Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in tweets, condoled the demise of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away at the age of 67 in New Delhi and said that 'A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end'

'A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end' tweets PM Modi on Sushma Swaraj’s demise

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-has-always-supported-our-party-in-times-of-need-mulayam-singh-yadav-211764">SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP</a>, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry.

Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them.

"This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters.

In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult.

At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766">Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena</a>, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship".

Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together. The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry. Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them. "This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters. In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult. At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship". Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

SP-BSP joint rally proof of storm in Modi's support in Lok Sabha polls: BJP

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state.

Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way.

Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

“I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance,” Hussain said.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata’s police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a ‘dharna’ since Sunday night over the CBI’s attempts to interrogate the police chief.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said the TMC-led government in West Bengal has denied the party permission for a rally in Murshidabad and alleged that there is complete lawlessness in the state. Hussain said he will still go to Murshidabad and is already on the way. Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was denied permission to hold a rally in the state, which is witnessing a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP. “I have been told that the district administration has not given permission to hold a rally in Murshidabad, which was scheduled for today. The party had sought permission and had informed the local administration in advance,” Hussain said. The Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state and BJP are at loggerheads after the CBI tried to question Kolkata’s police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee has been on a ‘dharna’ since Sunday night over the CBI’s attempts to interrogate the police chief.

Denied permission to hold rally in Murshidabad in West Bengal: Shahnawaz Hussain

Narendra Modi is the "favourite" prime ministerial candidate of Muslims for next year's Lok Sabha polls as he has dispelled the "fear" that several parties instilled in the community using his name, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Sunday.

He said the faith in Modi among Muslims had increased, especially among the women.

"The favourite prime ministerial candidate for Muslims in the 2019 polls is Narendra Modi, because he sees all 132 crore people of the country just as Indians. Other parties have seen them as a vote bank," Hussain said.

Muslims account for around 14 per cent of India's 130 crore population and the community plays a key role in the electoral outcome in a sizeable number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir.

Hussain blamed the Congress for the poverty and backwardness of the Muslims in the country, saying the party had done injustice to the community and Modi had given them justice.

"Some people in 2014 used to scare others using Narendra Modi's name. Today, a large number of people from the Muslim community also feel that he is a man who works day and night. Narendra Modi treats all 132 crore Indians alike," he said.

Other parties used to take votes from Muslims by spreading the "fear" of Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the prime minister had taken out that fear, Hussain said.

Now they see that Modi is in power but there is no problem, the BJP leader added.

Not a single statement was made by Modi against Muslims, he said, adding that the prime minister's "shamshan-kabristan" statement in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls last year was "wrongly interpreted" as he had advocated taking care of both.

"In our party, some people may be making (certain) statements, but Muslims have full faith on the statements made by BJP chief Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the former Union minister said.

"Our party president and our prime minister have never given any statement that would hurt Muslims," he claimed, asserting that the community would back the saffron party big time in the 2019 general election.

Hussain also said Allahabad's name was changed to Prayagraj as "injustice" was done in the past" and now, "justice" had been restored.

"The earlier name was Prayagraj that was changed. To correct that mistake, is it wrong?

"Earlier also, Bangalore's name was changed to Bengaluru, Madras was changed to Chennai. So, how does history come into this," he said, rebutting the Congress's charge that the Modi government was trying to rewrite history.

On the Ram temple issue, Hussain said for the BJP, it was a matter of faith and not a poll plank.

"From October 29, there will be day-to-day hearing (in the Supreme Court). We are hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon and it will be acceptable to all the people in the country.

"Some people are also demanding that a law be made (for the construction of the temple). Everybody has a right to demand, how can anybody stop that? The government has the right to decide and it has not taken any decision in this regard," he said.

Talking about the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, the BJP spokesperson exuded confidence that his party would win in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

"In Mizoram, the government will not be formed without our support and in Telangana, we will emerge as a big party," he claimed.

Hussain also asserted that the BJP, the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will fight the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar together.

