<p>Opposition parties will work together to defeat the BJP to defend India, its institutions and the democracy, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said after meeting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.</p>

<p>Naidu is trying to unite opposition parties to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha elections next year.</p>

<p>Gandhi in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu said both of them have decided "not to get into the past" but talk about the present and the future as it is "critical" for the country.</p>

<p>The TDP had earlier criticised the Congress on the bifurcation of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asserting that there is a need to save the nation and the democracy, Naidu said he discussed this will the Congress president and they have agreed to it in-principle.</p>

<p>Gandhi tweeted,"I had a good meeting today with Shri Chandrababu Naidu. Amongst other things, we discussed the issue of opposition unity. I look forward to carrying forward our dialogue and to working together in the upcoming state &amp; general elections".</p>

<p>Before that, he told reporters, "We are working together, we are going to work together. All Opposition forces are going to work together to defend India, our institutions and our democracy.</p>

<p>"We have had a past. Both of us have agreed we are not going to get into the past. We are going to talk about the present and future because it is critical for our country," Gandhi told reporters.</p>

<p>He said because of the situation in the country, "let all opposition forces come together and provide a vision."</p>

<p>Asked who is going to be the face for an Opposition alliance, Gandhi said both the leaders have agreed that the principle idea is to defeat the BJP and defend democracy and institutions of this country. "All other ideas, we will discuss later," he said, adding,"Everyone is going to work together".</p>

<p>He further said, "Your interest is in sensationalism but we have to work together to deliver people's aspirations."</p>

<p>He said the primary challenge before all the opposition forces is to work together and defend India's institutions and democracy.</p>

<p>"Everything else is secondary. We will do what is our primary challenge," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Rafale deal, the Congress chief said "it is very clear that corruption has taken place and there is no doubt in it."</p>

<p>"Institutions that are investigating the Rafale deal are attacked and threatened. That is what exactly we are defending," he said.</p>

<p>"If there is proper enquiry, it will become very clear exactly what happened, where money went and who did the corruption. Something that I am pushing aggressively because I believe nation needs to know,. This sentiment is shared by all Opposition parties," he added.</p>

<p>Naidu's meeting with Gandhi comes amid seat-sharing talks between the two parties for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Naidu met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here.</p>

<p>Naidu asserted that there is a need today to save this nation and democracy. "That's why I discussed with Rahulji also. In-principally we have agreed," he said.</p>

<p>"Some of you have doubt about our past. It is a democratic compulsion now, we are joining together to protect this country.</p>

<p>"The main opposition leaders has responsibility to discharge. That's why we are joining together. Not only two parties, those opposing BJP we want to bring them to a common platform. We want to chalk out a common programme for future," he said.</p>

<p>The TDP chief claimed he never had seen this type of attack on institutions like CBI, RBI, ED and IT in his political career of 40 years.</p>

<p>"I have asked Rahulji to discuss in the party and proposed all political meeting to chalk out a programme for future," he said.</p>

<p>Asked about face of an alliance, Naidu said, "you are interested in candidate, we are interested in the nation. Remove that in your mind. You also think first about the nation."</p>

<p>"It is a reality you have to understand that Congress is a main opposition party. All other parties are necessary. So, we will work on these things. Our main motive is save nation," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Opposition parties will work together to defeat the BJP to defend India, its institutions and the democracy, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said after meeting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Opposition parties will work together to defeat the BJP to defend India, its institutions and the democracy, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said after meeting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu is trying to unite opposition parties to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha elections next year. Gandhi in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu said both of them have decided "not to get into the past" but talk about the present and the future as it is "critical" for the country. The TDP had earlier criticised the Congress on the bifurcation of the state. Asserting that there is a need to save the nation and the democracy, Naidu said he discussed this will the Congress president and they have agreed to it in-principle. Gandhi tweeted,"I had a good meeting today with Shri Chandrababu Naidu. Amongst other things, we discussed the issue of opposition unity. I look forward to carrying forward our dialogue and to working together in the upcoming state & general elections". Before that, he told reporters, "We are working together, we are going to work together. All Opposition forces are going to work together to defend India, our institutions and our democracy. "We have had a past. Both of us have agreed we are not going to get into the past. We are going to talk about the present and future because it is critical for our country," Gandhi told reporters. He said because of the situation in the country, "let all opposition forces come together and provide a vision." Asked who is going to be the face for an Opposition alliance, Gandhi said both the leaders have agreed that the principle idea is to defeat the BJP and defend democracy and institutions of this country. "All other ideas, we will discuss later," he said, adding,"Everyone is going to work together". He further said, "Your interest is in sensationalism but we have to work together to deliver people's aspirations." He said the primary challenge before all the opposition forces is to work together and defend India's institutions and democracy. "Everything else is secondary. We will do what is our primary challenge," he said. On the Rafale deal, the Congress chief said "it is very clear that corruption has taken place and there is no doubt in it." "Institutions that are investigating the Rafale deal are attacked and threatened. That is what exactly we are defending," he said. "If there is proper enquiry, it will become very clear exactly what happened, where money went and who did the corruption. Something that I am pushing aggressively because I believe nation needs to know,. This sentiment is shared by all Opposition parties," he added. Naidu's meeting with Gandhi comes amid seat-sharing talks between the two parties for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana. Earlier in the day, Naidu met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here. Naidu asserted that there is a need today to save this nation and democracy. "That's why I discussed with Rahulji also. In-principally we have agreed," he said. "Some of you have doubt about our past. It is a democratic compulsion now, we are joining together to protect this country. "The main opposition leaders has responsibility to discharge. That's why we are joining together. Not only two parties, those opposing BJP we want to bring them to a common platform. We want to chalk out a common programme for future," he said. The TDP chief claimed he never had seen this type of attack on institutions like CBI, RBI, ED and IT in his political career of 40 years. "I have asked Rahulji to discuss in the party and proposed all political meeting to chalk out a programme for future," he said. Asked about face of an alliance, Naidu said, "you are interested in candidate, we are interested in the nation. Remove that in your mind. You also think first about the nation." "It is a reality you have to understand that Congress is a main opposition party. All other parties are necessary. So, we will work on these things. Our main motive is save nation," he added.

Will work together to defeat BJP: Rahul Gandhi after meeting TDP chief Naidu

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-murder-outcry-threatens-us-saudi-ties-saudi-prince-says-174743">Khashoggi murder outcry threatens US-Saudi ties, Saudi prince says</a></p>

<p>The outcry in the United States demonising Saudi Arabia over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul threatens US-Saudi strategic ties, the former Saudi intelligence minister warned on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-doesnt-want-to-harm-friends-allies-with-iran-sanctions-john-bolton-174742">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-doesnt-want-to-harm-friends-allies-with-iran-sanctions-john-bolton-174742"> doesn't want to harm friends, allies with Iran sanctions: John Bolton</a></p>

<p>US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the Trump administration wants sanctions on Iran's crude exports to strain Tehran, but does not want to harm countries that depend on the oil.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-chief-chandrababu-naidu-to-discuss-opposition-unity-with-rahul-today-174752">TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu to discuss opposition unity with Rahul Gandhi today</a></p>

<p>In an effort&nbsp;to build a strong opposition alliance to take on the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-assange-says-ecuador-seeking-to-end-his-asylum-174759">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says Ecuador seeking to end his asylum</a></p>

<p>WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-does-not-feel-betrayed-by-saudis-174753">US President Donald Trump says he does not feel betrayed by Saudis</a></p>

<p>Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Khashoggi murder outcry threatens US-Saudi ties, Saudi prince says The outcry in the United States demonising Saudi Arabia over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul threatens US-Saudi strategic ties, the former Saudi intelligence minister warned on Wednesday.

Khashoggi murder outcry threatens US-Saudi ties, Saudi prince says The outcry in the United States demonising Saudi Arabia over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul threatens US-Saudi strategic ties, the former Saudi intelligence minister warned on Wednesday. US doesn't want to harm friends, allies with Iran sanctions: John Bolton US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the Trump administration wants sanctions on Iran's crude exports to strain Tehran, but does not want to harm countries that depend on the oil. TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu to discuss opposition unity with Rahul Gandhi today In an effort to build a strong opposition alliance to take on the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says Ecuador seeking to end his asylum WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions. US President Donald Trump says he does not feel betrayed by Saudis Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T&nbsp; Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana.</p>

<p>"Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was formed in the heart of Telangana by late NT Rama Rao. Soon after its formation, changes have come in political arena.Through TDP, many sections have found their way into assembly and parliament. Got (their) share in governance," TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana told PTI.</p>

<p>Asserting that TDP had ushered in welfare and development, benefiting the poor, he said it has found a place in the hearts of the poor in Telangana as a party that belongs to them.</p>

<p>People feel that a rise in the living standards and a boost to welfare and development is possible with TDP, Ramana said.</p>

<p>TDP has allied with Congress, CPI and TJS to form a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana.</p>

<p>Asked about TRS criticism against TDP for allying with Congress as NT Rama Rao had formed the party on anti-Congress plank, Ramana said there has been a change in the policies and ideology of the Congress and also in circumstances since TDP was formed (in 1982).</p>

<p>Alleging that ruling TRS has led an even more undemocratic rule in Telangana (than Congress did when TDP was formed) and ignored the poor, he said TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have come together to defeat the "family rule" of TRS.</p>

<p>"The aim of the alliance is to work from a people's angle, to realise the aspirations of martyrs (those who sacrificed life in support of separate Telangana)," Ramana said.</p>

<p>"Though TDP is in opposition in Telangana for the third time, it is still strong on the back of its cadre strength (with substantial membership)", he claimed.</p>

<p>"We have (party) committees up to village level. It is only TDP in the state which has such strong (network). In the interest of development and seeking a democratic rule in Telangana, we have gone for grand alliance comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. We will strive for victory and (I have) confidence that (grand alliance) government will come," he added.</p>

<p>TDP won 15 assembly segments (out of 119) and a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 elections.</p>

<p>However, 12 out of the 15 MLAs switched over to ruling TRS which has considerably weakened the party.</p>

<p>TDP maintains that its core strength of workers remained intact though leaders have deserted the party.</p>

<p>The partners of "grand alliance" are in talks to clinch a Common Minimum Programme and the seat-sharing among them, he noted.</p>

<p>Asked if the alliance of opposition parties would extend to Lok Sabha election as well, he said the parties have decided to move ahead with coordination and in a spirit of give and take, hoping that the spirit would continue among them.&nbsp;</p>


Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana.

