Latest NDA News | Top NDA News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking NDA News Today | English NDA News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

J’khand polls: Talks underway whether we will contest in alliance or independently says Chirag

September 29, 2024, 6:07 pm

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president, Chirag Paswan, announced on Sunday that his party will participate in the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections. Discussions are currently underway within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to determine whether the LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest as part of the alliance or independently.

Chirag hinted that the party is prepared to run independently if the ongoing talks with the NDA do not lead to a favorable outcome. He stated, “Talks are ongoing regarding whether we will contest the elections in alliance or independently in Jharkhand. If the discussions with the alliance lead to a positive result, then it is fine. LJP is capable of contesting elections from anywhere.” Paswan further added that a final announcement would be made soon and emphasized the strength of the LJP (Ram Vilas) organization.

BJP’s Alliance Plans with JD(U) and AJSU

Assam Chief Minister and BJP’s election co-incharge for Jharkhand, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to ally with the Janata Dal (United) and the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) Party for the assembly polls. “In the elections, there will be an alliance with Janata Dal (U) and the AJSU Party. The seat-sharing arrangement is almost final, with discussions pending for 1-2 seats. We will announce the alliance after Pitru Paksha ends,” Sarma said.

JMM-Congress Alliance on Seat-Sharing

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji remained non-committal about the seat-sharing agreement between JMM and Congress for the upcoming elections. She emphasized that the final decision lies with the party high commands and mentioned that the elections would center around the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

The term of the Jharkhand State Assembly is set to expire on January 5, 2025, and elections are scheduled for 81 constituencies, including 44 General, 9 SC, and 28 ST seats across the state. While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has yet to announce the official polling dates, preparations for the elections are well underway.

On September 24, a delegation from the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, conducted a comprehensive review of poll preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, held at Ranchi. The ECI directed central and state enforcement agencies to curb the influence of money power in the elections.

During the Commission’s two-day review visit from September 23-24, representatives from national and state political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, National People’s Party, AJSU Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Rashtriya Janata Dal, met with the Commission to discuss various aspects of the poll process.

Andhra Dy CM Criticizes Previous YSRCP Government for Financial Mismanagement

September 21, 2024, 5:43 pm

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has criticized the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, stating that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, assumed power during a period of significant financial mismanagement in the state.

Kalyan accused the previous administration, under Jagan Mohan Reddy, of neglecting development and failing to provide employment opportunities for the youth over the past few years. “We came to power at a time when there was financial mismanagement and misappropriation in the state. The financial situation is chaotic,” he said, highlighting the mandate given to the NDA, which secured over 160 assembly seats and 21 parliamentary seats.

His remarks came during the 100-day celebrations following the NDA coalition government’s return to power. Kalyan noted, “It is quite a challenge for all of us. People became frustrated with the previous government, and we fought hard to form the new government. One key observation was the lack of employment for youth.”

He also mentioned that upon taking office, the NDA government prioritized filling teacher positions, with 16,437 posts being addressed. Kalyan criticized the previous government’s focus on welfare at the expense of developmental initiatives.

The NDA coalition, consisting of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), BJP, and Janasena Party, achieved a decisive victory in both the assembly and parliamentary elections. The TDP secured 135 MLAs, while the Janasena Party won all 21 constituencies it contested. The BJP holds eight seats, and the opposition YSR Congress Party has 11 MLAs in the Andhra Pradesh assembly.

Internal Security Challenges

September 4, 2024, 2:12 am

The NDA government has arrived at the scene once again. India has an influential power internationally, which it probably has never wielded since Independence. Our economy is on an upswing. That it can no longer bulldoze India and, beyond a point, and India would not hesitate from a bloody retaliation has been realised for the first time by China. The government must have a well-orchestrated strategy for the next five years. The following nine points should merit grave contemplation on internal security.

One, Internal Security Ministry.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has become over bloated and cumbersome. Internal security issues calling for prompt actions, quite often do not get the swift and meticulous attention they deserve. It is imperative that a young, junior minister working in the MHA is assigned an independent charge of internal security. What an impact such an arrangement can make was shown by Rajesh Pilot.

Two, a doctrine on internal security.
There is too much adhocism in dealing with internal security challenges, especially with a change in government. Ideally, the nation must adopt a national security doctrine (NSD). From time to time the National Security Advisory Board has dealt with it and formulated drafts which were never approved. All recognized powers possess an NSD through which they depict the internal and external threats confronting the country and implement strategies for neutralising them. If there are any hindrances in adopting the NSD, its internal security component at least, which is simpler, could be implemented.

Three, the Northeast.
Manipur has been a debacle. Ethnic conflicts persist to simmer with occasional explosions of violence. The Home Ministry’s formation of a multi-ethnic peace committee has been a debacle. It is high time the PM took up the baton. The incubus of illegal migration, drug trafficking and arms smuggling necessitates a meticulous approach.
The Prime Minister has termed the Northeast “a piece of our heart”. A Framework Agreement concurred with the rebel Nagas in 2015 had raised great hopes, but these remain unfulfilled because of the NSCN (IM)’s obduration on a separate flag and constitution. The government must meanwhile demand a rigorous execution of the suspension of operations agreement and ensure that the rebels do not indulge in extortion and forcible recruitments.

Four, Jammu and Kashmir.
We must not be complacent about the designs of the Pakistani deep state. The government must take initiatives to revamp the security grid, restore statehood to J&K and hold elections for the Assembly. Despite the Home Minister’s claim that terror incidents are down by 66 percent since the abrogation of Article 370, the state is far from normal. Terrorists recently struck at four places in the Jammu region. Obviously, they are desperate to puncture the narrative of “Naya Kashmir”.

Five, the Naxal problem.
Nityanand Rai, The Minister of State for Home Affairs, stated in the Rajya Sabha on February 7, that the execution of the “national policy and action plan” brought about a consistent decline in violence and depletion of the geographical spread of left-wing extremism’s (LWE) sway. Violence and the resultant casualties had diminished by 73 per cent from a high in 2010. Rai further revealed that the number of police stations reporting LWE-related violence had declined from 465 police stations across 96 districts in 2010 to 171 police stations across 42 districts in 2023. It is now time for the healing touch with Naxals on the backfoot.
The government should extend them the olive branch, announce an unilateral ceasefire for a month, convince them to come to the negotiating table, address their genuine grievances, and mainstream them.

