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Congress President Kharge Highlights Need for Organizational Reforms Amid Election Setbacks

November 29, 2024, 7:37 pm

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Friday, highlighting the party’s underperformance in several states and stressing that the “biggest need” is to strengthen the organization.

In many states, our organization is not up to expectations: Kharge

In a statement shared on X, Kharge remarked, “In many states, our organization is not up to expectations. Our biggest need is to strengthen the organization.” He acknowledged that while the party made a strong comeback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the results in recent state elections fell “below expectations,” presenting challenges for the future.

Kharge noted, “After the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, the Congress party made a comeback with renewed vigor. However, the election results in three states were not as per our expectations. The INDIA coalition parties formed the government in two out of four states, but our performance was below expectations. This is a challenge for us in terms of the future.”

The Congress leader emphasized the urgency for the party to learn from these election results and address its organizational weaknesses. “We need to immediately learn from the election results and correct all our weaknesses and shortcomings at the organizational level. These results are a message for us,” he added.

The CWC meeting follows significant setbacks for the Congress party in recent state elections. In the Maharashtra assembly elections, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition faced a major defeat, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) winning only 20 seats, Congress securing 16 seats, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) capturing just 10 seats. The BJP emerged victorious with 132 seats, while its allies, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, won 57 and 41 seats, respectively.

In Haryana, Congress encountered a similar fate, with the BJP winning a third consecutive term by securing 48 seats in the 90-member assembly, while Congress managed only 37 seats. In the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the Congress-National Conference coalition secured 48 seats, with the National Conference winning 42 seats and Congress only six.

The CWC meeting, held at the AICC headquarters in Delhi, was attended by prominent party figures, including Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other senior officials.

Following the meeting, Delhi Congress Chief Devender Yadav announced that the party will contest all 70 seats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly election without forming any alliances. “We are preparing for the election; we will contest on 70 seats and will win… there is no alliance,” Yadav stated, with the assembly election in Delhi expected to be held in early 2025.

Rahul must understand the importance of being LoP

September 12, 2024, 3:14 am

Now that Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition, because of his party winning 99 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, it was expected that he would have understood the gravitas of his position. Being LoP comes with a degree of responsibility, where the least that the leader concerned can do is not run down one’s own country in a manner that a question mark comes on its institutions, its democracy and its society. It is not expected that the LoP will make statements that will be picked up by terrorists to portray him as endorsing their cause of breaking India. It is also not expected that he would speak of the end of democracy in India when his own party has nearly doubled the seat tally in the Lok Sabha and the ruling BJP has not been able to get a majority on its own. If there was truly no democracy and the electoral process was compromised, what stopped the BJP from ensuring that it comfortably crossed the majority mark on its own? Didn’t it occur to the LoP that no political leader from responsible democracies badmouth their opponents when abroad? Such statements are made by only those who seek foreign help to get strictures passed against the incumbent government in their own country.

But then this is Rahul Gandhi and sadly, listening to his rhetoric during his ongoing visit to the US, it’s difficult to associate the word “responsible” with him. Like his every visit abroad, he has scattered too many pearls of wisdom this time as well, but perhaps the strangest of the lot was the comment on the Sikh community not being allowed to follow their religion in an India ruled by the BJP.

“Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurdwara,” he said. Given that there is not even anecdotal evidence to support such a claim, perhaps the LoP was referring to the time when a pogrom of the Sikh community was committed—allegedly by Congress leaders—just because they were Sikhs, post the assassination of his grandmother by her bodyguards. Then came the Pannun bombshell, where proscribed terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun took Rahul’s statement as an endorsement of the Khalistan cause. “Rahul’s statement on ‘existential threat to Sikhs in India’ is not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history of what Sikhs have been facing under successive regimes in India since 1947 and also corroborates SFJ’s stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan.” Pannun also claimed that when Rahul made his comment at a Washington, DC gathering, several “pro Khalistan Sikhs were in attendance”, which is quite a revelation, if true. Surely, Rahul would not have been aware of the presence of these anti India elements in his programme. But his opponents are bound to pick up this claim to allege that Rahul was playing to the gallery when making the outrageous claim of Sikhs being persecuted in India. It appears that no one in Rahul’s team had thought through the consequences of making such statements. No one had taken into consideration the possibility of Rahul playing straight into the hands of anti-India elements with his comments.

Equally baffling is the meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. An India-baiter, Ilhan Omar is a known proxy of Pakistan. She had travelled to Pakistan where she was briefed by the Pakistanis against India. She has been lobbying with the US government about labelling India as a country of particular concern on the fake charge of violating minority rights. She has been pushing for Kashmir’s self-determination. Even otherwise, Omar is extremely controversial and has been thrown out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments. She is a polarizing and divisive figure even among her co-religionists, many of whom find her views to be too extreme. In fact, she has deep connections with the likes of the radical Muslim Brotherhood. Hence, it’s baffling that the man who wants to be India’s Prime Minister, will meet someone so controversial.

Surely Rahul Gandhi wouldn’t have been trying to change Ilhan Omar’s mind about India, given that he seems to think alike about the so-called minority oppression in India. In fact he had done something similar during one of his UK trips in May 2022, when he met the then Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who was openly anti India and had a long and virulent record of taking an ant-India stance. Two years later, it was thought that Rahul would have acquired enough sense by now, so as not to meet those who are vehemently opposed to everything India and Indians—if not for anything else but to prevent his critics from cornering him. But it seems Rahul Gandhi has got into the habit of throwing caution to the wind. And now if his rivals attack him politically and accuse him of hurting India’s interests—a serious charge—he only has himself to blame. It is time Rahul Gandhi understood the importance of being LoP. He needs to realise that having measured conversations when abroad—instead of hurling outlandish charges—will help Indians feel more confident about him.

Political Families Seek Tickets From Various Parties

August 24, 2024, 1:40 am

As Haryana prepares for its assembly elections scheduled for October 1, all major political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition Congress, are intensely deliberating their ticket distribution strategies. Following the results of the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and Congress are considered to be in close competition. Both parties are facing a deluge of applicants; the Congress has 2,556 candidates vying for tickets, and a similar scenario is unfolding within the BJP.
Political families with significant influence in Haryana are also prominent in this ticket scramble. Members from the families of three former Chief Ministers are actively seeking tickets from both major parties. Prominent figures such as Union Ministers Krishan Pal Gujjar, Rao Inderjeet, and MP Dharambir Singh are also pushing for tickets for their descendants. Notably, Savitri Jindal, mother of MP Naveen Jindal, is hoping for a BJP ticket from Hisar. Despite this, both the BJP and Congress have stated that ticket distribution will focus on candidates with the best chances of winning, rather than on the stature of the applicants.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal’s family, currently divided, is making headlines. His son, Ranjit Singh, a cabinet minister in the BJP-led state government, is contesting for the Rania seat. However, his bid faces challenges as Chief Minister Naib Saini recently suggested an alliance with Gopal Kanda’s Haryana Lokhit Party (Halopa), which has fielded Dhawal Kanda for Rania. Ranjit Singh’s public criticism of the party could jeopardize his chances, as dissent is considered a serious breach of discipline within the BJP. Additionally, Jagdish Chautala’s son, Aditya Chautala, is a contender for the Dabwali seat, while Amit Sihag, an MLA from Dabwali, is vying for a Congress ticket.

The family of former Chief Minister Chaudhary Bansi Lal is also in the mix. His daughter-in-law, Kiran Chaudhary, who recently joined the BJP and was made a Rajya Sabha candidate, is now contending for the Tosham seat for her daughter, Shruty Chaudhary. Conversely, Bansi Lal’s second son, Anirudh Chaudhary, is competing for a Congress ticket. The rivalry between Kiran and Ranbir Mahendra, Bansi Lal’s other son, is notable, but both are expected to secure tickets from their respective parties.

Chaudhary Bhajanlal’s family, another influential name, also sees division between his sons. Kuldeep Bishnoi, who joined the BJP in 2022 after leaving Congress, is hopeful for a ticket from Adampur, while his brother, Chandramohan, remains with Congress and is a strong contender for the Panchkula seat. With the BJP potentially revising its policy of “one family, one ticket” due to the anti-incumbency sentiment, Kuldeep’s prospects may improve if the party decides to allocate multiple tickets to the same family. Chandramohan, aligned with Kumari Selja’s camp, faces a different set of challenges. The BJP, which has traditionally opposed dynasty politics, may deviate from its policy to accommodate influential political families, as it grapples with maintaining its hold on power amid rising anti-incumbency. The party is considering fielding new faces in many constituencies while managing the expectations of prominent political families.

