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Allies start drifting away from I.N.D.I.A bloc

June 8, 2025, 1:51 am

Kolkata: The I.N.D.I.A bloc, once projected as a formidable challenge to the BJP-led NDA government, is now rapidly disintegrating. With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) declaring its decision to contest the upcoming Bihar elections independently, the fragile unity of the opposition bloc has begun to unravel.

Despite receiving open support from the RJD in the Delhi elections, AAP has announced it will contest all seats in Bihar, revealing a clear intent to damage the Congress electorally. AAP blames Congress for its defeat in Delhi and alleges that the party deliberately targeted Muslim-majority constituencies to undercut AAP’s performance. In retaliation, AAP’s new strategy is to ensure Congress’s defeat wherever possible — not necessarily to win, but to divide votes and weaken it strategically.

While AAP has little electoral base in Bihar, its objective is to erode Congress’s support. Simultaneously, AAP has begun strengthening its presence in states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Goa, signalling a broader shift away from a collective opposition strategy.

Following suit, doubts are growing over the NCP (SP)’s long-term commitment to the I.N.D.I.A bloc. The party’s refusal to support the opposition’s demand for a Lok Sabha debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ has raised clear signs of a possible future split. The very survival of the I.N.D.I.A bloc now hinges on the outcome of the upcoming Bihar elections. A defeat could prompt the Samajwadi Party and other regional players to chart their own course in Uttar Pradesh.

In states like Kerala and West Bengal, Congress already faces existential challenges. In Bengal, the contest is now directly between the TMC and BJP — with Congress virtually absent. In Kerala, the traditional two-front politics is shifting. Congress has been out of power for a decade, lacks senior leadership, and Rahul Gandhi’s reliance on a completely new team has sidelined experienced politicians. The party’s internal dissent became glaring post-Operation Sindoor, especially with MP Shashi Tharoor openly criticising the party line and appearing to align with the ruling government.

The BJP, on its part, is determined to block a Congress comeback in Kerala for the third consecutive term. All eyes are on the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a crucial Congress ally in the state. The IUML could reconsider its association, seeing the weakening position of Congress at the Centre — a potential move that would deal a heavy blow to the party.

In Kerala’s Neelambur by-election, a constituency under Priyanka Gandhi’s Wayanad seat, the TMC’s entry has further muddied the waters for Congress. Former Congress MLA P.V. Anwar is now contesting under the TMC banner, turning the seat into a multi-cornered contest. If Congress loses the June 19 vote, it will be a major embarrassment and a further sign of the party’s shrinking ground.

TMC is already preparing to contest aggressively in next year’s Kerala Assembly elections — another bad omen for Congress. In Bengal, the TMC has already sidelined Congress, leaving BJP as its primary opponent. The BJP’s previous success in winning over 70 seats in Bengal, and the active focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the state, signal a continued squeeze on Congress’s relevance there.

Just a year ago, the I.N.D.I.A bloc appeared poised to destabilise the NDA government. But internal fractures became evident during the Speaker and Deputy Speaker elections, with the TMC defying Congress’s strategy. The alliance never managed to agree on a PM face for 2024. Despite high hopes, Congress’s missteps in state elections — losses in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi — pulled the alliance back into crisis mode.

These setbacks shattered the alliance’s momentum. Within six months, meetings stopped, coordination failed, and enthusiasm vanished. Operation Sindoor further exposed the alliance’s vulnerabilities. Now, even the joint demand for a special Parliament session has failed to unite the bloc.

Key allies like AAP, NCP (SP), the Left, TMC, and possibly the SP and Shiv Sena (UBT) are already drifting away. The National Conference has effectively exited. Most partners are disillusioned. A defeat in Bihar could collapse the Mahagathbandhan and put RJD’s survival at risk too. The I.N.D.I.A bloc, once full of promise, now teeters on the edge of collapse — its unity undermined, its leadership questioned, and its future bleak.

PICKING YOUR BATTLES

January 15, 2025, 2:45 am

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is under fire from his colleagues in the INDIA bloc for the warm welcome he gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s trip to the Valley recently. The PM was there to inaugurate the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, making the Sonamarg accessible year-round for tourists. As the CM said, this will improve the road connectivity in the Valley so that those living in the upper regions would no longer have to travel to the plains as they will now benefit from year round road connectivity. Given that the purpose of the visit was development oriented and not a political event, it shows a certain maturity on the Chief Minister’s part by not indulging in partisan politics. The former state of J&K requires special handling but that apart, any state (or union territory) will benefit from a good equation with the Centre. The BJP has gone hoarse talking about a `double-engine sarkar’ but the principles of federalism are based on the foundations of a viable working relationship between the centre and the state.

The Chief Minister is a pragmatic politician. Plus he has seen what the path of confrontation has achieved. It was post the very acrimonious PDP-BJP alliance break-up that the Modi Government revoked Article 370 and took away statehood from the Valley. If that statehood has to be restored then CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) need to be offered from both sides. For now, the Modi Govt seems to be playing its part, so why should the CM raise hackles unnecessarily. That too at the inauguration of a much-needed developmental project. Opposition for the sake of optics achieves nothing. It should be issue based and the CM has had his fair share of run ins with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha over administrative and appointment of key personnel including the continuance of the Advocate General in office. The CM was keen that Advocate General DC Raina continued to represent J&K in the courts, but no such direction has been forthcoming from the Raj Bhavan. (Raina had resigned when Omar’s government took office but the CM had asked him to continue). In addition certain transfers of bureaucrats by the Lt Governor’s office have not gone down well with the CM. The Lt Governor also turned down a proposal by the National Conference (NC) to reinstate its founder, Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary as a national holiday.

Omar’s detractors, both outside the party and within – have taken potshots at the apparent proximity between the CM and the BJP Prime Minister. Recently Omar has been critical of the INDIA bloc which came together to fight the BJP in the Lok Sabha but since then, there has been little coordination, particularly between the Congress and the Aam Admi Party. Since the Congress did not give the AAP any seats in the Haryana polls, Arvind Kejriwal is not accommodating the Congress in the Delhi elections where both are fighting separately. This had Omar Abdullah wondering publicly where the INDIA bloc should be disbanded if its purpose was limited to taking on the BJP during Lok Sabha 2024. Soon after Omar was seen posting pictures on social media overseeing preparation for the PMs visit to inaugurate the tunnel. Not one to miss an opportunity, the PM immediately responded with much bonhomie on social media. This of course riled up Omar’s detractors.
However. there seems to be a method behind this attempt to forge a transactional relationship with the Centre. While campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha, Omar had been clear that he would contest the assembly polls only if statehood was restored. His logic being that he did not want to indulge in the kind of politics Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was undertaking where more time was spent on dharnas and being at loggerheads with the Centre; than on governance issues. For reasons best known to him (along with pressure from colleagues) Omar changed his stance and ended up contesting the local polls. His party won with a resounding mandate, but that mandate was limited to Kashmir and not Jammu where the NC did not do as well. However, Omar has maintained that he is CM of both Jammu & Kashmir. Second, it makes little sense to oppose a prime minister (of whichever party) who is coming to the state to inaugurate a development project. It is much more graceful, and good politics, to give credit where its due, and hold back the firepower for another day. Pick your battles.

AAP Furious at Ajay Maken, Seeks Action or Congress Removal from INDIA Bloc

December 26, 2024, 1:57 pm

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has expressed outrage over Congress’ recent complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of misleading the public with “non-existent” welfare schemes. AAP is also angered by remarks made by Delhi Congress leaders, including Ajay Maken, and has warned that if no action is taken against Maken, it will consult other INDIA bloc parties to remove Congress from the alliance.