He said the alliance with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) had boosted the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) prospects in Bihar and the coalition was focussed on "Mission 40" -- to win all the Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Asked if anti-incumbency would be a factor in Bihar, Hussain said, "I had lost from Bhagalpur by 8,000 votes and Nitish Kumarji's candidate was third, getting 1,60,000 votes. Now those votes will be added to the BJP's kitty...We will fight together and this time, it is Mission 40 -- that we win all the 40 seats."

He also claimed that issues such as rising petrol and diesel prices will not hamper the BJP's poll prospects, saying the people were aware that the fuel problem was a global one.

The Modi government will come to power with a bigger mandate in 2019, Hussain asserted.

Narendra Modi is the "favourite" prime ministerial candidate of Muslims for next year's Lok Sabha polls as he has dispelled the "fear" that several parties instilled in the community using his name, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Sunday.

Narendra Modi is the "favourite" prime ministerial candidate of Muslims for next year's Lok Sabha polls as he has dispelled the "fear" that several parties instilled in the community using his name, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Sunday. He said the faith in Modi among Muslims had increased, especially among the women. "The favourite prime ministerial candidate for Muslims in the 2019 polls is Narendra Modi, because he sees all 132 crore people of the country just as Indians. Other parties have seen them as a vote bank," Hussain said. Muslims account for around 14 per cent of India's 130 crore population and the community plays a key role in the electoral outcome in a sizeable number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir. Hussain blamed the Congress for the poverty and backwardness of the Muslims in the country, saying the party had done injustice to the community and Modi had given them justice. "Some people in 2014 used to scare others using Narendra Modi's name. Today, a large number of people from the Muslim community also feel that he is a man who works day and night. Narendra Modi treats all 132 crore Indians alike," he said. Other parties used to take votes from Muslims by spreading the "fear" of Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the prime minister had taken out that fear, Hussain said. Now they see that Modi is in power but there is no problem, the BJP leader added. Not a single statement was made by Modi against Muslims, he said, adding that the prime minister's "shamshan-kabristan" statement in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls last year was "wrongly interpreted" as he had advocated taking care of both. "In our party, some people may be making (certain) statements, but Muslims have full faith on the statements made by BJP chief Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the former Union minister said. "Our party president and our prime minister have never given any statement that would hurt Muslims," he claimed, asserting that the community would back the saffron party big time in the 2019 general election. Hussain also said Allahabad's name was changed to Prayagraj as "injustice" was done in the past" and now, "justice" had been restored. "The earlier name was Prayagraj that was changed. To correct that mistake, is it wrong? "Earlier also, Bangalore's name was changed to Bengaluru, Madras was changed to Chennai. So, how does history come into this," he said, rebutting the Congress's charge that the Modi government was trying to rewrite history. On the Ram temple issue, Hussain said for the BJP, it was a matter of faith and not a poll plank. "From October 29, there will be day-to-day hearing (in the Supreme Court). We are hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon and it will be acceptable to all the people in the country. "Some people are also demanding that a law be made (for the construction of the temple). Everybody has a right to demand, how can anybody stop that? The government has the right to decide and it has not taken any decision in this regard," he said. Talking about the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, the BJP spokesperson exuded confidence that his party would win in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. "In Mizoram, the government will not be formed without our support and in Telangana, we will emerge as a big party," he claimed. Hussain also asserted that the BJP, the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will fight the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar together. He said the alliance with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) had boosted the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) prospects in Bihar and the coalition was focussed on "Mission 40" -- to win all the Lok Sabha seats in the state. Asked if anti-incumbency would be a factor in Bihar, Hussain said, "I had lost from Bhagalpur by 8,000 votes and Nitish Kumarji's candidate was third, getting 1,60,000 votes. Now those votes will be added to the BJP's kitty...We will fight together and this time, it is Mission 40 -- that we win all the 40 seats." He also claimed that issues such as rising petrol and diesel prices will not hamper the BJP's poll prospects, saying the people were aware that the fuel problem was a global one. The Modi government will come to power with a bigger mandate in 2019, Hussain asserted.

Modi is favourite PM candidate of Muslims for 2019: Shahnawaz Hussain

Narendra Modi is the "favourite" prime ministerial candidate of Muslims for next year's Lok Sabha polls as he has dispelled the "fear" that several parties instilled in the community using his name, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Sunday.

