<p>There is a very famous quote - &ldquo;It is relatively easy to reach the top but difficult to maintain the position there&rdquo;.</p>

<p>If someone understands it better and appreciates this more than anybody else, it is Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. &nbsp;As May 2019 is nearing, Modi and Shah must be getting goosebumps, since they have a mammoth task in hand to repeat BJP&rsquo;s massive performance during May 2014.</p>

<p>Make no mistake. What the BJP did in May 2014 was once in a lifetime phenomenon. It was after 30 years, that a party (BJP) got a full majority in the Lok Sabha. What exactly happened in 2014 was many positive factors for BJP coincided with each other - which was a rare coincidence. The&nbsp;factors included the weak and jaded performance of UPA 2, the unimaginative and smug leadership of Congress, a strong Modi wave, a fragmented opposition as well as strong groundwork and booth management of BJP cadre.</p>

<p>But both Modi and Shah are well aware that such miraculous coincidences don&rsquo;t take place every day. In 2014, BJP&#39;s performance in northern, central and western India peaked and from here it is only bound to wane for sure.</p>

<p>Look at the seat numbers for NDA in few of the states in General Election 2014:<br />
UP &ndash; 73 out of 80, Rajasthan &ndash; 25 of 25, Gujarat &ndash; 26 of 26, MP &ndash; 27 of 29, Bihar &ndash; 31 out 40, &nbsp;Maharashtra &ndash; 42 of 48 and Haryana &ndash; 7 of 10.</p>

<p>These are mind-boggling numbers. The BJP&rsquo;s leadership knows that these numbers are well-optimised numbers and it is the peak and the only road from here in these states is the one that goes down. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As per today&rsquo;s situation, BJP is bound to lose heavily in Rajasthan and Haryana in 2019. There would be significant losses on cards in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The tally in Maharashtra is also bound to come, albeit not by a big margin.</p>

<p>The solace, however, for the BJP/NDA is that it is still well poised in UP and Bihar, largely because of the Yogi&rsquo;s hold in UP and Nitish&#39;s return to the NDA fold. Moreover, in UP, Congress BSP and SP are still in a shamble state.</p>

<p>The NDA is set to lose around 50-60 seats in the above-mentioned top-performing states in 2019. Modi and Shah know that there is not much which can be done to avoid this loss. There are a serious anti-incumbency and resentment against the Raje government in Rajasthan. Similar is the story in Haryana. Shivraj in MP still sits steady but 16 years of incumbency is bound to have some effect. As visible from the recent state election in Gujarat, BJP is not the formidable force which it used to be during Modi&rsquo;s era there. Moreover, Congress has some visible leadership in MP and Gujarat in these states and flexing muscles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sensing this, for last few months, Modi and Shah have been relentlessly vying to find out new territories to spread the wings of BJP to compensate the inevitable loss. &nbsp;As such not having pan-India presence has been the Achilles heel of BJP; for decades, they have been confined to specific territories. But the scenario started changing in 2014. BJP opened its account in West Bengal in May 2014 General Election, then swept state elections in Haryana and Assam and came to power there for the very first time. These were seminal events for the party.</p>

<p>That gave confidence to&nbsp;BJP for moving further. Amit Shah and Modi are sharp and astute politicians; rather say they have a mindset of a salesperson, a businessman. Like a shrewd business-owner, they scan the political atmosphere continually and figure out the weak spot to hit upon. Based on this quality only, they have identified their target areas and the same is evident with their initiatives over the past couple of years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi has been putting plenty of emphasis on the north-east. He knows that BJP can make inroads in north-east and BJP&rsquo;s success story in Assam has played a role of catalyst. Modi is pitching himself as an ultimate saviour and a panacea to the north-eastern states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then Tamilnadu is another battlefield. Modi is trying to rope in BJP in a big way after the death of Jayalalitha. He is eying for the right opportunity to establish BJP there amidst political instability. Odisha has been yet another bastion, where BJP is trying to capitalise on anti-incumbency against years of Naveen Patnaik&rsquo;s rule. Its local stalwarts Dharmendra Pradhan and Sambit Patra are trying to make headway and build a cadre.</p>

<p>West Bengal is another territory under the action plan of Modi-Shah duo. The BJP is trying to pitch itself as an alternative to the TMC as Congress in the state is almost dead and CPM is also not able to come to the forefront now. BJP sees West Bengal as a long-term big opportunity as it has been successful in putting Mamta in the defensive mode lately. Similarly, Amit Shah sees Kerala as yet another possible area to spread wings and has been able to get some success in building cadre there.</p>

<p>You may have a political disagreement with NaMo and Amit Shah but no one can rebut their political acumen and their relentless efforts for their party.</p>

<p>They know that they have to maintain the position at the peak and gearing up for same and finding new territories would be the key before 2019. They need to put up a firm plan in place to gain 50-60 seats from other territories, which are set to lose in their strong bastions during 2014.</p>

<p>One last thing, despite all those political victories over the past 3-4 years, complacency is the word which is not found in their dictionary.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


As May 2019 is nearing, Modi and Amit's performance in northern, central and western India peaks. From here it is only bound to wane for sure. Thus, the party is on the lookout for new territories.

There is a very famous quote - “It is relatively easy to reach the top but difficult to maintain the position there”. If someone understands it better and appreciates this more than anybody else, it is Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. As May 2019 is nearing, Modi and Shah must be getting goosebumps, since they have a mammoth task in hand to repeat BJP’s massive performance during May 2014. Make no mistake. What the BJP did in May 2014 was once in a lifetime phenomenon. It was after 30 years, that a party (BJP) got a full majority in the Lok Sabha. What exactly happened in 2014 was many positive factors for BJP coincided with each other - which was a rare coincidence. The factors included the weak and jaded performance of UPA 2, the unimaginative and smug leadership of Congress, a strong Modi wave, a fragmented opposition as well as strong groundwork and booth management of BJP cadre. But both Modi and Shah are well aware that such miraculous coincidences don’t take place every day. In 2014, BJP's performance in northern, central and western India peaked and from here it is only bound to wane for sure. Look at the seat numbers for NDA in few of the states in General Election 2014: UP – 73 out of 80, Rajasthan – 25 of 25, Gujarat – 26 of 26, MP – 27 of 29, Bihar – 31 out 40, Maharashtra – 42 of 48 and Haryana – 7 of 10. These are mind-boggling numbers. The BJP’s leadership knows that these numbers are well-optimised numbers and it is the peak and the only road from here in these states is the one that goes down. As per today’s situation, BJP is bound to lose heavily in Rajasthan and Haryana in 2019. There would be significant losses on cards in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The tally in Maharashtra is also bound to come, albeit not by a big margin. The solace, however, for the BJP/NDA is that it is still well poised in UP and Bihar, largely because of the Yogi’s hold in UP and Nitish's return to the NDA fold. Moreover, in UP, Congress BSP and SP are still in a shamble state. The NDA is set to lose around 50-60 seats in the above-mentioned top-performing states in 2019. Modi and Shah know that there is not much which can be done to avoid this loss. There are a serious anti-incumbency and resentment against the Raje government in Rajasthan. Similar is the story in Haryana. Shivraj in MP still sits steady but 16 years of incumbency is bound to have some effect. As visible from the recent state election in Gujarat, BJP is not the formidable force which it used to be during Modi’s era there. Moreover, Congress has some visible leadership in MP and Gujarat in these states and flexing muscles. Sensing this, for last few months, Modi and Shah have been relentlessly vying to find out new territories to spread the wings of BJP to compensate the inevitable loss. As such not having pan-India presence has been the Achilles heel of BJP; for decades, they have been confined to specific territories. But the scenario started changing in 2014. BJP opened its account in West Bengal in May 2014 General Election, then swept state elections in Haryana and Assam and came to power there for the very first time. These were seminal events for the party. That gave confidence to BJP for moving further. Amit Shah and Modi are sharp and astute politicians; rather say they have a mindset of a salesperson, a businessman. Like a shrewd business-owner, they scan the political atmosphere continually and figure out the weak spot to hit upon. Based on this quality only, they have identified their target areas and the same is evident with their initiatives over the past couple of years. Modi has been putting plenty of emphasis on the north-east. He knows that BJP can make inroads in north-east and BJP’s success story in Assam has played a role of catalyst. Modi is pitching himself as an ultimate saviour and a panacea to the north-eastern states. Then Tamilnadu is another battlefield. Modi is trying to rope in BJP in a big way after the death of Jayalalitha. He is eying for the right opportunity to establish BJP there amidst political instability. Odisha has been yet another bastion, where BJP is trying to capitalise on anti-incumbency against years of Naveen Patnaik’s rule. Its local stalwarts Dharmendra Pradhan and Sambit Patra are trying to make headway and build a cadre. West Bengal is another territory under the action plan of Modi-Shah duo. The BJP is trying to pitch itself as an alternative to the TMC as Congress in the state is almost dead and CPM is also not able to come to the forefront now. BJP sees West Bengal as a long-term big opportunity as it has been successful in putting Mamta in the defensive mode lately. Similarly, Amit Shah sees Kerala as yet another possible area to spread wings and has been able to get some success in building cadre there. You may have a political disagreement with NaMo and Amit Shah but no one can rebut their political acumen and their relentless efforts for their party. They know that they have to maintain the position at the peak and gearing up for same and finding new territories would be the key before 2019. They need to put up a firm plan in place to gain 50-60 seats from other territories, which are set to lose in their strong bastions during 2014. One last thing, despite all those political victories over the past 3-4 years, complacency is the word which is not found in their dictionary. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Modi-Shah duo expanding wings across states for 2019 elections

<p>King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in India on Tuesday evening for a three-day visit and was received at the airport by PM Modi. This is his second visit to India after his visit along with Queen Rania in 2006.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: King Abdullah II of Jordan arrives in India, received at the airport by PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/tieDKXRiFO">pic.twitter.com/tieDKXRiFO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/968512032252325888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-to-arrive-in-india-on-tuesday-34116">The King</a> will be accompanied by a business delegation during the visit, scheduled from February 27 to March 1.</p>

<p>According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during this visit, &quot;the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest&quot;.</p>

<p>India considers Jordan an &quot;oasis of stability and harmony&quot; in conflict-ridden West Asia and New Delhi would like to deepen bilateral ties with the country during the King&#39;s visit, official sources said. Both sides will alsolook to expand ties in a range of key areas including defence and security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from official talks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind will host a banquet in the King&#39;s honour March 1, 2018.</p>

<p>Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will call on the visiting dignitary.The MEA further stated that on February 28, King Abdullah will visit IIT Delhi to explore collaboration with Jordan technical institutes.</p>

<p>On March 1, King Abdullah will deliver a special address on &#39;Promoting Understanding and Moderation&#39;, organised by India Islamic Center, in the national capital. During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign MoUs/Agreements in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Amman&nbsp;on the first leg of his tour of three West Asian countries on February 9 and&nbsp;met&nbsp;King Abdullah II and said he had a &quot;wonderful&quot; meeting that would further boost India-Jordan ties.</p>

<p>King Abdullah II ascended the Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on February 07, 1999, on the day his father, King Hussein Bin Talal, passed away.&nbsp;</p>


The King will be accompanied by a business delegation during the visit, scheduled from February 27 to March 1.

King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in India on Tuesday evening for a three-day visit and was received at the airport by PM Modi. This is his second visit to India after his visit along with Queen Rania in 2006. #WATCH Delhi: King Abdullah II of Jordan arrives in India, received at the airport by PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/tieDKXRiFO — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2018 × The King will be accompanied by a business delegation during the visit, scheduled from February 27 to March 1. According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during this visit, "the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest". India considers Jordan an "oasis of stability and harmony" in conflict-ridden West Asia and New Delhi would like to deepen bilateral ties with the country during the King's visit, official sources said. Both sides will alsolook to expand ties in a range of key areas including defence and security. Apart from official talks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind will host a banquet in the King's honour March 1, 2018. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will call on the visiting dignitary.The MEA further stated that on February 28, King Abdullah will visit IIT Delhi to explore collaboration with Jordan technical institutes. On March 1, King Abdullah will deliver a special address on 'Promoting Understanding and Moderation', organised by India Islamic Center, in the national capital. During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign MoUs/Agreements in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Amman on the first leg of his tour of three West Asian countries on February 9 and met King Abdullah II and said he had a "wonderful" meeting that would further boost India-Jordan ties. King Abdullah II ascended the Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on February 07, 1999, on the day his father, King Hussein Bin Talal, passed away.