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana. "Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was formed in the heart of Telangana by late NT Rama Rao. Soon after its formation, changes have come in political arena.Through TDP, many sections have found their way into assembly and parliament. Got (their) share in governance," TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana told PTI. Asserting that TDP had ushered in welfare and development, benefiting the poor, he said it has found a place in the hearts of the poor in Telangana as a party that belongs to them. People feel that a rise in the living standards and a boost to welfare and development is possible with TDP, Ramana said. TDP has allied with Congress, CPI and TJS to form a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana. Asked about TRS criticism against TDP for allying with Congress as NT Rama Rao had formed the party on anti-Congress plank, Ramana said there has been a change in the policies and ideology of the Congress and also in circumstances since TDP was formed (in 1982). Alleging that ruling TRS has led an even more undemocratic rule in Telangana (than Congress did when TDP was formed) and ignored the poor, he said TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have come together to defeat the "family rule" of TRS. "The aim of the alliance is to work from a people's angle, to realise the aspirations of martyrs (those who sacrificed life in support of separate Telangana)," Ramana said. "Though TDP is in opposition in Telangana for the third time, it is still strong on the back of its cadre strength (with substantial membership)", he claimed. "We have (party) committees up to village level. It is only TDP in the state which has such strong (network). In the interest of development and seeking a democratic rule in Telangana, we have gone for grand alliance comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. We will strive for victory and (I have) confidence that (grand alliance) government will come," he added. TDP won 15 assembly segments (out of 119) and a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 elections. However, 12 out of the 15 MLAs switched over to ruling TRS which has considerably weakened the party. TDP maintains that its core strength of workers remained intact though leaders have deserted the party. The partners of "grand alliance" are in talks to clinch a Common Minimum Programme and the seat-sharing among them, he noted. Asked if the alliance of opposition parties would extend to Lok Sabha election as well, he said the parties have decided to move ahead with coordination and in a spirit of give and take, hoping that the spirit would continue among them.

TDP defends alliance with Congress for Telangana assembly polls

<p>Andhra Pradesh ruling party- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will hold a public meeting on April 30 against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over its failure to grant Special Category Status to the state.</p>

<p>The party has called the "Nammaka Droham-Kutra Rajakeeyalapai Dharma Porata Bahiranga Sabha" (Fight against Betrayal and Collusion Politics -Public Meeting) in order to remind how Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to keep the promises he made four years ago on the same day standing at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirupati.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi during 2014 general elections went to offer prayers in Lord Balaji temple, in Tirupati and had promised the people of Andhra Pradesh, to soon grant the state a Special Category Status.</p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will also address the gathering by showing visuals of Prime Minister Modi making promises to Andhra four years ago from the temple premises.</p>

<p>"BJP has colluded with a tainted party, YSR Congress to do injustice to 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh. Our fight will continue against them until justice gets delivered and there is no compromise on that," Naidu said.</p>

<p>The TDP has been fighting against the Centre for the rights of people of Andhra, demanding it to fulfil assurances made in Rajya Sabha including SCS and provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.</p>

<p>Last month, the party quit the BJP-led NDA alliance over the same.&nbsp</p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will also address the gathering by showing visuals of Prime Minister Modi making promises to Andhra four years ago from the temple premises

Andhra Pradesh ruling party- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will hold a public meeting on April 30 against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over its failure to grant Special Category Status to the state. The party has called the "Nammaka Droham-Kutra Rajakeeyalapai Dharma Porata Bahiranga Sabha" (Fight against Betrayal and Collusion Politics -Public Meeting) in order to remind how Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to keep the promises he made four years ago on the same day standing at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirupati. Prime Minister Modi during 2014 general elections went to offer prayers in Lord Balaji temple, in Tirupati and had promised the people of Andhra Pradesh, to soon grant the state a Special Category Status. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will also address the gathering by showing visuals of Prime Minister Modi making promises to Andhra four years ago from the temple premises. "BJP has colluded with a tainted party, YSR Congress to do injustice to 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh. Our fight will continue against them until justice gets delivered and there is no compromise on that," Naidu said. The TDP has been fighting against the Centre for the rights of people of Andhra, demanding it to fulfil assurances made in Rajya Sabha including SCS and provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Last month, the party quit the BJP-led NDA alliance over the same.

TDP to hold public meeting over Special Category Status tomorrow

<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu will sit on a day-long hunger strike on April 20 for the&nbsp;demand of Special status for their state.</p>

<p>The hunger strike will be organised against the Central government.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/snap-ties-with-tdp-if-required-andhra-pradesh-bjp-to-central-leadership-33432">conflict between the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP </a>) began after the centre&nbsp;failed to fulfil Karnataka's demand of special status.</p>

<p>The row between the two parties also led to the exit of TDP from NDA, the BJP led alliance.</p>

<p>Also, two TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi and YS Chowdary resigned from the Modi cabinet.</p>

<p>Besides the resignation of the two TDP ministers from Modi cabinet, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-ysrcp-mps-to-submit-their-resignation-from-lok-sabha-to-speaker-sumitra-mahajan-today--128691">five YSRCP MPs also submitted their resignations </a>to Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on April 6.</p>

<p>The special status to Andhra Pradesh would give the state a central funding in a 90:10 ratio, with the Centre paying the larger share.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to sit on a day long hunger strike on 20th April against Central Government over demand of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialStatus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialStatus</a> for the state (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/fjKWOuYMbX">pic.twitter.com/fjKWOuYMbX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985088641105047552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hunger strike will be organised against the Central government for the demand of special status to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu will sit on a day-long hunger strike on April 20 for the demand of Special status for their state. The hunger strike will be organised against the Central government. The conflict between the BJP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP ) began after the centre failed to fulfil Karnataka's demand of special status. The row between the two parties also led to the exit of TDP from NDA, the BJP led alliance. Also, two TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi and YS Chowdary resigned from the Modi cabinet. Besides the resignation of the two TDP ministers from Modi cabinet, five YSRCP MPs also submitted their resignations to Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on April 6. The special status to Andhra Pradesh would give the state a central funding in a 90:10 ratio, with the Centre paying the larger share. #AndhraPradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to sit on a day long hunger strike on 20th April against Central Government over demand of #SpecialStatus for the state (File pic) pic.twitter.com/fjKWOuYMbX — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 ×

Now, Chandrababu Naidu to sit on day-long fast on April 20

<p>The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted.</p>

<p>As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable".</p>

<p>The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties.<br />
Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House.</p>

<p>The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die.</p>

<p>In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''.</p>

<p>"I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said.</p>

<p>The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.</p>

<p>Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours.</p>

<p>Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed.</p>

<p>There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers.</p>

<p>According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000".</p>

<p>During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said.</p>

<p>According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings.</p>

<p>But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said.</p>

<p>"The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said.</p>

<p>Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament.</p>

<p>In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.</p>


As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was 'eminently forgettable'

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted. As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable". The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die. In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''. "I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said. The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours. Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed. There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers. According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000". During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said. According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings. But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said. "The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said. Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament. In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

Parliament adjourned sine die after least productive budget session since 2000

<p>Days after Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party&#39;s decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral.</p>

<p>Shah, in the letter, explained BJP&#39;s position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations.</p>

<p>&ldquo;(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns,&quot; Shah wrote.</p>

<p>TDP, once the BJP&#39;s biggest ally in the south, pulled out of the government earlier this month, over the special status demand.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This decision is both unfortunate &amp; unilateral. It&#39;s a decision;I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly &amp; solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns: Amit Shah in a letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> CM Chandrababu Naidu on TDP&#39;s decision to quit NDA <a href="https://t.co/pSnAm01quU">pic.twitter.com/pSnAm01quU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977405856751996928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the letter, Shah pointed out how the BJP and the Central government had done its utmost to help the residual State of Andhra Pradesh but that CM Naidu and his party have ignored this for political calculations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;You may recall that during the previous Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, when your party did not have adequate representation, it was the BJP that set the agenda and ensured that justice was done to hard working Telugu people in both States,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that after coming to power the Centre has done more than its share of allotting funds and resources to the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;A perusal of these would reaffirm what you already know but do not admit that the Central government has fulfilled its obligations and that the BJP is a genuine friend true well-wisher of the people of Andhra Pradesh,&rdquo; Shah added.</p>

<p>Assembly elections are due in Andhra Pradesh next year and regional parties in the state, including the YSR Congress, have repeatedly targeted the TDP for being unable to secure a special category status for the state.&nbsp;</p>


Shah blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations

Days after Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party's decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral. Shah, in the letter, explained BJP's position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations. “(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns," Shah wrote. TDP, once the BJP's biggest ally in the south, pulled out of the government earlier this month, over the special status demand. This decision is both unfortunate & unilateral. It's a decision;I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly & solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns: Amit Shah in a letter to #AndhraPradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on TDP's decision to quit NDA pic.twitter.com/pSnAm01quU — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2018 × In the letter, Shah pointed out how the BJP and the Central government had done its utmost to help the residual State of Andhra Pradesh but that CM Naidu and his party have ignored this for political calculations. “You may recall that during the previous Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, when your party did not have adequate representation, it was the BJP that set the agenda and ensured that justice was done to hard working Telugu people in both States,” he said. He added that after coming to power the Centre has done more than its share of allotting funds and resources to the state. “A perusal of these would reaffirm what you already know but do not admit that the Central government has fulfilled its obligations and that the BJP is a genuine friend true well-wisher of the people of Andhra Pradesh,” Shah added. Assembly elections are due in Andhra Pradesh next year and regional parties in the state, including the YSR Congress, have repeatedly targeted the TDP for being unable to secure a special category status for the state.

