Rahul Gandhi attacks govt over Rafale deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800"> massive fire incident</a> in a central <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karol-bagh-fire-delhi-government-cancels-fourth-anniversary-celebrations-announces-5-lakh-compensation-196894">Delhi</a> hotel early Tuesday.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," he tweeted.

He wished for speedy recovery of the injured.

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Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. 
 
I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. 
 
May the injured recover soon: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1095197717851078657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At least 17 people were killed in the fire at Arpit Palace Hotel on Gurudwara Road in Karol Bagh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in a massive fire incident in a central Delhi hotel early Tuesday. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in a massive fire incident in a central Delhi hotel early Tuesday. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," he tweeted. He wished for speedy recovery of the injured. Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a fire at Karol Bagh in Delhi. I convey my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 12, 2019 × At least 17 people were killed in the fire at Arpit Palace Hotel on Gurudwara Road in Karol Bagh.

PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Delhi hotel fire

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Petro Tech 2019 event in Greater Noida's India Expo Centre.

Addressing the 13th International Oil and Gas Conference PM Modi said that the energy demands of the country are expected to be more than double by 2040.

Adding that India recently became the sixth largest economy in the world he cited a report and said that the country will become the second largest world economy by 2030.

He also cited the&nbsp;IMF and World Bank and said that India was the fastest growing large economy in the world and the same trend would continue in the coming years.&nbsp;

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PM at Petrotech 2019: India recently became the 6th largest economy in the world. According to a recent report, by 2030 India would be the 2nd largest world economy. We are also the 3rd largest energy consumer in the world with the demand growing at more than 5% annually. <a href="https://t.co/GZo75xoshc">pic.twitter.com/GZo75xoshc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094834289458495488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Hailing the contributions of his government he added, "Electricity has reached all our rural areas. LPG connections have been given to over 64 million households in just under three years under the Ujjwala Scheme. A ‘Blue Flame Revolution’ is under-way. LPG coverage has reached more than 90% per cent, from 55% five years ago".

"Energy justice is also a key objective for me and a top priority for India. Towards this end, we have developed and implemented many policies. The results of these efforts are now evident, "PM Modi said.

"We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas. Only then can we serve the energy needs of humanity in an optimal manner, he added.

"For too long, the world has seen crude prices on a roller-coaster. We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and&nbsp;

"There are signs of convergence between cheaper renewable energy, technologies and digital applications. This may expedite the achievement of sustainable development goals. Nations are coming together to tackle climate change".

"Energy supply, energy sources and energy consumption patterns are changing. Perhaps, this could be a historic transition. There is a shift in energy consumption from West to East, " he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Petro Tech 2019 event in Greater Noida's India Expo Centre. Addressing the 13th International Oil and Gas Conference PM Modi said that the energy demands of the country are expected to be more than double by 2040.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Petro Tech 2019 event in Greater Noida's India Expo Centre. Addressing the 13th International Oil and Gas Conference PM Modi said that the energy demands of the country are expected to be more than double by 2040. Adding that India recently became the sixth largest economy in the world he cited a report and said that the country will become the second largest world economy by 2030. He also cited the IMF and World Bank and said that India was the fastest growing large economy in the world and the same trend would continue in the coming years. PM at Petrotech 2019: India recently became the 6th largest economy in the world. According to a recent report, by 2030 India would be the 2nd largest world economy. We are also the 3rd largest energy consumer in the world with the demand growing at more than 5% annually. pic.twitter.com/GZo75xoshc — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × Hailing the contributions of his government he added, "Electricity has reached all our rural areas. LPG connections have been given to over 64 million households in just under three years under the Ujjwala Scheme. A ‘Blue Flame Revolution’ is under-way. LPG coverage has reached more than 90% per cent, from 55% five years ago". "Energy justice is also a key objective for me and a top priority for India. Towards this end, we have developed and implemented many policies. The results of these efforts are now evident, "PM Modi said. "We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas. Only then can we serve the energy needs of humanity in an optimal manner, he added. "For too long, the world has seen crude prices on a roller-coaster. We need to move to responsible pricing, which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and "There are signs of convergence between cheaper renewable energy, technologies and digital applications. This may expedite the achievement of sustainable development goals. Nations are coming together to tackle climate change". "Energy supply, energy sources and energy consumption patterns are changing. Perhaps, this could be a historic transition. There is a shift in energy consumption from West to East, " he added.

India will become the second largest world economy by 2030: PM Modi

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.&nbsp;

Naidu, who began a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chandrababu-naidu-to-sit-on-hunger-strike-demanding-special-status-for-andhra-pradesh-196485">day-long fast at the Andhra Bhavan in Delhi</a> demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during AP's bifurcation in 2014, warned that Modi would be given a befitting answer if he made personal attacks against the people of his state.&nbsp;

"(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said.&nbsp;

He alleged the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity".&nbsp;

"On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said.&nbsp;

"I am warning you. Don't make personal attacks against me and my people. It's unwarranted. I am just doing my duty as the head of my state. We are only demanding what we were promised," he said, adding if somebody "attacks our self respect, we will not tolerate it".&nbsp;

The TDP chief said the party was denied permission to stage a protest in Parliament premises. "So, we came here".&nbsp;

A number of opposition party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to extend their support to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief's fast.&nbsp;

Before beginning the fast, Naidu offered tributes to Matama Gandhi at Raj Ghat and to B R Ambedkar at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan.&nbsp;

A TDP delegation led by Naidu will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, party sources said.&nbsp;

Naidu has been trying to unite opposition parties to take on the BJP in the general elections. Over the last three months, he has held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front.&nbsp;

The TDP had in March last year pulled out of the NDA government over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The party has been accusing the Modi government of not releasing enough funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, the Kadapa steel plant and Amravati, the under-construction ultra-modern state capital.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status. Naidu, who began a day-long fast at the Andhra Bhavan in Delhi demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during AP's bifurcation in 2014, warned that Modi would be given a befitting answer if he made personal attacks against the people of his state. "(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said. He alleged the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity". "On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said. "I am warning you. Don't make personal attacks against me and my people. It's unwarranted. I am just doing my duty as the head of my state. We are only demanding what we were promised," he said, adding if somebody "attacks our self respect, we will not tolerate it". The TDP chief said the party was denied permission to stage a protest in Parliament premises. "So, we came here". A number of opposition party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to extend their support to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief's fast. Before beginning the fast, Naidu offered tributes to Matama Gandhi at Raj Ghat and to B R Ambedkar at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. A TDP delegation led by Naidu will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, party sources said. Naidu has been trying to unite opposition parties to take on the BJP in the general elections. Over the last three months, he has held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP had in March last year pulled out of the NDA government over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. The party has been accusing the Modi government of not releasing enough funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, the Kadapa steel plant and Amravati, the under-construction ultra-modern state capital.

Modi did not follow raj dharma in Andhra Pradesh's case: Chandrababu Naidu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the central government is committed to ensuring quality food to children while highlighting that well-nourished children are a key asset for a country`s strength.

