<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu will sit on a day-long hunger strike on April 20 for the&nbsp;demand of Special status for their state.</p>

<p>The hunger strike will be organised against the Central government.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/snap-ties-with-tdp-if-required-andhra-pradesh-bjp-to-central-leadership-33432">conflict between the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP </a>) began after the centre&nbsp;failed to fulfil Karnataka's demand of special status.</p>

<p>The row between the two parties also led to the exit of TDP from NDA, the BJP led alliance.</p>

<p>Also, two TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi and YS Chowdary resigned from the Modi cabinet.</p>

<p>Besides the resignation of the two TDP ministers from Modi cabinet, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-ysrcp-mps-to-submit-their-resignation-from-lok-sabha-to-speaker-sumitra-mahajan-today--128691">five YSRCP MPs also submitted their resignations </a>to Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on April 6.</p>

<p>The special status to Andhra Pradesh would give the state a central funding in a 90:10 ratio, with the Centre paying the larger share.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to sit on a day long hunger strike on 20th April against Central Government over demand of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialStatus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialStatus</a> for the state (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/fjKWOuYMbX">pic.twitter.com/fjKWOuYMbX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985088641105047552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hunger strike will be organised against the Central government for the demand of special status to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu will sit on a day-long hunger strike on April 20 for the demand of Special status for their state. The hunger strike will be organised against the Central government. The conflict between the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP ) began after the centre failed to fulfil Karnataka's demand of special status. The row between the two parties also led to the exit of TDP from NDA, the BJP led alliance. Also, two TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi and YS Chowdary resigned from the Modi cabinet. Besides the resignation of the two TDP ministers from Modi cabinet, five YSRCP MPs also submitted their resignations to Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on April 6. The special status to Andhra Pradesh would give the state a central funding in a 90:10 ratio, with the Centre paying the larger share. #AndhraPradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to sit on a day long hunger strike on 20th April against Central Government over demand of #SpecialStatus for the state (File pic) pic.twitter.com/fjKWOuYMbX — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 ×

Now, Chandrababu Naidu to sit on day-long fast on April 20

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets.</p>

<p>In his address after inaugurating the four-day Defence Expo here, Modi said "laziness, incompetence or perhaps some hidden motives" of the previous government had badly impacted the defence sector.</p>

<p>Policy paralysis in the defence sector during the previous regime had affected the country's military preparedness, the prime minister said, adding that the NDA government's efforts to build a partnership with defence industries will be guided by the "highest ideals of integrity and probity".</p>

<p>"There was a time when the critical issue of defence preparedness was hampered by policy paralysis. We have seen the damage such laziness, incompetence or perhaps some hidden motives can cause to the nation. Not now, not anymore, never," he said.</p>

<p>Modi also took a dig at the UPA regime for failing to conclude a deal to procure 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) after a long-drawn selection process.</p>

<p>"You would also recall the long-drawn process of procurement of fighter aircraft that never reached any conclusion. We have not only taken bold action to meet our immediate critical requirements, but have also initiated a new process to procure 110 fighter aircraft. We do not want to spend 10 years in discussions without any tangible outcomes," he said.</p>

<p>The government last week began the process to procure around 110 fighter jets by issuing an RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender. It is the first mega procurement initiative for fighter jets after the government scrapped the process to acquire 126 MMRCA for the Indian Air Force about five years ago.</p>

<p>"We will work with you with a sense of mission to keep our defence forces equipped with state-of-the-art systems, and to create the necessary domestic manufacturing ecosystem to achieve this. And, in all our efforts to pursue efficiency and effectiveness in partnership with you, we will be guided by the highest ideals of integrity and probity," he said.</p>

<p>Following scrapping of the MMRCA deal, the NDA government in September 2016 signed a Euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for the purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets.</p>

<p>Ramping up its attack on the government over the Rafale issue, the Congress claims that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure the Rafale jets.</p>

<p>The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 MMRCA for the Air Force. After negotiations, only Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime</p>

<p>Modi said the government was committed to making India a leading manufacturer of defence equipment and building two defence industrial corridors, "with room for everyone".</p>

<p>"We are committed to establishing two defence industrial corridors: one in Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh. These will utilize defence manufacturing ecosystems in the regions and further build upon it. The corridors will become engines of economic development and growth of defence industrial base," he said.</p>

<p>Modi said venture capital and start-ups in defence sector will be encouraged.</p>


'There was a time when the critical issue of defence preparedness was hampered by policy paralysis. We have seen the damage such laziness, incompetence or perhaps some hidden motives can cause to the nation. Not now, not anymore, never,' Modi said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets. In his address after inaugurating the four-day Defence Expo here, Modi said "laziness, incompetence or perhaps some hidden motives" of the previous government had badly impacted the defence sector. Policy paralysis in the defence sector during the previous regime had affected the country's military preparedness, the prime minister said, adding that the NDA government's efforts to build a partnership with defence industries will be guided by the "highest ideals of integrity and probity". "There was a time when the critical issue of defence preparedness was hampered by policy paralysis. We have seen the damage such laziness, incompetence or perhaps some hidden motives can cause to the nation. Not now, not anymore, never," he said. Modi also took a dig at the UPA regime for failing to conclude a deal to procure 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) after a long-drawn selection process. "You would also recall the long-drawn process of procurement of fighter aircraft that never reached any conclusion. We have not only taken bold action to meet our immediate critical requirements, but have also initiated a new process to procure 110 fighter aircraft. We do not want to spend 10 years in discussions without any tangible outcomes," he said. The government last week began the process to procure around 110 fighter jets by issuing an RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender. It is the first mega procurement initiative for fighter jets after the government scrapped the process to acquire 126 MMRCA for the Indian Air Force about five years ago. "We will work with you with a sense of mission to keep our defence forces equipped with state-of-the-art systems, and to create the necessary domestic manufacturing ecosystem to achieve this. And, in all our efforts to pursue efficiency and effectiveness in partnership with you, we will be guided by the highest ideals of integrity and probity," he said. Following scrapping of the MMRCA deal, the NDA government in September 2016 signed a Euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for the purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets. Ramping up its attack on the government over the Rafale issue, the Congress claims that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure the Rafale jets. The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 MMRCA for the Air Force. After negotiations, only Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime Modi said the government was committed to making India a leading manufacturer of defence equipment and building two defence industrial corridors, "with room for everyone". "We are committed to establishing two defence industrial corridors: one in Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh. These will utilize defence manufacturing ecosystems in the regions and further build upon it. The corridors will become engines of economic development and growth of defence industrial base," he said. Modi said venture capital and start-ups in defence sector will be encouraged.

'Laziness, incompetence' of previous govt hurt India's defence: Modi

<p>TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused the BJP of "mud-slinging" and said the Centre was trying to "damage his credibility" ever since his party began the fight for special category status to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>However, BJP denied allegations and said that Naidu's charges were "frivolous" which no one will believe.</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference here, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister demanded setting up of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to look at the issue.</p>

<p>"After the state was bifurcated, we needed hand-holding and that is why we joined the NDA. We went for campaigns together and assured people that justice would be done and people voted for us," Naidu said.</p>

<p>"Everyone thought the BJP combination would bring betterment. Despite my 29 visits to Delhi during the last four years, nothing has happened, except minor things. Major things are left to be done," he said.</p>

<p>"People of Andhra Pradesh continue to feel betrayed. But why can't the present government have a review? Appoint JPC and tell them to have a look into the issue," he said.</p>

<p>The chief minister also played clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising the special category status (SCS) to Andhra during public meetings in Nellore, Amaravati and Tirupati.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"During a meet in Tirupati, the PM had said that the capital city of Amravati will be better than Delhi. He even advised me to visit Kazakhstan's capital Astana to get ideas. I do not know what happened after that.</p>

<p>"Now when we are raising our voice, you (BJP) are harassing my government. The central government is indulging in mud-slinging and it is painful. They want to damage my credibility which was built over a period of 40 years," Naidu said.</p>

<p>Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had last month ended its four-year-old alliance with the BJP and walked out of the NDA, days after two of its Union ministers resigned over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Following the move, BJP president Amit Shah had in a letter accused the TDP of being driven by political considerations and not the concern for the state.</p>

<p>When asked if he had reached out to Tamil Nadu chief minister E K Palaniswami, the TDP chief said, "They should support our cause as both the states share an excellent relationship".</p>

<p>"I did not reach out to the Tamil Nadu government. But we are sharing Krishna River water with them and have an excellent relationship. So they should offer support to our cause," he said.</p>

<p>Commenting on his rival YSRCP's efforts for getting the SCS for the state, Naidu said, "I am fighting the attitude of the central government. I am not talking as TDP president. Some people may adopt different strategies or have a different agenda. But I want the support of all parties".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naidu also accused the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) of reversing Rs 350 crore fund as special assistance to Andhra Pradesh, without any intimation.</p>

<p><strong>Chandrababu Naidu's charges frivolous: BJP</strong></p>

<p>The BJP dismissed the charges of Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu against the Union government as "frivolous" and something which no one will believe, and cited a number of central projects in the state to underline its commitment to development there.</p>

<p>Soon after the Telugu Desam Party chief accused the Centre of "mud-slinging" and working to damage his credibility, the BJP fielded Union minister Prakash Javadekar to counter him.</p>

<p>Javadekar, accompanied by state BJP chief K Hari Babu and party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao, accused Naidu of "blame game".</p>

<p>The HRD minister cited a number of projects linked to IIT, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, IIIT and AIIMS, among others, besides the central work on the Polavaram project to claim that the Modi government's commitment to the state's development was firm.</p>

<p>He noted that party chief Amit Shah had in a letter to Naidu listed a number of projects which the Centre had granted to the state.</p>

<p>Asked about Naidu's charges against the Centre, he said they were frivolous. "No one will believe them."</p>

<p>He also termed Naidu's claim that the BJP was getting close to the YSR Congress, the TDP's main rival in the state, as "ridiculous".&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Andhra Pradesh chief minister's comments that the TDP would have fared better in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections if it had not allied with the BJP, he made light of his claim, noting that Modi was a big factor then. "If there was no Modi or the BJP, where the TDP would be," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There should be a limit to political acrimony. He is doing politics over the matter of development. He should not go to the extent of saying that the BJP is attacking Andhra," Javadekar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Modi government has been "magnanimous" to the state to the extent that many states have asked it why it was giving so much to one state, he said.</p>

<p><br />
To a question about the BJP's prospects in the state if the TDP and the YSR Congress, the two parties which have moved separate notices of no-confidence motion against the Union government in the Lok Sabha, fought against it, Javadekar said the BJP on its own had fetched over 18 per cent votes in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Andhra Pradesh chief minister demanded the setting up of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to look into the issue

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused the BJP of "mud-slinging" and said the Centre was trying to "damage his credibility" ever since his party began the fight for special category status to Andhra Pradesh. However, BJP denied allegations and said that Naidu's charges were "frivolous" which no one will believe. Speaking at a press conference here, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister demanded setting up of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to look at the issue. "After the state was bifurcated, we needed hand-holding and that is why we joined the NDA. We went for campaigns together and assured people that justice would be done and people voted for us," Naidu said. "Everyone thought the BJP combination would bring betterment. Despite my 29 visits to Delhi during the last four years, nothing has happened, except minor things. Major things are left to be done," he said. "People of Andhra Pradesh continue to feel betrayed. But why can't the present government have a review? Appoint JPC and tell them to have a look into the issue," he said. The chief minister also played clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising the special category status (SCS) to Andhra during public meetings in Nellore, Amaravati and Tirupati. "During a meet in Tirupati, the PM had said that the capital city of Amravati will be better than Delhi. He even advised me to visit Kazakhstan's capital Astana to get ideas. I do not know what happened after that. "Now when we are raising our voice, you (BJP) are harassing my government. The central government is indulging in mud-slinging and it is painful. They want to damage my credibility which was built over a period of 40 years," Naidu said. Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had last month ended its four-year-old alliance with the BJP and walked out of the NDA, days after two of its Union ministers resigned over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Following the move, BJP president Amit Shah had in a letter accused the TDP of being driven by political considerations and not the concern for the state. When asked if he had reached out to Tamil Nadu chief minister E K Palaniswami, the TDP chief said, "They should support our cause as both the states share an excellent relationship". "I did not reach out to the Tamil Nadu government. But we are sharing Krishna River water with them and have an excellent relationship. So they should offer support to our cause," he said. Commenting on his rival YSRCP's efforts for getting the SCS for the state, Naidu said, "I am fighting the attitude of the central government. I am not talking as TDP president. Some people may adopt different strategies or have a different agenda. But I want the support of all parties". Naidu also accused the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) of reversing Rs 350 crore fund as special assistance to Andhra Pradesh, without any intimation. Chandrababu Naidu's charges frivolous: BJP The BJP dismissed the charges of Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu against the Union government as "frivolous" and something which no one will believe, and cited a number of central projects in the state to underline its commitment to development there. Soon after the Telugu Desam Party chief accused the Centre of "mud-slinging" and working to damage his credibility, the BJP fielded Union minister Prakash Javadekar to counter him. Javadekar, accompanied by state BJP chief K Hari Babu and party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao, accused Naidu of "blame game". The HRD minister cited a number of projects linked to IIT, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, IIIT and AIIMS, among others, besides the central work on the Polavaram project to claim that the Modi government's commitment to the state's development was firm. He noted that party chief Amit Shah had in a letter to Naidu listed a number of projects which the Centre had granted to the state. Asked about Naidu's charges against the Centre, he said they were frivolous. "No one will believe them." He also termed Naidu's claim that the BJP was getting close to the YSR Congress, the TDP's main rival in the state, as "ridiculous". On the Andhra Pradesh chief minister's comments that the TDP would have fared better in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections if it had not allied with the BJP, he made light of his claim, noting that Modi was a big factor then. "If there was no Modi or the BJP, where the TDP would be," he said. "There should be a limit to political acrimony. He is doing politics over the matter of development. He should not go to the extent of saying that the BJP is attacking Andhra," Javadekar said. The Modi government has been "magnanimous" to the state to the extent that many states have asked it why it was giving so much to one state, he said. To a question about the BJP's prospects in the state if the TDP and the YSR Congress, the two parties which have moved separate notices of no-confidence motion against the Union government in the Lok Sabha, fought against it, Javadekar said the BJP on its own had fetched over 18 per cent votes in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls.

