (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax department, have traded their spines to the Centre," Gandhi said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi says Congress seeking to destroy 'Nari Shakti'; Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi of twisting remark

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly reacted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark on Monday (Mar 18), saying every mother and daughter is a form of ‘shakti’ in India. The PM said this while addressing a political rally in the southern state of Telangana.</p>

<p>“The INDI (INDIA) alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, daughter and sister is a form of 'Shakti'. I worship them in the form of 'Shakti'. I am the worshiper of Bharat Mata...," the prime minister said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Telangana: During his public address in Jagtial, PM Modi says, "The INDI alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, daughter &amp; sister is a form of 'Shakti'. I worship them in the form of 'Shakti'. I am the worshiper of… <a href="https://t.co/ccVUoEVVNb">pic.twitter.com/ccVUoEVVNb</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1769610936292360440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Main jaan ki baazi laga dunga (I will put my own life at stake),” the PM declared, saying, “Their manifesto is to finish 'Shakti', and I accept the challenge.”</p>

<h2><strong>What did Rahul Gandhi say?</strong></h2>

<p>Rahul Gandhi was addressing the concluding ceremony of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (United India Justice March) on Sunday (Mar 17) in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park when he passed the ‘Shakti’ remark.</p>

<p>“There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti? The soul of the king is in the EVM. This is true. The soul of the king is in the EVM and every institution of the country, in ED, CBI and Income Tax department," the ex-Congress chief said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi71Ju5r_2EAxVsyTgGHa2nAEgQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-india-to-allow-its-82mn-senior-citizens-to-vote-from-home-701381" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-india-to-allow-its-82mn-senior-citizens-to-vote-from-home-701381&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi71Ju5r_2EAxVsyTgGHa2nAEgQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Lok Sabha elections 2024: India to allow its 8.2mn senior citizens to vote from home</a></strong></p>

<p>"A senior leader from Maharashtra left Congress and cried in front of my mother and said 'Sonia ji, I am ashamed that I don't have the power to fight this Shakti. I do not want to go to jail.' Thousands of people have been threatened like this..." he added.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP labels Gandhi’s statement&nbsp;misogynistic</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, a spokesperson for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Rahul’s remarks laid bare his misogynistic views.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Party leaders emphasize on fair &amp; violence free elections</strong></p>

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<p>“A series of INDI alliance members have said that Hindu Dharma is fraud. Ramcharitmanas is potassium cyanide. Congress Party has a long history of Hindu hatred, from denying the existence of Lord Ram to making the statement about Shakti," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly reacted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark on Monday (Mar 18), saying every mother and daughter is a form of ‘shakti’ in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly reacted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark on Monday (Mar 18), saying every mother and daughter is a form of ‘shakti’ in India. The PM said this while addressing a political rally in the southern state of Telangana. “The INDI (INDIA) alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, daughter and sister is a form of 'Shakti'. I worship them in the form of 'Shakti'. I am the worshiper of Bharat Mata...," the prime minister said. #WATCH | Telangana: During his public address in Jagtial, PM Modi says, "The INDI alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, daughter & sister is a form of 'Shakti'. I worship them in the form of 'Shakti'. I am the worshiper of… pic.twitter.com/ccVUoEVVNb — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2024 × “Main jaan ki baazi laga dunga (I will put my own life at stake),” the PM declared, saying, “Their manifesto is to finish 'Shakti', and I accept the challenge.” What did Rahul Gandhi say? Rahul Gandhi was addressing the concluding ceremony of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (United India Justice March) on Sunday (Mar 17) in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park when he passed the ‘Shakti’ remark. “There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti? The soul of the king is in the EVM. This is true. The soul of the king is in the EVM and every institution of the country, in ED, CBI and Income Tax department," the ex-Congress chief said. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: India to allow its 8.2mn senior citizens to vote from home "A senior leader from Maharashtra left Congress and cried in front of my mother and said 'Sonia ji, I am ashamed that I don't have the power to fight this Shakti. I do not want to go to jail.' Thousands of people have been threatened like this..." he added. BJP labels Gandhi’s statement misogynistic Earlier, a spokesperson for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Rahul’s remarks laid bare his misogynistic views. Watch: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Party leaders emphasize on fair & violence free elections × “A series of INDI alliance members have said that Hindu Dharma is fraud. Ramcharitmanas is potassium cyanide. Congress Party has a long history of Hindu hatred, from denying the existence of Lord Ram to making the statement about Shakti," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Modi responds to Rahul’s ‘Shakti’ remark: ‘Jaan ki baazi laga dunga’

<p>Ahead of the announcement of&nbsp;the Lok Sabha elections schedule by the&nbsp;Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for suggestions, ideas and support from the citizens of the country&nbsp;in fulfilling the goal of creating a developed nation.</p>

<p>In his open letter to the country's citizens, Prime Minister Modi addressed them as “my dear family member”, and said, “Our partnership is at the threshold of completing a decade. The trust and support of 140 crore Indians inspires and motivates me.”</p>

<p>“The beauty of democracy lies in Janbhagidari or public participation. It is your support that gives me the immense strength to take bold decisions for the nation’s welfare, draw up aspirational plans and implement them smoothly,” the prime minister wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-jammu-and-kashmir-to-have-over-34-lakh-first-time-voters-700052">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters</a></p>

<p>“I need and indeed, look forward to your ideas, suggestions and support as we work to fulfil the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. I am confident that we will continue to take our nation to great heights together,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi throws light on government's initiatives in past 10 years&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the open letter, the prime minister spoke about the initiatives of the government in the past 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is a measure of your trust and support that we could take several historic and major decisions like implementation of GST, abrogation of Article 370, new law on Triple Talaq, Nari Shakti Vandan Act to enhance women’s participation in Parliament, the inauguration of new Parliament building and strong steps against terrorism and Left-Wing Extremism,” the prime minister wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India elections 2024: In 2 Lok Sabha lists, BJP has dropped 21% sitting MPs already</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-in-2-lok-sabha-lists-bjp-has-dropped-21-sitting-mps-already-700004/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The success of efforts such as pucca houses through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, access to electricity, water and LPG for all, free medical treatments through Ayushman Bharat, financial help to farmers, assistance to women through Matru Vandana Yojana and many more has been possible only due to the trust you have placed in me," he said.</p>

<p>“The transformation that has taken place in the lives of the people is the biggest achievement of our government over the last 10 years. These transformative outcomes are the result of the sincere efforts made by a determined government to improve the quality of life for the poor, farmers, youth and women,” the PM added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule by the Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for suggestions, ideas and support from the citizens of the country in fulfilling the goal of creating a developed nation.

Ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule by the Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for suggestions, ideas and support from the citizens of the country in fulfilling the goal of creating a developed nation. In his open letter to the country's citizens, Prime Minister Modi addressed them as “my dear family member”, and said, “Our partnership is at the threshold of completing a decade. The trust and support of 140 crore Indians inspires and motivates me.” “The beauty of democracy lies in Janbhagidari or public participation. It is your support that gives me the immense strength to take bold decisions for the nation’s welfare, draw up aspirational plans and implement them smoothly,” the prime minister wrote. Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters “I need and indeed, look forward to your ideas, suggestions and support as we work to fulfil the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. I am confident that we will continue to take our nation to great heights together,” he added. PM Modi throws light on government's initiatives in past 10 years In the open letter, the prime minister spoke about the initiatives of the government in the past 10 years. “It is a measure of your trust and support that we could take several historic and major decisions like implementation of GST, abrogation of Article 370, new law on Triple Talaq, Nari Shakti Vandan Act to enhance women’s participation in Parliament, the inauguration of new Parliament building and strong steps against terrorism and Left-Wing Extremism,” the prime minister wrote. Watch: India elections 2024: In 2 Lok Sabha lists, BJP has dropped 21% sitting MPs already “The success of efforts such as pucca houses through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, access to electricity, water and LPG for all, free medical treatments through Ayushman Bharat, financial help to farmers, assistance to women through Matru Vandana Yojana and many more has been possible only due to the trust you have placed in me," he said. “The transformation that has taken place in the lives of the people is the biggest achievement of our government over the last 10 years. These transformative outcomes are the result of the sincere efforts made by a determined government to improve the quality of life for the poor, farmers, youth and women,” the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024: In letter to nation, PM Modi says our partnership at threshold of completing decade

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s rally 'Prajagalam' was briefly disrupted on Sunday evening (March 17) after a group of people ascended a light tower to listen to their leaders speak.</p>

<p>However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotted people climbing atop the structure with lights attached to it and immediately interrupted Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan in the middle of his speech urging them to get down.</p>

<p>"There are electric wires. What are you doing there? Your life is precious to us. Please come down. Media persons have taken your photographs. Now come down. Police personnel deployed here, please take care of people. It would be painful for us if something untoward happens," PM Modi said while urging the group to come down for safety.</p>

<p>PM Modi took part in the NDA rally 'Prajagalam' with the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan for the very first time in Palnadu district.</p>

<p>'Prajagalam', which stands for 'voice of the public' is the first joint public meeting of NDA partners in Andhra in a decade.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in seven phases: Check full schedule here</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi slams Congress, says party's agenda to 'use and throw'</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress accusing the the party of "using and throwing the people of the alliance".</p>

<p>While addressing the public rally, the Indian prime minister said that the NDA "carries both regional aspirations and national progress".</p>

<p>"In NDA we take everyone along, but on the other hand, there is Congress party which has only one agenda - to use and throw the people of the alliance. Today Congress may have formed an INDI alliance, but their thinking remains the same," he said.</p>

<p>PM Modi further said that the NDA's aim is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India.</p>

<p>"NDA alliance carries both regional aspiration and national progress. The support of BJP in this election, our partners are continuously increasing, the strength of NDA is increasing, both Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have been supporting the rights of the people here, for a long time. We have been working for you day and night, for the development of Andhra Pradesh. The aim of NDA is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India," the PM said.</p>

<p>He then reiterated the NDA's goal to surpass 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>"See this coincidence, this time the results of the elections are going to be declared on 4th June. The whole country is saying, '400 paar'. '400 paar' for developed India, '400 paar' for Andhra Pradesh'..." he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s rally 'Prajagalam' was briefly disrupted on Sunday evening (March 17) after a group of people ascended a light tower to listen to their leaders speak.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s rally 'Prajagalam' was briefly disrupted on Sunday evening (March 17) after a group of people ascended a light tower to listen to their leaders speak. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotted people climbing atop the structure with lights attached to it and immediately interrupted Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan in the middle of his speech urging them to get down. "There are electric wires. What are you doing there? Your life is precious to us. Please come down. Media persons have taken your photographs. Now come down. Police personnel deployed here, please take care of people. It would be painful for us if something untoward happens," PM Modi said while urging the group to come down for safety. PM Modi took part in the NDA rally 'Prajagalam' with the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan for the very first time in Palnadu district. 'Prajagalam', which stands for 'voice of the public' is the first joint public meeting of NDA partners in Andhra in a decade. #WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: In between the speech of Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges people to get down from the light tower, in Palnadu. pic.twitter.com/yvJJKgvh1A — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2024 × The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in seven phases: Check full schedule here PM Modi slams Congress, says party's agenda to 'use and throw' PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress accusing the the party of "using and throwing the people of the alliance". While addressing the public rally, the Indian prime minister said that the NDA "carries both regional aspirations and national progress". "In NDA we take everyone along, but on the other hand, there is Congress party which has only one agenda - to use and throw the people of the alliance. Today Congress may have formed an INDI alliance, but their thinking remains the same," he said. PM Modi further said that the NDA's aim is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India. "NDA alliance carries both regional aspiration and national progress. The support of BJP in this election, our partners are continuously increasing, the strength of NDA is increasing, both Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have been supporting the rights of the people here, for a long time. We have been working for you day and night, for the development of Andhra Pradesh. The aim of NDA is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India," the PM said. He then reiterated the NDA's goal to surpass 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. "See this coincidence, this time the results of the elections are going to be declared on 4th June. The whole country is saying, '400 paar'. '400 paar' for developed India, '400 paar' for Andhra Pradesh'..." he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: PM Modi urges people to climb down from light tower during rally in Andhra Pradesh

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory has been described as one of the major causes of the Bharatiya Janata Party's meteoric rise to power in 2014. As the Indian prime minister seeks a third consecutive term in power, the BJP has deployed Artificial Intelligence to reap the electoral dividends of his oratory in the Indian languages apart from Hindi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent weeks, the BJP has dedicated several social media handles just to disseminate PM Modi's speeches in languages such as Bangla, Odia, Telugu, and Malayalam.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/lok-sabha-elections-2024-standout-entrants-in-bjp-first-list-1709395959870">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Standout Entrants in BJP First List</a></strong></p>

<p>The BJP expanded its parliamentary landslide in 2019 by sweeping the Hindi-speaking north and west. This time around, the party's focus is to ensure maximum seats from eastern and southern states where regional parties remain PM Modi's principal challengers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/6-caloriefree-vegetables-1710426128932">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Battle For Delhi's Big Seven</a></strong></p>

<p>These social media handles (@NaMoInTelugu, @NaMoInMalayalam, @NamoInBengali) put out PM Modi's speeches translated via Artificial Intelligence from Hindi into Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Sunday (March 17),&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly expressed his desire for direct Telugu interaction with the people of Telangana. This appears to be the first time when PM Modi&nbsp;disclosed his utilisation of Artificial Intelligence to disseminate his speeches in Telugu.<img alt="Social media platform: X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="574f2b6e-925b-4a0c-a424-a0a1a6ef2f96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-03-17T133054.992.png" /></p>

<p>Speaking at a public meeting in Nagarkurnool, about 134 km south of state capital Hyderabad&nbsp;on Sunday (March 17), he said, "I want to associate with you people and I want to spread the message in Telugu," The Times of India reported.</p>

