Thousands of activists and leaders of the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party rallied in the nation's capital to demand a democratic transition through an election.

Bangladesh: Opposition Party Protests, Demands New Election, Amid Political Uncertainty

Venezuela's opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez has arrived in Spain to seek Asylum. The 75-year-old said in an audio note that he was threatened to flee the country. Watch to know more.

Edmundo Gonzalez sends audio note prior to his departure

After a series of blockades and hartals in Bangladesh, the opposition party BNP called for a non-cooperation movement against the incumbent government from Wednesday (Nov 20), appealing to the country's citizens to boycott the January 7 election.

The decision was taken by the party’s acting chief, Tarique Rahman, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, while speaking in a virtual press conference on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Rizvi appealed to the citizens and the administration to stop co-operating with the government.&nbsp;

He made specific requests to officers and employees who were given the election duties to not carry out their responsibilities, adding that the government has already compiled a list of election winners and future MPs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-protesters-set-train-on-fire-amid-opposition-strike-four-killed-671662">Bangladesh protesters set train on fire amid opposition strike, four killed</a>

Moreover, Rizvi further appealed to the people to not pay their taxes or utility bills from now on.

Rizvi further appealed to people to consider if the deposition of money in banks was any more secure, as “the government has done most of its plundering through the banking sector.”

The BNP further appealed to its leaders and activists not to make further appearances in what was characterised by the party as "false" cases.

<h2>BNP calls countrywide blockade on Dec 24</h2>

The BNP and its allies also called for the countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade on December 24 as they appealed for the non-party caretaker government system's restoration.&nbsp;

A mass campaign will be conducted by the opposition parties on December 21, 22 and 23, extending their support to the boycott of the election and the non-cooperation movement.

Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh National Party wants PM Sheikh Hasina to step down

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This will be the 11th blockade programme carried out by the opposition parties since October 31.

The blockade will start at 6:00 am (local time) on Sunday and end at 6:00 pm (local time) the same day.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday started her election campaign in the eastern Sylhet district amid calls for non-cooperation and an election boycott from the opposition parties.

“Not participating in elections is their (opposition parties) democratic right. But they are creating fear with arson attacks in the name of movement and destroying government property – property that belongs to the people,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

After a series of blockades and hartals in Bangladesh, the opposition party BNP called for a non-cooperation movement against the incumbent government from Wednesday (Nov 20), appealing to the country's citizens to boycott the January 7 election.

After a series of blockades and hartals in Bangladesh, the opposition party BNP called for a non-cooperation movement against the incumbent government from Wednesday (Nov 20), appealing to the country's citizens to boycott the January 7 election. The decision was taken by the party’s acting chief, Tarique Rahman, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, while speaking in a virtual press conference on Wednesday afternoon. Rizvi appealed to the citizens and the administration to stop co-operating with the government. He made specific requests to officers and employees who were given the election duties to not carry out their responsibilities, adding that the government has already compiled a list of election winners and future MPs. Also read: Bangladesh protesters set train on fire amid opposition strike, four killed Moreover, Rizvi further appealed to the people to not pay their taxes or utility bills from now on. Rizvi further appealed to people to consider if the deposition of money in banks was any more secure, as “the government has done most of its plundering through the banking sector.” The BNP further appealed to its leaders and activists not to make further appearances in what was characterised by the party as "false" cases. BNP calls countrywide blockade on Dec 24 The BNP and its allies also called for the countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade on December 24 as they appealed for the non-party caretaker government system's restoration. A mass campaign will be conducted by the opposition parties on December 21, 22 and 23, extending their support to the boycott of the election and the non-cooperation movement. Watch: Bangladesh National Party wants PM Sheikh Hasina to step down This will be the 11th blockade programme carried out by the opposition parties since October 31. The blockade will start at 6:00 am (local time) on Sunday and end at 6:00 pm (local time) the same day. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday started her election campaign in the eastern Sylhet district amid calls for non-cooperation and an election boycott from the opposition parties. “Not participating in elections is their (opposition parties) democratic right. But they are creating fear with arson attacks in the name of movement and destroying government property – property that belongs to the people,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh’s Opposition party starts non-cooperation movement, calls for boycott of polls

India where the opposition in the country is firming up its strategy ahead of general elections to be held next year. The 26th opposition bloc called I.N.D.I.A will convene the first meeting of its Coordination Committee today in New Delhi. High on the agenda will be the seat-sharing formula, election strategy, upcoming special parliamentary session and much more.