BJP Strategy In Haryana May Aim To Make Caste Politics Backfire For Cong

August 7, 2024, 1:48 am

Ahead of elections in Haryana, the political atmosphere is heating up. While specific announcements aimed at attracting youth and women voters are pending, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has already started targeting Congress by unveiling loan waivers and minimum support prices for farmers.

Congress has yet to disclose its strategies but is expected to also focus on appealing to farmers. The BJP has also tackled two other issues simultaneously by pressuring Congress to name a Chief Ministerial candidate from a backward caste.

On Monday in Chandigarh, BJP State In-Charge General Secretary Satish Poonia directly challenged Congress to announce a CM candidate from a backward class. This move not only seeks to win over the crucial farmer vote bank but also aims to highlight and potentially exploit Congress’s stance on backward caste representation.
The BJP has introduced caste issues into the Haryana political arena, aiming to corner Congress while simultaneously addressing the concerns of farmers, youth, and women.
By focusing on caste politics, the BJP seeks to place Congress in a difficult position, especially since BJP has already declared OBC leader Nayab Singh Saini as its Chief Ministerial candidate.

Congress has yet to officially announce its CM candidate, though the prevailing sentiment in the state suggests that former CM Bhupendra Singh Hooda will be the likely choice.
The BJP’s approach is designed to create confusion and potential discontent among the backward classes and Jat voters, two segments which Congress relies on for support.
The BJP’s strategy includes offering MSP and loan waivers to farmers and Jats, strengthening its appeal to these groups. If the BJP succeeds in leveraging caste politics to its advantage, it could significantly weaken Congress’s position and potentially secure a third term in office.

Meanwhile, Congress faces internal divisions between the Hooda and Shailaja factions, each with its own support base—Hooda representing the Jat community and Shailaja from the ST community. The BJP aims to capitalize on this factionalism to enhance its own prospects.

Congress’s supreme leader Rahul Gandhi is continuously targeting BJP by doing backward class politics. So to send a stern reply, in a strategic move, BJP has played the backward card after careful consideration.

In the Lok Sabha elections, Congress caused great damage to BJP by making the issue of Constitution being in danger and abolition of reservation. Now that it is clear that the opposition has spread confusion among the public by lying, BJP has become aggressive.
This is the reason why in Lok Sabha, first Anurag Thakur and then Nishikant Dubey attacked Congress fiercely on caste. MP Dubey targeted Priyanka Gandhi along with Rahul and touched the nail on the head of Congress. In a way, Congress seems to be getting trapped in BJP’s trap. BJP knows that Rahul Gandhi will not dare to declare a CM from ST class at any cost.

Due to this, BJP has now started challenging Congress by making caste an issue in Haryana. BJP’s strategy is to corner Congress on caste politics after appeasing farmers, youth and women. Because if the caste card is played in Haryana, Congress will be in trouble.

BJP has declared OBC face Nayab Singh Saini as its CM candidate. Congress has not declared any face yet and will not do so either.

But the message in the entire state is that former CM Bhupendra Singh Hooda will be the CM of Congress. If the move made by BJP works, Congress will suffer a big loss.
Firstly, the message will go to the backward classes that Congress is not in their favour.
Secondly, the Jat vote will also be confused. Congress’s full hope is on Jat and Dalit voters only. BJP also knows that if Jat and Dalit votes are divided, it will get strength.

Amit Shah Predicts BJP-Led NDA’s Victory In 2029 Lok Sabha Elections

August 4, 2024, 3:35 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confidently predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will come to power again in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nyay Setu water supply project, Shah assured the audience of NDA’s victory, despite opposition efforts.

“I assure you that let the opposition do whatever it wants to do, in 2029 NDA will come, Modi ji will come. They (opposition) do not know that BJP has won more seats in this election than the number of seats Congress got in 3 elections,” Shah declared.

He further commented on the opposition’s claims of governmental instability, saying, “These people who want to spread instability, repeatedly say that this government is not going to last. I have come to assure them that not only will the government complete its term, but the next government will be of NDA and be ready to sit in the opposition and learn the way of working in the opposition properly,” as quoted by ANI.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 240 seats, which was less than its 2019 tally of 303. However, the NDA, led by the BJP, managed to form the government with support from the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United).

Narendra Modi is currently serving his third consecutive term as Prime Minister, the first leader to do so since India’s first PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The opposition INDIA bloc posed a significant challenge to the NDA, winning over 230 seats. The Congress party saw a substantial increase, securing 99 seats compared to 52 in 2019, marking its best performance in 15 years since winning 206 seats in the 2009 general elections.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP’s seat count dropped from 62 to 33, with its pre-poll allies, the RLD and Apna Dal (SP), winning two and one seat, respectively. The BJP and its allies had previously won 73 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and 64 seats in 2019.

BJP CMs Face PM Modi’s Ire At Two-Day Review Meet

July 31, 2024, 12:50 am

Looking at that the internal conflicts and issues brewing inside the party and foreseeing the repercussions, the BJP high command has started closely overseeing the Chief Ministers in the states the party is in power. This move is intended to address and resolve discontent among party workers and reinvigorate their efforts. In the two-day review session with Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is believed to have reprimanded some of the CMs. The most widely discussed aspect of the meeting is Modi’s display of anger. There are certain underlying reasons for the approach that has been adopted by the high command. Firstly, if a Chief Minister focuses more on personal branding than on party interests and supports people who harm the party, they should be reprimanded. The party often loses even small elections, like by-elections, in such cases.

In Uttar Pradesh, leaders were urged to unite and concentrate on by-elections. At the same time, strict orders were given to a few Chief Ministers from other states. Outside of Uttar Pradesh, no other Chief Minister can win elections on their own; the party relies mostly on Prime Minister Modi for success.

The other reason is that the results of 2024 Lok Sabha elections and by- elections were least expected and shocking. According to sources, organisational changes within the party may be on the cards. However, any decision to replace Chief Ministers in one or two states is likely to be made only after the elections in three states are completed.
In the meantime, all Chief Ministers have been instructed to concentrate on the upcoming by-elections. Key by-elections are scheduled in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.

Another issue for the high command is the emergence of internal conflicts in several states following recent defeats. The opposition has also seized on these internal conflicts. Crucially, in some states, party leaders themselves have used their influence to undermine their own candidates. Reports of such sabotage have emerged from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. In Uttarakhand, there are specific allegations of attempts to sabotage candidates in seats like Garhwal, Tehri, and Haridwar.
In the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi’s popularity helped secure the seats in Uttarakhand, but losses elsewhere prevented the party from achieving a majority. As a result, the party has been holding a series of meetings, and the Sangh has also become more active.
The Prime Minister specifically addressed Chief Ministers who faced complaints about irregularities. Sources said the Centre will closely monitor these reprimanded Chief Ministers, aiming for better coordination between the organisation and the government, with a focus on prioritising party workers.

Congress Adopts Aggressive Stance Over Rahul’s New Avatar as LoP

July 9, 2024, 12:51 pm

With Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taking the position of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and adopting an aggressive approach, the party is jubilant over the Gandhi scion’s new avatar as he takes up the people’s issues.

Rahul Gandhi, who took up the position of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha last month, has been seen in an aggressive mode. He addressed over four press conferences in the national capital after the party’s victory in the Lok Sabha election results and raised the issue of NEET exam paper leaks, among others.

Rahul Gandhi, who is an MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli, has been taking on the government over several issues and targeted the BJP on the issues of Hinduism, Manipur, the NEET exam, the Agniveer scheme, misuse of central agencies, and the arrest of two prominent leaders—JMM’s Hemant Soren and AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, among others.

He has also surprised the ruling party with his regular appearances among the public.

Rahul Gandhi continued his momentum by visiting the public from different walks of life, starting with a visit to the GTB Nagar area in the national capital and interacting with daily wage laborers. He also visited the New Delhi Railway station and met the loco pilots to understand their issues.

He also visited Hathras to meet the victims of the stampede there and urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to help the victims with an open heart and to increase the ex-gratia amount.

Rahul Gandhi then surprised the people by visiting Gujarat, days after he dared the BJP that the grand old party-led INDIA bloc would defeat them in the western state in the next assembly polls.

The visit to Gujarat comes in the backdrop of the Congress office being attacked and several party leaders and workers injured, with some arrested over his remarks on Hindus during his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Parliament.

He then visited Manipur and Assam on July 8 and met the victim families of the violence-hit state for the third time in the last year and first as LoP Lok Sabha. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state and spare a day or two for the people of the violence-hit northeastern state, as it would restore their faith and confidence.