The dispute began after Congress filed a complaint against Kejriwal, accusing him of deceiving the public with false promises. The Delhi Congress also released a 12-point “white paper” targeting the AAP and the BJP, alleging mismanagement on issues like pollution and law and order. In a press conference, AICC treasurer Ajay Maken criticized Kejriwal’s failure to implement the Janlokpal anti-corruption ombudsman, calling him “Farziwal” (fraud).

AAP leader Sanjay Singh responded, claiming that Congress was helping the BJP ahead of the Delhi elections. He demanded immediate action against Maken for calling Kejriwal “anti-national.” Singh further accused Congress of preparing its list of candidates in a manner that would harm AAP’s prospects.

The political clash is also tied to a recent controversy over the Delhi government’s proposed women-oriented schemes, including the “Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana.” A Delhi government department clarified that no such schemes had been officially notified, leading the Youth Congress to accuse AAP of making false promises. The AAP has denied the allegations, blaming the BJP for pressuring officials to issue the notices.

No Leadership Change Discussed In INDIA Bloc, Says Omar Abdullah

December 18, 2024, 10:09 pm

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated there has been no conversation within the INDIA bloc about a leadership change, stressing that no coalition meeting has recently occurred. “No such discussion is happening; there has been no meeting of INDIA bloc; where will the conversation of leadership change arise? There is no such occurrence,” Abdullah informed reporters on Wednesday when inquired about possible discussions regarding a leadership shift.

Omar also recognized the Congress and BJP as the sole parties with a national presence, emphasizing the Congress’s inherent role as the opposition leader.

These comments arise amidst proposals from Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders for a potential leadership change in the INDIA bloc following the Congress’s underwhelming performance in the Maharashtra elections and its defeat in Haryana, despite elevated expectations.

TMC General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee underlined Mamata Banerjee’s qualifications, referring to her as a senior leader and a three-time Chief Minister. “INDIA alliance will gather and discuss this. She is the senior-most. This marks her third term as Chief Minister, and she has also served as a Union Minister before. Thus, there should be an intricate discussion regarding this. . . ,” Banerjee expressed.

Other leaders, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad and NCP (Sharad Pawar) President Sharad Pawar, also supported Mamata Banerjee as a competent leader for the alliance. Pawar characterized her as a “prominent leader of the nation,” adding, “She possesses that capability. . . The elected leaders she has sent to Parliament are accountable, responsible, and informed individuals. Consequently, she has the right to assert this. ”

Earlier, Omar Abdullah had commented that Mamata Banerjee should officially assert her claim if she aspires for the INDIA bloc leadership. “Let there be a meeting and let Mamata Banerjee claim the leadership if she desires. . . Discussion would ensue on it,” he remarked.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Faces No-Confidence Motion as Opposition Intensifies Criticism

December 9, 2024, 6:42 pm

The opposition is reportedly considering submitting a notice for a resolution to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from office, following escalating tensions between the Rajya Sabha chairman and the opposition’s INDIA bloc. According to sources cited by media, opposition parties had previously gathered the necessary signatures for the notice in August but chose to hold off, hoping to give Dhankhar “another chance.” However, his conduct in the House on Monday prompted them to take action.

Congress Leads the Charge with Support from Allies

The Congress party is spearheading the move, receiving backing from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and other members of the INDIA bloc. The proposed resolution invokes Article 67(b) of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for removing the vice president. For the resolution to pass, it requires a majority vote in the Rajya Sabha, followed by agreement from the Lok Sabha, and must be preceded by at least 14 days’ notice.

Parliament Adjourned Amid Disruptions

Meanwhile, both houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, have been adjourned until Tuesday following disruptions in proceedings. The adjournments came after tensions flared during zero hour, particularly over allegations made by Leader of the House JP Nadda regarding Congress leaders’ connections to the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific (FDL-AP). Nadda claimed that the FDL-AP received financial backing from the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and viewed Jammu and Kashmir as a “separate entity,” further alleging ties to billionaire philanthropist George Soros.

The allegations sparked sharp reactions from opposition members, who accused the BJP of using the issue as a diversion tactic. As BJP members pressed for a discussion on these allegations, Chairman Dhankhar sought an explanation for the protests from opposition members. Several BJP and NDA MPs argued that the matter was tied to national security and demanded immediate deliberation. However, opposition leaders challenged Dhankhar’s handling of the situation, questioning how he could allow BJP members to raise an issue he had previously dismissed by rejecting their notices under Rule 267.

“This is most unfair,” said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. “You have rejected the notices. Yet, an issue that you disallowed is now being raised. It appears to be part of a larger game plan to stall the House.” Ramesh further accused the BJP of attempting to shift focus from ongoing allegations surrounding the Adani Group, a sentiment echoed by several Congress members.

Malook Nagar Criticizes INDIA Bloc and Congress Leadership

December 8, 2024, 2:34 pm

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Malook Nagar criticized the INDIA bloc for internal conflicts. He claimed the alliance has faced disagreements since its formation. According to Nagar, all partners have rejected Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He also attacked Congress, stating the party lacked leadership for three years.

Disagreements Among INDIA Bloc Allies

Nagar told ANI, “When the INDIA bloc was formed, there were differences with Nitish Kumar in Bihar, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Kejriwal in Delhi and Punjab, and Akhilesh Yadav in MP, Haryana, and Maharashtra. All of them have rejected the Leader of Opposition.” He continued, “Congress has no leadership. That’s why they didn’t have a president for three years. They couldn’t even respect leaders in the INDIA bloc. This is inevitable.”

Samajwadi Party Leaves Maha Vikas Aghadi

Nagar’s comments followed Samajwadi Party’s exit from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Abu Azmi, Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra leader, expressed displeasure over Shiv Sena (UBT)’s communal remarks. Azmi said, “Samajwadi Party was, is, and will always be against communalism. SP leaves Maha Vikas Aghadi because of Shiv Sena (UBT).”

Azmi Criticizes MVA’s Election Coordination

Azmi also criticized the MVA for poor coordination during the assembly elections. He explained, “We were not contacted during ticket distribution. There was no coordination at all during elections.”

Calls for Removal of EVMs

Azmi suggested removing electronic voting machines (EVMs) if the people demand it. He added, “If people want the removal of EVMs, it should be done. To clear any doubts, EVMs should be removed for once on the people’s request.”

Azmi Takes Oath Despite Boycott

Unlike other Opposition MLAs, Azmi did not join the boycott during the Maharashtra Assembly’s special session on Saturday. He stated, “I have taken my oath.”

Mamata Banerjee Ready to Lead INDIA Bloc, Says ‘If Given the Opportunity’

December 7, 2024, 11:46 am

After TMC MPs proposed making Mamata Banerjee the leader of the opposition alliance, the West Bengal Chief Minister responded. She said she would be willing to lead if asked. This comes amid rising disagreements within the INDIA bloc over Congress’s recent losses in Haryana and Maharashtra, as well as its insistence on debating one specific issue in Parliament.

Banerjee Clarifies Leadership Role

Mamata Banerjee made it clear that she is not leading the INDIA alliance. “I formed the INDIA bloc; now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can’t run the show, what can I do?” she stated. She also said, “I am not leading that front.”

When asked if she would accept the leadership role, she responded, “If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning.”

TMC MPs Push for Banerjee’s Leadership

Recently, TMC MPs like Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad urged Congress and other INDIA bloc allies to recognize Mamata Banerjee as the opposition leader. They highlighted her success in defeating BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in West Bengal.

“Mamata Banerjee has a perfect record. Whenever Narendra Modi has faced defeat, it has always been in West Bengal,” Kalyan Banerjee said. He added, “Even in the recent by-elections, where the BJP had one seat and we had five, Mamata Didi hit a six and threw Narendra Modi out of the West Bengal boundary.”