NDA indulging in mud-slinging; damaging my credibility: Chandrababu Naidu

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became the biggest gainer from the latest round of the biennial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-bags-11-rajya-sabha-seats-crushes-sp-bsp-bonhomie-in-up-36889">Rajya Sabha polls on Friday</a> and is likely to come within striking distance of being able to pass bills with the help of its allies and parties friendly to it.</p>

<p>BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP.</p>

<p>BJP&#39;s winning spree in state Assembly polls has resulted in a steady rise in its numbers in the House, whose members are elected by assemblies, while the loss of power of the Congress in many states has led to a fall in its numerical strength.</p>

<p>In the elections held to 58 seats, the BJP won 29, the Congress nine, Trinamool four, TRS and BJD three each, JD-U, TDP and RJD two each and Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena, NCP and YSR Congress one each.</p>

<p>Voting for Rajya Sabha seats took place across six states: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The Rajya Sabha vacancies include 17 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 12 from the Congress. The BJP has filed 18 candidates for the biennial polls.The Rajya Sabha has the strength of 245 members of which 233 are representatives of the states and Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The remaining 12 members are nominated by the President.</p>

<p>The number of vacancies in 2018 included - Uttar Pradesh: 10, Maharashtra: 6, Bihar: 6, West Bengal: 5, Madhya Pradesh: 5, Gujarat: 4, Karnataka: 4, Andhra Pradesh: 3, Telangana: 3, Rajasthan: 3, Odisha: 3, Jharkhand: 2, Chhattisgarh: 1, Haryana: 1, Himachal Pradesh: 1, Uttarakhand: 1, Kerala: 1</p>

<p>In the poll for 58 Rajya Sabha seats on Friday, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gained its 9 seats but remains short of the halfway mark of 123 in the Upper House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In August last year, the BJP overtook the Congress to become the single-largest party in the Upper House. Currently, BJP is the largest party in RS with 58 MPs -- four more than the Congress - is expected to better its tally as it rules 11 of the 16 states. Its allies contribute 17 MPs to the BJP-led NDA. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has six seats; Shiv Sena, Shiromani Akali Dal have three seats each; People&#39;s Democratic Party has two; Sikkim Democratic Front, Republican Party (A) and Bodoland People&#39;s Front have one MP each.</p>

<p>A calculation of tallies show that the BJP&#39;s strength in the 245-member House will go from the existing 58 to 69 and that of the Congress will fall from 54 to 50 when the new MPs take oath next week.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
However, a majority in the Council of States will continue to elude the BJP-led NDA.&nbsp;It recently suffered a setback when the Telugu Desam Party, its ally of four years, decided to break ties. The TDP has six members in the House.</p>

<p>BJP and its allies hold an upper hand in UP state with 324 members in the legislative assembly and won 9 seats this year. However, the election this year will not benefit BJP much this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UP is the main focus in the Rajya Sabha: it contributes 31 of the upper house&rsquo;s 245 seats, of which ten will have elections in 2018 and another ten in 2020. With a supermajority in the UP state assembly, the BJP is likely to win seven new seats from UP in each round (it already has three Rajya Sabha MPs in UP).</p>

<p>The government&rsquo;s minority status in the Rajya Sabha has slowed and even halted important elements of its legislative agenda. An upper house majority would greatly strengthen its ability to pass bills including Article 35A - empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state&#39;s legislature to define &ldquo;permanent residents&rdquo; of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.</p>

<p>The BJP has not reached the stage of having two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha. Even if it were to improve its numbers in the Rajya Sabha by 2020, it would still need to get requisite numbers in the next Lok Sabha elections and also convince its allies.</p>

<p>By 2020, the NDA would see a major improvement in the Rajya Sabha. If it continues its winning streak in the future assembly elections in Karnataka and Gujarat. If there is no change in the predictions, then the BJP by 2020 could end up with 81 seats alone. Its allies would contribute 31 seats thus taking the NDA&#39;s tally to 111. The Congress is likely to have just 28 seats in the Rajya Sabha. The UPA&#39;s tally would be at 56. The rest of the parties would have a tally of 78.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NDA will be waiting for its turn in 2020 when nearly 73 Elders&rsquo; term comes to an end, but a lot would also be dependent then on the 2019 General election which Modi will be eying emphatically.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became the biggest gainer from the latest round of the biennial Rajya Sabha polls on Friday and is likely to come within striking distance of being able to pass bills with the help of its allies and parties friendly to it. BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP. BJP's winning spree in state Assembly polls has resulted in a steady rise in its numbers in the House, whose members are elected by assemblies, while the loss of power of the Congress in many states has led to a fall in its numerical strength. In the elections held to 58 seats, the BJP won 29, the Congress nine, Trinamool four, TRS and BJD three each, JD-U, TDP and RJD two each and Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena, NCP and YSR Congress one each. Voting for Rajya Sabha seats took place across six states: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The Rajya Sabha vacancies include 17 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 12 from the Congress. The BJP has filed 18 candidates for the biennial polls.The Rajya Sabha has the strength of 245 members of which 233 are representatives of the states and Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The remaining 12 members are nominated by the President. The number of vacancies in 2018 included - Uttar Pradesh: 10, Maharashtra: 6, Bihar: 6, West Bengal: 5, Madhya Pradesh: 5, Gujarat: 4, Karnataka: 4, Andhra Pradesh: 3, Telangana: 3, Rajasthan: 3, Odisha: 3, Jharkhand: 2, Chhattisgarh: 1, Haryana: 1, Himachal Pradesh: 1, Uttarakhand: 1, Kerala: 1 In the poll for 58 Rajya Sabha seats on Friday, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gained its 9 seats but remains short of the halfway mark of 123 in the Upper House. In August last year, the BJP overtook the Congress to become the single-largest party in the Upper House. Currently, BJP is the largest party in RS with 58 MPs -- four more than the Congress - is expected to better its tally as it rules 11 of the 16 states. Its allies contribute 17 MPs to the BJP-led NDA. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has six seats; Shiv Sena, Shiromani Akali Dal have three seats each; People's Democratic Party has two; Sikkim Democratic Front, Republican Party (A) and Bodoland People's Front have one MP each. A calculation of tallies show that the BJP's strength in the 245-member House will go from the existing 58 to 69 and that of the Congress will fall from 54 to 50 when the new MPs take oath next week. However, a majority in the Council of States will continue to elude the BJP-led NDA. It recently suffered a setback when the Telugu Desam Party, its ally of four years, decided to break ties. The TDP has six members in the House. BJP and its allies hold an upper hand in UP state with 324 members in the legislative assembly and won 9 seats this year. However, the election this year will not benefit BJP much this year. UP is the main focus in the Rajya Sabha: it contributes 31 of the upper house’s 245 seats, of which ten will have elections in 2018 and another ten in 2020. With a supermajority in the UP state assembly, the BJP is likely to win seven new seats from UP in each round (it already has three Rajya Sabha MPs in UP). The government’s minority status in the Rajya Sabha has slowed and even halted important elements of its legislative agenda. An upper house majority would greatly strengthen its ability to pass bills including Article 35A - empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents. The BJP has not reached the stage of having two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha. Even if it were to improve its numbers in the Rajya Sabha by 2020, it would still need to get requisite numbers in the next Lok Sabha elections and also convince its allies. By 2020, the NDA would see a major improvement in the Rajya Sabha. If it continues its winning streak in the future assembly elections in Karnataka and Gujarat. If there is no change in the predictions, then the BJP by 2020 could end up with 81 seats alone. Its allies would contribute 31 seats thus taking the NDA's tally to 111. The Congress is likely to have just 28 seats in the Rajya Sabha. The UPA's tally would be at 56. The rest of the parties would have a tally of 78. The NDA will be waiting for its turn in 2020 when nearly 73 Elders’ term comes to an end, but a lot would also be dependent then on the 2019 General election which Modi will be eying emphatically.

BJP makes gains in Rajya Sabha elections 2018

<p>Days after Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party&#39;s decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral.</p>

<p>Shah, in the letter, explained BJP&#39;s position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations.</p>

<p>&ldquo;(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns,&quot; Shah wrote.</p>

<p>TDP, once the BJP&#39;s biggest ally in the south, pulled out of the government earlier this month, over the special status demand.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This decision is both unfortunate &amp; unilateral. It&#39;s a decision;I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly &amp; solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns: Amit Shah in a letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> CM Chandrababu Naidu on TDP&#39;s decision to quit NDA <a href="https://t.co/pSnAm01quU">pic.twitter.com/pSnAm01quU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977405856751996928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the letter, Shah pointed out how the BJP and the Central government had done its utmost to help the residual State of Andhra Pradesh but that CM Naidu and his party have ignored this for political calculations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;You may recall that during the previous Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, when your party did not have adequate representation, it was the BJP that set the agenda and ensured that justice was done to hard working Telugu people in both States,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that after coming to power the Centre has done more than its share of allotting funds and resources to the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;A perusal of these would reaffirm what you already know but do not admit that the Central government has fulfilled its obligations and that the BJP is a genuine friend true well-wisher of the people of Andhra Pradesh,&rdquo; Shah added.</p>

<p>Assembly elections are due in Andhra Pradesh next year and regional parties in the state, including the YSR Congress, have repeatedly targeted the TDP for being unable to secure a special category status for the state.&nbsp;</p>


Shah blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations

Days after Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party's decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral. Shah, in the letter, explained BJP's position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations. “(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns," Shah wrote. TDP, once the BJP's biggest ally in the south, pulled out of the government earlier this month, over the special status demand. This decision is both unfortunate & unilateral. It's a decision;I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly & solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns: Amit Shah in a letter to #AndhraPradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on TDP's decision to quit NDA pic.twitter.com/pSnAm01quU — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2018 × In the letter, Shah pointed out how the BJP and the Central government had done its utmost to help the residual State of Andhra Pradesh but that CM Naidu and his party have ignored this for political calculations. “You may recall that during the previous Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, when your party did not have adequate representation, it was the BJP that set the agenda and ensured that justice was done to hard working Telugu people in both States,” he said. He added that after coming to power the Centre has done more than its share of allotting funds and resources to the state. “A perusal of these would reaffirm what you already know but do not admit that the Central government has fulfilled its obligations and that the BJP is a genuine friend true well-wisher of the people of Andhra Pradesh,” Shah added. Assembly elections are due in Andhra Pradesh next year and regional parties in the state, including the YSR Congress, have repeatedly targeted the TDP for being unable to secure a special category status for the state.

