In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2019, two women had a powerful influence on matters related to opposition's strategy to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

The key interlocutor of opposition - Mamata Banerjee is considered to be the prime reason behind Congress president Rahul Gandhi not being declared the prime ministerial candidate of the united opposition despite approvals from several leaders. The friction between Banerjee and Gandhi scion is quite evident, she recently called Rahul a 'kid' while responding to his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Didi doesn't mince a word while attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. She is one of the most vocal members of the opposition who claims West Bengal will lead in throwing Narendra Modi government out and forming the new government at the Centre. She ran pillar and post to unite all like-minded parties against BJP.

Mayawati too has emerged as a strong Congress-opposer. When Congress approached SP and BSP for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, unhappy with the seat-sharing ratio suggested by Congress, Mayawati outrightly rejected the offer.

There were still some chances of understanding between the SP-BSP-RJD alliance and the Congress when the latter said it was ready to leave &nbsp;7 Lok Sabha seats vacant for the alliance, however, this couldn't happen due to Mayawati's defiance.&nbsp;

In a joint rally on Sunday, Mayawati trained her guns towards Congress and said the party was dividing votes on the basis of caste and religion. &nbsp;She cautioned voters against any such attempt and asked them to give all their votes to the SP, BSP and RJD alliance.

Other opposition members are worried that this three-cornered contest will divide the votes in UP and help the BJP. UP is a politically crucial state which has the highest number of Lok Sabha seats in the country - 80. In such a scenario, Mayawati's decision to not tie-up with Congress could prove costly to the alliance.

Meanwhile, on the national front - setting aside three decades of rivalry - even Chandrababu Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He stressed on the need for opposition unity to save the nation. DMK chief M K Stalin too endorsed Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the 'Mahagathbandhan', but Didi remained&nbsp;adamant.

Going by her and ignoring Congress, which did exceptionally well in the recently-concluded Assembly elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, isn't mature.&nbsp;

For 'Mahagathbandhan', leadership has become a divisive issue. The opposition parties need to reach a broader understanding and declare the grouping's PM face. Political analysts say that not having a credible face pitted against PM Narendra Modi would impact voters' decision during the polling. Electorates are curious and have the right to know who will lead the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to&nbsp;power. &nbsp;

The resistance&nbsp;of Mamata and Mayawati is a big setback to the entire calculation for forming an anti-BJP coalition and the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan' - both on state and national level.&nbsp;

Alliances need sacrifices, however, they have shown reluctance to have an understanding with Congress - the main opposition party. Mamata and Mayawati have no desire to become Gandhi’s minority partners. They want to be in the driver's seat themselves.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2019, two women had a powerful influence on matters related to opposition's strategy to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2019, two women had a powerful influence on matters related to opposition's strategy to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. The key interlocutor of opposition - Mamata Banerjee is considered to be the prime reason behind Congress president Rahul Gandhi not being declared the prime ministerial candidate of the united opposition despite approvals from several leaders. The friction between Banerjee and Gandhi scion is quite evident, she recently called Rahul a 'kid' while responding to his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Didi doesn't mince a word while attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. She is one of the most vocal members of the opposition who claims West Bengal will lead in throwing Narendra Modi government out and forming the new government at the Centre. She ran pillar and post to unite all like-minded parties against BJP. Mayawati too has emerged as a strong Congress-opposer. When Congress approached SP and BSP for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, unhappy with the seat-sharing ratio suggested by Congress, Mayawati outrightly rejected the offer. There were still some chances of understanding between the SP-BSP-RJD alliance and the Congress when the latter said it was ready to leave 7 Lok Sabha seats vacant for the alliance, however, this couldn't happen due to Mayawati's defiance. In a joint rally on Sunday, Mayawati trained her guns towards Congress and said the party was dividing votes on the basis of caste and religion. She cautioned voters against any such attempt and asked them to give all their votes to the SP, BSP and RJD alliance. Other opposition members are worried that this three-cornered contest will divide the votes in UP and help the BJP. UP is a politically crucial state which has the highest number of Lok Sabha seats in the country - 80. In such a scenario, Mayawati's decision to not tie-up with Congress could prove costly to the alliance. Meanwhile, on the national front - setting aside three decades of rivalry - even Chandrababu Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He stressed on the need for opposition unity to save the nation. DMK chief M K Stalin too endorsed Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the 'Mahagathbandhan', but Didi remained adamant. Going by her and ignoring Congress, which did exceptionally well in the recently-concluded Assembly elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, isn't mature. For 'Mahagathbandhan', leadership has become a divisive issue. The opposition parties need to reach a broader understanding and declare the grouping's PM face. Political analysts say that not having a credible face pitted against PM Narendra Modi would impact voters' decision during the polling. Electorates are curious and have the right to know who will lead the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to power. The resistance of Mamata and Mayawati is a big setback to the entire calculation for forming an anti-BJP coalition and the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan' - both on state and national level. Alliances need sacrifices, however, they have shown reluctance to have an understanding with Congress - the main opposition party. Mamata and Mayawati have no desire to become Gandhi’s minority partners. They want to be in the driver's seat themselves. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata Banerjee's dominance, Mayawati's reluctance is advantage BJP