Watch: PM Modi hugs King Abdullah II of Jordan at airport

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday launched yet another scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government, saying that former defence minister Manohar Parrikar was unaware about Prime Minister Narendra Modi changing the Rafale contract.</p>

<p>While addressing a public rally in Saundatti ahead of state assembly elections, the Congress president claimed that Parrikar was buying fish in Goa when the deal was changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The former defence minister was in Goa buying fish from a shop ... he did not even know that Modi ji had changed the contract of the Rafale deal,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Rahul had earlier slammed Defence Minister Nirmala Sithraman for changing her stance on revealing the cost of Rafale fighter jets.</p>

<p>Gandhi informed that he had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi three questions in connection with the Rafale deal during the parliamentary session but received no answer.</p>

<p>&quot;I asked the Prime Minister three questions - cost of jets, if they asked Cabinet Committee on Security about it and why was the contract snatched from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and given to a businessman? But got no answers.&quot;</p>

<p>Gandhi further said that the Prime Minister gave a long speech in the Rajya Sabha, but wasn&#39;t interested in answering fundamental questions.</p>

<p>He intensified his attack on PM Modi saying the Rafale fighter jet deal was the biggest issue of corruption in the country now.</p>


He was addressing a public rally in Saundatti

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday launched yet another scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government, saying that former defence minister Manohar Parrikar was unaware about Prime Minister Narendra Modi changing the Rafale contract. While addressing a public rally in Saundatti ahead of state assembly elections, the Congress president claimed that Parrikar was buying fish in Goa when the deal was changed. "The former defence minister was in Goa buying fish from a shop ... he did not even know that Modi ji had changed the contract of the Rafale deal," he said. Rahul had earlier slammed Defence Minister Nirmala Sithraman for changing her stance on revealing the cost of Rafale fighter jets. Gandhi informed that he had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi three questions in connection with the Rafale deal during the parliamentary session but received no answer. "I asked the Prime Minister three questions - cost of jets, if they asked Cabinet Committee on Security about it and why was the contract snatched from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and given to a businessman? But got no answers." Gandhi further said that the Prime Minister gave a long speech in the Rajya Sabha, but wasn't interested in answering fundamental questions. He intensified his attack on PM Modi saying the Rafale fighter jet deal was the biggest issue of corruption in the country now.

Manohar Parrikar was buying fish when PM Modi changed Rafale contract: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Congress for the underdevelopment of the union territory Puducherry.</p>

<p>While addressing a public rally in the Union Territory, PM Modi said Puducherry has poor infrastructure and transport system and is a victim of Congress culture.</p>

<p>&quot;Puducherry has all resources and will-power but why is its development not up to the mark?&quot; he asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accusing the Congress of doing injustice to the people of the state, the PM asked, &quot;Why is it not number one? Are women and youth getting opportunities to move ahead? Are the industries prospering here?&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi asserted India was far behind&nbsp;several countries who gained freedom much later in India&#39;s comparison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We need to ask ourselves what did we lack in our political culture, our system that we are still lagging behind several nations,&quot; he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This one family has governed the nation for almost 48 years directly &amp; indirectly. Our govt is going to complete 48 months in this May. You will have to think what did you gain or lose during those 48 years of one family as compared to 48 months of our govt: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/CBeFhjN9QB">pic.twitter.com/CBeFhjN9QB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967694215881920513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi also took a jibe at the Gandhi family for&nbsp;having governed the nation directly or indirectly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his address, PM Modi attacked Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and said the Congress would exhibit him as a specimen after June. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I want to congratulate CM of Puducherry because Congress is going to exhibit him as a specimen after June: PM Modi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Puducherry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Puducherry</a> <a href="https://t.co/HJzjEFhg6l">pic.twitter.com/HJzjEFhg6l</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967689305715105792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Velu Narayanasamy is a senior Congress leader who has been serving as the Chief Minister of the south Indian Union Territory of Puducherry since June 2016.</p>


The prime minister said that Puducherry has poor infrastructure and transport system

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Congress for the underdevelopment of the union territory Puducherry. While addressing a public rally in the Union Territory, PM Modi said Puducherry has poor infrastructure and transport system and is a victim of Congress culture. "Puducherry has all resources and will-power but why is its development not up to the mark?" he asked. Accusing the Congress of doing injustice to the people of the state, the PM asked, "Why is it not number one? Are women and youth getting opportunities to move ahead? Are the industries prospering here?" PM Modi asserted India was far behind several countries who gained freedom much later in India's comparison. "We need to ask ourselves what did we lack in our political culture, our system that we are still lagging behind several nations," he said. This one family has governed the nation for almost 48 years directly & indirectly. Our govt is going to complete 48 months in this May. You will have to think what did you gain or lose during those 48 years of one family as compared to 48 months of our govt: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/CBeFhjN9QB — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2018 × PM Modi also took a jibe at the Gandhi family for having governed the nation directly or indirectly. During his address, PM Modi attacked Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and said the Congress would exhibit him as a specimen after June. I want to congratulate CM of Puducherry because Congress is going to exhibit him as a specimen after June: PM Modi in #Puducherry pic.twitter.com/HJzjEFhg6l — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2018 × Velu Narayanasamy is a senior Congress leader who has been serving as the Chief Minister of the south Indian Union Territory of Puducherry since June 2016.

'Parties who governed Puducherry did injustice to people', says PM Modi

<p>PM Narendra Modi reacts to the sudden and tragic death of veteran&nbsp;actress <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legendary-actor-sridevi-dies-tributes-pour-in-from-all-over-the-world-33953">Sridevi</a>. Indian Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">tweeted</a>, &quot;Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi.&quot;</p>

<p>The actor, the wife of producer Boney Kapoor,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legendary-actor-sridevi-dies-tributes-pour-in-from-all-over-the-world-33953"> died late in the night </a>reportedly due to cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had gone along with her family to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah&#39;s wedding.</p>

<p>Confirming the news, a source close to the family said, &quot;Yes it&#39;s true. She was in Dubai while some of the other family members came back to India. We hear it&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legendary-actor-sridevi-dies-tributes-pour-in-from-all-over-the-world-33953">cardiac arrest</a>.&quot;</p>

<p>While some of her family members returned from Dubai after the wedding, Sridevi, Boney and her younger daughter Khushi stayed back. Her elder daughter -- Janhvi -- had not travelled with the family because of the shooting schedule for her upcoming Bollywood film, her first in the industry.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/967575615254622208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bollywood actors including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Riteish Deshmukh</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Priyanka Chopra</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Bhagyashree</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Sushmita Sen</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Nimrat Kaur</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/film-fraternity-fans-react-to-sridevis-tragic-demise-33959">Richa Sharma</a> took to Twitter to express grief over the loss.</p>

<p>Here is her last visual:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP Sridevi. This is her last visual. <a href="https://t.co/BwNBaMYGxF">pic.twitter.com/BwNBaMYGxF</a></p>
&mdash; Kathi Mahesh (@kathimahesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/kathimahesh/status/967556695542005760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister took to Twitter to share his grief over Sridevi's sudden death

PM Narendra Modi reacts to the sudden and tragic death of veteran actress Sridevi. Indian Prime Minister tweeted, "Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi." The actor, the wife of producer Boney Kapoor, died late in the night reportedly due to cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had gone along with her family to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding. Confirming the news, a source close to the family said, "Yes it's true. She was in Dubai while some of the other family members came back to India. We hear it's cardiac arrest." While some of her family members returned from Dubai after the wedding, Sridevi, Boney and her younger daughter Khushi stayed back. Her elder daughter -- Janhvi -- had not travelled with the family because of the shooting schedule for her upcoming Bollywood film, her first in the industry. Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 25, 2018 × Bollywood actors including Riteish Deshmukh, Priyanka Chopra, Bhagyashree, Sushmita Sen, Nimrat Kaur, Richa Sharma took to Twitter to express grief over the loss. Here is her last visual: RIP Sridevi. This is her last visual. pic.twitter.com/BwNBaMYGxF — Kathi Mahesh (@kathimahesh) February 25, 2018 ×

PM Modi condoles Sridevi's sudden death says, 'Saddened by the untimely demise'

<p>Continuing to target the prime minister in his campaign in poll-bound Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asked why Narendra Modi, who had described himself as the country&#39;s &quot;chowkidar&quot; (watchman), was &quot;silent&quot; on the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud.</p>

<p>He also asked Modi as to why he was not taking any action regarding the alleged sudden increase in turnover of a company owned by BJP president Amit Shah&#39;s son Jay Shah.</p>

<p>&quot;Modi ji comes to Karnataka and speaks about corruption. He had told the country not to make him prime minister but make him the chowkidar (watchman) of the country,&quot; Gandhi said.</p>

<p>In a Congress rally here, he said, &quot;On one side there is his party&#39;s (former) chief minister (B S Yeddyurappa) who had gone to jail and on the other side are the other four former ministers of the BJP government who had gone to jail; sitting in between them, Modi speaks about corruption.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Shah&#39;s son converts Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore in three months and the chowkidar of the country doesn&#39;t get it? inquired and doesn&#39;t even utter a word,&quot; he alleged.</p>

<p>The BJP chief has rejected allegations of corruption against his son Jay Shah, who has filed a criminal defamation suit against a news portal which claimed his business fortunes had zoomed after the BJP came to power in 2014.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is on the second leg of his three-day tour of northern parts of Karnataka. This is his second visit to the state in less than a fortnight.</p>

<p>Karnataka is slated to go to polls in a few months.</p>

<p>Hitting out at Modi on demonetisation, the Congress president said, &quot;Modi ji told the country to stand in line (queues at banks) for the fight against corruption. You would have not seen a single rich person or someone wearing suit-boot in the line.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He alleged that all the &quot;thieves&quot; in India had converted their black money into white with the help of PM Modi.</p>

<p>Attacking the prime minister on the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud issue involving jewellery designer Nirav Modi, Gandhi questioned his silence.</p>

<p>&quot;Nirav Modi has indulged in the theft of Rs 22,000 crore, he runs away from the country, but the chowkidar of this country does not even utter a word,&quot; he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi continued to target the prime minister in his campaign in poll-bound Karnataka

Continuing to target the prime minister in his campaign in poll-bound Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asked why Narendra Modi, who had described himself as the country's "chowkidar" (watchman), was "silent" on the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. He also asked Modi as to why he was not taking any action regarding the alleged sudden increase in turnover of a company owned by BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah. "Modi ji comes to Karnataka and speaks about corruption. He had told the country not to make him prime minister but make him the chowkidar (watchman) of the country," Gandhi said. In a Congress rally here, he said, "On one side there is his party's (former) chief minister (B S Yeddyurappa) who had gone to jail and on the other side are the other four former ministers of the BJP government who had gone to jail; sitting in between them, Modi speaks about corruption." "Shah's son converts Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore in three months and the chowkidar of the country doesn't get it? inquired and doesn't even utter a word," he alleged. The BJP chief has rejected allegations of corruption against his son Jay Shah, who has filed a criminal defamation suit against a news portal which claimed his business fortunes had zoomed after the BJP came to power in 2014. Rahul Gandhi is on the second leg of his three-day tour of northern parts of Karnataka. This is his second visit to the state in less than a fortnight. Karnataka is slated to go to polls in a few months. Hitting out at Modi on demonetisation, the Congress president said, "Modi ji told the country to stand in line (queues at banks) for the fight against corruption. You would have not seen a single rich person or someone wearing suit-boot in the line." He alleged that all the "thieves" in India had converted their black money into white with the help of PM Modi. Attacking the prime minister on the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud issue involving jewellery designer Nirav Modi, Gandhi questioned his silence. "Nirav Modi has indulged in the theft of Rs 22,000 crore, he runs away from the country, but the chowkidar of this country does not even utter a word," he said.