He visited his parliamentary constituency of Rae Bareli on July 9 for the first time after taking the job of LoP.

Looking at the aggressive stand of the party leader, even many Congress leaders are taking strong note. Leaders like Alok Sharma, Supriya Shrinate, and Pawan Khera are also emphasizing the importance of Rahul Gandhi’s role as LoP in debates on several news channels.

Khera, on Monday, tweeted several times to remind news agencies and channels to address their party leader as LoP.

Even Sharma objected to a headline targeting Rahul Gandhi and got it changed during a live show.

Speaking on the changed avatar of Rahul Gandhi and his visits to Gujarat and Manipur, as well as his public appearances, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s media advisor Pranav Jha told The Daily Guardian, “Rahul Gandhi visited Gujarat, Hathras, and Manipur, and also met with loco pilots and daily wage laborers. This is not new, as he has been meeting people wherever there is a need to take up the people’s issues.”

Jha said that Rahul Gandhi always tries to be the voice of the people and raise their issues.

He added that with the responsibility of the LoP position, Rahul Gandhi is taking up public issues. He mentioned that BJP workers damaged the Congress office in Gujarat over his remarks that the saffron party’s Hindutva is not real Hinduism, as the religion believes in compassion and peace and doesn’t preach hatred.

Jha also pointed out how Congress workers and MLAs were manhandled and attacked in Gujarat.

He asserted that Rahul Gandhi met the families of the Congress workers and went to Manipur to share their pain.

He further asserted that his visit to Manipur was to give people hope that someone is standing with them and is there to raise their voice, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited the violence-hit state in the last 14 months.

Jha alleged that the two communities which were living peacefully in Manipur for decades were up against each other due to the ideology of the BJP, as it spread hatred and created division for its own profit.

Taking a jibe at Modi, he said that the Prime Minister left Manipur and its people, and the entire world was surprised by the Prime Minister’s behavior.

According to party leaders, the Congress is planning to organize several interactions between Rahul Gandhi and the general public.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress leader interacted with Agniveer aspirants in the national capital and discussed their issues and the problems they faced due to the policy change by the Centre.

Last year, he met vegetable vendors, UPSC aspirants, the general public in Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Bengali Market area, students at Delhi University, truck drivers, carpenters, bike mechanics, coolies at Anand Vihar railway station, and delivery partners in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, among others.

Party leaders now feel that the performance of the grand old party-led INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha elections has given them an edge over the BJP to target the government over several critical issues.

The Congress, which was decimated in the 2014 and 2018 Lok Sabha elections, bounced back in the 2024 general elections by winning 99 seats while the BJP was reduced to 240, falling short of the majority required in the Lok Sabha. The BJP formed the government with the help of NDA alliance partners at the Centre with 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc got 234 seats.

Kapil Sibal Accuses Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar of Bias

June 17, 2024, 12:27 pm

Former Union minister Kapil Sibal accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar of favoring the ruling party during the recent Lok Sabha elections, urging the Opposition to take some form of action.

“It is better to speak less of the Election Commission of India, especially the Chief Election Commissioner. His attitude has been biased. I think that the Opposition needs to act on it,” Sibal said in an interview with ANI on Sunday.

When questioned about the CEC’s impartiality, the Rajya Sabha MP highlighted how the Election Commission ‘does not even respond to the Opposition.’

“Everyone knows the reason. If notices are not served even to those individuals making statements that are against the Penal Code, and could lead to prosecution under several sections…the way there are differences between the votes polled and vote counted…all these are serious issues,” the ex-Congress leader stated.

“If elections are not conducted impartially through the specified structure, then our democracy is in danger,” he added.

The senior Supreme Court advocate also emphasized that opposition parties need to discuss whether ‘free and fair polls’ are possible under ‘partial’ constitutional institutions.

However, Sibal refrained from commenting on the controversy surrounding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which has resurfaced following allegations of ‘malpractice’ at a counting center for the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, where Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Waikar narrowly defeated Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) candidate Amol Kirtikar by just 48 votes.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s April verdict on the voting machines, the 75-year-old politician-lawyer said:

“When the Supreme Court asked us to trust our machines, and told us to trust the Election Commission,…if the Supreme Court itself is trusting them (ECI), why should I comment on them? If we start trusting the government, the machines, then all work should be done mechanically. Why do courts exist then? If we start trusting the government, then what is the use of giving verdicts?”

Bachchan’s Historic Victory Remembered as Congress Ends 40-Year Dry Spell in Allahabad

June 11, 2024, 4:35 pm

The recently announced election results shocked many, with numerous surprise losers and unexpected winners. One such victor was Congress candidate Ujjwal Raman Singh, who secured the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat, breaking a 40-year dry spell in the constituency. The last time Congress won this seat was when its MP was the megastar, Amitabh Bachchan.

Who is Ujjwal Raman Singh?

Singh is the son of senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former MP Rewati Raman Singh. Previosuly a part of SP, he has earlier been elected MLA and has also served in the Uttar Pradesh government led by Mulayam Singh Yadav between 2004 and 2007. He joined the Congress earlier this year, reportedly after it became clear that the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat will go to the Congress as part of the seat-sharing agreement in the INDIA Opposition bloc.

When did Amitabh Bachchan contest polls?

Bachchan contested the election from his hometown in 1984, which he won by a landslide, securing over 68 per cent of the vote share. Three years after his election, Bachchan resigned from the Lok Sabha, and it was VP Singh who was elected in the by-election. Notably, in 2019, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, formerly with the Congress, won from Allahabad on a BJP ticket.

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: What roles will senior BJP MPs play if they don’t become ministers

June 9, 2024, 12:58 pm

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is appointing some of its senior Members of Parliament (MPs) as chairpersons of parliamentary committees if they cannot be accommodated in the new cabinet, a report by ET revealed. After managing to secure only 240 seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the PM Modi-led party now faces the necessity of sharing cabinet positions with its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Notably, the Parliament comprises 24 standing committees, with 16 falling under the purview of the Lok Sabha and eight under the Rajya Sabha.

Following this, the BJP’s state in-charge reportedly instructed state party units to prepare a list of senior leaders who could potentially serve as chairpersons of parliamentary committees. Each state is required to submit two to three names for consideration, from which the party will make selections once the parliamentary session commences. The party is aware that the number of ministers from the BJP is likely to be fewer compared to previous cabinet formations in 2019 and 2022.

NDA allies in states like Maharashtra and Bihar, where the BJP could not perform well, are particularly keen on securing some major cabinet positions. Notably, BJP has no other option than to agree to their terms, in order to get their support to secure a majority. Reports have also indicated that a similar arrangement was being anticipated by NDA allies, with some of their MPs being considered for chairing parliamentary committees.

Vikramaditya Singh Calls Kangana Ranaut Airport Slap Incident ‘Unfortunate’

June 7, 2024, 12:38 pm

In a startling incident at Chandigarh airport, a CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) constable allegedly assaulted Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut during a security check. The altercation occurred around 3:30 pm as Ranaut was en route to board a flight to Delhi.

According to reports, the constable reportedly slapped Kangana Ranaut and hurled abuses at her. Ranaut, in a subsequent video message, confirmed the incident, stating that the constable targeted her and cited support for the farmers’ protest as justification for the assault.

In response, Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, who lost to Ranaut in the recent Lok Sabha elections, condemned the incident, labeling it “unfortunate” and calling for action against the constable involved. Singh emphasized the CISF’s responsibility to maintain a peaceful atmosphere within airports and urged the government to take appropriate measures.

Meanwhile, the CISF swiftly responded to the incident by suspending the constable in question and initiating an inquiry. A senior CISF officer confirmed the suspension and stated that an FIR is being filed against the constable.

The constable, in her defense, cited her mother’s involvement in the farmers’ protest as a motivating factor behind her actions. She expressed indignation at Ranaut’s remarks about the protest and defended her mother’s participation.

This incident has sparked debates regarding security protocols at airports and the boundaries of political expression. Ranaut’s victory over Singh in the Lok Sabha elections adds a political dimension to the altercation, further intensifying public interest and scrutiny.

As investigations proceed, questions linger about the appropriate response to such incidents and the need for maintaining professionalism in security operations, especially in sensitive environments like airports.

Devendra Fadnavis Offers To Resign As Deputy CM, Says To Work As BJP Leader

June 5, 2024, 3:18 pm

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed his desire to step down from his post to focus on strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organization. This move comes after the party’s disappointing performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where its tally in Maharashtra dropped significantly from 23 seats in 2019 to just nine this year.