TDP's decision to quit NDA 'unfortunate, unilateral': Amit Shah writes to CM Naidu

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Saturday expressed confidence of winning 21 seats out of 25 parliamentary constituencies from the North East in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.</p>

<p>&quot;In the upcoming elections of 2019, the BJP will win more than 21 seats out of the 25 seats (of North East),&quot; Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in Guwahati.</p>

<p>BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-makes-gains-in-rajya-sabha-elections-2018-36925">Rajya Sabha</a> biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP.</p>

<p>Shah even attacked the Congress party and raised a question on the initiatives taken by them for the development of the Assam.</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP wants to ensure Assam`s progress through development. Congress leaders including their party president had visited North East for rallies and had put baseless allegations on us. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what did he do for Assam&#39;s development in last 10 years?&quot; Shah asked.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday challenged the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion in the parliament.&quot;I challenge the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion. The BJP govt is all prepared to face the Motion, we have the absolute majority with us.&#39;&#39;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accusing the opposition of stalling the house, Shah said that the ruling party was ready to discuss all issues.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdps-decision-to-quit-nda-unfortunate-unilateral-amit-shah-writes-to-cm-naidu-36911">Chandrababu Naidu</a>&#39;s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party&#39;s decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral.</p>

<p>Shah, in the letter, explained BJP&#39;s position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations.</p>

<p>&ldquo;(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns,&quot; Shah wrote.</p>


Shah even attacked the Congress party and raised a question on the initiatives taken by them for the development of the Assam

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Saturday expressed confidence of winning 21 seats out of 25 parliamentary constituencies from the North East in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. "In the upcoming elections of 2019, the BJP will win more than 21 seats out of the 25 seats (of North East)," Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in Guwahati. BJP won 12 of the remaining 26 seats that were at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states on Saturday amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP. Shah even attacked the Congress party and raised a question on the initiatives taken by them for the development of the Assam. "The BJP wants to ensure Assam`s progress through development. Congress leaders including their party president had visited North East for rallies and had put baseless allegations on us. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what did he do for Assam's development in last 10 years?" Shah asked. BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday challenged the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion in the parliament."I challenge the opposition to bring the no-confidence motion. The BJP govt is all prepared to face the Motion, we have the absolute majority with us.'' Accusing the opposition of stalling the house, Shah said that the ruling party was ready to discuss all issues. Meanwhile, days after Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has written an open letter to the state chief minister, saying his party's decision to break alliance is unfortunate and unilateral. Shah, in the letter, explained BJP's position and has blamed TDP of quitting NDA due to political considerations. “(TDP) decision is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of development concerns," Shah wrote.

BJP will win majority of North East seats in 2019 elections: Amit Shah

<p>Protests and sloganeering marked the day&#39;s proceedings in the Lok Sabha Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition MPs could be heard chanting &quot;We want justice&quot; in the background, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the day&#39;s business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the protests grew louder, she said, &quot;Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House.&quot; She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A little after the house reconvened, it was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the 14thd day now that the Lok Sabha has been disrupted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar scenes were witness in the Rajya Sabha which&nbsp;was adjourned till Friday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after TDP MPs walked up to the Well with placards, raising slogans, demanding special status for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/JCGRkIOFhk">pic.twitter.com/JCGRkIOFhk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976697542254780417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


As the protests grew louder, she said, "Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House." She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm.

Protests and sloganeering marked the day's proceedings in the Lok Sabha Thursday. Opposition MPs could be heard chanting "We want justice" in the background, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the day's business. As the protests grew louder, she said, "Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House." She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm. A little after the house reconvened, it was adjourned for the day. This is the 14thd day now that the Lok Sabha has been disrupted. Similar scenes were witness in the Rajya Sabha which was adjourned till Friday. Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after TDP MPs walked up to the Well with placards, raising slogans, demanding special status for #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/JCGRkIOFhk — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2018 ×

Both houses of Parliament adjourned again, no-trust motion not taken up

<p>The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted today for the 13th day after members from the AIADMK and TRS continued with their noisy protests, stalling the taking up of two notices of no-confidence motion against the council of ministers for the fourth day.</p>

<p>Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that she cannot do a headcount of 50 members supporting the move, a prerequisite for taking up the notices for the trust vote.</p>

<p>She then adjourned the House for the day.</p>

<p>Minutes after the House met this morning, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour due to protests by parties from Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. When the House reassembled at 12 noon, members from the AIADMK, TDP and the TRS were seen raising slogans and holding placards in the Well.</p>

<p>While the AIADMK wants early establishment of the Cauvery river board to settle the water dispute with neighbouring states, the TRS is demanding hiked quota for Telangana. The TDP is demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Expelled RJD member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was seen holding a placard demanding special status for Bihar. The members from Congress, TMC and the Left were standing at their seats.</p>

<p>After the laying of papers by ministers, when the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members to return to their seats so that legislative business could be taken up.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ruckus in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabha</a>, TDP MPs storm the well of the House over demand of special status to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a>, opposition members say, &#39;it is also the duty of the govt to facilitate proceedings of the House.&#39; Chairman adjourns the House till 11 am, tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/fI0KOvGgsE">pic.twitter.com/fI0KOvGgsE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976332059349168128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said the government is willing to discuss any issue, including the no-confidence motion. &quot;We have the confidence of the House as well as of the entire country,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
When the Speaker took up the two notices of the trust vote given by the TDP and YSRC, the AIADMK members raised the pitch of their slogans. TRS members were also seen in the Well.</p>

<p>Mahajan said while she is duty-bound to take up the notices, she cannot move ahead due to the ruckus.</p>

<p>She noted that she is not in a position to count the 50 members supporting the move as she can&#39;t see anything from the chair. Placards were apparently blocking her view.</p>

<p>Members from the Congress, TMC and the Left raised their hands to indicate to the Speaker that they were supporting the motion.</p>

<p>But Mahajan said as the House is not in order, she cannot move ahead with the issue and adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day.</p>

<p>At least 50 members have to support the motion before it is moved for which a headcount is done. However, it is difficult to carry out the exercise when there are disruptions and several members are standing, former top LS officials explained.&nbsp;</p>


Even before Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, MPs from the TDP, YSR Congress, TRS and AIADMK, trooped into the well of the house holding placards

The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted today for the 13th day after members from the AIADMK and TRS continued with their noisy protests, stalling the taking up of two notices of no-confidence motion against the council of ministers for the fourth day. Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that she cannot do a headcount of 50 members supporting the move, a prerequisite for taking up the notices for the trust vote. She then adjourned the House for the day. Minutes after the House met this morning, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour due to protests by parties from Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. When the House reassembled at 12 noon, members from the AIADMK, TDP and the TRS were seen raising slogans and holding placards in the Well. While the AIADMK wants early establishment of the Cauvery river board to settle the water dispute with neighbouring states, the TRS is demanding hiked quota for Telangana. The TDP is demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Expelled RJD member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was seen holding a placard demanding special status for Bihar. The members from Congress, TMC and the Left were standing at their seats. After the laying of papers by ministers, when the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members to return to their seats so that legislative business could be taken up. Ruckus in #RajyaSabha, TDP MPs storm the well of the House over demand of special status to #AndhraPradesh, opposition members say, 'it is also the duty of the govt to facilitate proceedings of the House.' Chairman adjourns the House till 11 am, tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fI0KOvGgsE — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2018 × He said the government is willing to discuss any issue, including the no-confidence motion. "We have the confidence of the House as well as of the entire country," he said. When the Speaker took up the two notices of the trust vote given by the TDP and YSRC, the AIADMK members raised the pitch of their slogans. TRS members were also seen in the Well. Mahajan said while she is duty-bound to take up the notices, she cannot move ahead due to the ruckus. She noted that she is not in a position to count the 50 members supporting the move as she can't see anything from the chair. Placards were apparently blocking her view. Members from the Congress, TMC and the Left raised their hands to indicate to the Speaker that they were supporting the motion. But Mahajan said as the House is not in order, she cannot move ahead with the issue and adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day. At least 50 members have to support the motion before it is moved for which a headcount is done. However, it is difficult to carry out the exercise when there are disruptions and several members are standing, former top LS officials explained.

Lok Sabha disrupted for 13th day, no-confidence motion not taken up again

<p>The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as proceedings began, chants of &quot;we want justice&quot; echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stormy scenes had been expected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra &quot;special status&quot; row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSRCP&#39;s YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/ucxSyaE7Lq">pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975992667623567360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">confirmed as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">dead</a>, before that house too was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;</p>


The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began. As soon as proceedings began, chants of "we want justice" echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning. PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties. Stormy scenes had been expected. The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra "special status" row. They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments. More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow: YSRCP's YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been confirmed as dead, before that house too was adjourned for the day.

No-confidence motion: Both houses of Parliament adjourned till Wednesday

<p>The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. <a href="https://t.co/bdT3dbBWA8">pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975622822293893120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down,&nbsp;it was adjourned after a continuous uproar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TDP&#39;s MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house.&nbsp; Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet &mdash; Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary &mdash; to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote &mdash; a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held &mdash; last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The parties asking for the vote seem to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-no-trust-vote-debate-but-not-trying-to-make-government-fall-tdp-mp-36314" target="_blank">understand</a> that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It&#39;s responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/LbdfpLAQAd">pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975587133309313024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year &mdash; which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress&#39;s Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow &#39;no confidence motion in the council of ministers&#39;. <a href="https://t.co/6fsIhkk10H">pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975639641847140352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying to push the motion over the 'special status' issue for Andhra Pradesh

The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning. No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down, it was adjourned after a continuous uproar. The TDP's MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house. Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house. The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday. The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status. Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet — Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary — to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly. The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote — a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held — last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote. Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government. That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote. The parties asking for the vote seem to understand that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning: We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It's responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year — which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress's Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now. More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again. YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow 'no confidence motion in the council of ministers'. pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 ×

No-confidence motion not taken up, both houses of Parliament adjourned till Tuesday

<p>Days after the two major parties of Andhra Pradesh came together to pitch in for the no-confidence motion against BJP led NDA, TDP MP Thota Narsimham has said that the YSR Congress party is just doing politics and they are not concerned about the welfare&nbsp;of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the TDP will garner support from opposition parties including TMC, Congress and Samajwadi party.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will move no confidence motion, have talked to opposition parties including TMC,Congress and Samajwadi Party. YSRCP is just doing politics,they are not concerned about welfare of state: Thota Narsimham,TDP MP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/budgetsession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#budgetsession</a> <a href="https://t.co/nZt2vB9PNu">pic.twitter.com/nZt2vB9PNu</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975591795932434432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, YSR Congress&nbsp;Party MP VS Reddy had called&nbsp;chief minister Chandrababu Naidu a &quot;chameleon&quot;,&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that since 2016 the BJP, TDP had been assuring the state for its special status and suddenly Chandrababu Naidu colluded with BJP.</p>

<p>He added that Naidu was like a chameleon and he decided against the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We for last 4 yrs after state was bifurcated have been fighting for special category status. Till 2016, BJP&amp;Chandrababu Naidu kept saying that special status will be given.Then suddenly,he colluded with BJP, he is like a chameleon, he decided against the state: VS Reddy,YSRCP MP <a href="https://t.co/xVyMVURMkI">pic.twitter.com/xVyMVURMkI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975577378448723974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two parties came together last week in support of the no-confidence motion against NDA.</p>


TDP MP Thota Narsimham said they will gather support from opposition parties including TMC, Congress and Samajwadi party

Days after the two major parties of Andhra Pradesh came together to pitch in for the no-confidence motion against BJP led NDA, TDP MP Thota Narsimham has said that the YSR Congress party is just doing politics and they are not concerned about the welfare of the state. He said the TDP will garner support from opposition parties including TMC, Congress and Samajwadi party. We will move no confidence motion, have talked to opposition parties including TMC,Congress and Samajwadi Party. YSRCP is just doing politics,they are not concerned about welfare of state: Thota Narsimham,TDP MP #budgetsession pic.twitter.com/nZt2vB9PNu — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Earlier, YSR Congress Party MP VS Reddy had called chief minister Chandrababu Naidu a "chameleon", He said that since 2016 the BJP, TDP had been assuring the state for its special status and suddenly Chandrababu Naidu colluded with BJP. He added that Naidu was like a chameleon and he decided against the state. We for last 4 yrs after state was bifurcated have been fighting for special category status. Till 2016, BJP&Chandrababu Naidu kept saying that special status will be given.Then suddenly,he colluded with BJP, he is like a chameleon, he decided against the state: VS Reddy,YSRCP MP pic.twitter.com/xVyMVURMkI — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The two parties came together last week in support of the no-confidence motion against NDA.