Speaking at the 'Akshaya Patra'&nbsp;mid-day meal programme, where Prime Minister Modi served the third billionth meal to the children, he said that the Centre stressed on the health of the mother and child in the last five years, adding that vaccination has been a priority for his government for eradicating diseases.

&nbsp;"I am fortunate that I am serving the 300th crore thali. We are committed to ensuring quality food to our children. The first thali was served during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s regime.&nbsp;

For a strong nation, we need well-nourished children," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi underlined that the Centre is committed to ensuring a healthy childhood, adding that quality food, vaccination and cleanliness are the aspects for a child to be well-nourished.

Noting that the Centre`s flagship initiative — Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was receiving global attention, the Prime Minister informed that under the programme, the lives of about three lakh people could be saved according to an international report.

Talking about the ongoing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-crore-people-take-dip-as-kumbh-mela-begins-in-prayagraj-190554">Kumbh Mela</a>, Prime Minister Modi underlined that for the first time, the New York Times newspaper had made a report on the mela`s cleanliness and lauded the administration for the same."This time, the Kumbh Mela has succeeded in giving the message of cleanliness to the country. Normally, this mela is about sadhus. But for the first time, the New York Times made a report on cleanliness in Kumbh," he added.

Heaping praises on `Mission Indradhanush`, a programme aimed at immunising children under two years and pregnant women, Prime Minister Modi said that 3.40 lakh children and 90 lakh pregnant women have received vaccination till date.

"The way that the workers are racing against time to ensure immunisation to all women and children, the day is not far when we achieve total immunisation in our country," he added.

Acknowledging that the immunisation programme is receiving worldwide attention, Prime Minister Modi said that the same has been listed under the list of `12 best practices` according to a renowned medical journal.

Stressing that banks are now accessible for all cattle owners, the Prime Minister further said, "Now, banks are offering loans up to Rs 3 lakhs. This move is going to benefit all our livestock farmers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the central government is committed to ensuring quality food to children while highlighting that well-nourished children are a key asset for a country`s strength.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the central government is committed to ensuring quality food to children while highlighting that well-nourished children are a key asset for a country`s strength. Speaking at the 'Akshaya Patra' mid-day meal programme, where Prime Minister Modi served the third billionth meal to the children, he said that the Centre stressed on the health of the mother and child in the last five years, adding that vaccination has been a priority for his government for eradicating diseases. "I am fortunate that I am serving the 300th crore thali. We are committed to ensuring quality food to our children. The first thali was served during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s regime. For a strong nation, we need well-nourished children," the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi underlined that the Centre is committed to ensuring a healthy childhood, adding that quality food, vaccination and cleanliness are the aspects for a child to be well-nourished. Noting that the Centre`s flagship initiative — Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was receiving global attention, the Prime Minister informed that under the programme, the lives of about three lakh people could be saved according to an international report. Talking about the ongoing Kumbh Mela, Prime Minister Modi underlined that for the first time, the New York Times newspaper had made a report on the mela`s cleanliness and lauded the administration for the same."This time, the Kumbh Mela has succeeded in giving the message of cleanliness to the country. Normally, this mela is about sadhus. But for the first time, the New York Times made a report on cleanliness in Kumbh," he added. Heaping praises on `Mission Indradhanush`, a programme aimed at immunising children under two years and pregnant women, Prime Minister Modi said that 3.40 lakh children and 90 lakh pregnant women have received vaccination till date. "The way that the workers are racing against time to ensure immunisation to all women and children, the day is not far when we achieve total immunisation in our country," he added. Acknowledging that the immunisation programme is receiving worldwide attention, Prime Minister Modi said that the same has been listed under the list of `12 best practices` according to a renowned medical journal. Stressing that banks are now accessible for all cattle owners, the Prime Minister further said, "Now, banks are offering loans up to Rs 3 lakhs. This move is going to benefit all our livestock farmers."

Well-nourished children a key asset for strong nation, says PM Modi

Expressing support for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's daylong fast, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stolen from the people of the state and given the money to industrialist Anil Ambani.

The TDP president is on a fast in Delhi demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014 and alleging that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-did-not-follow-raj-dharma-in-andhra-pradeshs-case-chandrababu-naidu-196539">prime minister was not following 'raj dharma'</a> by denying the state special status.

"The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter," Gandhi said at the venue of the hunger strike in Andhra Bhavan.

The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi's allegations of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

"Mr Narendra Modi, wherever he goes, he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status. He goes to the North-East, he tells another lie over there. He goes to Maharashtra and he tells another lie over there. He has absolutely got no credibility left," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Expressing support for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's daylong fast, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stolen from the people of the state and given the money to industrialist Anil Ambani.

Expressing support for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's daylong fast, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stolen from the people of the state and given the money to industrialist Anil Ambani. The TDP president is on a fast in Delhi demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014 and alleging that the prime minister was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status. "The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter," Gandhi said at the venue of the hunger strike in Andhra Bhavan. The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi's allegations of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France. "Mr Narendra Modi, wherever he goes, he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status. He goes to the North-East, he tells another lie over there. He goes to Maharashtra and he tells another lie over there. He has absolutely got no credibility left," Gandhi said.

PM Modi stole from Andhra Pradesh and gave it to Anil Ambani: Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stone of many vital schemes worth over Rs 4,000 crore for Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar.

Modi laid the foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi and inaugurated a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district through a remote.

He inaugurated the new Doordarshan channel for Arunachal Pradesh, DD Arun Prabha.

The prime minister also dedicated to the nation the 110 MW Pare Hydroelectric Plant and laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote.

The prime minister inaugurated 50 health and wellness centers in the state also through remote at the function at IG Park here.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stone of many vital schemes worth over Rs 4,000 crore for Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stone of many vital schemes worth over Rs 4,000 crore for Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar. Modi laid the foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi and inaugurated a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district through a remote. He inaugurated the new Doordarshan channel for Arunachal Pradesh, DD Arun Prabha. The prime minister also dedicated to the nation the 110 MW Pare Hydroelectric Plant and laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote. The prime minister inaugurated 50 health and wellness centers in the state also through remote at the function at IG Park here.

PM inaugurates and lays foundation of projects worth Rs 4000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh

With an eye on 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the northeast region with 14 seats in Assam alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problem of illegal migrants, but also showcased how his four and a half years’ rule at the Centre has accelerated the pace of development across all the eight states.

Prime Minister Modi, who addressed three mega-public-meetings in Guwahati, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura after inaugurating a number of development projects and laying the foundation for many others in three states, slammed the previous regime at the Centre for ignoring the development of the northeast region.

At Agartala, he said, “Workers in the unorganised sector were merely used by the previous governments for their vote bank politics. We introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme which will provide an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from the age of 60 years to the workers.”

“All the partners of the 'Mahamilawatwalas’ (opposition parties) have learned that the youth of the country, the poor of the country, the farmers of the country have their own ambitions. The job of the ‘Mahamilawatwalas’ is only to heap abuses and more abuses on me. It is as if an Olympic game is on to deride Modi,” he said.

