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Congress ‘Misusing Power’ Says BJP’s Pralhad Joshi After CT Ravi’s Interim Bail

December 22, 2024, 5:19 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party CT Ravi who is said to have used a ‘derogatory’ word about Karnataka Women & Child Development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar was let out on bail on Sunday.

The minister apparently called Hebbalkar a prostitute and made lewd gestures at her, Horatti told the Legilative Council.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress government in Karnataka of “misusing” power days after interim bail was granted to the BJP MLC CT Ravi in an alleged derogatory remark case.

CT Ravi was arrested by the Bengaluru police on Thursday based on a complaint by state minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar for allegedly using derogatory remarks against her in the Legislative Council. He was subsequently released after an interim order passed by the Karnataka High Court on Friday.

“It is a misuse of power. They do not believe in Democracy and the Constitution,” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said taking a swipe at the Congress government in Karnataka.

“They are trying to misuse not only the power, they are also trying to curb political activities of their political opponents,” Joshi alleged.

After his release, Ravi questioned his arrest, claiming that he was shifted around four districts arbitrarily. “Why was I arrested? Why was I continuously shifted to four districts? CM says that due to security reasons they did this…Giving security in PS is difficult for them, but giving security at an isolated place is easy for them,” the BJP leader said.

Minister Hebbalkar on Friday replied to the alleged derogatory remarks made at the Karnataka legislative assembly, while speaking to reporters at her residence in Belagavi, Karnataka.

Expressing her distress over the alleged remarks, she said that when the BJP leader called Rahul Gandhi a “drug addict,” she asked whether his being in accidents made him a murderer.”

After completing the protest (against remarks of Amit Shah), we were seated. I, too, was sitting quietly in my seat. At that time, CT Ravi called Rahul Gandhi a drug addict. In response, I said, Even you have been in accidents does that make you a murderer..??,” she told reporters.

While narrating the incident, she said, “Following this, CT Ravi used derogatory words against me. I am also a mother…People look up to me and believe that thousands should enter politics inspired by me.”

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday condemned the alleged derogatory remarks of CT Ravi, calling it “a criminal offence.”

“The word used by CT Ravi on Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar was condemnable. It is a criminal offence. Ravi, who was the national general secretary of BJP, said such a thing which is shameful,” Siddaramaiah said.

“Other Vidhan Parishad members have heard Ravi use that word,” he added.

‘Protesting Farmers Have Minor Issues, Mostly From Punjab Not Haryana’, Says BJP Minister

December 6, 2024, 7:15 pm

Haryana Minister Krishna Kumar Bedi stated on Friday that farmers from Haryana are not participating in the ongoing protests, emphasising that the demonstrators are primarily from Punjab.

Speaking at the unveiling of a statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Bedi said, “The protesting farmers have minor issues that will be addressed by the central government and court orders.” He added that farmers in Haryana are benefiting significantly from various government schemes.

Bedi highlighted the efforts of the Haryana government in supporting its farmers, claiming that no other state has done as much. “The Haryana government has made 24 decisions in favour of farmers, including a promise to buy crops at MSP,” he said. Bedi also mentioned the state’s compensation for unharvested crops this season.

He further pointed out the Supreme Court’s praise for Haryana’s stubble management efforts, contrasting it with the situation in Punjab. “The Haryana government has been praised by the Supreme Court for its efforts in stubble management, something that is not happening in Punjab. These are all farmers from Punjab,” he remarked.

On the political front, Bedi criticized the Congress Party for alleging that the BJP intends to abolish the Constitution. He firmly rejected these accusations, stating, “The Constitution cannot be abolished, and the Congress has no answer regarding the Constitution. The Chief Minister had clarified all points in the Assembly.”

Elaborating further, Bedi said, “The Constitution can never be abolished because it was created by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who not only showed India the way but also the world.” He accused the Congress of having no concrete explanation to back their claims against the BJP.

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Bedi’s comments come amidst rising tensions between farmers and the government, as farmers plan to march towards Delhi to press their demands. However, Bedi reiterated that the central government and the courts are prepared to address the concerns raised by the protesting farmers from Punjab.

“Congress Stands For Corruption, Communalism, And Conflict”: Sarbananda Sonowal’s Fiery Attack

November 11, 2024, 4:38 am

While campaigning for BJP candidate Diganta Ghatowal in the Behali Assembly bye-election, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal accused the Congress of being synonymous with “communalism, corruption, and conflict.” He claimed the party’s past governance was marked by divisive tactics for political gain.

BJP’s Vision of Nation-Building

Sonowal contrasted Congress’s alleged misdeeds with the BJP-led NDA government’s focus on nation-building. He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the guiding principle of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.”

Development and Progress Under NDA

Highlighting the strides made under Modi’s leadership, Sonowal noted a significant transformation in Assam and the Northeast. “The NDA government champions progress, equity, and dignity for every Indian,” he said, adding that BJP’s governance has empowered communities and uplifted lives across the nation.

Call to Action for Voters

Urging voters to reject Congress, Sonowal said, “When you vote, choose nation-building over corruption, communalism, and conflict. The future of India depends on the choices we make today.”

Support from Party Leaders

Sonowal’s campaign was bolstered by the presence of senior Assam ministers and BJP leaders, including Sanjay Kishan, Piyush Hazarika, and Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, among others.

Conclusion

As the Behali bye-election draws near, BJP aims to consolidate its position, promoting a development-focused agenda while highlighting the flaws of past Congress regimes.

NCST Issues Notice Over Irfan Ansari’s Remarks on Tribal Leader Sita Soren

November 6, 2024, 6:35 pm

In the lead-up to the Jharkhand Assembly elections, a significant controversy has emerged involving Congress Minister Irfan Ansari and BJP leader Sita Soren, both contesting from the Jamtara constituency. On October 24, 2024, after filing his nomination papers, Ansari allegedly referred to Soren as a “rejected” and “borrowed player,” remarks that have sparked widespread condemnation.

Sita Soren, visibly emotional, addressed the media on October 27, stating, “Ansari has been targeting me since my candidature from the seat was announced. But, the derogatory remarks he made after filing his nomination are not acceptable. It is an insult to women of the tribal community. The tribal community will never forgive him.”

In response to the uproar, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued a notice to the Jharkhand government, demanding a report within three days on Ansari‘s alleged derogatory remarks. The NCST warned that officials might be summoned if no response is received.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also taken cognizance of the matter. Jharkhand’s Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Neha Arora, confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Ansari in Jamtara district for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Arora stated, “A case of MCC violation has been registered. An FIR has been registered in Jamtara district for violating MCC provisions. Strict advisory has also been issued to all the political parties in this regard.”