I.N.D.I.A: Opposition firms up poll strategy, 14-member panel discuss seat sharing | WION Dispatch

Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, has vehemently contested the official re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, asserting his own victory in an election that international observers criticise for falling short of democratic standards.

President Mnangagwa secured a second term with 52.6 per cent of the votes, while his main challenger, 45-year-old Chamisa, garnered 44 per cent, as per official results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) late Saturday.

However, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has adamantly refused to accept these results, labelling them as "false."

"We have won this election. We are the leaders. We are even surprised why Mnangagwa has been declared a leader," declared Chamisa during a press conference in Harare.

<h2>Controversial election marred by delays</h2>

The election, which took place over two days (Wednesday and Thursday), was plagued by delays, leading to accusations of rigging and voter suppression from the opposition.

Chamisa commented on the situation, saying, "We knew we were going into a flawed election. We have a flawed voters roll, a flawed delimitation report. We had a flawed ballot. It was a flawed electoral environment."

<h2>Mnangagwa challenges opponents</h2>

President Mnangagwa, in a response at the presidential palace, urged those contesting his re-election to pursue legal channels. He stated, "Those who feel the race was not run properly should know where to go to."

Foreign observers, including missions from the European Union, the Commonwealth, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have expressed concerns about the election. They cited issues such as the banning of opposition rallies, problems with voter registration rolls, biased state media coverage, and voter intimidation.

Despite these concerns, Mnangagwa thanked various election observation missions for witnessing the electoral processes, emphasising that Zimbabwe is a mature democracy.

Also watch |&nbsp;Zimbabwe presidential elections 2023: President Emmerson Mnangagwa secures 2nd term

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<h2>Mixed reactions in Harare</h2>

In the streets of Harare, some citizens expressed disillusionment with the election results. One individual stated, "The results were no good; there's something wrong somewhere."

However, another citizen, while admitting not closely examining the results, noted, "We accept them as they are; it's the decision of the majority, and we respect it."

ZEC chairwoman Justice Chigumba disclosed that Mnangagwa had secured more than 2.3 million votes, while Chamisa had received over 1.9 million. With more than half the votes cast, Mnangagwa avoided a run-off. Voter turnout stood at 69 percent.

<h2>Mnangagwa's Political Journey</h2>

Dubbed "The Crocodile," Mnangagwa assumed power after a coup that ousted Robert Mugabe in 2017. A year later, he narrowly defeated Chamisa in a vote criticized by the opposition leader as fraudulent, followed by a deadly crackdown.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, has vehemently contested the official re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, asserting his own victory in an election that international observers criticise for falling short of democratic standards.

Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, has vehemently contested the official re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, asserting his own victory in an election that international observers criticise for falling short of democratic standards. President Mnangagwa secured a second term with 52.6 per cent of the votes, while his main challenger, 45-year-old Chamisa, garnered 44 per cent, as per official results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) late Saturday. However, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has adamantly refused to accept these results, labelling them as "false." "We have won this election. We are the leaders. We are even surprised why Mnangagwa has been declared a leader," declared Chamisa during a press conference in Harare. Controversial election marred by delays The election, which took place over two days (Wednesday and Thursday), was plagued by delays, leading to accusations of rigging and voter suppression from the opposition. Chamisa commented on the situation, saying, "We knew we were going into a flawed election. We have a flawed voters roll, a flawed delimitation report. We had a flawed ballot. It was a flawed electoral environment." Mnangagwa challenges opponents President Mnangagwa, in a response at the presidential palace, urged those contesting his re-election to pursue legal channels. He stated, "Those who feel the race was not run properly should know where to go to." Foreign observers, including missions from the European Union, the Commonwealth, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have expressed concerns about the election. They cited issues such as the banning of opposition rallies, problems with voter registration rolls, biased state media coverage, and voter intimidation. Despite these concerns, Mnangagwa thanked various election observation missions for witnessing the electoral processes, emphasising that Zimbabwe is a mature democracy. Also watch | Zimbabwe presidential elections 2023: President Emmerson Mnangagwa secures 2nd term Mixed reactions in Harare In the streets of Harare, some citizens expressed disillusionment with the election results. One individual stated, "The results were no good; there's something wrong somewhere." However, another citizen, while admitting not closely examining the results, noted, "We accept them as they are; it's the decision of the majority, and we respect it." ZEC chairwoman Justice Chigumba disclosed that Mnangagwa had secured more than 2.3 million votes, while Chamisa had received over 1.9 million. With more than half the votes cast, Mnangagwa avoided a run-off. Voter turnout stood at 69 percent. Mnangagwa's Political Journey Dubbed "The Crocodile," Mnangagwa assumed power after a coup that ousted Robert Mugabe in 2017. A year later, he narrowly defeated Chamisa in a vote criticized by the opposition leader as fraudulent, followed by a deadly crackdown. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zimbabwe's opposition challenges president's re-election, claims victory