TDP's decision to quit NDA 'unfortunate, unilateral': Amit Shah writes to CM Naidu

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the opposition of spreading lies against his government due to its increasing &quot;frustration&quot; over electoral losses, and asked BJP MPs to use technology effectively to take the truth to the masses.</p>

<p>At the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, Modi and party chief Amit Shah asked their MPs to observe Social Justice Day on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar&#39;s birth anniversary, Swachh Bharat Divas and other events between April 14 and May 5, party leaders Prakash Javadekar and Anil Baluni told reporters in Delhi.</p>

<p>&quot;Modi told the MPs that the party is in power so that we can take the country to new heights, and asked them to work on the ground,&quot; Javadekar said.</p>

<p>The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration.</p>

<p>Shah in his speech blamed the opposition for the impasse in Parliament and asked the MPs to hold pressers in the next three days in their parliamentary constituencies to highlight the matter, Baluni said.</p>

<p>With the party gearing up for Lok Sabha polls next year, Shah asked MPs to work to strengthen booth-level organisation in their constituencies, asserting that the organisation&#39;s work at the booth level, along with BJP&#39;s ideology and Modi&#39;s leadership, has been a key reason for its success.</p>

<p>Baluni said that the party will celebrate the period between April 14 and May 5 as &quot;Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan&quot;, and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gave a presentation on it.</p>

<p>April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar, will be celebrated as Social Justice Day.</p>

<p>It will be followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas on April 18, Ujjawala Diwas on April 20, Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24 and Swasth Bharat Diwas on April 30.</p>

<p>Kisan Kalyan Diwas will be observed on May 2 and Aajevika Kuashal Diwas on May 5.</p>

<p>Baluni said that Jitendra Singh gave a presentation to the MPs on developing the 115 most backward districts in the country.</p>

<p>Singh said that the prime minister will visit the best performing district.</p>

<p>This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at its new headquarters at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg here.</p>


The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the opposition of spreading lies against his government due to its increasing "frustration" over electoral losses, and asked BJP MPs to use technology effectively to take the truth to the masses. At the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, Modi and party chief Amit Shah asked their MPs to observe Social Justice Day on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Swachh Bharat Divas and other events between April 14 and May 5, party leaders Prakash Javadekar and Anil Baluni told reporters in Delhi. "Modi told the MPs that the party is in power so that we can take the country to new heights, and asked them to work on the ground," Javadekar said. The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration. Shah in his speech blamed the opposition for the impasse in Parliament and asked the MPs to hold pressers in the next three days in their parliamentary constituencies to highlight the matter, Baluni said. With the party gearing up for Lok Sabha polls next year, Shah asked MPs to work to strengthen booth-level organisation in their constituencies, asserting that the organisation's work at the booth level, along with BJP's ideology and Modi's leadership, has been a key reason for its success. Baluni said that the party will celebrate the period between April 14 and May 5 as "Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan", and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gave a presentation on it. April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar, will be celebrated as Social Justice Day. It will be followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas on April 18, Ujjawala Diwas on April 20, Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24 and Swasth Bharat Diwas on April 30. Kisan Kalyan Diwas will be observed on May 2 and Aajevika Kuashal Diwas on May 5. Baluni said that Jitendra Singh gave a presentation to the MPs on developing the 115 most backward districts in the country. Singh said that the prime minister will visit the best performing district. This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at its new headquarters at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg here.

Frustrated Opposition spreading lies against government: Modi

<p>The polls to the Rajya Sabha, which will have 58 vacancies in April, were held on Friday.</p>

<p>For the 58 Rajya Sabha seats to be filled, 33 candidates from 10 states have been unanimously elected.</p>

<p>The results of the anticipated&nbsp;election to 25 seats of the Rajya Sabha have started pouring in from across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting for Rajya Sabha elections for 25 seats is currently underway across six states - Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The polling began on Friday morning.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after initially being put on hold, the counting has also started in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. It was put on hold in UP after SP-BSP filed a complaint against the two MLAs who cross-voted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counting began only after the Election Commission gave its clearance after some parties raised objections over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cross-voting-reported-in-rajya-sabha-elections-36867">cross-voting</a>. Though the ruling BJP is confident of shoring up its numbers in the Rajya Sabha, two seats - in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka - have emerged as prestige battles for the party.&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>BJP has won the prestige fight in Uttar Pradesh by winning 9 Rajya Sabha seats out of 10.</li>
	<li>The Trinamool Congress won four seats in West Bengal. All four TMC candidates - sitting Rajya Sabha member Nadimul Haque and first-time nominees Subhasish Chakraborty, Abir Biswas and Santanu Sen - emerged victorious.</li>
	<li>Congress&#39;s Abhishek Manu Singhvi won the Rajya Sabha election from West Bengal.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>MP Veerendra Kumar, the state president of the Janata Dal (U)&#39;s Sharad Yadav faction, was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Kerala.</li>
	<li>Candidates of Telangana&#39;s ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) - B Prakash, J Santosh Kumar and AB Lingaiah Yadav - bagged all three Rajya Sabha seats.</li>
	<li>TDP leader CM Ramesh was unanimously elected to the Rajya Sabha in Andhra Pradesh.</li>
	<li>Dr L Hanumanthaiah, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain and G C Chandrasekhar from Congress and the BJP&#39;s Rajeev Chandrashekar bagged the Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka.</li>
	<li>BJP&#39;s Saroj Pandey won the Rajya Sabha election from Chhattisgarh by beating Congress&#39;s Lekhram Sahu.</li>
	<li>Samajwadi Party candidate Jaya Bachchan has bagged 38 votes to win another Rajya Sabha term.</li>
</ul>


The voting for Rajya Sabha elections for 25 seats is currently underway across six states - Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana

The polls to the Rajya Sabha, which will have 58 vacancies in April, were held on Friday. For the 58 Rajya Sabha seats to be filled, 33 candidates from 10 states have been unanimously elected. The results of the anticipated election to 25 seats of the Rajya Sabha have started pouring in from across the country. The counting for Rajya Sabha elections for 25 seats is currently underway across six states - Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The polling began on Friday morning. Meanwhile, after initially being put on hold, the counting has also started in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. It was put on hold in UP after SP-BSP filed a complaint against the two MLAs who cross-voted. Counting began only after the Election Commission gave its clearance after some parties raised objections over cross-voting. Though the ruling BJP is confident of shoring up its numbers in the Rajya Sabha, two seats - in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka - have emerged as prestige battles for the party. BJP has won the prestige fight in Uttar Pradesh by winning 9 Rajya Sabha seats out of 10. The Trinamool Congress won four seats in West Bengal. All four TMC candidates - sitting Rajya Sabha member Nadimul Haque and first-time nominees Subhasish Chakraborty, Abir Biswas and Santanu Sen - emerged victorious. Congress's Abhishek Manu Singhvi won the Rajya Sabha election from West Bengal. MP Veerendra Kumar, the state president of the Janata Dal (U)'s Sharad Yadav faction, was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Kerala. Candidates of Telangana's ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) - B Prakash, J Santosh Kumar and AB Lingaiah Yadav - bagged all three Rajya Sabha seats. TDP leader CM Ramesh was unanimously elected to the Rajya Sabha in Andhra Pradesh. Dr L Hanumanthaiah, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain and G C Chandrasekhar from Congress and the BJP's Rajeev Chandrashekar bagged the Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka. BJP's Saroj Pandey won the Rajya Sabha election from Chhattisgarh by beating Congress's Lekhram Sahu. Samajwadi Party candidate Jaya Bachchan has bagged 38 votes to win another Rajya Sabha term.

Highlights from the 2018 Rajya Sabha election

<p>Addressing the TDP minority wing members, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu assured them&nbsp;that his party had always been working for their welfare.</p>

<p>He said that the minority was not happy when they (TDP) allied with NDA, but they(TDP) have always worked for their welfare.</p>

<p>He said &quot;You have always been supportive of TDP, but you were not happy that we allied with BJP. We have been working for welfare of Muslims&quot;.</p>

<p>He further said it was his party that had responded first against the criminalisation of Triple Talaq.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was TDP and not YSRCP who responded on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a>. I told BJP leadership that criminalization of triple talaq was not correct. I was the first to oppose it: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu addressing TDP minority wing members <a href="https://t.co/OI6nkkTtpF">pic.twitter.com/OI6nkkTtpF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975610495259594752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking on the recent debates on the no-confidence motion against NDA, he said that his party was expecting justice from the state, but it was not delivered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said &quot;We thought as an NDA member, BJP will do justice to the state, but nothing happened. We waited for four years, but of no use. Even in the last budget justice was not done&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chandrababu Naidu said it was his party that had responded first against the criminalisation of Triple Talaq

Addressing the TDP minority wing members, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu assured them that his party had always been working for their welfare. He said that the minority was not happy when they (TDP) allied with NDA, but they(TDP) have always worked for their welfare. He said "You have always been supportive of TDP, but you were not happy that we allied with BJP. We have been working for welfare of Muslims". He further said it was his party that had responded first against the criminalisation of Triple Talaq. It was TDP and not YSRCP who responded on #TripleTalaqBill. I told BJP leadership that criminalization of triple talaq was not correct. I was the first to oppose it: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu addressing TDP minority wing members pic.twitter.com/OI6nkkTtpF — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Speaking on the recent debates on the no-confidence motion against NDA, he said that his party was expecting justice from the state, but it was not delivered. He said "We thought as an NDA member, BJP will do justice to the state, but nothing happened. We waited for four years, but of no use. Even in the last budget justice was not done".

Told BJP criminalisation of Triple Talaq was not correct: Naidu to TDP minority wing

<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that injustice had been done by the central government over the issue of providing funds to the state of Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Referring to his fall out with the BJP-led central government, the TDP chief said that he was not showing &quot;ego&quot; and was simply asked the government to review and provide funds to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>I am a senior leader of the country, but I never showed ego. I am simply asking them to review and provide funds to the state. Injustice is being done by the Centre: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu</p>

<p>The TDP recently pulled out of the NDA alliance at the centre over the issue of special status for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The party has also said it will move a no-confidence motion against the government at the centre.</p>


The Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that injustice had been done by the central government over the issue of providing funds to the state of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that injustice had been done by the central government over the issue of providing funds to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Referring to his fall out with the BJP-led central government, the TDP chief said that he was not showing "ego" and was simply asked the government to review and provide funds to Andhra Pradesh. I am a senior leader of the country, but I never showed ego. I am simply asking them to review and provide funds to the state. Injustice is being done by the Centre: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu The TDP recently pulled out of the NDA alliance at the centre over the issue of special status for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The party has also said it will move a no-confidence motion against the government at the centre.

I never showed ego: Chandrababu Naidu on fall-out with NDA

<p>A day after the TDP moved a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-yet-again-no-confidence-motion-not-taken-up-36020" target="_blank">no-confidence motion against the BJP led NDA government</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;DMK working president MK Stalin from Tamil Nadu&nbsp;has issued a written statement to state chief minister Edapadi Palaniswamy urging him to support the no-confidence motion.</p>

<p>The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance.</p>

<p>The parties moved the motion over their demand of&nbsp;special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had also raised their support for the no-confidence motion against NDA.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


DMK working president MK Stalin from Tamil Nadu has issued a written statement to state chief minister Edapadi Palanisaamy urging him to support the no-confidence motion by TDP

A day after the TDP moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP led NDA government, DMK working president MK Stalin from Tamil Nadu has issued a written statement to state chief minister Edapadi Palaniswamy urging him to support the no-confidence motion. The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties moved the motion over their demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance on Friday. Congress, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had also raised their support for the no-confidence motion against NDA.

DMK president MK Stalin urges Tamil Nadu CM to support no-confidence motion against NDA

<p>BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said that BJP will explain its position to the people Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Centre had done a lot for the state and was willing to do more, he added.</p>

<p>Madhav was speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with party president Amit Shah.&nbsp;Besides Madhav, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief K Hari Babu was among the leaders who held deliberations with Shah.</p>

<p>Amit Shah met the Andhra BJP leaders, after its longtime ally TDP&#39;s decision to exit the ruling NDA over the issue of Special Category Status (SCS) for the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> leaders with BJP President Amit Shah underway at the latter&#39;s residence in Delhi, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav also present. <a href="https://t.co/mzF5UB89uo">pic.twitter.com/mzF5UB89uo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974974523253682176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The saffron party finds itself in a tight corner in the state as its two main parties, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress, have sought to corner it following the Centre&#39;s refusal to grant the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will pass a resolution in which we will explain to the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> our stand on the issue said by Andhra CM. We&#39;re as much committed to the people as him. We have done so much in the last 4 years: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary <a href="https://t.co/JaxhFpoT0W">pic.twitter.com/JaxhFpoT0W</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974985411507441665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both the regional parties have also moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The state sends 25 MPs to the Lok Sabha and is scheduled to go to Assembly polls simultaneously with the parliamentary elections next year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will explain to the people of Andhra Pradesh the things we have done for them in last 4 years and things we will do. We are ready to do more than the special status: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary after meeting of Andhra Leaders with BJP President Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/WtLrdDwWJG">pic.twitter.com/WtLrdDwWJG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974985415089377282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP had won two Lok Sabha seats in 2014 in alliance with the TDP, which won 15 seats.</p>

<p>BJP leaders have said that the TDP&#39;s decision to sever ties them has provided their party an opportunity to expand its footprints in the state ahead of the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>


The saffron party finds itself in a tight corner in the state as its two main parties, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress, have sought to corner it following the Centre's refusal to grant the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said that BJP will explain its position to the people Andhra Pradesh. The Centre had done a lot for the state and was willing to do more, he added. Madhav was speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with party president Amit Shah. Besides Madhav, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief K Hari Babu was among the leaders who held deliberations with Shah. Amit Shah met the Andhra BJP leaders, after its longtime ally TDP's decision to exit the ruling NDA over the issue of Special Category Status (SCS) for the state. Meeting of #AndhraPradesh leaders with BJP President Amit Shah underway at the latter's residence in Delhi, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav also present. pic.twitter.com/mzF5UB89uo — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The saffron party finds itself in a tight corner in the state as its two main parties, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress, have sought to corner it following the Centre's refusal to grant the SCS to Andhra Pradesh. We will pass a resolution in which we will explain to the people of #AndhraPradesh our stand on the issue said by Andhra CM. We're as much committed to the people as him. We have done so much in the last 4 years: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary pic.twitter.com/JaxhFpoT0W — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × Both the regional parties have also moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. The state sends 25 MPs to the Lok Sabha and is scheduled to go to Assembly polls simultaneously with the parliamentary elections next year. We will explain to the people of Andhra Pradesh the things we have done for them in last 4 years and things we will do. We are ready to do more than the special status: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary after meeting of Andhra Leaders with BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/WtLrdDwWJG — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The BJP had won two Lok Sabha seats in 2014 in alliance with the TDP, which won 15 seats. BJP leaders have said that the TDP's decision to sever ties them has provided their party an opportunity to expand its footprints in the state ahead of the next Lok Sabha polls.