Six, Intelligence Bureau/CBI.
The IB was established through an administrative order on December 23, 1887. The CBI was established through a resolution passed on April Fools’ Day in 1963, and it extracts the power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. The two premier central police organisations, the Intelligence Bureau and the CBI, require restructuring. It is imperative that it is endowed with a statutory basis, with safeguards to preclude the abuse of intelligence to bolster the party in power. The need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources as recommended in the 24th report of the parliamentary committee.

Seven, state police.
The Prime Minister wants the PMO to function as the People’s PMO. Robert Peel, the former British prime minister, is credited to this day for having transformed the ruling parties’ police into the peoples’ police.

Eight, Central Armed Police Forces.
The CAPFs with more than a million persons are infested with serious internal issues of falling standards of discipline, vague criteria for the selection of top officers, unplanned expansion, haphazard deployment, inadequate training, friction between cadre and All India Service officers, etc. The government must appoint a high-powered commission to look into these problems for their long-term solutions.

Nine, technology.
There is a need to set up a high-powered technology mission to recommend the adoption of the latest tech for the new challenges which the police are facing or are likely to face in the future, as suggested by the PM at the DGPs’ conference held in Lucknow in 2021. A country displays its vigour internationally in direct proportion to its internal cohesion, its dexterity to resolve problems within and not have any marshes where terrorists or extremists can have safe havens.

Tejaswi Yadav Criticizes NDA for Neglecting Bihar, Highlights Achievements Under Lalu Prasad Yadav

August 14, 2024, 2:50 pm

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejaswi Yadav has strongly criticized the NDA government, accusing it of neglecting Bihar’s development needs. His remarks came in response to a tweet by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, which highlighted the achievements of the Bihar rail factory during his tenure as Railway Minister.

Tejaswi emphasized the significant progress Bihar made when his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, served as Railway Minister from 2004 to 2009. “The data given by Lalu ji is true,” Tejaswi said, pointing out that during that period, Bihar received several factories, including the rail factory, which has manufactured over 2 lakh wheels. “It is delightful to see this progress,” he added.

He also recalled that during the UPA-1 government, Bihar had 22 MPs and received a substantial package of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, thanks to the efforts of Lalu Prasad Yadav and then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In contrast, Tejaswi criticized the NDA, noting that despite having 39 MPs from Bihar in 2019 and 30 MPs currently, the state has been “cheated” and has not received the promised development. “They have only deceived Bihar,” he said, underscoring the need for progressive politics to ensure the state’s advancement.

Cong Dilly-Dallying On ‘Creamy-layer’ Issue

August 14, 2024, 1:39 am

The Congress party was planning to raise issues such as inflation unemployment. These issues have taken a backseat now and the party is again gearing up to fight the battle on the issues of Adani, Constitution and caste census. The Congress party is set to focus its political strategy on key issues such as Adani, the Constitution, and the caste census. As announced on Tuesday, Congress will bet on these issues in the elections of these states in Haryana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Jammu Kashmir to be held at the end of the year.
The Government of India has decided to keep the reservation system unchanged, meaning there will be no “quota within quota” for specific sub-groups. This decision has been controversial, with the Bahujan Samaj Party and some NDA allies opposing it, as they believe it would negatively impact Dalits the most.

The Congress has found itself in a difficult position due to this move. Two of its Chief Ministers have publicly supported the decision, while the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has chosen to remain silent on the matter.

Additionally, Congress remains uncertain about its stance on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reservations. The party is not clearly stating its position and is avoiding direct responses about the “quota within quota” ruling. While Congress has yet to make an official decision, the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, promptly welcomed the decision and announced their intention to implement it.

The challenges ahead of Congress don’t end here. In Himachal Pradesh, it is anyway a state of forward castes. In Uttar Pradesh, its biggest ally Samajwadi Party also does not agree with the Supreme Court’s decision According to sources, Congress has decided to focus efforts on the Supreme Court’s “quota within quota” ruling during today’s meeting. However, the main agenda has shifted to the Hindenburg report and the Adani-SEBI issue.
Many Congress-aligned NGOs, as well as leaders in Karnataka and Telangana, support the SC decision. Congress is now considering pressuring the government to introduce a Bill after further talks. The party noted that, according to its president Mallikarjun Kharge, the government could have proposed the Bill during the Budget session if it truly intended to address the issue. Congress is watching reactions from states and allies and aims to avoid escalating Dalit politics.

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 Rajya Sabha Tally Falls To 86; NDA At 101, Can Pass Bills With Support

July 15, 2024, 3:05 pm

Four nominated members from the BJP in Rajya Sabha retired on Saturday, reducing the party’s strength to 86 and the NDA’s to 101 in the Upper House, which currently has 226 members due to 19 vacancies.

Despite this, the NDA can still pass key legislation during the upcoming budget session with support from seven non-aligned nominated members, two Independents, and friendly parties like AIADMK and YSRCP. However, filling the nominated vacancies promptly will be crucial to lessen the alliance’s reliance on others.

The retiring members are Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal, Sonal Mansingh, and Mahesh Jethmalani, who were all aligned with the BJP upon their nomination. Another nominated member, Gulam Ali, will retire in September 2028.

The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha on the government’s recommendation. Currently, seven of these members are non-aligned but typically support the ruling party in legislative matters.

The Upper House has 19 vacancies, including four each from Jammu & Kashmir and the nominated category, along with 11 from various states. Ten of these seats became vacant last month due to Lok Sabha elections, while one vacancy resulted from the resignation of Bharat Rashtra Samithi member K. Keshava Rao, who later joined Congress.

Elections for these 11 seats in the coming months could potentially grant eight to the NDA and three to the INDIA bloc, including one seat from Telangana to Congress, bringing the latter’s total to 27—two more than needed to maintain its Leader of Opposition position in Rajya Sabha.

BJP And Allies Sweep Maharashtra Legislative Council Poll, Winning 9 Of 11 Seats

July 12, 2024, 7:45 pm

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, which includes Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP, along with the saffron party, rebounded from a disappointing general election result with a big win in the MLC polls. The BJP fielded five candidates, all of whom won. The Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP named two candidates each, and all four secured victory.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress and the factions of the Sena and NCP led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar—formed after the rebellions by Mr. Shinde and Mr. Pawar—fielded three candidates also MVA secured all Three seats.