<p>"Please go to the Namo in Telugu handle; you can hear all my speeches in Telugu," PM Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seven-phase polling to begin from April 19, results on June 4</strong></p>

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<p>Telangana BJP chief and Secunderabad MP candidate Kishan Reddy said: "We are fortunate to have a PM who wishes to communicate in our language; all his speeches are now accessible in Telugu online."</p>

<p>The BJP under Modi is aiming to win 370 of 543 seats. The Opposition led by the Congress party has forged a 28-party Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) to de-seat Modi from power during the elections later this summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory has been described as one of the major causes of the Bharatiya Janata Party's meteoric rise to power in 2014. As the Indian prime minister seeks a third consecutive term in power, the BJP has deployed Artificial Intelligence to reap the electoral dividends of his oratory in the Indian languages apart from Hindi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory has been described as one of the major causes of the Bharatiya Janata Party's meteoric rise to power in 2014. As the Indian prime minister seeks a third consecutive term in power, the BJP has deployed Artificial Intelligence to reap the electoral dividends of his oratory in the Indian languages apart from Hindi. In recent weeks, the BJP has dedicated several social media handles just to disseminate PM Modi's speeches in languages such as Bangla, Odia, Telugu, and Malayalam. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Standout Entrants in BJP First List The BJP expanded its parliamentary landslide in 2019 by sweeping the Hindi-speaking north and west. This time around, the party's focus is to ensure maximum seats from eastern and southern states where regional parties remain PM Modi's principal challengers. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Battle For Delhi's Big Seven These social media handles (@NaMoInTelugu, @NaMoInMalayalam, @NamoInBengali) put out PM Modi's speeches translated via Artificial Intelligence from Hindi into Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali. What does it mean? Earlier on Sunday (March 17), Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly expressed his desire for direct Telugu interaction with the people of Telangana. This appears to be the first time when PM Modi disclosed his utilisation of Artificial Intelligence to disseminate his speeches in Telugu. Speaking at a public meeting in Nagarkurnool, about 134 km south of state capital Hyderabad on Sunday (March 17), he said, "I want to associate with you people and I want to spread the message in Telugu," The Times of India reported. "Please go to the Namo in Telugu handle; you can hear all my speeches in Telugu," PM Modi said. Also watch | India Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seven-phase polling to begin from April 19, results on June 4 × Telangana BJP chief and Secunderabad MP candidate Kishan Reddy said: "We are fortunate to have a PM who wishes to communicate in our language; all his speeches are now accessible in Telugu online." The BJP under Modi is aiming to win 370 of 543 seats. The Opposition led by the Congress party has forged a 28-party Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) to de-seat Modi from power during the elections later this summer. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP under PM Modi deploys Artificial Intelligence to break language barrier

<p>India, the world’s largest democracy is set to hold its general elections, with around 970 million registered voters heading to the polls to choose who will lead the country for the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the upcoming election, the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has sought a third consecutive term in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, 26 opposition parties in the country, last year, formed an alliance called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to stop the PM Modi-led NDA from winning in the upcoming elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: PM Modi addresses rally in Telangana, pushes big in South Indian states</strong></p>

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<p>Currently, there are two main alliances – NDA and INDIA – which include several parties.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>NDA alliance</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP-led NDA is an alliance of right-wing conservative parties in India formed in 1998 to keep Congress out of power. The NDA alliance won in 1999 under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has been in power since 2014 with PM Modi at the helm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prominent parties in the NDA alliance include the National People’s Party (NPP), Shiv Sena, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-all-you-need-to-know-about-top-20-candidates-of-mega-polls-700743">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls</a></strong></p>

<p>The prime ministerial candidate of the alliance in the upcoming election is the incumbent PM Narendra Modi who has claimed that the NDA will win more than 400 seats in the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>INDIA Bloc</strong></h2>

<p>In 2023, 26 opposition parties in the country came together to form the INDIA bloc. Currently, the alliance is being led by Mallikarjun Kharge who is also the president of the Congress party since 2022 and has been the leader of the opposition in the upper house of the parliament (Rajya Sabha), since the year before that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prominent parties in the INDIA alliance include All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Rashtriya Janata Dal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the incumbent PM has claimed that their alliance will win more than 400 seats, the INDIA alliance is yet to choose their prime ministerial candidate with many politicians in the bloc vying for the role.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 11 in seven phases: Check full schedule here</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking about the uncertainty, the alliance’s PM candidate, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, last week downplaying the issue said party ideology and campaigning are more important.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In our country, elections are not beauty contests. In our country, competition is held between the parties, its ideology, its symbol, its campaigning,” Ramesh told news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India, the world’s largest democracy is set to hold its general elections, with around 970 million registered voters heading to the polls to choose who will lead the country for the next five years.

India, the world’s largest democracy is set to hold its general elections, with around 970 million registered voters heading to the polls to choose who will lead the country for the next five years. In the upcoming election, the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has sought a third consecutive term in office. Meanwhile, 26 opposition parties in the country, last year, formed an alliance called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to stop the PM Modi-led NDA from winning in the upcoming elections. WATCH | India: PM Modi addresses rally in Telangana, pushes big in South Indian states Currently, there are two main alliances – NDA and INDIA – which include several parties. NDA alliance The BJP-led NDA is an alliance of right-wing conservative parties in India formed in 1998 to keep Congress out of power. The NDA alliance won in 1999 under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has been in power since 2014 with PM Modi at the helm. Prominent parties in the NDA alliance include the National People’s Party (NPP), Shiv Sena, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP). Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls The prime ministerial candidate of the alliance in the upcoming election is the incumbent PM Narendra Modi who has claimed that the NDA will win more than 400 seats in the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha). INDIA Bloc In 2023, 26 opposition parties in the country came together to form the INDIA bloc. Currently, the alliance is being led by Mallikarjun Kharge who is also the president of the Congress party since 2022 and has been the leader of the opposition in the upper house of the parliament (Rajya Sabha), since the year before that. Prominent parties in the INDIA alliance include All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Rashtriya Janata Dal. While the incumbent PM has claimed that their alliance will win more than 400 seats, the INDIA alliance is yet to choose their prime ministerial candidate with many politicians in the bloc vying for the role. Also Read | Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 11 in seven phases: Check full schedule here Speaking about the uncertainty, the alliance’s PM candidate, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, last week downplaying the issue said party ideology and campaigning are more important. “In our country, elections are not beauty contests. In our country, competition is held between the parties, its ideology, its symbol, its campaigning,” Ramesh told news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of parties competing in the upcoming polls

<p>India has been preparing for the general elections to be held in the summer of 2024 and more than 960 million voters are expected to cast their votes in the world's biggest democratic exercise in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The elections will lay down the political landscape of the country for the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming at consolidating its grip at the centre and coming back to power for a third term with a historic number of over 400.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the opposition parties, led by Congress have formed a united front called INDIA to stop PM Modi from claiming another victory.</p>

<h2><strong>Here are the top 20 key players in General Elections 2024</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Narendra Modi&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the electoral poster boy for the ruling BJP and is set to contest the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from the Varanasi constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Currently, he is an elected MP from the same city&nbsp;after he clinched&nbsp;a landmark victory in the&nbsp;2019 General Elections.</p>

<p><strong>Amit Shah</strong></p>

<p>BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah will be contesting the elections from his constituency Gandhinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rajnath Singh&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The BJP, in its list of candidates selected for the general elections&nbsp;announced the BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to fight from&nbsp;Lucknow.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-pm-pens-letter-to-country-says-our-partnership-a-decade-confident-will-continue-700636">Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi says 'our partnership at threshold of completing decade' in letter to country</a></p>

<p><strong>Rahul Gandhi</strong></p>

<p>Amid speculations over whether the Congress leader will again contest Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, the opposition party confirmed that Gandhi will fight in the polls from his constituency Wayanad, Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 2019 General Elections, Gandhi had tasted&nbsp;defeat in the hands of BJP's Smriti Irani from&nbsp;Amethi.</p>

<p><strong>Priyanka Gandhi</strong></p>

<p>The Congress party has not yet announced the constituency from where Priyanka Gandhi will fight in the elections. However, reports suggest that she may fight polls from Rae Bareli, which is a seat formerly held by Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Mamata Banerjee</strong></p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress has announced the list of 42 candidates for Lok Sabha seats across West Bengal. However, it remains unclear from which seat the West Bengal chief minister would be contesting.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India Elections 2024: Manufacturing sector is the thrust of India's government</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-manufacturing-sector-is-the-thrust-of-indias-government-700690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Akhilesh Yadav&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is most likely to contest for the parliamentary seat from his family bastion Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh</p>

<p><strong>N Chandrababu Naidu&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to contest Lok Sabha elections from his constituency Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>Arvind Kejriwal&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its first list which contains eight candidates who will be contesting elections from different constituencies of Punjab. However, it has not been announced from which constituency will Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal fight elections.</p>

<p><strong>Jagan Reddy&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh's ruling party YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is yet to announce its list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. In the last elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy had clinched victory on the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat with more than 5.63 lakh votes.</p>

<p><strong>MK Stalin&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been discussing the allocation of constituencies with senior leaders of the party and has finalised 21 DMK candidates, who will be contesting elections. It remains unclear from which constituency will Stalin fight in the elections.</p>

<p><strong>Smriti Irani&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Union Minister Smriti Irani will again be contesting Lok Sabha elections from Amethi. Irani, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, had achieved a huge victory&nbsp;defeating&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by 468,514 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Nitin Jairam Gadkari</strong></p>

<p>BJP leader Nitin Jairam Gadkari will be contesting the elections from Nagpur constituency.</p>

<p><strong>Manohar Lal Khattar</strong></p>

<p>The former chief minister of Haryana and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattarn has been given the&nbsp;Karnal constituency to fight from.</p>

<p><strong>Piyush Goyal</strong></p>

<p>Piyush Goyal will be contesting the elections from Mumbai North, which is being seen as one of the safest seats for the minister.</p>

<p><strong>S Jaishankar</strong></p>

<p>India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to contest Lok Sabha elections for the first time and most probably from a constituency in Karnataka.</p>

<p><strong>Nirmala Sitharaman</strong></p>

<p>India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also set to contest elections from Karnataka, however, her constituency still remains to be disclosed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Nitish Kumar</strong></p>

<p>Bihar’s Chief Minister and JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar, in a major u-turn, joined NDA months before the elections. His constituency is yet to be announced.</p>

<p><strong>Ajit Pawar</strong></p>

<p>Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is set to contest four seats in Maharashtra in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. But from where Pawar will contest the election is not yet clear.</p>

<p><strong>Chirag Paswan</strong></p>

<p>Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti (Ram Vilas) Party has finalised seat-sharing with the BJP in the state of Bihar and will soon release the list of candidates for Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has been preparing for the general elections to be held in the summer of 2024 and more than 960 million voters are expected to cast their votes in the world's biggest democratic exercise in the world.

India has been preparing for the general elections to be held in the summer of 2024 and more than 960 million voters are expected to cast their votes in the world's biggest democratic exercise in the world. The elections will lay down the political landscape of the country for the next five years. In the elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming at consolidating its grip at the centre and coming back to power for a third term with a historic number of over 400. Meanwhile, the opposition parties, led by Congress have formed a united front called INDIA to stop PM Modi from claiming another victory. Here are the top 20 key players in General Elections 2024 Narendra Modi Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the electoral poster boy for the ruling BJP and is set to contest the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from the Varanasi constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Currently, he is an elected MP from the same city after he clinched a landmark victory in the 2019 General Elections. Amit Shah BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah will be contesting the elections from his constituency Gandhinagar. Rajnath Singh The BJP, in its list of candidates selected for the general elections announced the BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to fight from Lucknow. Also Read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi says 'our partnership at threshold of completing decade' in letter to country Rahul Gandhi Amid speculations over whether the Congress leader will again contest Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, the opposition party confirmed that Gandhi will fight in the polls from his constituency Wayanad, Kerala. In the 2019 General Elections, Gandhi had tasted defeat in the hands of BJP's Smriti Irani from Amethi. Priyanka Gandhi The Congress party has not yet announced the constituency from where Priyanka Gandhi will fight in the elections. However, reports suggest that she may fight polls from Rae Bareli, which is a seat formerly held by Sonia Gandhi. Mamata Banerjee Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress has announced the list of 42 candidates for Lok Sabha seats across West Bengal. However, it remains unclear from which seat the West Bengal chief minister would be contesting. Watch: India Elections 2024: Manufacturing sector is the thrust of India's government Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is most likely to contest for the parliamentary seat from his family bastion Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to contest Lok Sabha elections from his constituency Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. Arvind Kejriwal The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its first list which contains eight candidates who will be contesting elections from different constituencies of Punjab. However, it has not been announced from which constituency will Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal fight elections. Jagan Reddy Andhra Pradesh's ruling party YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is yet to announce its list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. In the last elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy had clinched victory on the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat with more than 5.63 lakh votes. MK Stalin DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been discussing the allocation of constituencies with senior leaders of the party and has finalised 21 DMK candidates, who will be contesting elections. It remains unclear from which constituency will Stalin fight in the elections. Smriti Irani Union Minister Smriti Irani will again be contesting Lok Sabha elections from Amethi. Irani, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, had achieved a huge victory defeating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by 468,514 votes. Nitin Jairam Gadkari BJP leader Nitin Jairam Gadkari will be contesting the elections from Nagpur constituency. Manohar Lal Khattar The former chief minister of Haryana and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattarn has been given the Karnal constituency to fight from. Piyush Goyal Piyush Goyal will be contesting the elections from Mumbai North, which is being seen as one of the safest seats for the minister. S Jaishankar India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to contest Lok Sabha elections for the first time and most probably from a constituency in Karnataka. Nirmala Sitharaman India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also set to contest elections from Karnataka, however, her constituency still remains to be disclosed. Nitish Kumar Bihar’s Chief Minister and JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar, in a major u-turn, joined NDA months before the elections. His constituency is yet to be announced. Ajit Pawar Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is set to contest four seats in Maharashtra in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. But from where Pawar will contest the election is not yet clear. Chirag Paswan Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti (Ram Vilas) Party has finalised seat-sharing with the BJP in the state of Bihar and will soon release the list of candidates for Lok Sabha elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls

Agni-5 missile's stunning striking range and accuracy make India's nuclear-powered neighbours nervous

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet approved two new Metro corridors in New Delhi in another boost to urban connectivity in the national capital. The two new corridors will connect Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday while sharing details of the decisions taken in the Union cabinet meeting held earlier in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cost of the two new Metro corridors is estimated to be ₹8,399 crore or nearly $1 billion. The budget will be sourced from the Union government and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led government as well as international funding agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new Metro corridors are scheduled to be completed by March 2029, the Union minister added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, two new metro corridors have been given permission, on which ₹8400 crore ($1 billion) will be spent. There will be about 8.4-kilometre metro line from Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block. It will have eight stations. The second is from Inderlok to Indraprastha, this will be a Metro line of about 12.4 kilometres. It will be completed by March 2029...," Thakur said.</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi Metro expansion: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The aggregate length of the two new Metro corridors will be a little over 20 km. The first line, between Lajpat Nagar and Saket G-Block, will integrate the southern part of the national capital with major commercial hubs and popular markets. The commuters will no longer have to take long detours to reach their specific destinations.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Delhi Metro opens its doors to alcohol, allows passengers to carry two bottles</strong></p>

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<p>The Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block Metro corridor will be about 8.4 km in length. The corridor will be entirely elevated and will have eight stations -&nbsp;Lajpat Nagar, Andrews Ganj, Greater Kailash-1, Chirag Delhi, Pushpa Bhawan, Saket District Centre, Pushp Vihar and Saket G-Block.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second Metro corridor between Inderlok and Indraprastha will be about 12.4 kilometres. The 11.35 kilometers of this corridor will be underground and 1.028 kilometres of elevated stretch comprising 10 stations. They are Inderlok, Daya Basti, Sarai Rohilla, Ajmal Khan Park, Nabi Karim, New Delhi, LNJP Hospital, Delhi Gate, Delhi Sachivalaya and Indraprastha. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-records-its-highest-daily-ridership-see-how-it-compares-690306">India's Delhi Metro records its highest-ever daily ridership, see how it compares to global networks</a></strong></p>

<p>Presently, DMRC has about 427 km of metro network including 34 km of RRTS operational in NCR region.<br />
<br />
The Delhi Metro currently operates on a network of 392.44 kilometers spanning over 12 corridors in the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR).</p>

<p>The Delhi Metro is now one of the largest Metro networks anywhere in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet approved two new Metro corridors in New Delhi in another boost to urban connectivity in the national capital. The two new corridors will connect Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday while sharing details of the decisions taken in the Union cabinet meeting held earlier in the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet approved two new Metro corridors in New Delhi in another boost to urban connectivity in the national capital. The two new corridors will connect Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday while sharing details of the decisions taken in the Union cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. The cost of the two new Metro corridors is estimated to be ₹8,399 crore or nearly $1 billion. The budget will be sourced from the Union government and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led government as well as international funding agencies. The new Metro corridors are scheduled to be completed by March 2029, the Union minister added. "Today, two new metro corridors have been given permission, on which ₹8400 crore ($1 billion) will be spent. There will be about 8.4-kilometre metro line from Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block. It will have eight stations. The second is from Inderlok to Indraprastha, this will be a Metro line of about 12.4 kilometres. It will be completed by March 2029...," Thakur said. Delhi Metro expansion: What does it mean? The aggregate length of the two new Metro corridors will be a little over 20 km. The first line, between Lajpat Nagar and Saket G-Block, will integrate the southern part of the national capital with major commercial hubs and popular markets. The commuters will no longer have to take long detours to reach their specific destinations. Also watch | Delhi Metro opens its doors to alcohol, allows passengers to carry two bottles × The Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block Metro corridor will be about 8.4 km in length. The corridor will be entirely elevated and will have eight stations - Lajpat Nagar, Andrews Ganj, Greater Kailash-1, Chirag Delhi, Pushpa Bhawan, Saket District Centre, Pushp Vihar and Saket G-Block. The second Metro corridor between Inderlok and Indraprastha will be about 12.4 kilometres. The 11.35 kilometers of this corridor will be underground and 1.028 kilometres of elevated stretch comprising 10 stations. They are Inderlok, Daya Basti, Sarai Rohilla, Ajmal Khan Park, Nabi Karim, New Delhi, LNJP Hospital, Delhi Gate, Delhi Sachivalaya and Indraprastha. Also read | India's Delhi Metro records its highest-ever daily ridership, see how it compares to global networks Presently, DMRC has about 427 km of metro network including 34 km of RRTS operational in NCR region. The Delhi Metro currently operates on a network of 392.44 kilometers spanning over 12 corridors in the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR). The Delhi Metro is now one of the largest Metro networks anywhere in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Metro network set to expand further as Modi cabinet approves expansion worth $1 billion

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat on Tuesday (Mar 12).</p>

<p>Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and state BJP chief CR Paatil were also present at the launching ceremony.</p>

<p>PM Modi also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains from Ahmedabad on Tuesday (Mar 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "India is a young country, a large young population resides here. I would like to tell the youth that the today inaugurations that happened today are for your present. The foundation stone layings that happened today have come with the guarantee of your bright future."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of several railway projects from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.<br />
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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, CM Bhupendra Patel and state BJP chief CR Paatil also present. <a href="https://t.co/CBdJ84vI6S">pic.twitter.com/CBdJ84vI6S</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1767402397272289713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The governments that came after independence gave priority to political selfishness. Indian Railway is a major victim of that...The first that I did was to include Railway into the Budget of the Government, due to that funds of the Government are now used for the development of Railway," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modi-praises-agni-5-missile-test-699029">&nbsp;India: PM Modi praises first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains and other train services, from Ahmedabad. <a href="https://t.co/3Z0uaFrb4l">pic.twitter.com/3Z0uaFrb4l</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1767403926125453806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Our government showed the willpower needed to pull out Indian Railways from a hell-like situation. Now, the development of the Railway is one of the highest priorities for the government," the prime minister stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here are the routes of new Vande Bharat trains&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Vande Bharat trains will now be running between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central; Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam; Mysuru-Dr MGR Central (Chennai); Patna-- Lucknow; New Jalpaiguri-Patna; Puri-Visakhapatnam; Lucknow-Dehradun; Kalaburagi–Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru; Ranchi-Varanasi and Khajuraho-Delhi (Nizamuddin).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: India's PM Modi helps avert a nuclear catastrophe</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-pm-modi-helps-avert-a-nuclear-catastrophe-699119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>PM Modi also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat was extended till Dwarka and Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat will now run till Chandigarh.</p>

<p>Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat will get extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat will run till Mangaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat on Tuesday (Mar 12).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat on Tuesday (Mar 12). Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and state BJP chief CR Paatil were also present at the launching ceremony. PM Modi also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains from Ahmedabad on Tuesday (Mar 12). Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "India is a young country, a large young population resides here. I would like to tell the youth that the today inaugurations that happened today are for your present. The foundation stone layings that happened today have come with the guarantee of your bright future." #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of several railway projects from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, CM Bhupendra Patel and state BJP chief CR Paatil also present. pic.twitter.com/CBdJ84vI6S — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024 × "The governments that came after independence gave priority to political selfishness. Indian Railway is a major victim of that...The first that I did was to include Railway into the Budget of the Government, due to that funds of the Government are now used for the development of Railway," he added. Also Read: India: PM Modi praises first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile #WATCH | Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains and other train services, from Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/3Z0uaFrb4l — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024 × "Our government showed the willpower needed to pull out Indian Railways from a hell-like situation. Now, the development of the Railway is one of the highest priorities for the government," the prime minister stated. Here are the routes of new Vande Bharat trains The Vande Bharat trains will now be running between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central; Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam; Mysuru-Dr MGR Central (Chennai); Patna-- Lucknow; New Jalpaiguri-Patna; Puri-Visakhapatnam; Lucknow-Dehradun; Kalaburagi–Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru; Ranchi-Varanasi and Khajuraho-Delhi (Nizamuddin). Watch: Gravitas: India's PM Modi helps avert a nuclear catastrophe PM Modi also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat was extended till Dwarka and Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat will now run till Chandigarh. Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat will get extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat will run till Mangaluru. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains, lays foundation stone of railway projects

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<p>The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-rules-narendra-modi-699019">announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)</a></strong> rules. The announcement came just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>The CAA rules were introduced by the Modi government and passed by parliament in 2019. They aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.</p>

<p>Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on multiple occasions that CAA rules would be notified before the general elections. In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shah said on Monday, "These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.<br />
<br />
These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation.<br />
<br />
With this notification PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji has…</p>
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1767192979197104180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"With this notification PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has delivered on another commitment and realised the promise of the makers of our constitution to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians living in those countries," Shah added.</p>

<h2><strong>How to apply for CAA?</strong></h2>

<p>In his post on X, Shah shared details about the <strong><a href="https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/UserGuide/E_gazette_11032024.pdf">government's notification of the Citizenship Act</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
The government has launched a&nbsp;web portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in on which persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh can apply for Indian citizenship.</p>

<p>The notification includes forms where those seeking Indian citizenship have to fill in details including name, parents and spouse's name, date of entry into India, occupation, and which minority community they belong to.</p>

<p>Applicants also have to provide details about the family members who are staying with them in India. They have to also mention details of criminal proceedings, if any.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The form under CAA rules that have been notified by the Indian govt that needs to be filled to get citizenship. Mentions the 3 countries &amp; minority religions in these countries that need to be specified: <a href="https://t.co/2onSsUbqra">https://t.co/2onSsUbqra</a> <a href="https://t.co/laA7daRzQ3">pic.twitter.com/laA7daRzQ3</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1767196645001945426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Furthermore, applicants have to fill out an oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution. They have to submit documents including a copy of a valid or expired foreign passport, and a copy of a valid or expired residential permit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Evidence of the date of birth of the parents viz. a copy of the passport or birth certificate. In case of non-availability of passport of mother/ father, birth certificate of the applicant clearly indicating the name, address and nationality of mother/ father,” the notification states.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP hails Centre's move, Oppn criticises it</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the Modi government's decision. "A watershed moment in the history of India. Heartfelt thanks for making CAA a reality!" the BJP said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"Promised &amp; delivered! India is committed to protecting persecuted religious minorities," the party said in a subsequent post.</p>

<p>However, the government's move was criticised by opposition leaders.</p>

<p>"You should have notified rules six months ago. If there are any good things, we always support and appreciate but if anything is done that is not good for the country, TMC (Trinamool Congress) will always raise its voice and oppose it. I know why today's date was chosen before Ramazan. I appeal to the people to be calm and avoid any rumours," West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">दस साल देश पर राज करने के बाद एन चुनाव के पहले मोदी सरकार CAA लेकर आयी है। ऐसे वक़्त जब गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग महंगाई से कराह रहा है और बेरोज़गार युवा रोज़गार के लिए दर दर की ठोकरें खा रहा है, उन असली मुद्दों का समाधान करने की बजाय ये लोग CAA लाये हैं।<br />
<br />
कह रहे हैं कि तीन पड़ोसी देशों…</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1767205244109226230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Modi government has brought CAA before the elections. At a time when the poor and middle class are groaning due to inflation and unemployed youth are struggling from door to door for employment, instead of solving those real issues, these people have brought CAA," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the…</p>
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/pinarayivijayan/status/1767206096312393999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the Lok Sabha. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. This move to stratify Indian citizens who have equal rights must be opposed unitedly," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules. The announcement came just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules. The announcement came just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The CAA rules were introduced by the Modi government and passed by parliament in 2019. They aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on multiple occasions that CAA rules would be notified before the general elections. In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shah said on Monday, "These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation." The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation. With this notification PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has… — Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 11, 2024 × "With this notification PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has delivered on another commitment and realised the promise of the makers of our constitution to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians living in those countries," Shah added. How to apply for CAA? In his post on X, Shah shared details about the government's notification of the Citizenship Act. The government has launched a web portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in on which persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh can apply for Indian citizenship. The notification includes forms where those seeking Indian citizenship have to fill in details including name, parents and spouse's name, date of entry into India, occupation, and which minority community they belong to. Applicants also have to provide details about the family members who are staying with them in India. They have to also mention details of criminal proceedings, if any. The form under CAA rules that have been notified by the Indian govt that needs to be filled to get citizenship. Mentions the 3 countries & minority religions in these countries that need to be specified: https://t.co/2onSsUbqra pic.twitter.com/laA7daRzQ3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 11, 2024 × Furthermore, applicants have to fill out an oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution. They have to submit documents including a copy of a valid or expired foreign passport, and a copy of a valid or expired residential permit. "Evidence of the date of birth of the parents viz. a copy of the passport or birth certificate. In case of non-availability of passport of mother/ father, birth certificate of the applicant clearly indicating the name, address and nationality of mother/ father,” the notification states. BJP hails Centre's move, Oppn criticises it The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the Modi government's decision. "A watershed moment in the history of India. Heartfelt thanks for making CAA a reality!" the BJP said in a post on X. "Promised & delivered! India is committed to protecting persecuted religious minorities," the party said in a subsequent post. However, the government's move was criticised by opposition leaders. "You should have notified rules six months ago. If there are any good things, we always support and appreciate but if anything is done that is not good for the country, TMC (Trinamool Congress) will always raise its voice and oppose it. I know why today's date was chosen before Ramazan. I appeal to the people to be calm and avoid any rumours," West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said. दस साल देश पर राज करने के बाद एन चुनाव के पहले मोदी सरकार CAA लेकर आयी है। ऐसे वक़्त जब गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग महंगाई से कराह रहा है और बेरोज़गार युवा रोज़गार के लिए दर दर की ठोकरें खा रहा है, उन असली मुद्दों का समाधान करने की बजाय ये लोग CAA लाये हैं। कह रहे हैं कि तीन पड़ोसी देशों… — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 11, 2024 × "Modi government has brought CAA before the elections. At a time when the poor and middle class are groaning due to inflation and unemployed youth are struggling from door to door for employment, instead of solving those real issues, these people have brought CAA," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X. The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the… — Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) March 11, 2024 × "The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the Lok Sabha. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. This move to stratify Indian citizens who have equal rights must be opposed unitedly," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt announces implementation of CAA. How to apply for it?