Union Minister Annapurna Devi criticised Ansari’s remarks, asserting, “He (Irfan Ansari) has given a very wrong statement on Sita Soren. This exposes the mentality of the Congress party. The Congress party is anti-women and anti-youth… I condemn this statement… Will Rahul Gandhi take back the tickets given to people with such a low level of thinking?… The Congress party should remove such people from the cabinet.”

In a related development, Jayshree Soren, daughter of Sita Soren, filed a case under the SC/ST Atrocities Act against Ansari on November 2, 2024. The complaint, lodged at Jamtara SC/ST police station, accuses Ansari of making derogatory remarks and character assassination attempts against her mother and younger sister, Vijayashree.

As the Jharkhand Assembly elections approach, scheduled in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results to be declared on November 23, this controversy has intensified the political climate in the state. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, faces the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), and Janata Dal (United).

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The incident underscores the heightened sensitivities and the critical role of respectful discourse in the electoral process, especially concerning issues of gender and community respect.

How Congress Fell Short In Haryana Despite Winning Big On Votes

October 9, 2024, 4:28 am

Despite securing its highest vote share since 2005, Congress faced defeat in the 2024 Haryana assembly elections. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons behind their loss.

Congress Vote Share vs. BJP Seat Win

Congress’s 39.1% vote share is better than the BJP’s in previous elections, yet the party secured fewer seats. The reason is that the BJP’s votes were strategically concentrated, allowing them to win more constituencies. In contrast, Congress’s votes were more evenly spread, diluting their impact on seat wins.

Poor Seat-to-Vote Conversion

One major factor is Congress’s poor seat-to-vote conversion. Their vote-to-seat conversion ratio in this election was just 1.05, much lower than previous elections when they performed better. In simpler terms, Congress couldn’t turn votes into seats effectively.

A More Bipolar Contest

The 2024 elections saw a more polarized competition between Congress and BJP. The Effective Number of Parties (ENOP) in this election was 2.47, indicating fewer fragmented votes and a tighter race between the two main parties. This meant that winning required a higher vote share per constituency.

High Vote Threshold for Winning

With fewer parties splitting the vote, the threshold to win a constituency increased. The median vote share for winning parties in 2024 was 48.9%, significantly higher than Congress’s median vote share of 40.2%. This gap made it harder for Congress to secure individual seats, even with a strong overall vote share.

Conclusion

In short, Congress lost in Haryana not because of a lack of popular support but due to the strategic distribution of votes and the highly competitive, bipolar nature of the election. These factors combined to make seat victories harder to achieve, resulting in their defeat despite an impressive vote share.

Modi Slams Congress as ‘Parasitic Party’ Post Elections Results

October 8, 2024, 11:35 pm

As the dust settles on the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn’t mince words when delivering a scathing critique of the Congress party. In a fiery statement, he labeled the Congress as a “parasitic party” that thrives on division and has lost its grip on the country’s ethos. His comments reflect not just a post-election analysis but a broader vision of how the BJP sees its role as the custodian of national unity and progress, setting the stage for further political momentum in the lead-up to 2024.

WATCH:

हरियाणा और जम्मू-कश्मीर के चुनाव नतीजों ने यह स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि कांग्रेस पूरी तरह परजीवी पार्टी बन चुकी है। pic.twitter.com/3UOrrc9Hfl

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2024

In his statement, PM Modi boldly declared, “The election results in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir have made it clear that Congress has become a completely parasitic party.” He framed the Congress’s strategies as not only obsolete but as harmful to Indian society.

Modi accused the Congress of spreading the “poison of caste” across the country, a claim he supported by pointing to what he described as a growing divide in society driven by Congress’s policies. He asserted that the party’s actions are not just political tactics but a systematic attempt to dismantle the nation’s proud heritage. He stated, “There are countless examples of how the Congress has been tarnishing every image that brings pride to the nation.” This was a direct reference to recent controversies where the Congress has been accused of divisive politics, especially regarding caste-based politics and regional tensions.

In Haryana, the BJP achieved an unprecedented mandate with Modi highlighting the magnitude of the win. He suggested that the BJP’s landslide victory would have reverberations far beyond the state: “The unprecedented mandate given to the BJP in Haryana will resonate far and wide.” For Modi, this win represents more than just another electoral victory; it signals the people’s rejection of divisive politics and their trust in BJP’s development agenda.

The Prime Minister’s remarks further reflected his party’s stance that the Congress has lost its touch with the country’s patriotic spirit. “The people of Haryana have completely rejected Congress’s conspiracy to divide patriots. They have shown that its anti-national politics won’t work,” Modi proclaimed. This statement aligns with the BJP’s consistent rhetoric that the Congress is failing to uphold the nation’s best interests.

His comments on Jammu & Kashmir were equally forceful, positioning the BJP as the guardian of constitutional integrity in the region. “In Jammu & Kashmir, we have reinstated the spirit and dignity of the Constitution, paying true tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Modi said, emphasizing his government’s decision to revoke Article 370 as a restoration of constitutional order. For Modi, this election marks a significant milestone in solidifying the region’s integration into India, post the abrogation of the special status.

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As for Congress’s presence across India, Modi did not hold back: “Where the BJP is entrenched in the hearts of the people, most states now have ‘No-Entry’ boards up for the Congress.” This is a stinging critique of the party’s diminished presence and influence across the country, which he attributes to their outdated strategies and inability to connect with the masses. By framing the BJP as the party of the people and the Congress as a diminishing force, Modi strengthened the narrative that the BJP is on a steady upward trajectory, while the Congress is in decline.

Rajasthan Lok Sabha Election 2024 Results Live: BJP Leads With 13 Seats, Congress Holds Nine

June 4, 2024, 10:53 am

As the vote counting progresses for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the Bhartiya Janta Party has taken a significant lead with 13 seats in Rajasthan, as reported by the Election Commission of India.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress is also making its mark, leading with nine seats. Additionally, smaller parties like the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M), Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLTP), and Bharat Adivasi Party have secured one seat each, adding to the diverse political landscape emerging from the election results.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contested all 25 seats as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). As per the seat-sharing arrangement within the INDIA bloc, the Indian National Congress contested the polls from 22 seats, with its allies including the Bharat Adivasi Party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), each contesting from one seat.

Over 642 million people participated in the Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases over six weeks. Vote counting commenced, including postal ballots, amid tight security.

This included the State Legislative Assembly counts for Andhra Pradesh (175 constituencies), Odisha (147 constituencies), and 25 Assembly bypolls. With over 8,000 candidates, strict security ensured the smooth conduct of this extensive election, determining the fate of leaders from various political backgrounds.