INDIA Bloc’s Mixed Reactions

Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed support for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. They said they are aware of her views and want her to be a major partner in the INDIA alliance. “We know this opinion of Mamata ji. We also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA alliance,” they stated. They also mentioned they would meet her soon in Kolkata.

However, Congress dismissed the suggestion. Congress leader Manickam Tagore called it “a good joke” when asked about the proposal.

BJP Criticizes INDIA Bloc’s Leadership Issues

The BJP criticized the INDIA bloc, calling it a group of parties united only against Prime Minister Modi, without a clear agenda. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Mamata Banerjee’s statement makes it clear that the entire INDIA alliance does not have faith in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.”

TMC and Congress: A Strained Relationship

TMC and Congress have often disagreed, even within the INDIA bloc. They have clashed over issues like seat-sharing and contesting elections independently. Recently, tensions grew after Congress’s poor performance in Haryana and Maharashtra.

During the winter session of Parliament, TMC differed from Congress by opposing disruptions over the Adani issue. While Congress demanded a discussion on the Adani controversy, TMC focused on issues like central funding and the Manipur crisis. TMC also skipped several INDIA bloc meetings at the start of the winter session.

Despite being part of the same alliance, TMC and Congress continue to face challenges in their relationship.

Arvind Kejriwal to Campaign for INDIA Bloc in Maharashtra and Jharkhand

October 24, 2024, 11:43 am

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is set to campaign for candidates from the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, according to sources.

Kejriwal will concentrate on assembly constituencies where AAP has a significant volunteer presence and where Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates have clean backgrounds. Both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have sought his involvement in the Maharashtra campaign. Other senior AAP leaders are also expected to support MVA candidates.

In Jharkhand, Kejriwal is likely to support Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidates, particularly in urban areas where his appeal could bolster the INDIA bloc’s chances.

Having been released on bail last month in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, Kejriwal has taken the unusual step of resigning as Chief Minister, pledging not to return to the post until he receives a “certificate of honesty” from the public in the upcoming elections.

Maharashtra’s assembly elections will take place on November 20, with vote counting on November 23. The main contest is between two alliances: the BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) under the Mahayuti alliance, and the MVA, consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar).

In Jharkhand, elections will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with the results also being announced on November 23. The BJP will team up with the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), JD-U, and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), while the JMM, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Congress will form the opposing alliance.

Congress confident of going with INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party in UP bye-polls

October 4, 2024, 2:29 am

With bye polls for 10 assembly seats is yet to be announced, Congress has initiated its seat sharing talks with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and said that the grand old party will go with its INDIA bloc partner in the elections.
Speaking to the ITV network over the seat sharing discussion with the Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party in the politically crucial state, UP Congress incharge Avinash Pandey said, “In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party us an important ally partner of the INDIA bloc. And in Uttar Pradesh we would like to contest the bye polls in alliance strongly on all the 10 seats.” Pandey said that as far as Congress is concerned we are organizing programmes in all the 10 seats of the state and to strengthen the party we have planned protests on all the seats.
“Dates are yet to be announced, but we will finalise the seat sharing by seating together and will accept the decision of the alliance ambicly, which is good for everyone,” the Congress leader said. When asked if the Samajwadi Party is offering only two to three seats to the grand old party in the state, he said, “As a national party and as incharge of the party in the state, of every thing happens in respectable way for everyone. And we will have to ensure that, and if such situation arises, which I feel it won’t be happening as we willtry our level best to fight the elections in alliance.”
To another question if there will be friendly fight on fee seats like in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “I feel there is very low possibility of that.” Out of the 10 assembly seats, the Samajwadi Party had won on five seats. The seat sharing talks with the Congress are still in progress for the assembly by polls. It is expected that the bye polls will be conducted along with the assembly elections of Jharkhand and Maharashtra later this year.

When pointed out about his works to strengthen the Congress in the state, where the party managed to win six seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Pandey said, “The party state unit is raising the issues related to public in the state.

The party leaders and workers are now standing with the people, who have been victimised in the state and who have faced atrocities.” He further said that the people are now also taking the party’s programmes and it’s standnon several issues seriously and joining its programmes. The Congress contested on 17 seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections earlier this year and won on six seats while it’s alliance partner Samajwadi Party won on 37 seats. The BJP declined to 33 seats in the politically sensitive state.

Rahul Gandhi in US: ‘Narendra Modi is Psychologically Trapped Post Elections’

September 10, 2024, 3:17 pm

During his tour in the United States, Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that Modi has been “psychologically trapped” since the unexpected results of the 2024 general elections. Gandhi, currently addressing members of the Overseas Congress in the U.S., suggested that the election results have left a significant impact on Modi’s mentality.

Congress fought the elections despite frozen accounts

Gandhi revealed that the Congress party had to face the elections with its financial resources blocked, yet it still managed to challenge Modi’s vision of India. Speaking about the elections, he said, “At a point in the elections, we sat with our treasurer, and he said, ‘Look, the bank accounts are frozen.’ Despite this, the Congress fought and dismantled Modi’s idea of India.”

PM Modi is unable to process the results

According to Gandhi, Modi has struggled to accept the outcome of the election. He explained, “When you see the prime minister now in Parliament, he is psychologically trapped and cannot come to terms with how the results unfolded.”

A bold statement: Modi’s claim to communicate with God

In a more direct criticism, Gandhi recalled a moment during the campaign when Modi stated he could communicate directly with God. Gandhi said, “When Modi claimed that, we knew we had blown him apart. It was a sign of psychological collapse.”

Cracks in Modi’s confidence during the campaign

Gandhi pointed out that during the election, Modi’s confidence began to falter, especially as he anticipated a bigger victory. “Modi, who was used to running Gujarat without much adversity, suddenly faced a situation where his invincibility was cracking,” said the Congress leader.

Opposition’s INDIA bloc weakened Modi’s power

Rahul Gandhi credited the opposition’s INDIA bloc with playing a major role in reducing Modi’s political dominance. He concluded by noting that although the BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats, it fell short of securing a simple majority, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.

This speech marks yet another in a series of strong criticisms from Gandhi towards Modi, signaling the intensity of the ongoing political battle.

Congress & National Conference Seal Seat-Sharing Deal For Upcoming J&K Elections

August 26, 2024, 10:45 pm

The Congress party and its INDIA bloc ally, the National Conference, announced on Monday their seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

“National Conference will contest 51 seats, Congress will run for 32, and we have agreed to a friendly but disciplined contest on 5 seats. Additionally, we have allocated 1 seat for CPI (M) and 1 seat for the Panthers Party,” J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra stated during a briefing.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal commented, “BJP is trying to destroy the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. Our INDIA alliance’s primary goal is to save the soul of Jammu and Kashmir. That is why Congress and National Conference are coming together to form a government in Jammu & Kashmir that is truly aligned with the people’s interests.”

He added, “We have discussed and formulated an agreement that our leaders will now share. We will fight together, win J&K, and form the government.”

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah expressed, “It is a matter of great happiness that we started this campaign, ensuring that both of us will fight together against those forces trying to divide people here.”

“The INDIA alliance was formed to combat forces that seek to communalize, divide, and break the country. Today, we have completed negotiations and coordinated in a very cordial atmosphere. Congress and the National Conference will contest the elections together,” ANI quoted the former J&K chief minister.

The Congress and National Conference have had a fluctuating relationship since the 1940s and 50s but previously shared power from 2008 to 2014 under Omar Abdullah. They ran a coalition government after winning 28 and 17 seats, respectively, in the 2008 assembly elections. The alliance ended before the 2014 assembly elections, but Congress supported the NC in the 2017 Srinagar Lok Sabha bypolls, which Farooq Abdullah won.