The BJP had won eight Lok Sabha seats from the region during the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014 out of which seven were from Assam, and one from Arunachal Pradesh—Kiren Rijiju, who is Union Minister of State for Home Affairs.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah has set the target of winning 21 seats out of 25 in the coming Lok Sabha polls in the region—Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Nagaland.

In a bid to woo the tribal community of Tripura, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said that his government has not only taken steps to strengthen the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) but would further ensure its self-reliance and adequate staff strength.

“Our government at the Centre has taken a step forward to fulfill the long-pending demand of strengthening the autonomous council (TTAADC). With the amendment in the law, we not only wish to make the council self-dependent but also want to increase the number of officers in the council,” he said after inaugurating Garjee-Belonia railway line.

Talking about development projects in the state, he said, “For the first time in Tripura, paddy was procured as per the minimum support price (MSP). Besides this, the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission were also implemented.”

He said the infrastructure projects inaugurated on Saturday in the state were a reflection of the HIRA model.

“I talked about the HIRA—Highway, I-way, Railway, Airway—model when I visited the state last time during the Assembly elections. All the infrastructure projects inaugurated today are a reflection of the HIRA model.”

In Guwahati, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-is-committed-to-implementing-assam-accord-pm-modi-196215">he promised to implement not only the Assam Accord</a>, which seeks identification and deportation of illegal migrants, but also to ensure the state becomes a hub of oil and natural gas.

Prime Minister Modi, who was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the north-east gas grid, said, “Thirty-six years have passed but the Assam Accord has not been implemented yet and only Modi-led government would fulfill this task.”

Reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure all-round development of northeast region (NER), he said, “Today is a new chapter in the history of the northeast and the fast-paced development of this region has been a top priority for my government.”

“Assam is on the path to progress. Our dedication to the northeast has been proven in the interim budget as allocation to the northeast region has been increased by more than 21 per cent,” he said, assuring the people to protect their culture, resources, and languages.

On the Citizenship Bill, PM Modi urged the people not be carried away by the rumours. He urged the political parties to stop playing with the emotions of the people of Assam for political gain and vote bank.&nbsp;

“Assam will not be harmed through the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill,” he said.

“We have inked Chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border,” he said, adding that his party was committed to freeing the country from infiltrators.&nbsp;

“The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was not being implemented earlier. Now our government is working under the supervision of the Supreme Court to implement the NRC,” he said.

The Assam Accord, a memorandum of settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Central government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. The core point of the accord was the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam, for which the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) had been protesting since 1979.

Prime Minister also inaugurated Hollong modular gas processing plant in Tinsukia which will deliver 15 per cent of the total gas produced in Assam. He also inaugurated LPG capacity augmentation of mounted storage vessel in north Guwahati.

The foundation stone of NRL biorefinery at Numaligarh and a 729-km gas pipeline from Barauni-Guwahati passing through Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam was also laid by Prime Minister Modi on this occasion.

He said, “Numaligarh will be the largest among 12 biorefineries to be built across India. These facilities will transform Assam into oil and natural gas hub and boost India’s economy.”&nbsp;

“In the last four-and-half years, projects worth Rs 14,000 crore have been completed in the oil and gas sector alone in Assam,” he said.

He also laid the foundation stone of City Gas Distribution Networks in Kamrup, Cacher, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts. He said, “In 2014 there were around 25 lakh PNG connections which have now touched the mark of 46 lakh in just four years. The number of CNG refueling stations also increased from 950 to 1,500 during this period.”

In Itanagar, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Greenfield Airport and Sela Tunnel. He also launched DD Arun Prabha Channel and unveiled several other development projects in the state from IG Park, Itanagar. Modi also inspected Loin Loom operations there.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Arunachal is the land of rising sun. It is the confidence of the country. Today I got an opportunity to unveil projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crore. Additional projects worth Rs 13,000 crore are in progress in the state.”

Criticising the previous regime for neglecting the region, Prime Minister Modi said, “Previous government neglected Arunachal Pradesh. We are here to change that. New India can only be built when north-east India is developed. Development is for uniting the regions and people.”&nbsp;

“Our government has allocated Rs 44,000 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, which is double of the amount provided by the previous governments.”&nbsp;

With an eye on 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the northeast region with 14 seats in Assam alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problem of illegal migrants, but also showcased how his four and a half years’ rule at the Centre has accelerated the pace of development across all the eight states.

With an eye on 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the northeast region with 14 seats in Assam alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problem of illegal migrants, but also showcased how his four and a half years’ rule at the Centre has accelerated the pace of development across all the eight states. Prime Minister Modi, who addressed three mega-public-meetings in Guwahati, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura after inaugurating a number of development projects and laying the foundation for many others in three states, slammed the previous regime at the Centre for ignoring the development of the northeast region. At Agartala, he said, “Workers in the unorganised sector were merely used by the previous governments for their vote bank politics. We introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme which will provide an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from the age of 60 years to the workers.” “All the partners of the 'Mahamilawatwalas’ (opposition parties) have learned that the youth of the country, the poor of the country, the farmers of the country have their own ambitions. The job of the ‘Mahamilawatwalas’ is only to heap abuses and more abuses on me. It is as if an Olympic game is on to deride Modi,” he said. The BJP had won eight Lok Sabha seats from the region during the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014 out of which seven were from Assam, and one from Arunachal Pradesh—Kiren Rijiju, who is Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. BJP president Amit Shah has set the target of winning 21 seats out of 25 in the coming Lok Sabha polls in the region—Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Nagaland. In a bid to woo the tribal community of Tripura, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said that his government has not only taken steps to strengthen the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) but would further ensure its self-reliance and adequate staff strength. “Our government at the Centre has taken a step forward to fulfill the long-pending demand of strengthening the autonomous council (TTAADC). With the amendment in the law, we not only wish to make the council self-dependent but also want to increase the number of officers in the council,” he said after inaugurating Garjee-Belonia railway line. Talking about development projects in the state, he said, “For the first time in Tripura, paddy was procured as per the minimum support price (MSP). Besides this, the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission were also implemented.” He said the infrastructure projects inaugurated on Saturday in the state were a reflection of the HIRA model. “I talked about the HIRA—Highway, I-way, Railway, Airway—model when I visited the state last time during the Assembly elections. All the infrastructure projects inaugurated today are a reflection of the HIRA model.” In Guwahati, he promised to implement not only the Assam Accord, which seeks identification and deportation of illegal migrants, but also to ensure the state becomes a hub of oil and natural gas. Prime Minister Modi, who was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the north-east gas grid, said, “Thirty-six years have passed but the Assam Accord has not been implemented yet and only Modi-led government would fulfill this task.” Reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure all-round development of northeast region (NER), he said, “Today is a new chapter in the history of the northeast and the fast-paced development of this region has been a top priority for my government.” “Assam is on the path to progress. Our dedication to the northeast has been proven in the interim budget as allocation to the northeast region has been increased by more than 21 per cent,” he said, assuring the people to protect their culture, resources, and languages. On the Citizenship Bill, PM Modi urged the people not be carried away by the rumours. He urged the political parties to stop playing with the emotions of the people of Assam for political gain and vote bank. “Assam will not be harmed through the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill,” he said. “We have inked Chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border,” he said, adding that his party was committed to freeing the country from infiltrators. “The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was not being implemented earlier. Now our government is working under the supervision of the Supreme Court to implement the NRC,” he said. The Assam Accord, a memorandum of settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Central government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. The core point of the accord was the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam, for which the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) had been protesting since 1979. Prime Minister also inaugurated Hollong modular gas processing plant in Tinsukia which will deliver 15 per cent of the total gas produced in Assam. He also inaugurated LPG capacity augmentation of mounted storage vessel in north Guwahati. The foundation stone of NRL biorefinery at Numaligarh and a 729-km gas pipeline from Barauni-Guwahati passing through Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam was also laid by Prime Minister Modi on this occasion. He said, “Numaligarh will be the largest among 12 biorefineries to be built across India. These facilities will transform Assam into oil and natural gas hub and boost India’s economy.” “In the last four-and-half years, projects worth Rs 14,000 crore have been completed in the oil and gas sector alone in Assam,” he said. He also laid the foundation stone of City Gas Distribution Networks in Kamrup, Cacher, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts. He said, “In 2014 there were around 25 lakh PNG connections which have now touched the mark of 46 lakh in just four years. The number of CNG refueling stations also increased from 950 to 1,500 during this period.” In Itanagar, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Greenfield Airport and Sela Tunnel. He also launched DD Arun Prabha Channel and unveiled several other development projects in the state from IG Park, Itanagar. Modi also inspected Loin Loom operations there. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Arunachal is the land of rising sun. It is the confidence of the country. Today I got an opportunity to unveil projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crore. Additional projects worth Rs 13,000 crore are in progress in the state.” Criticising the previous regime for neglecting the region, Prime Minister Modi said, “Previous government neglected Arunachal Pradesh. We are here to change that. New India can only be built when north-east India is developed. Development is for uniting the regions and people.” “Our government has allocated Rs 44,000 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, which is double of the amount provided by the previous governments.”