Fadnavis, a key figure in the state’s BJP leadership, took full responsibility for the party’s electoral setback. He stated that he wants to work at the organisational level to improve the party’s performance in the upcoming Assembly elections and devote his full time to strengthening the organisation. He plans to request the central leadership to relieve him of his deputy CM responsibilities in the state government.

The decision follows a review meeting with top BJP leaders, including state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, where the party’s performance was analyzed and future strategies discussed. Despite securing 17 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the results were seen as a significant decline compared to the 2019 elections.

Fadnavis was sworn in as the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government on June 30, 2022. His resignation would likely have significant implications for the state government and the BJP’s future in Maharashtra.

Four Gen Z Candidates, All Under 25, Who Secured Victory In Lok Sabha Elections

June 5, 2024, 2:36 pm

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results brought unexpected outcomes as the Opposition INDIA bloc surpassed exit poll predictions, hindering the BJP from securing an outright majority beyond the 300-mark. Notably, four 25-year-old candidates emerged victorious and are poised to become the youngest MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha.

The four Gen Z MPs, namely Pushpendra Saroj, Priya Saroj, Shambhavi Choudhary, and Sanjana Jatav, clinched their seats representing different parties—Pushpendra and Priya from the Samajwadi Party (SP), and Shambhavi and Sanjana from the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Congress, respectively.

Pushpendra Saroj

Member of the Samajwadi Party (SP), emerged victorious in the Kaushambi Lok Sabha constituency of Uttar Pradesh. He defeated the incumbent BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar with a significant margin of 1,03,944 votes.

Pushpendra Saroj, whose father Inderjit Saroj serves as the national general secretary of SP and is a former five-time MLA and Minister in Uttar Pradesh, stepped into politics. It’s worth mentioning that Inderjit Saroj was defeated by Sonkar in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections for this seat.

After finishing his B.Sc. in Accounting and Management from Queen Mary University of London, Pushpendra Saroj entered the political arena.

Priya Saroj

Priya Saroj, aged 25, contested and won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh’s Machhlishahr constituency on an SP ticket. She secured victory over the incumbent BJP MP Bholanath with a margin of 35,850 votes.

Priya Saroj’s father, Toofani Saroj, has served as an MP for three terms.

Shambhavi Choudhary

Shambhavi Choudhary, running on an LJP ticket, won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar’s Samastipur constituency. She defeated Sunny Hazari from the Congress, who is the son of Janata Dal (United) Minister Maheshwar Hazari, with a significant margin of over one lakh votes.

Shambhavi Choudhary, who had aspirations of entering politics, is the daughter of Ashok Choudhary, a member of the Nitish Kumar-led cabinet in Bihar. Ashok Choudhary recently switched allegiance from the Congress to the JD(U).

Shambhavi Choudhary’s grandfather, the late Mahavir Choudhary, was a member of the Congress and held a ministerial position in Bihar during the party’s tenure in power.

Sanjana Jatav

Sanjana Jatav, representing the Congress, secured victory in the Bharatpur constituency of Rajasthan in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She defeated BJP’s Ramswaroop Koli by a significant margin of 51,983 votes. Sanjana had previously contested in the state’s assembly polls but narrowly lost to Ramesh Khedi of the BJP by just 409 votes.

A recap of record Victories in LS polls

June 4, 2024, 4:15 am

Sometimes popularity of leaders is so high that margins in terms of votes set records. Pritam Munde, Narendra Modi, VK Singh, Rahul Gandhi and Mulayam Singh Yadav etched their names in this category.

Victories in Lok Sabha elections with the biggest margins are often seen as a reflection of a candidate’s immense popularity or the dominance of their political party in a particular region. Over the years, several candidates have won their seats with very large margins. Here are some notable examples:

Pritam Munde (2014)

Beed, Maharashtra: Margin: Over 6.96 lakh votes. – Pritam Munde, also from the BJP, won the Beed seat with the largest margin ever recorded in Lok Sabha elections.

She was born on 17 February 1983 and is a doctor and Indian politician who is the current Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Beed. In 2014, she won with a margin of 6,96,321 votes – the highest ever in India’s electoral history. She is the second daughter of former BJP leader Gopinath Munde and her mother Pradnya Munde. In 2019 elections she emerged as victorious candidate by defeating Bajrang Sonwane of Nationalist Congress

Party by margin of 1.68 lakh votes. Gopinath Munde was Central Cabinet Minister earlier. She has one elder sister Pankaja Munde and younger sister Yashashari. She is a niece of Pramod Mahajan, and a cousin to Rahul Mahajan and Poonam Mahajan. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde is also her cousin. She married Gaurav Khade in 2009 and they have a son named Agastya Khade.

Narendra Modi

In 2014 Lok Sabha election from Vadodara constituency, Narendra Modi won the seat with a huge margin of over 5.70 lakh votes. He later became the Prime Minister of India. However, he later retained the Varanasi seat. In September 2013, Modi was named the BJP’s candidate for prime minister ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Prior to the election, Modi’s media image had centred around his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots but during the campaign, the BJP focused on Modi’s neoliberal ideology and the Gujarat model of development. The BJP sought to identify itself with political leaders who publicly opposed Hindu nationalism, including B. R. Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose and Ram Manohar Lohia. Hindutva remained a part of the campaign; BJP leaders used Hindutva-based rhetoric in several states. Communal tensions were played upon, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Northeast India. A proposal for the controversial Uniform Civil Code was a part of the BJP’s election manifesto. The BJP’s campaign was assisted by its wide influence in the media. Modi’s campaign blitz cost around Rs 50 billion (US$630 million) and the BJP received extensive financial support from corporate donors. In addition to more-conventional campaign methods, Modi made extensive use of social media and addressed more than 1,000 rallies via hologram appearances.

The BJP won 31 per cent of the vote, and more-than-doubled its number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 282, becoming the first party to win a majority of seats on its own since 1984. Voter dissatisfaction with the Congress and with regional parties in North India, and support from the RSS were reasons for the BJP’s success. In states such as Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP performed well, it drew exceptionally high support from upper-caste Hindus, and its Muslim vote increased to 10 per cent. The BJP performed particularly well in parts of the country that had recently experienced violence between Hindus and Muslims. The magnitude of the BJP’s victory led many commentators to say the election constituted a political realignment away from progressive parties towards the right-wing. Modi’s tweet announcing his victory was described as being emblematic of the political realignment away from a secular, socialist state towards capitalism and Hindu cultural nationalism.
Modi was a candidate for the Lok Sabha constituencies Varanasi and Vadodara. He won in both constituencies, defeating Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi by 371,784 votes and Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress in Vadodara by 570,128 votes. India’s president appointed Modi, who was unanimously elected leader of the BJP, Prime Minister of India. To comply with the law prohibiting MPs from representing more than one constituency, he vacated the Vadodara seat.

V.K. Singh

In 2014, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: Margin: Over 5.67 lakh votes. – Former Army Chief General V.K. Singh, representing the BJP, won the Ghaziabad seat with a huge margin.
General Vijay Kumar Singh (retd) is an Indian politician and a former four-star General in the Indian Army. He is the current Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Civil Aviation in the Second Modi ministry. He previously served as Minister of State for External Affairs, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of the North-Eastern Region and Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation in the First Modi ministry.

During his military career, Singh served as the 24th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from 2010 to 2012. Singh took the Government of India to court in a dispute over his date of birth and subsequent retirement, becoming the first serving Indian Chief of the Army Staff to take legal action against the Indian government. After his retirement from the military, Singh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 and was elected as Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha for the Ghaziabad constituency of Uttar Pradesh in that year’s general election. He was re-elected to the same seat in 2019.

Chandrababu Naidu (1999)

Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh: Margin: Over 5 lakh votes. – The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh won the Kuppam seat with a large margin.

Nara Chandrababu Naidu also known as Chandrababu Naidu is an Indian politician, statesman and the current leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He also served as Chief Minister from 1995 to 2004 and as opposition leader from 2004 to 2014 of Andhra Pradesh. He has been the national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) since 2015.

Naidu’s political career began in the 1970s with the Indian National Congress (INC). In 1978, he was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and from 1980 to 1982, he served as a minister in the state cabinet. Afterwards, he switched party allegiance and joined TDP, which had been founded by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, his father-in-law, whom he initially opposed. He gained the confidence of Rao, especially after helping thwart an INC attempt to oust Rao from his post as chief minister in 1984, becoming the party’s general secretary. Naidu served as a TDP Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1989 to 1995, during which period he became a high-profile opposition leader. In 1995, he became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after an intra-party coup against the leadership of Rao.