On August 22, both parties announced a pre-poll alliance for all 90 seats of Jammu and Kashmir, which will go to polls in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results to be declared on October 4. This marks the first assembly election in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370.

AIMIM ready to support INDIA Bloc, Says Imtiaz Jaleel

August 19, 2024, 8:50 pm

AIMIM Maharashtra Chief Imtiaz Jaleel on Monday claimed that the BJP could not achieve its goal of “400 paar” in the Lok Sabha elections due to the votes of Muslims who supported the INDIA alliance. He further stated that his party is open to collaborating with the INDIA bloc to defeat the BJP in future elections.

Speaking to ANI, Jaleel remarked that the INDIA alliance is under a misconception if it believes it can replicate its Lok Sabha success in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls. He emphasized that state elections are driven by local issues, which may not align with the narrative of national elections.

Jaleel said, “The BJP couldn’t achieve ‘400 paar’ because Muslims stood in long queues under the scorching sun and voted for the INDIA alliance. But what did they get in return? They were targeted and attacked in their own homes, as seen in incidents like those in Kolhapur. Despite their support, no Muslim candidate was given a single seat out of the 12 state council seats. When the Waqf Bill was presented in the Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena (UBT) ran away.”

Expressing his willingness to work with the opposition alliance, Jaleel added, “I am ready to join you and fight with full strength against the BJP. But if the INDIA bloc assumes that their Lok Sabha success will automatically translate into Assembly votes, they are mistaken. Assembly elections are fought on local issues. They need to clear this misconception before they consider engaging with us.”

Highlighting the importance of Muslim votes, Jaleel asserted, “Everyone now realizes how significant Muslim votes are, and we can become kingmakers too.”

The press conference also witnessed a scuffle when AIMIM supporters clashed over the appointment of Raiees Lashkaria as the new Mumbai AIMIM chief, replacing Faiyaz Ahmed Khan. Addressing the incident, Jaleel said, “I am surprised that Faiyaz Ahmed is suddenly alleging that we are working as a ‘B team’ just because he was removed from his post. In politics, one must make space for others. Decisions regarding him will be taken by party chief Asaduddin Owaisi, but discipline within the party remains paramount.”

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, in a recent statement, clarified that security concerns and the ongoing festival season in Maharashtra are among the reasons for the delay in state elections. The next round of polls is anticipated after key festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Diwali.

Bansuri Swaraj Criticises I.N.D.I.A. Bloc As Anti-Women And Protectors Of Corruption

August 15, 2024, 8:12 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bansuri Swaraj stated on Wednesday that the INDIA bloc defends and shields ‘corrupt and rapists,’ labelling it an alliance that is both anti-women and anti-social.

Speaking to ANI, Swaraj said, “I.N.D.I.A. alliance is an alliance that only supports and protects the corrupt and the rapists. This is an anti-women and anti-social alliance. Despite having a woman chief minister in West Bengal, TMC leaders dishonoured the mothers and sisters in Sandeshkhali in the TMC office.”

She also remarked that the rape and murder of the doctor in Kolkata is a deeply shocking incident that has shaken the conscience of the people.

“The Kolkata rape and murder incident of the doctor has left souls trembling in the country. A couple of days ago, a 15-year-old girl was also raped by an SP leader in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress party does not even take a minute when it comes to raising the slogans of ‘Ladki hoon, Lad Sakti hoon,’ but when it comes to incidents in places like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and even Delhi, they fall silent,” she said.

She further stated that it seems the opposition has neglected their responsibilities while engaging in their battle with the government.

She said, “The opposition has forgotten their duties and have brought shame to the nation. They keep maintaining silence and also support the criminals who commit gruesome acts. Their work speaks for itself.”

Earlier today, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar remarked that no woman MP from the TMC has addressed the murder and rape of the Kolkata doctor. He said that, despite being graduates of the same medical college, two TMC MPs and three MLAs have remained silent, suggesting that “something is amiss.”

“opposition wants to misguide,” says Pralhad Joshi on INDIA bloc questions govt on Waqf Amendment

August 8, 2024, 2:06 pm

Launching a scathing attack against the opposition parties over opposing the Bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that they(opposition) want to misguide some people in the community and are trying to tarnish the image of India.

“We are not targeting anyone. They (Opposition) want to only create an atmosphere. Our minister will explain in detail when he introduces the bill. They want to misguide some people in the community. They are trying to tarnish the image of India. We are one of the best democracies in the world…” said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

Meanwhile, RJD MP Misa Bharti stated that INDIA alliance parties and RJD will oppose this bill. Adding to that, she emphasised, “The government is not talking on issues of unemployment, inflation…”

Calling the motives of the government “sinister”, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, “As I’ve said, the motives of the government are always sinister and I think we will be opposing this bill and there’s been no wider consultation with stakeholders and we think it should be referred to the Standing Committee before it’s brought to passing in the House.

Showcasing opposition against the Waqf amendment, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, “This amendment bill should come through the Standing Committee. We (the opposition) will oppose this bill unitedly…”

Notably, apart from introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Kiren Rijiju will also introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Waqf Act provides for the renaming of the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995It seeks to clearly define “waqf” as waqf by any person practising Islam for at least five years and having ownership of such property and ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not lead to the denial of inheritance rights to women.

The bill aims to define “waqf” as property held by individuals practicing Islam for at least five years and who have ownership of the property. It also seeks to ensure that establishing Waqf-alal-aulad does not exclude women from inheritance rights. Additionally, the bill proposes eliminating provisions related to “waqf by user,” transferring the responsibilities of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or a designated officer of Deputy Collector rank for surveying waqf properties. It also calls for a more inclusive composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation of both, Muslim women and non-Muslims.

The bill, as outlined in the statement of objects and reasons, aims to establish separate Boards of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis. It also seeks to ensure representation for Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other marginalised groups within the Muslim communities. Additionally, the bill proposes streamlining waqf registration through a central portal and database and introduces a detailed process for property mutation according to revenue laws, including giving proper notice to all relevant parties before officially designating any property as waqf.

The bill aims to remove Section 40, which grants the Board the authority to determine whether a property is classified as waqf. It also proposes that mutawallis file waqf accounts with the Board via a central portal to enhance oversight of their activities. The bill includes plans to reform the Tribunal by reducing its membership to two members and allows for appeals against Tribunal decisions to be taken to the High Court within ninety days. According to sources, the Business Advisory Committee has decided that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Opposition parties are advocating for the bill to be reviewed by the standing committee.

New Criminal Laws Aim At Justice, Not Punishment: Amit Shah

August 4, 2024, 5:55 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the three new criminal laws on Sunday, emphasizing their focus on justice rather than punishment. Speaking at the inauguration of e-evidence, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti, and e-Summon Systems in Chandigarh, Shah highlighted the significant reforms under the Modi government, stating that the implementation of these laws will be considered the most significant reform in the last decade.

Shah criticized the outdated criminal justice system inherited from colonial times and proudly noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) were created by India’s elected representatives. He asserted that these laws are designed to deliver justice, not punishment, and are thus better described as a “justice code” rather than a penal code.

Shah also projected that, once fully implemented, India will have the world’s most modern and technologically advanced criminal justice system, with the Home Ministry providing necessary training and skill-building.

Earlier in the day, Shah took a swipe at the opposition INDIA bloc, predicting that they would remain in opposition in the 2029 elections. He expressed confidence in the NDA’s continued success under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, while criticizing the opposition for attempting to create instability and urging them to learn effective opposition practices.

Amit Shah Predicts INDIA Bloc Will Be In Opposition In 2029

August 4, 2024, 2:55 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a swipe at the INDIA bloc on Sunday, suggesting that they should brace themselves for being in the opposition again in 2029. Shah made these comments during the inauguration of the Nyay Setu water supply project and the launch of the smart city mission in Chandigarh.

Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed confidence that the NDA will secure victory in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. “The INDIA bloc should prepare to sit in the opposition in 2029. No matter what the opposition does, the NDA will return to power, and Modi ji will remain at the helm. The BJP has won more seats in this election than Congress did over three elections,” he stated.

Criticizing the opposition, Shah accused the INDIA bloc of attempting to create instability and advised them to learn how to function effectively in opposition. “Those who seek to spread instability claim that this government won’t last. I want to assure them that not only will this government complete its term, but the next government will also be led by the NDA. They should prepare to sit in the opposition and learn how to work from that position,” he said.

Regarding the Nyay Setu project, Shah emphasized its significance, noting, “Water is essential for life. When it is not clean, it leads to many diseases. This project will ensure a 24/7 supply of filtered water to the area and will endure over time.”

He added, “The project covers about 125 acres. Since Modi ji became Prime Minister, the focus has been on developing smart cities, with Chandigarh being a priority. To date, Rs 1 lakh crore has been invested in this initiative. The mission to provide clean drinking water to 74% of households has been accomplished, and water-borne diseases have significantly decreased. We aim to complete the provision of clean water to every household in the country before the end of Modi ji’s third term.”

Is Akhilesh Yadav The Thought-Leader Of Opposition ?

July 31, 2024, 12:15 am

While Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition by virtue of being the single largest party in opposition one cannot discount the role played by Samajwadi Party Chief, Akhilesh Yadav. Not only is the Samajwadi Party the third largest party in Parliament today after the BJP & the Congress (with 37 MPs), the genial Akhilesh is also proving to be the glue that is cementing the anti-BJP parties together. Take for example the fact that he was the only leader from the INDIA bloc who was invited to attend the Martyr’s Day Rally in Kolkata last week organised by the West Bengal CM and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee. Speaking at the rally, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee claimed that it was the SP & the TMC who were the two principal architects of the BJP’s defeat. Noticeably he did not mention the Congress and neither was any Congress leader present at the rally.

Later, when the non NDA regional parties staged a protest against the BJP in the capital, Akhilesh Yadav was present at Jantar Mantar in response to a special invite by Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former CM of Andhra Pradesh. Again, the Congress did not make the guest list.
But if there is one leader who is standing by Rahul’s side within Parliament it is Akhilesh Yadav. The two UP ke Ladke are leading a united fight against the Modi led government, whether it is on the budget, farmers’ rights, NEET exam or Agniveer. While Rahul’s speeches have a pithy punch, Akhilesh’s knock-out blows are delivered with a rhetorical finesse and his trademark smile.

More importantly however is the strategic impact Akhilesh has had on the INDIA bloc and the role he played in halting the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Had the Samajwadi Party not got 37 seats in the Hindi heartland, the BJP would have crossed the 272 mark and notched a much more face-saving number. The fact that Ayodhya was one of the seats that the SP won only added the icing to the cake. While the Congress is now talking about a caste census and politics of mandal, it was the Samajwadi Party that is the torch bearer of this thought.
It is a thought that the perceptive Samajwadi Chief has reinvented with the times when he came up with the PDA alliance. This is an umbrella coalition of Pichde (backwards), Dalits & Alpsankhyak (minorities). He went on to distribute tickets accordingly, giving only 5 tickets to the Yadavs, a caste that earlier took a large chunk of the ticket distribution. An amused Delhi media pulled his leg and reminded him that PDA stood for Public Display of Affection. And if the results are anything to go by, Uttar Pradesh ki Junta has responded to the SP Chief with a very public display of affection giving him the largest number of seats won by the party since its inception. But whenever the Congress talks about caste, it lacks the credibility of the Samajwadi Party. When Rahul brandished a picture of Finance Ministry officials partaking in the traditional halwa ceremony on Budget Day and asked – How many Dalits & OBCs do you see in this picture, the BJP was quick to dig up a picture of former finance minister & Congress leader P Chidambaram participating in a similar ceremony on Budget day and asked – how many Dalits and OBCs do you see in this photograph? Unlike Rahul, the Samajwadi Party leader has walked his talk.
But, just when the BJP thought it had figured out Akhilesh’s gameplan, he appointed a Brahimin – the veteran Mata Prasad Pandey as the Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The message that he is sending out is a much more inclusive one than the PM’s slogan of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. Incidentally he has also recently appointed Lal Behari Yadav as the leader of Opposition in the legislative council.

Again, when Rahul balked at contesting from Uttar Pradesh, it was Akhilesh who pushed him to do so, pointing out that the Samajwadi Party had a large chunk of MLAs in the constituency. With the SP’s support, the Congress won both Amethi and Rae Bareli.
While Akhilesh Yadav’s goal may be the 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, for as he says we have learnt how to defeat the BJP, there are no state limits for a man with a gameplan. Rahul Gandhi is certainly the face of Opposition, but Akhilesh Yadav is its heart & soul.

INDIA Bloc Criticize Budget 2024; Protests Intensify

July 24, 2024, 1:58 pm

Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc have strongly criticized the newly presented Budget 2024, accusing the government of prioritizing political interests over genuine economic reforms. Their dissatisfaction has led to widespread protests across the country, emphasizing the deep divide between the ruling party and its critics.

Main Criticisms

The opposition argues that the budget reflects the government’s political compulsions rather than offering effective solutions for the country’s economic challenges. They have highlighted several key issues:

Short-Term Focus: Critics claim that the budget does not provide a clear long-term strategy for economic stability and growth. Instead, they believe it focuses on temporary measures that do not address underlying problems.
Uneven Resource Allocation: There are concerns that the budget unfairly distributes resources. The opposition argues that certain regions and sectors receive more funding, while others, which are equally important, are left underfunded.
Insufficient Support for Crucial Sectors: The budget has been criticized for not allocating enough funds to critical areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Opposition leaders feel these sectors are vital for the country’s development and should receive more attention.
Political Motivations: The opposition suggests that the budget is designed to gain favor with specific voter groups rather than addressing genuine economic needs. They argue that this political angle undermines the budget’s effectiveness.

“Compulsion of government visible in Budget” say opposition leaders as INDIA bloc protests Budget

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/G6jlOrJVKj #Budget2024 #INDIAbloc #Protest pic.twitter.com/2gbdRZ0sDN

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 24, 2024

Nationwide Protests

The opposition’s concerns have sparked protests in various cities. Demonstrators, led by the INDIA bloc, have taken to the streets to voice their discontent with the budget. These protests reflect the seriousness of the opposition’s critique and the potential impact of the budget on upcoming elections.

Government’s Defense

In response, government officials have defended the budget, stating that it is a balanced document aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing current challenges. They believe the budget will benefit the country both now and in the future.

The opposition’s protests and criticisms highlight the significant political and economic debates surrounding Budget 2024. The INDIA bloc’s dissatisfaction underscores their concerns about the budget’s focus and implications for the country’s future.

INDIA bloc to protest against discriminatory budget on Wednesday, Congress CMS to boycott Niti Aayog meet on July 27

July 23, 2024, 11:09 pm

New Delhi, July 23: The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc will stage a protest against the BJP-led NDA government on Wednesday over the Union Budget-2024, which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Tuesday, a Congress leader said here.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the INDIA bloc floor leaders convened by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge along with party leader Rahul Gandhi at his residence here on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said: “Today, we had a detailed discussion on this budget.We will protest against this budget tomorrow outside the Parliament and raise our voice inside the Parliament.”

“This budget is against the federal structure of India,” he alleged.

He also asserted that in the name of development, there was nothing in the budget.

“This is not the budget of the BJP. It is the budget of the country. But, they have presented it as if it is their budget,” Tiwari added.

