<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-fragile-indian-economy-now-worlds-fastest-growing-pm-modi-191614">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3 to lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate various projects in all three regions of the state, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Sunday.&nbsp;

He said Modi will lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate projects worth Rs 35,000 crore and Rs 9,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, respectively, during his visit.

"The prime minister is visiting the state next month and will visit Leh, Jammu and Srinagar. He will address a mega rally in Jammu in which over two lakh people are expected to turn up," Madhav told reporters here.&nbsp;

He said Modi will lay the foundation stone for AIIMS, IIM, IIT, Jammu-Akhnoor road, Shahpur-Kandi road, Sunderbani college and IIMC in Jammu during his visit.&nbsp;

The prime minister will also inaugurate an engineering college in Kathua and the Jammu ropeway project, he added. Responding to a question, the BJP general secretary said, "We tried to take forward many projects being part of the previous government, like AIIMS. It was due to our efforts that we brought one AIIMS for Jammu even when in rest of the country only one AIIMS was given to each state."&nbsp;

Madhav alleged that several projects were delayed due to the Peoples Democratic Party - the BJP's coalition partner in the erstwhile state government. "We undertook many projects like this. However, the coalition partner used to slow down the process, otherwise it could have been done earlier," he said.&nbsp;

He said the BJP will continue its efforts to ensure all-round development in the three regions of the state.&nbsp;

The party was also making efforts to ensure reservation for the Pahari speaking people and divisional status for the region of Ladakh, Madhav said. "We are making a demand to the governor administration to grant reservation to the Pahari people, who are mostly residing in Jammu, and the divisional status to Ladakh before the prime minister's visit to the state," he said.&nbsp;

He asked party leaders and workers to work hard for to make Modi's visit successful

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3 to lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate various projects in all three regions of the state, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3 to lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate various projects in all three regions of the state, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Sunday. He said Modi will lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate projects worth Rs 35,000 crore and Rs 9,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, respectively, during his visit. "The prime minister is visiting the state next month and will visit Leh, Jammu and Srinagar. He will address a mega rally in Jammu in which over two lakh people are expected to turn up," Madhav told reporters here. He said Modi will lay the foundation stone for AIIMS, IIM, IIT, Jammu-Akhnoor road, Shahpur-Kandi road, Sunderbani college and IIMC in Jammu during his visit. The prime minister will also inaugurate an engineering college in Kathua and the Jammu ropeway project, he added. Responding to a question, the BJP general secretary said, "We tried to take forward many projects being part of the previous government, like AIIMS. It was due to our efforts that we brought one AIIMS for Jammu even when in rest of the country only one AIIMS was given to each state." Madhav alleged that several projects were delayed due to the Peoples Democratic Party - the BJP's coalition partner in the erstwhile state government. "We undertook many projects like this. However, the coalition partner used to slow down the process, otherwise it could have been done earlier," he said. He said the BJP will continue its efforts to ensure all-round development in the three regions of the state. The party was also making efforts to ensure reservation for the Pahari speaking people and divisional status for the region of Ladakh, Madhav said. "We are making a demand to the governor administration to grant reservation to the Pahari people, who are mostly residing in Jammu, and the divisional status to Ladakh before the prime minister's visit to the state," he said. He asked party leaders and workers to work hard for to make Modi's visit successful

PM Modi to visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3: Ram Madhav 

Amid the rising conflict within the NDA alliance, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday hinted at the party's efforts on bringing in new allies ahead of the 2019&nbsp;Lok Sabha polls.

In an interview to news agency ANI, Madhav admitted that certain smaller allies of the BJP have parted ways with the party.

He also added&nbsp;that BJP was now working on inducting new allies.

"Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-quitting-nda-upendra-kushwaha-joins-mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-185506">Kushwaha</a> have decided to leave us but we are working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India and Eastern India, " Madhav said.

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Ram Madhav, BJP: Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us but we’re working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India &amp; Eastern India. <a href="https://t.co/cx4gtL3CYH">pic.twitter.com/cx4gtL3CYH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077870998454587392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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NDA recently lost&nbsp;Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the alliance on December 10 and joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar.

Chandrababu Naidu led Telugu Desam Party had earlier ended its alliance with the NDA in March.

Speaking about the recent victories of the Congress, Madhav said that though the party won the polls, the opposition was still not ready to accept Rahul Gandhi as its leader of the mahagathbandhan. Madhav said six leaders were there in the queue to become the prime minister.

"Rahul Gandhi is the leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress? He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls and brought some victories to Congress, there’s no doubt about it. If Rahul Gandhi could have been an option for PM candidate because of recent victories, then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan. Even today, no one, except Stalin, is ready to confirm the name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There are six people in queue to become PM".

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Ram Madhav,BJP: If Rahul Gandhi could've been option for PM candidate because of recent victories,then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan.Even today, no one,except Stalin, is ready to confirm name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There're 6 ppl in queue to become PM <a href="https://t.co/Xv3hRwmp4x">https://t.co/Xv3hRwmp4x</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077875786252800000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ram Madhav also hailed the BJP government for bringing in the Triple Talaq Bill. He said, "It's a historic decision of PM Modi’s government to bring this issue of gender justice and equality. Large sections of civil society including Muslims welcomed it, it's a boon for Muslim women. Matter is before Parliament,I’m sure there’ll be meaningful debate".

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Ram Madhav,BJP: Rahul Gandhi is leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress?He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls&amp;brought some victories to Congress,there’s no doubt about it <a href="https://t.co/CJTIQdgmwB">pic.twitter.com/CJTIQdgmwB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077870340993355776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Speaking on the Ram Temple Madhav said, "Option of ordinance has always been there. But matter is right now in Supreme Court and it&nbsp;has given a date of January 4 to decide about next bench. We hoping SC will take it in fast-track way and conclude it early. If that’s not going to happen, we'll explore other options".

Amid the rising conflict within the NDA alliance, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday hinted at the party's efforts on bringing in new allies ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Amid the rising conflict within the NDA alliance, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday hinted at the party's efforts on bringing in new allies ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In an interview to news agency ANI, Madhav admitted that certain smaller allies of the BJP have parted ways with the party. He also added that BJP was now working on inducting new allies. "Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us but we are working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India and Eastern India, " Madhav said. Ram Madhav, BJP: Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us but we’re working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India & Eastern India. pic.twitter.com/cx4gtL3CYH — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × NDA recently lost Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the alliance on December 10 and joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar. Chandrababu Naidu led Telugu Desam Party had earlier ended its alliance with the NDA in March. Speaking about the recent victories of the Congress, Madhav said that though the party won the polls, the opposition was still not ready to accept Rahul Gandhi as its leader of the mahagathbandhan. Madhav said six leaders were there in the queue to become the prime minister. "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress? He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls and brought some victories to Congress, there’s no doubt about it. If Rahul Gandhi could have been an option for PM candidate because of recent victories, then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan. Even today, no one, except Stalin, is ready to confirm the name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There are six people in queue to become PM". Ram Madhav,BJP: If Rahul Gandhi could've been option for PM candidate because of recent victories,then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan.Even today, no one,except Stalin, is ready to confirm name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There're 6 ppl in queue to become PM https://t.co/Xv3hRwmp4x — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × Ram Madhav also hailed the BJP government for bringing in the Triple Talaq Bill. He said, "It's a historic decision of PM Modi’s government to bring this issue of gender justice and equality. Large sections of civil society including Muslims welcomed it, it's a boon for Muslim women. Matter is before Parliament,I’m sure there’ll be meaningful debate". Ram Madhav,BJP: Rahul Gandhi is leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress?He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls&brought some victories to Congress,there’s no doubt about it pic.twitter.com/CJTIQdgmwB — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × Speaking on the Ram Temple Madhav said, "Option of ordinance has always been there. But matter is right now in Supreme Court and it has given a date of January 4 to decide about next bench. We hoping SC will take it in fast-track way and conclude it early. If that’s not going to happen, we'll explore other options".

Working on bringing new allies into our folds: BJP general secretary Ram Madhav

The BJP would have to look for `other options` to build <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whenever-ram-temple-is-built-in-ayodhya-it-will-be-by-us-yogi-adityanath-186043">Ram Temple at Ayodhya</a> if the Supreme Court doesn`t fast-track the Ayodhya case and conclude it at earliest, said BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday.

"The option of an ordinance has always been there but right now the matter is before the Supreme Court and Supreme Court has given January 04 as the date to decide about the next bench," said Ram Madhav.

The apex court is scheduled to take up next week the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ljp-makes-public-its-unease-with-bjp-over-ram-temple-185367">Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case</a> along with public interest litigation questioning delay in the adjudication of the matter.

The top court`s bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will decide on "fixing the date of hearing before the appropriate bench".

"We are hoping that in a very fast track way the SC will take up the matter and conclude it early. If that doesn`t happen then we have to look for other options. That Ram Temple should be built at Ayodhya is a commitment that BJP has supported 20-30 years ago," said Madhav.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that originally stood here.&nbsp;

Since then, several hearings have been held in the Supreme Court to resolve the issue.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court said that the disputed site in Ayodhya should be divided into three parts, with two-thirds given to Hindus and one-third to Muslims.

In 2011 the Supreme Court suspended this ruling following the appeals by both Hindu and Muslim groups. Since then, at least 14 petitions have also challenged the ruling.

The apex court in September this year, while ruling on a separate case, remarked that the mosque was "not integral to Islam", a point that bolstered the demand for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site.

The BJP would have to look for `other options` to build Ram Temple at Ayodhya if the Supreme Court doesn`t fast-track the Ayodhya case and conclude it at earliest, said BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday.

The BJP would have to look for `other options` to build Ram Temple at Ayodhya if the Supreme Court doesn`t fast-track the Ayodhya case and conclude it at earliest, said BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday. "The option of an ordinance has always been there but right now the matter is before the Supreme Court and Supreme Court has given January 04 as the date to decide about the next bench," said Ram Madhav. The apex court is scheduled to take up next week the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case along with public interest litigation questioning delay in the adjudication of the matter. The top court`s bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will decide on "fixing the date of hearing before the appropriate bench". "We are hoping that in a very fast track way the SC will take up the matter and conclude it early. If that doesn`t happen then we have to look for other options. That Ram Temple should be built at Ayodhya is a commitment that BJP has supported 20-30 years ago," said Madhav. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that originally stood here. Since then, several hearings have been held in the Supreme Court to resolve the issue. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court said that the disputed site in Ayodhya should be divided into three parts, with two-thirds given to Hindus and one-third to Muslims. In 2011 the Supreme Court suspended this ruling following the appeals by both Hindu and Muslim groups. Since then, at least 14 petitions have also challenged the ruling. The apex court in September this year, while ruling on a separate case, remarked that the mosque was "not integral to Islam", a point that bolstered the demand for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site.

Open for 'other options' if SC doesn't fast track Ram temple case: Ram Madhav

The Modi government has so far succeeded in ensuring that India is least affected by challenges like immigration and working visas unveiled in the US under President Donald Trump, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Saturday, stressing that foreign policies cannot be guided by emotions or romanticism. 
 
Congress leader Anand Sharma said that foreign policy should uphold, secure and promote a country's national interest, but not be an extension of or reflect domestic narrative. 
 
They made these remarks during a discussion at the release of a book titled "Open Embrace: India-US Ties in the Age of Modi and Trump", by journalist Varghese K George. 
 
They were joined by academic C Rajamohan in the discussion moderated by journalist Suhasini Haider. 
 
"We are conscious of the challenges, whether it is his (Trump's) emphasis on domestic production, visa issues...We are negotiating, trying to ensure that India gets the best deal out of it. You cannot dictate Trump's policies. You can only try and ensure that India is least affected if there is anything adverse happening. We have more or less succeeded in ensuring that India is not affected," Madhav said. 
 
The BJP national general secretary said it could be easy to criticise the government but one must take note of the increment in trade and exports. 
"I am not saying that it has happened only in four years (of BJP), but we must acknowledge it," he said. 
 
Noting that the Indian diaspora played a role in the Indo-US nuclear agreement in 2005 during the Congress-led UPA regime, he said the current government had felt that it should leverage that not just in the US but other countries also. 
 
"We felt why not make it (diaspora) an important dimension in the foreign policy and with that objective in mind we started engaging with different diaspora in different countries," he said. 
 
On a continuum in the foreign policy, Sharma, who had served as a Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2006 to 2009 in the UPA government, said there cannot be abrupt changes in strategic engagements of a country as big as India. 
 
"But I would also like to say that the foreign policy of this country has evolved over a long period of time, not written in one day or one government. 
 
"Foreign policy is meant to uphold, secure and promote your supreme national interest. It is not de-linked to your national ambitions but you have to be careful not to allow the domestic narrative to reflect in the foreign policy," he said. 
 
"It cannot be personalised, it cannot be an extension of domestic politics particularly in our neighbourhood vis-a-vis Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka. We have to be careful there. It is easy to say that we have moved or walked away from non-alignment movement...," Sharma said. 
 
BJP's Madhav said a lot of changes in the foreign policy were made by the Congress and held that the direction should be guided by national interest. 
"Congress has changed many things in our foreign policy. Who changed the foreign policy's focus from SAARC to BIMSTEC? Congress! Did we oppose it? We said no India needs BIMSTEC to engage with the extended neighbourhood because these are things that happen as per your requirement. 
 
"Foreign policy is not guided by emotions or romanticism, it is guided by national interest. Today your national interest demands, that you look for better platforms, look for reviving Commonwealth, which was also a Nehruvian-era creation, and we did it. 
 
"Where is the relevance of the NAM when there are no two poles in the world at all, it is a multi-polar world and who do we remain non-aligned with?" he asked. 
 
On the personal level relationship between PM Modi and President Trump, Madhav said, "The best relationship that we could have with the present leadership in the US we tried to establish it while maintaining strategic autonomy on many issues." 
 
On voting against the US on the Jerusalem issue in the UN, he said India is not influenced by any ideology except for the "nation-first" ideology and that is what happened. 
 
He said PM Modi is doing a stand-alone visit to Israel, then visiting Palestine also separately even as the country has the best of partners in the Middle East also. 
 