Two exit surveys indicated that the BJP was expected to enhance its seat count from the 303 seats it secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The majority of exit polls forecasted a consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with several of them suggesting a significant majority for the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

However, the Congress party and its allies criticized the exit polls, labeling them as “staged” and a product of “imagination,” and reiterated their belief that the opposition INDIA coalition would assume power in the upcoming government at the Center.

Exit Polls 2024: Ravi Shankar Prasad Accuses Congress of Daydreaming

June 2, 2024, 1:06 pm

Following the exit polls’ forecast of a third consecutive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha polls, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized the Congress, attributing its poor performance to persistent daydreaming.

Prasad advised the Congress to focus on grassroots efforts and refrain from constantly criticizing PM Modi.

Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He remarked “PM Narendra Modi worries about the poor, worries about the farmers, he is the one who is working to develop this nation, and he is the one who is safeguarding the country.”

He added, “All the exit polls say the same thing. Usually, there used to be some difference in the exit polls but this time, all the exit polls indicate almost the same numbers, which is rounding off to 400 or is going more than that.”

The BJP candidate from the Patna Sahib constituency also made a sarcastic remark about Congress’ Jairam Ramesh’s statement, noting that the party’s current predicament results from its continuous indulgence in daydreaming.

“People can dream during the day and there is no restraint on that. Congress is performing poorly because they haven’t stopped daydreaming. They should work on the ground and win the confidence of the public and should stop criticizing and abusing PM Modi.”

The BJP leader credited the strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and said, “We need to praise the strategy of Amit Shah and the hard work of PM Modi. The mindset and leadership of PM Modi, the people’s faith towards him, and the strategy of Amit Shah can be seen even in new regions like southern India, Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Telangana.”

The Congress is expected to win 60 seats, rising to 125 in alliance with the INDI Alliance. Other parties not allied with the NDA or INDI are set to win 47 seats. This includes 3 UDF seats in Kerala, part of the INDIA bloc’s 125 seats. In Tamil Nadu, DMK is predicted to win 22 seats, Congress 6, totaling 28 for the INDIA bloc. BJP may get 2 seats, AIADMK 5, and smaller parties 4 seats.

In Karnataka, the JDS-BJP alliance is set to win 23 out of 28 seats, with BJP securing 22 seats and Congress likely to take five seats. Kerala’s 20 seats will mostly go to Congress, part of the UDF coalition, winning 14 seats, while LDF is set to win four seats. BJP is expected to secure its first seat in Kerala. Andhra Pradesh is expected to be dominated by the NDA, comprising BJP, TDP, and JSP, winning 18 seats out of 25, with YSRCP taking seven seats. Odisha’s 21 seats will likely see BJP winning 13 seats and BJD securing eight seats.

Rajnath Singh Alleges Congress And JMM Of Looting Jharkhand

May 27, 2024, 7:37 pm

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh renewed his criticism of the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), alleging that they have been involved in the exploitation of Jharkhand, a state abundant in minerals.

Singh spoke at the Sahib Ganj public gathering through a virtual platform since his helicopter couldn’t land due to bad weather in the area. He delivered a speech at the rally while actively supporting BJP candidate Tala Marandi from the Rajmahal Constituency during his campaign.

“Former CM of the state is in jail on corruption charges. A large amount of cash was confiscated at the house of the personal assistant of a Jharkhand government minister, which is a betrayal to the people of Jharkhand and the poor across the country,” he said.

He criticized opposition parties for practicing appeasement politics, citing examples like West Bengal where illegal immigration has allegedly increased due to such policies. He stated that the BJP government plans to identify and expel infiltrators from the country.

Coming down heavily on opposition parties for their stand against CAA, the Defense Minister said, “We have implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and other religious minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. CAA will not take away the Citizenship of legitimate Indian citizens. It is a law to give Citizenship to people who are facing religious persecution.”

He said, “During the pandemic, the Modi-led government ensured everyone received the COVID vaccine and distributed 5 kg of free ration to every household. The BJP government will not let anyone remain poor. BJP cannot forget the significant contribution of the tribal population in the formation of Jharkhand. BJP and Atal Bihari Vajpayee who initiated the creation of Jharkhand.”

PM Modi has marked a decade in office, during which no leader from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has leveled allegations of corruption against him or any minister. He emphasized that the Modi administration remains untainted by corruption accusations.

Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Elections: BJP Clinches 32 Seats, Congress Secures Rae Bareli

May 19, 2024, 6:05 pm

On Monday, 49 seats across 8 states and Union Territories cast their votes in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. By the end of this phase, polling for a total of 428 seats will be complete, leaving 115 seats for the final two phases. This phase also marks the conclusion of polling in Maharashtra, with its remaining 13 seats, including all six in Mumbai, now having voted.

In terms of vote share, the parties that constitute NDA received 42.85% of the votes compared to the 28.83% vote share of the INDIA bloc parties (excluding the votes of the Shiv Sena and NCP, both of which were united at the time). In 2019, the parties that now make up the Opposition INDIA bloc and the ruling NDA secured six and 34 out of these 49 seats, respectively. The BJP alone claimed 32 of these seats, while the Congress managed only one, retaining its traditional Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh. The remaining nine seats went to regional parties, with the undivided Shiv Sena winning seven and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) winning two.

695 candidates are in the fray. The BSP has fielded the most candidates at 46, followed by the BJP (40), and the Congress (18). With the final 13 seats in Maharashtra voting, the state has the most candidates in this phase at 264, followed by 144 in 14 Uttar Pradesh seats and 88 in seven West Bengal constituencies.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi Agrees To Debate With PM Modi; BJP Reacts

May 12, 2024, 12:47 pm

Key Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently announced that he or party chief Mallikarjun Kharge are willing to participate in a public debate on general elections on Saturday.

He further added that he hopes that PM Modi will accept his invite for the debate.

Elaborating more on public debate part, Gandhi asserted that it’s a positive initiative, under which political parties will get a platform, to present their vision for the country. Thus, leading to the enhancement of democracy.

He further added that, that nation expects Modi’s participation in debate.

Earlier this week, taking ton X, shared his response to justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, justice (retd), former chairman of the law commission of India Ajit P Shah and senior journalist N Ram.

Who had earlier made a request to both congress leader and prime minister to have a debate on key issues dominating this election.

Through their letter, they also announced that debate’s proposal will be non-partisan in nature and is in every citizen’s interest.

“It would be a positive initiative for the major parties to present their vision to the country from one platform for a healthy democracy.”said Rahul Gandhi, adding that the nation expects Modi to participate in the debate.”