During his two terms as Chief Minister, Naidu’s public image was that of an economic reformer and proponent of information technology-based economic growth. His policies brought modernisation and investments particularly to Hyderabad, where he directed the founding of HITEC City. He also had a role in national politics, first as the convener of the United Front in 1996. He supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, in which TDP won 29 seats, enhancing Naidu’s reputation as a nationally prominent politician. His leadership in IT and infrastructure was much ahead of his times and did not make sense to the voters as propaganda against his tech-driven policies in 2004 defeated his party by a coalition of INC and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). In 2014, after having been the leader of opposition during the whole intervening period, Naidu returned as Chief Minister, winning in the now-residuary (due to bifurcation) Andhra Pradesh. Between 2014 and 2019, he developed the basic infrastructure for new Andhra Pradesh, brought in several big-ticket foreign investments such as Kia Motors and created thousands of jobs for the state’s youth.
In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, Naidu’s party faced an electoral setback, with TDP winning only 23 out of 175 seats. In 2023, Naidu was arrested by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) police in Andhra Pradesh due to alleged political vendetta and was released after 3 months, without any charges due to lack of evidence during Supreme

Ashok Kumar Yadav (2019)

Madhubani, Bihar: Margin: Over 4.80 lakh votes. – The BJP candidate won the Madhubani seat with a large margin.

Ashok Kumar Yadav is an Indian politician. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament of India from Madhubani, Bihar in the 2019 Indian general election as member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly from Keoti (Vidhan Sabha constituency) as a member of Bharatiya Janata party in February 2005, October 2005 and again in 2010. He is the son of BJP leader Hukumdev Narayan Yadav.

Battle for Chandigarh: Tewari Vs. Tandon As Lok Sabha Elections Heat Up

May 30, 2024, 6:07 pm

In a highly anticipated return to his hometown, two-time MP and former Union minister Manish Tewari, 58, is seeking to reclaim political ground in the city where he first learned the ropes of politics. Tewari’s bid for the Chandigarh seat marks his first campaign in the city since the 2009 elections. Despite his roots, the Congress has historically favored Pawan Kumar Bansal, who dominated the political landscape from 1991, securing four wins out of eight contests.

Bansal’s consecutive victories in 1999, 2004, and 2009 were overshadowed by significant defeats to BJP’s Kirron Kher in the last two Lok Sabha polls. Kher, an actress-turned-politician who also grew up in Chandigarh, triumphed amid rising BJP support.

On the BJP front, 60-year-old Sanjay Tandon’s long wait for a nomination has been fraught with challenges. Despite being a strong contender in 2014, the party chose Kher, leading to internal discord. Nonetheless, Tandon, then the Chandigarh BJP state president, supported the decision, and Kher secured victories in 2014 and 2019. However, Kher’s recent health issues and rising anti-incumbency sentiments prompted the BJP to place their faith in Tandon for this election.

Personalities at the Forefront

The Chandigarh campaign reflects the personalities and backgrounds of the candidates as much as it does overarching political narratives. Tewari, the son of esteemed educationist and poet V. N. Tewari, has deep Congress roots, having risen through the ranks from the National Students Union of India to the Indian Youth Congress.

Conversely, Tandon’s BJP and Sangh Parivar connections run deep. His father, Balram Das Tandon, was an RSS pracharak and a founding member of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. Sanjay Tandon’s political career began in earnest in 1991, and despite being overlooked for the Chandigarh ticket previously, he continued to build grassroots support and relationships within the party and the city.

Kher’s tenure has been marred by accusations of inaccessibility and strained relations with the Chandigarh administration. As a result, many party workers and residents have turned to Tandon, who has positioned himself as a crucial link between the public and the administration. Branding Tewari as an “outsider” and a “bhagora” (runaway) due to his frequent constituency changes, Tandon has leveraged his local connections to gain support.

Alliance Shifts and Electoral Dynamics

This election sees Congress in a new alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a significant shift as AAP previously dented Congress’s vote share by 24% in 2014. Meanwhile, the BJP’s long-time ally, Shiromani Akali Dal, has parted ways. The Akalis’ candidate, Hardeep Singh, withdrew and joined AAP, which performed strongly in the 2021 municipal corporation elections, becoming the single largest party.

Key Issues and Voter Base

With nearly half of Chandigarh’s 6.6 lakh voters residing in rehabilitation colonies and villages, these areas are pivotal. Migrants from Bihar and UP, who form a significant portion of these voters, prioritize issues like infrastructure development, construction regularization, and ownership rights. Both candidates have aligned their campaigns to address these concerns.

As the campaign intensifies, the contrasting approaches and extensive efforts of both Tewari and Tandon will be crucial in swaying voters. The outcome will reveal whether the extensive ground covered by the BJP will translate into votes or if the Congress-AAP alliance can secure a comeback.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam: ‘Rahul Must Understand India Before Criticizing PM Modi

May 29, 2024, 8:39 am

Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam launched a fierce critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, condemning his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Krishnam accused Gandhi of having an agenda to baselessly criticize PM Modi.

“It is Rahul Gandhi’s one-point agenda to unnecessarily curse PM Modi. He starts criticising PM as soon as he wakes up in the morning,” said Acharya Pramod Krishnam. He further criticized Gandhi, saying, “The truth is, he does not know anything about India’s culture and traditions. He has been raised in a foreign culture. Rahul must first know about India and then speak on PM Modi.”

Earlier that day, Rahul Gandhi had mocked PM Modi’s “sent by God” remarks, suggesting that Modi was sent by his “parmatma (his God)” to aid industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani rather than the poor. This came after PM Modi stated in an interview that he had been “sent by parmatma” (God).

At a rally in Deoria, Rahul Gandhi said that the God in whom PM Modi believes hadn’t sent him to serve farmers and laborers. “Everyone else is biological, but Narendra Modi ji is not biological. Modiji uper se tapak kr aai hai. Unko parmatma ne Hindustan bheja hai. He has been sent by his ‘parmatma’ to help Ambani and Adani, but ‘parmatma’ has not sent him to help the farmers, labourers, and poor people. If ‘parmatma’ had sent him then they (parmatma) would have asked him to help the poor and the farmers. Yeh kaise ‘parmatma’ hain? Yeh Narendra Modi ji wale ‘parmatma hain (What kind of God is this? This is PM Modi’s God),” Rahul Gandhi said.

At the rally, Gandhi also vowed to dismantle the Agnipath scheme, promising to “tear it apart and throw it in a dustbin.”

In the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, 13 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will vote on June 1, with results to be announced on June 4.

Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Gets Postponed Again

May 16, 2024, 11:36 am

Kangana Ranaut’s film “Emergency” has faced another postponement. On Wednesday, the production banner Manikarnika Films issued a statement on their social media platform, announcing the delay in the film’s release, citing the actor’s dedication to her national duties and commitment to serving the country.

Manikarnika Films thanked Kangana Ranaut for the tremendous outpouring of love in an official statement that was shared on Instagram. The statement read, “The release date of our highly anticipated film ‘Emergency’ has been rescheduled as she places a higher priority on her duty to the nation and her commitment to serve it.” We’ll notify you as soon as we know the new release date. I appreciate your ongoing help.”

Originally scheduled for release on June 14, the announcement of “Emergency” release date came shortly after Kangana attended the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya earlier this year in January. The film, directed and written by Kangana herself, was initially slated to hit theaters on November 24, 2023, but faced postponement due to scheduling conflicts.

“Emergency” also stars Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The movie delves into the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with Kangana portraying the titular role of the late politician.

Amidst her film commitments, Kangana is actively engaged in campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. She filed her nomination for the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, expressing her pride in contesting from the Mandi LS seat. Kangana stated, “Today I have filed nomination from Mandi LS seat. It is a matter of pride for me to have the opportunity to contest from Mandi… I have been successful in Bollywood and I am hopeful that I will get success in the field of politics as well,” as quoted by news agency ANI.

‘Haath Badlega Halaat, INDIA will sweep all 7seats’

May 14, 2024, 3:32 am

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Delhi Congress has launched a comprehensive outreach campaign aimed at addressing critical issues facing the people of the capital. Led by Devender Yadav, Interim President Delhi Congress, the party is mobilizing its workers to connect with citizens on a grassroots level.

A key component of the campaign is the distribution of Congress guarantee cards, with party workers going door-to-door to ensure every household is aware of the party’s promises. These promises encompass a wide range of issues, including price rise, unemployment, GST, rehri-patri vendors, pollution, women’s safety, law and order, JJ clusters, resettlement, and unauthorized colonies.