YSR Congress is doing politics, not concerned about welfare of state: TDP MP

<p>Addressing the TDP minority wing members, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu assured them&nbsp;that his party had always been working for their welfare.</p>

<p>He said that the minority was not happy when they (TDP) allied with NDA, but they(TDP) have always worked for their welfare.</p>

<p>He said &quot;You have always been supportive of TDP, but you were not happy that we allied with BJP. We have been working for welfare of Muslims&quot;.</p>

<p>He further said it was his party that had responded first against the criminalisation of Triple Talaq.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was TDP and not YSRCP who responded on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripleTalaqBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripleTalaqBill</a>. I told BJP leadership that criminalization of triple talaq was not correct. I was the first to oppose it: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu addressing TDP minority wing members <a href="https://t.co/OI6nkkTtpF">pic.twitter.com/OI6nkkTtpF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975610495259594752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking on the recent debates on the no-confidence motion against NDA, he said that his party was expecting justice from the state, but it was not delivered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said &quot;We thought as an NDA member, BJP will do justice to the state, but nothing happened. We waited for four years, but of no use. Even in the last budget justice was not done&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chandrababu Naidu said it was his party that had responded first against the criminalisation of Triple Talaq

Addressing the TDP minority wing members, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu assured them that his party had always been working for their welfare. He said that the minority was not happy when they (TDP) allied with NDA, but they(TDP) have always worked for their welfare. He said "You have always been supportive of TDP, but you were not happy that we allied with BJP. We have been working for welfare of Muslims". He further said it was his party that had responded first against the criminalisation of Triple Talaq. It was TDP and not YSRCP who responded on #TripleTalaqBill. I told BJP leadership that criminalization of triple talaq was not correct. I was the first to oppose it: AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu addressing TDP minority wing members pic.twitter.com/OI6nkkTtpF — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Speaking on the recent debates on the no-confidence motion against NDA, he said that his party was expecting justice from the state, but it was not delivered. He said "We thought as an NDA member, BJP will do justice to the state, but nothing happened. We waited for four years, but of no use. Even in the last budget justice was not done".

Told BJP criminalisation of Triple Talaq was not correct: Naidu to TDP minority wing

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-wins-another-term-but-what-happens-in-2024-36289" target="_blank">Russia&#39;s Putin wins yet another term but what happens in 2024?</a></p>

<p>In power for almost two decades, Vladimir Putin predictably won a fourth Kremlin term in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wins-fourth-term-with-739-of-vote-36284" target="_blank">Russia&#39;s presidential election</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, extending his long rule for another six years.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">no-trust</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank"> vote against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank"> today</a></p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-has-given-his-word-on-denuclearisation-south-korea-36295" target="_blank">Kim Jong-un &#39;has given his word&#39; on denuclearisation: South Korea</a></p>

<p>North Korea&#39;s Kim Jong-un has &quot;given his word&quot; that he is committed to denuclearisation, South Korea&#39;s foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha was quoted as saying on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ola-uber-on-strike-today-demand-better-earnings-36298" target="_blank">Ola, Uber on strike today, demand better earnings</a></p>

<p>App-based&nbsp;cabs Ola and Uber will begin with a strike&nbsp;in Mumbai on Monday for an indefinite period. The strike has been called by Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena, the&nbsp;transport wing of Raj Thackeray led MNS.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-sharpens-attacks-on-russia-probe-36285" target="_blank">US President Donald Trump sharpens attacks on Russia probe</a></p>

<p>President Donald Trump Sunday intensified his attacks on Robert Mueller&#39;s Russia investigation as biased against him, but stopped just short of targeting the special counsel &mdash; whose ouster lawmakers warned would cross a &quot;massive red line.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russia's Putin wins yet another term but what happens in 2024? In power for almost two decades, Vladimir Putin predictably won a fourth Kremlin term in Russia's presidential election on Sunday, extending his long rule for another six years. YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for no-trust vote against government today The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings. Kim Jong-un 'has given his word' on denuclearisation: South Korea North Korea's Kim Jong-un has "given his word" that he is committed to denuclearisation, South Korea's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha was quoted as saying on Sunday. Ola, Uber on strike today, demand better earnings App-based cabs Ola and Uber will begin with a strike in Mumbai on Monday for an indefinite period. The strike has been called by Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena, the transport wing of Raj Thackeray led MNS. US President Donald Trump sharpens attacks on Russia probe President Donald Trump Sunday intensified his attacks on Robert Mueller's Russia investigation as biased against him, but stopped just short of targeting the special counsel — whose ouster lawmakers warned would cross a "massive red line."

WION Morning News Brief, March 19, 2018

<p>The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings.</p>

<p>Y V Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress has written to the Lok Sabha secretariat to put his notice for the motion in the revised list of business today. The TDP has also moved a notice for a no-confidence motion.</p>

<p>When their notices were not taken up last week, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had argued that they could not be due to the House being not in order, with members of several parties raising slogans in the Well.</p>

<p>With the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the AIADMK, which have often cooperated with the government on its legislative business, protesting over a host of issues, it remains uncertain if order is restored today.</p>

<p>While the first two weeks of the last phase of the Budget Session have been a virtual washout, the government has managed to get some key bills and the budget passed amid a din through a voice vote without a debate.</p>

<p>The YSR Congress was the first to give a notice last week for a no-trust motion after the Centre made it clear that it would not grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Not to be outdone by its main rival in the state, the TDP, a longtime BJP ally, then decided to break its ties over the issue and brought a no-confidence motion of its own.</p>

<p>Both parties have been lobbying with opposition parties for support to their respective notices. A no-confidence motion notice has to be supported by at least 50 MPs to be taken up in the House.</p>

<p>The government has expressed confidence that the notices, even if they are admitted, will be defeated given its strength in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The current strength of the Lok Sabha is 539 and the ruling BJP has 274 members, more than the majority mark of 270, and enjoys the support of several allies.</p>

<p>With the 16-member TDP quitting the BJP-led NDA, the ruling alliance strength has reduced.&nbsp;</p>


Both parties had asked for the vote last week over the issue of 'special status' for Andhra

The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings. Y V Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress has written to the Lok Sabha secretariat to put his notice for the motion in the revised list of business today. The TDP has also moved a notice for a no-confidence motion. When their notices were not taken up last week, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had argued that they could not be due to the House being not in order, with members of several parties raising slogans in the Well. With the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the AIADMK, which have often cooperated with the government on its legislative business, protesting over a host of issues, it remains uncertain if order is restored today. While the first two weeks of the last phase of the Budget Session have been a virtual washout, the government has managed to get some key bills and the budget passed amid a din through a voice vote without a debate. The YSR Congress was the first to give a notice last week for a no-trust motion after the Centre made it clear that it would not grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. Not to be outdone by its main rival in the state, the TDP, a longtime BJP ally, then decided to break its ties over the issue and brought a no-confidence motion of its own. Both parties have been lobbying with opposition parties for support to their respective notices. A no-confidence motion notice has to be supported by at least 50 MPs to be taken up in the House. The government has expressed confidence that the notices, even if they are admitted, will be defeated given its strength in the Lok Sabha. The current strength of the Lok Sabha is 539 and the ruling BJP has 274 members, more than the majority mark of 270, and enjoys the support of several allies. With the 16-member TDP quitting the BJP-led NDA, the ruling alliance strength has reduced.

YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for no-trust vote against government today

<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that injustice had been done by the central government over the issue of providing funds to the state of Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Referring to his fall out with the BJP-led central government, the TDP chief said that he was not showing &quot;ego&quot; and was simply asked the government to review and provide funds to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>I am a senior leader of the country, but I never showed ego. I am simply asking them to review and provide funds to the state. Injustice is being done by the Centre: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu</p>

<p>The TDP recently pulled out of the NDA alliance at the centre over the issue of special status for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The party has also said it will move a no-confidence motion against the government at the centre.</p>


The Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that injustice had been done by the central government over the issue of providing funds to the state of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that injustice had been done by the central government over the issue of providing funds to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Referring to his fall out with the BJP-led central government, the TDP chief said that he was not showing "ego" and was simply asked the government to review and provide funds to Andhra Pradesh. I am a senior leader of the country, but I never showed ego. I am simply asking them to review and provide funds to the state. Injustice is being done by the Centre: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu The TDP recently pulled out of the NDA alliance at the centre over the issue of special status for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The party has also said it will move a no-confidence motion against the government at the centre.

I never showed ego: Chandrababu Naidu on fall-out with NDA

<p>A day after the TDP moved a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-yet-again-no-confidence-motion-not-taken-up-36020" target="_blank">no-confidence motion against the BJP led NDA government</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;DMK working president MK Stalin from Tamil Nadu&nbsp;has issued a written statement to state chief minister Edapadi Palaniswamy urging him to support the no-confidence motion.</p>

<p>The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance.</p>

<p>The parties moved the motion over their demand of&nbsp;special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had also raised their support for the no-confidence motion against NDA.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


DMK working president MK Stalin from Tamil Nadu has issued a written statement to state chief minister Edapadi Palanisaamy urging him to support the no-confidence motion by TDP

A day after the TDP moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP led NDA government, DMK working president MK Stalin from Tamil Nadu has issued a written statement to state chief minister Edapadi Palaniswamy urging him to support the no-confidence motion. The no-confidence motions, moved by YSR Congress and the TDP, were the first in the nearly four-year rule of the BJP-led NDA alliance. The parties moved the motion over their demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh, an issue which led the TDP to quit the ruling alliance on Friday. Congress, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had also raised their support for the no-confidence motion against NDA.