Even as economic and political crisis continues in Sri Lanka,&nbsp;Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he is ready to quit but&nbsp;no request has been made by his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

“If the President tells me to go, I will leave immediately. But there has been no such request," the Prime Minister said.&nbsp;

Ranjith Siyambalapitya has also confirmed&nbsp;that president has accepted his resignation letter from the post of Deputy Speaker. Vote for the new Deputy Speaker will be held on May 5.&nbsp;

The main opposition party of the country has also sought the no-confidence vote to oust the PM and his Cabinet, media reports said. &nbsp;

The party has also blamed them for not being able to ensure decent standard of&nbsp;living&nbsp;in the country. &nbsp;

Led by leader Sajith Premadasa, a group of lawmakers from United People's Force party delivered the motion&nbsp;of holding no-confidence parliamentary vote&nbsp;to Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-hikes-medicine-prices-amid-financial-crisis-475166" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis</a>

This comes as the island nation witnesses its worst economic crisis. Several protests have also been held by protesters across the country to demand the resignation of the PM and president. &nbsp;

The demonstrators hold the leaders responsible for the economic crisis. &nbsp;

To remove Rajapaksa and his Cabinet, a majority vote is needed in the 225-member Parliament. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lanka Crisis &amp; Chaos: Rajapaksas, SLPP decide to form interim govt

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Although United People's Force has only 54 votes, it looks to win votes of small opposition parties and defections from the ruling Sri Lanka People's Front party.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The decision over the date of holding no-confidence vote is expected after members of Parliament meet on Wednesday. &nbsp;

A no-confidence motion was also delivered by the party to target the president but it is not likely to force him to resign even if lawmakers vote against him. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as economic and political crisis continues in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he is ready to quit but no request has been made by his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Even as economic and political crisis continues in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he is ready to quit but no request has been made by his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “If the President tells me to go, I will leave immediately. But there has been no such request," the Prime Minister said. Ranjith Siyambalapitya has also confirmed that president has accepted his resignation letter from the post of Deputy Speaker. Vote for the new Deputy Speaker will be held on May 5. The main opposition party of the country has also sought the no-confidence vote to oust the PM and his Cabinet, media reports said. The party has also blamed them for not being able to ensure decent standard of living in the country. Led by leader Sajith Premadasa, a group of lawmakers from United People's Force party delivered the motion of holding no-confidence parliamentary vote to Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Tuesday. Also Read: Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis This comes as the island nation witnesses its worst economic crisis. Several protests have also been held by protesters across the country to demand the resignation of the PM and president. The demonstrators hold the leaders responsible for the economic crisis. To remove Rajapaksa and his Cabinet, a majority vote is needed in the 225-member Parliament. Watch: Sri Lanka Crisis & Chaos: Rajapaksas, SLPP decide to form interim govt × Although United People's Force has only 54 votes, it looks to win votes of small opposition parties and defections from the ruling Sri Lanka People's Front party. The decision over the date of holding no-confidence vote is expected after members of Parliament meet on Wednesday. A no-confidence motion was also delivered by the party to target the president but it is not likely to force him to resign even if lawmakers vote against him. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka crisis: PM insists no request from President to quit as Parliament meets

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday said that Pakistan's Prime Minister is the biggest propagator of fake news and he is taking away the freedom of expression of people under the guise of false news.&nbsp;

He made these comments while addressing a party worker's convention in Peshawar. "PM Imran Khan himself is the biggest propagator of fake news in Pakistan," he said, reported Geo TV.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-looks-to-exit-the-grey-list-faces-new-test-at-fatf-meet-455146">Pakistan looks to exit the 'grey list', faces new test at FATF meet</a>

Furthermore, he shared that those who were previously against tabling a no-confidence motion against the PTI-led government have now agreed to it.