The BJP, which fielded five candidates, has 103 MLAs, securing four seats while falling 12 votes short for the fifth. The Shinde Sena, with 37 MLAs, was nine votes short, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, with 39 MLAs, was seven votes short. Overall, the Mahayuti alliance was short by 28 votes to win the nine seats it contested.

Jairam Ramesh Criticizes Modi Government’s Economic Performance

July 8, 2024, 4:37 pm

New Delhi, July 8 – Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday criticized the BJP-led NDA central government, stating that every day in the “Modi-made ‘anyaay kaal'” is a new record of economic failure. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to recognize the economic challenges facing India.

Key Economic Failures Highlighted

Sharing his statement on X, Ramesh said, “Every day in the Modi-made Anyay Kaal is a new record of economic failure.” He pointed to diminishing corporate investments, which have hit a 20-year low.

In his statement, Ramesh noted several key economic failures:

A 45-year high unemployment rate.
A 50-year low in household savings.
The first-ever decrease in real rural consumption.

He cited a report from The Hindu indicating that in the April-June quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year, fresh investments announced by corporates amounted to just Rs 44,000 crore, marking a 20-year low.

Comparison with Manmohan Singh’s Tenure

Ramesh compared the current government’s performance with that of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh:

Investment as a percentage of GDP averaged 33.4% during the UPA era, compared to 28.7% under Modi’s tenure.
FDI as a percentage of GDP rose from 0.8% in 2004 to 1.7% in 2014 under Singh, but has declined to 1.5% by 2022.
Manufacturing as a percentage of GDP fell from 16.5% under the UPA to 14.5% under the current government.

He also highlighted that Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) has been lower during Modi’s regime compared to the UPA, with GFCF averaging 32% under the UPA but remaining below 29% for the past decade under Modi.

Critique of Government Policies

Ramesh criticized several government policies, including demonetization, the GST rollout, and increasing oligopolization. He argued that random policy changes and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation have damaged investor confidence.

“Investment, as John Maynard Keynes reminded us, is not just a financial decision—it is a psychological decision as well,” Ramesh said. He added that the last ten years have severely damaged investor psychology and there is no evidence that Prime Minister Modi recognizes this issue.

Watch | PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome From NDA Leaders In Delhi

July 2, 2024, 10:53 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting held in Delhi. This gathering marked a significant moment as leaders from various parties within the alliance came together to discuss key issues and strategies.

#WATCH | PM Modi welcomed by NDA leaders at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting in Delhi pic.twitter.com/dRZnJ7yHzv

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2024

Upon his arrival, PM Modi was greeted with applause and enthusiasm, reflecting the strong support and unity within the NDA.

Lok Sabha Speaker’s Post: Om Birla vs K Suresh Battle Today

June 26, 2024, 9:45 am

Today marks a significant day for the 18th Lok Sabha as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDI Alliance vie for the Speaker’s post, one of the most important roles in a parliamentary democracy.

The election, which will be held today, pits the NDA’s nominee Om Birla, a former Speaker, against the INDI Alliance’s candidate Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-term MP from Kerala’s Mavelikara. This election is notable as it is the first contested Speaker election in decades.

How is the Speaker Elected?

The Speaker is chosen from among the members of the lower house of Parliament, as governed by Article 93 of the Constitution. The article states that the House of the People shall elect members to the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker as soon as possible and whenever these offices become vacant. The election is conducted through a secret ballot, and the candidate who secures the majority of votes becomes the Speaker.

Historically, most Speakers are elected without opposition. For instance, Sumitra Mahajan and Om Birla were elected as Speakers of the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha without contest.

The Speaker remains in office until the House is dissolved, or they resign or are removed by a resolution passed by a majority of Lok Sabha members.

Why an Election for Speaker Now?

Unlike previous instances where the Speaker was chosen unanimously, this year sees a contest due to the opposition’s increased strength in the House and their insistence on following the convention of appointing a Deputy Speaker from the opposition.

Kodikunnil Suresh has explained that the opposition demands the Deputy Speaker post as their right, a tradition that has not been honored in recent Lok Sabhas. Reports indicate that the opposition has been firm on this issue, urging the government to commit to giving the Deputy Speaker post to the opposition.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached out to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for support for Om Birla, but the Congress remains steadfast in their demand for the Deputy Speaker position.

Statements from Key Figures

Rahul Gandhi had earlier stated that the opposition would support the NDA’s candidate for Speaker if the government adhered to the convention of appointing the Deputy Speaker from the opposition. However, BJP’s Piyush Goyal countered, emphasizing that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker should represent the entire House, not specific parties.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed disappointment at Congress’s nomination of a candidate, breaking from the tradition of unanimous election. He stressed that the Speaker’s role is to ensure the House’s proper functioning, not to serve any party.

#WATCH | Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says “Today it is written in the newspaper that PM Modi has said that the Opposition should cooperate with the Govt constructively. Rajnath Singh called Mallikarjun Kharge and he asked him to extend support to the Speaker. The entire… pic.twitter.com/yR5CzlagEx

— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024

Conversely, Congress’s KC Venugopal highlighted that during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, the Deputy Speaker post was given to the NDA for 10 years, underscoring the tradition of offering the Deputy Speaker role to the opposition.

Historical Context

This contested election is reminiscent of the last such election in 1976, when Bali Ram Bhagat was elected as Speaker of the Fifth Lok Sabha. Before that, in 1952, GV Mavalankar became Speaker after defeating Shankar Shantaram More.

Pre-Independence, the Central Legislative Assembly saw six elections for the Speaker post between 1925 and 1946. Notable elections include Vitthalbhai J Patel’s victory in 1925 and Sir Muhammad Yakub’s win in 1930.

As the Lok Sabha gears up for today’s election, the outcome will not only determine the new Speaker but also set the tone for parliamentary proceedings and the balance of power between the ruling party and the opposition.

NEET-UG Paper Leak: How Is Sanjiv Mukhia, The Key Suspect, Linked With NDA?

June 25, 2024, 9:27 pm

Sanjiv Mukhia, a central figure in the alleged NEET-UG paper leak scandal in Bihar, has come under scrutiny amidst accusations linking him to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Bihar police have identified Mukhia as a key player in a gang accused of manipulating competitive exams across states for financial gain. Despite being named in the FIR, Mukhia remains the only individual not yet apprehended by authorities.