PM Modi pins hope on development works, Assam Accord to win electoral battle in north west

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless.

Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi said it was an "extortionist syndicate" and not 'Didi', as Banerjee is fondly called, that was running the state.

"Those who got power in Bengal in the name of 'Maa, Maati, Manush' after unseating the Left have also adopted the culture of violence. They have defamed the soil of Bengal and rendered its people helpless," Modi said attacking TMC government.

Assailing Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case, the prime minister said it was for the first time that a chief minister had staged a dharna to protect the fraudsters who looted lakhs of poor people.

"This chowkidar will spare neither the perpetrators of chit fund scams nor those protecting them," he asserted.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming it had defamed the soil of West Bengal and rendered its people helpless. Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi said it was an "extortionist syndicate" and not 'Didi', as Banerjee is fondly called, that was running the state. "Those who got power in Bengal in the name of 'Maa, Maati, Manush' after unseating the Left have also adopted the culture of violence. They have defamed the soil of Bengal and rendered its people helpless," Modi said attacking TMC government. Assailing Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case, the prime minister said it was for the first time that a chief minister had staged a dharna to protect the fraudsters who looted lakhs of poor people. "This chowkidar will spare neither the perpetrators of chit fund scams nor those protecting them," he asserted.

Mamata government defamed Bengal, left people helpless: PM Modi

India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman rubbishes newspaper report; hits back at Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/after-rahul-gandhi-announces-loan-waiver-for-all-farmers-across-country-pm-modi-attacks-congress-for-gimmick-194848">Modi attacked the Congress again and again</a>&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha on Thursday — Modi was replying to the motion of thanks on the President's address — so much so that by the end of it, he seemed to talk more about the Congress and less about his own government.&nbsp;

Anything he said seemed to be juxtaposed against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-accuses-congress-of-protecting-1984-riot-culprits-takes-jibe-at-kamal-nath-188104">the previous Congress regime</a>.&nbsp;

"Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other is AD —'After Dynasty' — where everything happened," Modi said.&nbsp;

"You want to know what is my crime for them?" he asked. "That a person born in a poor family is challenging their 'sultanate'. In 55 years of their rule, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98%."&nbsp;

"In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation," he added. "That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light."

He brought up the charge against him that he is guilty of destroying institutions, again saying that it was the Congress and not him that was guilty.&nbsp;

"Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'Gunda' but it is Modi who is destroying institutions? Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is planning a coup but it is Modi who is destroying institutions?" he said. &nbsp;

"In 1959, Congress Central Govt dismissed the Communist Govt in Kerala, 60 years now, hope my friends from Kerala remember. So, what sanctity? What respect of institutions?"

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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: People have seen the work a Government with an absolute majority can do. They have seen our work. They do not want a 'Mahamilavat' Government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/OfdVaCOSLm">pic.twitter.com/OfdVaCOSLm</a>
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PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Aap keh rahe hain Modi sansthaon ko khatam kar raha hai, ulta chor chowkidaar ko daante. Aapatkal lagaya Congress ne, Sena ka apmaan kiya Congress ne, aur kehte hain Modi barbaad kar raha hai <a href="https://t.co/lvzjATFm54">pic.twitter.com/lvzjATFm54</a>
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&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Kharge ji ek decent vyakti hai, lekin pata nahi kya majboori hai, kis museebat mein phanse hain ki decent vyakti, har baar dissent, har baar dissent. <a href="https://t.co/u2cK4tj8mt">pic.twitter.com/u2cK4tj8mt</a>
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He spoke of the economy, again comparing the current size of India's economy to its breadth under the Congress. "In last 4 1/2 years India became 6th largest economy from the 10-11th largest. When we reached 11th position then people, who cannot even be seen in opposition now, praised themselves.They felt proud on reaching 11th, why are they saddened when we have reached 6th?"

He mentioned the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but again using it to accuse the Congress of corruption. "In 2010 Commonwealth games, on one hand, our athletes were working hard to win medals for the country, while these people(Congress) were accumulating wealth for themselves."