Highlighting the importance of engaging with the electorate, Yadav announced plans for a series of “Town Hall” meetings. These gatherings will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing issues and allow citizens to voice their concerns directly. The highlight of these meetings will be an address by Rahul Gandhi, demonstrating the party’s commitment to engaging with voters at all levels.

In addition to traditional outreach methods, the Delhi Congress is embracing social media to reach a wider audience. Novel publicity methods will be employed to ensure the party’s messages resonate across the capital. Road shows, corner meetings, and public gatherings will also be organized to build momentum leading up to the elections.

Devender Yadav also emphasized the impact of BJP policies on the youth of the country, citing rising unemployment as a pressing concern. The Congress aims to offer a brighter future for young voters through targeted schemes and initiatives. With a focus on first-time voters, the party aims to garner support by promising a secure and prosperous future under Congress leadership.

Critiquing the lack of transparency in the current administration, Yadav highlighted the importance of media in upholding democracy. While Congress leaders have maintained regular interactions with the public, PM Modi’s absence from press conferences has raised concerns about accountability. The Delhi Congress remains committed to open dialogue and transparency, pledging to address issues affecting the people head-on.

NC leader Omar Abdullah asserts Statehood restoration not a priority in Lok Sabha polls

May 13, 2024, 5:51 am

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, campaigning in Kupwara district, emphasized on Sunday that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir isn’t a focal point for his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Abdullah’s comments came alongside his assertion that the commitment from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister assures the eventual reinstatement of statehood.

Abdullah, who is contesting from Baramulla in the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 20, highlighted the consequential impact the Lok Sabha poll results will have on the forthcoming assembly elections in the Union territory.

“Statehood is not an issue for us. Our battle is not for statehood, we will get the statehood anyway. Why should we waste people’s time on an issue that the PM and the home minister are committed to?” Abdullah addressed reporters.

Speaking on the likelihood of the current government’s return to power, Abdullah stated, “If this government somehow comes back to power, which seems increasingly impossible now, they are committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. If the government changes, which we are hoping for, our effort will be that we get full statehood before the assembly elections take place.” Abdullah referenced Home Minister Amit Shah’s previous assurance in the Rajya Sabha last December regarding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate juncture.

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah raised questions on the BJP’s absence in fielding candidates in Kashmir. He queried, “If there has been so much (positive) change in J-K, why have they not fielded a party candidate in Kashmir? What is the need for contesting the elections through proxy candidates?”

Anticipating the upcoming assembly elections, Abdullah suggested, “There will be an impact on assembly elections because there are not even two months left. This election will finish in June and we are hopeful that in August-September there will be assembly elections.”

Abdullah also highlighted that the current election campaign of the National Conference is more focused on political issues with the Centre rather than development, indicating a shift towards developmental agendas closer to the assembly elections.

On the detention of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, Abdullah questioned the rationale behind keeping him incarcerated without framed charges, hinting at potential changes in government policies with upcoming elections.

Amid speculation regarding the alleged support of the PDP for Rashid’s candidature in Baramulla, Abdullah noted that the rival party has refuted such claims.

BJP’s Quest For 400 Seats: Navigating Key Focus Areas

May 12, 2024, 2:10 pm

In the 17th Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 303 seats, marking an increase of 21 seats from its 2014 tally of 282. The party also significantly boosted its vote share, reaching 37.7% compared to 31.34% in 2014. Prime Minister Modi has now aimed for even higher targets in the upcoming elections, seeking 400 seats for the NDA and 370 for the BJP specifically. It’s noteworthy that since India gained independence, the Congress party under Rajiv Gandhi was the only one to surpass these targets, winning 414 seats following the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984.

The looming question now is whether, after a decade in power, the BJP can achieve its ambitious goal of securing 400 seats. If so, the party will undoubtedly encounter a range of challenges. It will need to focus its efforts strategically in certain states, regions, or on specific seats to attain this target. Identifying these areas of focus will be crucial for the saffron party.

BJP’s Current Situation In Parliament

While the BJP secured 303 seats in the 2019 elections, by February 2024, when the announcement for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 was made, the party’s MP count had decreased to 289. This reduction was due to various factors: 11 MPs resigned after being elected as MLAs in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan state assemblies, while two MPs, Rattan Lal Kataria from Haryana and Girish Bapat from Maharashtra, passed away before completing their terms, and Babul Supriyo left the party.

The challenge facing the BJP is twofold: first, to regain the 14 seats lost due to resignations and vacancies, and second, even if they manage to retain their current 303 seats, they still need to secure an additional 67 seats to reach the target of 370 seats for the BJP alone. Additionally, their alliance partner needs to win 30 seats across India to achieve the overall target of 400 seats. This uphill task requires meticulous planning and focused efforts in key constituencies across the country.

Identifying the hurdles in retaining their existing 303 seats and securing an additional 70 seats for their party, along with assisting alliance partners in clinching the remaining 30 seats to achieve the coveted 400-seat target, requires a comprehensive analysis. Let’s delve into the specific areas where the BJP needs to concentrate its efforts: state-wise, region-wise, and on individual seats.

States BJP Needs To Focus For 400 Seats

Uttar Pradesh

The state holding the highest promise for the BJP is Uttar Pradesh, which bestowed upon them the majority of seats in both 2014 (71 seats) and 2019 (62 seats) elections. Particularly following the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the BJP anticipates strengthening its foothold across various constituencies in UP. Notably, UP boasts the highest number of Lok Sabha seats in India, and historically, the state has been instrumental in determining the nation’s leadership, with several Prime Ministers hailing from there.

However, the BJP faces formidable challenges from the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party and the Congress have joined forces, presenting a unified front against the BJP. Additionally, unexpected farmer protests in certain parts of the state have emerged as a potential threat to some constituencies, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape.

Maharashtra

The second-largest state with 48 seats presents a significant hurdle in the BJP’s path. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 23 seats in Maharashtra, while its alliance with the then undivided Shiv Sena garnered 18 seats. However, following the dissolution of the Sena-BJP alliance, the BJP is expected to contest 30 seats independently, while the remaining 18 seats will be contested by its new partners, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and NCP (led by Ajit Pawar).

Yet, the alliance faces challenges in seat-sharing and candidate declaration, with the MVA alliance taking a lead in campaigning by announcing a majority of its candidates.

Moreover, BJP’s new alliance must confront the unified front of the Shiv Sena (led by Uddhav Thackeray), NCP (under Sharad Pawar’s leadership), and Congress. There’s also the potential for a sympathy wave, particularly towards the Uddhav and Sharad Pawar factions, following the departure of their MLAs and MPs from the party, along with the Election Commission’s decision to allot the party name and symbol to their rivals.

Bihar

In Bihar, the BJP clinched 17 seats in the previous election and a total of 39 seats in alliance. However, with the frequent shifts in allegiance by Nitish Kumar and the rise of Tejashwi Yadav and his party’s alliance with Congress, the BJP faces a formidable challenge in maintaining its performance from 2019.

Delhi

In Delhi, the BJP secured all 7 seats in both the 2019 and 2014 elections. However, following the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and the corruption charges leveled against him, there’s intrigue over whether AAP can transform this situation into a sympathy wave in their favor. Alternatively, they might opt to let BJP maintain its dominance in all the seats. For BJP, winning all 7 seats in Delhi is crucial if they aim to achieve their target of 400 seats in total.

West Bengal

In the 2019 elections, the BJP’s victory in 18 seats in West Bengal came as a surprise to many. Following the uproar over the Sandeshkhali incident, it remains to be seen whether this controversy affects the vote share of the Trinamool Congress and aids the BJP in expanding its presence in the state.

Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are critical states for the BJP, where they garnered 60 percent of the votes in the previous election. To achieve their target of 400 seats, they would need to elevate their strike rate to 80 percent in these states.

Haryana

In 2019, the BJP captured 58.21 percent of the vote in the state. However, in the wake of the ongoing farmers’ protest and growing anti-incumbency sentiments, sustaining their previous performance poses a considerable challenge for the BJP.

Karnataka

After securing victory in 25 out of 28 seats in 2019, the BJP now faces a formidable challenge from the Congress, which has gained momentum after winning a majority of seats in the state assembly election.

North – South Divide

In 2019, the BJP secured 210 out of 285 seats from states like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra. Even if the party manages to maintain its current performance in North India, achieving the target of 370 seats necessitates winning 160 seats from the rest of India. While focusing on states like West Bengal and Punjab could contribute to this goal, the BJP must also prioritize its efforts in South India.