The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has intensified its allegations against Mukhia, claiming his close ties with the NDA and accusing him of orchestrating the scandal. Photos circulating on social media purportedly show Mukhia’s family members with leaders from the ruling alliance, prompting demands from the RJD for a thorough investigation into his alleged role.

Sanjiv Mukhia, also known as Sanjiv Singh, resides in Nagarnausa village in Bihar’s Nalanda district and holds the position of technical assistant at Nalanda College. His association with political circles includes his wife, Mamta Devi, who contested the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections from the Harnaut seat on a Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) ticket.

Mukhia’s past includes a controversial stint in Uttarakhand, where he was arrested in 2016 on charges related to leaking the NEET paper. After spending 14 months in Nainital jail, he was released on bail in 2018. His son, Shiv Kumar, is currently incarcerated in Beur jail following his arrest in connection with the alleged leak of the Bihar Public Service Commission Teacher Recruitment Examination in April 2024.

The case has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from Bihar’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU). A team of CBI officials, including a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP), has arrived in Patna to gather evidence. They have met with EOU officials and visited the Shastri Nagar Police Station, where the initial case was filed.

The unfolding NEET-UG scandal has cast a shadow over Bihar’s examination system, prompting calls for stringent actions against those involved and raising concerns about the integrity of competitive exams in the state. The investigation into Sanjiv Mukhia’s alleged involvement continues as authorities strive to uncover the full extent of the scandal and bring all responsible parties to justice.

Opposition Ready To Support NDA Only If…. Rahul Gandhi Lays Condition

June 25, 2024, 3:06 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the Opposition bloc will support the BJP-led NDA government’s choice of Lok Sabha Speaker if they give the deputy Speaker’s post to the INDI Alliance. He said that Union Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh spoke to the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking consensus between the government and the opposition. However, as of now, Singh hasn’t reverted to their demand for the deputy speaker post.

“The prime minister said that the Opposition should cooperate with the government constructively. The opposition has clearly stated that they will support the Speaker, however, the convention is that the Opposition should get the deputy Speaker post…Rajnath Singh called Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking support for the Speaker. He is yet to return a call to Kharge ji…,” Gandhi said, adding that “PM Modi is saying there should be constructive cooperation, and now our leader is being insulted.”

Furthermore, the Raebareli MP said that the intentions of the PM and the ruling party aren’t clear. “…PM Modi does not want any constructive cooperation…We have said that if the convention is followed, we will give full support in the election of the Speaker,” he added. Notably, his stance was supported by the alliance partner and Samajwadi Party (SP) Leader Akhilesh Yadav.

Cracks In Bihar And Maharashtra BJP Alliances?

June 14, 2024, 11:36 am

Rifts and Cracks within Bihar’s and Maharashtra’s BJP Alliances can be seen soon after the Lok Sabha election results are out.

Cracks in Bihar

Internal rifts within Bihar’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have surfaced following the 2024 Lok Sabha election results. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in 12 out of 17 contested seats, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) also claimed 12 out of 16 seats. The other NDA allies, including LJP (RV) and HAM, clinched five and one seat respectively.

Tensions flared when former BJP MP Hari Manjhi accused Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also serves as the state BJP president, of failing to rally votes from his own Kushwaha community in favor of NDA candidates. Manjhi questioned Choudhary’s leadership, claiming he couldn’t garner support despite an extensive campaign. This criticism reflects a shift as the INDIA bloc fielded Kushwaha candidates in key constituencies, altering traditional NDA dynamics.

Cracks in Maharashtra

Meanwhile, similar fractures have emerged in Maharashtra, where speculation abounds regarding the BJP potentially severing ties with Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Instead, there are talks of aligning with Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde’s Shiv Sena for the upcoming state assembly elections. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) triumphed with 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 Lok Sabha seats in the recent elections, while Mahayuti, part of the NDA including Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, secured only 17 seats.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal says “We (NCP) were given only 4 seats out of the 48 seats for the Lok Sabha elections. Of those 4 seats, 2 were taken away from us. So, in these 2 seats, Raigad and Baramati and we won 1 seat. Now, how can… pic.twitter.com/SpBgwkbiKl

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024

“How can someone say that we fought on 48 seats, we only got 2 seats. BJP lost in other states as well, such as Uttar Pradesh. Nobody thought that BJP would get so few seats in Uttar Pradesh. So, blaming Ajit Pawar faction is not right,” Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said.

US Spokesperson Silent on PM Modi’s Record Victory in Lok Sabha, Dodges Religious Insecurity Claims

June 14, 2024, 11:15 am

The US declined to comment on the outcome of the recent Lok Sabha elections, stressing that electoral issues are for the Indian people to determine. Speaking at a press conference, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that the US respects India’s electoral process, noting it as the largest democratic exercise globally.

“But for specific results of that election, it’s just not something we comment on,” Matthew Miller said.

The spokesperson responded to a Pakistani journalist’s query about concerns regarding India potentially becoming a Hindu state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. However, he avoided directly addressing the claim.

Last week, Modi was sworn in for his third consecutive term, matching Jawaharlal Nehru’s record. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA secured a majority with 293 seats out of 543, with the BJP winning 240 seats alone.

Watch: Pak Leader Shibli Faraz Praises India For Conducting Smooth Elections

June 13, 2024, 2:37 pm

Shibli Faraz, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Pakistan, commended India for its successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and criticized Pakistan’s electoral system. Despite referring to India as an “enemy country,” Faraz did not hold back in expressing his disappointment over Pakistan’s electoral shortcomings.

Shibli Faraz Praises India For Conducting Smooth Elections

In his speech, Faraz praised India for conducting smooth, free, and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy. He highlighted India’s use of EVMs, the announcement of results, and the peaceful transfer of power without any fraud allegations. Faraz questioned why Pakistan could not achieve the same level of success in its elections.

He stated, “I want to quote the example of our enemy country, they just concluded elections. More than 800 million people cast their vote. They had set up thousands of polling stations. They even made a polling station for a single person. Nobody said the election was rigged. We also want to be in the same league. In our country, nobody agrees. This is damaging our election system.”