Everyone loves elections in India. Especially the vibrant Indian media which lives off elections, seemingly at the cost of all other news. &nbsp;

In the process, television news today has created its own imagery: capturing the pandal, a stage set high above the ground far removed from the people gathered in front; a line-up of leaders in white khadi photographed with arms raised, their hands clasped in a photo-op of solidarity; tinselly crowns, swords, bows, and arrows being presented to a supreme leader. &nbsp;

It is the crowning glory. What takes the cake, rather the crown, is the mukut or tiara itself. Innumerable images, even of Dalit leaders, who have spent lifetimes fighting for equality and constitutional freedoms are on camera juggling uneasily with gold-plated tiaras on their heads. &nbsp;

An accessory befitting a local theatre group enacting Ramayana scenes is now seen occupying pride of place. For upper caste political leaders, the mukut seems just right. &nbsp;

The mukut-dhaaris wear it with a sense of entitlement completely at odds with our democratic polity. The King-like mystique or Goddess-like aura is recreated time and again, reinforcing the image of rulers with their ‘right to rule’ persona. No questions asked. &nbsp;

Now is the time when swords create images. Throughout the Hindi heartland, the talwar or sword held aloft is a metaphor of martial strength sanctified by our caste hierarchies. Leaders are filmed drawing the sword, often shakily, from its scabbard. Undoubtedly, it is a mighty act.&nbsp;

 
Unsheathing the power of the sword, bringing die-hard bravery to the fore and reaffirming their right to fight for democratic rights with such ancient weaponry. &nbsp;

Images of women leaders, conservatively draped in saris, now with a naked sword in hand gets its share of coverage. It is an image of empowerment in this age of gender fluidity, with the clarion calls for Bharat Mata ki Jai in the background. &nbsp;

Next is the imagery of togetherness and leadership. On a dais or a stage way above the ground level, a mass of men and women come together signifying their unity and uniformity. &nbsp;

Seen from a distance, this critical mass of leadership is often indistinguishable. The images captured have flashes of white and red, green and saffron, the dominant colours signifying India. &nbsp;

The leaders’ attire, body language and speeches do make them distinct for a while, as they speak from the rostrum. Speech over, they merge together again. Today’s leadership is about numbers; the more leaders on stage, the more powerful they are perceived to be. Politics and perceptions share shadowy borders. &nbsp;

When there are people, people everywhere, there’s new powerful imagery. Janata or the crowds are packed together. Like a wheat-field packed, filled with ripening stalks. When Elias Canetti used such strong imagery to explain crowds, he visualised homogeneous faceless masses. &nbsp;

Crowds in India seem homogeneous but they are not. Village folk sit, crouch, and stand in similar ways; they lean together and when prompted, cheer in unison. They are the audience, watching political dramas unfold on the stage in front of them. &nbsp;