Talking further about Invitation, he announced that, he had a discussion with Mallikarjun Kharge on this, and concluded, that such debate will make people understand our vision and help in making an informed choice.

In response to the letter, he further added, “It is also critical to put to rest any unsubstantiated allegations attributed to our respective parties. As the principal parties fighting the election, the public deserve to hear from their leaders directly…Accordingly, either myself or the Congress president would be pleased to participate in such a debate.”

Later he said, “Please do let us know if and when the prime minister agrees to participate, following which we can discuss the details and format of the debate.” And he eagerly anticipates the debate.

How Did BJP Respond?

Meanwhile, many BJP leaders including Tejasvi Surya said, “isn’t even the PM candidate of the Congress Party, let alone the INDI Alliance”.

Further attacking Gandhi, he also said “Who is Rahul Gandhi, that PM Modi should debate with him? Rahul Gandhi isn’t even the PM candidate of the Congress Party, let alone the INDI Alliance. Let him first get himself declared as Congress’s PM candidate, state he will take accountability for his party’s defeat, and then invite PM for a debate. Until then, we are ready to depute our BJYM spokespersons to take him on in any debate.”

Another former congress leader Jaiveer Shergill too launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi and said Running away from Parliament, running away from Amethi, Running away from Accountability (leaving post of Party President & not becoming LoP) but still feeling “entitled” to debate PM @narendramodi? Debating with runaway hobby politicians is not worth Modi Ji’s time ! Clearly no one taught Rahul Gandhi the basic rule ‘first deserve then desire’.

Later, Shergill also taunted Gandhi’s low attendance in Lok Sabha. “Rahul Gandhi track record in Parliament: Attendance: 51% National Average: 79% No of Debates: 8 National Average: 46.7% No of Q’s raised: 99 National Average: 210.”

Rich Legacy of Gandhinagar

May 10, 2024, 3:01 am

Established in 1967, this prestigious parliamentary seat has witnessed the rise and fall of political titans, shaping the course of the state’s and the nation’s history.

The Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, nestled in the heart of Gujarat, is a testament to India’s rich democratic heritage. Established in 1967, this prestigious parliamentary seat has witnessed the rise and fall of political titans, shaping the course of the state’s and the nation’s history. As the nation gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhinagar finds itself at the epicenter of political discourse, drawing attention to its diverse electorate and the fierce battles that have defined its legacy. This is a constituency comprising 7 assembly segments Gandhinagar North, Kalol, Sanand, Ghatlodia, Vejalpur, Naranpura, and Sabarmati. It’s an urban-dominated constituency with 79% urban electorate and 21% rural electorate. The Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency boasts a diverse voter base, encompassing urban professionals, government employees, and the rural population. Beyond its political significance, the city is renowned for its cultural festivals, verdant spaces, and architectural marvels like the Akshardham temple.

From Congress to BJP’s Citadel
In its early years, the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat was a stronghold of the Indian National Congress (INC). Somchandbhai Solanki, the inaugural Member of Parliament (MP) from this constituency, served as a beacon of Congress’ influence from 1967 to 1977. However, the political landscape shifted in 1977 when a non-congress MP Purushottam Ganesh Mavalankar was elected on the ticket of the Janta Party. Again, in 1980, Amrit Mohanal Patel from Congress and GI Patel from Congress in 1984 succeeded in winning the seat but this was the last time Congress attained this seat. After that, the seat became the citadel of the BJP in 1989 when Shankersinh Vaghela, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emerged victorious, marking the beginning of a new era.
Since that pivotal moment, the BJP has maintained an unwavering grip on the Gandhinagar constituency, winning ten consecutive elections from 1989 to 2019. This unbroken streak is a testament to the party’s deep-rooted connection with the electorate and its ability to resonate with the aspirations of the diverse populace.
In 1996, Vajpayee contested from both Gandhinagar and Lucknow. After winning from both seats, Vajpayee chose to retain the Lucknow seat. Following this, in the by-election held for the Gandhinagar seat, the Congress fielded Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna against BJP’s Vijay Patel but lost. In 1998, the Congress fielded P.K. Datta, a former Director General of Police from Gujarat, against Advani. In 1999, the Congress fielded Sheshan against Advani, who was serving as the Chief Election Commissioner and was known for his tough stance. Sheshan lost but put up a strong fight.

Major Winners
The Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat has been graced by some of India’s most influential political figures, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Lal Krishna Advani, a stalwart of the BJP, won the constituency six times, from 1991 to 2014, barring 1996, when the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, another BJP luminary and former Prime Minister, contested and emerged victorious.
Advani’s six-term tenure solidifies Gandhinagar’s significance in the BJP’s political narrative, while Vajpayee’s victory further underscores the seat’s importance. Additionally, the constituency has been represented by notable figures like Shankersinh Vaghela, who later became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Amit Shah, the current Union Home Minister and a formidable force in Indian politics. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who represents the Ghatlodia Assembly segment within Gandhinagar, was among the campaigners for Shah.
Diverse Electorate: A Reflection of India’s Plurality Gandhinagar’s electorate is a microcosm of India’s rich cultural tapestry, comprising individuals from various religious, caste, and socio-economic backgrounds. According to the 2019 data, the constituency boasts a total of 19,45,772 voters, with a staggering 86% residing in urban areas and 14% in rural regions.
The religious composition of the constituency is Hindu dominant, with Hindus constituting 92.86% of the population, followed by Muslims (4.1%), Jains (2.21%), Christians (0.58%), Sikhs (0.19%), and Buddhists (0.06%). Additionally, Gandhinagar is home to a significant Scheduled Caste (SC) population of 8.3% and a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of 1.4%. (As per 2019 )
This diversity in the electorate presents a unique challenge for political parties, requiring them to craft inclusive and nuanced strategies that resonate with the aspirations of various segments of the population.

Congress’ Fading Foothold
Despite its early dominance in Gandhinagar, the Congress party has struggled to regain its foothold in recent times. In 2014, LK Advani’s victory was resounding, with a total of 773,539 votes in his favor. His Indian National Congress (INC) counterpart, Kiritbhai Ishvarbhai Patel, trailed significantly behind, underscoring the BJP’s dominance in the constituency. Fast forward to 2019, in the Lok Sabha elections, the party’s candidate, Chatursingh Javanji Chavda, garnered only 26.6% of the votes, while Amit Shah secured a resounding victory with 69.58% of the vote share. He won by a huge margin of over 5.5 lakh votes.
This setback for the Congress highlights the party’s waning influence in a once-stronghold, as the BJP’s grip on the constituency has only strengthened over the years. The BJP’s ability to connect with the diverse electorate, coupled with its development-focused agenda and the charisma of its leaders, has contributed to its sustained dominance in Gandhinagar.