Watch Here:

Pakistani opposition leader Shibli Faraz commends India for its smooth, free, and fair elections, praising the largest democracy in the world during a session in the Pakistani Parliament. pic.twitter.com/1zsaudywq8

— Vikash Singh (@iSinghVikash) June 13, 2024

By-Elections In Pakistan

By-elections in Pakistan were held on February 8 for 21 national and provincial assembly seats. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, won at least two national and 10 provincial assembly seats, according to unofficial results.

Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the by-elections, stating that April 21 would be remembered as a “black day” in Pakistan’s history due to open and blatant violations of the law.

Narendra Modi Secured Historic Third Term As Prime Minister

In contrast, in India, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leader Narendra Modi secured a historic third term as Prime Minister after the alliance crossed the majority mark, winning 303 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. The elections, known as the largest in the world, witnessed a significant 65.79% voter turnout.

Following the conclusion of the vote counting and the declaration of results on June 4, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest single party with 240 Lok Sabha seats, falling 32 seats short of the majority mark. With the support of NDA partners like the TDP and JDU, the NDA surpassed the required majority of 272, reaching a tally of 292. With additional support from small parties and independent candidates, the BJP-led NDA now stands ‘300 paar’.

Modi 3.0: “No Pravachans” PM’s Dos And Don’ts For The Cabinet Ministers

June 10, 2024, 11:32 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened his newly appointed Cabinet ministers on Monday evening, laying down directives for their conduct and work ethic. Emphasizing the importance of discretion, Modi advised ministers to speak only when necessary and to refrain from unnecessary commentary. He also cautioned against delivering sermons, urging ministers to avoid verbose lectures.

“Do not make unnecessary statements, speak only when necessary on issues related to your ministry,” sources to News18.

In addition to exercising restraint in communication, Modi stressed the significance of punctuality, encouraging ministers to arrive promptly at their ministries.

“Reaching the Ministry on time also has a positive effect on the office staff,” said the Prime minister sources mentioned.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he instructed senior ministers to involve their Minister of State (MoS) counterparts in decision-making processes and to ensure their active participation.

Quoting him “send the file to your MoS also and involve the Minister of State in the decisions of the Ministry.”

The meeting marked the unveiling of the portfolios assigned to ministers in Modi’s third consecutive term as prime minister. Key figures like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar retained their respective ministries. The allocation included 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State (MoS) with Independent charge, and 36 Ministers of State (MoS).

Modi’s guidance underscores the emphasis on discipline and efficiency within the government, setting the tone for the functioning of his new Cabinet. As the ministers embark on their responsibilities, adherence to these directives is expected to streamline operations and enhance effectiveness across ministries.

Modi 3.0: North East India Secures Three Ministerial Berths, Two Elevated To Cabinet Rank

June 10, 2024, 10:31 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has retained Kiren Rijiju, Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, and Sarbananda Sonowal, representing the Dibrugarh constituency in Assam, in his cabinet while welcoming a new face, Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, Pabitra Margherita, as a Minister of State. Although their portfolios are yet to be announced, their inclusion reflects a strategic balance of experience and regional representation from North East India.

Kiren Rijiju: A Steadfast Figure from Arunachal Pradesh

Kiren Rijiju, born on November 19, 1971, has been a significant presence in Indian politics, serving as the Cabinet Minister for Earth Sciences and Food Processing Industries since 2023 and 2024. Additionally, he is the Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal West, a position he has held since 2014, with previous tenures from 2004 to 2009. Rijiju’s political journey is marked by diverse roles, including Minister of State for Home Affairs (2014-2019), Minister of State for Minority Affairs (2019-2021), and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs (2019-2021). He also served as the Law Minister from 2021 to 2023.

Sarbananda Sonowal: A Leader of Assam’s Aspirations

Sarbananda Sonowal, born on October 31, 1962, has been retained in the cabinet, symbolizing the continued representation of Assam’s interests at the highest level of governance. He currently serves as the Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and AYUSH in the Government of India. Sonowal’s political journey includes serving as the 14th Chief Minister of Assam from 2016 to 2021 and holding various ministerial portfolios at the state and central levels. He has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2021 and previously served as a Member of Parliament from the Lok Sabha.

Pabitra Margherita: A New Entrant with Rajya Sabha Credentials

Pabitra Margherita, the new face in the cabinet, brings representation from the Rajya Sabha, adding depth to the government’s legislative prowess. While his portfolio is yet to be unveiled, his inclusion underscores the government’s commitment to regional inclusivity and parliamentary diversity.

Prime Minister Modi’s decision to retain seasoned leaders like Rijiju and Sonowal while welcoming new talent like Margherita signals a strategic blend of experience and fresh perspectives in driving the nation’s development agenda forward in North East India.

As the portfolios of the newly inducted ministers are awaited, their induction into the cabinet sets the stage for robust governance and focused leadership in addressing the diverse challenges facing the nation.

Ajit Pawar faction not included in NDA govt

June 10, 2024, 5:15 am

Despite extensive lobbying efforts, the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP has failed to secure a position within the NDA government. Leaders of the NCP expressed disappointment after spending nearly two hours at MP Sunil Tatkare’s residence in Delhi. The responsibility of persuading Ajit Pawar fell upon DCM Devendra Fadnavis from the BJP, resulting in a meeting between Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar lasting for one and a half hours.

Within the Ajit Pawar camp, Praful Patel, a seasoned ministerial figure with previous experience in Civil and Aviation Ministries, seemed a likely contender. However, Patel was overlooked for a cabinet ministerial position, purportedly due to strategic considerations for upcoming assembly elections. This decision stirred speculation and disappointment within the ranks.

Ajit Pawar’s NCP ultimately failed to secure any ministerial posts in the NDA government, with the party being offered only Minister of State positions, which Patel declined. Supriya Sule, NCP MP and daughter of Sharad Pawar, expressed her lack of surprise at Ajit Pawar’s faction being sidelined, citing a decade of observation of BJP and allied parties’ behavior.

Rumors of discord between BJP and NCP’s Ajit Pawar emerged swiftly, prompting the NCP to issue a clarification emphasizing the unity of their alliance. Praful Patel, addressing the media, stated that despite initial offers of a Minister of State position with independent charge, he personally considered it a demotion, having previously served as a cabinet minister. BJP leaders were informed of this stance, and assurances were given regarding finding a resolution.

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.