He talked of gas connections, and yet again compared their number now to their number under the Congress. "Gas connections in their 55 years of rule were 12 crore, it is 13 crore in our 55 months. We have worked at much faster speed in our five years."&nbsp;

"See your(Congress) manifestos of 2004, 2009 and 2014. In all the manifestos you have promised that within three years, every house will have electricity. I am amazed at this," he added.&nbsp;

And on and on it went. He accused the Congress of not wanting a strong Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

"In our neighbourhood, everyone is building war capabilities, why didn't we do it in all these years? This is criminal negligence. Congress doesn't want a strong Indian Air Force," he said.&nbsp;

"Congress doesn't want our air force to be strong. I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?" he added.&nbsp;

He said that Ambedkar had said it would be suicidal to join the Congress, and that Gandhi had recommended the dissolution of the Congress. So when he was calling for a "Congress-mukt Bharat", he was only trying to fulfil Gandhi's wish.&nbsp;

Inflation and Congress, Modi said, have a strong bond.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Lok Sabha: Two songs became very popular, 'Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi' and 'mehengai dayen khaaye jaat hai' both these songs were in who's tenure? First during Indira ji, and second during remote control Govt. Inflation and Congress have a strong bond <a href="https://t.co/Wpkd2hX7KJ">pic.twitter.com/Wpkd2hX7KJ</a>
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Modi also broached the topic of rising unemployment in the country.&nbsp;

"In the last four years, 6.35 lakh new professionals have come up. You think if a doctor opens a clinic or a nursing home then he will employ only one person? Or does a CA only employ one person?" he asked. "No," he answered.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress again and again in the Lok Sabha on Thursday — Modi was replying to the motion of thanks on the President's address — so much so that by the end of it, he seemed to talk more about the Congress and less about his own government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress again and again in the Lok Sabha on Thursday — Modi was replying to the motion of thanks on the President's address — so much so that by the end of it, he seemed to talk more about the Congress and less about his own government. Anything he said seemed to be juxtaposed against the previous Congress regime. "Our friends in the Congress see things in two time periods. BC, which is 'Before Congress', when nothing happened and the other is AD —'After Dynasty' — where everything happened," Modi said. "You want to know what is my crime for them?" he asked. "That a person born in a poor family is challenging their 'sultanate'. In 55 years of their rule, sanitation coverage was around 38% and in our 55 months, it is nearly 98%." "In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation," he added. "That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in bad light." He brought up the charge against him that he is guilty of destroying institutions, again saying that it was the Congress and not him that was guilty. "Congress insults Army, calls the Army chief a 'Gunda' but it is Modi who is destroying institutions? Congress leaders create stories that Indian Army is planning a coup but it is Modi who is destroying institutions?" he said. "In 1959, Congress Central Govt dismissed the Communist Govt in Kerala, 60 years now, hope my friends from Kerala remember. So, what sanctity? What respect of institutions?" PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: People have seen the work a Government with an absolute majority can do. They have seen our work. They do not want a 'Mahamilavat' Government of those who recently gathered in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/OfdVaCOSLm — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Aap keh rahe hain Modi sansthaon ko khatam kar raha hai, ulta chor chowkidaar ko daante. Aapatkal lagaya Congress ne, Sena ka apmaan kiya Congress ne, aur kehte hain Modi barbaad kar raha hai pic.twitter.com/lvzjATFm54 — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha: Kharge ji ek decent vyakti hai, lekin pata nahi kya majboori hai, kis museebat mein phanse hain ki decent vyakti, har baar dissent, har baar dissent. pic.twitter.com/u2cK4tj8mt — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × He spoke of the economy, again comparing the current size of India's economy to its breadth under the Congress. "In last 4 1/2 years India became 6th largest economy from the 10-11th largest. When we reached 11th position then people, who cannot even be seen in opposition now, praised themselves.They felt proud on reaching 11th, why are they saddened when we have reached 6th?" He mentioned the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but again using it to accuse the Congress of corruption. "In 2010 Commonwealth games, on one hand, our athletes were working hard to win medals for the country, while these people(Congress) were accumulating wealth for themselves." He talked of gas connections, and yet again compared their number now to their number under the Congress. "Gas connections in their 55 years of rule were 12 crore, it is 13 crore in our 55 months. We have worked at much faster speed in our five years." "See your(Congress) manifestos of 2004, 2009 and 2014. In all the manifestos you have promised that within three years, every house will have electricity. I am amazed at this," he added. And on and on it went. He accused the Congress of not wanting a strong Indian Air Force. "In our neighbourhood, everyone is building war capabilities, why didn't we do it in all these years? This is criminal negligence. Congress doesn't want a strong Indian Air Force," he said. "Congress doesn't want our air force to be strong. I am levelling a serious allegation here. You want this Rafale deal to be cancelled, on whose behest? For which company?" he added. He said that Ambedkar had said it would be suicidal to join the Congress, and that Gandhi had recommended the dissolution of the Congress. So when he was calling for a "Congress-mukt Bharat", he was only trying to fulfil Gandhi's wish. Inflation and Congress, Modi said, have a strong bond. PM Modi in Lok Sabha: Two songs became very popular, 'Baaki kuch bacha to mehengayi maar gayi' and 'mehengai dayen khaaye jaat hai' both these songs were in who's tenure? First during Indira ji, and second during remote control Govt. Inflation and Congress have a strong bond pic.twitter.com/Wpkd2hX7KJ — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × Modi also broached the topic of rising unemployment in the country. "In the last four years, 6.35 lakh new professionals have come up. You think if a doctor opens a clinic or a nursing home then he will employ only one person? Or does a CA only employ one person?" he asked. "No," he answered.

In hating me, the opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM Modi

'Our 55-month old government is dedicated to the country': PM Modi in Lok Sabha

People of India do not want a 'mahamilavat' government : PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Congress misused Article 356 several times: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

PM Modi takes dig at Mallikarjun Kharge during Lok Sabha speech

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-hating-modi-the-opposition-has-begun-to-hate-the-nation-pm-modi-195852">In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM</a>

While addressing the Motion of Thanks speech in Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the developments done by his government during the last four years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-back-in-brussels-for-latest-brexit-showdown-195815">Theresa May returns to Brussels trying desperately to avoid no-deal Brexit</a>

Britain's&nbsp;Prime Minister Theresa May&nbsp;returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-played-with-order-of-supreme-court-god-help-you-chief-justice-of-india-to-cbi-195801">'You have played with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-played-with-order-of-supreme-court-god-help-you-chief-justice-of-india-to-cbi-195801">order</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-played-with-order-of-supreme-court-god-help-you-chief-justice-of-india-to-cbi-195801"> of Supreme Court... God help you': Chief Justice of India to CBI</a>

The Supreme Court slammed the Central Bureau of Investigation Thursday, telling it that "you have played with order of Supreme Court of India. God help you."&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-may-take-back-kolkata-police-chiefs-medals-mha-sources-195827">Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief's medals: Home ministry sources&nbsp;</a>

The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-cuts-repo-rate-by-25-basis-points-to-625-per-cent-195725">RBI cuts key interest rates; projects GDP growth at 7.4%, limit of collateral-free agriculture loans increased</a>

The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) today cut the&nbsp;repo rate by 25 basis points&nbsp;to 6.25 per cent. Repo rate is the interest at which the banks borrow from the central bank whenever it experiences a funds shortfall.&nbsp;

In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM While addressing the Motion of Thanks speech in Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the developments done by his government during the last four years.