What they see and what they hear is not what is telecast or broadcast. Leaders often hail this janata as ‘janardan’, likening them to a benevolent God, who always helps. What a turn and twist in this phrase: Janata janardan hai. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Gandhi cap is still an omnipresent image. But it just doesn’t fit all or anybody! Even though the cap is freely available at all Khadi Bhandar showrooms, stacked in cardboard boxes, it really seems like a limp relic of the past. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Neither the Congressmen and women nor leaders of other political hues have shown the imagination to make capital out of this simple cap. Merely putting the cap on has become a defining moment. Like during the ‘India Against Corruption’ movement at Ramlila grounds of New Delhi. Each leader who donned one was hoping it would create a new image, generate a new aura around them and make history. &nbsp;

The socialists of Uttar Pradesh prefer red instead of white caps. Colours change but the simplicity, austerity of the Gandhi cap continues to be a complete misfit in today’s time and age of consumerism, opulence and fortune-for-the-few. &nbsp;

On TV studio-floors, there’s the taandav of image-making. Television anchors are adept at creating their own imagery, aesthetically designed to pull audiences into a studio-generated illusionary world. &nbsp;

Here colours streak across screens with music rising to a crescendo and merging visuals into words. One TV anchor has made rubbing hands his signature style. It was a gesture rarely seen on TV screens; he created the imagery of an eager auctioneer rubbing his hands in glee. Breaking news made him break the mould. &nbsp;

Other anchors are in throes of self-induced ecstasy, a news-morphine-high, which makes them leap across studio floors, punching the air in front of large studio screens.

The whiplash of their words activates a mass of graphical data, conjuring images of a ringmaster on a circus floor, summoning jokers, who cartwheel and monkeys who ride bicycles. And then suddenly it all fades away…time now for Chyawanprash ads to roll. &nbsp;

These images and performances go on, evening after evening, night after night, when electoral politics are dissected, debated and discussed. Our television studios, newspapers, magazines and news portals are a world of such profound sound and fury, music and graphics. &nbsp;

It signifies our reality: so western, so contemporary, where modern style and substance go together hand in hand. Who said we are stereotypical, regressive, chauvinistic, unimaginative and unconstitutional…? 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-imagery-of-poll-politics-2735806">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Everyone loves elections in India. Especially the vibrant Indian media which lives off elections, seemingly at the cost of all other news. In the process, television news today has created its own imagery: capturing the pandal, a stage set high above the ground far removed from the people gathered in front; a line-up of leaders in white khadi photographed with arms raised, their hands clasped in a photo-op of solidarity; tinselly crowns, swords, bows, and arrows being presented to a supreme leader.