Watch: First Visuals From NDA Leaders’ Meeting At PM Modi’s Residence

June 9, 2024, 3:06 pm

The first images of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders meeting with Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi emerged on Sunday, June 9, just hours before the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet and council of ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Newly elected Members of Parliament, who are expected to be included in the new Cabinet and council of ministers of Narendra Modi’s government, were invited to the Prime Minister’s residence for high tea ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, scheduled for 7:15 pm.

In the footage, BJP leaders such as Nirmala Sitharaman and Sarbananda Sonowal can be seen attending the meeting as Narendra Modi addresses the MPs at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s residence.

Watch Here:

VIDEO | Modi 3.0 Swearing-in Ceremony: Visuals from the meeting between NDA leaders, held at PM’s residence earlier today.

(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/T9MKOhEjKr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 9, 2024

Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Kiren Rijiju, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Manohar Lal Khattar, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Piyush Goyal, S Jaishankar, Dharmendra Pradhan, and RLD chief Jayant Singh Chaudhary were among the other BJP leaders present at the meeting.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Republican Party of India Rajya Sabha MP Ramdas Athawale said, “The Prime Minister has been given a chance for the third time, and history is being created under his leadership. I am happy to be part of the coalition, and I thank the Prime Minister for giving me this responsibility. I will fulfill my role with diligence, whatever portfolio I am assigned.”

Narendra Modi is set to take the oath of office at 7:15 pm along with his council of ministers in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The NDA unanimously passed a resolution to elect Narendra Modi as their leader on June 5.

PM Modi Holds High-Tea For Probable Ministers; View Potential Candidates

June 9, 2024, 1:18 pm

Prime minister-designate Narendra Modi is hosting high tea at his house for his probable ministers, which started at 11:30 am today.

Ahead of swearing-in-ceremony, take a look at probable ministerial candidates who might make it to Modi 3.0 cabinet.

According to News18 sources, former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy has demanded agriculture portfolio. It is hinted, that from JD(U), the ministerial berths will probably go to Lalan Singh, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Ram Nath Thakur, Sunil Kumar, and Kaushalendra Kumar.

And ministers like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari will likely be retained.

But as per Hindustan times sources, TDP is asking for 5 cabinet berths and two for its ally Jana Sena.

It is said, that TDP winner from Srikakulam, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is likely to get the portfolio.

Meanwhile other alliance partner who are likely to get berths include Chirag Paswan, Anupriya Patel, chief of Apna Dal Party; Jayant Chaudhary, chief of Rashtriya Lok Dal; and Hindustani Awam Morcha Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Moreover, from BJP, leaders like DK Aruna, D Arvind, Basavaraj Bommai, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Biplab Dev, Nitin Gadkari, Suresh Gopi, Piyush Goyal etc. might get ministries.

It remains to be seen, who will ultimately secure a position in the cabinet and council of ministers during this third term.

Narendra Modi Oath Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan; When and Where to Watch to Live

June 9, 2024, 12:36 am

Narendra Modi is set to take the oath as India’s Prime Minister for the third consecutive term on Sunday, June 9, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath ceremony, scheduled for 7:15 pm, will be administered by President Droupadi Murmu and broadcasted live across the country.

An official announcement confirmed, “The President will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at 07.15 pm on June 9, 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.”

President Murmu appointed Modi as the prime minister-designate on Friday, following BJP chief JP Nadda’s submission of a letter confirming Modi’s election as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party. Besides Modi, the council of ministers under the new NDA government will also be sworn in during the Sunday evening ceremony.

Senior BJP leaders including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, along with party president J P Nadda, have been in discussions with allies such as Telugu Desam Party’s N Chandrababu Naidu, JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar, and Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde, to finalize their representation in the government.

Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony will be televised live on TV news channels and streamed on YouTube and official social media handles. All national television news channels will broadcast the event live at 7:15 pm on Sunday, with Doordarshan also streaming it on TV and YouTube. Additionally, the ceremony will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel and X account of the President of India.

The list of cabinet ministers for the new NDA government will also be announced on Sunday. Leaders like Shah and Singh are expected to be part of the new Cabinet, with former chief ministers who won Lok Sabha polls like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Basavaraj Bommai, Manohar Lal Khattar, and Sarbananda Sonowal being strong contenders for inclusion. Other potential allies for the new government include Ram Mohan Naidu of the TDP, Lalan Singh, Sanjay Jha, and Ram Nath Thakur of the JD(U), and Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

Modi 3.0: Where Does Indian Economy Stands?

June 8, 2024, 3:32 pm

Narendra Modi is poised to begin his third consecutive term as Prime Minister on Sunday, alongside a full-strength team of NDA partners, who will also take oath at the swearing-in ceremony. Leaders from South Asian countries will be present at the event.

Modi’s third term commences on a positive note, with rising economic growth, low inflation, and optimism about India’s future as a manufacturing powerhouse. However, concerns persist regarding job creation and rural demand.

RBI Governor Shantikanta Das recently presented an assessment of the macroeconomic situation as Modi’s third term begins. The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to maintain key interest rates to balance economic growth and inflation.

Economic Growth and Resilience

India’s real GDP growth was at 8.2% in 2023-24, with continued resilience in domestic economic activity. Manufacturing and services sectors have shown strength, with indicators like PMI and GST revenues reflecting robust expansion.

Private consumption, particularly in urban areas, is recovering steadily. Retail sales of passenger vehicles and domestic air passengers have shown positive growth.

Rural demand is on the rise, supported by improvements in the farm sector. Retail two-wheeler sales and demand under MNREGA have increased, indicating a positive trend in rural areas.

Investment activity is gaining traction, supported by non-food bank credit expansion and government-led infrastructural development. Construction sector and production of capital goods have shown robust growth.

External Sector and Foreign Investments

India’s external sector remains resilient, with foreign portfolio investment flows and FDI remaining robust. Foreign exchange reserves have reached a historical high of $651.5 billion.

Inflation and Outlook

Retail inflation has softened, but food inflation pressures persist. The outlook for CPI inflation for 2024-25 is projected at 4.5%, with risks evenly balanced.

Despite global uncertainties, India’s strong fundamentals, financial stability, and positive growth momentum position it well for sustained high growth in the coming years.