DMK president MK Stalin urges Tamil Nadu CM to support no-confidence motion against NDA

<p>BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said that BJP will explain its position to the people Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Centre had done a lot for the state and was willing to do more, he added.</p>

<p>Madhav was speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with party president Amit Shah.&nbsp;Besides Madhav, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief K Hari Babu was among the leaders who held deliberations with Shah.</p>

<p>Amit Shah met the Andhra BJP leaders, after its longtime ally TDP&#39;s decision to exit the ruling NDA over the issue of Special Category Status (SCS) for the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> leaders with BJP President Amit Shah underway at the latter&#39;s residence in Delhi, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav also present. <a href="https://t.co/mzF5UB89uo">pic.twitter.com/mzF5UB89uo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974974523253682176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The saffron party finds itself in a tight corner in the state as its two main parties, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress, have sought to corner it following the Centre&#39;s refusal to grant the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will pass a resolution in which we will explain to the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> our stand on the issue said by Andhra CM. We&#39;re as much committed to the people as him. We have done so much in the last 4 years: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary <a href="https://t.co/JaxhFpoT0W">pic.twitter.com/JaxhFpoT0W</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974985411507441665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both the regional parties have also moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The state sends 25 MPs to the Lok Sabha and is scheduled to go to Assembly polls simultaneously with the parliamentary elections next year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will explain to the people of Andhra Pradesh the things we have done for them in last 4 years and things we will do. We are ready to do more than the special status: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary after meeting of Andhra Leaders with BJP President Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/WtLrdDwWJG">pic.twitter.com/WtLrdDwWJG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974985415089377282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP had won two Lok Sabha seats in 2014 in alliance with the TDP, which won 15 seats.</p>

<p>BJP leaders have said that the TDP&#39;s decision to sever ties them has provided their party an opportunity to expand its footprints in the state ahead of the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>


The saffron party finds itself in a tight corner in the state as its two main parties, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress, have sought to corner it following the Centre's refusal to grant the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday said that BJP will explain its position to the people Andhra Pradesh. The Centre had done a lot for the state and was willing to do more, he added. Madhav was speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with party president Amit Shah. Besides Madhav, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief K Hari Babu was among the leaders who held deliberations with Shah. Amit Shah met the Andhra BJP leaders, after its longtime ally TDP's decision to exit the ruling NDA over the issue of Special Category Status (SCS) for the state. Meeting of #AndhraPradesh leaders with BJP President Amit Shah underway at the latter's residence in Delhi, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav also present. pic.twitter.com/mzF5UB89uo — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The saffron party finds itself in a tight corner in the state as its two main parties, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress, have sought to corner it following the Centre's refusal to grant the SCS to Andhra Pradesh. We will pass a resolution in which we will explain to the people of #AndhraPradesh our stand on the issue said by Andhra CM. We're as much committed to the people as him. We have done so much in the last 4 years: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary pic.twitter.com/JaxhFpoT0W — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × Both the regional parties have also moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. The state sends 25 MPs to the Lok Sabha and is scheduled to go to Assembly polls simultaneously with the parliamentary elections next year. We will explain to the people of Andhra Pradesh the things we have done for them in last 4 years and things we will do. We are ready to do more than the special status: Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary after meeting of Andhra Leaders with BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/WtLrdDwWJG — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The BJP had won two Lok Sabha seats in 2014 in alliance with the TDP, which won 15 seats. BJP leaders have said that the TDP's decision to sever ties them has provided their party an opportunity to expand its footprints in the state ahead of the next Lok Sabha polls.

Will explain our position to people of Andhra Pradesh: Ram Madhav on special status issue

<p>Expressing hope that the &#39;rashtravadi&#39; (nationalist) and Hindutva forces will stay together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exuded confidence that Shiv Sena won&#39;t support the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">no-confidence motion</a> against the NDA government..</p>

<p>The statement came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha today, following TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s announcement that his party was exiting the National Democratic Alliance.</p>

<p>&quot;There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. The seniors in our party (BJP&#39;s central leadership) will do that. However, I am confident that the &#39;rashtravadi&#39; and Hindutva forces will stay together,&quot; Fadnavis told reporters.</p>

<p>&quot;The Sena will remain with us.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Some Sena leaders met me this morning. They had come to seek (the BJP&#39;s) support in the Mumbai municipal corporation bypoll. We are supporting them,&quot; Fadnavis said.</p>

<p>However, he denied that he met the Sena leadership over the no-trust motion.</p>

<p>On the recent farmers&#39; long march here, Fadnavis said the manner in which the issue was highlighted made it seem that farmers were protesting over the disbursement of loan waiver amount.</p>

<p>&quot;There were barely a few farmers in the protest. Most of the participants were adivasis, against whom injustice has been meted out over the years,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>


'There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. However, I am confident that the 'rashtravadi' and Hindutva forces will stay together,' the Maharashtra Chief Minister said

Expressing hope that the 'rashtravadi' (nationalist) and Hindutva forces will stay together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exuded confidence that Shiv Sena won't support the no-confidence motion against the NDA government.. The statement came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha today, following TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu's announcement that his party was exiting the National Democratic Alliance. "There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. The seniors in our party (BJP's central leadership) will do that. However, I am confident that the 'rashtravadi' and Hindutva forces will stay together," Fadnavis told reporters. "The Sena will remain with us." "Some Sena leaders met me this morning. They had come to seek (the BJP's) support in the Mumbai municipal corporation bypoll. We are supporting them," Fadnavis said. However, he denied that he met the Sena leadership over the no-trust motion. On the recent farmers' long march here, Fadnavis said the manner in which the issue was highlighted made it seem that farmers were protesting over the disbursement of loan waiver amount. "There were barely a few farmers in the protest. Most of the participants were adivasis, against whom injustice has been meted out over the years," he said.

Confident that Shiv Sena won't support TDP's no-trust motion: Fadnavis

<p>The BSE Sensex dropped over 500 points &mdash; over 1.5% &mdash; in late afternoon trade, with the Nifty dropped below 10,200.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the closing bell, the Sensex had fallen 509.54 points to 33,176.00 while the Nifty was trading at 10,195.15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drop was led by a selloff in energy, metal, oil &amp; gas, utilities and FMCG stocks amid subdued Asian trend.</p>

<p>Weakness in Asian markets on continued worries of trade tensions due to fears over US tariffs weighed on market sentiment.</p>

<p>Back home, Telugu Desam Party&#39;s (TDP) formal exit from the Narendra Modi government also spooked investors.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Just before closing, the Sensex had fallen 541 points to 33,137.73, while the Nifty was trading at 10,186.90

The BSE Sensex dropped over 500 points — over 1.5% — in late afternoon trade, with the Nifty dropped below 10,200. At the closing bell, the Sensex had fallen 509.54 points to 33,176.00 while the Nifty was trading at 10,195.15. The drop was led by a selloff in energy, metal, oil & gas, utilities and FMCG stocks amid subdued Asian trend. Weakness in Asian markets on continued worries of trade tensions due to fears over US tariffs weighed on market sentiment. Back home, Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) formal exit from the Narendra Modi government also spooked investors. (With inputs from PTI)

Sensex falls over 500 points, Nifty drops below 10,200

<p>After weeks of wrangling<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-report-35985"> with the NDA over special status</a> to Andhra, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s Telugu Desam Party(TDP) finally decided to pull out of the BJP-led NDA coalition at the Centre.</p>

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<p>The decision came after CM Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s tele-conference with party members on Friday morning.</p>

<p>The party has gone a step further and said it will support a no-confidence motion against the NDA in Lok Sabha along with other parties against the Centre today.</p>

<p>YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter has informed the Lok Sabha Secretary-General that his party would be moving a motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the lower of Parliament today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the house. <a href="https://t.co/FADQCKVOig">pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig</a></p>
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<p>The party politburo meeting was planned for Thursday evening, the decision to quit the ND was finally taken during Chandrababu&#39;s tele-conference with party leaders.</p>

<p>The TDP will write a letter to BJP president Amit Shah and also other constituents of the NDA informing its decision and the reasons for it.</p>

<p>TDP had already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our party will be moving no-confidence motion today (in Parliament). We have decided... we are out of the NDA: Thota Narsimhan, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/73StNsOjtF">pic.twitter.com/73StNsOjtF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974499067605671936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The decision came after Chandrababu Naidu's tele-conference with party members on Friday morning.

After weeks of wrangling with the NDA over special status to Andhra, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party(TDP) finally decided to pull out of the BJP-led NDA coalition at the Centre. × The decision came after CM Chandrababu Naidu's tele-conference with party members on Friday morning. The party has gone a step further and said it will support a no-confidence motion against the NDA in Lok Sabha along with other parties against the Centre today. YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter has informed the Lok Sabha Secretary-General that his party would be moving a motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the lower of Parliament today. Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the house. pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × The party politburo meeting was planned for Thursday evening, the decision to quit the ND was finally taken during Chandrababu's tele-conference with party leaders. The TDP will write a letter to BJP president Amit Shah and also other constituents of the NDA informing its decision and the reasons for it. TDP had already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share. Our party will be moving no-confidence motion today (in Parliament). We have decided... we are out of the NDA: Thota Narsimhan, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/73StNsOjtF — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 ×

Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP pulls out of NDA, supports 'no-confidence' motion in Lok Sabha

<p>Responding to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">exit of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from NDA coalition</a>, BJP leader Narasimha Rao has said that the Chandrababu Naidu led TDP was seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they were using this as an excuse to&nbsp;retrieve lost political ground.</p>

<p>He further asked why CM Naidu took four years to realise that the coalition with NDA was not working.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-no-confidence-motion-against-nda-congress-to-support-ysr-tdp-35999" target="_blank">Live Lok Sabha &#39;no-confidence&#39; motion against NDA: Congress to support YSR, TDP</a></p>

<p>He said &quot;We believe TDP is finding the going tough in Andhra Pradesh, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Questions being asked in Andhra Pradesh as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working&quot;.</p>