In the previous election, the BJP only secured 29 out of 128 seats in South India, with no wins in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Karnataka, where the party won 25 seats, now poses a challenge following Congress’s strong performance in the state assembly election. Despite recent gains such as the Katchatheevu Island issue, the BJP needs to translate its vote share into actual victories in these regions.

To surpass the 370/400 mark, the BJP or NDA must secure an additional 16 seats in UP, establish a significant presence in West Bengal and Odisha, and enhance their performance in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, either independently or through new alliances. This strategic approach is essential for achieving the ambitious goal set by the party.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Vote and Get Discount in Multiplexes in Gurugram on May 25

May 9, 2024, 8:21 pm

The Gurugram district administration has launched an innovative initiative to boost voter turnout for the May 25 Lok Sabha polls in the Gurgaon Parliamentary constituency. Officials have announced discounts on movie tickets and food items in multiplexes, along with complimentary refreshments, aiming to encourage participation.

A single-phase voting will take place in all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana on May 25.

According to an official, voters simply need to show their inked finger on polling day to avail discounts on offline tickets or on food and drinks within the cinema hall premises.

A meeting was convened on Wednesday with representatives from various multiplex chains, chaired by Hitesh Kumar Meena, ADC, and nodal officer for the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme in Gurugram.

Meena mentioned that voters would also receive complimentary refreshments at select multiplexes. Additionally, all multiplexes will broadcast messages from the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, along with short films promoting voter awareness.

Notably, the Gurugram district administration recently appointed Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal as the ‘brand ambassador’ to further enhance voter turnout.

Gopal Rai: AAP’s ‘Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se’ Campaign Enters Next Stage, Set to Roll Out on May 13

May 8, 2024, 5:42 pm

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up to launch the next stage of its ‘Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se’ campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Gopal Rai, a leader of the party, announced that this phase will commence on May 13, focusing on the four Delhi Lok Sabha constituencies where AAP candidates are contesting. This upcoming phase will include various events like ‘Mahila Samvad’ (dialogue with women) and Trade Town Hall discussions.

The campaign centers around AAP’s protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the party’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister, in connection with an alleged Delhi excise policy scam. AAP aims to challenge the actions of central agencies by rallying strong support through votes for the party.

Rai explained that the campaign has already seen activities such as door-to-door outreach, Sankalp Sabha gatherings, and roadshows featuring Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife. Now, moving into the next phase from May 13 to May 23, AAP intends to intensify its efforts to raise awareness and garner support against Kejriwal’s arrest, as quoted by PTI.

Heatwave alert in West Bengal and Karnataka as phase 2 voting begins

April 25, 2024, 7:37 pm

The upcoming Phase 2 voting of the Lok Sabha elections in India is set to take place amid a challenging backdrop of extreme weather conditions. As millions of voters gear up to cast their votes, they are facing the dual challenges of relentless heatwaves and the looming threat of thunderstorms and lightning. These weather conditions are not only adding complexity to the polling process but also raising concerns about voter turnout and overall election proceedings. With 89 Parliamentary constituencies going to polls in Phase 2, ensuring a smooth and safe voting experience has become a top priority for both voters and authorities alike. Let’s delve into the details of how these weather challenges are impacting the electoral landscape and the measures being taken to address them.

Heatwave Impact
The mercury has soared to nearly 43°C in several regions, triggering severe heatwaves in Odisha and West Bengal. This marks the second heatwave spell this April, primarily affecting eastern states like Odisha since April 15 and West Bengal for the past seven days.

Weather Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange warnings for several states. West Bengal is under a red warning, while Karnataka, Bihar, and parts of Maharashtra are under orange warnings. This shift in warnings has led to adjustments in polling schedules, such as the extension of polling hours in Bihar.

Forecast and Vulnerable Regions
As Phase 2 commences, states like Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are expected to face heatwave conditions. Southern Karnataka, with 14 constituencies, is particularly vulnerable, as are other regions like Kerala and West Uttar Pradesh.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Risks
Despite the heatwave, there is also a risk of thunderstorms and lightning in several states. West Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh could experience gusty winds and thunderstorms, offering temporary relief from the heat.

ECI’s Response
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken proactive measures to address the challenges posed by the weather. A task force has been formed to review the impact of heatwave and humidity on polling days. The ECI is working closely with state electoral officers to ensure basic facilities like shaded areas and drinking water at polling stations for voters and polling personnel.

Lok Sabha Phase 2 Campaigning Wraps Up, Silence Period Commences

April 25, 2024, 3:21 am

The dynamic election campaign for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections concluded at 5 pm on Wednesday, with key figures from the BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc making vigorous efforts to win over voters. As the campaign ended, a 48-hour silence period began, requiring political parties to cease all election-related activities in the polling constituencies.

On April 26, the second phase of elections will take place, covering 88 constituencies across 12 states and Union Territories. Additionally, the remaining portion of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency will also participate in the polling.

Key constituencies in the second phase

In southern India, the Lok Sabha constituencies of Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala are poised for high-stakes battles. Wayanad will see a triangular contest involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP’s K Surendran, and CPI’s Annie Raja. Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest against an INDIA bloc ally rather than an NDA candidate has strained relations between Congress and the Left, with Left leaders expressing disappointment that he didn’t directly challenge the BJP.

Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar will face off against Congress candidate and three-time MP Shashi Tharoor. Kerala will witness voting for all 26 seats on April 26, with counting scheduled for June 4. In the 2019 elections, Congress secured 19 out of 20 seats in the state, while CPI (M) won one seat, and BJP failed to make any gains.

In the second phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the political campaign intensified notably after PM Modi brought up Congress’s election promises outlined in its manifesto.

PM Modi alleged that if the grand old party comes into power, they would initiate a wealth survey to seize people’s assets, including their ‘Mangalsutra‘, thus taking away their lifelong savings.

In response to PM Modi’s statement, the Congress accused him of “lying to people and trying to mislead and scare them.”

The Election Commission of India announced that 1206 candidates from 12 States and UTs, along with 4 candidates from the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency, will contest in phase 2 of the Lok Sabha Elections.

According to the election commission, a total of 2633 nominations were submitted for the 88 parliamentary constituencies across 12 States and UTs participating in phase 2 of the Lok Sabha Elections.

The deadline for filing nominations for phase 2 in all 12 States and UTs was April 4.

Following the scrutiny of the 2633 nominations, 1428 were deemed valid. The last date for the withdrawal of candidature for all 12 States and UTs was April 8.

The first phase of polling encompassed 102 constituencies spanning 21 states and union territories (UTs), with full coverage in ten states and UTs, and partial coverage in 11 others.

As the energetic campaigns for the Lok Sabha elections begin, various political parties have made promises and assurances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced “Modi Ki Guarantee” as the core theme of his campaign, emphasizing youth development, women’s empowerment, and the well-being of farmers and marginalized communities. Meanwhile, the Congress is relying on its ‘Nyay’ assurances, aiming to deliver justice to different sections of society.

The BJP has launched a vigorous attack on the INDIA bloc, targeting corruption, dynasty politics, and allegations of insulting the Constitution and Hinduism.

In response, opposition leaders have criticized the government on issues such as electoral bonds, alleged misuse of agencies, inflation, and unemployment, among others.

Combating AI-Driven Threats to India’s Electoral Integrity: A Call for Coordinated Action

April 24, 2024, 4:04 pm

The entire world is dealing with the enormous impact of technology on our day-to-day lives, and this has resulted in a notable transformation of India’s electoral landscape. Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown in importance in the digital age, presenting both exciting prospects and difficult obstacles. The worrisome trends that have surfaced during the 2023 state elections have been clarified by the most recent study published by Logically. It presents an alarming picture of how misinformation and disinformation propelled by artificial intelligence have grown to be powerful forces, endangering the foundation of India’s democratic process. The results of the study serve as a clear warning that technology can sow the seeds of conflict, manipulate public opinion, and threaten the fundamentals of free and fair elections. The study unveils the complex network of strategies used to sway voters, from the abuse of sites like X (previously Twitter) to the rise of specialty firms that contract out content production. The application of generative AI to produce “deepfakes,” or extremely realistic digital falsifications, is among the most alarming features. This content produced by AI has the potential to undermine faith in democratic systems, manufacture evidence, and harm people’s reputations. The report’s warning about the possibility of misinformation campaigns using generative AI on a regular basis during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is a serious wake-up call. The reach of AI’s influence extends well beyond its applications in content generation Political parties are using artificial intelligence (AI) to target potential voters with personalized messaging and content, as well as data analysis, to better understand the electorate and make educated decisions. While this may appear to be a strategic advantage, the research emphasizes the risks of micro-targeting and the possibility of manipulating voter preferences.