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak to discuss the "early conclusion" of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), prompting speculations if the much-expected and equally anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement would be formalised before the respective countries go to polls.</p>

<p>In London's corridors of power, a free trade deal with India would partly mitigate the adverse economic effects of Brexit and would give Sunak's Conservative Party a fresh plank before the January 2025 elections in the UK.</p>

<p>"Had a good conversation with PM Rishi Sunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Aim to complete India-UK Free Trade Agreement before polls in both nations: Lord Tariq Ahmad to WION</strong></p>

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<p>An official government readout said that the two leaders "reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic partnership".</p>

<p>"They assessed positively the progress made towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement," the readout said.</p>

<p>The two leaders also "expressed satisfaction on the progress made under the <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/33838/Roadmap+2030+for+IndiaUK+future+relations+launched+during+IndiaUK+Virtual+Summit+4+May+2021">Roadmap 2030</a>" in sectors such as trade, investment, defence, security, and emerging technologies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunak-at-centre-of-tory-breakdown-over-secret-election-talks-with-dominic-cummings-675371">UK PM Sunak at centre of Tory breakdown over 'secret election talks' with Dominic Cummings</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi and Sunak also exchanged greetings for&nbsp;the upcoming festive occasion of Holi . "The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," the readout added.</p>

<h2><strong>India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks</strong></h2>

<p>India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement since 2022. The 13th round of negotiations took place from September 18 to December 15, 2023. They succeeded in a fourteenth round in January following which the UK negotiators flew back to London without any public breakthrough announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India on Sunday (March 10) signed a $100 billion Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc. The EFTA is a trade organisation and free trade area consisting of four European states — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak to discuss the "early conclusion" of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), prompting speculations if the much-expected and equally anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement would be formalised before the respective countries go to polls.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak to discuss the "early conclusion" of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), prompting speculations if the much-expected and equally anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement would be formalised before the respective countries go to polls. In London's corridors of power, a free trade deal with India would partly mitigate the adverse economic effects of Brexit and would give Sunak's Conservative Party a fresh plank before the January 2025 elections in the UK. "Had a good conversation with PM Rishi Sunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call. Also watch | Aim to complete India-UK Free Trade Agreement before polls in both nations: Lord Tariq Ahmad to WION × An official government readout said that the two leaders "reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic partnership". "They assessed positively the progress made towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement," the readout said. The two leaders also "expressed satisfaction on the progress made under the Roadmap 2030" in sectors such as trade, investment, defence, security, and emerging technologies. Also read | UK PM Sunak at centre of Tory breakdown over 'secret election talks' with Dominic Cummings PM Modi and Sunak also exchanged greetings for the upcoming festive occasion of Holi . "The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," the readout added. India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement since 2022. The 13th round of negotiations took place from September 18 to December 15, 2023. They succeeded in a fourteenth round in January following which the UK negotiators flew back to London without any public breakthrough announced. Meanwhile, India on Sunday (March 10) signed a $100 billion Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc. The EFTA is a trade organisation and free trade area consisting of four European states — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi, Rishi Sunak eye ‘early conclusion’ of India-UK Free Trade Agreement

<p>The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA and notified the rules for it, days ahead of the general elections. It is now called&nbsp;Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rules will facilitate the granting of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said in a tweet: “Ministry of Home Affairs will be notifying today, the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship.”<br />
<br />
The applications will be submitted in a completely online mode for which a web portal has been provided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The home ministry said that the "Constitution of India grants us the right to provide religious persecuted refugees with fundamental rights and to grant citizenship from a humanitarian perspective". The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act was delayed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-caa-how-it-fastracks-citizenship-of-religious-minorities-from-parts-of-south-asia-699036">What is CAA? How it fast tracks citizenship of religious minorities from parts of South Asia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Indian National Congress (INC) slammed the Centre, with the party's general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleging that the timing of the announcement was "evidently designed" to polarise the coming Lok Sabha elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramesh also alleged that the announcement is yet another attempt to "manage the headlines" after the Supreme Court's strictures on the electoral bonds issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After seeking nine extensions for the notification of the rules, the timing right before the elections is evidently designed to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam," the Congress leader said.</p>

<p>"The prime minister claims that his government works in a business-like and time-bound manner. The time taken to notify the rules for the CAA is yet another demonstration of the prime minister's blatant lies," he said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-says-pm-modi-lived-up-to-his-promise-by-notifying-caa-rules-699073">BJP says PM Modi lived up to his promise by notifying CAA rules</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Police in Delhi tightened security in northeast Delhi, Shaheen Bagh, Jamia and other sensitive areas across the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North East Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Joy Tirkey said, "We have made arrangements in the North East district. Our experience in 2020 was unpleasant which resulted in heavy loss. The rules will be notified today and we were alerted by the Police Headquarters."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We had a meeting of the Aman Committee where we briefed people of both communities. We have tagged the potential troublemakers and some known criminals. We are in touch with our beat constables and keeping an eye on social media too. We are doing a flag march for two days and will have an extensive flag march from tomorrow. Special care will be taken in sensitive areas through drones," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the CAA notification, North East DCP Joy Tirkey says, "We have made arrangements in the North East district. Our experience in 2020 was unpleasant which resulted in heavy loss. The rules will be notified today and we were alerted by the Police Headquarters. We had a… <a href="https://t.co/zsWAEUfWKl">pic.twitter.com/zsWAEUfWKl</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1767186108331286631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019, and it got the president's assent. The law, however, could not come into effect so far as rules have to be notified for its implementation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was enacted through the Indian Parliament on December 11, 2019. The Act amended the Citizenship Act 1955 by offering a path toward Indian Citizenship for minority religions from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, or Christians who arrived in India before the end of December 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It doesn't include Muslims, who migrated to India owing to religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The 2019 announcement had caused major anti-CAA protests nationwide and over 100 people lost their lives, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA and notified the rules for it, days ahead of the general elections.

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA and notified the rules for it, days ahead of the general elections. It is now called Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The rules will facilitate the granting of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said in a tweet: “Ministry of Home Affairs will be notifying today, the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship.” The applications will be submitted in a completely online mode for which a web portal has been provided. The home ministry said that the "Constitution of India grants us the right to provide religious persecuted refugees with fundamental rights and to grant citizenship from a humanitarian perspective". The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act was delayed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Also read: What is CAA? How it fast tracks citizenship of religious minorities from parts of South Asia The Indian National Congress (INC) slammed the Centre, with the party's general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleging that the timing of the announcement was "evidently designed" to polarise the coming Lok Sabha elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam. Ramesh also alleged that the announcement is yet another attempt to "manage the headlines" after the Supreme Court's strictures on the electoral bonds issue. "After seeking nine extensions for the notification of the rules, the timing right before the elections is evidently designed to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam," the Congress leader said. "The prime minister claims that his government works in a business-like and time-bound manner. The time taken to notify the rules for the CAA is yet another demonstration of the prime minister's blatant lies," he said in a post on X. Also read: BJP says PM Modi lived up to his promise by notifying CAA rules Police in Delhi tightened security in northeast Delhi, Shaheen Bagh, Jamia and other sensitive areas across the national capital. North East Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Joy Tirkey said, "We have made arrangements in the North East district. Our experience in 2020 was unpleasant which resulted in heavy loss. The rules will be notified today and we were alerted by the Police Headquarters." "We had a meeting of the Aman Committee where we briefed people of both communities. We have tagged the potential troublemakers and some known criminals. We are in touch with our beat constables and keeping an eye on social media too. We are doing a flag march for two days and will have an extensive flag march from tomorrow. Special care will be taken in sensitive areas through drones," he added. #WATCH | On the CAA notification, North East DCP Joy Tirkey says, "We have made arrangements in the North East district. Our experience in 2020 was unpleasant which resulted in heavy loss. The rules will be notified today and we were alerted by the Police Headquarters. We had a… pic.twitter.com/zsWAEUfWKl — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2024 × Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019, and it got the president's assent. The law, however, could not come into effect so far as rules have to be notified for its implementation. It was enacted through the Indian Parliament on December 11, 2019. The Act amended the Citizenship Act 1955 by offering a path toward Indian Citizenship for minority religions from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, or Christians who arrived in India before the end of December 2014. It doesn't include Muslims, who migrated to India owing to religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The 2019 announcement had caused major anti-CAA protests nationwide and over 100 people lost their lives, as per reports. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt announces implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the government has "fulfilled its guarantee by issuing the notification of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)". The government notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act on March 11, 2024 weeks ahead of General Elections in which Prime Minister Modi is seeking a third consecutive term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"CAA has been implemented across India,"&nbsp;BJP wrote on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Laying out the timeline of the passage of the citizenship law, the BJP said that the proposed law was first presented in the parliament in 2019. It was passed in Lok Sabha, the lower house directly elected by the people on December 10, 2019 and in Rajya Sabha, the upper house elected by the state legislative members, on December 11, 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Citizenship Amendment Act took the form of a law after it was signed by the president," the BJP wrote on X.</p>

<p>"On March 11, 2024, Central government notified the rules of Citizenship Amendment Act."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 &amp; 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝!<br />
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India is committed to protecting persecuted religious minorities. <a href="https://t.co/KpogkaDO9W">pic.twitter.com/KpogkaDO9W</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1767196624286294445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah while reacting to the development said, "CAA rules enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in India."<br />
<br />
Earlier while speaking at an event, Shah had said,&nbsp;"CAA was a promise of the Congress government. When the country was divided and the minorities were persecuted in those countries, Congress had assured the refugees that they were welcome in India and they would be provided with Indian citizenship. Now they are backtracking," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>CAA rules notified: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan&nbsp;CMs hail move</strong></h2>

<p>Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma took to social media platform X and tweeted:<strong>&nbsp;</strong>“Modi ji's guarantee means guarantee of fulfillment. CAA is a humanitarian law through which the oppressed Hindu and minority communities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will pave the way to realize their years-long dream of Indian citizenship by providing them a dignified life.”</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the notification of the CAA as "historic" and said it is a decision for the welfare of humanity.</p>

<p>"This has paved the way for a respectable life for the minority communities suffering from religious brutality in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan," Yogi Adityanath said, while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-caa-how-it-fastracks-citizenship-of-religious-minorities-from-parts-of-south-asia-699036">What is CAA? How it fast tracks Indian citizenship of religious minorities from parts of South Asia</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh chief minister described it as a "humanitarian decision which brings joy to humanity."</p>

<p>"Hearty congratulations to all the brothers and sisters who are going to get Indian citizenship under this Act," added the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also took to X and hailed the notification of the CAA rules as reflection of PM Modi's "strong will in the national interest".</p>

<p>"We have full confidence that similar decisions will be taken to strengthen the country in your third term also," Dhami added.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the government has "fulfilled its guarantee by issuing the notification of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the government has "fulfilled its guarantee by issuing the notification of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)". The government notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act on March 11, 2024 weeks ahead of General Elections in which Prime Minister Modi is seeking a third consecutive term. "CAA has been implemented across India," BJP wrote on social media. Laying out the timeline of the passage of the citizenship law, the BJP said that the proposed law was first presented in the parliament in 2019. It was passed in Lok Sabha, the lower house directly elected by the people on December 10, 2019 and in Rajya Sabha, the upper house elected by the state legislative members, on December 11, 2019. "The Citizenship Amendment Act took the form of a law after it was signed by the president," the BJP wrote on X. "On March 11, 2024, Central government notified the rules of Citizenship Amendment Act." 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 & 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝! India is committed to protecting persecuted religious minorities. pic.twitter.com/KpogkaDO9W — BJP (@BJP4India) March 11, 2024 × Union Home Minister Amit Shah while reacting to the development said, "CAA rules enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in India." Earlier while speaking at an event, Shah had said, "CAA was a promise of the Congress government. When the country was divided and the minorities were persecuted in those countries, Congress had assured the refugees that they were welcome in India and they would be provided with Indian citizenship. Now they are backtracking," he added. CAA rules notified: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan CMs hail move Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma took to social media platform X and tweeted: “Modi ji's guarantee means guarantee of fulfillment. CAA is a humanitarian law through which the oppressed Hindu and minority communities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will pave the way to realize their years-long dream of Indian citizenship by providing them a dignified life.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the notification of the CAA as "historic" and said it is a decision for the welfare of humanity. "This has paved the way for a respectable life for the minority communities suffering from religious brutality in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan," Yogi Adityanath said, while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah. Also read | What is CAA? How it fast tracks Indian citizenship of religious minorities from parts of South Asia The Uttar Pradesh chief minister described it as a "humanitarian decision which brings joy to humanity." "Hearty congratulations to all the brothers and sisters who are going to get Indian citizenship under this Act," added the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also took to X and hailed the notification of the CAA rules as reflection of PM Modi's "strong will in the national interest". "We have full confidence that similar decisions will be taken to strengthen the country in your third term also," Dhami added.