Emerging Challengers
The Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat holds immense importance for the BJP, serving as a symbolic bastion of its political might in Gujarat. The party’s unbroken winning streak since 1989 has solidified its dominance in the state, and the constituency has become a source of pride for the BJP’s cadres.
Moreover, the seat’s diverse voter base, comprising both urban and rural populations, presents an opportunity for the party to showcase its inclusive agenda and broad appeal.
By retaining Gandhinagar, the BJP not only reinforces its commitment to the people of Gujarat but also sends a strong message about its unwavering political prowess.
However, the BJP’s dominance is not without challenges.
The Congress, buoyed by its historical presence in the state, may seize the opportunity to reclaim its lost ground by fielding a strong candidate with deep local roots. Additionally, the entry of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) into Gujarat’s political arena could potentially disrupt the traditional power dynamics, adding an intriguing dimension to the electoral contest.
However, Amit Shah is more popular as compared to his predecessor. As the Home Minister, he is engaged in several duties, but even after that, he manages to attend the event every month. Women from his family visit the constituency frequently to know the conditions and the problems of the residents.

Challenges and Opportunities
As the nation gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Gandhinagar constituency will once again take center stage. The BJP, buoyed by its past successes and the incumbent Amit Shah’s popularity, is expected to mount a formidable campaign. However, complacency could prove costly, as the Congress and other emerging political forces may seize the opportunity to challenge the BJP’s dominance.
This time the Congress fielded its All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Sonal Patel who contested in the Gujarat Assembly 2022 election from Naranpura but lost.
For the Congress and the AAP, the road ahead is arduous, but not insurmountable. By presenting a compelling vision for development, addressing the concerns of the diverse electorate, and capitalizing on any potential dissatisfaction or anti-incumbency sentiments, these parties may yet reclaim a foothold in Gandhinagar.
As per data from the Election Commission of India, in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Gandhinagar had a total of 1,945,772 voters. Among them, 1,004,291 were male, 941,434 were female, and 47 identified as third gender. Additionally, there were 8,637 postal votes and 623 service voters (584 men and 39 women).
In the previous election of 2014, Gandhinagar had 1,733,972 voters. Of these, 900,744 were male, 833,210 were female, and 18 belonged to the ‘others’ category.
There were also 8,358 postal votes and 895 service voters (723 men and 172 women).
In the Lok Sabha elections held in Gandhinagar, 14,214 individuals opted for the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option on their ballots in 2019, constituting 1.11% of the total voters. Similarly, in 2014, 12,777 voters, accounting for 1.12% of the total, chose the NOTA option in the same constituency.

Gandhinagar Voter Turnout
During the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, 12,84,090 valid votes were cast, marking a turnout of 65.99%. In comparison, the 2014 elections saw 11,35,495 valid votes, with a turnout of 65.49% in this constituency.”
As the nation eagerly awaits the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, In the high-stakes political battleground of Gandhinagar, a fierce contest has unfolded between the Congress party’s spirited challenge and the formidable incumbent, Amit Shah of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With voting concluded on May 7th, the nation now finds itself in a state of bated breath, anxiously awaiting the results set to be announced on June 4th.
Political pundits and analysts have painted a daunting picture for the Congress, suggesting that toppling Shah, the current Union Home Minister, from his stronghold in Gandhinagar will be an uphill battle. Shah’s towering reputation, coupled with the BJP’s deep-rooted connection with the constituency’s diverse electorate, has solidified his position as the frontrunner.
However, the Congress party has left no stone unturned in its pursuit to reclaim lost ground, mounting a spirited campaign that has resonated with sections of the populace.
As the clock ticks down to the announcement of results, the air is thick with anticipation and speculation, with both parties leaving no room for complacency.
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the Gandhinagar contest has once again underscored the vibrancy of India’s democratic fabric, where no seat is taken for granted, and every vote carries the weight of a nation’s aspirations.
It is a testament to the enduring spirit of political discourse, where ideologies clash, strategies are debated, and the will of the people reigns supreme.
In the days leading up to the results, both parties will undoubtedly be on tenterhooks, with their fortunes hanging in the balance. Yet, in the grand tapestry of India’s democracy, the Gandhinagar constituency has etched its name as a crucible of political transformation, where the winds of change can shift at any moment, and where the future of the nation is shaped, one vote at a time.

PM Modi Criticizes Rahul Gandhi’s Seat Change, Challenges Him to Contest Amethi

May 3, 2024, 4:19 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha seat in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, suggesting that Gandhi’s move was driven by concerns about potentially losing the Wayanad seat in Kerala.

PM Modi issued a challenge to the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, urging them to contest against the BJP in Amethi and not”run or be scared.” He made these remarks during a rally in West Bengal.

Following the Wayanad election, PM Modi reiterated his earlier assertion that Rahul Gandhi had sought a secure constituency.

“I had already said that the Shehzada was going to lose in Wayanad. I had said that as soon as the polling was completed in Wayanad, he would start looking for another seat… He is so scared of Amethi that he is running towards Rae Bareli. They ask everyone ‘daro mat‘. Today, I also ask them, ‘daro mat, bhago mat’… (don’t be scared, don’t run),” he stated.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi’s mother, for relinquishing her seat in Rae Bareli and opting to join the Rajya Sabha.

“I had already said in the parliament that their (Congress) biggest leader will not dare to fight elections and she will run away. She ran away to Rajasthan and came to the Rajya Sabha,” he continued.

After much speculation, the Congress announced today that Rahul Gandhi would contest the Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli.

Kishori Lal Sharma, a supporter of Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, will contest the election.

Rahul Gandhi, originally from Amethi, ventured into politics in 2004 and won elections in 2004, 2009, and 2014. However, his defeat to Smriti Irani in the 2019 elections marked a significant shift as it breached the once-impregnable fortress of Amethi.

From 1981 until his passing in 1991, Rahul Gandhi’s father, the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, served as Amethi’s Member of Parliament. In 1999, Sonia Gandhi served as the constituency’s representative in the Lok Sabha.

There were earlier speculations about the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting parliamentary elections from her mother’s constituency.

On May 20, the constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli will go to the polls.

BJP Mocks Rahul Gandhi as ‘Last Emperor or Bahadur Shah Zafar’ Over Rae Bareli Decision

May 3, 2024, 12:28 pm

The BJP launched a sharp critique of Rahul Gandhi, comparing his political influence in his family’s strongholds to the decline of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. This came shortly after the Congress revealed its Lok Sabha candidates for Amethi and Rae Bareli, removing any suspense.