Everyone loves elections in India. Especially the vibrant Indian media which lives off elections, seemingly at the cost of all other news. In the process, television news today has created its own imagery: capturing the pandal, a stage set high above the ground far removed from the people gathered in front; a line-up of leaders in white khadi photographed with arms raised, their hands clasped in a photo-op of solidarity; tinselly crowns, swords, bows, and arrows being presented to a supreme leader. It is the crowning glory. What takes the cake, rather the crown, is the mukut or tiara itself. Innumerable images, even of Dalit leaders, who have spent lifetimes fighting for equality and constitutional freedoms are on camera juggling uneasily with gold-plated tiaras on their heads. An accessory befitting a local theatre group enacting Ramayana scenes is now seen occupying pride of place. For upper caste political leaders, the mukut seems just right. The mukut-dhaaris wear it with a sense of entitlement completely at odds with our democratic polity. The King-like mystique or Goddess-like aura is recreated time and again, reinforcing the image of rulers with their ‘right to rule’ persona. No questions asked. Now is the time when swords create images. Throughout the Hindi heartland, the talwar or sword held aloft is a metaphor of martial strength sanctified by our caste hierarchies. Leaders are filmed drawing the sword, often shakily, from its scabbard. Undoubtedly, it is a mighty act. Unsheathing the power of the sword, bringing die-hard bravery to the fore and reaffirming their right to fight for democratic rights with such ancient weaponry. Images of women leaders, conservatively draped in saris, now with a naked sword in hand gets its share of coverage. It is an image of empowerment in this age of gender fluidity, with the clarion calls for Bharat Mata ki Jai in the background. Next is the imagery of togetherness and leadership. On a dais or a stage way above the ground level, a mass of men and women come together signifying their unity and uniformity. Seen from a distance, this critical mass of leadership is often indistinguishable. The images captured have flashes of white and red, green and saffron, the dominant colours signifying India. The leaders’ attire, body language and speeches do make them distinct for a while, as they speak from the rostrum. Speech over, they merge together again. Today’s leadership is about numbers; the more leaders on stage, the more powerful they are perceived to be. Politics and perceptions share shadowy borders. When there are people, people everywhere, there’s new powerful imagery. Janata or the crowds are packed together. Like a wheat-field packed, filled with ripening stalks. When Elias Canetti used such strong imagery to explain crowds, he visualised homogeneous faceless masses. Crowds in India seem homogeneous but they are not. Village folk sit, crouch, and stand in similar ways; they lean together and when prompted, cheer in unison. They are the audience, watching political dramas unfold on the stage in front of them. What they see and what they hear is not what is telecast or broadcast. Leaders often hail this janata as ‘janardan’, likening them to a benevolent God, who always helps. What a turn and twist in this phrase: Janata janardan hai. The Gandhi cap is still an omnipresent image. But it just doesn’t fit all or anybody! Even though the cap is freely available at all Khadi Bhandar showrooms, stacked in cardboard boxes, it really seems like a limp relic of the past. Neither the Congressmen and women nor leaders of other political hues have shown the imagination to make capital out of this simple cap. Merely putting the cap on has become a defining moment. Like during the ‘India Against Corruption’ movement at Ramlila grounds of New Delhi. Each leader who donned one was hoping it would create a new image, generate a new aura around them and make history. The socialists of Uttar Pradesh prefer red instead of white caps. Colours change but the simplicity, austerity of the Gandhi cap continues to be a complete misfit in today’s time and age of consumerism, opulence and fortune-for-the-few. On TV studio-floors, there’s the taandav of image-making. Television anchors are adept at creating their own imagery, aesthetically designed to pull audiences into a studio-generated illusionary world. Here colours streak across screens with music rising to a crescendo and merging visuals into words. One TV anchor has made rubbing hands his signature style. It was a gesture rarely seen on TV screens; he created the imagery of an eager auctioneer rubbing his hands in glee. Breaking news made him break the mould. Other anchors are in throes of self-induced ecstasy, a news-morphine-high, which makes them leap across studio floors, punching the air in front of large studio screens. The whiplash of their words activates a mass of graphical data, conjuring images of a ringmaster on a circus floor, summoning jokers, who cartwheel and monkeys who ride bicycles. And then suddenly it all fades away…time now for Chyawanprash ads to roll. These images and performances go on, evening after evening, night after night, when electoral politics are dissected, debated and discussed. Our television studios, newspapers, magazines and news portals are a world of such profound sound and fury, music and graphics. It signifies our reality: so western, so contemporary, where modern style and substance go together hand in hand. Who said we are stereotypical, regressive, chauvinistic, unimaginative and unconstitutional…? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Politics and perceptions: The more leaders on stage, the more powerful they are perceived to be

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he has brought laurels to the country, even as he dismissed any challenge from opposition parties who appear to be joining hands against the ruling party.

Speaking exclusively to Zee 24 Taas, Amit Shah talked about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the last four years and also about challenges that remain ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Here's what the BJP president said about different issues, including opposition unity:

On Congress:

Amit Shah said that in the last 70 years, the country just witnessed politics of appeasement and division of voters on the basis of caste. Shah further said that since Narendra Modi came to power in Centre, there has been end of casteism and politics of appeasement.

"Politics of performance is being certified by people across the country since Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power in 2014. I strongly believe that people stand with politics of performance in future as well,” said the BJP president.

He, however, added that when attempts are made to divide people on basis of caste and appeasement, there has to be some impact on the ground. “We want to counter it with politics of development, and I am sure we will do it,” said Shah in an apparent reference to recent losses of the BJP in Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections.

On statements by Archbishops:

When asked about the recent remarks by Goa Archbishop about “Constitution in danger and human rights being violated”, the BJP president termed it as his personal opinion on which he would not like to comment.