BJP hails PM for CAA implementation, says ‘Modi’s guarantee’ means fulfilment of promises

<p>The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act by notifying its rules but the opposition was quick to slam the government over the decision&nbsp;and linked it to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls due in April-May.</p>

<p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to the social media platform X and termed the announcement as the BJP's latest move to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It has taken four years and three months for the Modi Government to notify the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed by the Parliament in December 2019. The Prime Minister claims that his Government works in a business-like and time-bound manner. The time taken to notify the rules for the CAA is yet another demonstration of the Prime Minister’s blatant lies," he wrote.</p>

<p>"After seeking nine extensions for the notification of the rules, the timing right before the elections is evidently designed to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam. It also appears to be an attempt to manage the headlines after the Supreme Court’s severe strictures on the Electoral Bonds Scandal," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">दिसंबर 2019 में संसद द्वारा पारित नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम के नियमों को अधिसूचित करने में मोदी सरकार को चार साल और तीन महीने लग गए। प्रधानमंत्री दावा करते हैं कि उनकी सरकार बिल्कुल प्रोफेशनल ढंग से और समयबद्ध तरीक़े से काम करती है। सीएए के नियमों को अधिसूचित करने में लिया गया इतना…</p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1767169607943471197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress leader Digvijaya Singh questioned why the government was announcing the decision now after ten years.</p>

<p>"Why did they delay it so much, and if they are implementing it, why not after the elections? Their sole objective is to make every issue a Hindu-Muslim issue. This goes against our Constitution," he said while talking to reporters.</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reacting to the announcement said that it was aimed at "disquieting the nation".</p>

<p>"The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the Lok Sabha. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. This move to stratify Indian citizens who have equal rights, must be opposed unitedly," he wrote in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the…</p>
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/pinarayivijayan/status/1767206096312393999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that centre's decision to notify CAA is against country and that people would respondto it in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"After ruling the country for ten years, Modi government has brought CAA before the elections. At a time when the poor and middle class are groaning due to inflation and unemployed youth are struggling from door to door for employment, instead of solving those real issues, these people have brought CAA," the Delhi CM wrote in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">दस साल देश पर राज करने के बाद एन चुनाव के पहले मोदी सरकार CAA लेकर आयी है। ऐसे वक़्त जब गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग महंगाई से कराह रहा है और बेरोज़गार युवा रोज़गार के लिए दर दर की ठोकरें खा रहा है, उन असली मुद्दों का समाधान करने की बजाय ये लोग CAA लाये हैं।<br />
<br />
कह रहे हैं कि तीन पड़ोसी देशों…</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1767205244109226230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is strongly opposed especially by the people of Assam and the entire North-East India, who have been victims of migration from Bangladesh and whose language and culture are in danger today. BJP has betrayed the people of Assam and the entire North Eastern states," he added.</p>

<p>Senior Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde, who was appointed as an interlocutor by the Supreme Court to talk to the anti-CAA protestors at Shaheen Bagh in 2019-2020, reating to the announcement said, "it was surprising that the government did not find time earlier to notify the CAA rules. The Act has been challenged in the Supreme Court, there has been no specific stay, the matter hasn't been heard for some time. In the meanwhile, the rules have been notified and I am sure that in respect of the implementation of rules, there will be appropriate petitions filed. It is possible that the government wanted to notify these rules before the Model Code of Conduct comes into play."</p>

<p>AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "give asylum to anyone who is persecuted but citizenship must not be based on religion or nationality. The govt should explain why it kept these rules pending for five years &amp; why it’s implementing it now. Along with NPR-NRC, CAA is meant to only target Muslims, it serves no other purpose."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aap chronology samajhiye, pehle election season aayega phir CAA rules aayenge. Our objections to CAA remain the same. CAA is divisive &amp; based on Godse’s thought that wanted to reduce Muslims to second-class citizens.<br />
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Give asylum to anyone who is persecuted but citizenship must…</p>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/1767182248246178025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to the government's announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that it was ruling BJP's "publicity for elections" and if the rules "deprive" people of their rights, her party will fight against them.</p>

<p>"Let me see the rules first. The notification has not been issued yet. If people are deprived of their rights under the rules, then we will fight against it. This is BJP's publicity for elections, it is nothing else," the Trinamool Congress chief said at a press conference in Kolkata.</p>

<p>AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Central government for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, claiming the law is based on Mahatma Gandhi's murderer Nathuram Godse's thought and alleged that it will reduce Muslims to second-class citizens.</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP for releasing the CAA notification and claimed that it&nbsp;was its “game of distraction”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, security was beefed up in the national capital Delhi and across the country after the announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rules for implementation of this citizenship act will facilitate the granting of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019, and it got the president's assent. The law, however, could not come into effect so far as rules have to be notified for its implementation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act by notifying its rules but the opposition was quick to slam the government over the decision and linked it to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls due in April-May.

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act by notifying its rules but the opposition was quick to slam the government over the decision and linked it to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls due in April-May. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to the social media platform X and termed the announcement as the BJP's latest move to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam. "It has taken four years and three months for the Modi Government to notify the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed by the Parliament in December 2019. The Prime Minister claims that his Government works in a business-like and time-bound manner. The time taken to notify the rules for the CAA is yet another demonstration of the Prime Minister’s blatant lies," he wrote. "After seeking nine extensions for the notification of the rules, the timing right before the elections is evidently designed to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam. It also appears to be an attempt to manage the headlines after the Supreme Court’s severe strictures on the Electoral Bonds Scandal," he added. दिसंबर 2019 में संसद द्वारा पारित नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम के नियमों को अधिसूचित करने में मोदी सरकार को चार साल और तीन महीने लग गए। प्रधानमंत्री दावा करते हैं कि उनकी सरकार बिल्कुल प्रोफेशनल ढंग से और समयबद्ध तरीक़े से काम करती है। सीएए के नियमों को अधिसूचित करने में लिया गया इतना… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 11, 2024 × Congress leader Digvijaya Singh questioned why the government was announcing the decision now after ten years. "Why did they delay it so much, and if they are implementing it, why not after the elections? Their sole objective is to make every issue a Hindu-Muslim issue. This goes against our Constitution," he said while talking to reporters. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reacting to the announcement said that it was aimed at "disquieting the nation". "The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the Lok Sabha. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. This move to stratify Indian citizens who have equal rights, must be opposed unitedly," he wrote in a post on X. The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the… — Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) March 11, 2024 × Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that centre's decision to notify CAA is against country and that people would respondto it in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "After ruling the country for ten years, Modi government has brought CAA before the elections. At a time when the poor and middle class are groaning due to inflation and unemployed youth are struggling from door to door for employment, instead of solving those real issues, these people have brought CAA," the Delhi CM wrote in a post on X. दस साल देश पर राज करने के बाद एन चुनाव के पहले मोदी सरकार CAA लेकर आयी है। ऐसे वक़्त जब गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग महंगाई से कराह रहा है और बेरोज़गार युवा रोज़गार के लिए दर दर की ठोकरें खा रहा है, उन असली मुद्दों का समाधान करने की बजाय ये लोग CAA लाये हैं। कह रहे हैं कि तीन पड़ोसी देशों… — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 11, 2024 × "This is strongly opposed especially by the people of Assam and the entire North-East India, who have been victims of migration from Bangladesh and whose language and culture are in danger today. BJP has betrayed the people of Assam and the entire North Eastern states," he added. Senior Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde, who was appointed as an interlocutor by the Supreme Court to talk to the anti-CAA protestors at Shaheen Bagh in 2019-2020, reating to the announcement said, "it was surprising that the government did not find time earlier to notify the CAA rules. The Act has been challenged in the Supreme Court, there has been no specific stay, the matter hasn't been heard for some time. In the meanwhile, the rules have been notified and I am sure that in respect of the implementation of rules, there will be appropriate petitions filed. It is possible that the government wanted to notify these rules before the Model Code of Conduct comes into play." AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "give asylum to anyone who is persecuted but citizenship must not be based on religion or nationality. The govt should explain why it kept these rules pending for five years & why it’s implementing it now. Along with NPR-NRC, CAA is meant to only target Muslims, it serves no other purpose." Aap chronology samajhiye, pehle election season aayega phir CAA rules aayenge. Our objections to CAA remain the same. CAA is divisive & based on Godse’s thought that wanted to reduce Muslims to second-class citizens. Give asylum to anyone who is persecuted but citizenship must… — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 11, 2024 × Reacting to the government's announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that it was ruling BJP's "publicity for elections" and if the rules "deprive" people of their rights, her party will fight against them. "Let me see the rules first. The notification has not been issued yet. If people are deprived of their rights under the rules, then we will fight against it. This is BJP's publicity for elections, it is nothing else," the Trinamool Congress chief said at a press conference in Kolkata. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Central government for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, claiming the law is based on Mahatma Gandhi's murderer Nathuram Godse's thought and alleged that it will reduce Muslims to second-class citizens. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP for releasing the CAA notification and claimed that it was its “game of distraction”. Meanwhile, security was beefed up in the national capital Delhi and across the country after the announcement. The rules for implementation of this citizenship act will facilitate the granting of citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019, and it got the president's assent. The law, however, could not come into effect so far as rules have to be notified for its implementation. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Opposition slams decision after Centre notifies CAA rules ahead of polls

<p>The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee will meet on March 15 to finalise the names of new election commissioners, top sources said. Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement.</p>

<p>The panel is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as members. It will meet on March 15 and name the persons for appointment as election commissioners.</p>

<p>The election commissioners will be appointed by the president.</p>

<p>The sources said the appointment of two new election commissioners is likely to be made by March 15 to fill the vacancies created by Pandey's retirement and Goel's surprise resignation.</p>

<p>They said the notice for the meeting was sent on Saturday afternoon while Goel's resignation was notified in the evening.</p>

<p>The sources added that during the meeting, two appointments of election commissioners are likely to be made against one, as anticipated earlier.</p>

<p>The March 15 notice, the sources said, refers to the postponed meeting of the committee that was to be held on March 7 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Pandey, who demitted office on February 14 on attaining the age of 65 years.</p>

<p>Days before the poll panel is expected to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, Goel resigned on Friday morning. His resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday and the Union Law Ministry issued a notification to announce it.</p>

<p>This leaves Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll body.</p>

<p>A search committee under Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and comprising the Home secretary and the Department of Personnel and Training secretary, will first prepare two separate panels of five names each for the two posts.</p>

<p>Later, the selection committee headed by the prime minister will name two persons for appointment as election commissioners.</p>

<p>Sources had earlier said the selection committee could meet either on March 13 or 14, depending on the convenience of the members, and the appointments were likely by March 15.</p>

<p>Before a new law on the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners came into force recently, the election commissioners were appointed by the president on the government's recommendation and, as per custom, the senior-most was appointed as the chief election commissioner.</p>

<p>Clause 2 of Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission shall consist of the chief election commissioner and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix.</p>

<p>Responding to questions on the reasons behind Goel's resignation, the sources said he might have resigned due to personal reasons.</p>

<p>They also rejected suggestions that there were differences between Goel and Kumar, saying records of internal communication, minutes and decisions show there was no dissent recorded by Goel.</p>

<p>If seasoned bureaucrats brainstorm on an issue, there are bound to be differences in opinion and perception. These cannot be described as differences, they added.</p>

<p>Goel, who tendered his resignation on Friday morning, did not attend the crucial meeting between the Election Commission and top home ministry and railways officials to firm up the deployment and the movement of central forces across India for poll duty.</p>

<p>Goel was a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre. He had joined the Election Commission in November 2022. His tenure was until December 5, 2027, and he would have become chief election commissioner after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired next February.</p>

<p>Ashok Lavasa had resigned as election commissioner in August 2020. He had given dissent notes on various model code of conduct violation decisions taken by the Election Commission during the last Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Originally, the commission had only a chief election commissioner. It currently consists of the chief election commissioner and two election commissioners.</p>

<p>Two additional commissioners were first appointed on October 16, 1989, but their tenures lasted till January 1, 1990. Later, on October 1, 1993, two additional election commissioners were appointed.</p>

<p>The concept of a multi-member Election Commission has been in operation since then, with decisions made by a majority vote.</p>


The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee will meet on March 15 to finalise the names of new election commissioners, top sources said. Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement.