Why is chowkidar silent: Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi on PNB fraud

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sridevis-mortal-remains-to-be-brought-back-to-mumbai-by-sunday-evening-33998">Sridevi&#39;s mortal remains to be brought back to Mumbai by Sunday evening</a></p>

<p>The news of actress Sridevi&#39;s death has left the entire country in shock. The actress, 54, was in Dubai for a family wedding when she suffered a cardiac arrest. Her husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi were by her side when she breathed her last. Sridevi&#39;s mortal remains are expected to be brought back to her Mumbai home on Sunday evening by chartered flight, Mumbai International Airport officials have stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-proposes-removal-of-two-term-limit-for-president-reports-34002">China proposes removal of two-term limit for president: Reports</a></p>

<p>China&#39;s Central Committee proposed on Sunday to remove a limit of two consecutive terms for the president and vice president, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The committee proposed removing the clause &quot;shall serve no more than two consecutive terms&quot; from the constitution, Xinhua reported.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-conducts-successful-test-flight-of-rustom-2-drone-34016">Watch: India conducts successful test flight of Rustom 2 drone</a></p>

<p>India&#39;s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday conducted a successful test flight of the Rustom 2 drone at the aeronautical test range at Chalakere in Chitradurga in the South Indian state of Karnataka. This flight is being viewed as significant given the fact that this was the first flight undertaken with a higher power engine. The DRDO said that all parameters during the flight were normal.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parties-who-governed-puducherry-did-injustice-to-people-says-pm-modi-34010">&#39;Parties who governed Puducherry did injustice to people&#39;, says PM Modi</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Congress for the underdevelopment of the union territory Puducherry. While addressing a public rally in the Union Territory, PM Modi said Puducherry has poor infrastructure and transport system and is a victim of Congress culture.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/north-korea-willing-to-hold-talks-with-us-says-seoul-34014">North Korea willing to hold talks with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/north-korea-willing-to-hold-talks-with-us-says-seoul-34014">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/north-korea-willing-to-hold-talks-with-us-says-seoul-34014">, says Seoul</a></p>

<p>Days after the United States office reported that North Korea cancelled a planned meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence at the last minute, fresh reports emerged that now Pyongyang is willing to hold dialogue. According to Seoul&#39;s presidential Blue House, North Korea is willing to hold talks with the United States, its delegation to the Winter Olympics closing ceremony said on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>


Sridevi's mortal remains to be brought back to Mumbai by Sunday evening The news of actress Sridevi's death has left the entire country in shock. The actress, 54, was in Dubai for a family wedding when she suffered a cardiac arrest. Her husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi were by her side when she breathed her last. Sridevi's mortal remains are expected to be brought back to her Mumbai home on Sunday evening by chartered flight, Mumbai International Airport officials have stated. China proposes removal of two-term limit for president: Reports China's Central Committee proposed on Sunday to remove a limit of two consecutive terms for the president and vice president, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The committee proposed removing the clause "shall serve no more than two consecutive terms" from the constitution, Xinhua reported. Watch: India conducts successful test flight of Rustom 2 drone India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday conducted a successful test flight of the Rustom 2 drone at the aeronautical test range at Chalakere in Chitradurga in the South Indian state of Karnataka. This flight is being viewed as significant given the fact that this was the first flight undertaken with a higher power engine. The DRDO said that all parameters during the flight were normal. 'Parties who governed Puducherry did injustice to people', says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Congress for the underdevelopment of the union territory Puducherry. While addressing a public rally in the Union Territory, PM Modi said Puducherry has poor infrastructure and transport system and is a victim of Congress culture. North Korea willing to hold talks with US, says Seoul Days after the United States office reported that North Korea cancelled a planned meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence at the last minute, fresh reports emerged that now Pyongyang is willing to hold dialogue. According to Seoul's presidential Blue House, North Korea is willing to hold talks with the United States, its delegation to the Winter Olympics closing ceremony said on Sunday.

WION Evening News brief, February 25, 2018

<p>Owner of Gitanjali Gems, Mehul Choksi, has written to his employees saying a situation of &ldquo;fear and injustice&rdquo; has been created against him and the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Choksi, in a communication to over 3,500 employees, said it would be &quot;very tough&quot; to clear dues of his employees or pay future salaries, as investigative agencies had seized his bank accounts and other properties, adding that the manner of investigation was starting to create havoc, and was hell-bent on stopping the operations.</p>

<p>Highlighting the &quot;situation of fear and injustice&quot; created against him and the company, Choksi, in his letter issued by his advocate, Sanjay Abbott, suggested to employees that in view of the uncertainty looming overpayment of dues, termination of office operations, and &quot;unfair investigation&quot;, they begin scouting for alternate career options.</p>

<p>&quot;I will face my destiny and I know I have done nothing wrong and ultimately the truth shall prevail,&quot; Choksi said in the letter.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the full text of the letter dated 23 February 2018 written by Mehul Choksi to his India employees:</strong></p>

<p>I am constrained to write the present email to you all concerned, as a situation of fear and injustice has been created against me and our organization.</p>

<p>We all together have seen all the highs, while working honestly and with integrity, to achieve our motto of giving true essence of Indian Hospitality to our customers. But, now, with the recent false allegations levelled against me of defrauding the PNB &nbsp;Bank and media frenzy, &nbsp;the situation has gone grave, which is turning graver by the day.</p>

<p>Though I am aware that a lot of hard work has been put by you all to bring our organization to where it is today, but as of now, I am facing a lot of problems due to the manner in which the multiple investigating agencies/ government agencies have started to create a havoc, hell-bent upon stopping &nbsp;the operations.</p>

<p>However, the fact remains that as of today, the justice that I deserve is far off, as it shall take time to prove my innocence, and the future seems uncertain presently.</p>

<p>Even the operations in India have come to a standstill and restarting the same may take time. ln such a situation, it shall be wrong on my part to force you all to sit ideal waiting for the work to restart, when the future for you all is bright.</p>

<p>I will face my destiny and I know that I have done nothing wrong, and ultimately, the truth shall prevail. But, I do not want anybody to get even a shadow of adversity or injustice onto the people just because of their association with me. At this moment, the investigating agencies seem to be interested not in a fair investigation but in creating a fear psychosis within my employees. The kind of unfair treatment, unfair investigation, media frenzy and political statements are making me highly insecure about the safety of myself and my family members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is very tough for me, as of now, to be clearing your dues or to pay the future salaries, in view of the seizing of the various bank accounts and other properties by the Government Agencies/ investigating Agencies.</p>

<p>Thus, in &nbsp;view of firstly, no certainty about the payment of the salaries, secondly, no certainty about the payment of electricity and maintenance charges of the office to run the office, thirdly, the unfair investigation conducted by the investigating agencies, I do not want anyone to suffer due to their &nbsp;connection/ association with me, so I request you all to look for other career opportunities elsewhere.</p>

<p>Further, the laptops/ mobile phones, if any, issued from the Office may be retained by you till clearance of your past dues, if any.</p>

<p>Further, tile HR is being instructed to issue relieving letters and experience certificates, should you desire to have it.</p>

<p>I reiterate that I am committed to clear your past dues, if any, once things return to normalcy.</p>

<p>0ur future association may, till the clearance of all allegations against me, be deferred and I would be happy to be re&shy;associated with you all in happy times.</p>

<p>Regards,<br />
Mehul Choksi</p>


Mehul Choksi claimed that the agencies in India are 'hell bent' on stopping the operations of the company

Owner of Gitanjali Gems, Mehul Choksi, has written to his employees saying a situation of “fear and injustice” has been created against him and the company. Choksi, in a communication to over 3,500 employees, said it would be "very tough" to clear dues of his employees or pay future salaries, as investigative agencies had seized his bank accounts and other properties, adding that the manner of investigation was starting to create havoc, and was hell-bent on stopping the operations. Highlighting the "situation of fear and injustice" created against him and the company, Choksi, in his letter issued by his advocate, Sanjay Abbott, suggested to employees that in view of the uncertainty looming overpayment of dues, termination of office operations, and "unfair investigation", they begin scouting for alternate career options. "I will face my destiny and I know I have done nothing wrong and ultimately the truth shall prevail," Choksi said in the letter. Here is the full text of the letter dated 23 February 2018 written by Mehul Choksi to his India employees: I am constrained to write the present email to you all concerned, as a situation of fear and injustice has been created against me and our organization. We all together have seen all the highs, while working honestly and with integrity, to achieve our motto of giving true essence of Indian Hospitality to our customers. But, now, with the recent false allegations levelled against me of defrauding the PNB Bank and media frenzy, the situation has gone grave, which is turning graver by the day. Though I am aware that a lot of hard work has been put by you all to bring our organization to where it is today, but as of now, I am facing a lot of problems due to the manner in which the multiple investigating agencies/ government agencies have started to create a havoc, hell-bent upon stopping the operations. However, the fact remains that as of today, the justice that I deserve is far off, as it shall take time to prove my innocence, and the future seems uncertain presently. Even the operations in India have come to a standstill and restarting the same may take time. ln such a situation, it shall be wrong on my part to force you all to sit ideal waiting for the work to restart, when the future for you all is bright. I will face my destiny and I know that I have done nothing wrong, and ultimately, the truth shall prevail. But, I do not want anybody to get even a shadow of adversity or injustice onto the people just because of their association with me. At this moment, the investigating agencies seem to be interested not in a fair investigation but in creating a fear psychosis within my employees. The kind of unfair treatment, unfair investigation, media frenzy and political statements are making me highly insecure about the safety of myself and my family members. It is very tough for me, as of now, to be clearing your dues or to pay the future salaries, in view of the seizing of the various bank accounts and other properties by the Government Agencies/ investigating Agencies. Thus, in view of firstly, no certainty about the payment of the salaries, secondly, no certainty about the payment of electricity and maintenance charges of the office to run the office, thirdly, the unfair investigation conducted by the investigating agencies, I do not want anyone to suffer due to their connection/ association with me, so I request you all to look for other career opportunities elsewhere. Further, the laptops/ mobile phones, if any, issued from the Office may be retained by you till clearance of your past dues, if any. Further, tile HR is being instructed to issue relieving letters and experience certificates, should you desire to have it. I reiterate that I am committed to clear your past dues, if any, once things return to normalcy. 0ur future association may, till the clearance of all allegations against me, be deferred and I would be happy to be reassociated with you all in happy times. Regards, Mehul Choksi

Can't pay salaries anymore, look for other jobs: Mehul Choksi writes to his employees

<p>Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark on Saturday highlighted the major challenges confronting the world today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION, Helen praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising the challenges which were earlier ignored by prominent leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Helen said that climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world currently needs to address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked did PM Modi&#39;s maiden speech at the World Economic Forum at Davos ticked all the right boxex there, Helen said, &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Its been pleasing for me to see Prime Minister Modi really emphasise climate change as a huge challenge and I believe that when he visited president Macron in France, he said India will do better than what it pledged in Paris. So this is good. We need all leaders making such statement.&quot;</p>

<p>Helen, who is the first woman to head the United Nations Development programme, said that inequality is another issue which is rising at a rapid pace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She stressed that it needs to be addressed with the same importance as climate change.</p>

<p>On being asked about the never-ending conflict in Afghanistan, Helen said that dialogue is the only process to end such things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;You cannot win these kinds of wars. No one can win them. There have been over the years, behind the scenes,&nbsp;negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government. That needs to continue at least of what you could get.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;But at the moment there aren&#39;t any possible developments,&quot; she added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Helen said that climate change is one of the biggest challenges

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark on Saturday highlighted the major challenges confronting the world today. In an exclusive interview with WION, Helen praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising the challenges which were earlier ignored by prominent leaders. Helen said that climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world currently needs to address. When asked did PM Modi's maiden speech at the World Economic Forum at Davos ticked all the right boxex there, Helen said, "Its been pleasing for me to see Prime Minister Modi really emphasise climate change as a huge challenge and I believe that when he visited president Macron in France, he said India will do better than what it pledged in Paris. So this is good. We need all leaders making such statement." Helen, who is the first woman to head the United Nations Development programme, said that inequality is another issue which is rising at a rapid pace. She stressed that it needs to be addressed with the same importance as climate change. On being asked about the never-ending conflict in Afghanistan, Helen said that dialogue is the only process to end such things. "You cannot win these kinds of wars. No one can win them. There have been over the years, behind the scenes, negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government. That needs to continue at least of what you could get." "But at the moment there aren't any possible developments," she added.