In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM While addressing the Motion of Thanks speech in Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the developments done by his government during the last four years. Theresa May returns to Brussels trying desperately to avoid no-deal Brexit Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time. 'You have played with order of Supreme Court... God help you': Chief Justice of India to CBI The Supreme Court slammed the Central Bureau of Investigation Thursday, telling it that "you have played with order of Supreme Court of India. God help you." Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief's medals: Home ministry sources The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday. RBI cuts key interest rates; projects GDP growth at 7.4%, limit of collateral-free agriculture loans increased The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) today cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent. Repo rate is the interest at which the banks borrow from the central bank whenever it experiences a funds shortfall.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Terror attacks in India decrease under PM Modi's reign: Reports

PM Narendra Modi visits J&K today, to inaugurate several projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the Congress for using farm loan waivers as a gimmick ahead of the election to win votes and said the party's previous such initiative benefitted only middlemen and select farmers.

He listed out various measures, including direct income support of Rs 6,000 to farmers cultivating on up to five acres of land, being taken by the central government to ensure welfare of the peasants neglected by the "previous governments".&nbsp;

"Congress always left out 70-80 per cent poor farmers from the benefit of their farm loan waiver scheme. What about these people?" he asked.

Modi laid foundation stones of various development projects worth Rs 6,000 crore which include setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Vijaypur, a bridge over river Chenab, pollution abatement project on rivers Devika and Tawi, a campus of Northern Regional Centre of Indian Institute of Mass Communication and University Institute of Engineering and Technology in Kathua.&nbsp;

Addressing a public rally in Vijaypur, the prime minister cited proposed amendments in the Citizenship Bill saying the country stands with those who faced persecution on the basis of their faith.

"We have brought the matter of change in Citizenship Bill with a commitment. Those (people) who had to part with India due to some condition in 1947, if they face persecution on the basis of their faith then the country has to stand with them," he said.&nbsp;

The Citizenship Bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from three neighbouring countries -- Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh and entered India before December 31, 2014.

Protests were witnessed in different parts of the country over the Bill which has been passed by Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Modi also talked about a "very emotional issue" of Kashmiri Pandits, saying he has been bearing the pain of their exodus.

He said the central government is committed to ensuring respect and dignity of the displaced community.

"The pain that they had to undergo. That they had to leave their homeland. I have never said this before but I have been feeling this pain of their within me," the prime minister said.

Modi said the government is going to build 14,000 bunkers in border areas of Jammu to ensure safety of people.

"The government is dealing strictly with the terrorism (being faced by the state)," he said.

He accused the Congress of lying on the issue of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP) to retired defence personnel.

"How much they (Congress) lie? They talked big on the issue of welfare of ex-servicemen and allocated a meagre Rs 500 crore whereas this government has allocated over Rs 35,000 crore which included arrears worth Rs 11,000 crore," he said.

Modi said that if required attention had been given to the issue of Kartarpur corridor, then the pious land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been part of India.

The corridor, whose foundation stone was laid late last year, will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of the Sikhism founder Guru Nanak - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will only have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, established in 1522 by Guru Nanak.&nbsp;

During the address, the prime minister hit out at so-called "wise and big people" in the opposition parties for ridiculing his government's Jan Dhan scheme of financial inclusion, saying the bank accounts opened under it will help in ensuring that the benefits of recently-announced PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi programme reach its right beneficiary.&nbsp;

"Those ridiculing me have now realised what these accounts will be used for," he said.

Referring to upcoming general elections, the Prime Minister said the 'jung (war)' of 2019 is for taking country ahead.&nbsp;

He said the PM-Kisan scheme has been allocated Rs 75,000 crore annually which will mean Rs 7.5 lakh crore will be deposited in farmers' account in the next 10 years.

The scheme aims to cover 90 per cent of farmers who have less than five acres of land and Rs 6,000 will be transferred to their accounts annually in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000, Modi said, adding that efforts were being made to ensure the release of the first instalment at the earliest.&nbsp;

Attacking the Congress for promising farm loan waivers, he said that it is a temporary solution for the problem which the Congress uses to win elections only.

The Congress had promised to waive loans of farmers in 2008-09 which were in the range of Rs 6 lakh crore but when it came to power it only gave relief in loans worth Rs 52,000 crore, he said.&nbsp;

"CAG report found that about 30-35 lakh people who received these waivers were not even eligible to get it," Modi said at the rally in Vijaypur near Jammu.

Ridiculing the loan waiver scheme announced by the new Congress dispensation in Madhya Pradesh, the prime minister said some beneficiaries have been given cheques of Rs 13 only.

"People know the track record of country's 'naamdar'. They get 'fever' of loan waivers just before elections...They try to act as 'messiah' of farmers by announcing farm loan waivers once in 10 years," he said referring to the UPA's 10-year rule between 2004 and 2014.&nbsp;

Ironically, the BJP had also announced loan waivers for farmers in Uttar Pradesh ahead of assembly elections in 2017.

After assuming power, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced loan waivers of up to Rs 1 lakh for small and marginal farmers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the Congress for using farm loan waivers as a gimmick ahead of the election to win votes and said the party's previous such initiative benefitted only middlemen and select farmers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday attacked the Congress for using farm loan waivers as a gimmick ahead of the election to win votes and said the party's previous such initiative benefitted only middlemen and select farmers. He listed out various measures, including direct income support of Rs 6,000 to farmers cultivating on up to five acres of land, being taken by the central government to ensure welfare of the peasants neglected by the "previous governments". "Congress always left out 70-80 per cent poor farmers from the benefit of their farm loan waiver scheme. What about these people?" he asked. Modi laid foundation stones of various development projects worth Rs 6,000 crore which include setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Vijaypur, a bridge over river Chenab, pollution abatement project on rivers Devika and Tawi, a campus of Northern Regional Centre of Indian Institute of Mass Communication and University Institute of Engineering and Technology in Kathua. Addressing a public rally in Vijaypur, the prime minister cited proposed amendments in the Citizenship Bill saying the country stands with those who faced persecution on the basis of their faith. "We have brought the matter of change in Citizenship Bill with a commitment. Those (people) who had to part with India due to some condition in 1947, if they face persecution on the basis of their faith then the country has to stand with them," he said. The Citizenship Bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from three neighbouring countries -- Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh and entered India before December 31, 2014. Protests were witnessed in different parts of the country over the Bill which has been passed by Lok Sabha. Modi also talked about a "very emotional issue" of Kashmiri Pandits, saying he has been bearing the pain of their exodus. He said the central government is committed to ensuring respect and dignity of the displaced community. "The pain that they had to undergo. That they had to leave their homeland. I have never said this before but I have been feeling this pain of their within me," the prime minister said. Modi said the government is going to build 14,000 bunkers in border areas of Jammu to ensure safety of people. "The government is dealing strictly with the terrorism (being faced by the state)," he said. He accused the Congress of lying on the issue of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP) to retired defence personnel. "How much they (Congress) lie? They talked big on the issue of welfare of ex-servicemen and allocated a meagre Rs 500 crore whereas this government has allocated over Rs 35,000 crore which included arrears worth Rs 11,000 crore," he said. Modi said that if required attention had been given to the issue of Kartarpur corridor, then the pious land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been part of India. The corridor, whose foundation stone was laid late last year, will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of the Sikhism founder Guru Nanak - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will only have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, established in 1522 by Guru Nanak. During the address, the prime minister hit out at so-called "wise and big people" in the opposition parties for ridiculing his government's Jan Dhan scheme of financial inclusion, saying the bank accounts opened under it will help in ensuring that the benefits of recently-announced PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi programme reach its right beneficiary. "Those ridiculing me have now realised what these accounts will be used for," he said. Referring to upcoming general elections, the Prime Minister said the 'jung (war)' of 2019 is for taking country ahead. He said the PM-Kisan scheme has been allocated Rs 75,000 crore annually which will mean Rs 7.5 lakh crore will be deposited in farmers' account in the next 10 years. The scheme aims to cover 90 per cent of farmers who have less than five acres of land and Rs 6,000 will be transferred to their accounts annually in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000, Modi said, adding that efforts were being made to ensure the release of the first instalment at the earliest. Attacking the Congress for promising farm loan waivers, he said that it is a temporary solution for the problem which the Congress uses to win elections only. The Congress had promised to waive loans of farmers in 2008-09 which were in the range of Rs 6 lakh crore but when it came to power it only gave relief in loans worth Rs 52,000 crore, he said. "CAG report found that about 30-35 lakh people who received these waivers were not even eligible to get it," Modi said at the rally in Vijaypur near Jammu. Ridiculing the loan waiver scheme announced by the new Congress dispensation in Madhya Pradesh, the prime minister said some beneficiaries have been given cheques of Rs 13 only. "People know the track record of country's 'naamdar'. They get 'fever' of loan waivers just before elections...They try to act as 'messiah' of farmers by announcing farm loan waivers once in 10 years," he said referring to the UPA's 10-year rule between 2004 and 2014. Ironically, the BJP had also announced loan waivers for farmers in Uttar Pradesh ahead of assembly elections in 2017. After assuming power, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced loan waivers of up to Rs 1 lakh for small and marginal farmers.