The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee will meet on March 15 to finalise the names of new election commissioners, top sources said. Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement. The panel is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as members. It will meet on March 15 and name the persons for appointment as election commissioners. The election commissioners will be appointed by the president. The sources said the appointment of two new election commissioners is likely to be made by March 15 to fill the vacancies created by Pandey's retirement and Goel's surprise resignation. They said the notice for the meeting was sent on Saturday afternoon while Goel's resignation was notified in the evening. The sources added that during the meeting, two appointments of election commissioners are likely to be made against one, as anticipated earlier. The March 15 notice, the sources said, refers to the postponed meeting of the committee that was to be held on March 7 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Pandey, who demitted office on February 14 on attaining the age of 65 years. Days before the poll panel is expected to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, Goel resigned on Friday morning. His resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday and the Union Law Ministry issued a notification to announce it. This leaves Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll body. A search committee under Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and comprising the Home secretary and the Department of Personnel and Training secretary, will first prepare two separate panels of five names each for the two posts. Later, the selection committee headed by the prime minister will name two persons for appointment as election commissioners. Sources had earlier said the selection committee could meet either on March 13 or 14, depending on the convenience of the members, and the appointments were likely by March 15. Before a new law on the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners came into force recently, the election commissioners were appointed by the president on the government's recommendation and, as per custom, the senior-most was appointed as the chief election commissioner. Clause 2 of Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission shall consist of the chief election commissioner and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix. Responding to questions on the reasons behind Goel's resignation, the sources said he might have resigned due to personal reasons. They also rejected suggestions that there were differences between Goel and Kumar, saying records of internal communication, minutes and decisions show there was no dissent recorded by Goel. If seasoned bureaucrats brainstorm on an issue, there are bound to be differences in opinion and perception. These cannot be described as differences, they added. Goel, who tendered his resignation on Friday morning, did not attend the crucial meeting between the Election Commission and top home ministry and railways officials to firm up the deployment and the movement of central forces across India for poll duty. Goel was a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre. He had joined the Election Commission in November 2022. His tenure was until December 5, 2027, and he would have become chief election commissioner after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired next February. Ashok Lavasa had resigned as election commissioner in August 2020. He had given dissent notes on various model code of conduct violation decisions taken by the Election Commission during the last Lok Sabha polls. Originally, the commission had only a chief election commissioner. It currently consists of the chief election commissioner and two election commissioners. Two additional commissioners were first appointed on October 16, 1989, but their tenures lasted till January 1, 1990. Later, on October 1, 1993, two additional election commissioners were appointed. The concept of a multi-member Election Commission has been in operation since then, with decisions made by a majority vote.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: PM Modi-chaired committee to meet on March 15 to appoint 2 new election commissioners

<p>Indian&nbsp;President Droupadi Murmu nominated philanthropist and author Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 8).</p>

<p>PM Modi congratulated Murty&nbsp;and said that her nomination to the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to the 'Nari Shakti' of the country as the announcement was made on International Women's Day.</p>

<p>"I am delighted that the President of India has nominated @SmtSudhaMurty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to our 'Nari Shakti', exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation's destiny. Wishing her a fruitful Parliamentary tenure," PM Modi wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am delighted that the President of India has nominated <a href="https://twitter.com/SmtSudhaMurty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SmtSudhaMurty</a> Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to… <a href="https://t.co/lL2b0nVZ8F">pic.twitter.com/lL2b0nVZ8F</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1766002676070813995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the announcement, Murty who is in Thailand, said she is pleasantly surprised and added, "I have to see what are the things...what I can do. This is a new area to me. So, I have to first sit and study and then I will be able to do it." She said she was pleasantly surprised by the announcement."</p>

<p>Twelve people, who have made great contributions in the field of art, literature, science, and social service, get nominated by the president of India to the Upper House of the parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nari-shakti-pm-modi-celebrates-womens-day-with-rs-100-reduction-in-lpg-cylinder-prices-697858">&nbsp;'Nari Shakti': PM Modi celebrates Women's Day with $1.21 reduction in LPG cylinder prices</a></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Sudha Murty?</strong></h2>

<p>Sudha Murty is an Indian author, philanthropist, educator and the former chairperson of Infosys. She is also one of the members of the Gates Foundation's public healthcare initiatives. The Murty Classical Library of India has been established by her at Harvard University.</p>

<p>Her husband Narayana Murthy&nbsp;founded IT giant Infosys and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is her son-in-law. In 2006, Murty was honoured with Padma Bhushan, which is India's third-highest civilian award for social work.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi announces reduction in LPG cylinder price on the occasion of women's day</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-announces-reduction-in-lpg-cylinder-price-on-the-occasion-of-womens-day-697975/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>She started her career as an engineer with TELCO (now Tata Motors). Murty has written some of the bestsellers in English and Kannada, and her books have been translated into different Indian languages.</p>

<p>She is also famous for her novel - ‘Dollar Bahu’, which was originally written by her in Kannada language and later translated into English.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian President Droupadi Murmu nominated philanthropist and author Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 8).

Indian President Droupadi Murmu nominated philanthropist and author Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 8). PM Modi congratulated Murty and said that her nomination to the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to the 'Nari Shakti' of the country as the announcement was made on International Women's Day. "I am delighted that the President of India has nominated @SmtSudhaMurty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to our 'Nari Shakti', exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation's destiny. Wishing her a fruitful Parliamentary tenure," PM Modi wrote on X. I am delighted that the President of India has nominated @SmtSudhaMurty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to… pic.twitter.com/lL2b0nVZ8F — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2024 × Reacting to the announcement, Murty who is in Thailand, said she is pleasantly surprised and added, "I have to see what are the things...what I can do. This is a new area to me. So, I have to first sit and study and then I will be able to do it." She said she was pleasantly surprised by the announcement." Twelve people, who have made great contributions in the field of art, literature, science, and social service, get nominated by the president of India to the Upper House of the parliament. Also Read: 'Nari Shakti': PM Modi celebrates Women's Day with $1.21 reduction in LPG cylinder prices Who is Sudha Murty? Sudha Murty is an Indian author, philanthropist, educator and the former chairperson of Infosys. She is also one of the members of the Gates Foundation's public healthcare initiatives. The Murty Classical Library of India has been established by her at Harvard University. Her husband Narayana Murthy founded IT giant Infosys and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is her son-in-law. In 2006, Murty was honoured with Padma Bhushan, which is India's third-highest civilian award for social work. Watch: PM Narendra Modi announces reduction in LPG cylinder price on the occasion of women's day She started her career as an engineer with TELCO (now Tata Motors). Murty has written some of the bestsellers in English and Kannada, and her books have been translated into different Indian languages. She is also famous for her novel - ‘Dollar Bahu’, which was originally written by her in Kannada language and later translated into English. (With inputs from agencies)

Philanthropist, author Sudha Murty gets nominated to Rajya Sabha; PM Modi hails 'Nari Shakti'

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, on Thursday (Mar 7) called his visit to the Valley being akin to "coming to heaven on earth". Addressing the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir" programme at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Prime Minister Modi said, "This is the new Jammu and Kashmir for which we all were waiting for many decades. This is the new Kashmir for which Dr&nbsp;Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life."</p>

<p>Modi said that the path to build Kashmir was through possibilities in the tourism sector, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the valley's youth. "Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts, to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi's guarantee," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>In J&amp;K, Modi unveils projects worth over $772.9 million</strong></h2>

<p>At the Bakshi Stadium, Modi unveiled multiple development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore). "Today, I got the opportunity to inaugurate several development projects related to tourism... The power of development, tourism possibilities, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir," Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Srinagar, J&amp;K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Now my next mission is 'Wed in India'. People should come to J&amp;K and host their weddings...The world has seen how G20 was organised in J&amp;K. There was a time when people used to say, who will go to J&amp;K for tourism? Today,… <a href="https://t.co/BKeVtUEWG2">pic.twitter.com/BKeVtUEWG2</a></p>
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<p>"The path to building a developed Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from here. J&amp;K is not just a region, it is the forehead of India. Viksit J&amp;K is the priority of Viksit Bharat," the prime minister added.</p>

<p>"Today, 6 projects have been dedicated to the country under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Apart from this, the next phase of the 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme has also been launched. Under this also, about 30 projects have been started for Jammu and Kashmir and other places in the country," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | J&amp;K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "I have been told that 1 lakh people from 285 blocks have joined us virtually. I want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is that new J&amp;K for which we have been waiting for decades. It is that new J&amp;K for which Dr Syama… <a href="https://t.co/j6n7GUQQ3J">pic.twitter.com/j6n7GUQQ3J</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1765651344717656086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He highlighted that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir was breaking all records. "In 2023, more than 2 crore (20 million) tourists have come here...Now big celebrities from across the world are also coming to J&amp;K," the prime minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Security tightened ahead of PM's visit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Valley. According to a report by the news agency ANI, Srinagar had been declared a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, on Thursday (Mar 7) called his visit to the Valley being akin to "coming to heaven on earth".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, on Thursday (Mar 7) called his visit to the Valley being akin to "coming to heaven on earth". Addressing the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir" programme at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Prime Minister Modi said, "This is the new Jammu and Kashmir for which we all were waiting for many decades. This is the new Kashmir for which Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life." Modi said that the path to build Kashmir was through possibilities in the tourism sector, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the valley's youth. "Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts, to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi's guarantee," he said. In J&K, Modi unveils projects worth over $772.9 million At the Bakshi Stadium, Modi unveiled multiple development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore). "Today, I got the opportunity to inaugurate several development projects related to tourism... The power of development, tourism possibilities, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir," Modi said. #WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Now my next mission is 'Wed in India'. People should come to J&K and host their weddings...The world has seen how G20 was organised in J&K. There was a time when people used to say, who will go to J&K for tourism? Today,… pic.twitter.com/BKeVtUEWG2 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2024 × "The path to building a developed Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from here. J&K is not just a region, it is the forehead of India. Viksit J&K is the priority of Viksit Bharat," the prime minister added. "Today, 6 projects have been dedicated to the country under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Apart from this, the next phase of the 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme has also been launched. Under this also, about 30 projects have been started for Jammu and Kashmir and other places in the country," he said. #WATCH | J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "I have been told that 1 lakh people from 285 blocks have joined us virtually. I want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is that new J&K for which we have been waiting for decades. It is that new J&K for which Dr Syama… pic.twitter.com/j6n7GUQQ3J — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2024 × He highlighted that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir was breaking all records. "In 2023, more than 2 crore (20 million) tourists have come here...Now big celebrities from across the world are also coming to J&K," the prime minister said. Security tightened ahead of PM's visit Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Valley. According to a report by the news agency ANI, Srinagar had been declared a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect. The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Feels like visiting heaven on Earth, says PM Narendra Modi in Srinagar

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: </strong>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is all set to add Odisha-based&nbsp;Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as its latest ally, <em>The Indian Express</em> reported.&nbsp;Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's party has reportedly finalised seat-sharing talks with the BJP and an official announcement to formalise BJD's role in the NDA could take place on Thursday (March 7).</p>

<p>March 7, 2024, marks exactly fifteen years since the BJD broke a decade-long alliance with the BJP and parted ways with the National Democratic Alliance. Both the parties are headed to contest the Lok Sabha as well as state assembly polls in an alliance, <em>The Indian Express</em> report further added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP-BJD together: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 21 Lok Sabha MPs are elected from Odisha. The BJP currently has eight of these seats against BJD's 12 and one was won by the Congress party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates heritage corridor in Puri Jagannath temple</strong></p>

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<p>On six of the eight seats that the BJP won in 2019, the winning margin was between 3,600 and about 27,000 votes. This means that despite PM Modi's popularity, the BJP was unable to sway most voters away from the party of CM Naveen Patnaik&nbsp;who continues to be immensely popular in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, there is a history of two parties sweeping the polls when they contested elections in an alliance.</p>

<p>The BJP-BJD alliance won 17 of 21 seats in the 1998 General Elections with a 48.7 per cent vote share. They bettered their tally to 19 seats in 1999, which slightly came down to 18 in 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP could be eyeing a sweep in Odisha on all 21 seats by allying with the BJD.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Was the BJP-BJD alliance brewing with Modi-Patnaik bonhomie?</strong></h2>

<p>In recent days, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Naveen Patnaik as a "Lokpriya (popular)" chief minister, Patnaik said that the prime minister&nbsp;had set the course for India to become "an economic powerhouse".</p>

<p>Despite not being part of the ruling coalition, the Biju Janata Dal has voted with the government on contentious issues such as&nbsp;the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Goods, and Services Tax (GST),&nbsp;demonetisation, and the proposal for one nation, one election, as well as the polls for the President’s post, both in 2017 and 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | India: "Modi ka Parivar" adds ammo to BJP's campaign</strong></p>

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<p>India is set to go to polls later this summer in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. The Congress party-led opposition has forged the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) to deny the BJP under Modi a third term.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is all set to add Odisha-based Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as its latest ally, The Indian Express reported.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is all set to add Odisha-based Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as its latest ally, The Indian Express reported. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's party has reportedly finalised seat-sharing talks with the BJP and an official announcement to formalise BJD's role in the NDA could take place on Thursday (March 7). March 7, 2024, marks exactly fifteen years since the BJD broke a decade-long alliance with the BJP and parted ways with the National Democratic Alliance. Both the parties are headed to contest the Lok Sabha as well as state assembly polls in an alliance, The Indian Express report further added. BJP-BJD together: What does it mean? A total of 21 Lok Sabha MPs are elected from Odisha. The BJP currently has eight of these seats against BJD's 12 and one was won by the Congress party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Also watch | Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates heritage corridor in Puri Jagannath temple × On six of the eight seats that the BJP won in 2019, the winning margin was between 3,600 and about 27,000 votes. This means that despite PM Modi's popularity, the BJP was unable to sway most voters away from the party of CM Naveen Patnaik who continues to be immensely popular in the state. Besides, there is a history of two parties sweeping the polls when they contested elections in an alliance. The BJP-BJD alliance won 17 of 21 seats in the 1998 General Elections with a 48.7 per cent vote share. They bettered their tally to 19 seats in 1999, which slightly came down to 18 in 2004. The BJP could be eyeing a sweep in Odisha on all 21 seats by allying with the BJD. Was the BJP-BJD alliance brewing with Modi-Patnaik bonhomie? In recent days, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Naveen Patnaik as a "Lokpriya (popular)" chief minister, Patnaik said that the prime minister had set the course for India to become "an economic powerhouse". Despite not being part of the ruling coalition, the Biju Janata Dal has voted with the government on contentious issues such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Goods, and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation, and the proposal for one nation, one election, as well as the polls for the President’s post, both in 2017 and 2022. Also watch | India: "Modi ka Parivar" adds ammo to BJP's campaign × India is set to go to polls later this summer in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. The Congress party-led opposition has forged the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) to deny the BJP under Modi a third term.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Modi eyes sweeping 21 Odisha seats with BJP-BJD reunion

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Thursday (Mar 7) and&nbsp;unveiled multiple development projects. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Valley since his government abrogated Article 370, that had given special status to Kashmir,&nbsp;in August 2019.</p>

<p>Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the rally.&nbsp;ANI news agency reported that Srinagar has been declared as a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Srinagar, Modi will unveil development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-chairs-brainstorming-session-to-discuss-viksit-bharat-2047-plan-sets-100-day-agenda-696207">PM Modi chairs brainstorming session to discuss ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ plan, set 100-day agenda</a></strong></p>

<p>The projects will be in the sectors of agriculture and tourism.</p>

<p>According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi will launch &nbsp;43 projects that will develop a wide range of pilgrimage and tourist sites across India.</p>

<p>He will announce 42 tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi unveils India's 1st underwater Metro route &amp; other projects in Kolkata</strong></p>