Helen Clark hails PM Modi's speech at Davos, says he 'ticked major boxes'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the AIADMK government&#39;s ambitious scheme of providing 50 per cent subsidy to working women to buy two-wheelers in Chennai.</p>

<p>The prime minister said he was happy to launch one of former chief minister Jayalalithaa&#39;s dream projects on her 70th birthday.</p>

<p>&quot;I am glad to be able to launch one of her dream projects -- the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme. I am told that on Amma&#39;s (Jayalalithaa) 70th birthday, 70 lakh plants will be planted across Tamil Nadu. These initiatives will go a long way in the empowerment of women and protection of nature,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>The prime minister said that empowering women in a family led to the empowerment of the entire household.</p>

<p>&quot;When we empower women in a family, we empower the entire household. When we help with a woman&#39;s education, we ensure that the family is educated. When we facilitate her good health,we help keep the family healthy. When we secure her future, we secure future of the entire home,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that his government had made changes in the Factory&#39;s Act and extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks.</p>

<p>&quot;We have also made a change in the Factory&#39;s Act and suggested to States that they allow women to work in the night shift as well. We have also extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. Under the PM Awaas Yojana, the registry of the House is done in the name of the woman,&quot; the prime minister said.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that after the NDA government came to power, the allocation to Tamil Nadu increased from Rs 81,000 crore to Rs 1,80,000 crores.</p>

<p>&quot;When there was a Congress-led Government at the Centre, Tamil Nadu had received Rs 81,000 crore under the 13th Finance Commission. After the NDA came to power, Tamil Nadu received Rs 1,80,000 crore under the 14th Finance Commission,&quot; said the prime minister.<br />
<br />
Earlier in the day, PM Modi launched several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/daman-diu-pm-modi-launches-rs-1000-crore-projects-flags-off-air-service-between-diu-to-ahmedabad-33921"> Daman and Diu</a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the AIADMK government's ambitious scheme of providing 50% subsidy to working women to buy two-wheelers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the AIADMK government's ambitious scheme of providing 50 per cent subsidy to working women to buy two-wheelers in Chennai. The prime minister said he was happy to launch one of former chief minister Jayalalithaa's dream projects on her 70th birthday. "I am glad to be able to launch one of her dream projects -- the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme. I am told that on Amma's (Jayalalithaa) 70th birthday, 70 lakh plants will be planted across Tamil Nadu. These initiatives will go a long way in the empowerment of women and protection of nature," PM Modi said. The prime minister said that empowering women in a family led to the empowerment of the entire household. "When we empower women in a family, we empower the entire household. When we help with a woman's education, we ensure that the family is educated. When we facilitate her good health,we help keep the family healthy. When we secure her future, we secure future of the entire home," PM Modi said. PM Modi said that his government had made changes in the Factory's Act and extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. "We have also made a change in the Factory's Act and suggested to States that they allow women to work in the night shift as well. We have also extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. Under the PM Awaas Yojana, the registry of the House is done in the name of the woman," the prime minister said. PM Modi said that after the NDA government came to power, the allocation to Tamil Nadu increased from Rs 81,000 crore to Rs 1,80,000 crores. "When there was a Congress-led Government at the Centre, Tamil Nadu had received Rs 81,000 crore under the 13th Finance Commission. After the NDA came to power, Tamil Nadu received Rs 1,80,000 crore under the 14th Finance Commission," said the prime minister. Earlier in the day, PM Modi launched several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in Daman and Diu.

PM Modi launches Amma Two Wheeler scheme in Chennai

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncert-syllabus-to-be-half-from-2019-session-announces-hrd-minister-javadekar-33927">NCERT syllabus to be half from 2019 session, announces HRD Minister Javadekar</a></p>

<p>Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday announced to reduce the NCERT syllabus by almost half from the 2019 academic session. The decision was taken in a bid to provide relief to school students, who complained of existing vast syllabus.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/daman-diu-pm-modi-launches-rs-1000-crore-projects-flags-off-air-service-between-diu-to-ahmedabad-33921">PM Modi launches Rs 1,000 crore projects in Daman and Diu</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday arrived in Daman to launch several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday arrived in Daman to launch several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/letter-written-to-gain-clarity-on-the-situation-mehul-choksis-lawyer-33922">MEA revokes Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi&#39;s passports</a></p>

<p>On Saturday, passports of both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi have been revoked by the MEA upon failing to respond after cause notice was given. PNB CMD Sunil Mehta and Executive Director KV Bramhaji Rao have also been called for questioning by the CBI on Saturday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-diamond-exporter-booked-for-rs-389-crore-obc-loan-fraud-33878">After Nirav Modi, Delhi-based diamond exporter booked for Rs 389-cr OBC loan fraud</a></p>

<p>After Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the CBI has registered a case against a Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter for an alleged bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 389.85 crore towards Oriental Bank of Commerce. The CBI has booked Dwarka Das Seth International Pvt Ltd for the alleged fraud.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalayas-most-wanted-terrorist-shot-dead-in-police-encounter-33917">Meghalaya&#39;s most wanted terrorist shot dead in police encounter</a></p>

<p>Meghalaya Police&rsquo;s most wanted Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Commander-in-Chief Sohan D Shira has been killed in an encounter in a joint operation by the state police team and Meghalaya&#39;s Special Force-10 commandos Saturday morning in Dobu Agalgre village in the East Garo Hills.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


NCERT syllabus to be half from 2019 session, announces HRD Minister Javadekar Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday announced to reduce the NCERT syllabus by almost half from the 2019 academic session. The decision was taken in a bid to provide relief to school students, who complained of existing vast syllabus. PM Modi launches Rs 1,000 crore projects in Daman and Diu Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday arrived in Daman to launch several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday arrived in Daman to launch several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. MEA revokes Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi's passports On Saturday, passports of both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi have been revoked by the MEA upon failing to respond after cause notice was given. PNB CMD Sunil Mehta and Executive Director KV Bramhaji Rao have also been called for questioning by the CBI on Saturday. After Nirav Modi, Delhi-based diamond exporter booked for Rs 389-cr OBC loan fraud After Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the CBI has registered a case against a Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter for an alleged bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 389.85 crore towards Oriental Bank of Commerce. The CBI has booked Dwarka Das Seth International Pvt Ltd for the alleged fraud. Meghalaya's most wanted terrorist shot dead in police encounter Meghalaya Police’s most wanted Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Commander-in-Chief Sohan D Shira has been killed in an encounter in a joint operation by the state police team and Meghalaya's Special Force-10 commandos Saturday morning in Dobu Agalgre village in the East Garo Hills.

WION Evening News brief, February 24, 2018

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau hold a press briefing after holding India Canada delegation level talks in Hyderabad House in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;We are happy that you visited along with your family. We discussed many issues including deference operation. Terrorism &amp; extremism are a threat to countries like ours and to fight these elements it is important for us to come together,&quot; said PM Modi during the press briefing.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: PM Modi and Canadian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a> witness exchange MoUs between India and Canada <a href="https://t.co/nrkvmDINwt">pic.twitter.com/nrkvmDINwt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966951137998966784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The two Prime Ministers signed six key MoUs during their bilateral talks.</p>

<p>&quot;India has attached a high importance to pursuing its strategic partnership with Canada. Our ties are based on democracy, pluralism, the supremity of law and the mutual interaction,&quot; &nbsp;PM Modi said.</p>

<p>&quot;The two countries have agreed to strengthen ties in the area of security, terrorism and extremism,&quot; PM added.</p>

<p>&quot;As Canada looks to diversify its own economy and looks for new opportunities to do business beyond its boundaries, India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation,&quot; said Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.</p>

<p>Earlier in the morning, Trudeau was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and members of the Union Cabinet.&nbsp;</p>


The two Prime Ministers signed several key MoUs during their bilateral talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau hold a press briefing after holding India Canada delegation level talks in Hyderabad House in New Delhi. “We are happy that you visited along with your family. We discussed many issues including deference operation. Terrorism & extremism are a threat to countries like ours and to fight these elements it is important for us to come together," said PM Modi during the press briefing. Delhi: PM Modi and Canadian PM #JustinTrudeau witness exchange MoUs between India and Canada pic.twitter.com/nrkvmDINwt — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 × The two Prime Ministers signed six key MoUs during their bilateral talks. "India has attached a high importance to pursuing its strategic partnership with Canada. Our ties are based on democracy, pluralism, the supremity of law and the mutual interaction," PM Modi said. "The two countries have agreed to strengthen ties in the area of security, terrorism and extremism," PM added. "As Canada looks to diversify its own economy and looks for new opportunities to do business beyond its boundaries, India is a natural partner and a trusted friend for commercial cooperation," said Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. Earlier in the morning, Trudeau was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and members of the Union Cabinet.

No space for those who misuse religion for political motives & separatism: PM Modi

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan&nbsp;in New Delhi on Friday morning, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and members of the Union Cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the press following bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart, tells Trudeau he is happy he has visited the country along with his family.&nbsp; He added that he is also happy that Trudeau was able to visit several cities across the country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canada</a> is an important destination for Indian students when it comes to higher education, more than 1 lakh 20 thousand of our students are there. We renewed our MoU on higher education which will enhance the exchange in terms of higher education: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/gkDdYpXk0Q">pic.twitter.com/gkDdYpXk0Q</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966952858166837248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi took to Twitter to express his pleasure to hold the meeting with Trudeau.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday morning, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and members of the Union Cabinet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the press following bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart, tells Trudeau he is happy he has visited the country along with his family. He added that he is also happy that Trudeau was able to visit several cities across the country. #Canada is an important destination for Indian students when it comes to higher education, more than 1 lakh 20 thousand of our students are there. We renewed our MoU on higher education which will enhance the exchange in terms of higher education: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/gkDdYpXk0Q — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 ×

PM Narendra Modi, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau address joint briefing

<p>When the dust settles a bit on the Punjab National Bank scam surrounding luxury jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi&#39;s Gitanjali Jewels, whose shares tanked through the week, we are likely to find that the disgraced companies being investigated by authorities for bank frauds and/or loan defaults may be sitting on hidden assets. I speak of intellectual property such as brands and designs, relationships with exquisite artisans who craft jewellery, and valuable staff who might have done no wrong while their masters made pots of money through dubious means.</p>

<p>Among the welter of jokes, memes, innuendos, explanations and scandalised messages that I received on the elusive Nirav Modi last week, one from a woman friend stood out: &quot;Nirav Modi designs are too good. I love to copy them.&quot;</p>

<p>I have my doubts if this Wharton business school dropout himself did his designs, though his official website claims: &quot;Nirav Modi is the only living Indian diamond jeweller lauded at international auctions at Sotheby&#39;s &amp; Christie&#39;s. Our diamond jewellery designs have earned the distinction of being recognised as among the best in the world.&quot;</p>

<p>A bow-tie-clad Modi has been photographed with sultry models sipping champagne, and his name is plastered alongside movie star Priyanka Chopra&#39;s image in the hotspots of Delhi and Mumbai. However, apart from his family origins in the diamond business, what one sees is carefully crafted glitter that is more about the showy man than the jewels he sells. His name may now be a liability but his own letter to the Punjab National Bank, in which he has the audacity to accuse the fraud-hit bank of spoiling his business, reveals he has 2,200 employees, hundreds of who must probably be talented in design, craft or marketing.</p>

<p>Take a look at Gitanjali Jewels. Its website says the company &quot;offers a dazzling bouquet of world&#39;s leading jewellery brands that include Nakshatra, Gili, D&#39;damas, Asmi, Diya, Maya Gold, Parineeta, Collection G, Gold Expressions,..&quot; et al. A deeper probe reveals that Gitanjali&#39;s promoter Mehul Choksi might have sold elegant choker necklaces but also specialised in choking whistleblowers in his group including franchisees and a former managing director who says the company sold fake or substandard diamonds to unsuspecting customers. Two of his key employees quit this week, including the company secretary who said her conscience would not permit staying on amid disclosure problems.</p>

<p>Nirav Modi has written to the PNB that authorities raiding his Firestar group firms seized assets estimated at Rs 5,649 crore that would have covered the money he owed to the bank. There are those who say that these assets, especially uncrafted diamonds, could have been multiplied by value through his skills. But look harder, and you will find the true expertise belong to designers and artisans. In the case of Gitanjali, even a good amount of the capital for investment came from franchisees.</p>