<p>He further said &quot;The state govt and TDP are feeling the pinch of the public opinion going against them and BJP will use this as an opportunity to grow as a political party and emerge as a dominant political force in Andhra Pradesh. For us, it will prove to be the next Tripura&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We believe TDP is finding the going tough in AP, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019&amp;they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Ques being asked in AP as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working: GVL Narasimha Rao,BJP <a href="https://t.co/KijVUvxPpV">pic.twitter.com/KijVUvxPpV</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974526562652467200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While KC Tyagi from BJP&#39;s another coalition partner JDU has said that there was no danger to the NDA government from the break up of TDP alliance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a big alliance, small difference of opinions happen. There is no danger to NDA government. But, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TDP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TDP</a> withdrawing from NDA is unfortunate: KC Tyagi, JDU <a href="https://t.co/83C8XDRS5I">pic.twitter.com/83C8XDRS5I</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974535275937349632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990">Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP exited</a>&nbsp;the NDA coalition government at the Centre over its refusal to grant &quot;special status&quot;&nbsp;to Andhra Pradesh on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Chandrababu Naidu led TDP was seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they were using this as an excuse to retrieve lost political ground

Responding to the exit of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from NDA coalition, BJP leader Narasimha Rao has said that the Chandrababu Naidu led TDP was seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they were using this as an excuse to retrieve lost political ground. He further asked why CM Naidu took four years to realise that the coalition with NDA was not working. Also read: Live Lok Sabha 'no-confidence' motion against NDA: Congress to support YSR, TDP He said "We believe TDP is finding the going tough in Andhra Pradesh, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Questions being asked in Andhra Pradesh as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working". He further said "The state govt and TDP are feeling the pinch of the public opinion going against them and BJP will use this as an opportunity to grow as a political party and emerge as a dominant political force in Andhra Pradesh. For us, it will prove to be the next Tripura". We believe TDP is finding the going tough in AP, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019&they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Ques being asked in AP as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working: GVL Narasimha Rao,BJP pic.twitter.com/KijVUvxPpV — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × While KC Tyagi from BJP's another coalition partner JDU has said that there was no danger to the NDA government from the break up of TDP alliance. In a big alliance, small difference of opinions happen. There is no danger to NDA government. But, #TDP withdrawing from NDA is unfortunate: KC Tyagi, JDU pic.twitter.com/83C8XDRS5I — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP exited the NDA coalition government at the Centre over its refusal to grant "special status" to Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

TDP's excuse to retrieve lost political ground in Andhra Pradesh: BJP leader Narasimha Rao on breakup from NDA

<p>The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress formally said on Thursday that they will move a no-confidence motion against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>YSR Congress Party MP (Member of Parliament) YV Subba Reddy wrote to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving the motion on &quot;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&quot; in the house.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the house. <a href="https://t.co/FADQCKVOig">pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990">pulled out of the NDA&nbsp;</a>today. The party had already even pulled its ministers out of the central government.</p>

<p>The party also informed the Lok Sabha about moving a no-confidence motion against the NDA today.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of TDP MP Thota Narasimhan to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the House. <a href="https://t.co/Zwg5qge3Sw">pic.twitter.com/Zwg5qge3Sw</a></p>
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<p>The Congress also said it would support a no-confidence motion against the NDA.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress to support no-confidence motion against the Centre by Telugu Desam Party &amp; YSR Congress Party: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President N Raghuveera Reddy <a href="https://t.co/dx1AHiVD4o">pic.twitter.com/dx1AHiVD4o</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had immediately announced support for the YSR Congress motion of no-confidence. He reportedly has the backing of other Opposition parties as well.</p>

<p>TDP and YSR Congress have been agitating in both Houses over the special status demand for Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A motion of no-confidence backed by nine MPs is much lesser than the 50 required for the motion to be admitted, even with the backing of 16 MPs of the TDP.</p>

<p>The no-confidence motion is likely to be defeated in the Lok Sabha.</p>


The TDP, which pulled out of the BJP-led NDA today, had said that it would back the no-confidence motion

The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress formally said on Thursday that they will move a no-confidence motion against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha. YSR Congress Party MP (Member of Parliament) YV Subba Reddy wrote to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving the motion on "No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers" in the house. Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the house. pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) pulled out of the NDA today. The party had already even pulled its ministers out of the central government. The party also informed the Lok Sabha about moving a no-confidence motion against the NDA today. Letter of TDP MP Thota Narasimhan to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the House. pic.twitter.com/Zwg5qge3Sw — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × The Congress also said it would support a no-confidence motion against the NDA. Congress to support no-confidence motion against the Centre by Telugu Desam Party & YSR Congress Party: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President N Raghuveera Reddy pic.twitter.com/dx1AHiVD4o — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had immediately announced support for the YSR Congress motion of no-confidence. He reportedly has the backing of other Opposition parties as well. TDP and YSR Congress have been agitating in both Houses over the special status demand for Andhra Pradesh. A motion of no-confidence backed by nine MPs is much lesser than the 50 required for the motion to be admitted, even with the backing of 16 MPs of the TDP. The no-confidence motion is likely to be defeated in the Lok Sabha.

YSR Congress to move no-confidence motion against NDA

<p>In a major setback&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-protest-against-chowdarys-remarks-disrupts-rajya-sabha-35906">to the BJP in Lok Sabha</a> today, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s Telugu Desam Party(TDP) has decided to move a no-confidence motion along with other parties against the Centre today.</p>

<p>Newswire ANI <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-support-no-confidence-motion-against-centre-chandrababu-naidu-35952">including several media reports</a> said&nbsp;TDP is ready to walk out of the BJP-led NDA coalition today which would mean the ruling party at the Centre would be without a key southern ally.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter to Lok Sabha Secretary-General has informed that his party would be moving a motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the lower of Parliament today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on &#39;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&#39; in the house. <a href="https://t.co/FADQCKVOig">pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974492787566661632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>TDP has already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Differences deepened between the BJP and its ally after finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government was willing to give Andhra monetary equivalent of the special status, but not the &quot;status itself&quot; since the category no longer existed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TDP, however, felt the promises made to it when the state of Telangana was carved out of it in June 2014 was not being kept.</p>


Differences deepened between the BJP and its ally after finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government was willing to give Andhra monetary equivalent of the special status, but not the "status itself"

In a major setback to the BJP in Lok Sabha today, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party(TDP) has decided to move a no-confidence motion along with other parties against the Centre today. Newswire ANI including several media reports said TDP is ready to walk out of the BJP-led NDA coalition today which would mean the ruling party at the Centre would be without a key southern ally. Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy in a letter to Lok Sabha Secretary-General has informed that his party would be moving a motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the lower of Parliament today. Letter of YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving motion on 'No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers' in the house. pic.twitter.com/FADQCKVOig — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × TDP has already pulled out its ministers from the Union Cabinet - Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pasupati and MP YS Chowdary - after differences with the Centre over granting special status to the state, a move which would have given Andhra central funding a 90:10 ratio, with the centre paying the larger share. Differences deepened between the BJP and its ally after finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government was willing to give Andhra monetary equivalent of the special status, but not the "status itself" since the category no longer existed. TDP, however, felt the promises made to it when the state of Telangana was carved out of it in June 2014 was not being kept.

Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP to pull out of NDA: Report

<p>A day after TDP quit NDA over lack of financial support, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the Centre was committed to giving Andhra Pradesh a special package equivalent to a special category state and has been endlessly waiting for the state government to revert on mechanism of receiving it.</p>

<p>Jaitley said the modalities of giving the special package were agreed way back in September 2016 but the state government only in January this year suggested a change in route of receiving funds, to which the Centre agreed but has not heard from it ever since.</p>

<p>&quot;A solution has been put on the table. It is for Andhra Pradesh to decide whether they want the resources or they want to make an issue (out of it),&quot; he told PTI here.</p>

<p>The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has 16 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha, first pulled out its ministers from the Narendra Modi government and yesterday decided to quit the alliance itself.</p>

<p>The party, which is in power in Andhra Pradesh, had been demanding greater financial assistance to make up for the disadvantage it has been put to since its division in 2014.</p>

<p>Jaitley, however, said the Centre has been fully committed to giving the promised funds to the state and there has been no delay on its part.</p>

<p>He said the so-called special category status cannot be given to Andhra Pradesh in its literal sense after implementation of the award of 14th Finance Commission, which deals with sharing of central government&#39;s financial resources with the states.</p>

<p>The constitutionally-mandated Commission gave increased share of states fund in central taxes to 42 per cent from 32 per cent previously and meeting revenue deficit in case any state needs to be extraordinarly compensated.</p>

<p>The minister said a special category state gets to pay just 10 per cent share of the money to be spent on a centrally sponsored scheme in comparison to general category states having to pay 40 per cent. The remaining 90 per cent in case of special category states and 60 per cent in general category states is borne by the Centre.</p>

<p>The 30 per cent equivalent advantage that the special category states had was agreed to be given to Andhra Pradesh for five years. &quot;We found a solution on September 16, 2016 that instead of a special category, we will give a special package,&quot; he said adding the funds equivalent to 30 per cent additional funding was to be met in some other form.</p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh, he said, suggested that this should come to it in form of external aided projects wherein the repayment is 90 per cent borne by the Centre and 10 per cent by the state.</p>

<p>&quot;We agreed,&quot; he said.But in January this year, Andhra Pradesh changed its stance and said it should come via NABARD, Jaitley said adding the Centre told the state that such funding would increase its fiscal deficit and restrict borrowing space.</p>

<p>So it was suggested that a special purpose vehicle be created into which NABARD can transfer funds. The Centre would have repaid such funds to the extent of 90 per cent, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;On February 7 their officers said they will find out the details and come. No one has come till now,&quot; he said. &quot;We have been literally waiting for them to come.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The Centre has always been willing to give and there is no delay on our part,&quot; he said. &quot;The changeover has been done in January by Andhra Pradesh not by us.&quot;</p>

<p>On meeting the revenue deficit faced by the state due to carving out of Telangana, Jaitley said 14th Finance Commission has already calculated the funds for 2015 to 2020, which the Centre will pay.</p>

<p>For the 10 months prior to that, the deficit can be calculated either by taking the 2013-14 as the base or by extrapolating revenue of 2015-16. In the first case only Rs 138 crore is left to be paid and if the second is used, Rs 1,600 crore is due. &quot;We have said take it,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;We have been waiting endlessly for a response from them to resolve the issue,&quot; he added.</p>


The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has 16 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha, first pulled out its ministers from the Narendra Modi government and yesterday decided to quit the alliance itself