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<p>"The innovative scheme, announced during Union Budget 2023-24, aims to provide end-to-end tourist experiences by catalysing the development of tourist destinations while also promoting sustainability and ushering competitiveness in the tourism sector. The 42 destinations have been identified in four categories (16 in Culture &amp; Heritage Destination; 11 in spiritual destinations; 10 in Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar; and 5 in Vibrant Village)," the PMO statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi will also launch the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ to inspire the Indian diaspora to become ambassadors of the 'Incredible India' initiative and promote tourism to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The campaign is being launched based on the clarion call of the Prime Minister, wherein he requested Indian diaspora members to encourage at least 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India. With more than 3 crore (30 million) overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can serve as a powerful catalyst for Indian tourism, acting as cultural Ambassadors," the PMO statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Thursday (Mar 7) and unveiled multiple development projects. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Valley since his government abrogated Article 370, that had given special status to Kashmir, in August 2019.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Thursday (Mar 7) and unveiled multiple development projects. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Valley since his government abrogated Article 370, that had given special status to Kashmir, in August 2019. Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the rally. ANI news agency reported that Srinagar has been declared as a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect. The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules. In Srinagar, Modi will unveil development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore). Also read | PM Modi chairs brainstorming session to discuss ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ plan, set 100-day agenda The projects will be in the sectors of agriculture and tourism. According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi will launch 43 projects that will develop a wide range of pilgrimage and tourist sites across India. He will announce 42 tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. Also watch | PM Modi unveils India's 1st underwater Metro route & other projects in Kolkata × "The innovative scheme, announced during Union Budget 2023-24, aims to provide end-to-end tourist experiences by catalysing the development of tourist destinations while also promoting sustainability and ushering competitiveness in the tourism sector. The 42 destinations have been identified in four categories (16 in Culture & Heritage Destination; 11 in spiritual destinations; 10 in Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar; and 5 in Vibrant Village)," the PMO statement said. Modi will also launch the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ to inspire the Indian diaspora to become ambassadors of the 'Incredible India' initiative and promote tourism to India. "The campaign is being launched based on the clarion call of the Prime Minister, wherein he requested Indian diaspora members to encourage at least 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India. With more than 3 crore (30 million) overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can serve as a powerful catalyst for Indian tourism, acting as cultural Ambassadors," the PMO statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi visits Jammu & Kashmir, unveils multiple development projects

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Kolkata on Wednesday (Mar 6), unveiling India's inaugural underwater metro route and a plethora of other projects, collectively worth Rs 15,400 crore ($1.85 billion). This landmark event is the culmination of transforming Kolkata's transportation landscape towards modernity as well as convenience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor is a marvel of engineering prowess nestled beneath the iconic River Hooghly.&nbsp;Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section has set a precedent for such future endeavours. The Howrah metro station stands tall as the deepest in the country, a testament to Kolkata's engineering prowess.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/singapore-approves-air-india-vistara-merger-with-conditions-report-697049">Singapore approves Air India-Vistara merger with conditions: Report</a></p>

<p>Underlining the significance of this milestone, Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Metro Railways, highlighted that while the inauguration ceremony took place today, the commencement of passenger services will happen at a later date.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-dmks-a-raja-says-were-enemies-of-ram-in-speech-bjp-fires-back-697052">India: DMK's A Raja says 'we're enemies of Ram' in speech, BJP fires back</a></p>

<p>The inauguration also encompassed the launch of the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat metro sections, accentuating the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility and connectivity.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">School children get a sneak peek of India's first underwater metro in Kolkata, set to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi today<br />
<br />
(Video credit: news agency ANI)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnderwaterMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnderwaterMetro</a> <a href="https://t.co/FGJB8VzSJZ">pic.twitter.com/FGJB8VzSJZ</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1765235338828824924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Spanning the River Hooghly, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section links the bustling cities of Kolkata and Howrah, catalysing seamless connectivity.&nbsp;Covering a distance of 4.8 km, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section forms an integral segment of the East-West Metro corridor, connecting Howrah Maidan to the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pollnomics-elections-in-india-this-year-are-unlikely-to-spook-investors-697071">Pollnomics: Elections in India this year are unlikely to spook investors</a></strong></p>

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<p>The metro's swift journey beneath the Hooghly riverbed lasts a mere 45 seconds, epitomising efficiency and speed. With the underground corridor spanning 10.8 km between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan, the East-West Metro's total length encompasses 16.6 km.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The anticipation surrounding this project has been palpable since April 2023 when Kolkata Metro's rakes embarked on their inaugural trial journey beneath the Hooghly's riverbed. It was an unprecedented feat in the nation's history.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kolkata Metro creates History!For the first time in India,a Metro rake ran under any river today!Regular trial runs from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HowrahMaidan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HowrahMaidan</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Esplanade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Esplanade</a> will start very soon. Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy,General Manager has described this run as a historic moment for the city of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kolkata</a>. <a href="https://t.co/sA4Kqdvf0v">pic.twitter.com/sA4Kqdvf0v</a></p>
— Metro Railway Kolkata (@metrorailwaykol) <a href="https://twitter.com/metrorailwaykol/status/1646124044838932481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Looking ahead, Kolkata Metro has set its sights on commencing commercial operations along the entire East-West alignment between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan by June-July, signalling a promising future for urban commuters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Kolkata on Wednesday (Mar 6), unveiling India's inaugural underwater metro route and a plethora of other projects, collectively worth Rs 15,400 crore ($1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Kolkata on Wednesday (Mar 6), unveiling India's inaugural underwater metro route and a plethora of other projects, collectively worth Rs 15,400 crore ($1.85 billion). This landmark event is the culmination of transforming Kolkata's transportation landscape towards modernity as well as convenience. The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor is a marvel of engineering prowess nestled beneath the iconic River Hooghly. Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section has set a precedent for such future endeavours. The Howrah metro station stands tall as the deepest in the country, a testament to Kolkata's engineering prowess. Also Read | Singapore approves Air India-Vistara merger with conditions: Report Underlining the significance of this milestone, Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Metro Railways, highlighted that while the inauguration ceremony took place today, the commencement of passenger services will happen at a later date. Also Read | India: DMK's A Raja says 'we're enemies of Ram' in speech, BJP fires back The inauguration also encompassed the launch of the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat metro sections, accentuating the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility and connectivity. School children get a sneak peek of India's first underwater metro in Kolkata, set to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi today (Video credit: news agency ANI)#Kolkata #UnderwaterMetro pic.twitter.com/FGJB8VzSJZ — WION (@WIONews) March 6, 2024 × Spanning the River Hooghly, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section links the bustling cities of Kolkata and Howrah, catalysing seamless connectivity. Covering a distance of 4.8 km, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section forms an integral segment of the East-West Metro corridor, connecting Howrah Maidan to the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V. Watch | Pollnomics: Elections in India this year are unlikely to spook investors × The metro's swift journey beneath the Hooghly riverbed lasts a mere 45 seconds, epitomising efficiency and speed. With the underground corridor spanning 10.8 km between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan, the East-West Metro's total length encompasses 16.6 km. The anticipation surrounding this project has been palpable since April 2023 when Kolkata Metro's rakes embarked on their inaugural trial journey beneath the Hooghly's riverbed. It was an unprecedented feat in the nation's history. Kolkata Metro creates History!For the first time in India,a Metro rake ran under any river today!Regular trial runs from #HowrahMaidan to #Esplanade will start very soon. Shri P Uday Kumar Reddy,General Manager has described this run as a historic moment for the city of #Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/sA4Kqdvf0v — Metro Railway Kolkata (@metrorailwaykol) April 12, 2023 × Looking ahead, Kolkata Metro has set its sights on commencing commercial operations along the entire East-West alignment between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan by June-July, signalling a promising future for urban commuters. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates India's first underwater metro, other projects worth $1.85bn

<p>India's Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4), strongly reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yadav had said that PM Modi "has no family and is neither a Hindu". Attacking Yadav and the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc over the comment, Irani said that India's 1.4 billion people are Prime Minister Modi's family and no one can dare to touch even a hair of such a man, whom she referred to as the “Pradhan Sevak”.</p>

<p>The minister was speaking at the 'Namo Yuva Maha Sammelan', which was organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Nagpur city of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Irani said that not only 1.4 billion Indians, but the country's youth and party workers are “Modi's parivaar" (family).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-launches-modi-ka-parivar-campaign-after-lalu-yadavs-he-has-no-family-jibe-696418">BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe</a></p>

<p>"...By being 'pradhan sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDIA alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to tell him that, we are 'Modi's parivaar', these youths are 'Modi's parivaar'...nobody will be able to touch even a hair of that person whose family are 140 crore people of India," Union Minister Irani was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Nagpur, Maharashtra: On former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav's "Parivaarvad" jibe, Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "...By being 'Pradhan Sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDI alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to… <a href="https://t.co/gSx2hNPFgS">pic.twitter.com/gSx2hNPFgS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1764749844617326834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Smriti Irani openly challenges Rahul Gandhi for&nbsp;debate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Smriti Irani openly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai, for a debate on the "difference" between 10 years of Narendra Modi-headed union government and the UPA regime.</p>

<p>"If my voice is reaching Rahul Gandhi, then he should listen with open ears. Let there be a discussion on what is the difference between your (UPA) 10 years and Modi's 10 years," Irani said.</p>

<p>Irani further took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying that if she asked him directly for the debate, he would never come.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister said that Gandhi would not even survive in front of BJP's ordinary workers in such a debate.</p>

<p>"I guarantee that even if an ordinary worker of Yuva Morcha starts speaking in front of Rahul Gandhi, he will lose the strength to speak," she said.</p>

<p>Irani's comments came days after Lalu Yadav's comments questioning the Hindu credentials of PM Modi and mocking him for not having a family stirred a controversy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: PM Modi chairs BJP meet to finalise first list of Lok Sabha candidates</strong></p>

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<p>“These days he (PM) is talking about dynastic politics. You (PM Modi) don’t have a family... You are not even a Hindu. When one’s mother dies, every Hindu, as per tradition, shaves his beard and head. Why did you not shave? You only spread hatred in society,” said Yadav, at the party’s “Jan Vishwas Maha Rally” in Patna on Sunday (Mar 3).</p>

<p>On Monday (Mar 4), PM Modi attacked the INDIA alliance and said that every poor person in the country is his family member and that he is a family member of those who have no family.</p>

<p>After this, BJP leaders like Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur, in support of PM Modi, added “Modi ka parivar” (Modi’s family) to their names on social media platforms.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4), strongly reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family.

India's Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4), strongly reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family. Yadav had said that PM Modi "has no family and is neither a Hindu". Attacking Yadav and the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc over the comment, Irani said that India's 1.4 billion people are Prime Minister Modi's family and no one can dare to touch even a hair of such a man, whom she referred to as the “Pradhan Sevak”. The minister was speaking at the 'Namo Yuva Maha Sammelan', which was organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Nagpur city of Maharashtra. Irani said that not only 1.4 billion Indians, but the country's youth and party workers are “Modi's parivaar" (family). Also Read: BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe "...By being 'pradhan sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDIA alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to tell him that, we are 'Modi's parivaar', these youths are 'Modi's parivaar'...nobody will be able to touch even a hair of that person whose family are 140 crore people of India," Union Minister Irani was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: On former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav's "Parivaarvad" jibe, Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "...By being 'Pradhan Sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDI alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to… pic.twitter.com/gSx2hNPFgS — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024 × Smriti Irani openly challenges Rahul Gandhi for debate Smriti Irani openly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai, for a debate on the "difference" between 10 years of Narendra Modi-headed union government and the UPA regime. "If my voice is reaching Rahul Gandhi, then he should listen with open ears. Let there be a discussion on what is the difference between your (UPA) 10 years and Modi's 10 years," Irani said. Irani further took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying that if she asked him directly for the debate, he would never come. The minister said that Gandhi would not even survive in front of BJP's ordinary workers in such a debate. "I guarantee that even if an ordinary worker of Yuva Morcha starts speaking in front of Rahul Gandhi, he will lose the strength to speak," she said. Irani's comments came days after Lalu Yadav's comments questioning the Hindu credentials of PM Modi and mocking him for not having a family stirred a controversy. Watch: India: PM Modi chairs BJP meet to finalise first list of Lok Sabha candidates “These days he (PM) is talking about dynastic politics. You (PM Modi) don’t have a family... You are not even a Hindu. When one’s mother dies, every Hindu, as per tradition, shaves his beard and head. Why did you not shave? You only spread hatred in society,” said Yadav, at the party’s “Jan Vishwas Maha Rally” in Patna on Sunday (Mar 3). On Monday (Mar 4), PM Modi attacked the INDIA alliance and said that every poor person in the country is his family member and that he is a family member of those who have no family. After this, BJP leaders like Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur, in support of PM Modi, added “Modi ka parivar” (Modi’s family) to their names on social media platforms. (With inputs from agencies)

'Nobody will be able to touch even a hair of PM': Smriti Irani on Lalu Yadav's 'parivaar' jibe

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Mar 5) congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Pakistan's new prime minister.</p>

<p>Shehbaz, the candidate of a six-party coalition led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister&nbsp;on Monday (Mar 4).</p>

<p>"Congratulations to&nbsp;@CMShehbaz&nbsp;on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan," Modi wrote on social media platform X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMShehbaz</a> on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1764867447411343442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shehbaz Sharif assumed office in the swearing-in ceremony held at the presidential office in Islamabad, the capital of the nation. This followed his election as prime minister by parliament, despite protests from lawmakers aligned with imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p>Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly-appointed PM convened the first meeting with his finance team. He instructed them to initiate discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding an extended funding facility, with the current agreement set to expire in April, according to Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4h-brvNyEAxUh1zQHHcPRABEQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-announces-aim-to-join-g20-calls-for-freedom-of-kashmir-after-being-elected-pm-top-points-696200" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-announces-aim-to-join-g20-calls-for-freedom-of-kashmir-after-being-elected-pm-top-points-696200&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4h-brvNyEAxUh1zQHHcPRABEQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Shehbaz Sharif announces aim to join G20, rakes up Kashmir after being `elected` Pakistan PM: Top points</a></strong></p>