Meanwhile, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who also attended the meeting said that the INDIA bloc will issue joint statement against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.

He said that the statement will include concerns related to Kejriwal’s health and it will join the protest being planned over his arrest.

Earlier in the day, several Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, KC Venugopal and others had dubbed the Budget as called it “Kursi Bachao Budget (Save the Chair Budget)” alluding to the Narendra Modi-led BJP government’s overdependence on the support of the alliance partner for survival.

Even Congress MPs will be meeting with at 10 a.m. in Parliament to chalk put strategy for the Budget session.

After the meeting, party General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal in a post on X said, “The Union Budget presented today was extremely discriminatory and dangerous, which completely goes against the principles of federalism and fairness that the Union Government must follow.”

He said: “In protest, Congress Chief Ministers will be boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for 27 July.”

“This government’s attitude is completely antithetical to Constitutional principles. We will not participate in an event that is solely designed to hide the true, discriminatory colours of this regime,” Venugopal said lashing out at the government.

“Mood Of The People Is Against The BJP”: P Chidambaram On By-Polls

July 14, 2024, 1:45 pm

Following the INDIA bloc’s strong performance in the recently concluded by-polls in seven states, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram expressed optimism on Sunday, stating that the “wind is behind the sails of the INDIA bloc.”

In an interview with ANI, Chidambaram noted that the by-elections reflect a public sentiment against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He stated, “The by-elections show that the mood of the people is against the BJP. But where the structure of the Congress party is weak, I’m afraid that the ‘mood’ alone would not help. We have to work in states where the structure of the party is weak.” He added, “But by and large, the wind is behind the sails of the INDIA bloc.”

Out of the by-polls held in 13 assembly constituencies across seven states, the INDIA bloc secured 10 seats, while the BJP won two seats, and an independent candidate took one seat. The by-polls took place in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur, Nalagarh, and Dehra; West Bengal’s Raiganj, Ranaghat Dakshin, Bagda, and Maniktala; Badrinath and Manglaur in Uttarakhand; Jalandhar West in Punjab; Rupauli in Bihar; Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu; and Amarwara in Madhya Pradesh.

The parties comprising the INDIA bloc that fielded candidates in these constituencies included the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). In Himachal Pradesh, the Congress won two seats (Nalagarh and Dehra) while the BJP took one seat (Hamirpur). In West Bengal, the TMC won all four seats; in Uttarakhand, the Congress won both seats; in Punjab, AAP secured the lone seat; in Tamil Nadu, the DMK took the lone seat; in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won the lone seat; and in Bihar, an independent candidate won the lone seat.

Additionally, Chidambaram addressed the central government’s announcement to observe ‘Savidhan Hatya Diwas’ on June 25 to commemorate the anniversary of the 1975 emergency imposed under Indira Gandhi’s Congress government. He remarked, “Why is the BJP not going back to the 18th or 17th century? 75 per cent of the Indians living today were born after 1975. Emergency was a mistake and it was accepted by Indira Gandhi. We have amended the Constitution so that an emergency cannot be imposed so easily.”

Chidambaram questioned the relevance of debating the emergency after 50 years, emphasizing that lessons have been learned. He stated, “What is the point of debating the rights and wrongs of the emergency 50 years later? The BJP must forget the past. We have learned the lessons from the past.”

Earlier this month, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government announced plans to observe ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to mark the emergency anniversary, a decision that has sparked criticism from opposition parties targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

The 1975 Emergency in India remains a significant historical event, characterized by political instability and suppression of civil liberties. Declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Emergency involved the suspension of fundamental rights and the imposition of strict censorship to suppress political dissent and maintain control.

I.N.D.I.A. bloc will defeat BJP in Gujarat polls: Rahul Gandhi

July 2, 2024, 5:26 am

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that I.N.D.I.A. bloc will defeat the BJP in Gujarat polls next time. Rahul Gandhi made the remarks while replying to the Motion of Thanks to President’s address.

Daring the BJP, Rahul Gandhi, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli, said, “In Gujarat, I.N.D.I.A. alliance will defeat you. Take it in writing that I.N.D.I.A. will defeat you in Gujarat.”

He also said that we do not fear from the BJP. “Congress does not fear BJP, but it is the BJP which fears the Congress,” the Leader of Opposition said.

He then also slammed the BJP and said that he is happy and proud to be in opposition “as for us there is something more than power, it is truth”.

Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha that ask any small and medium industry owner why demonetization was done.

“They will say it was done to help the billionaires. I went to Gujarat, talked to the textile owner, asked him why demonetization happened, why GST happened, he clearly said that GST was brought to help the billionaires. Narendra Modi works for billionaires. It’s a simple matter,” he said.

When Rahul Gandhi said this, PM Modi was also present in the House.

Even as Rahul Gandhi stood to speak in the lower House, slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ was raised by some members.

Following the slogans of ‘jai samvidhan’, Rahul Gandhi reiterated ‘jai samvidhan’ with a copy of Constitution in his hand. “Achcha lag raha hai BJP ke log samvidhan ki baat kar rahe hai… Country has together protected Constitution, it feels nice that BJP people now repeating ‘Jai samvidhan’,” Rahul Gandhi said.

He then mentioned that there was a systematic, full-scale assault on the idea of India, the Constitution, and millions of people who resisted the ideas proposed by the BJP.

“Many of us were personally attacked, including myself. Not only the Opposition but anyone who resisted the concentration of power, wealth, and aggression against the poor, Dalits, minorities, and tribals was crushed. People were jailed and threatened,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Mentioning Manipur violence in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi took a veiled swipe at the BJP and the Prime Minister and said that that he should be ashamed of himself for disregarding the existence of Manipur and the ongoing civil war in the state.

18th Lok Sabha First Session: INDIA bloc leaders including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, protest in Parliament premises

June 24, 2024, 11:41 am

All MPs from the Opposition INDIA bloc are set to enter the Lok Sabha together on the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, starting on Monday, according to sources. They plan to gather near the Mahatma Gandhi statue and may carry copies of the Constitution.

This morning, Congress MPs will also convene at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) office in Parliament House.

INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest on the Parliament premises.

#WATCH | Delhi: INDIA bloc leaders including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, protest in Parliament premises pic.twitter.com/QoFKaoavR0

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2024

The inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha, beginning today, will feature the swearing-in of newly-elected Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A “Swagatam” cutout has been placed at the Parliament Makar Dwar to welcome the newly elected MPs.

Expectations for the 1st Session of the 18th Lok Sabha

The first session is anticipated to be contentious, with the opposition likely to challenge the BJP-led NDA government on issues such as the Speaker’s election, allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET, and disputes over the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker.

President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath to Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Subsequently, Mahtab will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Leader of the Lok Sabha, to take oath as a member.

On June 26, the Lok Sabha Speaker will be elected. President Murmu is scheduled to address the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on June 27.

This marks the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha following the general elections, in which the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats and the INDIA bloc won 234, with the Congress holding 99 of them.

RSS Leader Indresh Kumar: Arrogant Leaders Stopped At 241 By Lord Ram In LS Polls

June 14, 2024, 12:53 pm

RSS leader Indresh Kumar delivered pointed comments on the Lok Sabha election results, criticizing the ruling BJP for arrogance and the opposition INDIA bloc for being “anti-Ram”.

Speaking at an event near Jaipur, Kumar indirectly addressed both parties, emphasizing the BJP’s impressive 240 seats in the Lok Sabha while cautioning against arrogance that hindered further success.

“And those who had no faith in Ram, they together were stopped at 234,” he said, referring to the INDIA bloc.

“See the ‘Vidhan’ of Ram Rajya in democracy; those who did ‘Bhakti (worshipped) of Ram but gradually turned arrogant, that party emerged as the biggest party, but the vote and power that should have been given was stopped by God due to their arrogance,” he further said.