He said the faith in Modi among Muslims had increased, especially among the women.

"The favourite prime ministerial candidate for Muslims in the 2019 polls is Narendra Modi, because he sees all 132 crore people of the country just as Indians. Other parties have seen them as a vote bank," Hussain said.

Muslims account for around 14 per cent of India's 130 crore population and the community plays a key role in the electoral outcome in a sizeable number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir.

Hussain blamed the Congress for the poverty and backwardness of the Muslims in the country, saying the party had done injustice to the community and Modi had given them justice.

"Some people in 2014 used to scare others using Narendra Modi's name. Today, a large number of people from the Muslim community also feel that he is a man who works day and night. Narendra Modi treats all 132 crore Indians alike," he said.

Other parties used to take votes from Muslims by spreading the "fear" of Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the prime minister had taken out that fear, Hussain said.

Now they see that Modi is in power but there is no problem, the BJP leader added. 
Not a single statement was made by Modi against Muslims, he said, adding that the prime minister's "shamshan-kabristan" statement in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh&nbsp; 
Assembly polls last year was "wrongly interpreted" as he had advocated taking care of both.

"In our party, some people may be making (certain) statements, but Muslims have full faith on the statements made by BJP chief Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the former Union minister said.

"Our party president and our prime minister have never given any statement that would hurt Muslims," he claimed, asserting that the community would back the saffron party big time in the 2019 general election.

Hussain also said Allahabad's name was changed to Prayagraj as?"injustice" was done in the past" and now, "justice" had been restored.

"The earlier name was Prayagraj that was changed. To correct that mistake, is it wrong?

"Earlier also, Bangalore's name was changed to Bengaluru, Madras was changed to Chennai. So, how does history come into this," he said, rebutting the Congress's charge that the Modi government was trying to rewrite history.

On the Ram temple issue, Hussain said for the BJP, it was a matter of faith and not a poll plank.

"From October 29, there will be day-to-day hearing (in the Supreme Court). We are hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon and it will be acceptable to all the people in the country.

"Some people are also demanding that a law be made (for the construction of the temple). Everybody has a right to demand, how can anybody stop that? The government has the right to decide and it has not taken any decision in this regard," he said.

Talking about the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, the BJP spokesperson exuded confidence that his party would win in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

"In Mizoram, the government will not be formed without our support and in Telangana, we will emerge as a big party," he claimed.

Hussain also asserted that the BJP, the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will fight the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar together. 
He said the alliance with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) had boosted the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) prospects in Bihar and the coalition was focused on "Mission 40" -- to win all the Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Asked if anti-incumbency would be a factor in Bihar, Hussain said, "I had lost from Bhagalpur by 8,000 votes and Nitish Kumarji's candidate was third, getting 1,60,000 votes. Now those votes will be added to the BJP's kitty...We will fight together and this time, it is Mission 40 -- that we win all the 40 seats."

He also claimed that issues such as rising petrol and diesel prices will not hamper the BJP's poll prospects, saying the people were aware that the fuel problem was a global one.