But he added that if they are making such statements, it shows that there is secularism and freedom of expression in the country. He said that the government strongly supports freedom of expression, “but if it’s about ‘desh ke tukde honge hazaar’, then it is not freedom of expression, it is sedition and will be dealt with strongly”.

“People who imposed Emergency in the country are saying that the environment today is not good. That is just a perception they are trying to form. How can they question us on freedom of expression?” said the BJP chief.

On farmers:

Amit Shah asserted that the government had done a lot of work towards solving problems being faced by farmers, such as soil health card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana. “In the last 70 years, no one gave farmers a minimum support price of 1.5 times the cost of the crop. Today Modi government is giving 1.5 times MSP on both Kharif and Rabi crops,” he said.

On Pranab Mukherjee attending RSS event:

Responding to a question on objections being raised over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s scheduled visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the BJP president said that there should not be any controversy over the same. Pointing that even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi met RSS representatives, Shah asked, “What is the objection if Pranab Da goes to an RSS event?”

On losses in bypolls:

Amit Shah said that it’s not like the BJP has lost in all byelections, adding that the party has in fact won seven bypolls. He further attacked the Congress party saying that they had no reason to be happy about. “We snatched 11 state governments from Congress. Out of 16 states, they are left with just two,” Shah added.

On opposition unity:

According to Shah, the agenda of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to remove poverty, but the only agenda of other parties is to remove Modi. Dismissing any possible impact of the opposition unity in 2019 elections, the BJP chief said that these parties had already contested against the ruling party in 2014 elections and all were defeated.

Referring to the recent show of strength by opposition parties during the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister, Shah said, “you can’t influence voters if you stand on a stage joining hands…Mamata’s influence will remain confined in West Bengal while Sharad Pawar’s impact will be there only in Maharashtra. Similarly, Kumaraswamy cannot do anything outside Karnataka... there will be no effect of opposition unity in 2019 elections.”

On upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh:

When asked about anti-incumbency on BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which are slated to go for Assembly polls later in 2018, Shah said that the same does not apply to all governments.

Asserting that the BJP organisation was intact and strong in all three states, Shah said that the party was confident of winning in all of them.

The BJP chief also said that there should not be any controversy over Pranab Mukherjee attending the RSS event.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he has brought laurels to the country, even as he dismissed any challenge from opposition parties who appear to be joining hands against the ruling party. Speaking exclusively to Zee 24 Taas, Amit Shah talked about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the last four years and also about challenges that remain ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Here's what the BJP president said about different issues, including opposition unity: On Congress: Amit Shah said that in the last 70 years, the country just witnessed politics of appeasement and division of voters on the basis of caste. Shah further said that since Narendra Modi came to power in Centre, there has been end of casteism and politics of appeasement. "Politics of performance is being certified by people across the country since Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power in 2014. I strongly believe that people stand with politics of performance in future as well,” said the BJP president. He, however, added that when attempts are made to divide people on basis of caste and appeasement, there has to be some impact on the ground. “We want to counter it with politics of development, and I am sure we will do it,” said Shah in an apparent reference to recent losses of the BJP in Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections. On statements by Archbishops: When asked about the recent remarks by Goa Archbishop about “Constitution in danger and human rights being violated”, the BJP president termed it as his personal opinion on which he would not like to comment. But he added that if they are making such statements, it shows that there is secularism and freedom of expression in the country. He said that the government strongly supports freedom of expression, “but if it’s about ‘desh ke tukde honge hazaar’, then it is not freedom of expression, it is sedition and will be dealt with strongly”. “People who imposed Emergency in the country are saying that the environment today is not good. That is just a perception they are trying to form. How can they question us on freedom of expression?” said the BJP chief. On farmers: Amit Shah asserted that the government had done a lot of work towards solving problems being faced by farmers, such as soil health card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana. “In the last 70 years, no one gave farmers a minimum support price of 1.5 times the cost of the crop. Today Modi government is giving 1.5 times MSP on both Kharif and Rabi crops,” he said. On Pranab Mukherjee attending RSS event: Responding to a question on objections being raised over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s scheduled visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the BJP president said that there should not be any controversy over the same. Pointing that even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi met RSS representatives, Shah asked, “What is the objection if Pranab Da goes to an RSS event?” On losses in bypolls: Amit Shah said that it’s not like the BJP has lost in all byelections, adding that the party has in fact won seven bypolls. He further attacked the Congress party saying that they had no reason to be happy about. “We snatched 11 state governments from Congress. Out of 16 states, they are left with just two,” Shah added. On opposition unity: According to Shah, the agenda of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to remove poverty, but the only agenda of other parties is to remove Modi. Dismissing any possible impact of the opposition unity in 2019 elections, the BJP chief said that these parties had already contested against the ruling party in 2014 elections and all were defeated. Referring to the recent show of strength by opposition parties during the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister, Shah said, “you can’t influence voters if you stand on a stage joining hands…Mamata’s influence will remain confined in West Bengal while Sharad Pawar’s impact will be there only in Maharashtra. Similarly, Kumaraswamy cannot do anything outside Karnataka... there will be no effect of opposition unity in 2019 elections.” On upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh: When asked about anti-incumbency on BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which are slated to go for Assembly polls later in 2018, Shah said that the same does not apply to all governments. Asserting that the BJP organisation was intact and strong in all three states, Shah said that the party was confident of winning in all of them.