Will explain our position to people of Andhra Pradesh: Ram Madhav on special status issue

<p>Addressing the Karnataka assembly on Friday Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said his decision to quit the NDA was for the interest of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP pulls out of NDA, supports &#39;no-confidence&#39; motion in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>He added that he withdrew the support of his ministers from the party because the last budget of the NDA&nbsp;did not have anything for Karnataka.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;&quot;We&#39;ve quit NDA. I took the decision, not for selfish reasons, but for interests of Andhra Pradesh. For 4-years I made all efforts, went to Delhi 29 times, asked many times. This was centre&#39;s last budget and there was no mention of Andhra Pradesh, we had to pull our ministers out of cabinet&quot;.</p>

<p>He said that the government did not fulfil the &quot;bifurcation promises&quot;.</p>

<p>He said &quot;Bifurcation promises are not yet fulfilled. Had special status been included in the Act in the Lok Sabha then, this situation would not have arisen&quot;.</p>

<p>Accusing Union Minister Arun Jaitley of doing injustice with the state he said &quot;Sentiment is very powerful and Telangana was also carved out for sentiment&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arun Jaitley said, sentiment cannot increase quantum of funds. What a reckless statement. Telangana was carved for sentiment. Sentiment is very powerful. Even now you are doing injustice: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly <a href="https://t.co/yNqNzit2YS">pic.twitter.com/yNqNzit2YS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974570333700227072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said his party has survived many crises and will survive this too. He added that he had written many letters to the centre, but nothing materialised.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">TDP has survived many crises and we can sail through this situation. I wrote many letters to the Centre. Recently also I gave a letter to PM but nothing materialised: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974572247439593472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added that he withdrew the support of his ministers from the party because the last budget of the NDA did not have anything for Karnataka

Addressing the Karnataka assembly on Friday Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said his decision to quit the NDA was for the interest of the state. Also read: Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP pulls out of NDA, supports 'no-confidence' motion in Lok Sabha He added that he withdrew the support of his ministers from the party because the last budget of the NDA did not have anything for Karnataka. He said, "We've quit NDA. I took the decision, not for selfish reasons, but for interests of Andhra Pradesh. For 4-years I made all efforts, went to Delhi 29 times, asked many times. This was centre's last budget and there was no mention of Andhra Pradesh, we had to pull our ministers out of cabinet". He said that the government did not fulfil the "bifurcation promises". He said "Bifurcation promises are not yet fulfilled. Had special status been included in the Act in the Lok Sabha then, this situation would not have arisen". Accusing Union Minister Arun Jaitley of doing injustice with the state he said "Sentiment is very powerful and Telangana was also carved out for sentiment". Arun Jaitley said, sentiment cannot increase quantum of funds. What a reckless statement. Telangana was carved for sentiment. Sentiment is very powerful. Even now you are doing injustice: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly pic.twitter.com/yNqNzit2YS — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × He said his party has survived many crises and will survive this too. He added that he had written many letters to the centre, but nothing materialised. TDP has survived many crises and we can sail through this situation. I wrote many letters to the Centre. Recently also I gave a letter to PM but nothing materialised: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Assembly — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 ×

Decision to quit NDA is for interest of Karnataka: Chandrababu Naidu

<p>After weeks of wrangling<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-report-35985"> with the NDA over special status</a> to Andhra, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s Telugu Desam Party(TDP) finally decided to pull out of the BJP-led NDA coalition at the Centre.</p>

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<p>The decision came after CM Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s tele-conference with party members on Friday morning.</p>

<p>The party has gone a step further and said it will support a no-confidence motion against the NDA in Lok Sabha along with other parties against the Centre today.</p>

<p>YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter has informed the Lok Sabha Secretary-General that his party would be moving a motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the lower of Parliament today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the house. <a href="https://t.co/FADQCKVOig">pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974492787566661632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The party politburo meeting was planned for Thursday evening, the decision to quit the ND was finally taken during Chandrababu&#39;s tele-conference with party leaders.</p>

<p>The TDP will write a letter to BJP president Amit Shah and also other constituents of the NDA informing its decision and the reasons for it.</p>

<p>TDP had already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our party will be moving no-confidence motion today (in Parliament). We have decided... we are out of the NDA: Thota Narsimhan, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/73StNsOjtF">pic.twitter.com/73StNsOjtF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974499067605671936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The decision came after Chandrababu Naidu's tele-conference with party members on Friday morning.

After weeks of wrangling with the NDA over special status to Andhra, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party(TDP) finally decided to pull out of the BJP-led NDA coalition at the Centre. × The decision came after CM Chandrababu Naidu's tele-conference with party members on Friday morning. The party has gone a step further and said it will support a no-confidence motion against the NDA in Lok Sabha along with other parties against the Centre today. YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter has informed the Lok Sabha Secretary-General that his party would be moving a motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the lower of Parliament today. Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the house. pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × The party politburo meeting was planned for Thursday evening, the decision to quit the ND was finally taken during Chandrababu's tele-conference with party leaders. The TDP will write a letter to BJP president Amit Shah and also other constituents of the NDA informing its decision and the reasons for it. TDP had already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share. Our party will be moving no-confidence motion today (in Parliament). We have decided... we are out of the NDA: Thota Narsimhan, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/73StNsOjtF — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 ×

Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP pulls out of NDA, supports 'no-confidence' motion in Lok Sabha

<p>In a major setback&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-protest-against-chowdarys-remarks-disrupts-rajya-sabha-35906">to the BJP in Lok Sabha</a> today, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s Telugu Desam Party(TDP) has decided to move a no-confidence motion along with other parties against the Centre today.</p>

<p>Newswire ANI <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-support-no-confidence-motion-against-centre-chandrababu-naidu-35952">including several media reports</a> said&nbsp;TDP is ready to walk out of the BJP-led NDA coalition today which would mean the ruling party at the Centre would be without a key southern ally.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter to Lok Sabha Secretary-General has informed that his party would be moving a motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the lower of Parliament today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the house. <a href="https://t.co/FADQCKVOig">pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974492787566661632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>TDP has already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Differences deepened between the BJP and its ally after finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government was willing to give Andhra monetary equivalent of the special status, but not the &quot;status itself&quot; since the category no longer existed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TDP, however, felt the promises made to it when the state of Telangana was carved out of it in June 2014 was not being kept.</p>


Differences deepened between the BJP and its ally after finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government was willing to give Andhra monetary equivalent of the special status, but not the "status itself"

In a major setback to the BJP in Lok Sabha today, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party(TDP) has decided to move a no-confidence motion along with other parties against the Centre today. Newswire ANI including several media reports said TDP is ready to walk out of the BJP-led NDA coalition today which would mean the ruling party at the Centre would be without a key southern ally. Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter to Lok Sabha Secretary-General has informed that his party would be moving a motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the lower of Parliament today. Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the house. pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × TDP has already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share. Differences deepened between the BJP and its ally after finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government was willing to give Andhra monetary equivalent of the special status, but not the "status itself" since the category no longer existed. TDP, however, felt the promises made to it when the state of Telangana was carved out of it in June 2014 was not being kept.

Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP to pull out of NDA: Report

<p>A day after TDP quit NDA over lack of financial support, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the Centre was committed to giving Andhra Pradesh a special package equivalent to a special category state and has been endlessly waiting for the state government to revert on mechanism of receiving it.</p>

<p>Jaitley said the modalities of giving the special package were agreed way back in September 2016 but the state government only in January this year suggested a change in route of receiving funds, to which the Centre agreed but has not heard from it ever since.</p>

<p>&quot;A solution has been put on the table. It is for Andhra Pradesh to decide whether they want the resources or they want to make an issue (out of it),&quot; he told PTI here.</p>

<p>The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has 16 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha, first pulled out its ministers from the Narendra Modi government and yesterday decided to quit the alliance itself.</p>

<p>The party, which is in power in Andhra Pradesh, had been demanding greater financial assistance to make up for the disadvantage it has been put to since its division in 2014.</p>

<p>Jaitley, however, said the Centre has been fully committed to giving the promised funds to the state and there has been no delay on its part.</p>

<p>He said the so-called special category status cannot be given to Andhra Pradesh in its literal sense after implementation of the award of 14th Finance Commission, which deals with sharing of central government&#39;s financial resources with the states.</p>

<p>The constitutionally-mandated Commission gave increased share of states fund in central taxes to 42 per cent from 32 per cent previously and meeting revenue deficit in case any state needs to be extraordinarly compensated.</p>

<p>The minister said a special category state gets to pay just 10 per cent share of the money to be spent on a centrally sponsored scheme in comparison to general category states having to pay 40 per cent. The remaining 90 per cent in case of special category states and 60 per cent in general category states is borne by the Centre.</p>

<p>The 30 per cent equivalent advantage that the special category states had was agreed to be given to Andhra Pradesh for five years. &quot;We found a solution on September 16, 2016 that instead of a special category, we will give a special package,&quot; he said adding the funds equivalent to 30 per cent additional funding was to be met in some other form.</p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh, he said, suggested that this should come to it in form of external aided projects wherein the repayment is 90 per cent borne by the Centre and 10 per cent by the state.</p>

<p>&quot;We agreed,&quot; he said.But in January this year, Andhra Pradesh changed its stance and said it should come via NABARD, Jaitley said adding the Centre told the state that such funding would increase its fiscal deficit and restrict borrowing space.</p>

<p>So it was suggested that a special purpose vehicle be created into which NABARD can transfer funds. The Centre would have repaid such funds to the extent of 90 per cent, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;On February 7 their officers said they will find out the details and come. No one has come till now,&quot; he said. &quot;We have been literally waiting for them to come.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The Centre has always been willing to give and there is no delay on our part,&quot; he said. &quot;The changeover has been done in January by Andhra Pradesh not by us.&quot;</p>

<p>On meeting the revenue deficit faced by the state due to carving out of Telangana, Jaitley said 14th Finance Commission has already calculated the funds for 2015 to 2020, which the Centre will pay.</p>

<p>For the 10 months prior to that, the deficit can be calculated either by taking the 2013-14 as the base or by extrapolating revenue of 2015-16. In the first case only Rs 138 crore is left to be paid and if the second is used, Rs 1,600 crore is due. &quot;We have said take it,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;We have been waiting endlessly for a response from them to resolve the issue,&quot; he added.</p>


The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has 16 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha, first pulled out its ministers from the Narendra Modi government and yesterday decided to quit the alliance itself

A day after TDP quit NDA over lack of financial support, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the Centre was committed to giving Andhra Pradesh a special package equivalent to a special category state and has been endlessly waiting for the state government to revert on mechanism of receiving it. Jaitley said the modalities of giving the special package were agreed way back in September 2016 but the state government only in January this year suggested a change in route of receiving funds, to which the Centre agreed but has not heard from it ever since. "A solution has been put on the table. It is for Andhra Pradesh to decide whether they want the resources or they want to make an issue (out of it)," he told PTI here. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has 16 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha, first pulled out its ministers from the Narendra Modi government and yesterday decided to quit the alliance itself. The party, which is in power in Andhra Pradesh, had been demanding greater financial assistance to make up for the disadvantage it has been put to since its division in 2014. Jaitley, however, said the Centre has been fully committed to giving the promised funds to the state and there has been no delay on its part. He said the so-called special category status cannot be given to Andhra Pradesh in its literal sense after implementation of the award of 14th Finance Commission, which deals with sharing of central government's financial resources with the states. The constitutionally-mandated Commission gave increased share of states fund in central taxes to 42 per cent from 32 per cent previously and meeting revenue deficit in case any state needs to be extraordinarly compensated. The minister said a special category state gets to pay just 10 per cent share of the money to be spent on a centrally sponsored scheme in comparison to general category states having to pay 40 per cent. The remaining 90 per cent in case of special category states and 60 per cent in general category states is borne by the Centre. The 30 per cent equivalent advantage that the special category states had was agreed to be given to Andhra Pradesh for five years. "We found a solution on September 16, 2016 that instead of a special category, we will give a special package," he said adding the funds equivalent to 30 per cent additional funding was to be met in some other form. Andhra Pradesh, he said, suggested that this should come to it in form of external aided projects wherein the repayment is 90 per cent borne by the Centre and 10 per cent by the state. "We agreed," he said.But in January this year, Andhra Pradesh changed its stance and said it should come via NABARD, Jaitley said adding the Centre told the state that such funding would increase its fiscal deficit and restrict borrowing space. So it was suggested that a special purpose vehicle be created into which NABARD can transfer funds. The Centre would have repaid such funds to the extent of 90 per cent, he said. "On February 7 their officers said they will find out the details and come. No one has come till now," he said. "We have been literally waiting for them to come." "The Centre has always been willing to give and there is no delay on our part," he said. "The changeover has been done in January by Andhra Pradesh not by us." On meeting the revenue deficit faced by the state due to carving out of Telangana, Jaitley said 14th Finance Commission has already calculated the funds for 2015 to 2020, which the Centre will pay. For the 10 months prior to that, the deficit can be calculated either by taking the 2013-14 as the base or by extrapolating revenue of 2015-16. In the first case only Rs 138 crore is left to be paid and if the second is used, Rs 1,600 crore is due. "We have said take it," he said. "We have been waiting endlessly for a response from them to resolve the issue," he added.