<p>In his victory speech delivered in the National Assembly, shortly after being elected as the 24th prime minister for the second time since 2022, the 72-year-old expressed profound gratitude. He thanked his elder brother and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with allies, for allowing him to lead the coalition government. This decision came after last month's election resulted in a hung Parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Shehbaz sharif takes oath as Pakistan's next prime minister</strong></p>

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<p>Sharif said his government would not allow the nation to&nbsp;become part of some "great game" and would maintain cordial relations with neighbours based on the principles of equality.</p>

<p>"We will keep ties with neighbours based on equality," Shehbaz said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>General elections took place in Pakistan on&nbsp;February 8 but were&nbsp;marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence in its build-up, and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Mar 5) congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Pakistan's new prime minister. Shehbaz, the candidate of a six-party coalition led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister on Monday (Mar 4).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Mar 5) congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Pakistan's new prime minister. Shehbaz, the candidate of a six-party coalition led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister on Monday (Mar 4). "Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan," Modi wrote on social media platform X. Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2024 × Shehbaz Sharif assumed office in the swearing-in ceremony held at the presidential office in Islamabad, the capital of the nation. This followed his election as prime minister by parliament, despite protests from lawmakers aligned with imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan. Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly-appointed PM convened the first meeting with his finance team. He instructed them to initiate discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding an extended funding facility, with the current agreement set to expire in April, according to Reuters. Also read: Shehbaz Sharif announces aim to join G20, rakes up Kashmir after being `elected` Pakistan PM: Top points In his victory speech delivered in the National Assembly, shortly after being elected as the 24th prime minister for the second time since 2022, the 72-year-old expressed profound gratitude. He thanked his elder brother and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with allies, for allowing him to lead the coalition government. This decision came after last month's election resulted in a hung Parliament. Watch: Shehbaz sharif takes oath as Pakistan's next prime minister × Sharif said his government would not allow the nation to become part of some "great game" and would maintain cordial relations with neighbours based on the principles of equality. "We will keep ties with neighbours based on equality," Shehbaz said. General elections took place in Pakistan on February 8 but were marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence in its build-up, and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged.

PM Modi congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on being sworn in as Pakistan prime minister

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a political rally in Telangana state's capital Hyderabad, slammed opposition politicians who claimed a day earlier that Modi doesn't understand a family unit's hardships because he doesn't have a family of his own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On March 3, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Yadav&nbsp;took a personal swipe at the PM, saying: "What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own?"<br />
<br />
Yadav was addressing the&nbsp;'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally'&nbsp;at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which was attended by several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and&nbsp;Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.<br />
<br />
Responding to the jibe, Modi said in Adilabad on Monday: "When I question their dynasty politics, they start saying that Modi doesn't have a family...My life is like an open book. People of the country know and understand me very well...When I work late into the night and news comes out, lakhs of people write to me to not work so much and rest well. I left my home as a child with a dream in my eyes...That I will live for the people of the country, every moment of my life will be for you, I will not have personal dreams but your dreams will be my resolve. I will spend my life to fulfill your dreams and brighten the future of your children. That is why I say that crores of people in the country consider me as their own and love me like a member of their family. So, I say that 140 crore people of the country are my family..."<br />
<br />
<b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-have-lost-courage-to-fight-elections-pm-modi-takes-a-jibe-at-opposition-ahead-of-2024-polls-687195">‘Many have lost courage to fight elections’: PM Modi takes a jibe at opposition ahead of polls</a></b></p>

<p>Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi left home at a young age and returned to public life as a volunteer of RSS and subsequently a BJP leader in the western Indian state in the 1970s. He is not known to have lived in a family unit despite maintaining familial ties with members of his family.</p>

<p>Targeting the PM, RJD leader Lalu Yadav had further said,&nbsp;"He keeps bragging about the Ram temple. He is not even a true Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard after the death of his parents. Modi did not do so when his mother died."</p>

<h2><strong>Another&nbsp;'Chowkidar' like moment in 2019</strong>?</h2>

<p>The BJP top brass, including party president JP Nadda,&nbsp;have added 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) in their social media bios. The collective action coincides&nbsp;with&nbsp;prime minister's comment that the country's people form his family.</p>

<p>This is much like the '<em>Main Bhi Chowkidar</em>' (I am a Watchman too)&nbsp;moment of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as 'thief' by claiming '<em>Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai'&nbsp;</em>(Country's watchman is a thief), in reference to what Modi once addressed him as, 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign: PM Modi addresses nation from Talkatora Stadium</strong></p>

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<p>Shortly after Rahul's '<em>Chowkidar Chor Hai'&nbsp;</em>comment, the BJP supporters began adding '<em>Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;</em>(I am a watchman as well) in their social media bios. The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 with a much stronger majority.&nbsp;<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a political rally in Telangana state's capital Hyderabad, slammed opposition politicians who claimed a day earlier that Modi doesn't understand a family unit's hardships because he doesn't have a family of his own.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a political rally in Telangana state's capital Hyderabad, slammed opposition politicians who claimed a day earlier that Modi doesn't understand a family unit's hardships because he doesn't have a family of his own. On March 3, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Yadav took a personal swipe at the PM, saying: "What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own?" Yadav was addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which was attended by several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Responding to the jibe, Modi said in Adilabad on Monday: "When I question their dynasty politics, they start saying that Modi doesn't have a family...My life is like an open book. People of the country know and understand me very well...When I work late into the night and news comes out, lakhs of people write to me to not work so much and rest well. I left my home as a child with a dream in my eyes...That I will live for the people of the country, every moment of my life will be for you, I will not have personal dreams but your dreams will be my resolve. I will spend my life to fulfill your dreams and brighten the future of your children. That is why I say that crores of people in the country consider me as their own and love me like a member of their family. So, I say that 140 crore people of the country are my family..." Also read | ‘Many have lost courage to fight elections’: PM Modi takes a jibe at opposition ahead of polls Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi left home at a young age and returned to public life as a volunteer of RSS and subsequently a BJP leader in the western Indian state in the 1970s. He is not known to have lived in a family unit despite maintaining familial ties with members of his family. Targeting the PM, RJD leader Lalu Yadav had further said, "He keeps bragging about the Ram temple. He is not even a true Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard after the death of his parents. Modi did not do so when his mother died." Another 'Chowkidar' like moment in 2019? The BJP top brass, including party president JP Nadda, have added 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) in their social media bios. The collective action coincides with prime minister's comment that the country's people form his family. This is much like the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I am a Watchman too) moment of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as 'thief' by claiming 'Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai' (Country's watchman is a thief), in reference to what Modi once addressed him as, 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check. Also watch | 'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign: PM Modi addresses nation from Talkatora Stadium × Shortly after Rahul's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment, the BJP supporters began adding 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I am a watchman as well) in their social media bios. The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 with a much stronger majority. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the war game ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Rajasthan’s Pokhran on March 12 which is likely to coincide with the Election Commission of India's announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.</p>

<p>The top brass of the tri-services, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, are also scheduled to attend the warfare event.</p>

<p>The exercises in the war game will comprise an exhibition, and display of the weapons platforms and systems that have been designed in an indigenous manner.</p>

<p>The event, which is due to take place in Pokhran, is set around PM Modi's concept of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and will push India-centric tactics-led revolution in military affairs which is distinctive to the Indian geography and threats related to security when it comes to Bharat, as per a report by the Hindustan Times.</p>

<p>The ‘Bharat Shakti’ war game is aimed at testing the effectiveness of Indian-made platforms and network-centric systems and also to display the country's progress in the defence manufacturing sector.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-chair-key-ministerial-meet-ahead-of-polls-whats-on-agenda-696119">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda?</a></p>

<p>Apart from this, the exercise will also examine the integrity and resilience of indigenous communication systems and networks to ensure that they cannot be hacked especially during hostile conditions.</p>

<p>The exercise will also exhibit the alliance among the three defence services which often tend to operate within their silos.</p>

<p>The weapons set to be put on display are Tejas fighter aircraft, K-9 artillery guns, indigenous drones, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and short-range missiles.</p>

<p>Prior to this, PM Modi attended the Indian Air Forces’ Vayushakti-2024 at Pokhran Range near Jaisalmer last month, where a range of the country's enviable air assets, including Rafale fighters, LCH Prachand Chinook and Apache demonstrated their capabilities for the first time.</p>

<p>The theme of the Vayushakti was, 'Lightning Strike from the Sky', as 120 aircraft displayed the lAF's offensive capabilities by day as well as by night.</p>

<p>Fighters of the Indian Air Force that took part in the exercise included the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and Hawk. The fighters from the IAF fleet bombarded and destroyed simulated enemy targets on the ground and in the air with fatal precision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the war game ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Rajasthan’s Pokhran on March 12 which is likely to coincide with the Election Commission of India's announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the war game ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Rajasthan’s Pokhran on March 12 which is likely to coincide with the Election Commission of India's announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. The top brass of the tri-services, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, are also scheduled to attend the warfare event. The exercises in the war game will comprise an exhibition, and display of the weapons platforms and systems that have been designed in an indigenous manner. The event, which is due to take place in Pokhran, is set around PM Modi's concept of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and will push India-centric tactics-led revolution in military affairs which is distinctive to the Indian geography and threats related to security when it comes to Bharat, as per a report by the Hindustan Times. The ‘Bharat Shakti’ war game is aimed at testing the effectiveness of Indian-made platforms and network-centric systems and also to display the country's progress in the defence manufacturing sector. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda? Apart from this, the exercise will also examine the integrity and resilience of indigenous communication systems and networks to ensure that they cannot be hacked especially during hostile conditions. The exercise will also exhibit the alliance among the three defence services which often tend to operate within their silos. The weapons set to be put on display are Tejas fighter aircraft, K-9 artillery guns, indigenous drones, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and short-range missiles. Prior to this, PM Modi attended the Indian Air Forces’ Vayushakti-2024 at Pokhran Range near Jaisalmer last month, where a range of the country's enviable air assets, including Rafale fighters, LCH Prachand Chinook and Apache demonstrated their capabilities for the first time. The theme of the Vayushakti was, 'Lightning Strike from the Sky', as 120 aircraft displayed the lAF's offensive capabilities by day as well as by night. Fighters of the Indian Air Force that took part in the exercise included the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and Hawk. The fighters from the IAF fleet bombarded and destroyed simulated enemy targets on the ground and in the air with fatal precision. (With inputs from agencies)

India: PM Modi set to attend ‘Bharat Shakti’ war game in Pokhran exhibiting indigenous capabilities

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of candidates for the upcoming General Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term. With 195 candidates from across 16 states announced on Saturday (Mar 2), the BJP has attempted to strike a balance between the old guard and new faces. The party led by JP Nadda has also attempted to balance the social representation on caste lines.</p>

<p>The first list included 28 women and 47 candidates below 50 years of age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the top takeaways from the first list announced by the BJP:</p>

<p><b>Former chief ministers named as BJP candidates:&nbsp;</b>The BJP has named former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and former Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb as candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Focus on pushing&nbsp;new generation of leaders:&nbsp;</strong>The BJP has named Bansuri Swaraj, the lawyer and daughter of late former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, as Lok Sabha candidate from the New Delhi constituency. From Kerala, former defence minister and Congress leader A K&nbsp;Antony's son Anil K&nbsp;Antony has been named the BJP candidate from Pathanamthitta.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Winnability a key factor:&nbsp;</strong>The state of Kerala has been an Opposition fortress with the ruling BJP failing to make much inroads. The BJP's first list shows the saffron party's radical attempts to expand its footprint in the state. The union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has been named BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, currently represented in parliament by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. National Award-winning actor Suresh Gopi has been named the BJP candidate from Thrissur.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Representation on caste lines: </b>With a focus on&nbsp;social justice on caste and gender lines, the list includes 29 per cent Other Backward Castes (57 candidates), 14 per cent Scheduled Castes (27 candidates), and 9 per cent Scheduled Tribes (18 candidates).</p>

<p><strong>BJP tackles Delhi dilemma with new candidates:&nbsp;</strong>The party has retained only Manoj Tiwari from northeast&nbsp;Delhi in its first list of five candidates from Delhi, replacing former union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and serving union minister Meenakshi Lekhi.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of candidates for the upcoming General Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of candidates for the upcoming General Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term. With 195 candidates from across 16 states announced on Saturday (Mar 2), the BJP has attempted to strike a balance between the old guard and new faces. The party led by JP Nadda has also attempted to balance the social representation on caste lines. The first list included 28 women and 47 candidates below 50 years of age. Here are the top takeaways from the first list announced by the BJP: Former chief ministers named as BJP candidates: The BJP has named former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and former Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb as candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Focus on pushing new generation of leaders: The BJP has named Bansuri Swaraj, the lawyer and daughter of late former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, as Lok Sabha candidate from the New Delhi constituency. From Kerala, former defence minister and Congress leader A K Antony's son Anil K Antony has been named the BJP candidate from Pathanamthitta. Winnability a key factor: The state of Kerala has been an Opposition fortress with the ruling BJP failing to make much inroads. The BJP's first list shows the saffron party's radical attempts to expand its footprint in the state. The union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has been named BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, currently represented in parliament by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. National Award-winning actor Suresh Gopi has been named the BJP candidate from Thrissur. Representation on caste lines: With a focus on social justice on caste and gender lines, the list includes 29 per cent Other Backward Castes (57 candidates), 14 per cent Scheduled Castes (27 candidates), and 9 per cent Scheduled Tribes (18 candidates). BJP tackles Delhi dilemma with new candidates: The party has retained only Manoj Tiwari from northeast Delhi in its first list of five candidates from Delhi, replacing former union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and serving union minister Meenakshi Lekhi.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's first list puts focus on continuity, winnability | Top points

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