<p>In all likelihood, the Firestar and Gitanjali companies are headed for the cleaners and promoters may have to make way for the banks and the government to fix the future of the assets they leave behind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While brand experts debate the future of the jewellery brands, it might make sense for us to look back at the erstwhile Satyam Computer Services Ltd, which was rescued in a government-led effort and folded into the listed Tech Mahindra after being hit by India&#39;s biggest accounting fraud. The sad part is that many employees at the core of the software company left in a maze of uncertainty - in a business in which people are assets.</p>

<p>I think designer jewellery also has a huge amount of unsung human capital, just like software. The PNB fraud may be a good opportunity to look beyond the crony-capitalist promoters and reward the real people who make it happen. My big idea: why not create the jewellery equivalent of Amul (for milk products) or Khadi (for village industries) and fold all the brands and remaining assets of the disgraced jewellery firms into an entity that may be truly world-class while helping artisans and designers?</p>

<p>The place of Tech Mahindra in the Satyam rescue act may theoretically be taken up by a rival like Titan Ltd (which owns Tanishq) or P.C. Jeweller Ltd. However, a third, more enchanting option, would be to create a cooperative of artisans and designers and put it in league with private equity companies and existing staff of Nirav Modi&#39;s Firestar group companies and Gitanjali group entities to form a new age company that rewards old-world talent.</p>

<p>Gujarat, where the origins of Modi and Choksi lie, is also home to Amul. Indian jewellery could do with a Verghese Kurien who can bring together artisans and reward them properly. From all indications, Choksi and Nirav Modi reaped dubious and disproportionate profits standing on the back of the sweat, inspiration and talent of thousands of artisans and designers, besides franchisees who sunk money into stores only to feel cheated. We need to reward the real hard work that went under their facades.</p>

<p>There are dozens of modern jewellery designers in India to match the traditional craft of artisans in and around towns such as Gujarat&#39;s Palanpur whose business families, including those of the Modis and Choksis, have made waves in the Belgian town of Antwerp, the global diamond hub. It is time to craft a new global company whose design matches the best of jewels and one that could shine in an ethical yet trendy manner, the way Amul has done at the top of a milkmen&#39;s cooperative movement.</p>

<p>It is a romantic idea for a corporate rescue but one that I think deserves attention. After all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a big boost to &quot;Make In India.&quot; Let us not confuse that with &quot;Fraud in India.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Let’s learn from Amul. It is a romantic idea for a corporate rescue but one that may deserve attention.

When the dust settles a bit on the Punjab National Bank scam surrounding luxury jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Jewels, whose shares tanked through the week, we are likely to find that the disgraced companies being investigated by authorities for bank frauds and/or loan defaults may be sitting on hidden assets. I speak of intellectual property such as brands and designs, relationships with exquisite artisans who craft jewellery, and valuable staff who might have done no wrong while their masters made pots of money through dubious means. Among the welter of jokes, memes, innuendos, explanations and scandalised messages that I received on the elusive Nirav Modi last week, one from a woman friend stood out: "Nirav Modi designs are too good. I love to copy them." I have my doubts if this Wharton business school dropout himself did his designs, though his official website claims: "Nirav Modi is the only living Indian diamond jeweller lauded at international auctions at Sotheby's & Christie's. Our diamond jewellery designs have earned the distinction of being recognised as among the best in the world." A bow-tie-clad Modi has been photographed with sultry models sipping champagne, and his name is plastered alongside movie star Priyanka Chopra's image in the hotspots of Delhi and Mumbai. However, apart from his family origins in the diamond business, what one sees is carefully crafted glitter that is more about the showy man than the jewels he sells. His name may now be a liability but his own letter to the Punjab National Bank, in which he has the audacity to accuse the fraud-hit bank of spoiling his business, reveals he has 2,200 employees, hundreds of who must probably be talented in design, craft or marketing. Take a look at Gitanjali Jewels. Its website says the company "offers a dazzling bouquet of world's leading jewellery brands that include Nakshatra, Gili, D'damas, Asmi, Diya, Maya Gold, Parineeta, Collection G, Gold Expressions,.." et al. A deeper probe reveals that Gitanjali's promoter Mehul Choksi might have sold elegant choker necklaces but also specialised in choking whistleblowers in his group including franchisees and a former managing director who says the company sold fake or substandard diamonds to unsuspecting customers. Two of his key employees quit this week, including the company secretary who said her conscience would not permit staying on amid disclosure problems. Nirav Modi has written to the PNB that authorities raiding his Firestar group firms seized assets estimated at Rs 5,649 crore that would have covered the money he owed to the bank. There are those who say that these assets, especially uncrafted diamonds, could have been multiplied by value through his skills. But look harder, and you will find the true expertise belong to designers and artisans. In the case of Gitanjali, even a good amount of the capital for investment came from franchisees. In all likelihood, the Firestar and Gitanjali companies are headed for the cleaners and promoters may have to make way for the banks and the government to fix the future of the assets they leave behind. While brand experts debate the future of the jewellery brands, it might make sense for us to look back at the erstwhile Satyam Computer Services Ltd, which was rescued in a government-led effort and folded into the listed Tech Mahindra after being hit by India's biggest accounting fraud. The sad part is that many employees at the core of the software company left in a maze of uncertainty - in a business in which people are assets. I think designer jewellery also has a huge amount of unsung human capital, just like software. The PNB fraud may be a good opportunity to look beyond the crony-capitalist promoters and reward the real people who make it happen. My big idea: why not create the jewellery equivalent of Amul (for milk products) or Khadi (for village industries) and fold all the brands and remaining assets of the disgraced jewellery firms into an entity that may be truly world-class while helping artisans and designers? The place of Tech Mahindra in the Satyam rescue act may theoretically be taken up by a rival like Titan Ltd (which owns Tanishq) or P.C. Jeweller Ltd. However, a third, more enchanting option, would be to create a cooperative of artisans and designers and put it in league with private equity companies and existing staff of Nirav Modi's Firestar group companies and Gitanjali group entities to form a new age company that rewards old-world talent. Gujarat, where the origins of Modi and Choksi lie, is also home to Amul. Indian jewellery could do with a Verghese Kurien who can bring together artisans and reward them properly. From all indications, Choksi and Nirav Modi reaped dubious and disproportionate profits standing on the back of the sweat, inspiration and talent of thousands of artisans and designers, besides franchisees who sunk money into stores only to feel cheated. We need to reward the real hard work that went under their facades. There are dozens of modern jewellery designers in India to match the traditional craft of artisans in and around towns such as Gujarat's Palanpur whose business families, including those of the Modis and Choksis, have made waves in the Belgian town of Antwerp, the global diamond hub. It is time to craft a new global company whose design matches the best of jewels and one that could shine in an ethical yet trendy manner, the way Amul has done at the top of a milkmen's cooperative movement. It is a romantic idea for a corporate rescue but one that I think deserves attention. After all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a big boost to "Make In India." Let us not confuse that with "Fraud in India." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Let us give Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi companies to their employees, make them cooperatives

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan&nbsp;in New Delhi on Friday morning, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and members of the Union Cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trudeau, who is on a week-long visit to India arrived in New Delhi two days ago.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a> inspects guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan. <a href="https://t.co/L3UZryhRwL">pic.twitter.com/L3UZryhRwL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966879866208403456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trudeau&rsquo;s India visit plunged into yet another controversy on Thursday over a dinner invitation to convicted Khalistan terrorist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tl"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi receives Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a> &amp; his family at Rashtrapati Bhawan. <a href="https://t.co/g1rxUiNAu1">pic.twitter.com/g1rxUiNAu1</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966882395348611077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the countries, however, have indicated that they are looking for a fresh start to India-Canada ties.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a> and family welcomed by PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan. <a href="https://t.co/nUxCM83VhD">pic.twitter.com/nUxCM83VhD</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966882154037747712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Canadian Prime Minister and Narendra Modi are expected to meet at Hyderabad House&nbsp;to hold bilateral talks at around noon.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his eagerness to meet with Canada PM Justin Trudeau. PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote: &ldquo;I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday morning, where he was received by President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi and members of the Union Cabinet. Trudeau, who is on a week-long visit to India arrived in New Delhi two days ago. #Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau inspects guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/L3UZryhRwL — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 × Trudeau’s India visit plunged into yet another controversy on Thursday over a dinner invitation to convicted Khalistan terrorist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India. #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi receives Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau & his family at Rashtrapati Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/g1rxUiNAu1 — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 × Both the countries, however, have indicated that they are looking for a fresh start to India-Canada ties. Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau and family welcomed by PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan. pic.twitter.com/nUxCM83VhD — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 × The Canadian Prime Minister and Narendra Modi are expected to meet at Hyderabad House to hold bilateral talks at around noon. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his eagerness to meet with Canada PM Justin Trudeau. PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote: “I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.”

Canadian PM Trudeau receives a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi, set to hold talks with PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his long maintained silence over&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-nirav-modis-letter-to-pnb-33448" target="_blank">Rs 11,400 crore PNB scam </a>that stirred the nation.</p>

<p>While speaking at Fourth Global Business Summit organised&nbsp;in Delhi by Economic Times he said his government has always taken strict action against financial irregularities and will continue to do that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I want to make it clear that this government has been taking strict action against financial irregularities and will continue to take strict action, System will not tolerate loot of public money,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He also requested the management of institutions to &quot;do their job diligently and with dedication&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;I want to make an appeal to those who have been entrusted with the job of framing rules and policies and maintaining ethics to do their job diligently and with dedication,&nbsp;this should especially be followed by those who have been entrusted with the responsibility of supervision and monitoring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hitting out at the former government, he said &quot;You are aware of the earlier banking system and how an environment of crony capitalism was entrenched in the system. More than 2000 insolvency professionals and 62 insolvency entities are engaged in solving this. Our govt in three months has been able to solve more than 2700 cases&quot;.</p>

<p>He also said that his government had managed to connect over one lakh village panchayats through optical fiber in three years,&nbsp;while the previous government connected only 59 panchayats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said India was counted in &quot;Fragile 5&quot; four years ago, however, today the country&#39;s $ 5 trillion economy was the highlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You will remember 4 years ago, when India was talked about, it was counted in &#39;Fragile 5&#39;. Today India&#39;s $5 trillion economy aim, &amp; not Fragile 5, is talked about: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/JiC13KeJA2">pic.twitter.com/JiC13KeJA2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967050290535870466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While the previous govt connected only 59 panchayats through optical fibre, our govt in just 3 years connected more than 1,10,000 village panchayats through optical fibre: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/dFZpAe9dJe">pic.twitter.com/dFZpAe9dJe</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967054773139726337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While speaking at Fourth Global Business Summit organised in Delhi by Economic Times he said 'I want to make it clear that this government has been taking strict action against financial irregularities and will continue to take strict action, System will not tolerate loot of public money'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his long maintained silence over the Rs 11,400 crore PNB scam that stirred the nation. While speaking at Fourth Global Business Summit organised in Delhi by Economic Times he said his government has always taken strict action against financial irregularities and will continue to do that. "I want to make it clear that this government has been taking strict action against financial irregularities and will continue to take strict action, System will not tolerate loot of public money," he said. He also requested the management of institutions to "do their job diligently and with dedication". He said, "I want to make an appeal to those who have been entrusted with the job of framing rules and policies and maintaining ethics to do their job diligently and with dedication, this should especially be followed by those who have been entrusted with the responsibility of supervision and monitoring. Hitting out at the former government, he said "You are aware of the earlier banking system and how an environment of crony capitalism was entrenched in the system. More than 2000 insolvency professionals and 62 insolvency entities are engaged in solving this. Our govt in three months has been able to solve more than 2700 cases". He also said that his government had managed to connect over one lakh village panchayats through optical fiber in three years, while the previous government connected only 59 panchayats. He said India was counted in "Fragile 5" four years ago, however, today the country's $ 5 trillion economy was the highlight. You will remember 4 years ago, when India was talked about, it was counted in 'Fragile 5'. Today India's $5 trillion economy aim, & not Fragile 5, is talked about: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/JiC13KeJA2 — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 × While the previous govt connected only 59 panchayats through optical fibre, our govt in just 3 years connected more than 1,10,000 village panchayats through optical fibre: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/dFZpAe9dJe — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 ×

Our government will continue to take strict action against financial irregularities: PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he is looking forward to the meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Modi said: I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I look forward to meeting PM <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/966676587662819328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a separate tweet, Modi said that he hoped Trudeau had an enjoyable visit to India so far and that he particularly looked forward to meeting Trudeau&#39;s three children Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope PM <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I&#39;d met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. <a href="https://t.co/Ox0M8EL46x">pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/966677556299624448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also posted a picture of him along with Trudeau and Ella-Grace during his visit to Canada in April 2015.</p>

<p>Modi&#39;s comments came even as a row broke out about an invitation being extended to convicted Khalistan separatist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commission here for a reception on Thursday night in honour of the visiting dignitary.</p>


The duo are expected to hold talks on defence and counter-terrorism cooperation during their meeting tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he is looking forward to the meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family on Friday. Taking to Twitter, Modi said: I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries. I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018 × In a separate tweet, Modi said that he hoped Trudeau had an enjoyable visit to India so far and that he particularly looked forward to meeting Trudeau's three children Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien. I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018 × He also posted a picture of him along with Trudeau and Ella-Grace during his visit to Canada in April 2015. Modi's comments came even as a row broke out about an invitation being extended to convicted Khalistan separatist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commission here for a reception on Thursday night in honour of the visiting dignitary.