Centre endlessly waiting for Andhra to revert on special package: Arun Jaitley

<p>The Finance Bill was&nbsp;passed in Lok Sabha today after&nbsp;it was&nbsp;tabled amid a major din in the House.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the Finance Bill, as well as the Appropriation Bill which were passed by a voice vote.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day as NDA ally&nbsp;TDP continued to protest.&nbsp;</p>


Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the Finance Bill

The Finance Bill was passed in Lok Sabha today after it was tabled amid a major din in the House. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the Finance Bill, as well as the Appropriation Bill which were passed by a voice vote. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day as NDA ally TDP continued to protest.

Finance Bill passed in Lok Sabha

<p>UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will host a dinner tomorrow which is likely to be attended by leaders of 17 opposition parties, amid talk of forging a broader front against the BJP-led NDA ahead of the 2019 general elections.</p>

<p>According to Congress sources, leaders of Andhra Pradesh&#39;s ruling Telugu Desam Party, which recently pulled out its ministers in the Modi government but continues to be a constituent of the NDA, BJD, and the TRS have not been invited. The BJD and TRS rule Odisha and Telangana respectively.</p>

<p>They said former chief ministers of Jharkhand Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Hemant Soren (JMM) will attend the dinner, along with former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, who recently quit the NDA and joined forces with Lalu Prasad&#39;s RJD, which is an ally of the Congress.</p>

<p>Lalu&#39;s son and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav is also likely to attend, but there was no immediate confirmation.</p>

<p>Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK&#39;s Kanimozhi and Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party are likely to be present, and so would be leaders of left parties - CPI-M&#39;s Sitaram Yechury and CPI&#39;s D Raja. Leaders of other parties like JD-S and Kerala Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Revolutionary Socialist Party and RLD are also likely to attend.</p>

<p>Sources said while BSP has been invited, its leader Mayawati may not send a representative as her party has aligned with JD-S for the Karnataka polls likely in April/March this year.</p>

<p>The dinner being hosted at the 10, Janpath residence of Sonia Gandhi, is expected to set the tone for opposition unity in the run up to the next general elections.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi has called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>


Congress sources said former CMs of Jharkhand Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Hemant Soren (JMM) will attend the dinner, along with former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will host a dinner tomorrow which is likely to be attended by leaders of 17 opposition parties, amid talk of forging a broader front against the BJP-led NDA ahead of the 2019 general elections. According to Congress sources, leaders of Andhra Pradesh's ruling Telugu Desam Party, which recently pulled out its ministers in the Modi government but continues to be a constituent of the NDA, BJD, and the TRS have not been invited. The BJD and TRS rule Odisha and Telangana respectively. They said former chief ministers of Jharkhand Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Hemant Soren (JMM) will attend the dinner, along with former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, who recently quit the NDA and joined forces with Lalu Prasad's RJD, which is an ally of the Congress. Lalu's son and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav is also likely to attend, but there was no immediate confirmation. Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's Kanimozhi and Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party are likely to be present, and so would be leaders of left parties - CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury and CPI's D Raja. Leaders of other parties like JD-S and Kerala Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Revolutionary Socialist Party and RLD are also likely to attend. Sources said while BSP has been invited, its leader Mayawati may not send a representative as her party has aligned with JD-S for the Karnataka polls likely in April/March this year. The dinner being hosted at the 10, Janpath residence of Sonia Gandhi, is expected to set the tone for opposition unity in the run up to the next general elections. Sonia Gandhi has called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

17 opposition leaders to attend Sonia's dinner amid talk of broad front against BJP in 2019

<p>Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu took additional charge of Civil Aviation Ministry earlier today. After taking charge as the Civil Aviation Minister, Prabhu noted the significance of the aviation industry in job creation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Aviation industry played an integral role in creating jobs. What you&#39;ve seen is a trailer of &#39;<em>vikas</em>&#39; (development), under PM Modi&#39;s leadership sky isn&#39;t the limit. Hope media will be our co-passenger so that we can together have a safe landing,&quot; the minister noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aviation industry played integral role in creating jobs. What you&#39;ve seen is trailer of &#39;vikas&#39;, under PM Modi&#39;s leadership sky isn&#39;t the limit. Hope media will be our co passenger so we can together have safe landing: Suresh Prabhu, after taking charge as Civil Aviation Minister <a href="https://t.co/QSOMbZAGsq">pic.twitter.com/QSOMbZAGsq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973112018730475520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Civil Aviation Minister&#39;s office went vacant after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-special-status-row-naidu-orders-2-tdp-ministers-to-quit-union-cabinet-35018">TDP&#39;s Ashok Gajapathi Raju resigned</a>&nbsp;in the wake of TDP&#39;s fallout from the NDA-led alliance.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind then directed Suresh Prabhu to take charge of the aviation ministry in addition to his existing portfolio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Telugu Desam Party ministers resigned from the council of ministers after party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out from the NDA alliance.&nbsp;</p>


Union Civil Aviation Minister's office went vacant after TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju resignation

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu took additional charge of Civil Aviation Ministry earlier today. After taking charge as the Civil Aviation Minister, Prabhu noted the significance of the aviation industry in job creation. "Aviation industry played an integral role in creating jobs. What you've seen is a trailer of 'vikas' (development), under PM Modi's leadership sky isn't the limit. Hope media will be our co-passenger so that we can together have a safe landing," the minister noted. Aviation industry played integral role in creating jobs. What you've seen is trailer of 'vikas', under PM Modi's leadership sky isn't the limit. Hope media will be our co passenger so we can together have safe landing: Suresh Prabhu, after taking charge as Civil Aviation Minister pic.twitter.com/QSOMbZAGsq — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Union Civil Aviation Minister's office went vacant after TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju resigned in the wake of TDP's fallout from the NDA-led alliance. President Ram Nath Kovind then directed Suresh Prabhu to take charge of the aviation ministry in addition to his existing portfolio. Telugu Desam Party ministers resigned from the council of ministers after party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out from the NDA alliance.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu takes charge of aviation ministry

<p>The Congress party on Saturday again targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it is turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean.</p>

<p>The comments came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emannuel Macron.</p>

<p>The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone.</p>

<p>&quot;People are asking in whose pockets this money has gone&quot;, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vadakkan said his party had been raising the issue for the last three days but not a word from the government or the BJP was heard in response. Not even a denial, he said.</p>

<p>The BJP yesterday rejected the Congress&#39; charge, claiming the party was spreading lies and confusion to mislead the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said it is irresponsible and anti-national to allege corruption in the Euro 7.5 billion deal with France to supply the fighter jets.</p>

<p>&quot;Where is the corruption? It is irresponsible and anti-national to make such allegations,&quot; he said speaking at a media event.</p>

<p>The Congress, however, again raised the issue today and likened the government&#39;s stand to a cat drinking milk with its eyes shut in the belief that nobody will watch it.</p>

<p>&quot;The government, the defence ministry must come clean. What are they trying to hide?. You called the UPA corrupt. If this is not corruption then what is. It is turning out to be a mother scam on which the NDA must come clean,&quot; he said.</p>


"People are asking in whose pockets this money has gone", Congress asked.

The Congress party on Saturday again targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it is turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean. The comments came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emannuel Macron. The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone. "People are asking in whose pockets this money has gone", he added. Vadakkan said his party had been raising the issue for the last three days but not a word from the government or the BJP was heard in response. Not even a denial, he said. The BJP yesterday rejected the Congress' charge, claiming the party was spreading lies and confusion to mislead the nation. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said it is irresponsible and anti-national to allege corruption in the Euro 7.5 billion deal with France to supply the fighter jets. "Where is the corruption? It is irresponsible and anti-national to make such allegations," he said speaking at a media event. The Congress, however, again raised the issue today and likened the government's stand to a cat drinking milk with its eyes shut in the belief that nobody will watch it. "The government, the defence ministry must come clean. What are they trying to hide?. You called the UPA corrupt. If this is not corruption then what is. It is turning out to be a mother scam on which the NDA must come clean," he said.

Modi government should come clean on Rafale deal: Congress

<p>Andhra Pradesh Minister of Information Technology and son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu&nbsp;Lokesh Nara on Thursday said that TDP&nbsp;had waited for long and believed in &quot;false promises&quot; of the Central government. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We&rsquo;ve waited enough. We&rsquo;ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
&mdash; Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/naralokesh/status/971437418027995136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;We&rsquo;ve waited enough. We&rsquo;ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked a couple of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Centre has been taking one sided decisions and our patience has run out now. When the purpose of joining the union cabinet hasn&rsquo;t been fulfilled, it&rsquo;s best to resign now.</p>
&mdash; N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/971446230088691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Naidu&#39;s announcement came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money.</p>

<p>Naidu said Jaitley&#39;s announcement was the &quot;last straw&quot; for the TDP. Naidu had repeatedly insisted on special category state status for Andhra Pradesh following mounting pressure from the opposition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre

Andhra Pradesh Minister of Information Technology and son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Lokesh Nara on Thursday said that TDP had waited for long and believed in "false promises" of the Central government. We’ve waited enough. We’ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. — Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) March 7, 2018 × "We’ve waited enough. We’ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh," he tweeted. The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked a couple of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation. The Centre has been taking one sided decisions and our patience has run out now. When the purpose of joining the union cabinet hasn’t been fulfilled, it’s best to resign now. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 7, 2018 × Naidu's announcement came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money. Naidu said Jaitley's announcement was the "last straw" for the TDP. Naidu had repeatedly insisted on special category state status for Andhra Pradesh following mounting pressure from the opposition. (With inputs from PTI)

We believed in 'false promises': Lokesh Nara on TDP pulling-out of NDA

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030">TDP to pull out of NDA </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030">government,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030"> keeps door for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030">alliance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030"> with BJP ajar</a></p>

<p>The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation tomorrow, but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-confirm-russian-ex-spy-and-daughter-hit-by-nerve-agent-35026">UK police confirm Russian ex-spy, daughter hit by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-confirm-russian-ex-spy-and-daughter-hit-by-nerve-agent-35026">nerve</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-confirm-russian-ex-spy-and-daughter-hit-by-nerve-agent-35026"> agent</a></p>

<p>The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pornstar-stormy-daniels-lawyer-confirms-her-affair-with-donald-trump-35037">Pornstar Stormy Daniels&#39; lawyer confirms her affair with Donald Trump</a></p>

<p>Pornstar Stormy Daniels&#39; lawyer admitted that she had a sexual relationship with US President Donald Trump. In a television interview, Michael Avenatti confirmed the same also stating that he was not aware of the $130,000 payoff to buy her silence.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/grenade-blast-kills-one-in-sri-lanka-communal-violence-social-media-blocked-35029">Grenade blast kills one in Sri Lanka communal violence, social media blocked</a></p>

<p>A grenade blast killed one person in further violence between majority Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Muslims in Sri Lanka on Wednesday as the government moved to block social messaging networks in an effort to halt the bloodshed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">China urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">, North Korea to hold talks &#39;sooner than later&#39;</a></p>

<p>China&#39;s foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that &quot;the sincerity&quot; of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.</p>


TDP to pull out of NDA government, keeps door for alliance with BJP ajar The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation tomorrow, but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar. UK police confirm Russian ex-spy, daughter hit by nerve agent The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday. Pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawyer confirms her affair with Donald Trump Pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawyer admitted that she had a sexual relationship with US President Donald Trump. In a television interview, Michael Avenatti confirmed the same also stating that he was not aware of the $130,000 payoff to buy her silence. Grenade blast kills one in Sri Lanka communal violence, social media blocked A grenade blast killed one person in further violence between majority Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Muslims in Sri Lanka on Wednesday as the government moved to block social messaging networks in an effort to halt the bloodshed. China urges US, North Korea to hold talks 'sooner than later' China's foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that "the sincerity" of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.