“Those who opposed Ram, none of them was given power. Even all of them together were made number two. God’s justice is true and enjoyable,” he added.

“Those who worship Ram should be humble and those who oppose Ram, the Lord himself dealt with them,” he said.

He said Lord Ram does not discriminate and does not punish. “Ram does not make anyone lament. Ram gives justice to everyone. He gives and will keep on giving. Lord Ram was always just and will remain so,” he said.
Kumar also said Lord Ram protected people and did good to Ravana too.

These remarks came shortly after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat declared that a true ‘sevak’ should serve people without arrogance and maintain dignity.

NDA wins by a whisker in 2024 general elections: Why?

June 10, 2024, 3:54 am

The NDA and INDI alliance secured 292 and 234 seats, respectively, in the general elections of 2024. The TDP and JDU will be supporting the BJP as two pillars, as without them NDA will fall short of simple majority by eight seats.

Finding a national theme in this election is challenging because, in the states of Odisha, AP, and Telangana, the BJP and NDA fared better than in the 2019 general elections, while in the states of UP, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Haryana, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, they underperformed. More was lost by the BJP and NDA in their traditional areas than was gained in new fields. The electorate cast their votes in accordance with the unique political dynamics of each state.

The various La Bharti schemes that increased the BJP and NDA tally from 283 and 333 seats in the 2014 elections to 303 and 353 seats had less clout with the beneficiaries in the 2024 elections. This is not unexpected, as voters prefer to vote on one set of la Bharti schemes for a party for one election rather than two consecutive elections, unless the same la Bharti schemes are expanded to new areas or intensified more.

The Ujjwal Yojana has left its mark after empowering women to vote in UP (thereby mitigating the influence of the strong SP-BSP combination), Rajasthan, and Haryana (where the BJP received over 50% of the vote) in 2019 elections. Women were happy because LPG was available for cooking, and this helped the BJP win the 2019 elections. The Ujjwal Yojana would not have been as appealing in 2024 due to voters’ worries about charges that were too high for them to afford and the upfront payment they would still need to make even with the subsidies. If the 5 kg cylinder had been provided at an upfront fee, the Modi 2.0 administration would have been beneficial to the ruling regime and the initiative would have been more extensively adopted.

The PM Awas Yojana is under progress, and to have fruition, it should have been completed before the 2024 elections. The free ration of 5 kg of grains per head certainly helped the BJP and NDA reach this level. The toilets are great, but only with a water facility at home will they become a utility to use on a regular basis. Nal Jal is also in progress, and only when it is completed will the benefit be complete. The electricity connection to all households was achieved before the 2019 elections, and they cannot become the reason for voting in the 2024 elections by the electorate.

The recipients complained that they were denied access to utilities while they were unavailable. But when utilities were provided, the beneficiaries also had to pay a few thousand rupees every month as charges for utilities. Giving these utilities away for free to the general public is one strategy, but this is not sustainable financially and will create vested interests. The recipients’ increased income from new sources of employment was limited to paying for their utilities. There were just three years left for the government to raise the income of the general people after Covid cut salaries for two consecutive years. The growing resentment because that did not happen has affected the BJP and NDA in these states.

The Modi 2.0 government’s CPI inflation was just about 1% higher than the first term’s 4.5%, in contrast to the UPA 2 government, whose CPI inflation peaked at 9.8%. However, after losing their jobs for two years as a result of COVID, the less fortunate members of society found this inflation unbearable.

No sensible person could have predicted that the Ram temple consecration would have benefited the BJP and NDA, as this is for strong BJP supporters, who anyway would have voted for the BJP and NDA.

Voters in states with low per capita income and little private work options are also concerned about unemployment. Even if migrant labourers relocated to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andrapradesh and other states in search of work, a permanent government position—even one as an office assistant—is more valuable than anything else for these individuals. In states with higher GDP per capita, the issue of employment is more closely related to newly invested capital and growing economic prospects than it is to government jobs.

The youth of the respective states may have found some solace in employment opportunities if the competitive examinations had been conducted without delays due to unrelated issues like paper leaks, but the elephant in the room—a lack of economic opportunities—can only be addressed with increased private investments in addition to public investments. Considering that there are 200 applications for each government position, this needs to be understood. Concerns about unemployment have also been greater among qualified candidates holding PG degrees, PhDs, and degrees, as their education did not prepare them to create opportunities for themselves and a small group of others economically or to secure gainful employment with firms that value productivity from the start.

The economic inability to utilise the utilities offered by the central government, no income for two COVID years, economic vulnerability to handle even moderate inflation, and educational qualifications that do not help in converting them to avail economic opportunities cost the BJP and NDA 61 seats compared to their 2019 general elections.

If not for the free five kg foodgrain per person, the expansion of utilities to larger segments of society that have not received them in the first sixty years of independence, the widespread immunization programme that effectively contained the COVID pandemic, the provision of food grains and financial support during the pandemic, and the ability to keep average CPI inflation to less than 6% in spite of global unrest, the BJP and NDA would not have reached 240 seats and 292 seats, respectively, in the 2024 elections. The vote shares of around 36.56% and 44% that the BJP and NDA secured in the 2024 elections were 1.7% and 1% less than in the 2019 elections, respectively. In the 2024 elections, however, the vote share to seat conversion decreased dramatically with the BJP’s widespread footprint, while the BJP and NDA were able to achieve greater vote share to seat conversion with concentrated vote share in the 2019 elections.

The author is a public policy expert.

Third Consecutive Term: Narendra Modi To Take Oath Today

June 9, 2024, 8:46 am

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), under the leadership of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, is set to form the government at the Centre for the third consecutive term. Modi will be sworn in today, June 9, at 7:15 PM, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the only leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be elected for three consecutive terms after completing the full tenure of each previous term.

Alongside Modi, who will take the oath for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister, members of his council of ministers will also take their oaths. The event has garnered considerable attention, with posters featuring the Prime Minister-designate prominently displayed around Delhi in anticipation of the ceremony.

Extensive preparations have been made for the event. Approximately 1,100 traffic police personnel have been deployed by the Delhi Police, and an advisory has been issued to manage traffic flow and route arrangements for the delegates attending the ceremony.

Highlighting India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, several leaders and state heads from the neighbouring region and the Indian Ocean region have been invited as distinguished guests. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the following leaders have accepted the invitation to attend:

President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe
President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu
Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif
Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay

In addition to these leaders, over 250 workers who contributed to the construction of the new Parliament building will also participate in the ceremony. They will gather at BJP leader Mansukh Mandaviya’s residence at 3 PM before heading to the President’s house.

The MEA emphasized the significance of this event, noting that the attendance of these leaders underscores the importance India places on its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘SAGAR’ vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Following the swearing-in ceremony, the dignitaries will also attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

This gesture of inviting neighbouring leaders continues Modi’s tradition of regional engagement. In 2014, he invited leaders from SAARC nations, and in 2019, representatives from BIMSTEC countries attended his swearing-in ceremony.

Despite the grandeur of the event, opposition leaders, including Congress leader KC Venugopal, have indicated that they have not received any information regarding the ceremony.

The BJP secured 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, with the NDA amassing a total of 292 seats out of 543. The Congress, part of the INDIA bloc, managed to prevent the BJP from obtaining a majority on its own, securing 99 seats. Other notable results include the Samajwadi Party with 37 seats, the Trinamool Congress with 29 seats, and the DMK with 22 seats.

JDU Claims Nitish Kumar Offered PM Position By INDIA, Congress Denies

June 8, 2024, 4:41 pm

Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi revealed that Bihar Chief Minister and party chief Nitish Kumar was extended an invitation to join the Opposition INDIA bloc and offered the prime ministerial position. However, Kumar declined the offer.