A day after TDP quit NDA over lack of financial support, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the Centre was committed to giving Andhra Pradesh a special package equivalent to a special category state and has been endlessly waiting for the state government to revert on mechanism of receiving it. Jaitley said the modalities of giving the special package were agreed way back in September 2016 but the state government only in January this year suggested a change in route of receiving funds, to which the Centre agreed but has not heard from it ever since. "A solution has been put on the table. It is for Andhra Pradesh to decide whether they want the resources or they want to make an issue (out of it)," he told PTI here. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has 16 MPs in the 545-member Lok Sabha, first pulled out its ministers from the Narendra Modi government and yesterday decided to quit the alliance itself. The party, which is in power in Andhra Pradesh, had been demanding greater financial assistance to make up for the disadvantage it has been put to since its division in 2014. Jaitley, however, said the Centre has been fully committed to giving the promised funds to the state and there has been no delay on its part. He said the so-called special category status cannot be given to Andhra Pradesh in its literal sense after implementation of the award of 14th Finance Commission, which deals with sharing of central government's financial resources with the states. The constitutionally-mandated Commission gave increased share of states fund in central taxes to 42 per cent from 32 per cent previously and meeting revenue deficit in case any state needs to be extraordinarly compensated. The minister said a special category state gets to pay just 10 per cent share of the money to be spent on a centrally sponsored scheme in comparison to general category states having to pay 40 per cent. The remaining 90 per cent in case of special category states and 60 per cent in general category states is borne by the Centre. The 30 per cent equivalent advantage that the special category states had was agreed to be given to Andhra Pradesh for five years. "We found a solution on September 16, 2016 that instead of a special category, we will give a special package," he said adding the funds equivalent to 30 per cent additional funding was to be met in some other form. Andhra Pradesh, he said, suggested that this should come to it in form of external aided projects wherein the repayment is 90 per cent borne by the Centre and 10 per cent by the state. "We agreed," he said.But in January this year, Andhra Pradesh changed its stance and said it should come via NABARD, Jaitley said adding the Centre told the state that such funding would increase its fiscal deficit and restrict borrowing space. So it was suggested that a special purpose vehicle be created into which NABARD can transfer funds. The Centre would have repaid such funds to the extent of 90 per cent, he said. "On February 7 their officers said they will find out the details and come. No one has come till now," he said. "We have been literally waiting for them to come." "The Centre has always been willing to give and there is no delay on our part," he said. "The changeover has been done in January by Andhra Pradesh not by us." On meeting the revenue deficit faced by the state due to carving out of Telangana, Jaitley said 14th Finance Commission has already calculated the funds for 2015 to 2020, which the Centre will pay. For the 10 months prior to that, the deficit can be calculated either by taking the 2013-14 as the base or by extrapolating revenue of 2015-16. In the first case only Rs 138 crore is left to be paid and if the second is used, Rs 1,600 crore is due. "We have said take it," he said. "We have been waiting endlessly for a response from them to resolve the issue," he added.

Centre endlessly waiting for Andhra to revert on special package: Arun Jaitley

<p>YSR Congress party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday took a dig at Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for failing to get the Special Category Status (SCS) to the state despite being in power for four years. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Even as the opposition parties rallied behind Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s TDP which moved the no-confidence motion against the Modi government, &nbsp;demanding the SCS for the state, Jagan Mohan said that TDP had to follow YSRCP&#39;s lead of moving no-confidence motion against the Centre for not granting SCS to AP.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For YSRCP, interest of AP &amp; its people is paramount, &amp; above any political upmanship. Even if YSRCP moved the No Confidence Motion first, it&#39;s immaterial whose No Confidence Motion is taken.What matters is that the rights of the people of AP is ensured and the state gets the SCS!</p>
&mdash; YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan/status/974558734734299137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;Even if guided by political compulsion, TDP had to yet again follow YSRCP&rsquo;s lead of moving no-confidence motion against the Central Govt for not granting SCS to AP. Win for democracy &amp; people of AP. YSRCP will continue to fight for SCS, &nbsp;the rights of the people of AP(2/2),&#39;&#39; he tweeted.</p>

<p>In another tweet, he said that after four-years of relentless struggle by his party and the people of the state, the nation and Naidu finally woke up.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even if guided by political compulsion, TDP had to yet again follow YSRCP&rsquo;s lead of moving no confidence motion against the Central Govt for not granting SCS to AP. Win for democracy &amp; people of AP. YSRCP will continue to fight for SCS, the rights of the people of AP(2/2)</p>
&mdash; YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan/status/974525329204068352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;After 4 years of relentless struggle and fight by YSRCP with people&rsquo;s support for Special Category Status; finally the nation, including @ncbn&rsquo;s TDP wakes up! (1/2),&#39;&#39; Jagan Mohan tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress formally said on Thursday that they will move a no-confidence motion against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>YSR Congress Party MP (Member of Parliament) YV Subba Reddy wrote to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving the motion on &quot;No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers&quot; in the house.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After 4 years of relentless struggle and fight by YSRCP with people&rsquo;s support for Special Category Status; finally the nation, including <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ncbn</a>&rsquo;s TDP wakes up! (1/2)</p>
&mdash; YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan/status/974525217824387073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The issue of granting of special status to AP was raised first by the YSR Congress party chief, who spoke about it vocally from the very beginning. Meanwhile, word spread that the ruling Telugu Desam party led by Chandrababu had settled for a special package to the state instead of special category status. YS Jagan during the course of his Padayatra in the state stressed upon the benefits the state could receive from being granted special category status, in public rallies and interactive meetings. In contrast, Chandrababu maintained that SCS to AP was no sanjeevini (magic cure) and that the issue was a closed chapter.</p>

<p>After the TDP made only token statements on SCS to AP now and then, without doing anything concrete on the issue, YS Jagan decided to take the next step by announcing his decision to not only move a no-trust vote in the Parliament but also let his MPs resign if the Centre didn&#39;t deliver what was promised at the time of AP bifurcation.</p>


In a tweet, he said that after four years of relentless struggle by his party and the people of the state, the nation and Naidu finally woke up.

YSR Congress party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday took a dig at Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for failing to get the Special Category Status (SCS) to the state despite being in power for four years. Even as the opposition parties rallied behind Chandrababu Naidu's TDP which moved the no-confidence motion against the Modi government, demanding the SCS for the state, Jagan Mohan said that TDP had to follow YSRCP's lead of moving no-confidence motion against the Centre for not granting SCS to AP. For YSRCP, interest of AP & its people is paramount, & above any political upmanship. Even if YSRCP moved the No Confidence Motion first, it's immaterial whose No Confidence Motion is taken.What matters is that the rights of the people of AP is ensured and the state gets the SCS! — YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) March 16, 2018 × ''Even if guided by political compulsion, TDP had to yet again follow YSRCP’s lead of moving no-confidence motion against the Central Govt for not granting SCS to AP. Win for democracy & people of AP. YSRCP will continue to fight for SCS, the rights of the people of AP(2/2),'' he tweeted. In another tweet, he said that after four-years of relentless struggle by his party and the people of the state, the nation and Naidu finally woke up. Even if guided by political compulsion, TDP had to yet again follow YSRCP’s lead of moving no confidence motion against the Central Govt for not granting SCS to AP. Win for democracy & people of AP. YSRCP will continue to fight for SCS, the rights of the people of AP(2/2) — YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) March 16, 2018 × ''After 4 years of relentless struggle and fight by YSRCP with people’s support for Special Category Status; finally the nation, including @ncbn’s TDP wakes up! (1/2),'' Jagan Mohan tweeted. The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress formally said on Thursday that they will move a no-confidence motion against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha. YSR Congress Party MP (Member of Parliament) YV Subba Reddy wrote to Lok Sabha Secretary-General for moving the motion on "No-Confidence in the Council of Ministers" in the house. After 4 years of relentless struggle and fight by YSRCP with people’s support for Special Category Status; finally the nation, including @ncbn’s TDP wakes up! (1/2) — YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) March 16, 2018 × The issue of granting of special status to AP was raised first by the YSR Congress party chief, who spoke about it vocally from the very beginning. Meanwhile, word spread that the ruling Telugu Desam party led by Chandrababu had settled for a special package to the state instead of special category status. YS Jagan during the course of his Padayatra in the state stressed upon the benefits the state could receive from being granted special category status, in public rallies and interactive meetings. In contrast, Chandrababu maintained that SCS to AP was no sanjeevini (magic cure) and that the issue was a closed chapter. After the TDP made only token statements on SCS to AP now and then, without doing anything concrete on the issue, YS Jagan decided to take the next step by announcing his decision to not only move a no-trust vote in the Parliament but also let his MPs resign if the Centre didn't deliver what was promised at the time of AP bifurcation.

TDP following my lead on no-confidence motion: Jagan attacks Chandrababu

<p>Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu took additional charge of Civil Aviation Ministry earlier today. After taking charge as the Civil Aviation Minister, Prabhu noted the significance of the aviation industry in job creation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Aviation industry played an integral role in creating jobs. What you&#39;ve seen is a trailer of &#39;<em>vikas</em>&#39; (development), under PM Modi&#39;s leadership sky isn&#39;t the limit. Hope media will be our co-passenger so that we can together have a safe landing,&quot; the minister noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aviation industry played integral role in creating jobs. What you&#39;ve seen is trailer of &#39;vikas&#39;, under PM Modi&#39;s leadership sky isn&#39;t the limit. Hope media will be our co passenger so we can together have safe landing: Suresh Prabhu, after taking charge as Civil Aviation Minister <a href="https://t.co/QSOMbZAGsq">pic.twitter.com/QSOMbZAGsq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973112018730475520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Civil Aviation Minister&#39;s office went vacant after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-special-status-row-naidu-orders-2-tdp-ministers-to-quit-union-cabinet-35018">TDP&#39;s Ashok Gajapathi Raju resigned</a>&nbsp;in the wake of TDP&#39;s fallout from the NDA-led alliance.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind then directed Suresh Prabhu to take charge of the aviation ministry in addition to his existing portfolio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Telugu Desam Party ministers resigned from the council of ministers after party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out from the NDA alliance.&nbsp;</p>


Union Civil Aviation Minister's office went vacant after TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju resignation