Bilawal also said that the party's planned march will represent the issues of all provinces and the party needs support from people to help move the motion.&nbsp;

At the convention, he lashed at Imran Khan saying, "We have always termed the prime minister "selected" as he promised a change but failed to deliver it," reported the news channel.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-flak-over-new-laws-to-silence-media-opposition-454977">Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition'</a>

He further chided the government for the economic devastation saying, "This government had promised a change but it only pushed masses into economic crisis.

The PTI after coming to power had vowed to provide 10 million jobs, but it rendered several people jobless in its three and a half years of power."

Bilawal on Tuesday approved the route plan for the party's planned long march. Party's planned long march would initiate from Karachi on February 27, he said.

The march will begin from Karachi and will reach Islamabad in 10 days after passing through 34 different cities of Sindh and Punjab.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday said that Pakistan's Prime Minister is the biggest propagator of fake news and he is taking away the freedom of expression of people under the guise of false news.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday said that Pakistan's Prime Minister is the biggest propagator of fake news and he is taking away the freedom of expression of people under the guise of false news. He made these comments while addressing a party worker's convention in Peshawar. "PM Imran Khan himself is the biggest propagator of fake news in Pakistan," he said, reported Geo TV. Also read | Pakistan looks to exit the 'grey list', faces new test at FATF meet Furthermore, he shared that those who were previously against tabling a no-confidence motion against the PTI-led government have now agreed to it. Bilawal also said that the party's planned march will represent the issues of all provinces and the party needs support from people to help move the motion. At the convention, he lashed at Imran Khan saying, "We have always termed the prime minister "selected" as he promised a change but failed to deliver it," reported the news channel. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition' He further chided the government for the economic devastation saying, "This government had promised a change but it only pushed masses into economic crisis. The PTI after coming to power had vowed to provide 10 million jobs, but it rendered several people jobless in its three and a half years of power." Bilawal on Tuesday approved the route plan for the party's planned long march. Party's planned long march would initiate from Karachi on February 27, he said. The march will begin from Karachi and will reach Islamabad in 10 days after passing through 34 different cities of Sindh and Punjab.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan biggest propagator of fake news, says opposition leader

There has never been a single Third Front. There have been many avatars of Third Fronts. The genesis of National Front, United Front or Third Front lies in anti-Congress Grand Alliance which was conceived by Ram Manohar Lohia after Jawaharlal Nehru passed away. In 1967, all non-Congress parties came together, and they were able to form the governments in a number of states for the first time. It is from this success, emanated the confidence of a non-Congress government at the Centre.&nbsp;

Since then, time to time, regional parties came together to make government against Congress. In the 1990s, regional parties got realigned on the basis of ideology and personal relationship. The first born was NDA, it was succeeded by the UPA when the Congress realised that it alone cannot be a match against well aligned NDA.

Off late, many politicians have started to moot the idea of floating a Grand Alliance to contain BJP electorally as it has replaced the Congress from the pole position in the Indian politics.

The strategists are excited about the idea of SP-BSP joining hands for two by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. But the pact, sugar-coated by the ideal of secular politics, cannot undermine the barter which has taken place between two parties. For instance, Mayawati will be able to go to Rajya Sabha on SP&rsquo;s support. Some people are also excited about the fact that Mayawati has taken a leaf out of Kanshiram&rsquo;s playbook, but they should pause and think as to what could have happened to Mayawati when SP goons attacked her in the guest house.

Apart from Mayawati, West Bengal&rsquo;s Chief Minister Mamata Banerji and Telangana&rsquo;s Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao are openly mooting the idea to form a Grand Front. Mamata even blamed Congress for not creating an umbrella alliance for the North East elections. The fact of the matter is that can the Third Front be an alternative. Will it have a different ideology? Will it be supported by the Congress? Who will be the prime ministerial candidate? I suppose these questions are irrelevant.

Today&rsquo;s idea of the Third Front is rooted in the preservation of power and nothing else. Unlike 1967 and 1977, it is not rooted in the idea against total hegemony and emergency. It does not have a noble purpose. It is, for this reason, the experiment of 1996-98 (United Front) was a total failure. It was rooted in the idea of keeping one party out.

Today, Congress is in position to be a pole around which small parties can come together. It is so small both organisationally and electorally that regional parties have started to treat Congress as its equal.

On the other hand, the desire of regional parties for a Front also stems from BJP&rsquo;s expansion in newer areas where they themselves have remained sole challenger to the erstwhile Congress.&nbsp; Over the last four years, Indian politics has become BJP vs rest. Non-Congress front in past has seen six prime ministers. All put together, such Fronts remained in power for more than 6 years but it gave 6 prime ministers. It is an unappetizing scenario. With Modi in the saddle, the Third Front will remain a pot of contradictions.