Look forward to meeting Justin Trudeau and his kids: PM Modi

<p>As China should work towards reducing tension in the Indian Ocean Region and put pressure on Pakistan to accept India&#39;s position over Kashmir, an improved Sino-Indian relationship can only be possible if India, in response, should agree to facilitate the unhindered utilisation of Chinese-built road through Aksai Chin. The Chinese built this road to serve some very crucial logistical purposes, particularly, to connect with the Xin Jiang province, the raison de etre for the occupation of Aksai Chin in 1962. Further, India should also agree to transit facilities to China for CPEC infrastructure, passing through the Indian territory in POK.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>China needs to persuade Pakistan to see reason in revisiting their political priorities. Pakistan&#39;s Kashmir obsession has catapulted it into a political cauldron of the economic mess, governance deficit and slanderous afflictions associated with terrorism. It has been amply proved in Pakistan&#39;s case that the religion alone is not the binding force to sustain the viability of a nation-state. Pakistan needs to introspect their politico-religious concepts as they have failed to keep East Pakistan based on it and there are dissident movements continuing within Pakistan, indicating flaws in theological overreach which Pakistan propagates in Kashmir.</p>

<p>Moreover, looking at current US strategic interests, Russian assertiveness, and Chinese aggressiveness in the Asian landscape,&nbsp; it has the potential to impact on political autonomy and security of Pakistan itself.&nbsp; Reconciliation with India would bestow higher political buoyancy to absorb the negative influences of extra-regional manipulations which is a bigger threat to them as on date. Pakistani civil society and think tanks are abuzz with such fears and have been vocal in favour of an urgent need of a reality check by the ruling establishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Post reconciliation, if it happens, Pakistan would no longer require strategic depth against India which has been the primary motive of their complicity in fostering insurgency in Afghanistan. As a cascading effect, it would pave the way for reconciliation amongst the warring factions of Afghanistan as Pakistan have substantial influence over Taliban and their affiliates. It will help in bringing about political stability in the Af-Pak region, leading to a gradual reduction in terrorism, a matter of grave international concern. It would also deny any excuse for extra-regional powers to meddle in their internal affairs to an extent they do it as of now.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>With security situation improving in Afghanistan, the success of CPEC would get a further boost with the participation of Central Asian Republics and Eurasian countries. Besides this, Pakistan would have much needed higher economic synergies with a friendly India and its&nbsp; MFN status for trade and commerce. As a consequence, Pakistan would have fair chances to bring about their economic turnaround. It is time for Pakistan to realise that their political vibrancy is a function of regional cohesiveness and not extra-regional political surrogacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp; spectre of ten ASEAN heads of states on 69th republic day of India, Quad sponsored mil exercises in Indo- Pacific, suspension&nbsp; of US aid to Pakistan,&nbsp; Indian&nbsp; concern on illegality of CPEC alignment through POK, Chabahar port as an alternate linkage to Afghanistan and Eurasia are all links to a subtle&nbsp; political message to China and Pakistan combine signaling them to revisit their priority matrix . India is central to this diplomatic push being the dominant power in IOR and South Asian landscape, hence need be taken seriously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike Chinese self-seeking exclusivity, India has aspirations of peaceful growth including everyone as per their ancient philosophy of &ldquo;Vasudeva Kutumbam&rdquo;(the world is one family). The key to Chinese aspirations and Pakistani politico-economic stability lies in recognising the legally correct status of J&amp;K as it existed at the time of accession with India, and restoring forced occupation of its territories to India. Yes, it is difficult to change the subversive political narratives propagated by both China and Pakistan for their vested interests all these years. But, given the current national interests of all parties, reconciliation is the only sensible way forward, and it is bound to happen sooner or later. Therefore, it is time to move away from the designed manipulative discourses by the Chinese as well as Pakistani leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India as an economically vibrant, militarily strong, politically mature nation with strong strategic pull is a beacon to be rallied around to bring in positive political synergies in the South Asian landscape.&nbsp; Marching together with India will bring about higher strategic dividends to both China as well as Pakistan, a win-win situation for all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To do all these, the Chinese political tango needs a paradigm shift in the orchestration of her steps in sync with contemporary global strategic outlook and keeping in rhythm with regional compatriots to achieve their ambitions of world leadership role. The ball is in China&rsquo;s court. Take it, or leave it.</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


China needs to persuade Pakistan to see reason in revisiting their political priorities in Kashmir.

As China should work towards reducing tension in the Indian Ocean Region and put pressure on Pakistan to accept India's position over Kashmir, an improved Sino-Indian relationship can only be possible if India, in response, should agree to facilitate the unhindered utilisation of Chinese-built road through Aksai Chin. The Chinese built this road to serve some very crucial logistical purposes, particularly, to connect with the Xin Jiang province, the raison de etre for the occupation of Aksai Chin in 1962. Further, India should also agree to transit facilities to China for CPEC infrastructure, passing through the Indian territory in POK. China needs to persuade Pakistan to see reason in revisiting their political priorities. Pakistan's Kashmir obsession has catapulted it into a political cauldron of the economic mess, governance deficit and slanderous afflictions associated with terrorism. It has been amply proved in Pakistan's case that the religion alone is not the binding force to sustain the viability of a nation-state. Pakistan needs to introspect their politico-religious concepts as they have failed to keep East Pakistan based on it and there are dissident movements continuing within Pakistan, indicating flaws in theological overreach which Pakistan propagates in Kashmir. Moreover, looking at current US strategic interests, Russian assertiveness, and Chinese aggressiveness in the Asian landscape, it has the potential to impact on political autonomy and security of Pakistan itself. Reconciliation with India would bestow higher political buoyancy to absorb the negative influences of extra-regional manipulations which is a bigger threat to them as on date. Pakistani civil society and think tanks are abuzz with such fears and have been vocal in favour of an urgent need of a reality check by the ruling establishment. Post reconciliation, if it happens, Pakistan would no longer require strategic depth against India which has been the primary motive of their complicity in fostering insurgency in Afghanistan. As a cascading effect, it would pave the way for reconciliation amongst the warring factions of Afghanistan as Pakistan have substantial influence over Taliban and their affiliates. It will help in bringing about political stability in the Af-Pak region, leading to a gradual reduction in terrorism, a matter of grave international concern. It would also deny any excuse for extra-regional powers to meddle in their internal affairs to an extent they do it as of now. With security situation improving in Afghanistan, the success of CPEC would get a further boost with the participation of Central Asian Republics and Eurasian countries. Besides this, Pakistan would have much needed higher economic synergies with a friendly India and its MFN status for trade and commerce. As a consequence, Pakistan would have fair chances to bring about their economic turnaround. It is time for Pakistan to realise that their political vibrancy is a function of regional cohesiveness and not extra-regional political surrogacy. The spectre of ten ASEAN heads of states on 69th republic day of India, Quad sponsored mil exercises in Indo- Pacific, suspension of US aid to Pakistan, Indian concern on illegality of CPEC alignment through POK, Chabahar port as an alternate linkage to Afghanistan and Eurasia are all links to a subtle political message to China and Pakistan combine signaling them to revisit their priority matrix . India is central to this diplomatic push being the dominant power in IOR and South Asian landscape, hence need be taken seriously. Unlike Chinese self-seeking exclusivity, India has aspirations of peaceful growth including everyone as per their ancient philosophy of “Vasudeva Kutumbam”(the world is one family). The key to Chinese aspirations and Pakistani politico-economic stability lies in recognising the legally correct status of J&K as it existed at the time of accession with India, and restoring forced occupation of its territories to India. Yes, it is difficult to change the subversive political narratives propagated by both China and Pakistan for their vested interests all these years. But, given the current national interests of all parties, reconciliation is the only sensible way forward, and it is bound to happen sooner or later. Therefore, it is time to move away from the designed manipulative discourses by the Chinese as well as Pakistani leaders. India as an economically vibrant, militarily strong, politically mature nation with strong strategic pull is a beacon to be rallied around to bring in positive political synergies in the South Asian landscape. Marching together with India will bring about higher strategic dividends to both China as well as Pakistan, a win-win situation for all. To do all these, the Chinese political tango needs a paradigm shift in the orchestration of her steps in sync with contemporary global strategic outlook and keeping in rhythm with regional compatriots to achieve their ambitions of world leadership role. The ball is in China’s court. Take it, or leave it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Kashmir is key to political reconciliation between India, Pakistan, China

<p>Addressing an election rally in Meghalaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people&nbsp;that the state needs a double engine, one from Meghalaya and other from Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;if both the engines come together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meghalaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in West Garo Hills district&#39;s Phulbari <a href="https://t.co/pIEuy1tJHf">pic.twitter.com/pIEuy1tJHf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966614698182565888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking a shot at the Congress government in the state he said &quot;the current government has wasted your 50 years. I urge you to provide us with one opportunity for five years&quot;.</p>

<p>He added that no roads were to be seen in the state even after crore of rupees was released by the Central government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What is the reason that even if Crores of rupees are released by Delhi for roads, there are no roads to be seen in Meghalaya?: PM Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya <a href="https://t.co/CwZPOY938H">pic.twitter.com/CwZPOY938H</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966640560860573696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi said, &quot;Today the world is appreciating India, the reason behind this is not Modi but you, the people&quot;.</p>

<p>The tenure of the current 60-member assembly in the state will end&nbsp;on March 6, while the polls are scheduled for February 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said, 'if both the engines come together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once'

Addressing an election rally in Meghalaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people that the state needs a double engine, one from Meghalaya and other from Delhi. He said, "if both the engines come together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once". Meghalaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in West Garo Hills district's Phulbari pic.twitter.com/pIEuy1tJHf — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × Taking a shot at the Congress government in the state he said "the current government has wasted your 50 years. I urge you to provide us with one opportunity for five years". He added that no roads were to be seen in the state even after crore of rupees was released by the Central government. What is the reason that even if Crores of rupees are released by Delhi for roads, there are no roads to be seen in Meghalaya?: PM Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya pic.twitter.com/CwZPOY938H — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × PM Modi said, "Today the world is appreciating India, the reason behind this is not Modi but you, the people". The tenure of the current 60-member assembly in the state will end on March 6, while the polls are scheduled for February 27.