“Nitish Kumar got an offer from the INDIA bloc to become the Prime Minister. He got the offer from those people who did not allow him to become the convenor of the INDIA bloc. He has refused it and we are firmly with the NDA,” Tyagi said.

However, Congress leader KC Venugopal said that the party did not have such information about the INDIA bloc approaching Nitish Kumar to become the Prime Minister, “We have no such information. Only he knows about this (claim),” he said at a press conference.

Amid speculation that the INDIA bloc was cultivating closer ties with the JD(U) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), both allies of the BJP-led NDA, to gather support and potentially form the central government, developments unfolded.

Contrary to exit poll forecasts, the INDIA bloc performed strongly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing victory in 234 out of the 543 seats. Meanwhile, the NDA attained 293 seats, with the BJP securing 240, falling short by 32 seats to reach the majority mark.

When asked to name which leader or leaders offered the prime ministerial post to Nitish Kumar, Tyagi refused to name anyone.

“Some leaders wanted to approach Nitish Kumar directly for the offer. But we left the INDIA bloc after the treatment that was meted out to him and our party leaders. We have joined NDA and there’s no question of looking back now,” he said.

Nitish Kumar, known for his political flexibility, was the driving force behind the formation of the INDIA bloc and chaired its inaugural meeting in Patna last year. However, he departed from the Opposition coalition and rejoined the NDA alliance in January 2024.

Having secured 12 seats for his party in the Lok Sabha elections, Nitish Kumar participated in the NDA parliamentary meeting on Friday, where Narendra Modi was elected as the NDA Parliamentary Party Leader.

The JD(U) leader has a history of making several political turnabouts. In 2013, he ended his alliance with the BJP and aligned with the RJD and Congress. Following the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he once again allied with the BJP in 2020, subsequently assuming the role of Chief Minister.

Two years later, he severed ties with the BJP and formed a coalition government with the RJD and Congress. However, in January of this year, he once again switched allegiance to the NDA and resumed office as Chief Minister.

Nitish Kumar Tears Into INDIA Bloc, Says They Never Worked For Nation

June 7, 2024, 1:40 pm

Days after the Lok Sabha election results, Janata Dal-United (JDU) Chief Nitish Kumar criticized the opposition INDIA bloc, stating that they never worked for the country. Speaking at the parliamentary meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the national capital, Kumar expressed confidence in the progress of the country under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

“When you come next time, those who have won this time will lose. I’m confident about it. They never worked for the nation. They never served the country. The country will progress under your (PM Modi) leadership,” Kumar remarked, eliciting laughter from Prime Minister Modi and other leaders present.

Kumar affirmed his support for PM Modi, stating, “All the pending works of Bihar will be done. It is a very good thing that all of us have come together, and we will all work together under your leadership… Whenever you take the oath, we will be with you.”

The newly elected MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) attended the meeting, which took place after the Lok Sabha election results were announced. The BJP and its allies secured 293 seats, with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU winning 16 and 12 seats, respectively.

Earlier, NDA leaders elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, with PM Modi expressing the alliance’s commitment to building a developed India. The INDIA bloc has 234 MPs in the new parliament, while the Congress won 99 seats.

Mayawati’s Role As Spoiler: Impact On INDIA Bloc In Uttar Pradesh

June 6, 2024, 5:43 pm

The BJP fell short of its electoral ambitions this Lok Sabha election, bagging 240 seats—significantly fewer than the 370 it aimed for and well below the 303 won in 2019. The outcome could have been different had Mayawati’s BSP into the INDIA bloc.

A significant portion of the BJP’s lost seats came from Uttar Pradesh, a state it has historically dominated. In 2019, the BJP clinched 62 seats, but this time, it secured only 33, with its vote share dipping to 41.3%.

Mayawati’s BSP, although winning no seats despite contesting 79, garnered votes that surpassed the winning margins in 16 seats, all clinched by the BJP or its allies. Had she joined the opposition, these votes might have swayed, potentially reducing the BJP’s tally by 16 seats.

The 16 constituencies include Akbarpur, Aligarh, Amroha, Bansgaon, Bhadohi, Bijnor, Deoria, Farrukhabad, Fatepur Sikri, Hardoi, Meerut, Mirzapur, Misrikh, Phulpur, Shahjahanpur, and Unnao. In several instances, BSP candidates garnered substantial votes despite losing, significantly narrowing the BJP’s victory margin.

For instance, in Bansgaon, Farrukhabad, and Phulpur, where winning margins were under 5,000, the BSP secured over 64,000, 45,000, and 82 votes, respectively. Losing these seats would have left the BJP with 224 seats, making the path to government formation more challenging.

Furthermore, this scenario would have underscored the pivotal role of the INDIA bloc, comprising the TDP and the JDU, as potential ‘kingmakers’. With the TDP securing 16 seats and the JDU 12, the coalition could have garnered 265 seats, just shy of a majority.

Although the opposition, including the Congress, met in Delhi to strategize, flipping 28 seats may not suffice for a government claim. Nevertheless, it could disrupt the BJP’s plans and assert the opposition’s influence in the new government formation.

BJP Falls Short Of Majority As Chandrababu Naidu And Nitish Kumar Dictate Terms

June 6, 2024, 3:00 pm

With the BJP falling short of a majority in the Lok Sabha, allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have begun bargaining for significant ministries at the Centre. Coalition-era veterans like N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar are reportedly making demands during the NDA meeting held yesterday. Although no official word has been released, it is understood that intense negotiations are underway.

Speculations suggest that Mr. Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which secured 16 Lok Sabha seats and swept the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls, is pushing for five ministerial positions, including a Minister of State for Finance and the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post. The TDP is also eyeing portfolios such as Roads, Panchayati Raj, Health, and Education.

The Janata Dal United (JDU), with 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha, is expected to seek two Cabinet positions and one Minister of State role. The Railways Ministry is a key target, according to party sources. Additionally, the JDU is advocating for a Common Minimum Programme for the new NDA government and a coordination committee to ensure its implementation. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime, the late George Fernandes served as the convener of this committee. Sources suggest Nitish Kumar is a suitable candidate for this role now.

The Janata Dal Secular (JDS), which won two seats, is likely to push for a central ministerial role for its leader and MP HD Kumaraswamy. The party, led by HD Devegowda, is positioning itself as a farmers’ party and is eyeing the Agriculture Ministry.

Other NDA allies the BJP may need to accommodate include the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which won seven seats in Maharashtra, and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), which secured five seats. It remains uncertain if actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena, with its two seats, will seek any central role. In previous Narendra Modi governments, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal) received ministerial positions. However, her party’s tally has decreased from two seats in 2019 to one, leaving her ministerial future in question.

The BJP has secured 240 seats, falling 32 seats short of the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. Combined, TDP and JDU hold 28 seats, and with other allies, the NDA will surpass the magic number.

Conversely, the INDIA Opposition bloc has clinched 232 seats. Top leaders of the bloc met in Delhi yesterday to strategize their next steps.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The constituents of the INDIA bloc thank the people of India for the overwhelming support received by our alliance. The people’s mandate has given a befitting reply to the BJP and their politics of hate and corruption. This is a mandate in defense of the Constitution of India and against price rise, unemployment, and crony capitalism and also to save democracy. The INDIA bloc will continue to fight against the fascist rule of the BJP led by Modi.”

Kharge added, “We will take appropriate steps at the appropriate time to realize the people’s desire not to be ruled by BJP’s government. This is our decision, and we altogether agreed on these points, and we will keep up with the promises we have made to the people.”

As the political landscape evolves, the coming days will reveal the final shape of the new government and the ministerial roles each party secures.