"We have strengthened the relationship with Israel but today our strongest relations are with the countries in the middle east, with the UAE, Saudi. We have a lasting strong legacy. We have strong ties with Iran also where we have not buckled under the pressure of any other power. 
 
"So, we are guided by the interest of our country. At that level it may be a continuum, but again it (BJP) is a new government, it has new ideas, it will implement them in a different way, that difference should be appreciated and the continuum should also be acknowledged," he said.&nbsp;

The Modi government has so far succeeded in ensuring that India is least affected by challenges like immigration and working visas unveiled in the US under President Donald Trump, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Saturday, stressing that foreign policies cannot be guided by emotions or romanticism.

The Modi government has so far succeeded in ensuring that India is least affected by challenges like immigration and working visas unveiled in the US under President Donald Trump, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Saturday, stressing that foreign policies cannot be guided by emotions or romanticism. Congress leader Anand Sharma said that foreign policy should uphold, secure and promote a country's national interest, but not be an extension of or reflect domestic narrative. They made these remarks during a discussion at the release of a book titled "Open Embrace: India-US Ties in the Age of Modi and Trump", by journalist Varghese K George. They were joined by academic C Rajamohan in the discussion moderated by journalist Suhasini Haider. "We are conscious of the challenges, whether it is his (Trump's) emphasis on domestic production, visa issues...We are negotiating, trying to ensure that India gets the best deal out of it. You cannot dictate Trump's policies. You can only try and ensure that India is least affected if there is anything adverse happening. We have more or less succeeded in ensuring that India is not affected," Madhav said. The BJP national general secretary said it could be easy to criticise the government but one must take note of the increment in trade and exports. "I am not saying that it has happened only in four years (of BJP), but we must acknowledge it," he said. Noting that the Indian diaspora played a role in the Indo-US nuclear agreement in 2005 during the Congress-led UPA regime, he said the current government had felt that it should leverage that not just in the US but other countries also. "We felt why not make it (diaspora) an important dimension in the foreign policy and with that objective in mind we started engaging with different diaspora in different countries," he said. On a continuum in the foreign policy, Sharma, who had served as a Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2006 to 2009 in the UPA government, said there cannot be abrupt changes in strategic engagements of a country as big as India. "But I would also like to say that the foreign policy of this country has evolved over a long period of time, not written in one day or one government. "Foreign policy is meant to uphold, secure and promote your supreme national interest. It is not de-linked to your national ambitions but you have to be careful not to allow the domestic narrative to reflect in the foreign policy," he said. "It cannot be personalised, it cannot be an extension of domestic politics particularly in our neighbourhood vis-a-vis Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka. We have to be careful there. It is easy to say that we have moved or walked away from non-alignment movement...," Sharma said. BJP's Madhav said a lot of changes in the foreign policy were made by the Congress and held that the direction should be guided by national interest. "Congress has changed many things in our foreign policy. Who changed the foreign policy's focus from SAARC to BIMSTEC? Congress! Did we oppose it? We said no India needs BIMSTEC to engage with the extended neighbourhood because these are things that happen as per your requirement. "Foreign policy is not guided by emotions or romanticism, it is guided by national interest. Today your national interest demands, that you look for better platforms, look for reviving Commonwealth, which was also a Nehruvian-era creation, and we did it. "Where is the relevance of the NAM when there are no two poles in the world at all, it is a multi-polar world and who do we remain non-aligned with?" he asked. On the personal level relationship between PM Modi and President Trump, Madhav said, "The best relationship that we could have with the present leadership in the US we tried to establish it while maintaining strategic autonomy on many issues." On voting against the US on the Jerusalem issue in the UN, he said India is not influenced by any ideology except for the "nation-first" ideology and that is what happened. He said PM Modi is doing a stand-alone visit to Israel, then visiting Palestine also separately even as the country has the best of partners in the Middle East also. "We have strengthened the relationship with Israel but today our strongest relations are with the countries in the middle east, with the UAE, Saudi. We have a lasting strong legacy. We have strong ties with Iran also where we have not buckled under the pressure of any other power. "So, we are guided by the interest of our country. At that level it may be a continuum, but again it (BJP) is a new government, it has new ideas, it will implement them in a different way, that difference should be appreciated and the continuum should also be acknowledged," he said.

Government ensured India least affected by challenges like immigration, US working visa issue: Ram Madhav

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one. The civilian life stands disrupted.&nbsp;

The modicum of normalcy which existed prior to 2014 lies completely shattered. Though every development in Kashmir cannot be heaped on BJP but the party is surely to be blamed for the response it came up with months after months.&nbsp;

Kashmir became an experiment shop for the nationalist narrative. Unnecessary debates dominated the tenure of the PDP-BJP development.&nbsp;

Whether it was the state flag, Article 370, Article 35(A) - unnecessary controversies dominated the tenure of the regime. The worst disservice was that Army was brought into Kashmir issue as a political agent. Indian Army’s view became another pillar in the conversation which was already suffering from political McCarthyism.

Unfortunate thing is that Army’s view was never an issue but their position on certain issues was continuously milked to attack and discredit the Opposition. It played out well for the audience in the heartland but ended up alienating average Kashmiri and adding strain on the alliance which ultimately cracked because of the inherent contradictions. Both of them were unnatural partners who were ideologically opposed and represented opposed social constituencies.

Despite unending failure at every level, BJP still thought of something unimaginable. It thought of pushing Sajad Lone as the CM face and tried to encourage defections. It pushed the narrative of 'Third Party' in a play where none existed. The push prompted political reorganisation by National Conference (NC), PDP and Congress. Whether it was fear, hard political compulsion or matter of survival, it spooked the BJP. The worst fear of BJP came into existence like wildfire. The real issue was what if 'Grand Alliance' becomes a reality in J&amp;K? Will it have an impact on elections?&nbsp;

These are conjunctures, but the fact remains that the BJP’s incessant push to remain in power through backdoor created an alignment which neither of them was interested in.

There is no doubt that PDP and NC are not the best of partners, but they have more ideological similarity than what is shared between BJP and PDP. On top of it, Congress has been in alliance with both NC and PDP. So, the reason given by the Governor of horse trading and ideological divide does not hold water. It shows that BJP became nervous that if this alliance comes to power then it will add weight to the idea behind 'Grand Alliance' again.&nbsp;

It is, for this reason, the BJP decided to opt for the more convenient option which is President’s rule. It happened despite the fact that both NC and Congress in long run did not want to tie up with PDP which has burnt its political ground in South Kashmir.&nbsp;

Kashmir shows the limit of push a political party and state can exert on society. Unbridled power and hard politics divorced from political ethics can produce results like these. Indira Gandhi’s total hegemony brought everyone together. Today, BJP stands in the same total position without realising that uncontained political ambition can be self-limiting.&nbsp;

Accommodative politics sometimes leads to better longevity. There are many lessons and less known issues. For example, as to why Home Minister Rajnath Singh and General Secretary in charge of J&amp;K Ram Madhav could not convince Modi-Shah duo to let Assembly survive for a few more days would be another story, but Kashmir, in the end, has come out as the real victim of national politics.

This is the tragedy with which the nation will have to deal with in the longer run. A Kashmir which is more fragile, more alienated and less safe and all cannot be blamed on the enemy across the border. Some responsibility also lies with BJP.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one.

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one. The civilian life stands disrupted. The modicum of normalcy which existed prior to 2014 lies completely shattered. Though every development in Kashmir cannot be heaped on BJP but the party is surely to be blamed for the response it came up with months after months. Kashmir became an experiment shop for the nationalist narrative. Unnecessary debates dominated the tenure of the PDP-BJP development. Whether it was the state flag, Article 370, Article 35(A) - unnecessary controversies dominated the tenure of the regime. The worst disservice was that Army was brought into Kashmir issue as a political agent. Indian Army’s view became another pillar in the conversation which was already suffering from political McCarthyism. Unfortunate thing is that Army’s view was never an issue but their position on certain issues was continuously milked to attack and discredit the Opposition. It played out well for the audience in the heartland but ended up alienating average Kashmiri and adding strain on the alliance which ultimately cracked because of the inherent contradictions. Both of them were unnatural partners who were ideologically opposed and represented opposed social constituencies. Despite unending failure at every level, BJP still thought of something unimaginable. It thought of pushing Sajad Lone as the CM face and tried to encourage defections. It pushed the narrative of 'Third Party' in a play where none existed. The push prompted political reorganisation by National Conference (NC), PDP and Congress. Whether it was fear, hard political compulsion or matter of survival, it spooked the BJP. The worst fear of BJP came into existence like wildfire. The real issue was what if 'Grand Alliance' becomes a reality in J&K? Will it have an impact on elections? These are conjunctures, but the fact remains that the BJP’s incessant push to remain in power through backdoor created an alignment which neither of them was interested in. There is no doubt that PDP and NC are not the best of partners, but they have more ideological similarity than what is shared between BJP and PDP. On top of it, Congress has been in alliance with both NC and PDP. So, the reason given by the Governor of horse trading and ideological divide does not hold water. It shows that BJP became nervous that if this alliance comes to power then it will add weight to the idea behind 'Grand Alliance' again. It is, for this reason, the BJP decided to opt for the more convenient option which is President’s rule. It happened despite the fact that both NC and Congress in long run did not want to tie up with PDP which has burnt its political ground in South Kashmir. Kashmir shows the limit of push a political party and state can exert on society. Unbridled power and hard politics divorced from political ethics can produce results like these. Indira Gandhi’s total hegemony brought everyone together. Today, BJP stands in the same total position without realising that uncontained political ambition can be self-limiting. Accommodative politics sometimes leads to better longevity. There are many lessons and less known issues. For example, as to why Home Minister Rajnath Singh and General Secretary in charge of J&K Ram Madhav could not convince Modi-Shah duo to let Assembly survive for a few more days would be another story, but Kashmir, in the end, has come out as the real victim of national politics. This is the tragedy with which the nation will have to deal with in the longer run. A Kashmir which is more fragile, more alienated and less safe and all cannot be blamed on the enemy across the border. Some responsibility also lies with BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

End of honeymoon: Political McCarthyism bites BJP in Kashmir

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation.&nbsp;

Earlier the two leaders clashed on Twitter, a day after Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah objected to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav suggesting that Abdullah's National Conference (NC) had tied up with arch-rival Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government on "instructions from across the border".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just landed@Aizawl n saw this. Now tht u deny any external pressure I take back my comment, bt, now tht u proved it ws genuine love btw NC n PDP tht prompted a failed govt formation attempt,u shud fight nxt elections 2gether. 😂Mind u it’s pol comnt,not personal <a href="https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo">https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo</a>
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/rammadhavbjp/status/1065524861676728320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"No, misplaced attempts at humour won`t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in the public domain. It`s an open challenge to you &amp; your Govt.," Omar Abdullah tweeted.

In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday, Madhav had said, "The PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form a government.

"On Wednesday, arch rivals PDP, NC along with Congress confirmed that they stitched up an alliance to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Governor`s rule since June when the BJP ended its ruling alliance with the PDP. Madhav was quick to clarify that he didn`t mean to offend Abdullah."Just take it in your stride @OmarAbdullah Not questioning your patriotism at all. But d sudden love between NC n PDP nd hurry to form government leads to many suspicions n political comments. Not to offend u," Madhav said in a Tweet.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation.

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation. Earlier the two leaders clashed on Twitter, a day after Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah objected to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav suggesting that Abdullah's National Conference (NC) had tied up with arch-rival Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government on "instructions from across the border". Just landed@Aizawl n saw this. Now tht u deny any external pressure I take back my comment, bt, now tht u proved it ws genuine love btw NC n PDP tht prompted a failed govt formation attempt,u shud fight nxt elections 2gether. 😂Mind u it’s pol comnt,not personal https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo — Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) November 22, 2018 × "No, misplaced attempts at humour won`t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in the public domain. It`s an open challenge to you & your Govt.," Omar Abdullah tweeted. In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday, Madhav had said, "The PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form a government. "On Wednesday, arch rivals PDP, NC along with Congress confirmed that they stitched up an alliance to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Governor`s rule since June when the BJP ended its ruling alliance with the PDP. Madhav was quick to clarify that he didn`t mean to offend Abdullah."Just take it in your stride @OmarAbdullah Not questioning your patriotism at all. But d sudden love between NC n PDP nd hurry to form government leads to many suspicions n political comments. Not to offend u," Madhav said in a Tweet. (With inputs from ANI)

Ram Madhav takes back his 'Pakistan behind J&K alliance' comment after Omar dare

Taking a jibe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for tilting towards the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday opined that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief should first save his seat before thinking about saving the country.

"First of all, Naidu talking about saving the country is a big thing. I believe that he must first try to save his own chair in the state. The current Andhra Pradesh government is unpopular and practices menaces like corruption. The TDP will surely loose upcoming 2019 elections," he told ANI.

Naidu quit the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance in March after a prolonged dispute over government`s refusal to grant "special category" status to Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP leader, since then, has leaned on the Congress and other opposition parties.

Madhav reiterated that by allying with the Congress, Naidu is destroying the legacy of his own party.

"This political outfit (TDP) was formed by N T Rama Rao in 1982 to weed out the Congress from the two Telugu speaking states- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He (Naidu) first backstabbed his father-in-law (N T Rama Rao) and became the chief minister, and now he is backstabbing his own party members," the BJP General Secretary added.

Madhav's remark came after Naidu, who met Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week to discuss a TDP-Congress alliance, had said the two parties were coming together to save the nation.

When asked about the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections, Madhav asserted that his party will surely emerge victorious by bagging the maximum number of seats.

"People in Telangana are really fed up with the present government. BJP is contesting with full strength with all 119 seats in the state and we are hopeful that Telangana would spring a surprise result in elections this year," he stated.

Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Taking a jibe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for tilting towards the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday opined that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief should first save his seat before thinking about saving the country.