Central Hall message: One country, one election and PoK reclamation on agenda

June 8, 2024, 3:45 am

Past few days have been quite pressing for NDA. The result outcome made the NDA leaders think and contemplate their strategies and agendas. Somehow, the acting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech delivered from the Central Hall has given many indications about the future politics. After being elected as the leader of the parliamentary party, the speech given by PM Modi gives a direct message of his agendas and what are his plans for his upcoming tenure.

In a recent gathering at the Central Hall, key leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expressed their unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his agenda. The speeches by leaders such as JDU’s Nitish Kumar and TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu stated a collective commitment to the NDA’s governance and Modi’s leadership. The expressioons of acting Prime Minister Modi underwent a noticeable transformation, reflecting a newfound confidence and optimism. With a smile adorning his face, Modi engaged in cheerful conversations with colleagues, signaling a positive shift in his disposition.

The atmosphere at the Central Hall imbued BJP workers nationwide with fresh enthusiasm, as Modi’s speech rallied support and reinvigorated their spirits. In his address, Modi not only directed criticism towards the Congress and the opposition but also conveyed a resolute determination for the NDA to secure another resounding victory in 2029.

Moreover, Modi subtly hinted at a series of forthcoming initiatives aimed at decisively countering opposition challenges over the next five years. This declaration underscored his unwavering commitment to further solidify the NDA’s dominance in the political landscape.
Prime Minister Modi, exuding confidence and optimism, indicated a strong resolve to fulfill his agendas and secure a significant victory for the NDA in the upcoming 2029 elections. His demeanor, characterized by a smile and jovial interactions with colleagues, painted a picture of assured leadership.

The opposition’s preoccupation with concerns over Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering was met with criticism from Modi, who expressed disappointment at their lack of faith in the electoral process. This stance emphasized his determination to uphold the integrity of democratic principles.

Nitish Kumar’s endorsement of Modi and the NDA’s solidarity, coupled with Chandrababu Naidu’s praise for Modi’s decade-long tenure, sent a clear message of unity and support within the alliance. Additionally, the admiration expressed by leaders like Pawan Kalyan and Chirag Paswan further strengthened the image of unwavering loyalty towards Modi’s leadership.

Looking ahead, Modi’s imminent third term as Prime Minister is anticipated to bring forth significant policy decisions. The potential revisiting of schemes like the Agniveer scheme and addressing farmers’ issues, especially with forthcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, are indicative of the proactive stance expected from the NDA government under Modi’s leadership.

BJP focusses on strategy to reignite party spirit for 2029

June 8, 2024, 3:41 am

Prominent allies on Friday proposed the name of Bharatiya Janata Party’s Narendra Modi as the leader of the NDA Parliamentary party, paving the way for him to become the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term. With Narendra Modi taking oath as Prime Minister for the third time, now there are ongoing speculations about the new president of BJP.

The speech delivered by Acting Prime Minister Modi in the Central Hall today suggests a keen focus on strategizing for the future, particularly in terms of securing victory in the 2029 elections. This responsibility is expected to be shouldered by his party organization, which also needs to make decisions regarding the appointment of a new National President. With the current President, JP Nadda’s tenure set to expire in June, this decision becomes imminent.

Looking at Modi’s stance, it is being strengthened that Amit Shah can once again return to the post of National President. Along with him, many ministers of Modi 2 will also return to the organization. However, the names of former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan, former CM of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis are also being discussed for the post of President. There are indications that by Saturday it will be clear who all are being made ministers in Modi 3 government. According to sources, if Shivraj Singh Chouhan is appointed as a minister and Amit Shah is not included in Modi’s new team, there’s a possibility that Chouhan could be assigned the Home Ministry. In such a scenario, Amit Shah might focus on organizational matters. The Prime Minister is reportedly displeased with the party’s failure to secure a majority independently in the recent elections. Reports from states where the party faced defeat indicate shortcomings in the effectiveness of state-level organizations. Booth management issues were particularly prominent in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Reports from various states have highlighted a lack of enthusiasm among BJP workers during the recent elections. Instances have been cited where voting slips were not distributed to voters, even in the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency, indicating a concerning level of indifference. Similar reports of apathy have emerged from states like Rajasthan and Haryana.

As elections are set to continue until 2025, with upcoming polls in states such as Haryana and Maharashtra just four months away, the BJP faces significant challenges. The party’s performance in these states has been lackluster, prompting a renewed focus on revitalizing its presence. With this in mind, there is growing recognition of the need for a leader of Amit Shah’s caliber.

Often regarded as the “Chanakya” of the BJP, Amit Shah’s track record of leading the party to victory both at the state and national levels is well-known. During his tenure as party president in 2019, the BJP secured a remarkable 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. Given the current circumstances, there is speculation that Shah may be called upon to lead the organization once again.

The party is in need of a leader capable of restructuring and reinvigorating its grassroots presence nationwide. As the BJP navigates the challenges ahead, a strong and decisive leadership, reminiscent of Amit Shah’s, is deemed essential for its future success.

“Sarkar Banegi Aur Jhagda Shuru”: Congress’ Bhupesh Baghel on PM Modi’s 3rd Term

June 7, 2024, 10:30 pm

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel claimed on Friday that mid-term Lok Sabha elections will be held within a year.

“Fellow workers, be ready! Mid-term elections can be held within six months to one year. Fadnavis is resigning, Yogi ji’s chair is shaking. Bhajan Lal Sharma is also wavering,” Baghel posted on social platform X.

Commenting on NDA ally Janata Dal (United), the Congress leader said,”The government has not been formed yet but JD(U) spokesperson is talking about cancelling the Agniveer scheme and conducting caste census. They say that there is no need for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). These are all the issues that Rahul Gandhi has raised.”

“Now the government will be formed and the fight will start. Aur ye samaj le ki jab jhagda shuru hoga to ghar ujadne me zyada der nahi lagega. Sarkar banegi aur jhagda shuru honge (You should understand that when the fights begin, the house will be eroded. The government will be formed and squabbles will begin),” Baghel, who lost from Rajnandgaon to BJP’s Santosh Pandey by 44,411 votes, said.

In Chhattisgarh, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) won 10 out of 11 seats while Congress secured one seat, Korba, which was won by Jyotsna Charandas Mahant.

Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi and his council of ministers will take oath of office at 7:15 pm on June 9.