PM Modi attacks Congress for farm loan waiver 'gimmick'

Mallikarjung Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, has sent a dissent note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rishi-kumar-shukla-appointed-new-cbi-chief-officials-194608">the appointment of former Madhya Pradesh police chief Rishi Kumar Shukla as the new CBI chief</a>.&nbsp;

In his dissent note, Kharge said the Supreme Court has said the selection committee should choose a CBI director on the basis of seniority, integrity, and experience in the field of anti-corruption.&nbsp;

He added that the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act also says the committee shall recommend a panel of officers for appointment as director on the basis of seniority, integrity and experience.&nbsp;

Kharge then said in his dissent note that the criteria were however diluted in the selection committee meetings — and that it took into account only the candidates' investigation experience, and not their anti-corruption experience.&nbsp;

In his dissent note, Kharge says Shukla has 117 months of investigation experience but no (see below) anti-corruption experience.&nbsp;

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The dissent note of Mallikarjun Kharge on CBI says it all <a href="https://t.co/WKiZXOCR1k">pic.twitter.com/WKiZXOCR1k</a>
— Kartikeya Sharma (@kartikeya_1975) <a href="https://twitter.com/kartikeya_1975/status/1091703632901390336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The CBI chief is chosen by a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of the opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha (in this case Kharge himself) and the Chief Justice of India.&nbsp;

Kharge added in his dissent note that seniority cannot be the only criterion while making an appointment to such a crucial post and that experience in investigating anti-corruption cases should have been very seriously considered.&nbsp;

"One cannot stand by and accept the dilution of norms when appointment to such a critical post is being made," Kharge said in his note. "I record my dissent for aforementioned reasons," he added.&nbsp;

Shukla is at the moment chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Police Housing Corporation. He was before that director general of the MP Police.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mallikarjung Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, has sent a dissent note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the appointment of former Madhya Pradesh police chief Rishi Kumar Shukla as the new CBI chief.

Mallikarjung Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, has sent a dissent note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the appointment of former Madhya Pradesh police chief Rishi Kumar Shukla as the new CBI chief. In his dissent note, Kharge said the Supreme Court has said the selection committee should choose a CBI director on the basis of seniority, integrity, and experience in the field of anti-corruption. He added that the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act also says the committee shall recommend a panel of officers for appointment as director on the basis of seniority, integrity and experience. Kharge then said in his dissent note that the criteria were however diluted in the selection committee meetings — and that it took into account only the candidates' investigation experience, and not their anti-corruption experience. In his dissent note, Kharge says Shukla has 117 months of investigation experience but no (see below) anti-corruption experience. The dissent note of Mallikarjun Kharge on CBI says it all pic.twitter.com/WKiZXOCR1k — Kartikeya Sharma (@kartikeya_1975) February 2, 2019 × The CBI chief is chosen by a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of the opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha (in this case Kharge himself) and the Chief Justice of India. Kharge added in his dissent note that seniority cannot be the only criterion while making an appointment to such a crucial post and that experience in investigating anti-corruption cases should have been very seriously considered. "One cannot stand by and accept the dilution of norms when appointment to such a critical post is being made," Kharge said in his note. "I record my dissent for aforementioned reasons," he added. Shukla is at the moment chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Police Housing Corporation. He was before that director general of the MP Police.

New CBI chief: Selection criteria were diluted, says Mallikarjun Kharge in dissent note to PM

Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre; he has before this been director general of the Madhya Pradesh Police.&nbsp;

He is at the moment chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Police Housing Corporation.

Shukla's appointment came a day after the second meeting of the PM Modi-led selection panel remained inconclusive.&nbsp;

The CBI chief is chosen by a three-member panel made up of the prime minister (Modi), the leader of the&nbsp;opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha (Mallikarjun Kharge), and the Chief Justice of India (Ranjan Gogoi).&nbsp;

Kharge had not agreed with Shukla's appointment, citing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-cbi-chief-selection-criteria-were-diluted-says-kharge-in-dissent-note-to-pm-194637?utm_source=izooto&amp;utm_medium=push_notifications&amp;utm_campaign=New%20CBI%20chief&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=">his lack of experience in anti-corruption investigations</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge in a dissent note to the Prime Minister expressed his objection over the appointment of IPS officer Rishi Kumar Shukla as the new CBI Director citing the officer's lack of experience in anti-corruption investigations. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/B8XcEfbSqc">pic.twitter.com/B8XcEfbSqc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091691991790804994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP responded saying "whatever is being said by him (Kharge) is totally unfounded and not based on facts".&nbsp;

"It's rather Mr&nbsp;Kharge who is guilty of trying to have manipulated independent assessment based criteria, in order to accommodate names of his preference," said Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Prime Minister Office.&nbsp;

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Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO on Mallikarjun Kharge's dissent note to PM over appointment of new CBI Director: Whatever is being said by him is totally unfounded &amp; not based on facts. For the selection of CBI Director, a very objective criteria was followed. <a href="https://t.co/Y5fwZQXuLD">pic.twitter.com/Y5fwZQXuLD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091703399962226688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The CBI chief has a fixed tenure of two years, during which time he cannot be sacked or transferred.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the appointments committee of the Cabinet approved Shukla's appointment as the new CBI director for a period of two years.&nbsp;

Shukla takes over the country's premier investigative agency at a difficult time.