Will the Left side with the Trinamool Congress in 2019 and will Mayawati continue the arrangement when the nation goes to the polls? The answer is that there are too many ifs and buts about it and none of them will be able to stand as credible alternatives. Last in the question is, Chandrashekhar Rao who wants to emulate NT Rama Rao under whom the National Front came to power, and VP Singh became the Prime Minister. He was supported by both Left and BJP. Similar experiments between 1977-80 and 1996-98 were supported by the Congress. This time both Congress and Left have very small national footprints.

The crass anti-BJP-ism is a recipe for disaster. This will make people vote with greater margin for the BJP. Nitish-Laloo experiment was localised to Bihar and could not be replicated in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Even in the case of UP, one will have to see as to how antagonistic vote banks of SP and BSP will cooperate on ground level. For Congress to lend support to such a venture would be suicidal. It will further cannibalise its own organisation.&nbsp;

BJP&rsquo;s electoral success is also a reflection of nation&rsquo;s changing mood on the relationship between religion and the state and assertion of the majority community in cultural sphere as a political actor uncut by caste. It requires a robust ideological opposition and not knee-jerk ganging up.

Opposition needs to understand the ideological and organisational preparedness of BJP. Its power rests on the theory that organisations stem from the power of an idea and from which party can attain power. Opposition and Congress want to reverse the process by grabbing power first, thinking that organisation will stem from it which will ultimately coalesce into a robust idea. It has never happened past and will not happen in future.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Fight BJP will need a robust ideological opposition and not knee-jerk ganging up.

There has never been a single Third Front. There have been many avatars of Third Fronts. The genesis of National Front, United Front or Third Front lies in anti-Congress Grand Alliance which was conceived by Ram Manohar Lohia after Jawaharlal Nehru passed away. In 1967, all non-Congress parties came together, and they were able to form the governments in a number of states for the first time. It is from this success, emanated the confidence of a non-Congress government at the Centre. Since then, time to time, regional parties came together to make government against Congress. In the 1990s, regional parties got realigned on the basis of ideology and personal relationship. The first born was NDA, it was succeeded by the UPA when the Congress realised that it alone cannot be a match against well aligned NDA. Off late, many politicians have started to moot the idea of floating a Grand Alliance to contain BJP electorally as it has replaced the Congress from the pole position in the Indian politics. The strategists are excited about the idea of SP-BSP joining hands for two by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. But the pact, sugar-coated by the ideal of secular politics, cannot undermine the barter which has taken place between two parties. For instance, Mayawati will be able to go to Rajya Sabha on SP’s support. Some people are also excited about the fact that Mayawati has taken a leaf out of Kanshiram’s playbook, but they should pause and think as to what could have happened to Mayawati when SP goons attacked her in the guest house. Apart from Mayawati, West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerji and Telangana’s Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao are openly mooting the idea to form a Grand Front. Mamata even blamed Congress for not creating an umbrella alliance for the North East elections. The fact of the matter is that can the Third Front be an alternative. Will it have a different ideology? Will it be supported by the Congress? Who will be the prime ministerial candidate? I suppose these questions are irrelevant. Today’s idea of the Third Front is rooted in the preservation of power and nothing else. Unlike 1967 and 1977, it is not rooted in the idea against total hegemony and emergency. It does not have a noble purpose. It is, for this reason, the experiment of 1996-98 (United Front) was a total failure. It was rooted in the idea of keeping one party out. Today, Congress is in position to be a pole around which small parties can come together. It is so small both organisationally and electorally that regional parties have started to treat Congress as its equal. On the other hand, the desire of regional parties for a Front also stems from BJP’s expansion in newer areas where they themselves have remained sole challenger to the erstwhile Congress. Over the last four years, Indian politics has become BJP vs rest. Non-Congress front in past has seen six prime ministers. All put together, such Fronts remained in power for more than 6 years but it gave 6 prime ministers. It is an unappetizing scenario. With Modi in the saddle, the Third Front will remain a pot of contradictions. Will the Left side with the Trinamool Congress in 2019 and will Mayawati continue the arrangement when the nation goes to the polls? The answer is that there are too many ifs and buts about it and none of them will be able to stand as credible alternatives. Last in the question is, Chandrashekhar Rao who wants to emulate NT Rama Rao under whom the National Front came to power, and VP Singh became the Prime Minister. He was supported by both Left and BJP. Similar experiments between 1977-80 and 1996-98 were supported by the Congress. This time both Congress and Left have very small national footprints. The crass anti-BJP-ism is a recipe for disaster. This will make people vote with greater margin for the BJP. Nitish-Laloo experiment was localised to Bihar and could not be replicated in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Even in the case of UP, one will have to see as to how antagonistic vote banks of SP and BSP will cooperate on ground level. For Congress to lend support to such a venture would be suicidal. It will further cannibalise its own organisation. BJP’s electoral success is also a reflection of nation’s changing mood on the relationship between religion and the state and assertion of the majority community in cultural sphere as a political actor uncut by caste. It requires a robust ideological opposition and not knee-jerk ganging up. Opposition needs to understand the ideological and organisational preparedness of BJP. Its power rests on the theory that organisations stem from the power of an idea and from which party can attain power. Opposition and Congress want to reverse the process by grabbing power first, thinking that organisation will stem from it which will ultimately coalesce into a robust idea. It has never happened past and will not happen in future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why the Third Front against BJP is doomed to fail