Exclusive: Opposition unity won't affect 2019 election outcome, says Amit Shah

After losing control over Karnataka despite winning the majority of seats in the state, BJP President Amit Shah&nbspaccepted on Friday that the alliance between BSP-SP will be a challenge to his party.&nbsp

He, however, ensured that his party will win one of the Congress bastions. He said the BJP will defeat Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli.

Referring to the growing conflict with its alliance partner Shiv Sena in Maharashtra he said he would not want to give up the coalition with the party, however, BJP will not be left with an option if Shiv Sena insists on breaking up the old time alliance with them.

Talking about the opposition's unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls he said that the opposition believes that they will&nbspnot be able to defeat the NDA in 2019 elections on their own.

He also added that his party will not be defeated in the Lok Sabha polls even if the opposition&nbspcomes together. He further said that his party will even win seats in areas where it could not win in the 2019 polls.&nbsp

The major opposition parties have joined their hands together against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The recent defeat of the BJP in Karnataka after&nbspthe coming together of the Congress and JD(S) has set the battle between BJP and the&nbspunited&nbspopposition.

Amit Shah, however, ensured that his party will win one of the Congress bastions. He said the BJP will defeat Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli.

After losing control over Karnataka despite winning the majority of seats in the state, BJP President Amit Shah&nbspaccepted on Friday that the alliance between BSP-SP will be a challenge to his party. He, however, ensured that his party will win one of the Congress bastions. He said the BJP will defeat Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli. Referring to the growing conflict with its alliance partner Shiv Sena in Maharashtra he said he would not want to give up the coalition with the party, however, BJP will not be left with an option if Shiv Sena insists on breaking up the old time alliance with them. Talking about the opposition's unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls he said that the opposition believes that they will&nbspnot be able to defeat the NDA in 2019 elections on their own. He also added that his party will not be defeated in the Lok Sabha polls even if the opposition&nbspcomes together. He further said that his party will even win seats in areas where it could not win in the 2019 polls. The major opposition parties have joined their hands together against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The recent defeat of the BJP in Karnataka after&nbspthe coming together of the Congress and JD(S) has set the battle between BJP and the&nbspunited&nbspopposition.

BSP-SP alliance will be challenge to BJP in 2019: Amit Shah

JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has taken oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in Bengaluru.

After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25.&nbsp

Kumaraswamy, son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, was touted to be the kingmaker before the elections.&nbsp

However, situations led him to the post of Chief Minister, despite his party winning just 37 seats.&nbsp

Janata Dal (Secular) leader Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy sworn-in as the 18th CM of state, repeating the oath after Governor Vajubhai Vala.&nbsp

The 58-year-old has become the CM on the second occasion. He had earlier presided over the post in 2006 when the JD(S) had tied up with the BJP. His last tenure, however, lasted for only 20 months.