His predecessor, Alok Verma, was the first the CBI chief to not complete his tenure.

Verma was sent on leave after he and his deputy, Rakesh Asthana, filed charges of corruption against each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Verma had fought Asthana's appointment as his deputy, saying he was being investigated for corruption. But after Asthana was foisted on the agency, he filed counter-charges against Verma.&nbsp;

Asthana too was sent on leave a little after Verma.&nbsp;

Verma fought his removal in the Supreme Court, which reinstated him with curtailed powers. (He was not allowed to make any major policy changes.)&nbsp;

The court added that a final call on his staying or leaving would be made by a high-powered committee&nbsp;consisting of the prime minister, the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India or a stand-in for him.&nbsp;

The committee (Justice AK Sikri stood in for CJI Gogoi) later voted to let go of Verma.&nbsp;

The government then appointed Verma Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards — a less important portfolio. Verma declined, telling the government to consider him retired.&nbsp;

Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre; he has before this been director general of the Madhya Pradesh Police.

Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre; he has before this been director general of the Madhya Pradesh Police. He is at the moment chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Police Housing Corporation. Shukla's appointment came a day after the second meeting of the PM Modi-led selection panel remained inconclusive. The CBI chief is chosen by a three-member panel made up of the prime minister (Modi), the leader of the opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha (Mallikarjun Kharge), and the Chief Justice of India (Ranjan Gogoi). Kharge had not agreed with Shukla's appointment, citing his lack of experience in anti-corruption investigations. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge in a dissent note to the Prime Minister expressed his objection over the appointment of IPS officer Rishi Kumar Shukla as the new CBI Director citing the officer's lack of experience in anti-corruption investigations. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/B8XcEfbSqc — ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2019 × The BJP responded saying "whatever is being said by him (Kharge) is totally unfounded and not based on facts". "It's rather Mr Kharge who is guilty of trying to have manipulated independent assessment based criteria, in order to accommodate names of his preference," said Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Prime Minister Office. Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO on Mallikarjun Kharge's dissent note to PM over appointment of new CBI Director: Whatever is being said by him is totally unfounded & not based on facts. For the selection of CBI Director, a very objective criteria was followed. pic.twitter.com/Y5fwZQXuLD — ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2019 × The CBI chief has a fixed tenure of two years, during which time he cannot be sacked or transferred. On Saturday, the appointments committee of the Cabinet approved Shukla's appointment as the new CBI director for a period of two years. Shukla takes over the country's premier investigative agency at a difficult time. His predecessor, Alok Verma, was the first the CBI chief to not complete his tenure. Verma was sent on leave after he and his deputy, Rakesh Asthana, filed charges of corruption against each other. Verma had fought Asthana's appointment as his deputy, saying he was being investigated for corruption. But after Asthana was foisted on the agency, he filed counter-charges against Verma. Asthana too was sent on leave a little after Verma. Verma fought his removal in the Supreme Court, which reinstated him with curtailed powers. (He was not allowed to make any major policy changes.) The court added that a final call on his staying or leaving would be made by a high-powered committee consisting of the prime minister, the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India or a stand-in for him. The committee (Justice AK Sikri stood in for CJI Gogoi) later voted to let go of Verma. The government then appointed Verma Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards — a less important portfolio. Verma declined, telling the government to consider him retired.

Former Madhya Pradesh police chief Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed new director of CBI

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Suspense over the next CBI chief continued on Friday as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed selection committee could not reach a decision during its second meeting in Delhi, officials said.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court said it was "averse" to the arrangement of an interim CBI Director and the Centre should "immediately" appoint a regular chief of the probe agency.

The post of CBI Director is "sensitive" and "important", and it is not good to keep an interim director of the agency for longer period, the top court observed and sought to know as to why the government has not made the appointment yet.

"No decision could be taken during the meeting," a senior government official said, without citing further details on the selection committee's meeting.

The post of the CBI chief has been lying vacant since January 10 after the unceremonious exit of Alok Verma, who had been engaged in a bitter fight with Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana over corruption charges.

Both Verma and Asthana had accused each other of corruption.

M Nageswara Rao has been working as the interim CBI chief after Verma's ouster.

Friday's meeting was held at the prime minister's residence -- that lasted for over an hour -- and attended by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

The panel's January 24 meeting has also remained inconclusive.

A list of eligible officers along with their dossiers was shared with the panel members in the last meeting.

"The government presented names of 70-80 officers. There was no mention of their career details including relevant experience. We (referring to CJI Gogoi) have asked them to provide all the necessary details. The next meeting will be convened may be by next week," Kharge had told reporters after the January 24 meeting.

Verma, after being removed from the post of CBI director by the PM-led panel, was named as the Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards -- a less significant portfolio.

Verma did not accept the offer and wrote to the government, saying he should be considered as deemed superannuated as he has completed 60 years age of superannuation on July 31, 2017.

He had taken over as the CBI chief on February 1, 2017 for a fixed two-year tenure that ended Thursday.&nbsp;

Suspense over the next CBI chief continued on Friday as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed selection committee could not reach a decision during its second meeting in Delhi, officials said.

Suspense over the next CBI chief continued on Friday as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed selection committee could not reach a decision during its second meeting in Delhi, officials said. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court said it was "averse" to the arrangement of an interim CBI Director and the Centre should "immediately" appoint a regular chief of the probe agency. The post of CBI Director is "sensitive" and "important", and it is not good to keep an interim director of the agency for longer period, the top court observed and sought to know as to why the government has not made the appointment yet. "No decision could be taken during the meeting," a senior government official said, without citing further details on the selection committee's meeting. The post of the CBI chief has been lying vacant since January 10 after the unceremonious exit of Alok Verma, who had been engaged in a bitter fight with Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana over corruption charges. Both Verma and Asthana had accused each other of corruption. M Nageswara Rao has been working as the interim CBI chief after Verma's ouster. Friday's meeting was held at the prime minister's residence -- that lasted for over an hour -- and attended by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. The panel's January 24 meeting has also remained inconclusive. A list of eligible officers along with their dossiers was shared with the panel members in the last meeting. "The government presented names of 70-80 officers. There was no mention of their career details including relevant experience. We (referring to CJI Gogoi) have asked them to provide all the necessary details. The next meeting will be convened may be by next week," Kharge had told reporters after the January 24 meeting. Verma, after being removed from the post of CBI director by the PM-led panel, was named as the Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards -- a less significant portfolio. Verma did not accept the offer and wrote to the government, saying he should be considered as deemed superannuated as he has completed 60 years age of superannuation on July 31, 2017. He had taken over as the CBI chief on February 1, 2017 for a fixed two-year tenure that ended Thursday.

'No decision' on CBI chief in second meeting of PM-led panel

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