Taking a jibe at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for tilting towards the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday opined that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief should first save his seat before thinking about saving the country. "First of all, Naidu talking about saving the country is a big thing. I believe that he must first try to save his own chair in the state. The current Andhra Pradesh government is unpopular and practices menaces like corruption. The TDP will surely loose upcoming 2019 elections," he told ANI. Naidu quit the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance in March after a prolonged dispute over government`s refusal to grant "special category" status to Andhra Pradesh. The TDP leader, since then, has leaned on the Congress and other opposition parties. Madhav reiterated that by allying with the Congress, Naidu is destroying the legacy of his own party. "This political outfit (TDP) was formed by N T Rama Rao in 1982 to weed out the Congress from the two Telugu speaking states- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He (Naidu) first backstabbed his father-in-law (N T Rama Rao) and became the chief minister, and now he is backstabbing his own party members," the BJP General Secretary added. Madhav's remark came after Naidu, who met Congress president Rahul Gandhi earlier in the week to discuss a TDP-Congress alliance, had said the two parties were coming together to save the nation. When asked about the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections, Madhav asserted that his party will surely emerge victorious by bagging the maximum number of seats. "People in Telangana are really fed up with the present government. BJP is contesting with full strength with all 119 seats in the state and we are hopeful that Telangana would spring a surprise result in elections this year," he stated. Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Save your seat before saving country: Ram Madhav hits out at Andhra CM

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he has no prime ministerial ambitions and would rather work for upliftment of his state Uttar Pradesh.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking at a panel discussion here, which included BJP leader Ram Madhav, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Sachin Pilot of the Congress and Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, at the release of a book by journalist-author Priya Sahgal, titled 'Contenders Who Will Lead India Tomorrow'.

As the discussion turned towards 'Mahagathbandhan' or the grand alliance that opposition parties are trying to forge to take on the ruling BJP at the Centre ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year, moderator Vir Sanghvi asked how such an alliance will work when all opposition leaders have prime ministerial ambitions.

To this, Yadav replied he does not have any such aspirations.

Answering a pointed 'no' from Sanghvi, Yadav replied, "No". When the moderator asked ''never", the Samajwadi leader said, "Never".

Yadav said he would rather work to improve conditions of his state and cited examples of the development work done during his tenure as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;

Yadav, who was UP's chief minister from 2012 to 2017, talked about the work done for the Gomti river as also on the Agra Expressway, saying aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage and Hercules landed on that expressway, which was proof of the good work that was done there.

"Now, you can land your Rafale also," Yadav said tongue-in-cheek looking at the BJP's Madhav.

Yadav's statement that he had no prime ministerial ambitions was also seen as being directed towards Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, apparently as a bid to placate her ambition of the prime ministerial role.

Congress leader Pilot said one should not start his life with an ambition to become the prime minister as several events play a role in shaping a political career and nothing was any way permanent in politics.

While Yadav had talked about not being interested in prime ministerial role in February last year also, his statement now assumes significance in the wake of intensified efforts by various opposition parties to forge an anti-BJP alliance to give a strong fight to the ruling party.

However, there have already been some cracks visible in the opposition unity, even before a grand alliance gets formed, with BSP and some other parties going separate ways in some states such as Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, including due to their differences with the Congress, the main opposition party.

Trying to reach out to various non-BJP parties, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday met several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, even as he called his party's alliance with the Congress a "democratic compulsion" to protect the country.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he has no prime ministerial ambitions and would rather work for upliftment of his state Uttar Pradesh. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking at a panel discussion here, which included BJP leader Ram Madhav, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Sachin Pilot of the Congress and Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, at the release of a book by journalist-author Priya Sahgal, titled 'Contenders Who Will Lead India Tomorrow'.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he has no prime ministerial ambitions and would rather work for upliftment of his state Uttar Pradesh. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking at a panel discussion here, which included BJP leader Ram Madhav, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Sachin Pilot of the Congress and Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, at the release of a book by journalist-author Priya Sahgal, titled 'Contenders Who Will Lead India Tomorrow'. As the discussion turned towards 'Mahagathbandhan' or the grand alliance that opposition parties are trying to forge to take on the ruling BJP at the Centre ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year, moderator Vir Sanghvi asked how such an alliance will work when all opposition leaders have prime ministerial ambitions. To this, Yadav replied he does not have any such aspirations. Answering a pointed 'no' from Sanghvi, Yadav replied, "No". When the moderator asked ''never", the Samajwadi leader said, "Never". Yadav said he would rather work to improve conditions of his state and cited examples of the development work done during his tenure as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Yadav, who was UP's chief minister from 2012 to 2017, talked about the work done for the Gomti river as also on the Agra Expressway, saying aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage and Hercules landed on that expressway, which was proof of the good work that was done there. "Now, you can land your Rafale also," Yadav said tongue-in-cheek looking at the BJP's Madhav. Yadav's statement that he had no prime ministerial ambitions was also seen as being directed towards Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, apparently as a bid to placate her ambition of the prime ministerial role. Congress leader Pilot said one should not start his life with an ambition to become the prime minister as several events play a role in shaping a political career and nothing was any way permanent in politics. While Yadav had talked about not being interested in prime ministerial role in February last year also, his statement now assumes significance in the wake of intensified efforts by various opposition parties to forge an anti-BJP alliance to give a strong fight to the ruling party. However, there have already been some cracks visible in the opposition unity, even before a grand alliance gets formed, with BSP and some other parties going separate ways in some states such as Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, including due to their differences with the Congress, the main opposition party. Trying to reach out to various non-BJP parties, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday met several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, even as he called his party's alliance with the Congress a "democratic compulsion" to protect the country.

Have no prime ministerial ambitions, would rather work for UP: Akhilesh Yadav

Dubbing TRS as a 'family outfit,' BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday said the K Chandrasekhar led-party was apprehensive of losing the assembly elections, had it been held along with the general elections in 2019.

Addressing BJP booth level workers at Armoor in Nizamabad district, he said people had given a five year mandate to the Chief Minister. But he 'gave up' in just four years.

"Now what is the guarantee that you (KCR) will not run away (if you come to power) after four years?" he asked.

"Why are we going for elections in four years? Because KCR is apprehensive that he will not win if the assembly elections are held along with Lok Sabha elections in 2019," he said.

Madhav alleged that the double bedroom housing scheme announced by the TRS government had become an unfulfilled promise.

He said the Modi government had taken the initiative of providing a house to every poor family in the country by 2022.

"The BJP government had promised five crore houses to the poor by 2022. This year we sanctioned one crore houses," he said.

Madhav said that on the health care front, the BJP government had launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme to provide quality and specialised health care facilities worth up to Rs five lakh to the poor.

On the one hand, Prime Minister Modi was trying to take the country forward, while on the other Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was trying to take the state backwards, he said.

"Telangana has achieved a record in corruption during the past four years. It occupies second position among the corrupt states in the country," he alleged

"Modi does not have a family, so there is no question of family rule.

But in Telangana, it is not only family rule, it is Beta (son), beti (daughter) and mai (me)," he charged.

Ram Madhav said TRS could get only a narrow margin of 63 seats (of 119 seats) during the 2014 elections despite bragging about achieving statehood.

But KCR lured members of other paties into TRS, he alleged.

Hitting out at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Ram Madhav alleged that both he and his Telangana counterpart provide corrupt governance.

Dubbing TRS as a 'family outfit,' BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday said the K Chandrasekhar led-party was apprehensive of losing the assembly elections, had it been held along with the general elections in 2019.

Dubbing TRS as a 'family outfit,' BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday said the K Chandrasekhar led-party was apprehensive of losing the assembly elections, had it been held along with the general elections in 2019. Addressing BJP booth level workers at Armoor in Nizamabad district, he said people had given a five year mandate to the Chief Minister. But he 'gave up' in just four years. "Now what is the guarantee that you (KCR) will not run away (if you come to power) after four years?" he asked. "Why are we going for elections in four years? Because KCR is apprehensive that he will not win if the assembly elections are held along with Lok Sabha elections in 2019," he said. Madhav alleged that the double bedroom housing scheme announced by the TRS government had become an unfulfilled promise. He said the Modi government had taken the initiative of providing a house to every poor family in the country by 2022. "The BJP government had promised five crore houses to the poor by 2022. This year we sanctioned one crore houses," he said. Madhav said that on the health care front, the BJP government had launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme to provide quality and specialised health care facilities worth up to Rs five lakh to the poor. On the one hand, Prime Minister Modi was trying to take the country forward, while on the other Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was trying to take the state backwards, he said. "Telangana has achieved a record in corruption during the past four years. It occupies second position among the corrupt states in the country," he alleged "Modi does not have a family, so there is no question of family rule. But in Telangana, it is not only family rule, it is Beta (son), beti (daughter) and mai (me)," he charged. Ram Madhav said TRS could get only a narrow margin of 63 seats (of 119 seats) during the 2014 elections despite bragging about achieving statehood. But KCR lured members of other paties into TRS, he alleged. Hitting out at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Ram Madhav alleged that both he and his Telangana counterpart provide corrupt governance.

TRS a 'family party', says Ram Madhav

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday.

He said the region was strategically important to India as it provides a link to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. The Belt Road Initiative of China, which has been opposed by India, also passes through this region, he said.

While Pakistan annexed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, then a part of the princely state of J&amp;K, was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, he said.

"Our case, as far as Gilgit Baltistan goes, is even more stronger for the important reason that when (the princely state of) Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, technically Gilgit Baltistan was an integral part of the then state of Kashmir and Jammu, under Maharaja Hari Singh," Madhav said.

The region was not annexed through any army encroachment, he said.&nbsp;

Madhav was speaking at the launch of a book 'Gilgit Baltistan and its saga of unending human rights violation'.&nbsp;

Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Known as the Northern Areas, Pakistan plans to announce Gilgit Baltistan as its fifth province, a move that is being vehemently opposed by India.&nbsp;

In 1935, with rising Soviet influence and its possible threat to the British Empire, the British took Gilgit Baltistan on lease for 60 years.&nbsp;

After the British terminated the lease, they loaned two of their officers -- Major W A Brown and Captain A S Mathieson -- to the Maharaja for the purpose of looking after the defence of Gilgit-Baltistan till an alternative arrangement was found.

Soon after, the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh and Major Brown imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh.&nbsp;

On November 2, 1947, Brown declared that Gilgit was joining Pakistan. Soon after, the Pakistani army and tribals occupied the region and used it as a base to carry out attacks in nearby regions.

"The two British officers had decided that we should hand it over to Pakistan and they invited the Pakistani Army to take it over. It was taken over without any resistance in an illegal manner," Madhav said.

He added that legally, in 1935, the British had taken the region on lease from the then Maharaja and returned to him two days after the partition.

He also rued that there was least awareness about this particular region, five to six times bigger than the PoK.

Hitting out at Pakistan, he said while it has unleashed propaganda and its "proxies within India" over the human right violations, the Pakistani Army has been resorting to genocides and massacres in the Gilgit Baltistan region and the "world at large is silent about it".

Madhav, who was a key negotiators when the BJP and PDP decided to form a coalition government in the state, said one of the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme was to open a trade route from Kargil to Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

"We attach great significance to the issue of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.&nbsp;

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday.

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday. He said the region was strategically important to India as it provides a link to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. The Belt Road Initiative of China, which has been opposed by India, also passes through this region, he said. While Pakistan annexed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, then a part of the princely state of J&K, was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, he said. "Our case, as far as Gilgit Baltistan goes, is even more stronger for the important reason that when (the princely state of) Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, technically Gilgit Baltistan was an integral part of the then state of Kashmir and Jammu, under Maharaja Hari Singh," Madhav said. The region was not annexed through any army encroachment, he said. Madhav was speaking at the launch of a book 'Gilgit Baltistan and its saga of unending human rights violation'. Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Known as the Northern Areas, Pakistan plans to announce Gilgit Baltistan as its fifth province, a move that is being vehemently opposed by India. In 1935, with rising Soviet influence and its possible threat to the British Empire, the British took Gilgit Baltistan on lease for 60 years. After the British terminated the lease, they loaned two of their officers -- Major W A Brown and Captain A S Mathieson -- to the Maharaja for the purpose of looking after the defence of Gilgit-Baltistan till an alternative arrangement was found. Soon after, the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh and Major Brown imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh. On November 2, 1947, Brown declared that Gilgit was joining Pakistan. Soon after, the Pakistani army and tribals occupied the region and used it as a base to carry out attacks in nearby regions. "The two British officers had decided that we should hand it over to Pakistan and they invited the Pakistani Army to take it over. It was taken over without any resistance in an illegal manner," Madhav said. He added that legally, in 1935, the British had taken the region on lease from the then Maharaja and returned to him two days after the partition. He also rued that there was least awareness about this particular region, five to six times bigger than the PoK. Hitting out at Pakistan, he said while it has unleashed propaganda and its "proxies within India" over the human right violations, the Pakistani Army has been resorting to genocides and massacres in the Gilgit Baltistan region and the "world at large is silent about it". Madhav, who was a key negotiators when the BJP and PDP decided to form a coalition government in the state, said one of the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme was to open a trade route from Kargil to Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. "We attach great significance to the issue of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.

Gilgit-Baltistan region was handed to Pak by two deceitful British officials: BJP leader Ram Madhav

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties.

Addressing a press conference here, Madhav, who is in charge of the Northeast, said the BJP would field candidates in all the 40 assembly seats if possible.

On the Opposition calling Mizo National Front (MNF) "proxy" of the BJP, the general secretary termed it "ridiculous". The party would contest against the MNF and the National People's Party in the polls, though they are constituents of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

NEDA is a political coalition formed in 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties of the northeast like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front.

He asserted that the BJP "respected" the food habits, distinct cultural and customs of the Mizos and their religion.

Madhav accused the ruling Congress, headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla -- in power for 10 years -- of being corrupt and inefficient.

The Thanhawla regime did not create any basic infrastructure development during the last decade, though the Centre initiated several developmental projects and funding the projects, the BJP leader said.

If voted to power, the BJP would construct a four-lane highway across the state, linking both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Madhav said. The proposed highway would ensure access to the international market and open the east-west corridor for trade.