WION Morning News Brief, March 8, 2018

<p>Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-align-with-bjp-in-2019-lok-sabha-assembly-elections-shiv-sena-30469" target="_blank">on its own</a>, not in alliance with the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that &quot;we should bring down this self-advertising government&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that &quot;we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own&quot;.&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> Shiv Sena&#39;s Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party&#39;s national executive meeting in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG">https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955701707429703680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying &quot;let&#39;s wait, they have been saying many things&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that his government would &quot;complete its term&quot;.&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> &#39;Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term&#39; says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 <a href="https://t.co/JEPm6Wcy5g">pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955719332553568256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Shiv Sena announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018. Thackeray was speaking at a national executive meet of his party. The Sena also announced Tuesday that it would contest the elections on its own, not in alliance with the BJP. Addressing the meet, Thackeray said that "we should bring down this self-advertising government". And that "we will come to power in Maharashtra on our own". #WATCH Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray speaking at Party's national executive meeting in Mumbai https://t.co/0sqKAuSckG — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × The Sena has so far been a difficult BJP ally, taking the ruling BJP to task both in Maharashtra and at the Centre. The last general and Maharashtra assembly elections were held in 2014. Which means they should be going to the polls again in 2019. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, reacted to the announcements saying "let's wait, they have been saying many things". He added that his government would "complete its term". #WATCH 'Lets wait, they have been saying many things, as of now we are in alliance in the Govt and this Govt will complete its term' says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in #Davos on Shiv Sena going alone in 2019 pic.twitter.com/JEPm6Wcy5g — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 ×

Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged a &quot;scam&quot; Tuesday in the Rafael deal, after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refused to disclose details of the deal on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;For the first time, the defence minister is saying that we will not share details of money spent on buying the aircraft...I spoke during the Gujarat polls that there is a scam (in the Rafale deal). Modi ji has personally got the deal done,&quot; PTI quoted Gandhi as telling reporters outside Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Modi ji had personally gone to Paris. Personally the deal was changed. The entire India knows it. And the defence minister is saying she will not inform India, the Indian martyrs and their relatives about the money spent on buying those aircraft. What does this mean? This only means there is some scam,&quot; Gandhi added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Defence Minister says that we will not reveal the amount paid for buying <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafael</a> aircrafts. What does this mean? This only means there is a scam. Modi ji personally went to Paris, he changed the deal. The whole country knows it: Congress President Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/C81lszYE9g">pic.twitter.com/C81lszYE9g</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/960838110404849665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sitharaman had told Parliament on Monday that the government cannot disclose details of the fighter jet deal because of a secrecy pact between the governments of India and France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her response was to a written question in Rajya Sabha by Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agrawal, who had asked whether the government did not want to disclose in public domain the agreement between India and France for purchasing the aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leaders of the Congress and Samajwadi party had sought disclosure of the amount being paid in the present deal.</p>

<p>The Congress has alleged that the price paid for the jets by the NDA government is higher than that finalised by the UPA in the previous deal.</p>

<p>Sitharaman was also asked whether there was any involvement of a private sector company in the deal, to which she clarified that neither any public sector nor private sector company was included in the agreement.</p>

<p>Sitharaman further added that the deal has been finalised at an amount lower than the earlier deal.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'The defence minister is saying she will not inform India... What does this mean? This only means there is some scam,' said Rahul

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged a "scam" Tuesday in the Rafael deal, after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refused to disclose details of the deal on Monday. "For the first time, the defence minister is saying that we will not share details of money spent on buying the aircraft...I spoke during the Gujarat polls that there is a scam (in the Rafale deal). Modi ji has personally got the deal done," PTI quoted Gandhi as telling reporters outside Parliament. "Modi ji had personally gone to Paris. Personally the deal was changed. The entire India knows it. And the defence minister is saying she will not inform India, the Indian martyrs and their relatives about the money spent on buying those aircraft. What does this mean? This only means there is some scam," Gandhi added. The Defence Minister says that we will not reveal the amount paid for buying #Rafael aircrafts. What does this mean? This only means there is a scam. Modi ji personally went to Paris, he changed the deal. The whole country knows it: Congress President Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/C81lszYE9g — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2018 × Sitharaman had told Parliament on Monday that the government cannot disclose details of the fighter jet deal because of a secrecy pact between the governments of India and France. Her response was to a written question in Rajya Sabha by Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agrawal, who had asked whether the government did not want to disclose in public domain the agreement between India and France for purchasing the aircraft. Leaders of the Congress and Samajwadi party had sought disclosure of the amount being paid in the present deal. The Congress has alleged that the price paid for the jets by the NDA government is higher than that finalised by the UPA in the previous deal. Sitharaman was also asked whether there was any involvement of a private sector company in the deal, to which she clarified that neither any public sector nor private sector company was included in the agreement. Sitharaman further added that the deal has been finalised at an amount lower than the earlier deal.

Rahul alleges 'scam' in Rafale deal

<p>Eight MLAs in Meghalaya, which includes five from Congress, one from UDP and two independents, joined the National People&#39;s Party today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meghalaya: Eight MLAs (5- Congress, 1- UDP &amp; 2 independents) join National People&#39;s Party (NPP) in Shillong <a href="https://t.co/l3iHD7XEWU">pic.twitter.com/l3iHD7XEWU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948871822472232960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The MLAs had quit their respective parties on December 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The members of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-five-congress-mlas-resign-from-assembly-28044" target="_blank">ruling Congress who resigned from&nbsp;the party </a>included former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh.</p>

<p>Along with them, three other MLAs, one from the United Democratic Party and two Independents had resigned from the House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rowell had already announced that the eight MLAs would join the National People&#39;s Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National People&#39;s Party is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>On January 2,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-4-mlas-quit-congress-to-join-bjp-ahead-of-assembly-elections-28323" target="_blank">four MLAs from Congress in Meghalaya had joined the BJP party</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number of Congress Legislators in the 60 member assembly seat has reduced to 24.&nbsp;The Northeastern state will hold assembly elections this year after the current House ends on March 6.&nbsp;</p>


On January 2,?four MLAs from Congress in Meghalaya had joined the BJP party

Eight MLAs in Meghalaya, which includes five from Congress, one from UDP and two independents, joined the National People's Party today. Meghalaya: Eight MLAs (5- Congress, 1- UDP & 2 independents) join National People's Party (NPP) in Shillong pic.twitter.com/l3iHD7XEWU — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 × The MLAs had quit their respective parties on December 29. The members of the ruling Congress who resigned from the party included former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh. Along with them, three other MLAs, one from the United Democratic Party and two Independents had resigned from the House. Rowell had already announced that the eight MLAs would join the National People's Party. National People's Party is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). On January 2, four MLAs from Congress in Meghalaya had joined the BJP party. The number of Congress Legislators in the 60 member assembly seat has reduced to 24. The Northeastern state will hold assembly elections this year after the current House ends on March 6.

Meghalaya: 8 MLAs join NDA ally National People's Party

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that democracy is under threat in the country under the BJP rule and called upon Opposition parties to work together for the greater interest of the people before the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state.</p>

<p>&quot;Democracy is under threat in this country under the present central government. It is a super emergency that is going on in the country. I have been an MP for nearly two decades but I have never seen such a government at the Centre,&quot; she said at the India Today Conclave East here.</p>

<p>&quot;I believe in collective leadership. At present all are working together and that is the best policy. Let us work together,&quot; Banerjee said about the Opposition, adding she shares good relations with the DMK, the SP, the BSP and the BJD and is working with the Congress inside Parliament on various issues.</p>

<p>When asked whether she is hinting at a broader opposition coalition with the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she said, &quot;In Bengal, the Congress and the Left are working with the BJP at the state level. But at the national level for greater interests I think we should work together.&quot;</p>

<p>To a question whether the country would see a grand opposition coalition ahead of 2019, she said, &quot;It depends. We are working together in Parliament. I went to (RJD chief) Lalu Prasadji&#39;s programme in Patna.&quot;</p>

<p>Banerjee said, &quot;I have a good relationship with (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh ji and (BSP chief) Mayawati ji in Uttar Pradesh, with Stalin ji (DMK), Naveen ji (BJD). I maintain the best of relations with so many other people. Even, within the BJP, I maintain good relation with some people, but not with all.&quot;</p>

<p>Bengal will never accept divide and rule politics of the BJP, she asserted and dismissed that it was a challenger to the ruling (TMC) Trinamool Congress government.</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP is nowhere in Bengal but only on media and social media. They only shout. Let the BJP shout along with their bike vahini, but they cannot do anything in Bengal,&quot; Banerjee said. The BJP is trying to position itself as the main opposition in the state.</p>


She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that democracy is under threat in the country under the BJP rule and called upon Opposition parties to work together for the greater interest of the people before the next Lok Sabha polls. She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state. "Democracy is under threat in this country under the present central government. It is a super emergency that is going on in the country. I have been an MP for nearly two decades but I have never seen such a government at the Centre," she said at the India Today Conclave East here. "I believe in collective leadership. At present all are working together and that is the best policy. Let us work together," Banerjee said about the Opposition, adding she shares good relations with the DMK, the SP, the BSP and the BJD and is working with the Congress inside Parliament on various issues. When asked whether she is hinting at a broader opposition coalition with the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she said, "In Bengal, the Congress and the Left are working with the BJP at the state level. But at the national level for greater interests I think we should work together." To a question whether the country would see a grand opposition coalition ahead of 2019, she said, "It depends. We are working together in Parliament. I went to (RJD chief) Lalu Prasadji's programme in Patna." Banerjee said, "I have a good relationship with (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh ji and (BSP chief) Mayawati ji in Uttar Pradesh, with Stalin ji (DMK), Naveen ji (BJD). I maintain the best of relations with so many other people. Even, within the BJP, I maintain good relation with some people, but not with all." Bengal will never accept divide and rule politics of the BJP, she asserted and dismissed that it was a challenger to the ruling (TMC) Trinamool Congress government. "The BJP is nowhere in Bengal but only on media and social media. They only shout. Let the BJP shout along with their bike vahini, but they cannot do anything in Bengal," Banerjee said. The BJP is trying to position itself as the main opposition in the state.

Democracy under threat, Opposition should work together: Mamata Banerjee

<p>Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that Gujarat, in reality, has worsened since BJP came to power 22 years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking a jibe at much-touted Gujarat model, Chidambaram said that state&#39;s developmental model, which is being further examined and dissected, in a sense&nbsp;disappointed many as&nbsp;Modi failed to deliver on his &#39;extravagant promises&#39; as he failed to deliver on his grandstanding with his extravagant promises ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2014: &ldquo;I will create 2 crore jobs every year&rdquo;, &ldquo;I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian&rdquo; and so on.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1. Mr Narendra Modi, the candidate, claimed to bring development to the centre of the political debate in 2014 with his brilliant slogan &#39;achhe din aane wale hain&#39;.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094160940580864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2. He also took to grandstanding with his extravagant promises: &ldquo;I will create 2 crore jobs every year&rdquo;, &ldquo;I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian&rdquo; and so on.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094235695710208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; is being dissected and examined.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094329153249280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress leader went on to compare Gujarat&#39;s development figures with other states&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, and stated state continues to lag behind even after all the &#39;boasting&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He acknowledged that the state has made some&nbsp;industrial progress. However, it still has a long way to go in critical areas of human development.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; is being dissected and examined.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094329153249280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gujarat performed above the national growth average even before 1995, he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">5. Even before 1995, Gujarat&rsquo;s growth rate was higher than the national average and Gujarat has maintained that edge. Amul, the ports, the vibrant textile industry and the chemical and petrochemical industry pre-date 1995.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094416247910400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Voicing his concern on how various sections of people have been neglected on the guise of much-touted developmental agenda of Modi, he said that the upcoming election will be of many hues like economic/social reality vs headline-grabbing announcements and poor human development Indicators vs billion dollar investment proposals.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">9. As a result of a distorted concept of development or vikas, many sections of the people have been left behind.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094684712771584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">10. The election in Gujarat promises to be a contest of many hues: Economic/Social Reality vs Headline Grabbing Announcements and Poor Human Development Indicators vs Billion Dollar Investment Proposals.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094915751714816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, former PM Manmohan Singh also addressed the distress among the youth of different sections of the society &quot;The winds of change are blowing in Gujarat. The agitations are an indication of the deep dissatisfaction with the performance of successive BJP governments in Gujarat. The Congress will ensure the voice of every Gujarati, regardless of caste, creed, gender or class, is&nbsp;heard.&quot; he said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The leader said that the state has actually regressed since BJP came to power in the state, 22 years ago.

Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that Gujarat, in reality, has worsened since BJP came to power 22 years ago. Taking a jibe at much-touted Gujarat model, Chidambaram said that state's developmental model, which is being further examined and dissected, in a sense disappointed many as Modi failed to deliver on his 'extravagant promises' as he failed to deliver on his grandstanding with his extravagant promises ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2014: “I will create 2 crore jobs every year”, “I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian” and so on. 1. Mr Narendra Modi, the candidate, claimed to bring development to the centre of the political debate in 2014 with his brilliant slogan 'achhe din aane wale hain'. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × 2. He also took to grandstanding with his extravagant promises: “I will create 2 crore jobs every year”, “I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian” and so on. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × 4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted ‘Gujarat Model’ is being dissected and examined. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × The Congress leader went on to compare Gujarat's development figures with other states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, and stated state continues to lag behind even after all the 'boasting'. He acknowledged that the state has made some industrial progress. However, it still has a long way to go in critical areas of human development. 4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted ‘Gujarat Model’ is being dissected and examined. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × Gujarat performed above the national growth average even before 1995, he added. 5. Even before 1995, Gujarat’s growth rate was higher than the national average and Gujarat has maintained that edge. Amul, the ports, the vibrant textile industry and the chemical and petrochemical industry pre-date 1995. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × Voicing his concern on how various sections of people have been neglected on the guise of much-touted developmental agenda of Modi, he said that the upcoming election will be of many hues like economic/social reality vs headline-grabbing announcements and poor human development Indicators vs billion dollar investment proposals. 9. As a result of a distorted concept of development or vikas, many sections of the people have been left behind. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × 10. The election in Gujarat promises to be a contest of many hues: Economic/Social Reality vs Headline Grabbing Announcements and Poor Human Development Indicators vs Billion Dollar Investment Proposals. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × Earlier, former PM Manmohan Singh also addressed the distress among the youth of different sections of the society "The winds of change are blowing in Gujarat. The agitations are an indication of the deep dissatisfaction with the performance of successive BJP governments in Gujarat. The Congress will ensure the voice of every Gujarati, regardless of caste, creed, gender or class, is heard." he said.