President Droupadi Murmu appointed 73-year-old Modi as the prime minister-designate after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief J P Nadda handed her a letter on the BJP stalwart’s election as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party and NDA leaders submitted their letters of support.

The BJP won 240 seats in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, falling short of the halfway mark in the 543-member House, but the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) together won 293 seats, which is a comfortable majority.

General Elections 2024: BJP Retains Power, Opposition Block Reshapes Political Dynamics in Hard-Fought Election

June 7, 2024, 12:42 pm

The high-stakes 2024 general elections witnessed an unprecedented show of opposition unity, with regional parties and the Congress party playing a pivotal role in curbing the BJP’s dominance.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a third consecutive term in power following the 2024 Indian General Elections, despite falling short of an outright majority. The results, announced on June 4, 2024, highlight significant shifts in voter sentiment and underscore the rising influence of regional parties and opposition alliances.

In a remarkable political upheaval, the opposition’s INDI alliance has emerged as a formidable force, denying the ruling BJP an outright majority and reshaping the dynamics of Indian politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP won 240 seats with a vote share of 36.56%, leading the NDA to a total of 292 seats crossing majority mark of 272 seats for forming government. This victory marks the first time since 1962 that a party has formed the government for three consecutive terms. However, the BJP did not achieve its ambitious target of “400-paar,” and its reduced seat count from previous elections indicates a need for strategic alliances to form a stable government.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP faced significant competition from the INDI Alliances’s Samajwadi Party (SP), which won 37 out of 80 seats & Congress won 6 seats. On the other hand, the BJP got 33 seats, NDA members RLD got 2 seats, and Apna Dal got 1 seat. This shows a strong challenge from regional parties. Similarly, in West Bengal, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) dominated with 29 out of 42 seats, leaving the BJP with only 12 & INC won 1 seat only.

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, led by the Indian National Congress (INC) and comprising several regional parties, emerged as a formidable opposition. The INC won 99 seats with a 21.19% vote share, marking a significant improvement. Rahul Gandhi, secured victories in both Wayanad and Raebareli, emphasizing a renewed focus on coalition politics and pro-poor policies.

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other regional players like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) who won 22 seats with 1.82% vote share, played crucial roles in the INDIA bloc’s success.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and a key INDIA bloc leader, addressing the press on June 4, Banerjee stated, as reported by ANI, “… I am happy that the Prime Minister did not get the majority figure. He should resign immediately because he had said that this time they would cross 400 seats…” She further remarked, “…Even after causing so many atrocities, spending so much money, this arrogance of Modi ji and Amit Shah, INDIA has won and Modi has lost. They have even lost in Ayodhya…”

“This election was a battle to protect our Constitution and democratic values,” declared Rahul Gandhi, who secured victories in both Wayanad and Raebareli. Gandhi credited the triumph to the collective will of the people, asserting that the nation had rejected the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Regional shifts were prominent, with significant victories for non-BJP parties in various states. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], with 16 and 12 seats respectively, are going to play the role of kingmakers for the NDA Government, given the BJP’s need for coalition support. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), winning all its five contested seats, will also play a pivotal role in the new government.

In Kerala, the BJP’s Suresh Gopi Actor turned politician won the Thrissur constituency, marking the party’s first parliamentary seat in the state. This victory signals the BJP’s growing influence in traditionally non-BJP territories. In contrast, the defeat of prominent BJP candidates in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal highlighted the resurgence of regional parties and shifting voter alliances.

In his post-election address, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the electorate and emphasized continuity in governance. Modi thanked BJP workers for their hard work, stating it inspired him to work for the country. He praised the Election Commission for successfully conducting the elections, emphasizing the scale and efficiency of the operation, which involved 100 crore voters, 11 lakh polling stations, 1.5 crore poll officials, and 50 lakh EVMs. He highlighted the pride every Indian should feel in the election system’s credibility and efficiency.

Modi recounted the NDA government’s decisions, such as the removal of Article 370 from J&K and banking reforms, emphasizing the priority of national interest. He credited his administration with effective handling of the COVID-19 crisis and positioning India as the fastest developing economy, aiming for self-reliance.

Modi stressed the need to combat corruption, highlighting Digital India’s role in curbing it but acknowledging the challenges ahead. He vowed that the thrust of the NDA’s third term would be to end corruption.

Conclusion

The 2024 Indian General Elections underscore a dynamic and evolving political landscape. While the BJP-led NDA secures another term, the rise of the INDIA bloc and the significant performance of regional parties point to a more competitive and coalition-driven future. The need for strategic alliances and the emphasis on inclusive governance will shape the political discourse in the coming years, ensuring that India’s democracy remains vibrant and responsive to its diverse electorate.

As India moves forward, the political landscape promises to be more dynamic, with regional parties and opposition alliances playing crucial roles in shaping governance and policy. The 2024 elections have not only defined the immediate political scenario but have also set the stage for future political strategies and alignments, reinforcing the resilience and adaptability of Indian democracy.

NDA MPs Convene In Parliament For Cabinet Formation Ahead Of Swearing-In Ceremony

June 7, 2024, 12:15 pm

On Friday morning, the newly elected MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) arrived at Parliament for a meeting concerning cabinet formation prior to the swearing-in ceremony. BJP’s National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh, welcomed the new MPs at the Samvidhan Sadan. Attendees included Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Expressing his gratitude, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked, “Gratitude and congratulations to the voters of the country. NDA is forming a government for the third consecutive time.” Author-philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty shared her thoughts, saying, “I am very new to this field. I don’t know this field. Maybe after a couple of years, I can talk about it.” During the event, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath exchanged greetings with Sudha Murty.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, upon arriving at Parliament, stated, “I had already congratulated him (PM Modi) for his third term and the success of the NDA as the third term government.” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, also present at the meeting, expressed, “We were able to win only one seat in Goa. I am sad that we could not win the other seat as well.”

Earlier in the week, NDA party leaders met and elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader. PM Modi later affirmed that the NDA would work towards developing India. Sources indicate that Narendra Modi is expected to take the oath as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term on June 9, although the official date has yet to be confirmed.

The Election Commission of India announced on Tuesday that the BJP secured 240 seats, and with its allies, the total stands at 293 seats. Additionally, Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU, winning 16 and 12 seats respectively, have pledged their support to the NDA. The INDIA bloc holds 234 MPs in the new parliament, with the Congress securing 99 seats.