He added that engineering colleges would be established at Lunglei and Champhai districts if the saffron party wins.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties. Addressing a press conference here, Madhav, who is in charge of the Northeast, said the BJP would field candidates in all the 40 assembly seats if possible. On the Opposition calling Mizo National Front (MNF) "proxy" of the BJP, the general secretary termed it "ridiculous". The party would contest against the MNF and the National People's Party in the polls, though they are constituents of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). NEDA is a political coalition formed in 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties of the northeast like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front. He asserted that the BJP "respected" the food habits, distinct cultural and customs of the Mizos and their religion. Madhav accused the ruling Congress, headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla -- in power for 10 years -- of being corrupt and inefficient. The Thanhawla regime did not create any basic infrastructure development during the last decade, though the Centre initiated several developmental projects and funding the projects, the BJP leader said. If voted to power, the BJP would construct a four-lane highway across the state, linking both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Madhav said. The proposed highway would ensure access to the international market and open the east-west corridor for trade. He added that engineering colleges would be established at Lunglei and Champhai districts if the saffron party wins.

BJP to go alone in Mizoram poll: General Secretary 

BJP leader and party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav on Monday attacked Congress, calling them "the most corrupt party" adding that the decision of alliance with JD(S) is an ünethical deal."

Madhav said:&nbsp;"Whole history of Congress is full of corruption. There's not been a single genuine charge against BJP Government in past 4 years. The most corrupt party is Congress and that corruption has reflected in the unethical deal that they have entered into with JD(S) in Karnataka."

In reply to the BJP's move to influence Congress MLA's during floor tests, he said:&nbsp;"It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought."

"We have done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers," he added.&nbsp;

He laid emphasis on the fact that the mandate was against Congress and thus they had hoped that parties "like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that was not the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation where we had to relinquish."

Meanwhile, Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Mallikarjun Kharge said that "keeping everything in mind" in the Karnataka elections, there should be a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ought-to-be-give-and-take-equation-with-jds-in-karnataka-congress-mallikarjun-kharge-138359">give and take equation</a>" with the JD(S) while forming the cabinet.&nbsp;

"High command will take a decision. We, being a national party, supported JD(S) - a regional party, to uphold Constitutional principles and democracy. Keeping everything in mind, there ought to be a 'give & take' equation," Mallikarjun Kharge said.

On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/democracy-has-won-against-unholy-politics-of-intimidation-corruption-lies-congress-on-yeddyurappas-resignation-138205">BS Yeddyurappa stepped down</a> ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly

BJP leader and party in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav on Monday attacked Congress, calling them "the most corrupt party" adding that the decision of alliance with JD(S) is an ünethical deal." Madhav said: "Whole history of Congress is full of corruption. There's not been a single genuine charge against BJP Government in past 4 years. The most corrupt party is Congress and that corruption has reflected in the unethical deal that they have entered into with JD(S) in Karnataka." In reply to the BJP's move to influence Congress MLA's during floor tests, he said: "It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought." "We have done no mistake. It's a democratic practice where the single largest party is given the opportunity. We had the right to seek that opportunity which we sought. It is a different matter that we weren't able to muster required numbers," he added. He laid emphasis on the fact that the mandate was against Congress and thus they had hoped that parties "like JD(S) would keep that in mind and act appropriately. But that was not the case. There was a tacit deal between Congress and JD(S) that led to a situation where we had to relinquish." Meanwhile, Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Mallikarjun Kharge said that "keeping everything in mind" in the Karnataka elections, there should be a "give and take equation" with the JD(S) while forming the cabinet. "High command will take a decision. We, being a national party, supported JD(S) - a regional party, to uphold Constitutional principles and democracy. Keeping everything in mind, there ought to be a 'give & take' equation," Mallikarjun Kharge said. On May 27, Kumaraswamy was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala to form the government in the state, after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) three-day old chief minister BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly.

Congress' alliance with JD(S) unethical: BJP's Ram Madhav

A possible political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir was averted Saturday with the BJP, one of the ruling alliance partners, deciding to hand over to the chief minister the resignations of its two ministers whose presence at a rally in support of the accused arrested in connection with rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua triggered a row.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav flew to Jammu this morning and held consultations with senior party leaders as well as MLAs and MLCs to discuss the situation in the state.

Immediately after the meeting, Madhav told reporters that the resignations of the two ministers -- Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga -- would be handed over to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action.

The senior BJP leader admitted that the two ministers displayed lack of discretion by taking part in the rally, but made it clear that there was no attempt to sabotage the investigations as charged by the Congress party.

"The charge that the two ministers were pro-rapist is absolutely wrong. It was sheer indiscretion on their part," he said.

"However, after this, there was concern in the entire country about the ghastly crime committed on the little girl...Therefore, keeping in mind the perception and general situation, the two BJP leaders, after holding consultations with the prime minister and other senior leaders of the party, decided to submit their resignations," Madhav told reporters.

He rejected reports that there was any pressure from his alliance partner PDP for withdrawal of the two ministers. "No pressure, no ultimatum. This is all your figment of imagination," Madhav said in his reply to a query from a reporter that the PDP had threatened to walk out of the alliance if the two ministers did not resign.

Asked whether a dent has been created in the alliance after the Kathua rape-and-murder issue, Madhav said, "As far as this case is concerned, we have done our bit by allaying the fears and misconception created in the minds of people of Jammu and Kashmir but also in the entire country by asking our two ministers to resign. Beyond that I don't think there will be any impact of this incident or these developments on the coalition."

"Rest for the 'baayan bazi' (making statements) we have been receiving in last couple of days, we will wait for the PDP to take a view on that and convey what is the view of the leadership. Right now I am talking about Kathua rape incident," he said.

He cautioned that there should be no communal politics played over the ghastly crime and everyone should ensure speedy justice and exemplary punishment to the culprits.

He accused the Congress party of playing double standards. "In Jammu, the Congress leaders are casting aspersion over the probe and their senior leaders were creating law and order situation through Bar Council," he alleged.

"Certain amount of discretion should have been maintained. Certainly, there was a lack of discretion. Sometimes lack of discretion does not tantamount of any guilt...That has led to certain misconceptions about them (two ministers) also, so they decided they will quit as ministers,"

Madhav responded when he was asked about a pointed question that the two ministers had termed the action of the crime branch as "jungle raj" and warned police from arresting anyone.

On the plea for a CBI probe saying the investigations have been completed in three months and a charge sheet has been submitted in the court. "It is up to the court now to decide."

Madhav, who was the pointsman for the BJP in forging the alliance with PDP, said the two ministers had been sent to Kathua to pacify the people who were agitated after the incident. However, there was some amount of indiscretion on the part of the ministers for which they had to resign, he said.

To a question that the two ministers had participated in the rally in support of the accused in the rape case where the national tricolour was being used, Madhav said, "That is why they had to resign. During my visit last month here, I made it clear to everyone that in this matter no one speaks and let us allow the investigations to complete."

He said the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government in the state has been told to withdraw the directive concerning Tribal with regard to encroachments, which has been raked by the Bar Association of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court as threat to the demography of Jammu.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in February this year has directed police and district administrations not to provide "police protection" for anti-encroachment drives that are being carried out by government departments against tribal population without prior approval of the tribal affairs department resulting in setback to encroachment drives of government.

"The directive (of Tribal Affairs Department) issued to different districts must be withdrawn. This we have told the government already.The directive...Must be withdrawn", Madav said while replying to a question about the demographic changes in Jammu due to settlement of Rohingya refugees and Tribals?on encroached state lands in Jammu city, which are two major concerns of minority Dogras of Jammu.

"There has been very clear and consistent stand of the BJP on these two issues (deportation of Rohingya refugees and massive encroachments and settlement on state lands by tribal people)," Madav said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav flew to Jammu this morning and held consultations with senior party leaders as well as MLAs and MLCs to discuss the situation in the state

A possible political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir was averted Saturday with the BJP, one of the ruling alliance partners, deciding to hand over to the chief minister the resignations of its two ministers whose presence at a rally in support of the accused arrested in connection with rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua triggered a row. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav flew to Jammu this morning and held consultations with senior party leaders as well as MLAs and MLCs to discuss the situation in the state. Immediately after the meeting, Madhav told reporters that the resignations of the two ministers -- Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga -- would be handed over to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action. The senior BJP leader admitted that the two ministers displayed lack of discretion by taking part in the rally, but made it clear that there was no attempt to sabotage the investigations as charged by the Congress party. "The charge that the two ministers were pro-rapist is absolutely wrong. It was sheer indiscretion on their part," he said. "However, after this, there was concern in the entire country about the ghastly crime committed on the little girl...Therefore, keeping in mind the perception and general situation, the two BJP leaders, after holding consultations with the prime minister and other senior leaders of the party, decided to submit their resignations," Madhav told reporters. He rejected reports that there was any pressure from his alliance partner PDP for withdrawal of the two ministers. "No pressure, no ultimatum. This is all your figment of imagination," Madhav said in his reply to a query from a reporter that the PDP had threatened to walk out of the alliance if the two ministers did not resign. Asked whether a dent has been created in the alliance after the Kathua rape-and-murder issue, Madhav said, "As far as this case is concerned, we have done our bit by allaying the fears and misconception created in the minds of people of Jammu and Kashmir but also in the entire country by asking our two ministers to resign. Beyond that I don't think there will be any impact of this incident or these developments on the coalition." "Rest for the 'baayan bazi' (making statements) we have been receiving in last couple of days, we will wait for the PDP to take a view on that and convey what is the view of the leadership. Right now I am talking about Kathua rape incident," he said. He cautioned that there should be no communal politics played over the ghastly crime and everyone should ensure speedy justice and exemplary punishment to the culprits. He accused the Congress party of playing double standards. "In Jammu, the Congress leaders are casting aspersion over the probe and their senior leaders were creating law and order situation through Bar Council," he alleged. "Certain amount of discretion should have been maintained. Certainly, there was a lack of discretion. Sometimes lack of discretion does not tantamount of any guilt...That has led to certain misconceptions about them (two ministers) also, so they decided they will quit as ministers," Madhav responded when he was asked about a pointed question that the two ministers had termed the action of the crime branch as "jungle raj" and warned police from arresting anyone. On the plea for a CBI probe saying the investigations have been completed in three months and a charge sheet has been submitted in the court. "It is up to the court now to decide." Madhav, who was the pointsman for the BJP in forging the alliance with PDP, said the two ministers had been sent to Kathua to pacify the people who were agitated after the incident. However, there was some amount of indiscretion on the part of the ministers for which they had to resign, he said. To a question that the two ministers had participated in the rally in support of the accused in the rape case where the national tricolour was being used, Madhav said, "That is why they had to resign. During my visit last month here, I made it clear to everyone that in this matter no one speaks and let us allow the investigations to complete." He said the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government in the state has been told to withdraw the directive concerning Tribal with regard to encroachments, which has been raked by the Bar Association of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court as threat to the demography of Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in February this year has directed police and district administrations not to provide "police protection" for anti-encroachment drives that are being carried out by government departments against tribal population without prior approval of the tribal affairs department resulting in setback to encroachment drives of government. "The directive (of Tribal Affairs Department) issued to different districts must be withdrawn. This we have told the government already.The directive...Must be withdrawn", Madav said while replying to a question about the demographic changes in Jammu due to settlement of Rohingya refugees and Tribals?on encroached state lands in Jammu city, which are two major concerns of minority Dogras of Jammu. "There has been very clear and consistent stand of the BJP on these two issues (deportation of Rohingya refugees and massive encroachments and settlement on state lands by tribal people)," Madav said.

BJP sends resignations of its 2 ministers to J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti

The resignations of two BJP ministers, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting those accused of raping and killing a young girl in Kathua, will be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action, said senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation.

Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, also said that the state government was told to withdraw the directive of the tribal affairs department on encroachments by nomads in forest land.

Madhav, who attened the legislative party meeting of the state BJP MLAs and MLC, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister.

Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignation in view of a perception being created, he said.

He lashed out at the Congress, alleging that it was trying to politicise the issue which should not be done.

"We, including the BJP which is in the government, will ensure justice for the girl and punishment for the culprits," he said.

Asked about the demand for a CBI probe into the incident, the BJP leader said, "The police have completed the probe and now it is in the court of law. It is for the court to decide."

Ganga and Singh had hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the rape and killing of the 8-year-old girl in January this year.

Asking why the probe was not being handed over to the CBI, Lal Singh had said, "We too want that the real accused be punished... We have heard you. We will not allow this jungle raj, under which they (police) are picking up people at will, to continue. What kind of investigation are they doing?

The 'Hindu Ekta Manch', from which the BJP distanced itself, had also taken out a rally holding a tricolour to press for their demand.

The incident and use of national flag had evoked sharp reaction from Mufti.

"Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," she tweeted.&nbsp;

The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation

The resignations of two BJP ministers, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting those accused of raping and killing a young girl in Kathua, will be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action, said senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation. Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, also said that the state government was told to withdraw the directive of the tribal affairs department on encroachments by nomads in forest land. Madhav, who attened the legislative party meeting of the state BJP MLAs and MLC, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister. Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignation in view of a perception being created, he said. He lashed out at the Congress, alleging that it was trying to politicise the issue which should not be done. "We, including the BJP which is in the government, will ensure justice for the girl and punishment for the culprits," he said. Asked about the demand for a CBI probe into the incident, the BJP leader said, "The police have completed the probe and now it is in the court of law. It is for the court to decide." Ganga and Singh had hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the rape and killing of the 8-year-old girl in January this year. Asking why the probe was not being handed over to the CBI, Lal Singh had said, "We too want that the real accused be punished... We have heard you. We will not allow this jungle raj, under which they (police) are picking up people at will, to continue. What kind of investigation are they doing? The 'Hindu Ekta Manch', from which the BJP distanced itself, had also taken out a rally holding a tricolour to press for their demand. The incident and use of national flag had evoked sharp reaction from Mufti. "Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," she tweeted.

Resignations of BJP ministers to be handed to J&K CM Mufti: Ram Madhav

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Saturday that his party would stake claim to form the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-demolishes-left-citadel-in-tripura-certain-to-be-part-of-government-in-nagaland-34576">next government</a> in Nagaland in the next couple of days.

The BJP general secretary said the NDPP-BJP alliance had the support of one independent and one JD(U) member which increased its tally to 32, above the mark of 31 needed to form the government in the state.

&quot;NDPP-BJP alliance has secured near simple majority in Nagaland. We have support of 1 independent and 1 JD(U) member, that takes us to 32 seats. We are in a comfortable position to form next govt. NDPP-BJP alliance will stake its claim to form govt in next couple of days,&quot; Ram Madhav said.