The research emphasizes the need for public awareness and digital literacy efforts. By teaching voters about the dangers of AI-generated misinformation, they can be better equipped to analyze information critically and make informed decisions. Campaigns to foster critical thinking and digital discernment are vital in combating the erosion of trust in the democratic process.

Furthermore, the report shines light on disturbing cases of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), with pages managed by administrators in Pakistan and Canada identified as potential sources of false narratives about India’s political process. This cross-border meddling is a serious issue that requires quick notice and response.

The Indian government’s recent advisory to digital platforms, which calls for technical and business process solutions to avoid and combat disinformation, is a positive step forward. However, the research highlights the importance of a comprehensive legislative framework and coordinated efforts to overcome the difficulties posed by AI in elections.

Recognizing the importance of this issue, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has collaborated with prominent technology companies, including OpenAI, to explore ways to fight AI-driven misinformation and improve electoral security. This cooperation intends to uncover potential vulnerabilities and implement AI solutions to detect and neutralize threats such as deepfakes or automated bots that distribute misleading information.

As the globe struggles with rapid breakthroughs in AI, India must take a proactive and comprehensive approach to ensure electoral integrity. This attempt will require the creation of ethical AI systems that value openness and responsibility, as well as strong regulation and coordination among the government, technology corporations, and civil society. The stakes have never been higher. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be a true litmus test for India’s resiliency in the face of the rising threat posed by AI manipulation. It is a war that cannot be won without the combined efforts of all stakeholders, ensuring that the people’s voice remains the foundation of India’s thriving democracy.

Slowly, they will disappear: Tripura CM Manik Saha on INDI Alliance

April 24, 2024, 4:59 am

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed that it’s time for the INDIA alliance to diminish gradually as people have grown cognizant of their strategies intended to bewilder the public.

During an election rally in Fatikroy on Tuesday, Saha remarked that 28 political parties had united to establish the “INDI alliance,” also recognized as the save Constitution committee.

“Slowly, they will disappear. All these efforts are merely tactics to confuse the public. They speak of democracy, yet during the emergency period, democracy was compromised. Many people were killed during the regimes of CPI (M) and Congress. Now, they have come together, claiming to protect the Constitution. These 28 political parties have united to protect their interests,” he added.

The Chief Minister also stressed that what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved in the past decade is merely a glimpse of what is to follow.

“No one can halt the progress of the double-engine government. A wave of development is sweeping across the nation, and leaders from other countries show respect to PM Modi by referring to him as Mr. Boss. BJP consistently prioritizes development and works for the welfare of women, the poor, farmers, and youth. Previously, an unstable situation prevailed. However, after Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014, the country’s trajectory changed rapidly. This Lok Sabha election is crucial for safeguarding the nation. Significant improvements have been made in law and order in Tripura,” he said.

BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharya, Minister Sudhangshu Das, and youth leader Nabadal Banik were also in attendance at the event.

Meanwhile, Tripura registered the highest voter turnout at approximately 80.46 per cent, with West Bengal following closely at 77.57 per cent. In response to Tripura’s high turnout, the INDIA bloc in the state has urged the Election Commission to annul the polls for the West Tripura Lok Sabha constituency and the Ramnagar assembly constituency. They cited widespread allegations of electoral malpractice, including booth jamming, intimidation, and proxy voting, as reasons for their request.

The first phase of Lok Sabha elections occurred on April 19, with the subsequent six phases scheduled on various dates until June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. Results are slated to be announced on June 4.

MCD Boosts Voter Turnout with Discounts at Eateries, Shops

April 23, 2024, 11:01 pm

To boost voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has implemented several initiatives, such as providing enticing discounts at various restaurants and markets.

The Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, for instance, is offering a 10% discount to shoppers who show proof of voting on May 25, the polling day for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This special discount can be redeemed on May 27, a few days after the polling concludes.

Likewise, Vyapar Mandal at C-4-E Janakpuri Market is joining the effort to promote voter awareness and boost participation in the upcoming elections. They have announced that voters will receive a 5% discount on their purchases at the market as a token of appreciation for exercising their right to vote.

Numerous commercial establishments in the West Delhi zone are offering discounts to their customers, ranging from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, as an incentive for voting in the upcoming general elections.

Restaurants affiliated with the NRAI (National Restaurant Association of India) have likewise declared a 20 per cent discount for voters who present their IDs and display their inked finger.

Likewise, the management of Select City Walk Mall, Saket, has urged the commercial establishments within its premises to provide discounts to visitors who vote. Additionally, several establishments in the Keshavpuram zone have joined the initiative to boost voter turnout in the national capital this year. They are offering discounts of 20-30% to voters on their purchases.

Radisson Blu Hotel in the Dwarka area of Najafgarh Zone has declared that voters will be eligible to receive a 50 per cent discount on lunch buffet and a 30 per cent discount on dinner buffet on May 25, the day of polling for seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.

Modi 3.0 Unveils Ambitious Plans for MIB and Prasar Bharati with DD’s Return to Saffron Logo

April 21, 2024, 4:51 pm

The return of Doordarshan to its original “orange” emblem is just the initial step in a series of planned adjustments and new appointments for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and Prasar Bharati, as per sources speaking to News18. If the Narendra Modi administration secures a third term in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, a multitude of changes are anticipated.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is set to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) hub, while plans are underway to launch the Bharat NAMAN portal, offering public access to media and archival content. DD India is aspiring to transform into a global brand, intending to establish bureaus in 15 countries. Meanwhile, Prasar Bharati’s SHABD portal is aiming to evolve into a global news agency by incorporating more than 1000 media entities, including international outlets.

The choice by Doordarshan to revert from a blue emblem to an orange one has stirred controversy. The BJP asserts that this color, initially chosen by Indira Gandhi for the channel in 1982, has been restored. The Opposition argues that this action violates the electoral code.

According to reports, the main goals of Prasar Bharati are to strengthen India’s soft power and provide an explanation for the international reach of Indian cinema and television.

DD India and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will become worldwide brands as a result. The government also intends to boost the amount of channels available on “DD Free Dish” and extend its reach to adjacent nations. By adding more than 1,000 media outlets, including international ones, the newly established SHABD will grow into India’s international news agency.

Prasar Bharati’s extensive network of reporters, correspondents, and stringers across India fuels the multimedia platform “SHABD,” designed to deliver daily news updates in various formats including text, audio, video, and photos.

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) might introduce a master’s program, while the Cabinet could deliberate on the Broadcasting Services Bill aimed at establishing industry regulations. Aizwal is slated to host the 500th community radio station within the first 100 days of the Modi administration, according to government plans.

Two other significant initiatives under Modi 3.0 are “Jan Samvad” and “Bharat NAMAN.” These include the National Video Gateway, providing public access to free video content, and an AI platform within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for real-time translation, dubbing, subtitling, and AI-driven content creation, as per sources cited by News18.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Omar Abdullah Criticizes BJP’s Strategy in Kashmir

April 19, 2024, 4:19 pm

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah has voiced strong criticism against the BJP’s approach to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir. Abdullah highlighted the significant shift since August 2019, noting that this marks the first Lok Sabha elections in the region following that pivotal period.

Omar Abdullah stated, “After August 2019, this is the first time that the Lok Sabha elections are taking place here. Then, the BJP launched their candidates on all seats in Kashmir. Now, the Home Minister is saying that first, they will win people’s hearts and then fight the elections… This means that they could not win hearts…”

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah says, "After August 2019, this is the first time that the Lok Sabha elections are taking place here. Then, the BJP launched their candidates on all seats in Kashmir. Now, the Home Miniter is saying that… pic.twitter.com/QhJk6WV4UW

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Abdullah pointed out the BJP’s decision to field candidates in all constituencies in Kashmir, indicating a clear intent to contest aggressively. However, he raised concerns over the recent statement by the Home Minister, suggesting a change in strategy towards winning hearts before entering electoral battles.

The former Chief Minister interpreted this as an admission of failure to garner support organically, implying that the BJP’s previous efforts to win over the people of Kashmir have fallen short. Abdullah’s remarks underscore a growing skepticism regarding the BJP’s tactics in the region, suggesting a need for deeper engagement and genuine efforts to address local concerns.

As Kashmir braces for its first post-2019 Lok Sabha elections, Abdullah’s critique sheds light on the evolving political landscape in the region and the challenges ahead for the BJP in securing electoral support.