The Modi government will come to power with a bigger mandate in 2019, Hussain asserted.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi is the "favourite" prime ministerial candidate of Muslims for next year's Lok Sabha polls as he has dispelled the "fear" that several parties instilled in the community using his name, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Sunday. He said the faith in Modi among Muslims had increased, especially among the women. "The favourite prime ministerial candidate for Muslims in the 2019 polls is Narendra Modi, because he sees all 132 crore people of the country just as Indians. Other parties have seen them as a vote bank," Hussain said. Muslims account for around 14 per cent of India's 130 crore population and the community plays a key role in the electoral outcome in a sizeable number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir. Hussain blamed the Congress for the poverty and backwardness of the Muslims in the country, saying the party had done injustice to the community and Modi had given them justice. "Some people in 2014 used to scare others using Narendra Modi's name. Today, a large number of people from the Muslim community also feel that he is a man who works day and night. Narendra Modi treats all 132 crore Indians alike," he said. Other parties used to take votes from Muslims by spreading the "fear" of Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the prime minister had taken out that fear, Hussain said. Now they see that Modi is in power but there is no problem, the BJP leader added. Not a single statement was made by Modi against Muslims, he said, adding that the prime minister's "shamshan-kabristan" statement in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls last year was "wrongly interpreted" as he had advocated taking care of both. "In our party, some people may be making (certain) statements, but Muslims have full faith on the statements made by BJP chief Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the former Union minister said. "Our party president and our prime minister have never given any statement that would hurt Muslims," he claimed, asserting that the community would back the saffron party big time in the 2019 general election. Hussain also said Allahabad's name was changed to Prayagraj as?"injustice" was done in the past" and now, "justice" had been restored. "The earlier name was Prayagraj that was changed. To correct that mistake, is it wrong? "Earlier also, Bangalore's name was changed to Bengaluru, Madras was changed to Chennai. So, how does history come into this," he said, rebutting the Congress's charge that the Modi government was trying to rewrite history. On the Ram temple issue, Hussain said for the BJP, it was a matter of faith and not a poll plank. "From October 29, there will be day-to-day hearing (in the Supreme Court). We are hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon and it will be acceptable to all the people in the country. "Some people are also demanding that a law be made (for the construction of the temple). Everybody has a right to demand, how can anybody stop that? The government has the right to decide and it has not taken any decision in this regard," he said. Talking about the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, the BJP spokesperson exuded confidence that his party would win in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. "In Mizoram, the government will not be formed without our support and in Telangana, we will emerge as a big party," he claimed. Hussain also asserted that the BJP, the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will fight the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar together. He said the alliance with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) had boosted the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) prospects in Bihar and the coalition was focused on "Mission 40" -- to win all the Lok Sabha seats in the state. Asked if anti-incumbency would be a factor in Bihar, Hussain said, "I had lost from Bhagalpur by 8,000 votes and Nitish Kumarji's candidate was third, getting 1,60,000 votes. Now those votes will be added to the BJP's kitty...We will fight together and this time, it is Mission 40 -- that we win all the 40 seats." He also claimed that issues such as rising petrol and diesel prices will not hamper the BJP's poll prospects, saying the people were aware that the fuel problem was a global one. The Modi government will come to power with a bigger mandate in 2019, Hussain asserted.

Modi is favourite PM candidate of Muslims for 2019: Senior BJP leader

BJP President Amit Shah has constituted a four-member&nbspcommittee to probe into the clashes that broke out during&nbspRam Navami in parts of West Bengal.

The four-member committee constitutes OM Mathur, Shahnawaz Hussain, Roopa Ganguly and BD Mathur.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Clashes during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNavami?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamNavami</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmitShah?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmitShah</a> constitutes a four-member committee to visit affected areas in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Asansol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Asansol</a> & submit a report. OM Mathur, Shahnawaz Hussain, Roopa Ganguly & BD Mathur are members of the committee.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979626454748196864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The clashes erupted in West Bengal during Ram Navami after the ruling party Trinamool Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata party took out rallies across the state to celebrate the&nbspfestival.

Since then the situation has not&nbspbeen&nbsppacified and&nbspthe violence in Asansol and Raniganj have worsened leading to five death.

Section 144 has been imposed in the area and the internet connection has been disrupted.

&nbsp

The four-member committee constitutes OM Mathur, Shahnawaz Hussain, Roopa Ganguly and BD Mathur

BJP President Amit Shah has constituted a four-member&nbspcommittee to probe into the clashes that broke out during&nbspRam Navami in parts of West Bengal. The four-member committee constitutes OM Mathur, Shahnawaz Hussain, Roopa Ganguly and BD Mathur. Clashes during #RamNavami: #BJP President #AmitShah constitutes a four-member committee to visit affected areas in #Asansol & submit a report. OM Mathur, Shahnawaz Hussain, Roopa Ganguly & BD Mathur are members of the committee. — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 × The clashes erupted in West Bengal during Ram Navami after the ruling party Trinamool Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata party took out rallies across the state to celebrate the&nbspfestival. Since then the situation has not&nbspbeen&nbsppacified and&nbspthe violence in Asansol and Raniganj have worsened leading to five death. Section 144 has been imposed in the area and the internet connection has been disrupted.