G Kaito Aye, the JD(U) nominee who won from Satakha, and Independent Tongpang Ozukum are reported to have expressed their wish to join the BJP-NDPP alliance, taking its numbers to&nbsp;31.

The BJP-NDPP combine has won 29 seats (BJP 12, NDPP 17). The NPP of Conrad Sangma, an NEDA partner of the BJP, has won two seats and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar&#39;s JD(U) one.

The NPF is the single largest party in the House with 27 seats.

The BJP got an informal invitation from NPF leader and Chief Minister TR Zeliang to join the new government, PTI reported earlier.

The BJP had parted ways with the NPF just ahead of the polls and joined hands with the newly-launched NDPP of three-time former chief minister Neiphiu Rio, also an old NPF hand.

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP general secretary said the NDPP-BJP alliance had the support of one independent and one JD(U) member which increased its tally to 32, above the mark of 31 needed to form the government in the state

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Saturday that his party would stake claim to form the next government in Nagaland in the next couple of days. The BJP general secretary said the NDPP-BJP alliance had the support of one independent and one JD(U) member which increased its tally to 32, above the mark of 31 needed to form the government in the state. "NDPP-BJP alliance has secured near simple majority in Nagaland. We have support of 1 independent and 1 JD(U) member, that takes us to 32 seats. We are in a comfortable position to form next govt. NDPP-BJP alliance will stake its claim to form govt in next couple of days," Ram Madhav said. G Kaito Aye, the JD(U) nominee who won from Satakha, and Independent Tongpang Ozukum are reported to have expressed their wish to join the BJP-NDPP alliance, taking its numbers to 31. The BJP-NDPP combine has won 29 seats (BJP 12, NDPP 17). The NPP of Conrad Sangma, an NEDA partner of the BJP, has won two seats and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) one. The NPF is the single largest party in the House with 27 seats. The BJP got an informal invitation from NPF leader and Chief Minister TR Zeliang to join the new government, PTI reported earlier. The BJP had parted ways with the NPF just ahead of the polls and joined hands with the newly-launched NDPP of three-time former chief minister Neiphiu Rio, also an old NPF hand. (With inputs from PTI)

Will stake claim to form government in Nagaland: BJP

Outgoing Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar submitted his resignation to Governor Tathagata Roy here on Sunday, a day after the CPI(M)-led Left Front was dethroned by the BJP-IPFT coalition after nearly 25 years in power.

The governor advised Sarkar, who was the chief minister since 1998, to continue until the new chief minister takes an oath. Coming out of the Raj Bhavan, Sarkar told reporters that he and his ministers would not have been able to run the government for so many years unless the people and the employees extended their cooperation to them.

He expressed gratitude to the people of the state and the staff members of the state administration. The BJP-IPFT combine scripted history yesterday by winning the Tripura Assembly polls with a two-thirds majority, ending 25 years of uninterrupted rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Front in the northeastern state.

The BJP and the Indigenous People&#39;s Front of Tripura (IPFT) won 43 seats and the CPI(M) won 16. The election on 59 seats of the 60-member assembly was held on February 18. Polling was countermanded in one seat due to death of a CPI(M) candidate.

Outgoing Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar submitted his resignation to Governor Tathagata Roy

Outgoing Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar submitted his resignation to Governor Tathagata Roy here on Sunday, a day after the CPI(M)-led Left Front was dethroned by the BJP-IPFT coalition after nearly 25 years in power. The governor advised Sarkar, who was the chief minister since 1998, to continue until the new chief minister takes an oath. Coming out of the Raj Bhavan, Sarkar told reporters that he and his ministers would not have been able to run the government for so many years unless the people and the employees extended their cooperation to them. He expressed gratitude to the people of the state and the staff members of the state administration. The BJP-IPFT combine scripted history yesterday by winning the Tripura Assembly polls with a two-thirds majority, ending 25 years of uninterrupted rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Front in the northeastern state. The BJP and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) won 43 seats and the CPI(M) won 16. The election on 59 seats of the 60-member assembly was held on February 18. Polling was countermanded in one seat due to death of a CPI(M) candidate.

Manik Sarkar resigns as Tripura CM

Even a year ago, it would have been outlandish to suggest that the Bharatiya Janata Party had any prospect in the Tripura. The State has been a Left stronghold where the communists have been ruling for more than two decades. The only other major party, the Congress, has been pushed to the margins. Besides, its general demographic does not lend itself to the kind of political ideology the BJP pursues. However, the situation has changed dramatically over the last few months, and the BJP now senses a real chance at toppling the Left regime. Even those political observers who are doubtful of a BJP win in the State, concede that the party will emerge as a strong force in the Assembly election.

&nbsp;

What has brought about this change?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The anti-incumbency factor is certainly one reason. In the absence of a viable opposition, the Left had a clear field and it made most of it in the last 20 years. With the BJP&rsquo;s emergence, the ground situation has altered. The second reason is the BJP&rsquo;s relentless focus on the North-East &mdash; politically and otherwise. Its victory in the Assam Assembly election, where it demolished the ruling Congress, had set the tone for its push in the region. It managed to form the Government in Arunachal Pradesh through deft manoeuvrings, and then in Manipur where it was not even the single largest party, when it outfoxed the Congress by stitching an alliance in double quick time.

&nbsp;

The third reason is that the BJP has shown remarkable flexibility in dealing with ground realities in the region. For instance, while it aggressively pursues the cow agenda across the country, it has toned down the rhetoric in the North-East, saying that it does not want to interfere in the eating habits of the people there. The party has also been prompt in having an understanding with regional outfits that wield influence over tribes and communities specific to the region. And so, while it was at the helm of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) which it formed a couple of years ago, the real players are the regional parties. The BJP realises that it cannot make an impact on its own in many parts of the region.

&nbsp;

The BJP&rsquo;s pre-poll surge in Tripura is even more remarkable when one looks back at its past performance. In the 2013 Assembly election, the party had less than two per cent of the vote-share. There was a significant improvement in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, when the party gained a six per cent share. But even that was less than half of the Congress&rsquo;s 16 per cent and the Left&rsquo;s overwhelming 65 per cent. Going by these figures, the BJP ought to have conceded the present contest even before it began. But the change in the public mood &mdash; at least the one gleans through media reports from the ground &mdash; has been so remarkable that the old numbers don&rsquo;t count.

&nbsp;

As has been its habit, the BJP has gone for the kill. Party president Amit Shah has camped in Tripura for long periods, overseeing the election campaign and, in his characteristic style, delving into the micro-management of the process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested politically too, addressing far more rallies than would be normally necessary for a small State such as this. The BJP in charge of the North-East, Ram Madhav, virtually resides in Tripura. Everybody understands that, for public sentiment against the Left regime to be converted into votes for the BJP, the party&rsquo;s poll machinery has to work without tripping &mdash; more so at the last moment.

&nbsp;

The BJP is dependending heavily on the 30 per cent of the tribal votes, and keeping that in mind, is pushing the development agenda call. The tribal regions are among the most affected by non-development. It has tied up with a regional outfit, the Indigenous People&rsquo;s Front of Tripura, that commands some standing among the tribals. But the party is not ignoring the other voters, reminding them that decades of Left rule had pushed the State back while BJP-ruled parts of the country had surged ahead in the last four years of the NDA rule.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Left understands the challenge, and it has fallen back on the tried and tested formula of &lsquo;communism versus communalism&rsquo; narrative. The communists have warned the voters against the dangers of social unrest and communal strife that could come along with a BJP win. They have highlighted the various pro-poor measures that the Manik Sarkar Government has taken over the years. The Left&rsquo;s desperation to retain Tripura is understandable. It has lost its earlier citadel, West Bengal, and rules only in Kerala &mdash; and even there the BJP has begun breathing down its neck, although the Congress still remains the main opposition.

&nbsp;

The Left&rsquo;s track record of development in Tripura is being severely tested. Both the plains and hills have their own sets of problems. Unemployment, lack of road and rail connectivity, poor industrial development, and lack of avenues of opportunities for tribals to improve their living, are some of the major issues. But the communists have some positives going for them. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar enjoys a clean personal image. He has steered Tripura to political stability and has ensured that basic social indices remain decent. No major scandal has hit his regime in the two decades of its rule. Besides, the Left has a strong cadre in the State and its supporters have seeped into nearly every institution, and have the capacity to turn things around.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On the personality front, the BJP is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s charisma, while the Left has its old warhorse and Chief Minister Sarkar. Left leaders on the national scene, such as Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat, hardly have any sway in Tripura. The BJP-led Government at the Centre has gone all out by way of its own contribution to the party&rsquo;s fortunes in the region. For instance, the Union Ministry of Textiles has planned a big push to textile manufacturing in the North-East, which would naturally include Tripura. Other Central ministries have promised loads of development work to the region. Underlying all these assurances is the thrust that a BJP regime in Tripura can gel better with the BJP-led Government at the Centre and, thus, expedite development.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If the Left can stave off this new and unexpected challenge, it will not just retain power but also perhaps cause a dent in the BJP&rsquo;s drive to politically secure the North-East.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the upcoming Tripura election, BJP's trump card is development while Manik Sarkar's is that of a scandal-free clean image.

Even a year ago, it would have been outlandish to suggest that the Bharatiya Janata Party had any prospect in the Tripura. The State has been a Left stronghold where the communists have been ruling for more than two decades. The only other major party, the Congress, has been pushed to the margins. Besides, its general demographic does not lend itself to the kind of political ideology the BJP pursues. However, the situation has changed dramatically over the last few months, and the BJP now senses a real chance at toppling the Left regime. Even those political observers who are doubtful of a BJP win in the State, concede that the party will emerge as a strong force in the Assembly election. What has brought about this change? The anti-incumbency factor is certainly one reason. In the absence of a viable opposition, the Left had a clear field and it made most of it in the last 20 years. With the BJP’s emergence, the ground situation has altered. The second reason is the BJP’s relentless focus on the North-East — politically and otherwise. Its victory in the Assam Assembly election, where it demolished the ruling Congress, had set the tone for its push in the region. It managed to form the Government in Arunachal Pradesh through deft manoeuvrings, and then in Manipur where it was not even the single largest party, when it outfoxed the Congress by stitching an alliance in double quick time. The third reason is that the BJP has shown remarkable flexibility in dealing with ground realities in the region. For instance, while it aggressively pursues the cow agenda across the country, it has toned down the rhetoric in the North-East, saying that it does not want to interfere in the eating habits of the people there. The party has also been prompt in having an understanding with regional outfits that wield influence over tribes and communities specific to the region. And so, while it was at the helm of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) which it formed a couple of years ago, the real players are the regional parties. The BJP realises that it cannot make an impact on its own in many parts of the region. The BJP’s pre-poll surge in Tripura is even more remarkable when one looks back at its past performance. In the 2013 Assembly election, the party had less than two per cent of the vote-share. There was a significant improvement in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, when the party gained a six per cent share. But even that was less than half of the Congress’s 16 per cent and the Left’s overwhelming 65 per cent. Going by these figures, the BJP ought to have conceded the present contest even before it began. But the change in the public mood — at least the one gleans through media reports from the ground — has been so remarkable that the old numbers don’t count. As has been its habit, the BJP has gone for the kill. Party president Amit Shah has camped in Tripura for long periods, overseeing the election campaign and, in his characteristic style, delving into the micro-management of the process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invested politically too, addressing far more rallies than would be normally necessary for a small State such as this. The BJP in charge of the North-East, Ram Madhav, virtually resides in Tripura. Everybody understands that, for public sentiment against the Left regime to be converted into votes for the BJP, the party’s poll machinery has to work without tripping — more so at the last moment. The BJP is dependending heavily on the 30 per cent of the tribal votes, and keeping that in mind, is pushing the development agenda call. The tribal regions are among the most affected by non-development. It has tied up with a regional outfit, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, that commands some standing among the tribals. But the party is not ignoring the other voters, reminding them that decades of Left rule had pushed the State back while BJP-ruled parts of the country had surged ahead in the last four years of the NDA rule. The Left understands the challenge, and it has fallen back on the tried and tested formula of ‘communism versus communalism’ narrative. The communists have warned the voters against the dangers of social unrest and communal strife that could come along with a BJP win. They have highlighted the various pro-poor measures that the Manik Sarkar Government has taken over the years. The Left’s desperation to retain Tripura is understandable. It has lost its earlier citadel, West Bengal, and rules only in Kerala — and even there the BJP has begun breathing down its neck, although the Congress still remains the main opposition. The Left’s track record of development in Tripura is being severely tested. Both the plains and hills have their own sets of problems. Unemployment, lack of road and rail connectivity, poor industrial development, and lack of avenues of opportunities for tribals to improve their living, are some of the major issues. But the communists have some positives going for them. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar enjoys a clean personal image. He has steered Tripura to political stability and has ensured that basic social indices remain decent. No major scandal has hit his regime in the two decades of its rule. Besides, the Left has a strong cadre in the State and its supporters have seeped into nearly every institution, and have the capacity to turn things around. On the personality front, the BJP is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma, while the Left has its old warhorse and Chief Minister Sarkar. Left leaders on the national scene, such as Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat, hardly have any sway in Tripura. The BJP-led Government at the Centre has gone all out by way of its own contribution to the party’s fortunes in the region. For instance, the Union Ministry of Textiles has planned a big push to textile manufacturing in the North-East, which would naturally include Tripura. Other Central ministries have promised loads of development work to the region. Underlying all these assurances is the thrust that a BJP regime in Tripura can gel better with the BJP-led Government at the Centre and, thus, expedite development. If the Left can stave off this new and unexpected challenge, it will not just retain power but also perhaps cause a dent in the BJP’s drive to politically secure the North-East. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Modi vs Manik Sarkar battle about to start in Tripura

The BJP is no stranger in Nagaland. Nor is the RSS. There are RSS functionaries who have worked for decades in that state trying to lay the foundation for the saffron party. The BJP was part of the outgoing Naga People&rsquo;s Front (NPF) led government. In fact, this time the BJP has set up twenty candidates to contest the upcoming polls on February 27. Senior RSS functionary Ram Madhav has been spending considerable time in Nagaland to prepare the field for the BJP to play a more pro-active role in the next government after having made a pre-poll alliance with the Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) led by Neiphiu Rio.