Chidambaram takes potshots at much-touted 'Gujarat model' ahead of poll

<p>PM Narendra Modi, recently announced the Saubhagya, that is, the Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana scheme, under which electricity connections will be provided to all &ldquo;willing households&rdquo; across the urban and rural areas. With an outlay of over Rs 16000 crore, the scheme is expected to cover the 40 million families which still lack an electricity connection, by December 2018.</p>

<p>The Saubhagya initiative correctly identifies two major problems plaguing India&rsquo;s power sector: Overstressed Discoms facing high supply costs and poor households facing high costs of power connection and supply.</p>

<p>To bridge the gap between supply and demand, the government has decided to provide the BPL households with free electricity connection and the APL households with an electricity connection priced at Rs 5000, payable at the rate of Rs 500 per month, to be recovered by Discoms through the electricity bills. Besides, for households located in remote and inaccessible areas, not connected to the grid, the government would provide a solar pack of 200-300 watt peak (WP), including a battery bank, five LED bulbs, one DC fan and one DC power plug.</p>

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<h5>Inefficient billing practices and electricity theft continue to plague the power sector in India.</h5>
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<p>The Saubhagya initiative aims to achieve last mile connectivity, a problem with roots in the inefficient management, billing and metering system at the level of individual households and villages in India. The lack of access to electricity stems from the fact that most households do not have the required money to pay for the electricity connections and&nbsp;for the subsequent electricity bills.</p>

<p>While the first problem is resolved by central government&rsquo;s announcement of free electricity connections to all, the second problem still remains unresolved to a certain extent. Inefficient billing practices and electricity theft continue to plague the power sector in India.</p>

<p>While the government has promised to set up prepaid and smart metering systems for the households to be covered under the Saubhagya scheme, the initiative effectively leaves out those households which are electrified but are still running on older versions of electric meters or paying flat bills for hefty power consumption.</p>

<p>The problems of electricity theft and inefficient usage also continue to stare the policymakers in the face. Besides, the idea of sustainable and clean energy access becomes redundant if the consequent increase in power demand is met through a proportionate increase in the use of coal-fired power plants.</p>

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<h5>Suitable billing mechanisms must be designed which can gradually render the older version of electricity meters obsolete.</h5>
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<p>To pursue the idea of power security holistically, therefore, the government will need to rely on three key technological pillars which can prove to be a major disruption in the country&rsquo;s electricity sector. First, the government will need to promote the use of smart and pre-paid meters in rural and urban households by incentivising their use and taxing their non-use.</p>

<p>Suitable billing mechanisms must be designed which can gradually render the older version of electricity meters obsolete. Aadhar based linking of power connections and generation of e-bills for power use can go a long way in checking for power theft and pilferage. Dwellings for urban poor and slum dwellers, not covered by the existing grid infrastructure, can be provided with the aforementioned solar packs to cover for their daily use and related activities.</p>

<p>Second, the government will need to provide a major policy push for rooftop solar power panels over the next couple of years. The technology, if adopted on a mission mode basis, promises to bring down the cost of household electricity bills, reduce the overall dependency on thermal power plants and finally achieve the INDC goals that the country has set for itself by 2030.</p>

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<h5>The government will also need to discontinue the practice of providing free electricity to certain groups of agriculturists and industries.</h5>
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<p>Besides, the provision of rooftop solar plants will help improve the reliability of power supply, reduce fluctuations and minimise the AT&amp;C losses plaguing the grid-connected power infrastructure, as the point of power generation and power consumption will lie in close proximity. This will, in turn, provide a major push for the use of electric stoves and reduce overall dependency on LPG cylinders. The government will also need to discontinue the practice of providing free electricity to certain groups of agriculturists and industries.</p>

<p>This step will push up electricity bills for a short time for the given entities. However, the holistic implementation of the power policy promises to bring down tariffs and improve the affordability of electricity supplied.</p>

<p>Third, the government needs to provide a greater impetus for research on the upcoming Carbon Capture Storage/Utilisation (CCS/CCU) technologies that can help the existing thermal power plants produce clean energy, without rendering them completely obsolete in the face of increasing role for gas based and renewable power plants. While there has been a renewed focus on the use of such technologies globally, these are yet to make any substantial breakthrough in India.</p>

<p>The NDA government, to its credit, has successfully overcome the supply side barriers, such that the country has gone on to become a power surplus nation from a power deficient nation in the course of three years. The focus must now and has already begun, to shift to demand-side management. This will require a major disruption and a complete overhaul of our existing power consumption practices. Only then can the country envisage a successful 24x7 power supply for all scenario.</p>


For holistic implementation of the power policy, government needs to revamp existing power consumption practices

PM Narendra Modi, recently announced the Saubhagya, that is, the Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana scheme, under which electricity connections will be provided to all “willing households” across the urban and rural areas. With an outlay of over Rs 16000 crore, the scheme is expected to cover the 40 million families which still lack an electricity connection, by December 2018. The Saubhagya initiative correctly identifies two major problems plaguing India’s power sector: Overstressed Discoms facing high supply costs and poor households facing high costs of power connection and supply. To bridge the gap between supply and demand, the government has decided to provide the BPL households with free electricity connection and the APL households with an electricity connection priced at Rs 5000, payable at the rate of Rs 500 per month, to be recovered by Discoms through the electricity bills. Besides, for households located in remote and inaccessible areas, not connected to the grid, the government would provide a solar pack of 200-300 watt peak (WP), including a battery bank, five LED bulbs, one DC fan and one DC power plug. Inefficient billing practices and electricity theft continue to plague the power sector in India. × The Saubhagya initiative aims to achieve last mile connectivity, a problem with roots in the inefficient management, billing and metering system at the level of individual households and villages in India. The lack of access to electricity stems from the fact that most households do not have the required money to pay for the electricity connections and for the subsequent electricity bills. While the first problem is resolved by central government’s announcement of free electricity connections to all, the second problem still remains unresolved to a certain extent. Inefficient billing practices and electricity theft continue to plague the power sector in India. While the government has promised to set up prepaid and smart metering systems for the households to be covered under the Saubhagya scheme, the initiative effectively leaves out those households which are electrified but are still running on older versions of electric meters or paying flat bills for hefty power consumption. The problems of electricity theft and inefficient usage also continue to stare the policymakers in the face. Besides, the idea of sustainable and clean energy access becomes redundant if the consequent increase in power demand is met through a proportionate increase in the use of coal-fired power plants. Suitable billing mechanisms must be designed which can gradually render the older version of electricity meters obsolete. × To pursue the idea of power security holistically, therefore, the government will need to rely on three key technological pillars which can prove to be a major disruption in the country’s electricity sector. First, the government will need to promote the use of smart and pre-paid meters in rural and urban households by incentivising their use and taxing their non-use. Suitable billing mechanisms must be designed which can gradually render the older version of electricity meters obsolete. Aadhar based linking of power connections and generation of e-bills for power use can go a long way in checking for power theft and pilferage. Dwellings for urban poor and slum dwellers, not covered by the existing grid infrastructure, can be provided with the aforementioned solar packs to cover for their daily use and related activities. Second, the government will need to provide a major policy push for rooftop solar power panels over the next couple of years. The technology, if adopted on a mission mode basis, promises to bring down the cost of household electricity bills, reduce the overall dependency on thermal power plants and finally achieve the INDC goals that the country has set for itself by 2030. The government will also need to discontinue the practice of providing free electricity to certain groups of agriculturists and industries. × Besides, the provision of rooftop solar plants will help improve the reliability of power supply, reduce fluctuations and minimise the AT&C losses plaguing the grid-connected power infrastructure, as the point of power generation and power consumption will lie in close proximity. This will, in turn, provide a major push for the use of electric stoves and reduce overall dependency on LPG cylinders. The government will also need to discontinue the practice of providing free electricity to certain groups of agriculturists and industries. This step will push up electricity bills for a short time for the given entities. However, the holistic implementation of the power policy promises to bring down tariffs and improve the affordability of electricity supplied. Third, the government needs to provide a greater impetus for research on the upcoming Carbon Capture Storage/Utilisation (CCS/CCU) technologies that can help the existing thermal power plants produce clean energy, without rendering them completely obsolete in the face of increasing role for gas based and renewable power plants. While there has been a renewed focus on the use of such technologies globally, these are yet to make any substantial breakthrough in India. The NDA government, to its credit, has successfully overcome the supply side barriers, such that the country has gone on to become a power surplus nation from a power deficient nation in the course of three years. The focus must now and has already begun, to shift to demand-side management. This will require a major disruption and a complete overhaul of our existing power consumption practices. Only then can the country envisage a successful 24x7 power supply for all scenario.

Will PM Modi's 'Saubhagya' bring light to all homes?

<p>The Janata Dal (United) has passed a resolution to join the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>The decision was taken at the JD(U)&#39;s national executive chaired by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.</p>

<p>Calling the decision to join NDA as meaningless, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Lalu Yadav said that the JD(U) should rechristen itself as the &quot;new BJP or Sanghi&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;This resolution is meaningless and it is simply a cover for the real revolution.. JDU was voted by the poor and the down trodden. You have robbed the mandate and now have the audacity to call it that we are going to be part of the NDA. Gentleman, Nitish ji should have said that now we are the new BJP or Sanghi and not the JD-U,&quot; RJD leader Manoj Jha told ANI.</p>

<p>The JD(U) and the BJP came together to form government in Bihar after the former split ties with the RJD and the Congress.</p>

<p>Senior party leader Sharad Yadav, who has openely rebelled against the party&#39;s decision to go with the BJP, was invited for the meeting, JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said.</p>

<p>&quot;Sharad Yadav is invited for the JD(U) national executive meet and he can sort out differences, but he shouldn&#39;t attend Lalu Yadav&#39;s programme. We will lose our faith in him, if he does so. He is one of the founders of the party, therefore, he can put forward his views in the meeting,&quot; Tyagi told the media here.</p>


The decision was taken at the party's national executive chaired by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar

The Janata Dal (United) has passed a resolution to join the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The decision was taken at the JD(U)'s national executive chaired by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Calling the decision to join NDA as meaningless, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Lalu Yadav said that the JD(U) should rechristen itself as the "new BJP or Sanghi". "This resolution is meaningless and it is simply a cover for the real revolution.. JDU was voted by the poor and the down trodden. You have robbed the mandate and now have the audacity to call it that we are going to be part of the NDA. Gentleman, Nitish ji should have said that now we are the new BJP or Sanghi and not the JD-U," RJD leader Manoj Jha told ANI. The JD(U) and the BJP came together to form government in Bihar after the former split ties with the RJD and the Congress. Senior party leader Sharad Yadav, who has openely rebelled against the party's decision to go with the BJP, was invited for the meeting, JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said. "Sharad Yadav is invited for the JD(U) national executive meet and he can sort out differences, but he shouldn't attend Lalu Yadav's programme. We will lose our faith in him, if he does so. He is one of the founders of the party, therefore, he can put forward his views in the meeting," Tyagi told the media here.