Amit Shah forms 4 member committee to probe West Bengal clashes

Standing by the statement of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said that a serious effort is being carried out by the Government of India in resolving the issue.

BJP leader S&nbsp;Prakash said the separatist elements and forces from across the border, which are fomenting trouble and creating an atmosphere of disturbance, must be put to an end.

&quot;Many efforts are underway to restore normalcy and urge people of the Valley to maintain peace and order which is currently under threat. A serious effort is being carried by the Government of India which the Home Minister has himself confirmed. The peaceful Kashmir Valley will be realised very soon,&quot; Prakash told ANI.

Another BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain submitted the same, saying that Singh only clarified that one should not live in the misconception that they can separate us from Kashmir.

&quot;Our government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have always shown concern for Jammu and Kashmir. The entire nation is united on the opinion that Kashmir is only ours. The same Rajnath Singh has said that they are ready to take out a solution for this problem,&quot; Hussain told ANI.

Assuring complete closure of the Kashmir issue on behalf of the government, Rajnath Singh yesterday made a strong statement that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat belong to India.

&quot;We understand that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat are ours. I assure you that we will come up with a permanent solution to end the issue,&quot; he said while addressing a gathering in Pelling, Sikkim.

In the hope of resolving the ongoing friction between India and Pakistan regarding territorial disputes in Kashmir, the Union Home Minister said it is time for Islamabad to mend its ways and come to a consensus on the issue, rather than prolonging the same.

&quot;Pakistan continues to carry out acts of violence in the name of Kashmir, just to destabilise us. It is time for Pakistan to end these and look into resolving the matter and extending cooperation,&quot; said Rajnath.

Developing on the importance of easing tensions along the border, Rajnath while drawing upon the reduction of border transgression with China, said Pakistan was invited to maintain friendly relations and not just bilateral ties.

&quot;There might be perceptional differences, but the border friction with China has declined now. Pakistan Prime Minister was invited to the oath-taking ceremony not just to join hands, but to be cordial hereafter,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

(ANI)

'Many efforts are underway to restore normalcy,' BJP leader S Prakash said

Standing by the statement of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said that a serious effort is being carried out by the Government of India in resolving the issue. BJP leader S Prakash said the separatist elements and forces from across the border, which are fomenting trouble and creating an atmosphere of disturbance, must be put to an end. "Many efforts are underway to restore normalcy and urge people of the Valley to maintain peace and order which is currently under threat. A serious effort is being carried by the Government of India which the Home Minister has himself confirmed. The peaceful Kashmir Valley will be realised very soon," Prakash told ANI. Another BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain submitted the same, saying that Singh only clarified that one should not live in the misconception that they can separate us from Kashmir. "Our government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have always shown concern for Jammu and Kashmir. The entire nation is united on the opinion that Kashmir is only ours. The same Rajnath Singh has said that they are ready to take out a solution for this problem," Hussain told ANI. Assuring complete closure of the Kashmir issue on behalf of the government, Rajnath Singh yesterday made a strong statement that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat belong to India. "We understand that Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat are ours. I assure you that we will come up with a permanent solution to end the issue," he said while addressing a gathering in Pelling, Sikkim. In the hope of resolving the ongoing friction between India and Pakistan regarding territorial disputes in Kashmir, the Union Home Minister said it is time for Islamabad to mend its ways and come to a consensus on the issue, rather than prolonging the same. "Pakistan continues to carry out acts of violence in the name of Kashmir, just to destabilise us. It is time for Pakistan to end these and look into resolving the matter and extending cooperation," said Rajnath. Developing on the importance of easing tensions along the border, Rajnath while drawing upon the reduction of border transgression with China, said Pakistan was invited to maintain friendly relations and not just bilateral ties. "There might be perceptional differences, but the border friction with China has declined now. Pakistan Prime Minister was invited to the oath-taking ceremony not just to join hands, but to be cordial hereafter," he said. (ANI)

BJP claims 'peaceful Kashmir Valley will be realised very soon'