&nbsp;

But a missive from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary Dr Zelhou Kelho to all political parties, literally pointing at the anti-Christian agenda of the BJP, could spoil the carefully prepared menu of Ram Madhav. The church has never been so outspoken in the past. It has never directed its adherents to vote for a particular party or candidate. So what has suddenly prompted the NBCC to issue what is nothing short of a diktat to its followers against the BJP?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Dr Keyho pointed at the BJP&rsquo;s direct assault on Christians by declaring Christmas Day as Good Governance Day where offices had to be kept open. While this has subsequently been toned down and exempted for the North Eastern states but the damage to the Christian psyche is complete.

&nbsp;

Dr Keyhou in his letter said, &ldquo;India has experienced worst persecution ever in 2015-2017. You will be fully aware that persecutions have tripled in recent years. Pastors, evangelists and missionaries are dragged openly in the streets, harassed and insulted and many made to suffer. Their homes destroyed and children discriminated in schools. Worship places were burnt down and believers are often disturbed and harassed. God must be weeping when Naga politicians are running after those who seek to destroy Christianity in India and our land.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Such a letter coming from a church pulpit is bound to have a lasting impact on the voters&rsquo; mind. At least this is what anti-BJP forces in Nagaland hope. However, the Catholic Church which also has a significant presence in Nagaland has chosen to remain silent and let its followers make an informed choice.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Keyho also made an issue of the denial of visa to the President, Baptist World Alliance, Rev Paul Msiza was who was scheduled to attend the 150th year celebration of the Baptist Church in Garo Hills, Meghalaya last week. Since Msiza&rsquo;s status is equivalent to that of the Pope in the Catholic Church this is seen as a direct affront to the Baptist Church and on Christians in general. Whether the visa was rejected on grounds that it did not fulfill certain criteria or if the rejection is nuanced is hard to understand at this juncture. But considering that this is election time, the damage done can hardly be repaired.

&nbsp;

It is hard for the BJP to acquit itself this time around what with its so-called &ldquo;fringe&rdquo; wanting to do Saraswati Puja in a Christian school or its student wing the ABVP asking the UP Government not to allow Christmas celebrations in school in Uttar Pradesh.

&nbsp;

The beef ban and atrocities on those carrying or storing beef at home and the hyper-ventilated actions of the Gau rakshaks across the country are being viewed by Christians in the North Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya with fear and trepidation. They are unsure what agenda other than development will be unleashed in these states.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is difficult for the BJP to allay these fears since the Party has remained a silent spectator to all the goings-on, including the latest one by the Rajput Karni Sena which stood in the way of the film Padmavat being shown in several states. That the Rajput Karni Sena was allowed to go berserk and even stone a school bus has created a general sense of apprehension about the future of India itself under the present dispensation. And it will be difficult to blame the Christian minority groups for harbouring those fears. The fears are real and present and the BJP&rsquo;s damage control machine seems to be on the back-foot.

&nbsp;

Interestingly, in 2015, when Prime Minister Modi visited Nagaland and Meghalaya there was enthusiasm that he would bring in better governance and change for the better. But the fact that the Framework Agreement signed with the Naga rebels in August 2015 is yet to be concluded has also created some resentment. On the whole, there is a general sense of dismay about this one big unkept promise of the BJP government at the Centre.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

People are apprehensive that the next government in Nagaland might concede too much or that the Framework Agreement which has been built brick by brick in consultation with several Naga civil society groups might fall apart. No one can blame the Naga people and the churches for the current antagonism they harbour against the BJP.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The fears of Christian minority voters are real and present and the BJP’s damage control machine seems to be on the back-foot.

The BJP is no stranger in Nagaland. Nor is the RSS. There are RSS functionaries who have worked for decades in that state trying to lay the foundation for the saffron party. The BJP was part of the outgoing Naga People’s Front (NPF) led government. In fact, this time the BJP has set up twenty candidates to contest the upcoming polls on February 27. Senior RSS functionary Ram Madhav has been spending considerable time in Nagaland to prepare the field for the BJP to play a more pro-active role in the next government after having made a pre-poll alliance with the Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) led by Neiphiu Rio. But a missive from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary Dr Zelhou Kelho to all political parties, literally pointing at the anti-Christian agenda of the BJP, could spoil the carefully prepared menu of Ram Madhav. The church has never been so outspoken in the past. It has never directed its adherents to vote for a particular party or candidate. So what has suddenly prompted the NBCC to issue what is nothing short of a diktat to its followers against the BJP? Dr Keyho pointed at the BJP’s direct assault on Christians by declaring Christmas Day as Good Governance Day where offices had to be kept open. While this has subsequently been toned down and exempted for the North Eastern states but the damage to the Christian psyche is complete. Dr Keyhou in his letter said, “India has experienced worst persecution ever in 2015-2017. You will be fully aware that persecutions have tripled in recent years. Pastors, evangelists and missionaries are dragged openly in the streets, harassed and insulted and many made to suffer. Their homes destroyed and children discriminated in schools. Worship places were burnt down and believers are often disturbed and harassed. God must be weeping when Naga politicians are running after those who seek to destroy Christianity in India and our land.” Such a letter coming from a church pulpit is bound to have a lasting impact on the voters’ mind. At least this is what anti-BJP forces in Nagaland hope. However, the Catholic Church which also has a significant presence in Nagaland has chosen to remain silent and let its followers make an informed choice. Keyho also made an issue of the denial of visa to the President, Baptist World Alliance, Rev Paul Msiza was who was scheduled to attend the 150th year celebration of the Baptist Church in Garo Hills, Meghalaya last week. Since Msiza’s status is equivalent to that of the Pope in the Catholic Church this is seen as a direct affront to the Baptist Church and on Christians in general. Whether the visa was rejected on grounds that it did not fulfill certain criteria or if the rejection is nuanced is hard to understand at this juncture. But considering that this is election time, the damage done can hardly be repaired. It is hard for the BJP to acquit itself this time around what with its so-called “fringe” wanting to do Saraswati Puja in a Christian school or its student wing the ABVP asking the UP Government not to allow Christmas celebrations in school in Uttar Pradesh. The beef ban and atrocities on those carrying or storing beef at home and the hyper-ventilated actions of the Gau rakshaks across the country are being viewed by Christians in the North Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya with fear and trepidation. They are unsure what agenda other than development will be unleashed in these states. It is difficult for the BJP to allay these fears since the Party has remained a silent spectator to all the goings-on, including the latest one by the Rajput Karni Sena which stood in the way of the film Padmavat being shown in several states. That the Rajput Karni Sena was allowed to go berserk and even stone a school bus has created a general sense of apprehension about the future of India itself under the present dispensation. And it will be difficult to blame the Christian minority groups for harbouring those fears. The fears are real and present and the BJP’s damage control machine seems to be on the back-foot. Interestingly, in 2015, when Prime Minister Modi visited Nagaland and Meghalaya there was enthusiasm that he would bring in better governance and change for the better. But the fact that the Framework Agreement signed with the Naga rebels in August 2015 is yet to be concluded has also created some resentment. On the whole, there is a general sense of dismay about this one big unkept promise of the BJP government at the Centre. People are apprehensive that the next government in Nagaland might concede too much or that the Framework Agreement which has been built brick by brick in consultation with several Naga civil society groups might fall apart. No one can blame the Naga people and the churches for the current antagonism they harbour against the BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Are fears of Christian voters real in Nagaland?

BJP national secretary Ram Madhav&#39;s Twitter account has also been hacked.&nbsp;

The incident followed shortly after veteran actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anupam-khers-hacked-twitter-account-is-now-back-to-normal-31979">Anupam Kher&#39;s account was hacked</a> and later restored.&nbsp;

According to reports Turkish &#39;pro-Pakistan&#39; group is behind Madhav&#39;s hacked account. The group is also believed to be behind the manipulation of Anupam Kher&#39;s and Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta&#39;s Twitter account.&nbsp;

Madhav and Kher&#39;s Twitter pages had retweeted posts in Turkish that also featured the emoji of Turkey&#39;s flag.&nbsp;

Economist Kaushik Basu&#39;s Twitter account was also compromised and later restored.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Twitter has apologised in an official statement stating, &quot;Our teams are working to resolve an issue affecting a small number of Indian users. We will notify affected account holders directly.&quot;

The social networking giant has also urged users not to click on links in &#39;direct messages&#39;&nbsp;coming from unknown accounts.

Kher previously noted that he received a link from Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta in a direct message on Monday.

The incident followed shortly after veteran actor Anupam Kher's account was hacked and later restored

BJP national secretary Ram Madhav's Twitter account has also been hacked. The incident followed shortly after veteran actor Anupam Kher's account was hacked and later restored. According to reports Turkish 'pro-Pakistan' group is behind Madhav's hacked account. The group is also believed to be behind the manipulation of Anupam Kher's and Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta's Twitter account. Madhav and Kher's Twitter pages had retweeted posts in Turkish that also featured the emoji of Turkey's flag. Economist Kaushik Basu's Twitter account was also compromised and later restored. Meanwhile, Twitter has apologised in an official statement stating, "Our teams are working to resolve an issue affecting a small number of Indian users. We will notify affected account holders directly." The social networking giant has also urged users not to click on links in 'direct messages' coming from unknown accounts. Kher previously noted that he received a link from Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta in a direct message on Monday.

Ram Madhav, Anupam Kher's Twitter accounts hacked

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura of running a &ldquo;corrupt and violent&rdquo; government.

&ldquo;The people have to get rid of poverty and unemployment. Only one man should stay unemployed - Manik Sarkar, take away his job. He runs a corrupt government and a violent Government,&rdquo; Madhav said while addressing a gathering ahead of the assembly election in the state.

Further mocking the state government, the national general secretary of the BJP lauded the people of Tripura for &ldquo;tolerating the misrule&rdquo; of the CPI (M) for the past 25 years.

&ldquo;It is time to do away with the government which has left the people poor, devoid of development, a government which could not protect the women of its state,&rdquo; he said.

Tripura will go to polls on February 18 and the results for the same will be declared on March 3.

The CPI (M) has a strong foothold in the state and is in power for past 25 years while the incumbent Manik Sarkar is at the helm for 19 years.

Tripura will go to polls on February 18 and the results for the same will be declared on March 3

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Ram Madhav on Sunday accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura of running a “corrupt and violent” government. “The people have to get rid of poverty and unemployment. Only one man should stay unemployed - Manik Sarkar, take away his job. He runs a corrupt government and a violent Government,” Madhav said while addressing a gathering ahead of the assembly election in the state. Further mocking the state government, the national general secretary of the BJP lauded the people of Tripura for “tolerating the misrule” of the CPI (M) for the past 25 years. “It is time to do away with the government which has left the people poor, devoid of development, a government which could not protect the women of its state,” he said. Tripura will go to polls on February 18 and the results for the same will be declared on March 3. The CPI (M) has a strong foothold in the state and is in power for past 25 years while the incumbent Manik Sarkar is at the helm for 19 years.

Ram Madhav accuses Manik Sarkar of running 'corrupt, violent' government

In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday.

The four legislators, including Congress&#39;Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre.

The development comes ahead of the scheduled&nbsp;2018 state assembly elections.

Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People&#39;s Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;

The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also.&nbsp;

BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level.

Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.&nbsp;

Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to PM Modi

In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday. The four legislators, including Congress'Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre. The development comes ahead of the scheduled 2018 state assembly elections. Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People's Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also. BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level. Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.

Meghalaya: 4 MLAs quit Congress to join BJP ahead of assembly elections

Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary Ram Madhav said Sunday that the BJP would work to bring peace and development to the state -- but that there would be no forgiveness of terrorism or of support for it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yes-i-can-talk-to-the-hurriyat-i-will-talk-to-everyone-dineshwar-sharma-23077" target="_blank">Also read --&nbsp;Yes, I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone: Govt&#39;s new interlocutor for Kashmir</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-ib-director-dineshwar-sharma-will-be-governments-representative-in-jk-rajnath-singh-22764" target="_blank">Also read --&nbsp;Former IB director will be government&#39;s representative in J&amp;K: Rajnath Singh</a>

He added that the people of Kashmir were rich in culture and heritage, but that some were being misled by elements with vested interests.&nbsp;

And that most people in the region wanted peace, prosperity, and development.&nbsp;

&quot;People supporting terrorism will not be forgiven; they will be dealt according to law. But most of the people in this region want peace, prosperity, and development&quot;, Madhav said.

&quot;Our government will work to provide peace and development in the state&quot;, he added.

Madhav was in Srinagar to attend the working committee meeting of the BJP&#39;s state unit.

&nbsp;

Madhav added that the people of Kashmir were rich in culture and heritage, but that some were being misled by elements with vested interests

Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary Ram Madhav said Sunday that the BJP would work to bring peace and development to the state -- but that there would be no forgiveness of terrorism or of support for it. Also read -- Yes, I can talk to the Hurriyat. I will talk to everyone: Govt's new interlocutor for Kashmir Also read -- Former IB director will be government's representative in J&K: Rajnath Singh He added that the people of Kashmir were rich in culture and heritage, but that some were being misled by elements with vested interests. And that most people in the region wanted peace, prosperity, and development. "People supporting terrorism will not be forgiven; they will be dealt according to law. But most of the people in this region want peace, prosperity, and development", Madhav said. "Our government will work to provide peace and development in the state", he added. Madhav was in Srinagar to attend the working committee meeting of the BJP's state unit.

There'll be no forgiveness for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir: Ram Madhav

In an exclusive interview with WION&#39;s Kartikeya Sharma, BJP&#39;s general secretary Ram Madhav spoke about India&#39;s bilateral relations with China, and how India tackled the stand-off with China in Dokalam. He also shared the government&#39;s strategy for expanding its business in Sri Lanka, where it faces competition with China, the Indian government&#39;s stand on militancy and Article 35A.

Q: Has India sent a strong signal to the world&nbsp;the way it dealt with this particular Doklam dispute?