The Congress announced today that Rahul Gandhi will contest the Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli, his mother Sonia Gandhi’s former constituency. Meanwhile, Kishori Lal Sharma, a supporter of the Gandhi family, will contest from Amethi.

In the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi lost to Smriti Irani of the BJP in the Amethi constituency.

Today, Giriraj Singh, a BJP politician and Union Minister, remarked that Rahul Gandhi would also need to leave Rae Bareli.
“The Gandhi family never goes back to the seat from where it lost. Rahul Gandhi lost Amethi and he left it. This time if he loses Raebareli too, he will leave that too. Just like Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last emperor of the Mughal Sultanate, Raebareli is the same for the Gandhi family,” he told ANI.

Rahul Gandhi currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Wayanad in Kerala. He also contested the general elections of 2024 from Wayanad.

Brajesh Pathak, Uttar Pradesh’s deputy chief minister, forecasted that the BJP would secure victory in all 80 seats in the state.
“BJP is going to win in Rae Bareli and Amethi with a huge margin. Rahul Gandhi had first left Amethi and went to Wayanad, now he has come to Rae Bareli. The people of Rae Bareli will never accept him. BJP is going to win all 80 seats in the state with a huge majority,” he stated.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a BJP leader, anticipated that Rahul Gandhi would also be unsuccessful in Wayanad.
“Rahul Gandhi is losing from Wayanad and this is why is going to contest from Rae Bareli. Earlier, he accepted defeat from Amethi, now he is running away from Wayanad. The situation is such that no one from Congress wants to contest from Amethi, which was Congress’ traditional seat…Rahul Gandhi will also have to leave Rae Bareli, and people will give him a befitting reply, he will be defeated in Rae Bareli too,” he stated.

Rahul Gandhi represented Amethi in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2019.

Sonia Gandhi, who served as the MP for Rae Bareli from 2004 to 2024, recently joined the Rajya Sabha. Speculations arose suggesting that she had nominated Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the seat.

Kishori Lal Sharma, a staunch supporter of the Gandhi family, has been a close ally. He represented the constituency on behalf of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi Family Set to Contest Amethi, Asserts Congress Leader Deepak Singh

April 30, 2024, 9:43 pm

Congress politician Deepak Singh affirmed that the “Gandhi family will definitely contest” from this constituency due to the deep-rooted connection between the people of Amethi and Rahul Gandhi, amidst speculations regarding his candidacy on Tuesday.

Speaking to ANI, Deepak Singh stated, “Rahul Gandhi has an emotional attachment with Amethi. Amethi has strong relations with the Gandhi family. Definitely Gandhi family will fight from here. This is what we feel…BJP is worried, we all have faith that Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi will come and defeat the BJP.”

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lost to Smriti Irani in Amethi. The Bharatiya Janata Party has nominated Irani once again for the seat.
Sources suggest that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are expected to contest the Lok Sabha seats from Amethi and Rae Bareli, respectively.

In the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party will vie for 63 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats, as per the seat-sharing agreement between the two parties.
Earlier, on Wednesday in the Gauriganj area of Amethi, posters featuring Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, surfaced outside the party’s headquarters. This led to speculation about Vadra potentially receiving a ticket.

However, the Congress is known for fiercely contesting every seat it vies for, which is why it has decided to nominate the Gandhi siblings.
On May 20, the Lok Sabha seats of Amethi and Rae Bareli will go to the polls during the fifth phase of voting.

MP BJP Chief: Congress Still Carries British Genes In Their Blood

April 29, 2024, 12:14 pm

VD Sharma, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief in Madhya Pradesh, took a jab at Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, stating on Monday that the party has historically employed a ‘divide and rule’ strategy, primarily accommodating members from his family.

Sharma further commented that due to the lingering influence of British genes within the Congress and its members, they are adept at recognizing and fostering division.
“Rahul Gandhi, his family, and Congress have been limited to a family and they have always done ‘divide and rule’. Congress and the people of Congress still have the genes of Britishers in their blood and the bad effect of that is they only see division and how to create division. They always think about how to create division in every election. But PM Narendra Modi has changed the politics of the country in 10 years, even the minorities say that PM Modi hasn’t done any partiality,” Sharma told ANI.

The BJP leader also ridiculed Jitu Patwari, a prominent figure in the Congress, for forecasting that the party would secure at least five seats out of the twelve available in the state’s initial two rounds of Lok Sabha elections. He advised them to wait until June 4 for the actual vote count.
“Kamal Nath also used to dream that he was going to become the Chief Minister during the 2020 assembly by-election. When the local bodies elections and the 2023 assembly polls were held, even then he was saying sorts of things and the public told him. So Jitu Patwari should wait for June 4 and that day your (Patwari) chair will also be tied up,” Sharma stated.

The two phases of the Lok Sabha elections in the state, encompassing 12 parliamentary seats, have concluded. Voting took place in six parliamentary constituencies on April 29 (Tikamgarh (SC), Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, and Hoshangabad), and in an additional six on April 19 (Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, and Chhindwara).

The upcoming voting phases for the remaining 17 parliamentary seats are scheduled for May 7 and May 13. In the third phase, nine seats will be contested, followed by eight seats in the fourth phase.

Vote counting is scheduled for June 4th.

Madhya Pradesh, with 29 Lok Sabha seats, ranks as the sixth-largest state in terms of parliamentary representation. Ten of these seats are reserved for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), while the remaining nineteen seats are open to candidates from any background.

Modi and Shah both are sellers: Mallikarjun Kharge Addresses Audience in Assam

April 27, 2024, 6:30 pm

On Saturday, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of privatizing Public Sector Undertakings to industrialists Ambani and Adani. He also claimed that the BJP-led government’s policies were harmful to the country’s advancement.

During a public address in Barpeta, the Congress president alleged that Prime Minister Modi had misappropriated funds intended for the underprivileged and redistributed them to the affluent.

“They are selling government-owned enterprises i.e. railways, roads, ports, airports. Modi and Shah both are sellers and who are the buyers? Adani and Ambani are the two buyers. This is how the country develops. They are not for the development of the country. PM Modi looted the money of the country, of the poor, and gave it to the rich. They have waived off Rs 16 lakh crore of the rich but haven’t given anything to the poor or the farmers,” Kharge stated.

He praised Indira Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for implementing the White and Green Revolutions in India. The Green Revolution has ensured food security in the country and generated surplus produce for export. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the White Revolution in Motihari, Bihar.