Meghalaya govt has wasted 50 years, says PM Modi

<p>Ahead of the Nagaland assembly elections, Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi said his vision for development in the state is through transportation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My vision for the Northeast is transformation by transportation: PM Narendra Modi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nagaland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nagaland</a>&#39;s Tuensang. <a href="https://t.co/V7jTzdodlJ">pic.twitter.com/V7jTzdodlJ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966568772893945856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While addressing a rally in&nbsp;the poll-bound state PM Modi also ensured the people of&nbsp;utilising&nbsp;the entire amount of fund allocated for their state.&nbsp;He said with the help of technology their&nbsp;government will check the wastage of public money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said &quot;We would ensure that the funds released for your state reaches you. With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money&quot;.</p>

<p>He also&nbsp;said &quot;&nbsp;Energetic youth, creative women, innovative farmer and demographic dividend of Nagaland will help it scale new heights&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visuals of PM Narendra Modi&#39;s visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nagaland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nagaland</a>&#39;s Tuensang. <a href="https://t.co/hlx2AhKtUC">pic.twitter.com/hlx2AhKtUC</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966579553278689280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nagaland will undergo assembly elections on February 27.&nbsp;</p>


While addressing a rally in the poll-bound state PM Modi also ensured the people of utilising the entire amount of fund allocated for their state. He said with the help of technology their government will check the wastage of public money

Ahead of the Nagaland assembly elections, Prime Minister Modi said his vision for development in the state is through transportation. My vision for the Northeast is transformation by transportation: PM Narendra Modi in #Nagaland's Tuensang. pic.twitter.com/V7jTzdodlJ — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × While addressing a rally in the poll-bound state PM Modi also ensured the people of utilising the entire amount of fund allocated for their state. He said with the help of technology their government will check the wastage of public money. He said "We would ensure that the funds released for your state reaches you. With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money". He also said " Energetic youth, creative women, innovative farmer and demographic dividend of Nagaland will help it scale new heights". Visuals of PM Narendra Modi's visit to #Nagaland's Tuensang. pic.twitter.com/hlx2AhKtUC — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × Nagaland will undergo assembly elections on February 27.

PM Modi envisions 'transformation through transportation' in Nagaland

<p>In another jibe, Congress President Rahul Gandhi targetted Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him why does he ask people to share topics for discussions when he knows exactly what issues plague a common India&#39;s mind.</p>

<p>&quot;Why ask for ideas when in your heart you know what every Indian wants to hear you speak about?&quot; tweeted Rahul Gandhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi Ji, last month you ignored my suggestions for your Mann Ki Baat monologue.<br />
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Why ask for ideas when in your heart you know what every Indian wants to hear you speak about?<br />
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1. Nirav Modi&#39;s 22,000 Cr. Loot &amp; Scoot<br />
<br />
2. The 58,000 Cr. RAFALE scam.<br />
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I look forward to your sermon. <a href="https://t.co/jp0AnLePtU">pic.twitter.com/jp0AnLePtU</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/966199270083842048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi noted every India would want the Prime Minister to talk about &quot;Nirav Modi&#39;s 22,000 crore loot &amp; scoot and the 58,000 crore Rafale scam&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I look forward to your sermon,&quot; Gandhi further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress President also added that last month the Prime Minister had &quot;ignored&quot; his suggestions for &quot;Mann Ki Baat monologue&quot;.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is usually expected to address the nation every month on All India Radio in his &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39;&nbsp;monologue. The programme is open to suggestions and topics of discussions from the citizens.&nbsp;</p>


Congress President also added that last month the Prime Minister had 'ignored' his suggestions for 'Mann Ki Baat monologue'

In another jibe, Congress President Rahul Gandhi targetted Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him why does he ask people to share topics for discussions when he knows exactly what issues plague a common India's mind. "Why ask for ideas when in your heart you know what every Indian wants to hear you speak about?" tweeted Rahul Gandhi. Modi Ji, last month you ignored my suggestions for your Mann Ki Baat monologue. Why ask for ideas when in your heart you know what every Indian wants to hear you speak about? 1. Nirav Modi's 22,000 Cr. Loot & Scoot 2. The 58,000 Cr. RAFALE scam. I look forward to your sermon. pic.twitter.com/jp0AnLePtU — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 21, 2018 × Gandhi noted every India would want the Prime Minister to talk about "Nirav Modi's 22,000 crore loot & scoot and the 58,000 crore Rafale scam" "I look forward to your sermon," Gandhi further added. Congress President also added that last month the Prime Minister had "ignored" his suggestions for "Mann Ki Baat monologue". Prime Minister Narendra Modi is usually expected to address the nation every month on All India Radio in his 'Mann Ki Baat' monologue. The programme is open to suggestions and topics of discussions from the citizens.

Let's talk about Nirav, Rafale scam: Rahul Gandhi to PM Modi

<p>The probable way out for China from the policy impasse it has imposed upon itself is to break the glass ceiling first; they have to patch up with their perceived regional rivals before embarking on global outreach. In that, China needs to move away from their strategy of manipulating their unsubstantiated history and territorial claims without corroborative evidence. In order to rebuild their image, China needs to reach out to both global as well as regional bigwigs by showing genuine cooperative approach, shedding their confrontationist attitude.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the South China Sea, the international court had found no proper evidence of historical sovereignty of China over disputed island territories as claimed by them. Hence, China should gracefully accept the verdict in order to reduce the existing political friction with the US and her neighbours in Indo-Pacific. China would be the biggest beneficiary as it would facilitate the transit of their energy supplies and trade without any military threats, reducing their insecurity syndrome which happens to be the main factor of their political irrationalities.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>China should also not forget that success of their economic model is contingent on continued patronage of western countries who use China as their manufacturing hub and operate as markets for Chinese finished goods. In the recently held world economic forum at Davos, the president of US has already conveyed their plans of a protectionist regime. If the US decides to manufacture their own goods, it will have a tremendous effect on China. The Chinese &lsquo;position of strength&rsquo; lies in the continuation of her robust economy, and it is certainly not a good idea to undo their hard-earned achievements by indulging in futile self-defeating aggressive politics. China has to be a part of the team first, so as to be a team leader at an appropriate time.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Closer home India, with her politico-economic buoyancy and strategic strength, is not a pushover anymore as China perceives. The Doklam episode has not only clearly exposed the Chinese bluff, it has thrown light on India&#39;s political will and military capabilities to neutralise such coercive attempts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>China cannot ignore India. Their economic agenda would be severely impacted as India dominates Chinese logistics network both on western as well as southern flanks. Therefore, unless India is on board, Chinese outreach to rest of the world would always suffer from insecurity syndrome.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, commissioning of Chabahar port as an alternate safer and economical route for Eurasian countries and CARs has potential to make a dent in the viability of CPEC scheme. Therefore, it would be most sensible for China to come around the Indian point of view if they want to ensure the success of CPEC, their biggest political investment in recent times. Hence, there is a need to revisit the strategic priorities based on professional logic and rationale instead of typical Chinese egoist emotional hype in their political forays.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A pragmatic solution lies in the recognition of the legitimacy of J&amp;K as an integral part of India, as agreed by the Maharaja. It would be in Chinese interests to persuade Pakistan to accept the correct legal position of J&amp;K.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A reconciliation between China and India will reduce Chinese security concerns over land as well as in the Indian Ocean, a big strategic take away which China desperately needs. It would resolve most of the contentious political issues, restricting peace and prosperity in the region.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such a statesmanship on part of China would catapult her on a high moral pedestal and set precedence for others to follow.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


A reconciliation between China and India will reduce Chinese security concerns over land as well as in the Indian Ocean, a big strategic take away which China desperately needs.

The probable way out for China from the policy impasse it has imposed upon itself is to break the glass ceiling first; they have to patch up with their perceived regional rivals before embarking on global outreach. In that, China needs to move away from their strategy of manipulating their unsubstantiated history and territorial claims without corroborative evidence. In order to rebuild their image, China needs to reach out to both global as well as regional bigwigs by showing genuine cooperative approach, shedding their confrontationist attitude. In the South China Sea, the international court had found no proper evidence of historical sovereignty of China over disputed island territories as claimed by them. Hence, China should gracefully accept the verdict in order to reduce the existing political friction with the US and her neighbours in Indo-Pacific. China would be the biggest beneficiary as it would facilitate the transit of their energy supplies and trade without any military threats, reducing their insecurity syndrome which happens to be the main factor of their political irrationalities. China should also not forget that success of their economic model is contingent on continued patronage of western countries who use China as their manufacturing hub and operate as markets for Chinese finished goods. In the recently held world economic forum at Davos, the president of US has already conveyed their plans of a protectionist regime. If the US decides to manufacture their own goods, it will have a tremendous effect on China. The Chinese ‘position of strength’ lies in the continuation of her robust economy, and it is certainly not a good idea to undo their hard-earned achievements by indulging in futile self-defeating aggressive politics. China has to be a part of the team first, so as to be a team leader at an appropriate time. Closer home India, with her politico-economic buoyancy and strategic strength, is not a pushover anymore as China perceives. The Doklam episode has not only clearly exposed the Chinese bluff, it has thrown light on India's political will and military capabilities to neutralise such coercive attempts. China cannot ignore India. Their economic agenda would be severely impacted as India dominates Chinese logistics network both on western as well as southern flanks. Therefore, unless India is on board, Chinese outreach to rest of the world would always suffer from insecurity syndrome. Moreover, commissioning of Chabahar port as an alternate safer and economical route for Eurasian countries and CARs has potential to make a dent in the viability of CPEC scheme. Therefore, it would be most sensible for China to come around the Indian point of view if they want to ensure the success of CPEC, their biggest political investment in recent times. Hence, there is a need to revisit the strategic priorities based on professional logic and rationale instead of typical Chinese egoist emotional hype in their political forays. A pragmatic solution lies in the recognition of the legitimacy of J&K as an integral part of India, as agreed by the Maharaja. It would be in Chinese interests to persuade Pakistan to accept the correct legal position of J&K. A reconciliation between China and India will reduce Chinese security concerns over land as well as in the Indian Ocean, a big strategic take away which China desperately needs. It would resolve most of the contentious political issues, restricting peace and prosperity in the region. Such a statesmanship on part of China would catapult her on a high moral pedestal and set precedence for others to follow. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: China needs to reconcile with India to be a superpower

<p>Gujarat&#39;s Deputy CM and Finance Minister Nitin Patel presented the Budget for Gujarat&#39;s 14th assembly today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and other eminent leaders, Patel noted Gujarat&#39;s fiscal deficit at a record low of 1.42 per cent&nbsp;while an increase in revenue surplus from Rs 1704 cr in 2015-16 to Rs 5947 cr in 2016-17 was recorded.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The fiscal deficit which was 2.24% of GSDP in 2015-16 has come down to a record low level of 1.42% of GSDP During 2016-17. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratBudget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratBudget</a></p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/965869136747356160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gujarat&#39;s budget for the financial year 2018-19 amounts to a whopping 1,83,666 crore rupees, up from last year&#39;s Rs 1.72 lakh crore-budget.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our Government has made the fundamentals of the state economy more strong in comparison with other states. The strength of the state economy and the buoyancy in revenue receipts, size of the budget for next year is Rs. 1,83,666 Cr Compared to Rs. 1,72,179 Cr of current year.</p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/965871381731774464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>1.22 lakh new agriculture power connections will be provided with the help of Rs 1921 crore. Water resources and water supply will be bolstered up with the help of Rs 14895 crore allocation. 10 new schemes at the cost of Rs 2800 crore will be started in Gujarat&#39;s tribal areas for providing safe and clean drinking water.</p>

<p>Patel announced 30,000 new recruitments for the next fiscal. A provision of Rs 780 crore aims to provide new employment opportunities. A sum of Rs 506 crore has been allotted for the welfare of Gujarat&#39;s economically backward section.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our Government has allocated an amount of Rs. 1101 cr towards Pradhanmantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Price stability fund, Khedut Akasmat Bima Yojana and others to protect farmers against agricultural risks and provide support for crop loss during natural calamities.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratBudget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratBudget</a></p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/965901225060421632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government aims to safeguard the Asiatic lion and has allotted Rs four crore under &#39;Project Lion&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among other announcements, Rs 1 crore was allocated for the development of four new cyber crime police stations in cities like Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Mehsana.</p>

<p>Ahmedabad will get its metro line at the expense of Rs 592 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gujarat University will get a Research Park on its campus. A provision of Rs 13 crore has been made for a new campus of Gujarat Technological University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Close to Rs&nbsp;22 crores has been allocated to boost solar tourism in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>seaplanes services and new airports will be developed under the budgetary proposal.</p>

<p>The government is likely to start 51 new food centres in addition to the existing 87 centres under the Sharamik Annapurna Yojana. Rs 80 crore has been allotted for the same.</p>

<p>Gujarat&#39;s Chief Minister recently noted that this year&#39;s budget will chiefly focus on farmers and the welfare of the village community.&nbsp;</p>


Gujarat's budget for the financial year 2018-19 amounts to a whopping 1,83,666 crore rupees