A: Both sides have appreciated the fact that bilateral interests are too big to be compromised on&nbsp;issues like this and for this reason disengagement took place. This has to be seen as a&nbsp;successful diplomatic endeavour by India at one level. But we also maintained firm ground presence. I don&rsquo;t see it&nbsp;as a victory and defeat. It is a result of simultaneous effort. We could not be provoked. We maintained&nbsp;calm and majesty. The combination of both has yielded results for us. That is the approach of new&nbsp;India. We will stand on our views firmly but will be ready for diplomatic resolutions of disputes. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Then why does China maintain that it retains the right to patrol the area?

A: Patrolling within one&#39;s own borders is what normally happens. What we have been saying that we had a&nbsp;peace and tranquility agreement. Both the countries had reiterated that maintaining peace along the&nbsp;border is important. Hope&nbsp;China will uphold this sense of understanding. 
&nbsp; 
Q: But Chinese media has been very belligerent and continues to maintain that India has withdrawn 
unilaterally?

A: Unfortunately, the Chinese media took an aggressive and provocative stand. I appreciate Indian media&nbsp;for not getting into the trap of provocation. The mature diplomatic efforts gave results. The fact&nbsp;remained that both sides realised that it is too costly to get stuck in the stand-off. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Is there enough space for India and China to thrive?

A: The world is too big for both of us. The world has enough opportunities but we should not step on&nbsp;each other&rsquo;s toe. 
&nbsp; 
Q: PM is going for BRICS. How do you see the emerging China, Pakistan and Russia axis?

A: I don&rsquo;t know whether such an axis exists. Yes, there can be issue or situation-based responses but I&nbsp;think that this formulation is premature. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Is India taking care of its interest in South Asia. For example, Chinese presence has increased in 
Sri Lanka?

A: Both India and China are big countries with big economies. They naturally scout for avenues to&nbsp;fulfill domestic requirements. We also do the same. Naturally we are living in the same region hence&nbsp;competition is unavoidable but it shouldn&rsquo;t be allowed to graduate into conflict and here lies the&nbsp;tight rope walk. 
&nbsp; 
Q: But in context of Sri Lanka?

A: Even in countries in Africa, the same resources are being accessed. Even in Sri Lanka both maintain&nbsp;each other&rsquo;s concerns. Sri Lanka is an important and close neighbour. Our trade is linked. I hope the&nbsp;Chinese side appreciates India&rsquo;s special relationship with Sri Lanka. 
&nbsp; 
Q: The Indian Ocean Conference is being organised at the Sri Lankan Prime Minister&rsquo;s residence. Is 
there a message?

A: It is a joint initiative by Sri Lanka, India and India Foundation. Yes, it is taking place at his&nbsp;residence called Temple Tree. This is a unique event. Countries which are called are those who have&nbsp;stake in the Indian Ocean region. The idea is to take control of this region by these countries. We are&nbsp;happy that Sri Lanka is taking so much interest. We appreciate it. 
&nbsp; 
Q: You are the prime minister&#39;s point person when it comes to Sri Lanka. India has many concerns, for&nbsp;example the Matala airport. Any movement on it?

A: I&rsquo;m no point person. Having said this, Hambantota is an important factor in our wider strategy.

India has an interest in Colombo&#39;s new terminal, gas platforms in the east and also the Matala airport.&nbsp;Yes, we are interested. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Are these interests getting materialised?

A: There was an MOU. It was expressed that India was interested in some of the mentioned projects and&nbsp;the intent part was established. But mere intent wouldn&rsquo;t suffice. The process of firming up is still&nbsp;on. Nevertheless, an MOU exists. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Have you received positive signals from the Lankans?

A: There are certain technical hassles which are delaying the process. But in the near future both 
sides will work on them to sort it out. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What is the BJP&rsquo;s strategy on Kashmir? When will the impasse break?

A: There is no impasse in Kashmir anymore. Civilian institutions are working properly but some areas in&nbsp;South Kashmir are affected. I can say this with surety that militancy is on the decline and there is&nbsp;demoralisation of the militant ranks today. The Indian state has taken a firm stand and recruitment for&nbsp;terror organisations has come down. We are confident that we will be able to overcome the problem of&nbsp;militancy. But that&rsquo;s not the only issue. In the valley, there exists a deliberate campaign by Pakistan&nbsp;that some sort of alienation exists. The Centre is working on it. &nbsp;We have zero tolerance for&nbsp;militancy. Stone pelters are being misled. We will deal with them differently. Our approach would be 
development centric. 
&nbsp; 
Q: The Hurriyat has been thoroughly exposed but is that enough?

A: The approach is not only to tackle underground militants but also the over ground facilitators.&nbsp;These people are the over ground sponsors of the cycle of violence in the valley. These merchants of&nbsp;militants had to be dealt with. 
&nbsp; 
Q: What is the position of the BJP on article 35A?

A: It is a legal matter before the Supreme Court of India. It has to be handled only on the legal&nbsp;plane. There is an effort to make it into a political controversy to rake up separatist sentiments. The&nbsp;matter stands postponed by several months. I say this again, that it is only a legal matter to be dealt&nbsp;at the court&#39;s level. 
&nbsp; 
Q: The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister did take political assurance from the prime minister (PM)?

A: It is between her and the PM. No comments. 
&nbsp; 
Q: You are also in charge of the North East. You now have a government in Assam. Have you been able to&nbsp;solve the issue of illegal immigration? I ask this question in the context of Rohingyas who are being&nbsp;settled in J&amp;K? This matter was also raised in Parliament.

A: Rohingaya is a major issue of concern for us. For all the nationalists. It is not good for India&rsquo;s&nbsp;security. They are being settled in Jammu, Hyderabad and Delhi. Centre is aware of it. situation in&nbsp;Myanmar needs to stablise and because of this lot migration is happening. Government is looking into&nbsp;this issue with all seriousness. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Political violence has increased in Kerala. Why?

A: Every time CPM comes to power, violence goes up. RSS and ABVP become the target. I&rsquo;m sorry to say&nbsp;that state government if not direct complicity but can be blamed for indirect complicity for all the&nbsp;killings. They want to maim our cadres. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Is it because that BJP has become a force to reckon with in Kerala?

A: RSS has a wide presence in the state. CPM cadre at grass root level get attracted to us and when&nbsp;they join us it becomes a provocation for them. But in democracy you should deal with opponents&nbsp;democratically and not through violence. 
&nbsp; 
A: What is the lesson learnt from Haryana? Aren&rsquo;t political parties responsible for it by soft peddling 
deras?

Q: &nbsp;Best efforts to maintain law and order sometimes fail and insufficient. Ideally, we should have&nbsp;done better. Having said this, I don&rsquo;t want to put entire blame on the government. Yes, it is the&nbsp;responsibility of the state to handle it. having said it. You cannot blame the state completely.&nbsp;Sometimes development goes out of hand. It is unfortunate. We could have handled it better. 
&nbsp; 
Q: Shouldn&rsquo;t Khattar take responsibility?

A: Maintaining law and order is state&rsquo;s responsibility. I don&rsquo;t deny it. we are sorry about it but 
still cannot pin the entire blame on government? 
&nbsp; 
Q: Should triple talaq verdict open the doors for reforms in minority community?

A: As far as the community part is concerned I would say. Muslim community should see it as an&nbsp;opportunity to reform the personal law so they don&rsquo;t have to knock the door of Supreme Court. When&nbsp;Hindu society reform came up in early 60s, there were protests within the Hindu community but the&nbsp;larger community accepted. Society and community leadership should take it as an opportunity. 
&nbsp; 
Q: This hasn&rsquo;t happened?

A: Everything has a time. Hope good sense prevails in the leadership 
&nbsp; 
Q: BJP chief has spoken about Mission 350. Is it possible?

A: Yes, it is possible. Rajiv Gandhi secured more than 400 hundred seats. We have been working very&nbsp;hard in South and East. We are working hard in Kerala, Orissa and other states like Telangana. We can&nbsp;get two-thirds majority in the next Parliament.

&nbsp;

 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8bfh6i3WVpA" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, BJP's general secretary Ram Madhav spoke about India's bilateral relations with China, and how India tackled the stand-off with China in Dokalam

In an exclusive interview with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, BJP's general secretary Ram Madhav spoke about India's bilateral relations with China, and how India tackled the stand-off with China in Dokalam. He also shared the government's strategy for expanding its business in Sri Lanka, where it faces competition with China, the Indian government's stand on militancy and Article 35A. Q: Has India sent a strong signal to the world the way it dealt with this particular Doklam dispute? A: Both sides have appreciated the fact that bilateral interests are too big to be compromised on issues like this and for this reason disengagement took place. This has to be seen as a successful diplomatic endeavour by India at one level. But we also maintained firm ground presence. I don’t see it as a victory and defeat. It is a result of simultaneous effort. We could not be provoked. We maintained calm and majesty. The combination of both has yielded results for us. That is the approach of new India. We will stand on our views firmly but will be ready for diplomatic resolutions of disputes. Q: Then why does China maintain that it retains the right to patrol the area? A: Patrolling within one's own borders is what normally happens. What we have been saying that we had a peace and tranquility agreement. Both the countries had reiterated that maintaining peace along the border is important. Hope China will uphold this sense of understanding. Q: But Chinese media has been very belligerent and continues to maintain that India has withdrawn unilaterally? A: Unfortunately, the Chinese media took an aggressive and provocative stand. I appreciate Indian media for not getting into the trap of provocation. The mature diplomatic efforts gave results. The fact remained that both sides realised that it is too costly to get stuck in the stand-off. Q: Is there enough space for India and China to thrive? A: The world is too big for both of us. The world has enough opportunities but we should not step on each other’s toe. Q: PM is going for BRICS. How do you see the emerging China, Pakistan and Russia axis? A: I don’t know whether such an axis exists. Yes, there can be issue or situation-based responses but I think that this formulation is premature. Q: Is India taking care of its interest in South Asia. For example, Chinese presence has increased in Sri Lanka? A: Both India and China are big countries with big economies. They naturally scout for avenues to fulfill domestic requirements. We also do the same. Naturally we are living in the same region hence competition is unavoidable but it shouldn’t be allowed to graduate into conflict and here lies the tight rope walk. Q: But in context of Sri Lanka? A: Even in countries in Africa, the same resources are being accessed. Even in Sri Lanka both maintain each other’s concerns. Sri Lanka is an important and close neighbour. Our trade is linked. I hope the Chinese side appreciates India’s special relationship with Sri Lanka. Q: The Indian Ocean Conference is being organised at the Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s residence. Is there a message? A: It is a joint initiative by Sri Lanka, India and India Foundation. Yes, it is taking place at his residence called Temple Tree. This is a unique event. Countries which are called are those who have stake in the Indian Ocean region. The idea is to take control of this region by these countries. We are happy that Sri Lanka is taking so much interest. We appreciate it. Q: You are the prime minister's point person when it comes to Sri Lanka. India has many concerns, for example the Matala airport. Any movement on it? A: I’m no point person. Having said this, Hambantota is an important factor in our wider strategy. India has an interest in Colombo's new terminal, gas platforms in the east and also the Matala airport. Yes, we are interested. Q: Are these interests getting materialised? A: There was an MOU. It was expressed that India was interested in some of the mentioned projects and the intent part was established. But mere intent wouldn’t suffice. The process of firming up is still on. Nevertheless, an MOU exists. Q: Have you received positive signals from the Lankans? A: There are certain technical hassles which are delaying the process. But in the near future both sides will work on them to sort it out. Q: What is the BJP’s strategy on Kashmir? When will the impasse break? A: There is no impasse in Kashmir anymore. Civilian institutions are working properly but some areas in South Kashmir are affected. I can say this with surety that militancy is on the decline and there is demoralisation of the militant ranks today. The Indian state has taken a firm stand and recruitment for terror organisations has come down. We are confident that we will be able to overcome the problem of militancy. But that’s not the only issue. In the valley, there exists a deliberate campaign by Pakistan that some sort of alienation exists. The Centre is working on it. We have zero tolerance for militancy. Stone pelters are being misled. We will deal with them differently. Our approach would be development centric. Q: The Hurriyat has been thoroughly exposed but is that enough? A: The approach is not only to tackle underground militants but also the over ground facilitators. These people are the over ground sponsors of the cycle of violence in the valley. These merchants of militants had to be dealt with. Q: What is the position of the BJP on article 35A? A: It is a legal matter before the Supreme Court of India. It has to be handled only on the legal plane. There is an effort to make it into a political controversy to rake up separatist sentiments. The matter stands postponed by several months. I say this again, that it is only a legal matter to be dealt at the court's level. Q: The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister did take political assurance from the prime minister (PM)? A: It is between her and the PM. No comments. Q: You are also in charge of the North East. You now have a government in Assam. Have you been able to solve the issue of illegal immigration? I ask this question in the context of Rohingyas who are being settled in J&K? This matter was also raised in Parliament. A: Rohingaya is a major issue of concern for us. For all the nationalists. It is not good for India’s security. They are being settled in Jammu, Hyderabad and Delhi. Centre is aware of it. situation in Myanmar needs to stablise and because of this lot migration is happening. Government is looking into this issue with all seriousness. Q: Political violence has increased in Kerala. Why? A: Every time CPM comes to power, violence goes up. RSS and ABVP become the target. I’m sorry to say that state government if not direct complicity but can be blamed for indirect complicity for all the killings. They want to maim our cadres. Q: Is it because that BJP has become a force to reckon with in Kerala? A: RSS has a wide presence in the state. CPM cadre at grass root level get attracted to us and when they join us it becomes a provocation for them. But in democracy you should deal with opponents democratically and not through violence. A: What is the lesson learnt from Haryana? Aren’t political parties responsible for it by soft peddling deras? Q: Best efforts to maintain law and order sometimes fail and insufficient. Ideally, we should have done better. Having said this, I don’t want to put entire blame on the government. Yes, it is the responsibility of the state to handle it. having said it. You cannot blame the state completely. Sometimes development goes out of hand. It is unfortunate. We could have handled it better. Q: Shouldn’t Khattar take responsibility? A: Maintaining law and order is state’s responsibility. I don’t deny it. we are sorry about it but still cannot pin the entire blame on government? Q: Should triple talaq verdict open the doors for reforms in minority community? A: As far as the community part is concerned I would say. Muslim community should see it as an opportunity to reform the personal law so they don’t have to knock the door of Supreme Court. When Hindu society reform came up in early 60s, there were protests within the Hindu community but the larger community accepted. Society and community leadership should take it as an opportunity. Q: This hasn’t happened? A: Everything has a time. Hope good sense prevails in the leadership Q: BJP chief has spoken about Mission 350. Is it possible? A: Yes, it is possible. Rajiv Gandhi secured more than 400 hundred seats. We have been working very hard in South and East. We are working hard in Kerala, Orissa and other states like Telangana. We can get two-thirds majority in the next Parliament.