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, seeking to criminalise triple talaq, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today.

The Congress, Left, and the AIADMK and DMK have supported the bill but have called for the modifications of certain provisions, claiming the bill could upset the sentiments of Muslim women.&nbsp;

The Left parties, which have had consultations with the Congress in the past week, have asked that the bill &quot;be referred to a select committee&quot;.

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BJP issues a three line whip for all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs asking them to remain present in the Parliament on Jan 2nd and 3rd for passage of several crucial bills during the period <a href="https://t.co/nXbKeUtcb5">pic.twitter.com/nXbKeUtcb5</a>
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The contentious bill had garnered a mixed response from all parties when it was introduced in the lower house but it was passed after the house rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members.

The opposition parties have expressed reservations over the inclusion of a jail term -- extending to three years -- for people who continue to use triple talaq.

They have said the jail term may be excessive and some Muslim organisations like&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aimplb-says-will-request-pm-to-withhold-withdraw-triple-talaq-bill-27594">All India Muslim Personal Law Board</a>&nbsp;(AIMPLB) have said the Supreme Court ruling striking down triple talaq as unconstitutional is against Sharia law.&nbsp;

The BJP however is hopeful the bill will find passage.

&quot;I have complete conviction that Congress will support the Bill the same way it did in Lok Sabha, or else the minority women will not spare them,&quot; Union Minister Giriraj Singh told ANI on Monday.

Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar echoed the same conviction.

&quot;I believe all our office-bearers will talk to all parties, and all parties will understand the problem faced by our aggrieved sisters. This bill, I believe, will be passed in the Rajya Sabha,&quot;

All eyes are on the Congress for the party&#39;s stance may decide the fate of the bill in the upper house. The Congress has also asked for the bill to be referred to a standing committee so that its clauses could be put under the microscope.&nbsp;

The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last week

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, seeking to criminalise triple talaq, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today. The Congress, Left, and the AIADMK and DMK have supported the bill but have called for the modifications of certain provisions, claiming the bill could upset the sentiments of Muslim women. The Left parties, which have had consultations with the Congress in the past week, have asked that the bill "be referred to a select committee". BJP issues a three line whip for all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs asking them to remain present in the Parliament on Jan 2nd and 3rd for passage of several crucial bills during the period pic.twitter.com/nXbKeUtcb5 — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × The contentious bill had garnered a mixed response from all parties when it was introduced in the lower house but it was passed after the house rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members. The opposition parties have expressed reservations over the inclusion of a jail term -- extending to three years -- for people who continue to use triple talaq. They have said the jail term may be excessive and some Muslim organisations like All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have said the Supreme Court ruling striking down triple talaq as unconstitutional is against Sharia law. The BJP however is hopeful the bill will find passage. "I have complete conviction that Congress will support the Bill the same way it did in Lok Sabha, or else the minority women will not spare them," Union Minister Giriraj Singh told ANI on Monday. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar echoed the same conviction. "I believe all our office-bearers will talk to all parties, and all parties will understand the problem faced by our aggrieved sisters. This bill, I believe, will be passed in the Rajya Sabha," All eyes are on the Congress for the party's stance may decide the fate of the bill in the upper house. The Congress has also asked for the bill to be referred to a standing committee so that its clauses could be put under the microscope.

Triple talaq bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today

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