Gujarat's Deputy CM and Finance Minister Nitin Patel presented the Budget for Gujarat's 14th assembly today. In the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and other eminent leaders, Patel noted Gujarat's fiscal deficit at a record low of 1.42 per cent while an increase in revenue surplus from Rs 1704 cr in 2015-16 to Rs 5947 cr in 2016-17 was recorded. The fiscal deficit which was 2.24% of GSDP in 2015-16 has come down to a record low level of 1.42% of GSDP During 2016-17. #GujaratBudget — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) February 20, 2018 × Gujarat's budget for the financial year 2018-19 amounts to a whopping 1,83,666 crore rupees, up from last year's Rs 1.72 lakh crore-budget. Our Government has made the fundamentals of the state economy more strong in comparison with other states. The strength of the state economy and the buoyancy in revenue receipts, size of the budget for next year is Rs. 1,83,666 Cr Compared to Rs. 1,72,179 Cr of current year. — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) February 20, 2018 × 1.22 lakh new agriculture power connections will be provided with the help of Rs 1921 crore. Water resources and water supply will be bolstered up with the help of Rs 14895 crore allocation. 10 new schemes at the cost of Rs 2800 crore will be started in Gujarat's tribal areas for providing safe and clean drinking water. Patel announced 30,000 new recruitments for the next fiscal. A provision of Rs 780 crore aims to provide new employment opportunities. A sum of Rs 506 crore has been allotted for the welfare of Gujarat's economically backward section. Our Government has allocated an amount of Rs. 1101 cr towards Pradhanmantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Price stability fund, Khedut Akasmat Bima Yojana and others to protect farmers against agricultural risks and provide support for crop loss during natural calamities.#GujaratBudget — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) February 20, 2018 × The government aims to safeguard the Asiatic lion and has allotted Rs four crore under 'Project Lion'. Among other announcements, Rs 1 crore was allocated for the development of four new cyber crime police stations in cities like Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Mehsana. Ahmedabad will get its metro line at the expense of Rs 592 crore. Gujarat University will get a Research Park on its campus. A provision of Rs 13 crore has been made for a new campus of Gujarat Technological University. Close to Rs 22 crores has been allocated to boost solar tourism in the state. seaplanes services and new airports will be developed under the budgetary proposal. The government is likely to start 51 new food centres in addition to the existing 87 centres under the Sharamik Annapurna Yojana. Rs 80 crore has been allotted for the same. Gujarat's Chief Minister recently noted that this year's budget will chiefly focus on farmers and the welfare of the village community.

Gujarat Budget 2018: Big money for job creation, safe drinking water and power connections

<p>Polling in Tripura recorded an 89.96 % turn out. This is not exactly a record turn-out. It means 10 % of 25.73 lakh or 2.5 lakh people (approximately) never turned up to vote. Considering that Tripura is one of the few states with high voter literacy and since both the Left Front and the BJP have undertaken considerable booth management exercises, the turn-out is rather dismal. Be that as it may, Tripura&rsquo;s fate is now sealed. We have to wait till March 3 for the verdict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But until yesterday, Manik Sarkar, Tripura&rsquo;s chief minister till date and for the last 20 years confidently claimed that the Left Front would return to power even as BJP stalwarts in Tripura countered his claims and say the voters will decide whether they want to be stuck with a non-delivering socialistic paradigm or a development-oriented government that people have been deprived of for several decades. Prime Minister Modi made a special appeal to the voters of Tripura to come out and vote for the BJP which promises &#39;Change&#39;.</p>

<p>The BJP has made a clutter of promises from the universal health insurance to farm loan waiver and smartphone for youths to direct funding for ADC &ndash; 2018 and above all implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and enhanced daily wages to Rs 340 per day. Countering the BJP claims, working president of the Congress Party (which is now reduced to a complete non-entity and which might not get even a single seat this time), Pradyot Debbarma says the BJP is promising the moon but will find it hard to deliver. &ldquo;They are talking about the 7th Pay Commission here but have not implemented the same in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and other BJP-ruled states. The daily wages under MNREGA in Assam where BJP is ruling is Rs 170, so how can they pay Rs 340 in Tripura?&rdquo; The problem is that the Congress offers nothing better except to counter the BJP&rsquo;s claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This, in fact, is the problem with the Congress Party in the poll-bound states of Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Party has no vision for the region and the states. It has just been lambasting the BJP and voters are actually tired of these political slugfests on a daily basis. Rahul Gandhi, the AICC President, came to campaign in Tripura only on the penultimate date, 48 hours before polling. This has not enchanted people to vote for Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, the rise of the Left Parties in Tripura is proportionate to the failure of the Congress Party to win hearts and minds. From a movement initiated by enlightened youth in the 1940s the CPI which later morphed into the CPI (M), went on to form the first Left Front government in alliance with two other parties - the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc in 1978. The Congress aligned with Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS) &ndash; a party of the indigenous people of Tripura and defeated the Left Front in 1988. But this coalition was short-lived. By the next election in 1993, the Left Front returned to power.</p>

<p>Much has been said about Manik Sarkar&rsquo;s honesty and him being the poorest chief minister of Tripura but this claim is busted by the Rose Valley chit fund scam where Sarkar&rsquo;s ministers were singed. The Company is alleged to have looted Rs 35 crore of public deposits, according to State Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha. No action taken against the accused has created disaffection in the depositors.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Moreover, the failure of the Left Front to address unemployment; its failure to attract industries for employment generation and a general sense that even the Digital India drive that has enabled the country to connect with the world, has not worked for Tripura and you have an anatomy of failed governance.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Then there is the infamous ruling by the Supreme Court where 10,323 government teachers were terminated because the state Education Department flouted the rules under which the teachers under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan had to be recruited which required a certain qualification and three years of experience. The state created over 12 thousand non-teaching posts where they might have been rehabilitated but again the Supreme Court prevented the Government from going ahead with this plan. Hence, the 12,000 odd jobless people are bound to retaliate against the Government. Or that is what is expected in normal circumstances.</p>

<p>The Medical College started in Tripura, has not been functioning well and the BJP has called out all the scams that it has documented meticulously. To start industries in a Left-ruled state has always been a challenge because of the rent-seeking mafia. Hence industries that opened up with much fanfare quickly shut down because there was no scope for their enterprise to bloom in Tripura.</p>

<p>Tripura has about 8 lakh of unemployed youth and jobs in the government sector have stagnated. Government employees are still stuck with the 4th Pay Commission. Dissatisfaction is writ large on their faces. Meanwhile, the BJP has come in with a basketful of promises and hopes to cash in on this feeling of large-scale disaffection. The BJP used its students&rsquo; wing- the ABVP and the disciplined RSS machinery. They were able to build grassroots contact.</p>

<p>To add to this extensive exercise the BJP also flew in its central ministers. Prime Minister Modi flew in twice to Tripura. Amit Shah, the BJP President, organised mega rallies. Other senior ministers flew in and out of Tripura. So did the ministers from neighbouring Assam and Manipur, both BJP ruled states. It is alleged that the BJP also had the moolah which Manik Sarkar&rsquo;s Party could not afford. Political observers said, &ldquo;Never before have we seen four private planes parked at Agartala airport&quot;. Central ministers were literally flying in and out of Tripura.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So eager is the BJP to win this Left bastion that it has pulled out all the stops. It remains to be seen if this effort would pay dividends. The BJP has been pitching for change in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What change party brings,&nbsp;will be revealed when and if the BJP comes to power? Until then the voters of Tripura must wait and watch. So to the two main political rivals!&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


The BJP has come in with a basketful of promises and hopes to cash in on this feeling of large-scale disaffection in Tripura.

Polling in Tripura recorded an 89.96 % turn out. This is not exactly a record turn-out. It means 10 % of 25.73 lakh or 2.5 lakh people (approximately) never turned up to vote. Considering that Tripura is one of the few states with high voter literacy and since both the Left Front and the BJP have undertaken considerable booth management exercises, the turn-out is rather dismal. Be that as it may, Tripura’s fate is now sealed. We have to wait till March 3 for the verdict. But until yesterday, Manik Sarkar, Tripura’s chief minister till date and for the last 20 years confidently claimed that the Left Front would return to power even as BJP stalwarts in Tripura countered his claims and say the voters will decide whether they want to be stuck with a non-delivering socialistic paradigm or a development-oriented government that people have been deprived of for several decades. Prime Minister Modi made a special appeal to the voters of Tripura to come out and vote for the BJP which promises 'Change'. The BJP has made a clutter of promises from the universal health insurance to farm loan waiver and smartphone for youths to direct funding for ADC – 2018 and above all implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and enhanced daily wages to Rs 340 per day. Countering the BJP claims, working president of the Congress Party (which is now reduced to a complete non-entity and which might not get even a single seat this time), Pradyot Debbarma says the BJP is promising the moon but will find it hard to deliver. “They are talking about the 7th Pay Commission here but have not implemented the same in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and other BJP-ruled states. The daily wages under MNREGA in Assam where BJP is ruling is Rs 170, so how can they pay Rs 340 in Tripura?” The problem is that the Congress offers nothing better except to counter the BJP’s claims. This, in fact, is the problem with the Congress Party in the poll-bound states of Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Party has no vision for the region and the states. It has just been lambasting the BJP and voters are actually tired of these political slugfests on a daily basis. Rahul Gandhi, the AICC President, came to campaign in Tripura only on the penultimate date, 48 hours before polling. This has not enchanted people to vote for Congress. In fact, the rise of the Left Parties in Tripura is proportionate to the failure of the Congress Party to win hearts and minds. From a movement initiated by enlightened youth in the 1940s the CPI which later morphed into the CPI (M), went on to form the first Left Front government in alliance with two other parties - the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc in 1978. The Congress aligned with Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS) – a party of the indigenous people of Tripura and defeated the Left Front in 1988. But this coalition was short-lived. By the next election in 1993, the Left Front returned to power. Much has been said about Manik Sarkar’s honesty and him being the poorest chief minister of Tripura but this claim is busted by the Rose Valley chit fund scam where Sarkar’s ministers were singed. The Company is alleged to have looted Rs 35 crore of public deposits, according to State Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha. No action taken against the accused has created disaffection in the depositors. Moreover, the failure of the Left Front to address unemployment; its failure to attract industries for employment generation and a general sense that even the Digital India drive that has enabled the country to connect with the world, has not worked for Tripura and you have an anatomy of failed governance. Then there is the infamous ruling by the Supreme Court where 10,323 government teachers were terminated because the state Education Department flouted the rules under which the teachers under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan had to be recruited which required a certain qualification and three years of experience. The state created over 12 thousand non-teaching posts where they might have been rehabilitated but again the Supreme Court prevented the Government from going ahead with this plan. Hence, the 12,000 odd jobless people are bound to retaliate against the Government. Or that is what is expected in normal circumstances. The Medical College started in Tripura, has not been functioning well and the BJP has called out all the scams that it has documented meticulously. To start industries in a Left-ruled state has always been a challenge because of the rent-seeking mafia. Hence industries that opened up with much fanfare quickly shut down because there was no scope for their enterprise to bloom in Tripura. Tripura has about 8 lakh of unemployed youth and jobs in the government sector have stagnated. Government employees are still stuck with the 4th Pay Commission. Dissatisfaction is writ large on their faces. Meanwhile, the BJP has come in with a basketful of promises and hopes to cash in on this feeling of large-scale disaffection. The BJP used its students’ wing- the ABVP and the disciplined RSS machinery. They were able to build grassroots contact. To add to this extensive exercise the BJP also flew in its central ministers. Prime Minister Modi flew in twice to Tripura. Amit Shah, the BJP President, organised mega rallies. Other senior ministers flew in and out of Tripura. So did the ministers from neighbouring Assam and Manipur, both BJP ruled states. It is alleged that the BJP also had the moolah which Manik Sarkar’s Party could not afford. Political observers said, “Never before have we seen four private planes parked at Agartala airport". Central ministers were literally flying in and out of Tripura. So eager is the BJP to win this Left bastion that it has pulled out all the stops. It remains to be seen if this effort would pay dividends. The BJP has been pitching for change in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland. What change party brings, will be revealed when and if the BJP comes to power? Until then the voters of Tripura must wait and watch. So to the two main political rivals! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Tripura is disappointed with Left but can BJP do better?

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