Senior Congress leader and president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara, was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister.&nbsp

The Congress-JD(S) government will have a total of 34 Ministers - 12 from the JD(S) and 22 from the Congress. The Cabinet Ministers will take oath after their names will be finalised.

The entire anti-BJP front, comprising of Congress, JD(S), CPI(M), AIMIM, TDP, TMC, NCP, AAP, SP and BSP, were present at the venue.

"I will be the king and not the kingmaker," Kumaraswamy had said before the Karnataka polls, and his words proved prophetic.

JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy has taken oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday in Bengaluru. After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25. Kumaraswamy, son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, was touted to be the kingmaker before the elections. However, situations led him to the post of Chief Minister, despite his party winning just 37 seats. Janata Dal (Secular) leader Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy sworn-in as the 18th CM of state, repeating the oath after Governor Vajubhai Vala. The 58-year-old has become the CM on the second occasion. He had earlier presided over the post in 2006 when the JD(S) had tied up with the BJP. His last tenure, however, lasted for only 20 months. Senior Congress leader and president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara, was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister. The Congress-JD(S) government will have a total of 34 Ministers - 12 from the JD(S) and 22 from the Congress. The Cabinet Ministers will take oath after their names will be finalised. The entire anti-BJP front, comprising of Congress, JD(S), CPI(M), AIMIM, TDP, TMC, NCP, AAP, SP and BSP, were present at the venue.

HD Kumaraswamy sworn in as Karnataka CM amid opposition show of unity

While addressing in Mumbai at a rally on BJP's Foundation Day, party President Amit Shah took a jibe at the Congress and other opposition parties for uniting against the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Referring to the opposition parties, he said, all the snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, cheetahs, lions etc climb up a huge tree when they fear rising water levels.

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There is a campaign that all opposition should unite. Whenever there is a massive flood, all snakes, mongooses, cats,dogs, cheetahs,lions etc climb up a huge tree,they fear rising water levels: Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/lMMd1Q2nAK">pic.twitter.com/lMMd1Q2nAK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/982203196050309120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added that this was not the golden age of the BJP, the golden era of the party would come once it forms a government in West Bengal and Odisha.

He further said that the BJP started with a group of ten people and now the party had over 11 crore members.

He questioned Rahul Gandhi saying that the Congress President was asking for an account of the last four years while the country was seeking a reply from him for 'last four generations'.

His comments have come after&nbspSonia Gandhi 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

She had also<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-dinner-for-opposition-not-for-politics-but-friendship-says-congress-35700">&nbsplast month hosted a dinner</a> for the members of the opposition leaders which was attended by Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party's Ramgopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Satish Mishra, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, Hindustani Awam Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah.

Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee&nbspvisited Delhi recently&nbspand met NCPs Sharad Pawar.

Referring to the opposition parties, he said, all the snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, cheetahs, lions etc climb up a huge tree when they fear rising water levels

While addressing in Mumbai at a rally on BJP's Foundation Day, party President Amit Shah took a jibe at the Congress and other opposition parties for uniting against the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Referring to the opposition parties, he said, all the snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, cheetahs, lions etc climb up a huge tree when they fear rising water levels. There is a campaign that all opposition should unite. Whenever there is a massive flood, all snakes, mongooses, cats,dogs, cheetahs,lions etc climb up a huge tree,they fear rising water levels: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/lMMd1Q2nAK — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × He added that this was not the golden age of the BJP, the golden era of the party would come once it forms a government in West Bengal and Odisha. He further said that the BJP started with a group of ten people and now the party had over 11 crore members. He questioned Rahul Gandhi saying that the Congress President was asking for an account of the last four years while the country was seeking a reply from him for 'last four generations'. His comments have come after&nbspSonia Gandhi 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. She had also&nbsplast month hosted a dinner for the members of the opposition leaders which was attended by Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party's Ramgopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Satish Mishra, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, Hindustani Awam Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah. Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee&nbspvisited Delhi recently&nbspand met NCPs Sharad Pawar.

Snakes, mongooses, cats, dogs, all have united against us: Amit Shah

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