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu took additional charge of Civil Aviation Ministry earlier today. After taking charge as the Civil Aviation Minister, Prabhu noted the significance of the aviation industry in job creation. "Aviation industry played an integral role in creating jobs. What you've seen is a trailer of 'vikas' (development), under PM Modi's leadership sky isn't the limit. Hope media will be our co-passenger so that we can together have a safe landing," the minister noted. Aviation industry played integral role in creating jobs. What you've seen is trailer of 'vikas', under PM Modi's leadership sky isn't the limit. Hope media will be our co passenger so we can together have safe landing: Suresh Prabhu, after taking charge as Civil Aviation Minister pic.twitter.com/QSOMbZAGsq — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Union Civil Aviation Minister's office went vacant after TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju resigned in the wake of TDP's fallout from the NDA-led alliance. President Ram Nath Kovind then directed Suresh Prabhu to take charge of the aviation ministry in addition to his existing portfolio. Telugu Desam Party ministers resigned from the council of ministers after party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu decided to pull out from the NDA alliance.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu takes charge of aviation ministry

<p>Andhra Pradesh Minister of Information Technology and son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu&nbsp;Lokesh Nara on Thursday said that TDP&nbsp;had waited for long and believed in &quot;false promises&quot; of the Central government. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We&rsquo;ve waited enough. We&rsquo;ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
&mdash; Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/naralokesh/status/971437418027995136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;We&rsquo;ve waited enough. We&rsquo;ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked a couple of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Centre has been taking one sided decisions and our patience has run out now. When the purpose of joining the union cabinet hasn&rsquo;t been fulfilled, it&rsquo;s best to resign now.</p>
&mdash; N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/971446230088691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Naidu&#39;s announcement came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money.</p>

<p>Naidu said Jaitley&#39;s announcement was the &quot;last straw&quot; for the TDP. Naidu had repeatedly insisted on special category state status for Andhra Pradesh following mounting pressure from the opposition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre

Andhra Pradesh Minister of Information Technology and son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Lokesh Nara on Thursday said that TDP had waited for long and believed in "false promises" of the Central government. We’ve waited enough. We’ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. — Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) March 7, 2018 × "We’ve waited enough. We’ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh," he tweeted. The Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked a couple of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation. The Centre has been taking one sided decisions and our patience has run out now. When the purpose of joining the union cabinet hasn’t been fulfilled, it’s best to resign now. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 7, 2018 × Naidu's announcement came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money. Naidu said Jaitley's announcement was the "last straw" for the TDP. Naidu had repeatedly insisted on special category state status for Andhra Pradesh following mounting pressure from the opposition. (With inputs from PTI)

We believed in 'false promises': Lokesh Nara on TDP pulling-out of NDA

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030">TDP to pull out of NDA </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030">government,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030"> keeps door for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030">alliance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-to-pull-out-of-nda-government-keeps-door-for-alliance-with-bjp-ajar-35030"> with BJP ajar</a></p>

<p>The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation tomorrow, but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar.</p>

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<p>The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pornstar-stormy-daniels-lawyer-confirms-her-affair-with-donald-trump-35037">Pornstar Stormy Daniels&#39; lawyer confirms her affair with Donald Trump</a></p>

<p>Pornstar Stormy Daniels&#39; lawyer admitted that she had a sexual relationship with US President Donald Trump. In a television interview, Michael Avenatti confirmed the same also stating that he was not aware of the $130,000 payoff to buy her silence.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/grenade-blast-kills-one-in-sri-lanka-communal-violence-social-media-blocked-35029">Grenade blast kills one in Sri Lanka communal violence, social media blocked</a></p>

<p>A grenade blast killed one person in further violence between majority Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Muslims in Sri Lanka on Wednesday as the government moved to block social messaging networks in an effort to halt the bloodshed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">China urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">, North Korea to hold talks &#39;sooner than later&#39;</a></p>

<p>China&#39;s foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that &quot;the sincerity&quot; of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.</p>


TDP to pull out of NDA government, keeps door for alliance with BJP ajar The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation tomorrow, but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar. UK police confirm Russian ex-spy, daughter hit by nerve agent The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday. Pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawyer confirms her affair with Donald Trump Pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawyer admitted that she had a sexual relationship with US President Donald Trump. In a television interview, Michael Avenatti confirmed the same also stating that he was not aware of the $130,000 payoff to buy her silence. Grenade blast kills one in Sri Lanka communal violence, social media blocked A grenade blast killed one person in further violence between majority Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Muslims in Sri Lanka on Wednesday as the government moved to block social messaging networks in an effort to halt the bloodshed. China urges US, North Korea to hold talks 'sooner than later' China's foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that "the sincerity" of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.

WION Morning News Brief, March 8, 2018

<p>The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-promises-funds-equivalent-of-special-status-to-andhra-pradesh-35020">Also read: Will give money equivalent </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-promises-funds-equivalent-of-special-status-to-andhra-pradesh-35020">of</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-promises-funds-equivalent-of-special-status-to-andhra-pradesh-35020"> special status to Andhra Pradesh, says&nbsp;Arun Jaitley</a></p>

<p>The TDP took the painful decision in the interest of the state as it was left with no other option, party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said at an emergency press briefing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s a crucial time.<br />
We have to stand, we have to fight, we have to get it done.</p>
&mdash; N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/971447691489239040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two ministers in the Modi government are Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary.</p>

<p>In a tit-for-tat action, the two BJP ministers in the Naidu government--K Srinivasa Rao and T Manikyala Rao--too announced their decision to quit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I tried reaching out to the Prime Minister to inform him about our decision. But sadly, he was unavailable.</p>
&mdash; N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/971446399316385792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;When the intended purpose (of joining the Union Cabinet) has not been served, there is no point in continuing. For me the sole agenda is to safeguard the interests of the state, he said.</p>

<p>The TDP has 16 MPs in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Naidu&#39;s announcement came barely hours after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi this evening that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money.</p>

<p>We have now come out of the NDA. Party-to-party (TDP-BJP ties) issue will be decided later, he added, hinting that their alliance may continue in the future.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am not angry with anyone. This decision has been taken only to benefit the people of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
&mdash; N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/971446279287988224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jaitley said giving special category status, as demanded by Naidu, to any state apart from those in the North-East and three hill provinces were not constitutionally possible after the implementation of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations.</p>

<p>For special category status category states, the Centre meets 90 per cent of the funds required in a centrally sponsored scheme as against 60 per cent in case of normal category states. The remaining funds are provided by the state governments.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Centre has been taking one sided decisions and our patience has run out now. When the purpose of joining the union cabinet hasn&rsquo;t been fulfilled, it&rsquo;s best to resign now.</p>
&mdash; N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/971446230088691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Naidu said Jaitley&#39;s announcement was the &quot;last straw&quot; for the TDP. Naidu had repeatedly insisted on special category state status for Andhra Pradesh following mounting pressure from the opposition.</p>

<p>Jaitley&#39;s statement was nothing but insulting us, he maintained.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;I made every effort to get our issues resolved by the Centre in the last four years. I told them about the people&#39;s sentiment and tried to convince them in every manner but to no avail, he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We&rsquo;ve waited enough. We&rsquo;ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
&mdash; Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/naralokesh/status/971437418027995136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>They (Centre) are with a predetermination and there appears to be no way they will help us. Under such inevitable circumstances, we have decided to come out of the NDA, Naidu said, after a three-hour teleconference with party MPs and state ministers following Jaitley&#39;s assertions.</p>

<p>He said the TDP joined the NDA government only to protect the state&#39;s interests following its bifurcation but claimed the Centre was taking unilateral decisions without thinking about the solutions to the state&#39;s problems.</p>

<p>The chief minister said he tried to speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone as a courtesy to inform him about the decision to pull out of the NDA government. It is my responsibility as a coalition partner to inform the prime minister about our party decision. My OSD spoke to his OSD but the prime minister did not come online, he said.</p>

<p>Naidu hoped the Centre would at least now respect the sentiments of people of Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>


The TDP took the painful decision in the interest of the state as it was left with no other option, party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said at an emergency press briefing.

The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar. Also read: Will give money equivalent of special status to Andhra Pradesh, says Arun Jaitley The TDP took the painful decision in the interest of the state as it was left with no other option, party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said at an emergency press briefing. It's a crucial time. We have to stand, we have to fight, we have to get it done. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 7, 2018 × The two ministers in the Modi government are Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary. In a tit-for-tat action, the two BJP ministers in the Naidu government--K Srinivasa Rao and T Manikyala Rao--too announced their decision to quit. I tried reaching out to the Prime Minister to inform him about our decision. But sadly, he was unavailable. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 7, 2018 × "When the intended purpose (of joining the Union Cabinet) has not been served, there is no point in continuing. For me the sole agenda is to safeguard the interests of the state, he said. The TDP has 16 MPs in the Lok Sabha. Naidu's announcement came barely hours after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi this evening that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money. We have now come out of the NDA. Party-to-party (TDP-BJP ties) issue will be decided later, he added, hinting that their alliance may continue in the future. I am not angry with anyone. This decision has been taken only to benefit the people of Andhra Pradesh. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 7, 2018 × Jaitley said giving special category status, as demanded by Naidu, to any state apart from those in the North-East and three hill provinces were not constitutionally possible after the implementation of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations. For special category status category states, the Centre meets 90 per cent of the funds required in a centrally sponsored scheme as against 60 per cent in case of normal category states. The remaining funds are provided by the state governments. The Centre has been taking one sided decisions and our patience has run out now. When the purpose of joining the union cabinet hasn’t been fulfilled, it’s best to resign now. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 7, 2018 × Naidu said Jaitley's announcement was the "last straw" for the TDP. Naidu had repeatedly insisted on special category state status for Andhra Pradesh following mounting pressure from the opposition. Jaitley's statement was nothing but insulting us, he maintained. ''I made every effort to get our issues resolved by the Centre in the last four years. I told them about the people's sentiment and tried to convince them in every manner but to no avail, he said. We’ve waited enough. We’ve believed in false promises enough. Our ministers are resigning from the Union Cabinet. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. — Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) March 7, 2018 × They (Centre) are with a predetermination and there appears to be no way they will help us. Under such inevitable circumstances, we have decided to come out of the NDA, Naidu said, after a three-hour teleconference with party MPs and state ministers following Jaitley's assertions. He said the TDP joined the NDA government only to protect the state's interests following its bifurcation but claimed the Centre was taking unilateral decisions without thinking about the solutions to the state's problems. The chief minister said he tried to speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone as a courtesy to inform him about the decision to pull out of the NDA government. It is my responsibility as a coalition partner to inform the prime minister about our party decision. My OSD spoke to his OSD but the prime minister did not come online, he said. Naidu hoped the Centre would at least now respect the sentiments of people of Andhra Pradesh.

TDP pulls out of NDA government, keeps door for alliance with BJP ajar

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