WION Exclusive: We could not be provoked, says BJP's Ram Madhav on Doklam stand-off

In an exclusive interview with WION, Ram Madhav, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared his party&#39;s vision for the roah ahead if it comes to power in Manipur. He spoke about the crisis of economic blockades in the state, and promised to make Manipur a &quot;Bandh-mukt&quot; state. The BJP general secretary blamed the Ibobi Singh-led Congress government for creating discord among people by bifurcating seven of the state&#39;s nine districts. He promised the BJP would go after political leaders behind extra-judicial killings and to end the violence in the state so much so that there would be no need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Q: Why is Manipur so important in the scheme of things for the BJP? 
A: We started our victory march with Assam. Then we did well in other states. Now it is Manipur stop. The present government is very corrupt and problems faced by people are severe. There is high unemployment and violence.

Q: Manipur is the past has seen lot of blockades. It has become a state of blockades. How do you see this problem? 
A: Manipur has suffered enormously because of blockades. The state has lost hundreds of days because of it and per day it costs 30 crores. Blockades have also happened because of the political interest of the ruling party. We have asked the state government to end the blockade immediately and sent extra security forces. The state government didn&rsquo;t act. If we come to power, we will make sure that blockades don&rsquo;t take place.&nbsp;

Q: Impression is that BJP didn&rsquo;t do much to end the blockade because the government was concerned about the Naga Accord? 
A: That was the wrong propaganda which the local government had indulged in. It is incorrect.&nbsp;

It was a misunderstanding. The government of India can only assist the state government. It cannot take law and order under its control. We have given the state 170 companies of the para-military. Still, the chief minister (CM) said that I cannot do anything. He said you do it. He was afraid of taking strict action against people who created a problem for the whole valley. It is a sad situation. CM expresses his own helplessness.&nbsp;

Q: Why basic details of the accord have not been shared? 
A: It is a propaganda. It is a framework for a better agreement tomorrow. It&rsquo;s not the final agreement. It is a one-page agreement. It doesn&rsquo;t talk about Manipur. It only talks about the basic parameters under which agreement will be worked out with the Nagas. There is no question of the territorial compromise of Manipur and yet, to rake up the issue reeks of political desperation and nothing else. There is nothing secret in the document. The cooking has become and you want to taste it. Let it happen.

Q: Seven districts were created which led to blockade. How do you see it? 
A: Chief Ministers have the right to create districts. These are administrative decisions. The Vajpayee government created three states peacefully. Look at the Congress. They created Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and bad blood happened. It is a similar situation. They should have created districts in a manner which should not have led to political strife. That&rsquo;s the whole problem. People of the state feel that Ibobi has been power for 15 years why did he need seven districts two months before the elections.&nbsp;

Q: Manipur cannot be limited to the issue of blockades. There are problems unique to this state and how do you intend to solve them? 
A: Right now in this election, it is all about corruption. The corruption needs to end immediately. Manipur needs to be a blockade-free state. We will create employment here. People have been killed in extra-judicial killings in Manipur. There are thousands of widows. There is lawlessness perpetrated by the elected government. That will be put to an end. Political masters will be brought to books who were behind extra-judicial killings.&nbsp;

Q: If you are talking about extra-judicial killing then you have to deal with AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act). How do you resolve this issue? Iron Sharmila is contesting elections on this issue? 
A: Once we are in power we will look into it. AFSPA is not in the valley but where it exists, it exists because of violence. We will end violence in the valley. There are no jobs here. This is the reason for insurgency. That will create a situation that AFSPA wouldn&#39;t be required.

Q: You are incharge of the North East. The PM has spoken about Look East politics. How do you integrate it? 
A: It is very important to us. Manipur is a major trade transit point and Manipur is very important in this scheme. This is the reason why we want a government in Manipur.

Q: What makes you confident that the BJP will come to power&nbsp; 
A: People are fed up with 15-years of misrule and Congress CM is corrupt and people want different leadership which they see in PM Modi. We will provide that no nonsense leadership.

Q: But what about ending the anxiety over Nagalim which exists in Manipur? 
A: Absolutely. I would say whatever be the nature of talks with Naga leaders, the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be compromised. Its territory is sacred for us. No territory can be changed without the clearance of the state government.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Ram Madhav, the national general secretary of the BJP, shared his party's vision for the road ahead if it comes to power in Manipur

In an exclusive interview with WION, Ram Madhav, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared his party's vision for the roah ahead if it comes to power in Manipur. He spoke about the crisis of economic blockades in the state, and promised to make Manipur a "Bandh-mukt" state. The BJP general secretary blamed the Ibobi Singh-led Congress government for creating discord among people by bifurcating seven of the state's nine districts. He promised the BJP would go after political leaders behind extra-judicial killings and to end the violence in the state so much so that there would be no need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Q: Why is Manipur so important in the scheme of things for the BJP? A: We started our victory march with Assam. Then we did well in other states. Now it is Manipur stop. The present government is very corrupt and problems faced by people are severe. There is high unemployment and violence. Q: Manipur is the past has seen lot of blockades. It has become a state of blockades. How do you see this problem? A: Manipur has suffered enormously because of blockades. The state has lost hundreds of days because of it and per day it costs 30 crores. Blockades have also happened because of the political interest of the ruling party. We have asked the state government to end the blockade immediately and sent extra security forces. The state government didn’t act. If we come to power, we will make sure that blockades don’t take place. Q: Impression is that BJP didn’t do much to end the blockade because the government was concerned about the Naga Accord? A: That was the wrong propaganda which the local government had indulged in. It is incorrect. It was a misunderstanding. The government of India can only assist the state government. It cannot take law and order under its control. We have given the state 170 companies of the para-military. Still, the chief minister (CM) said that I cannot do anything. He said you do it. He was afraid of taking strict action against people who created a problem for the whole valley. It is a sad situation. CM expresses his own helplessness. Q: Why basic details of the accord have not been shared? A: It is a propaganda. It is a framework for a better agreement tomorrow. It’s not the final agreement. It is a one-page agreement. It doesn’t talk about Manipur. It only talks about the basic parameters under which agreement will be worked out with the Nagas. There is no question of the territorial compromise of Manipur and yet, to rake up the issue reeks of political desperation and nothing else. There is nothing secret in the document. The cooking has become and you want to taste it. Let it happen. Q: Seven districts were created which led to blockade. How do you see it? A: Chief Ministers have the right to create districts. These are administrative decisions. The Vajpayee government created three states peacefully. Look at the Congress. They created Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and bad blood happened. It is a similar situation. They should have created districts in a manner which should not have led to political strife. That’s the whole problem. People of the state feel that Ibobi has been power for 15 years why did he need seven districts two months before the elections. Q: Manipur cannot be limited to the issue of blockades. There are problems unique to this state and how do you intend to solve them? A: Right now in this election, it is all about corruption. The corruption needs to end immediately. Manipur needs to be a blockade-free state. We will create employment here. People have been killed in extra-judicial killings in Manipur. There are thousands of widows. There is lawlessness perpetrated by the elected government. That will be put to an end. Political masters will be brought to books who were behind extra-judicial killings. Q: If you are talking about extra-judicial killing then you have to deal with AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act). How do you resolve this issue? Iron Sharmila is contesting elections on this issue? A: Once we are in power we will look into it. AFSPA is not in the valley but where it exists, it exists because of violence. We will end violence in the valley. There are no jobs here. This is the reason for insurgency. That will create a situation that AFSPA wouldn't be required. Q: You are incharge of the North East. The PM has spoken about Look East politics. How do you integrate it? A: It is very important to us. Manipur is a major trade transit point and Manipur is very important in this scheme. This is the reason why we want a government in Manipur. Q: What makes you confident that the BJP will come to power A: People are fed up with 15-years of misrule and Congress CM is corrupt and people want different leadership which they see in PM Modi. We will provide that no nonsense leadership. Q: But what about ending the anxiety over Nagalim which exists in Manipur? A: Absolutely. I would say whatever be the nature of talks with Naga leaders, the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be compromised. Its territory is sacred for us. No territory can be changed without the clearance of the state government. (WION)

Exclusive: Will make Manipur violence-free, says BJP ahead of Assembly polls

In an exclusive interview to DNA-WION, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav said the agitation in Kashmir was an attempt to topple the democratically-elected government of PDP-BJP in the Valley.

&ldquo;The agitation was funded from abroad and Pakistan and separatists wanted to topple our government. The behavior of&nbsp;Chief Minister (of Kashmir state) Mehbooba Mufti was exemplary. She didn&rsquo;t cave in to any pressure,&rdquo; said Ram Madhav. 
&nbsp; 
The agitation&nbsp;in the Valley lasted more than three months, resulting in the death of several civilians. The upheaval in Kashmir valley started after the&nbsp;commander of a Kashmir separatist group&nbsp;was killed by Indian security personnel on July 8.

BJP leaders tried out reach for number of times which included two trips which Home Minister Rajnath Singh made to the valley to meet number of stakeholders. Ram Madhav said that time has come for the civil society leadership to take responsibility and stand against the terrorists.

&ldquo;We understand that terrorists and their supporters have created fear in the valley but civilian leadership needs to rise to the challenge,&rdquo; he said. Ram Madhav was responding to the question that in the early days of the agitation, houses of senior Peoples Democratic Party&nbsp;(PDP) leaders came under the fire of local protesters and terrorists. 
&nbsp; 
He was categorical that the Indian state will not bow under any pressure tactic accruing from violence by the agitators. Though he admitted that unrest was intense&nbsp;in the rural areas though. Ram Madhav insisted that civil society must come out in support of normalcy in the state. 
&nbsp; 
Though he made a pitch for the local leadership which includes religious leadership to participate in the healing process. &ldquo;The religious leadership which includes maulvi and preachers must come forward and participate in the healing process,&rdquo; said Ram Madhav. 
&nbsp; 
He came down hard on the role of the separatists. He categorically said the government will not bend itself backward for them to participate.

When asked about eroded legitimacy of the PDP in the valley, he said, &quot;What was National Conference doing?&nbsp;If legitimacy is the case then NC, PDP and INC have legitimacy collectively.&rdquo;

He further added that two flag issue, campus flag row and resettlement issue had nothing to do with the agitation. &ldquo;These issues were created by NC and certain main stream parties. NC also made resettlement an issue,&rdquo; said Ram Madhav. He insisted that the habit of picking non issues has become a nemesis in Kashmir. Though he added by saying that BJP remains committed for the return of the pandits to the valley and there would be no compromise on the issue. 
&nbsp; 
Speaking on insurgency Ram Madhav said,&rdquo; What local issues can be resolved by attacking a CRPF camp. Protests have to be in the spirit of democracy.&rdquo;

After three&nbsp;months of violence and lock down, Kashmir valley seems to be limping back to normalcy. Ram Madhav says that Pakistan needs to create normalcy on the border and onus lies on them. &ldquo;We have no appetite for violence. India reserves the right to respond and that&rsquo;s what the government is doing,&rdquo; he said.

He ended the conversation by saying that the mutilation of the Indian soldier is unacceptable and such action will not go unpunished.

(WION)

BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav said the federal government wouldn't try too hard to accommodate separatists in Kashmir's healing process

In an exclusive interview to DNA-WION, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav said the agitation in Kashmir was an attempt to topple the democratically-elected government of PDP-BJP in the Valley. “The agitation was funded from abroad and Pakistan and separatists wanted to topple our government. The behavior of Chief Minister (of Kashmir state) Mehbooba Mufti was exemplary. She didn’t cave in to any pressure,” said Ram Madhav. The agitation in the Valley lasted more than three months, resulting in the death of several civilians. The upheaval in Kashmir valley started after the commander of a Kashmir separatist group was killed by Indian security personnel on July 8. BJP leaders tried out reach for number of times which included two trips which Home Minister Rajnath Singh made to the valley to meet number of stakeholders. Ram Madhav said that time has come for the civil society leadership to take responsibility and stand against the terrorists. “We understand that terrorists and their supporters have created fear in the valley but civilian leadership needs to rise to the challenge,” he said. Ram Madhav was responding to the question that in the early days of the agitation, houses of senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders came under the fire of local protesters and terrorists. He was categorical that the Indian state will not bow under any pressure tactic accruing from violence by the agitators. Though he admitted that unrest was intense in the rural areas though. Ram Madhav insisted that civil society must come out in support of normalcy in the state. Though he made a pitch for the local leadership which includes religious leadership to participate in the healing process. “The religious leadership which includes maulvi and preachers must come forward and participate in the healing process,” said Ram Madhav. He came down hard on the role of the separatists. He categorically said the government will not bend itself backward for them to participate. When asked about eroded legitimacy of the PDP in the valley, he said, "What was National Conference doing? If legitimacy is the case then NC, PDP and INC have legitimacy collectively.” He further added that two flag issue, campus flag row and resettlement issue had nothing to do with the agitation. “These issues were created by NC and certain main stream parties. NC also made resettlement an issue,” said Ram Madhav. He insisted that the habit of picking non issues has become a nemesis in Kashmir. Though he added by saying that BJP remains committed for the return of the pandits to the valley and there would be no compromise on the issue. Speaking on insurgency Ram Madhav said,” What local issues can be resolved by attacking a CRPF camp. Protests have to be in the spirit of democracy.” After three months of violence and lock down, Kashmir valley seems to be limping back to normalcy. Ram Madhav says that Pakistan needs to create normalcy on the border and onus lies on them. “We have no appetite for violence. India reserves the right to respond and that’s what the government is doing,” he said. He ended the conversation by saying that the mutilation of the Indian soldier is unacceptable and such action will not go unpunished. (WION)

Kashmir agitation was an attempt to topple government: BJP leader

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