“These people (BJP) advertise that PM Modi is the only one who was born to help the poor. In a country where rice and wheat weren’t enough produced and we had to import from America, today we are producing the amount of wheat, rice, and pulses that are sufficient for the people of the country to have their meals. This is all because of Congress, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi who brought the Green Revolution and White Revolution to the country,” he continued.

“In a country where not even a needle used to be manufactured, if someone dared to launch rockets, it was Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi,” he stated.

He continued by stating that Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing hostility towards the party stems from his fear of the Congress.

“Modiji keeps abusing us all day long because he is afraid of Congress. He is afraid of Rahul Gandhi. Modi Ji talks about bullet trains, but he did not even provide a train here (Assam). We promise you that as soon as the INDIA coalition government comes… – We will complete the railway line here, strengthen the health sector of Barpeta, double the income of Anganwadi and Asha workers and in villages with a population of more than 2,500, one more ASHA sister will be appointed,” he assured the people of Assam.

During the second phase of voting on April 26, encompassing five parliamentary constituencies in the state, Assam recorded a voter turnout of 77.35 percent.

In the Nagaon parliamentary constituency, 80.56 percent of voters participated in the election; in Darrang-Udalguri, 78.41 percent; in Silchar, 75.97 percent; in Karimganj, 75.63 percent; and the Diphu seat, 73.11 percent.

During the initial round of voting in five parliamentary constituencies (Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Kaziranga, and Sonitpur) on April 19, Assam registered a voter turnout of 78.25 percent.

The third phase of voting in Assam’s Lok Sabha elections, encompassing four constituencies – Guwahati, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, and Dhubri, is scheduled for May 7.

In the third phase of voting, 47 candidates are contesting, with an anticipated voter turnout of over 8.1 million people.

On Friday, the second phase of voting included a total of 88 Lok Sabha constituencies. These comprised all 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, 8 in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh each, 5 in Assam and Bihar each, 6 in Madhya Pradesh, and 3 in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal each. Additionally, 1 seat each from Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu and Kashmir were also part of this phase.

On April 19, the first phase of voting for the seven-phase Lok Sabha election took place across 102 constituencies spanning 21 states and Union Territories. The voter turnout exceeded 62%. The counting of votes from all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for June 4, 2024.

Congress Leader Kunal Choudhary Slams BJP as ‘Farzi Party’ in Madhya Pradesh

April 27, 2024, 6:29 pm

On Saturday, Kunal Choudhary, a former Congress MLA, harshly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and referred to it as a Farzi (fake) party.

Choudhary Addressed the Media at the Congress Office in Bhopal, “I would say that the Bharatiya Janata Party is a fake party. In 2014, they (BJP) made fake promises like two crore jobs, bringing black money, depositing Rs 15 lakh in people’s bank accounts, reducing LPG cylinders to Rs 200, reducing petrol and diesel prices at Rs a liter, and doubling the income of farmers. These were the fake promises of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Fake promises of a fake party” he stated.

In the 2023 assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allegedly made misleading promises, including increasing the MSP of wheat to Rs 2700 per quintal, raising the monthly payment of the Ladli Bahan Yojana to Rs 3000, selling LPG cylinders at Rs 450, creating job opportunities for youth, and constructing houses under the Awas Yojana. The Congress leader asserted that various sectors were deceived by these false assurances.

He continued, “Today the result of it (fake promises) is that the feelings of women towards them (BJP) have ended. In Madhya Pradesh, More than 11 percent of women reduced their votes to make the fake party sit at home.”

Furthermore, he criticized the Saffron Party’s newly formed joining committee as fraudulent and launched further criticism against the party.

“They (BJP) have also formed a fake joining team. If 200 people join the saffron party, then it will announce that 5000 people have taken the membership,” Choudhary stated.

Regarding Union Minister Amit Shah’s assertion about replacing a minister from a region with low voter turnout, Choudhary humorously suggested that the home minister might consider replacing State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla and Deputy Chief Minister Rewa. This region experienced an 11% decline in voter turnout compared to the previous 2019 local elections.

“Yesterday I was watching Amit Shah’s statement, he said that where the voting percentage is less, the minister of that area will be changed. So then I calculated, first Rajendra Shukla will be removed. Yesterday, voting took place in Rewa, and about 49 percent was recorded which was 60 percent during the previous poll. I challenge Amit Shah if you have made this promise, then remove ministers Rajendra Shukla, Prahlad Patel, Rakesh Singh, Uday Pratap Singh, Sampatiya Uikey, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Dilip Jaiswal, Lakhan Patel, Narendra Shivaji Patel, Pratima Bagri, Dilip Ahirwar, and Radha Singh. The list of these ministers has revealed that there is a downfall in voter turnout reported in their areas. What I said is that it is a fake party, fake members, fake joining committee, and fake promises.”

Mallikarjun Kharge: “PM did not implement even one of his electoral promises”

April 27, 2024, 3:41 pm

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing critique against PM Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday, alleging that despite the Prime Minister’s failure to fulfill any of his electoral promises, he still claimed significant achievements for the country.

During a press briefing held today, Kharge asserted that the Congress, as a party, consists of individuals who played a pivotal role in securing India’s independence, while emphasizing that the BJP has historically not been supportive of this endeavor.

“He (PM Modi) did not implement even one of what he said (electoral promises). Still, he says that Modi did a lot of work for the country. Congress is a party of those who made India independent. The BJP never fought for the independence of India or the development of India. We built this country. They (BJP) speak so much about patriotism that Nehru is nothing before them, Indira Gandhi is nothing before them and Lal Bahadur Shastri is nothing before them–Modi is everything. They even put the idea that India attained independence after 2014 and the country was not independent before that – all of these are reflected in his words,” he stated.

Kharge criticized the defectors who departed from the party and joined the BJP, questioning their rationale for spending three to four decades within the Congress if they believed it to be so unsatisfactory.

“What is sad is that those who were nurtured by the Congress party and became leaders also say the same. If Congress was so bad, why did you spend 30-40 years of your life on it unnecessarily? I don’t know what has happened to them, but they too criticize Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi,” he continued.

The Congress national president also underscored the significance of the 2024 election in safeguarding democracy and upholding the Constitution.

“This election is very important. It is not an election to humiliate any person. This election is to showcase the democracy of the country. This election is to save the Constitution. Fighting for rising inflation and unemployment. But the people of the government, especially Modi, always say that Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. There was no development, everything was destroyed. GST is imposed on farmers, on food and drinks. He told the youth that he would provide two crore jobs. Farmers were promised to double their income. Nothing was implemented,” Mallikarjun Kharge stated.