JD(U) to join BJP-led NDA, RJD slams decision calling it 'meaningless'

<p>Leaders of at least nine non-NDA parties are part of the sub-group constituted to arrive at a consensus opposition candidate for the July 17 Indian presidential poll.</p>

<p>According to sources, the sub-group will be meeting next week to start deliberations among the opposition parties on the crucial poll.</p>

<p>They said Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad aong others are part of the sub-group.</p>

<p>The group would comprise leaders of prominent parties like Left, TMC, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party besides the JD(U), RJD, NCP and DMK as well as the main opposition party-the Congress.</p>

<p>The sources said the possible names for the opposition candidate will only emerge after June 15 i.E. After a formal notification will be issued by the Election Commission on June 14.</p>

<p>Congress president Sonia Gandhi is instrumental in forming this panel after she hosted a luncheon for the opposition leaders on May 26 which was attended by leaders of 17 parties.</p>

<p>&quot;It was suggested at the May 26 luncheon that a sub-group of non-NDA parties be formed who could deliberate and bring consensus among the opposition parties on the matter,&quot; said a senior leader.</p>

<p>It was also stated at the luncheon that as per the tradition, the ruling party should take the lead in suggesting a consensual candidate for the President&#39;s post.</p>

<p>In case it does not do so, the opposition parties will come out with its own candidate after reaching at a consensus among the opposition ranks, the sources said.</p>

<p>With the ruling BJP yet to initiate efforts for a consensual presidential nominee, the Congress has said the non-NDA parties will make every possible attempt to find &quot;the best person&quot; for India and it has many &quot;deserving&quot; candidates.</p>

<p>Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the opposition has made it clear that the BJP-led NDA cannot take the country for granted on the issue, but he refused to come out with any specific name.</p>

<p>The CPI(M), on its part, said that it was in discussion with other parties for a person with &quot;impeccable secular credentials who can discharge the responsibility as a custodian of the Constitution.&quot;</p>

<p>A number of leaders of opposition parties had already met Sonia Gandhi last month after she stepped up discussions for forging opposition unity on the issue.</p>

<p>Gandhi has held parleys with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, DMK leader M K Stalin, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, Samajwadi Party&#39;s Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD&#39;s Lalu Prasad, among others.</p>

<p>The Congress chief has been at the forefront of efforts to evolve a consensus among opposition parties for putting up candidates who are &quot;acceptable to the country&quot; for the posts of president and vice president.</p>

<p>The names of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishan Gandhi and former Speaker Meira Kumar have so far emerged as the Opposition&#39;s choices for the top post.</p>

<p>The presidential election will be held on July 17 and the counting of votes is slated for July 20.</p>

<p>The tenure of incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee ends on July 24.&nbsp;</p>


Congress president Sonia Gandhi is instrumental in forming this panel after she hosted a luncheon for the opposition leaders on May 26 which was attended by leaders of 17 parties

Leaders of at least nine non-NDA parties are part of the sub-group constituted to arrive at a consensus opposition candidate for the July 17 Indian presidential poll. According to sources, the sub-group will be meeting next week to start deliberations among the opposition parties on the crucial poll. They said Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad aong others are part of the sub-group. The group would comprise leaders of prominent parties like Left, TMC, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party besides the JD(U), RJD, NCP and DMK as well as the main opposition party-the Congress. The sources said the possible names for the opposition candidate will only emerge after June 15 i.E. After a formal notification will be issued by the Election Commission on June 14. Congress president Sonia Gandhi is instrumental in forming this panel after she hosted a luncheon for the opposition leaders on May 26 which was attended by leaders of 17 parties. "It was suggested at the May 26 luncheon that a sub-group of non-NDA parties be formed who could deliberate and bring consensus among the opposition parties on the matter," said a senior leader. It was also stated at the luncheon that as per the tradition, the ruling party should take the lead in suggesting a consensual candidate for the President's post. In case it does not do so, the opposition parties will come out with its own candidate after reaching at a consensus among the opposition ranks, the sources said. With the ruling BJP yet to initiate efforts for a consensual presidential nominee, the Congress has said the non-NDA parties will make every possible attempt to find "the best person" for India and it has many "deserving" candidates. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the opposition has made it clear that the BJP-led NDA cannot take the country for granted on the issue, but he refused to come out with any specific name. The CPI(M), on its part, said that it was in discussion with other parties for a person with "impeccable secular credentials who can discharge the responsibility as a custodian of the Constitution." A number of leaders of opposition parties had already met Sonia Gandhi last month after she stepped up discussions for forging opposition unity on the issue. Gandhi has held parleys with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, DMK leader M K Stalin, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD's Lalu Prasad, among others. The Congress chief has been at the forefront of efforts to evolve a consensus among opposition parties for putting up candidates who are "acceptable to the country" for the posts of president and vice president. The names of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishan Gandhi and former Speaker Meira Kumar have so far emerged as the Opposition's choices for the top post. The presidential election will be held on July 17 and the counting of votes is slated for July 20. The tenure of incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee ends on July 24.

India Presidential Race: Panel of 9 non-NDA parties to decide on consensus candidate

The Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group in Nigeria&#39;s Niger Delta, has claimed responsibility for bombing&nbsp;the Bonny 48 inches crude export line, a major oil pipeline in southern Nigeria late on Friday.&nbsp;<br />
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&ldquo;On the 23rd September 2016, our strike team at 20:40 PM hours time has brought down oil productions activities at the Bonny 48 inches crude oil Export Line.&nbsp;This action is a signature to the over dramatisation of the so-called dialogue and negotiation process on the side of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government,&rdquo; the group wrote on its website.&nbsp;<br />
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An NDA spokesman said that while they were still in favour of the dialogue, they were frustrated with no progress being made on the deal and also with the authorities&#39; acts of intimidation and blackmail. He also called the Friday&#39;s destruction of the pipeline as a &ldquo;wake-up call&rdquo;.<br />
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The attack comes almost a month after the group, which seeks a fairer distribution of the oil revenue that make up for 70 per cent of the state&#39;s income, had brokered a ceasefire with the government and had announced that it would lay down its weapons, according to AFP news agency.&nbsp;<br />
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The Nigerian Army had launched &ldquo;Operation Crocodile Smile&rdquo; to clamp down on the militant groups and reinstate their control in the oil hub of Warri. It is also battling large-scale illegal refinery operations and kidnappings, according to reports.&nbsp;<br />
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Meanwhile, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which operates the pipeline, said the damage was being investigated.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>A blow to Nigerian economy</strong><br />
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Nigerian economy, which is heavily dependent on its oil revenues, has suffered a major blow in the wake of repeated attacks by militants who want a more equitable distribution of the revenue, AFP observes.&nbsp;<br />
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The output of oil giants like Shell, Exxon and Chevron have reduced to a third at a time when the global prices have already gone for a toss, the international news agency reported today. Nigerian oil production has come down to 1.7 million barrels a day in the first quarter from 2.1 million barrels.&nbsp;<br />
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Nigeria&#39;s dwindling oil production and a restrictive foreign exchange policy was adversely affecting the country&#39;s prospects, Ratings agency Standard and Poor said.&nbsp;<br />
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(WION with inputs from AFP)

With the bombing, the militant group broke the month-long truce with the government regarding a fairer distribution of oil revenue

The Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group in Nigeria's Niger Delta, has claimed responsibility for bombing the Bonny 48 inches crude export line, a major oil pipeline in southern Nigeria late on Friday. “On the 23rd September 2016, our strike team at 20:40 PM hours time has brought down oil productions activities at the Bonny 48 inches crude oil Export Line. This action is a signature to the over dramatisation of the so-called dialogue and negotiation process on the side of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government,” the group wrote on its website. An NDA spokesman said that while they were still in favour of the dialogue, they were frustrated with no progress being made on the deal and also with the authorities' acts of intimidation and blackmail. He also called the Friday's destruction of the pipeline as a “wake-up call”. The attack comes almost a month after the group, which seeks a fairer distribution of the oil revenue that make up for 70 per cent of the state's income, had brokered a ceasefire with the government and had announced that it would lay down its weapons, according to AFP news agency. The Nigerian Army had launched “Operation Crocodile Smile” to clamp down on the militant groups and reinstate their control in the oil hub of Warri. It is also battling large-scale illegal refinery operations and kidnappings, according to reports. Meanwhile, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which operates the pipeline, said the damage was being investigated. A blow to Nigerian economy Nigerian economy, which is heavily dependent on its oil revenues, has suffered a major blow in the wake of repeated attacks by militants who want a more equitable distribution of the revenue, AFP observes. The output of oil giants like Shell, Exxon and Chevron have reduced to a third at a time when the global prices have already gone for a toss, the international news agency reported today. Nigerian oil production has come down to 1.7 million barrels a day in the first quarter from 2.1 million barrels. Nigeria's dwindling oil production and a restrictive foreign exchange policy was adversely affecting the country's prospects, Ratings agency Standard and Poor said. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Niger Delta Avengers claims bombing major oil pipeline in southern Nigeria

Launching an offensive against the Prime Minister over price rise, Rahul Gandhi today said after coming to power Narendra Modi has ignored the issue and demanded that he should give a date by when the prices of pulses will drop.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;You may make as many hollow promises as you want, but give us a date by when the prices of daal will come down,&quot; Gandhi said in Lok Sabha during a debate on price rise.<br />
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In his first major intervention in the monsoon session, Gandhi said the price of pulses and vegetables have gone over the roof after NDA came to power, and farmers have not been able to get any benefit of the steep rise in the price of these commodities.<br />
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Recalling Modi&#39;s speech at a poll rally in Himachal Pradesh in February 2014, Gandhi said while attacking the then UPA government over the issue, he had said that &quot;Ma-bachche raat raat rote hain, aasoon pee ke sote hain&quot; (mother and child cry the whole night and sleep drinking their tears).<br />
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&quot;What a dialogue,&quot; Gandhi said thrice, taking a dig at Modi who was not present in the House.<br />
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&quot;I want to remind the Prime Minister of the promises he made to people of the country during the poll campaign, which Modiji does not talk about now and has forgotten. He had also promised that when the BJP government comes to power, it will bring down the prices,&quot; Gandhi said.<br />
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Listing out the prices of vegetables and pulses, Gandhi said in 2014, the price of tomato was Rs 18, which has shot up to Rs 55 in 2016. Urad and tur dal, priced at Rs 70 and 75 in February 2014, has gone up to Rs 160 and Rs 180 this month.<br />
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He said there was a gap between the minimum support price for tur dal given to the farmers. It was Rs 45 whereas its price in the market was Rs 75. Now, the MSP has risen to Rs 50, but the price of the pulses is now Rs 180.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;So, there is a gap of Rs 130 in the NDA government. Where is this Rs 100 going?&quot; Gandhi asked. &quot;During elections, Modiji had said, &#39;Make me a chowkidar&#39; (watchman).&nbsp;Now, there is a theft of dal under the very nose of the chowkidar. But the chowkidar has not uttered a word. He is mum. Now he has become a big person. Leave that job of chowkidari to the Congress,&quot; Gandhi said.&nbsp;<br />
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In reference to a BJP slogan &#39;Har Har Modi&#39; used during the Lok Sabha polls, he said, &quot;Now people are saying &#39;Arhar Modi&#39;.&quot; Taking a jibe at NDA&#39;s second birthday celebrations, the Congress vice president said the Prime Minister did not even utter a single word about rising prices during this event, and sought to know why.<br />
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Accusing the government of waiving off Rs 52,000 crore of the corporates, Gandhi asked what benefit the government has given to the farmers and housewives of the savings amounting to Rs 2 lakh crore it has made from the slump in the crude prices. He also questioned NDA&#39;s flagship programmes like Make in India, Stand Up India and said, &quot;The &#39;Make in India&#39; programme has not got given a single job to the youth&quot;.<br />
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(PTI)

The Congress vice president said the PM did not even utter a single word about rising prices. 'Now people are saying 'Arhar Modi''

Launching an offensive against the Prime Minister over price rise, Rahul Gandhi today said after coming to power Narendra Modi has ignored the issue and demanded that he should give a date by when the prices of pulses will drop. "You may make as many hollow promises as you want, but give us a date by when the prices of daal will come down," Gandhi said in Lok Sabha during a debate on price rise. In his first major intervention in the monsoon session, Gandhi said the price of pulses and vegetables have gone over the roof after NDA came to power, and farmers have not been able to get any benefit of the steep rise in the price of these commodities. Recalling Modi's speech at a poll rally in Himachal Pradesh in February 2014, Gandhi said while attacking the then UPA government over the issue, he had said that "Ma-bachche raat raat rote hain, aasoon pee ke sote hain" (mother and child cry the whole night and sleep drinking their tears). "What a dialogue," Gandhi said thrice, taking a dig at Modi who was not present in the House. "I want to remind the Prime Minister of the promises he made to people of the country during the poll campaign, which Modiji does not talk about now and has forgotten. He had also promised that when the BJP government comes to power, it will bring down the prices," Gandhi said. Listing out the prices of vegetables and pulses, Gandhi said in 2014, the price of tomato was Rs 18, which has shot up to Rs 55 in 2016. Urad and tur dal, priced at Rs 70 and 75 in February 2014, has gone up to Rs 160 and Rs 180 this month. He said there was a gap between the minimum support price for tur dal given to the farmers. It was Rs 45 whereas its price in the market was Rs 75. Now, the MSP has risen to Rs 50, but the price of the pulses is now Rs 180. "So, there is a gap of Rs 130 in the NDA government. Where is this Rs 100 going?" Gandhi asked. "During elections, Modiji had said, 'Make me a chowkidar' (watchman). Now, there is a theft of dal under the very nose of the chowkidar. But the chowkidar has not uttered a word. He is mum. Now he has become a big person. Leave that job of chowkidari to the Congress," Gandhi said. In reference to a BJP slogan 'Har Har Modi' used during the Lok Sabha polls, he said, "Now people are saying 'Arhar Modi'." Taking a jibe at NDA's second birthday celebrations, the Congress vice president said the Prime Minister did not even utter a single word about rising prices during this event, and sought to know why. Accusing the government of waiving off Rs 52,000 crore of the corporates, Gandhi asked what benefit the government has given to the farmers and housewives of the savings amounting to Rs 2 lakh crore it has made from the slump in the crude prices. He also questioned NDA's flagship programmes like Make in India, Stand Up India and said, "The 'Make in India' programme has not got given a single job to the youth". (PTI)

Give a date by when pulses price will decline: Gandhi scion tells Indian Prime Minister Modi

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