In reaction to the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s choice not to field a Muslim candidate in the Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections, Kharge stated, “There is an alliance of three parties. All three parties make decisions together. There are some misunderstandings, too. They will be compensated for Rajya Sabha and Assembly seats. There is no problem from our side.”

Kharge proceeded to condemn PM Modi for his reaction, referring to it as a “tight slap” after the Supreme Court dismissed requests for 100% VVPAT verification of votes cast through electronic voting machines. He alleged that Modi often makes such remarks.
“It is Modi’s habit to speak such things. The plea was by an advocate, not my party. It was done by lawyers and NGOs,” he stated.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: “BJP want to weaken the democracy and people of the nation”

April 27, 2024, 2:40 pm

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asserted on Saturday that over the past decade, the BJP has exerted pressure on all institutions to maintain silence, aiming to undermine the country’s democratic foundation.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a rally in Valsad and said, “They (BJP) want to weaken the democracy and people of the nation. Institutions that protect your rights be it media have been weakened. Media used to ask us every day but nothing of that sort is happening today.”

Priyanka Gandhi called the “dangerous” trend of BJP leader Anantkumar Hegde’s comments about “rewriting the constitution” into question.

“You must have seen, the BJP leaders have said that they want to change the Constitution, and PM Modi contradicts that statement. This is a dangerous trend. This constitution has given you all the rights, then what’s the need to change it?” she questioned.

She continued by criticizing the BJP for allegedly “targeting” opposition figures.

“PM Modi is weakening the democracy. He is attacking the opposition daily. He froze Congress’ bank accounts. Two Chief Ministers are in jail, my brother (Rahul Gandhi) was also almost kicked out of Parliament. 150 members were suspended in the Winter session recently, only Modiji is honest,” she stated.

In Gujarat’s third phase, set for May 7, 2024, all 25 out of the province’s 26 seats will be contested in a single round. In Surat, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal secured victory unopposed. Nilesh Kumbhani, the Congress candidate, faced disqualification of his nomination papers as three of his proposers stated in an affidavit to the district election commissioner that they had not signed the form.

The third phase will encompass constituencies from Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad.

Amit Shah Slams Chidambaram on CAA

April 23, 2024, 2:53 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress leader P. Chidambaram’s comments on the Citizenship Amendment Act, stating on Tuesday that they have long been opposing Congress’s policy of appeasement and urging the party to prioritize development instead.

According to Amit Shah, the Congress wants to do away with the CAA to please its base of voters.

“Since the 1960s, Congress has made appeasement politics its weapon to win elections. We had been fighting against this for years. Since 2014, PM Modi has set the development agenda among people, and elections began in the country based on that. Congress is facing difficulty in contesting elections based on development; they have continuously lost elections. They want to go ahead once again based on appeasement politics. Chidambaram doesn’t say what the shortcomings of CAA are; he just says that they will scrap it. Why? Because they have to strengthen their minority vote bank,” he stated.

He went on to say that since the public is well aware of the Congress party, Chidambaram’s goals can never be realized.

“BJP stands firm on its principles. We will not do injustice to anyone. We will do justice. But we will not do appeasement either. I don’t understand what objection Congress has to CAA. The CAA will not take away anyone’s citizenship; they are misleading people. They want to win elections by indulging in appeasement politics. I would like to tell Chidambaram that his intentions will never come to fruition. People have understood the Congress party well,” Shah continued.

He emphasized once more that the three criminal laws will be put into effect and that CAA will remain in place.

“Congress is neither going to come to power nor going to make decisions. I assure the people of the country that CAA will remain and three (criminal) laws will be implemented. Every citizen will get justice within three years; such a justice system will be ensured. Every refugee will get citizenship. There is no doubt about it. I would like to suggest that Congress leaders, who have lost elections several times, rise out of appeasement politics and try to perform on the agenda of development,” the Union Home Minister stated.

Addressing queries about three proposed criminal laws, the Union Home Minister noted that Chidambaram had contributed to the committee’s discussions, offering suggestions and expressing appreciation for the initiatives.

“As far as three laws (criminal laws) are concerned, Chidambaram himself was a part of the committee. He had given positive suggestions several times and even appreciated them. The three laws will make the country’s criminal justice system the most modern in the world. Congress doesn’t want results in corruption cases. It wants justice to remain pending. But the BJP’s and Narendra Modi’s policies are clear: every citizen has the constitutional right to get justice in the least amount of time. We are dedicated to doing that,” Amit Shah stated.

During a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on April 21, P. Chidambaram stated that if the INDIA bloc assumes power at the Centre, it will revoke the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the three criminal laws introduced by the BJP government.

LS Polls: Six bigwigs to watch out in first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

April 18, 2024, 4:03 pm

With just a day remaining for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, let’s examine the key players in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA versus the opposition’s INDIA bloc.

In the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is facing off against DMK leader Ganapathy P Rajkumar and AIADMK’s Singai Ramachandran, making it a high-stakes battle. Annamalai’s candidacy indicates the BJP’s efforts to expand its presence in South India. He faces tough competition from parties like DMK and AIADMK, which are significant in Tamil Nadu.

Annamalai expressed his vision for change in Tamil Nadu, urging voters to support the Lotus symbol for honest political change, youth politics, equal opportunities, and development in Coimbatore.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, seeks a third consecutive victory from Maharashtra’s Nagpur seat. He faces Congress candidate Vikas Thakre. Gadkari recently unveiled a manifesto for Nagpur, promising an organic market among other initiatives. Confident in his victory, he aims for a margin exceeding 5 lakhs, citing public support and party efforts.

Jitin Prasada, who joined BJP in 2021, replaced Varun Gandhi in Pilibhit. In Uttar Pradesh, where BJP has shown dominance, Prasada faces Bhagwant Saran Gangwar of Samajwadi Party and Anees Ahmes Khan of BSP. Prasada won in 2004 and 2009 and aims to continue BJP’s success in the region.

Former Bihar Chief Minister, Jitan Ram Manjhi, is contesting from Gaya, Bihar, a seat of political significance for him. Facing former minister Kumar Sarvjeet of RJD, Manjhi aims to regain the seat lost to JD(U) in the last election. He is optimistic about winning with slogans like ‘Abki Baar 400 paar’.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara, Nakul Nath, son of former CM Kamal Nath, seeks to retain the seat against BJP’s Vivek Bunty Sahu. Nakul expressed confidence in receiving love and blessings from Chhindwara’s people.

In Assam’s Jorhat, Congress’ deputy leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is contesting against Topon Kumar Gogoi of BJP. Despite being a BJP stronghold, Gaurav’s decision to contest from Jorhat adds intrigue to the contest.

These contests highlight the intense battles and strategic maneuvers shaping up in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.