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Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal

December 14, 2024, 2:51 pm

Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Union government over the ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal on Saturday. He suggested that the ruling government should dissolve and hold elections again. He stated, “I think there will be 2,000 pages in this report. We don’t even know what the report is. If they are in such a hurry to bring One Nation One Election, then today PM Modi is coming to Parliament. He should dissolve the government and hold elections again. It is the best time to dissolve the government when we are having a debate on the Constitution, if they are in a hurry.”

Congress Opposes the Proposal

In addition, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram expressed opposition to the proposal. He explained, “The Congress party will oppose this proposal, and many regional parties, including the DMK, oppose it as well. It is yet another attempt by the government to take away the federal structure. Having two or three state elections is very good for democracy. It gives people an opportunity to either endorse or negate political parties.”

Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament

Meanwhile, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to introduce ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024’ in the Lok Sabha on December 16. The bill seeks to hold simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Additionally, it aims to align elections in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal in December, marking a significant step forward.

Opposition Raises Concerns

On the other hand, opposition leaders have raised serious concerns about the ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal. They argue that it is impractical and undermines federalism. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, for instance, insisted that the bill should be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion. He added, “The Indian National Congress’s position was clarified last year by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. He sent a letter to former President Ram Nath Kovind’s committee on One Nation, One Election, stating that we oppose the bill.”

Cabinet’s Approval and Government’s Stand

Furthermore, on December 12, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation One Election’ bill, paving the way for its introduction in Parliament. This move has sparked a heated debate between the ruling and opposition parties. While opposition parties in the INDIA bloc oppose the proposal, BJP-led NDA alliance parties have welcomed it, arguing that it will save time and help create a unified election system across India.

The proposal, initially approved in September 2024, aims to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It also seeks to include urban body and panchayat elections within 100 days. The recommendations were made by a high-level panel chaired by former President Kovind. Overall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the decision, calling it a crucial step towards strengthening India’s democracy.

Netumbo Nandi Becomes Namibia’s First Female President

December 4, 2024, 6:42 am

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president. According to reports, the 72-year-old leader secured 57% of the vote, thereby avoiding a run-off election.

A Message of Peace and Stability

After her victory, Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the nation, stating, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.” Her win further cements the South West Africa People’s Organisation’s (SWAPO) 34-year rule. Since Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, SWAPO has remained in power.

Opposition Rejects Results

However, the election results have sparked controversy. Opposition parties immediately rejected the outcome, citing several irregularities. For instance, ballot paper shortages and extended delays forced voting to continue until Saturday. Consequently, many frustrated voters left polling stations after waiting up to 12 hours. The opposition argued that the voting extension was illegal and promised to challenge the results in court.

In addition, Panduleni Itula, the main opposition leader from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), strongly criticized the election process. He came second with 25.5% of the vote. “The rule of law has been grossly violated, and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair, and legitimate,” he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

SWAPO Faces Growing Challenges

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s win comes during a challenging time for SWAPO. Although the party has ruled Namibia for decades, dissatisfaction among voters, particularly the youth, has been rising. High unemployment rates and persistent inequality remain pressing issues.

A Legacy of Leadership

Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s career reflects her resilience and dedication. She joined Namibia’s underground independence movement in the 1970s. Later, after studying in the UK, she returned to Namibia and entered parliament in 1990. Over the years, she held several ministerial roles and played a key part in shaping the country’s policies.

Overall, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election marks a significant milestone for Namibia. Nevertheless, she faces the enormous task of addressing economic issues, bridging divides, and fostering unity among the people.

J&K: Opposition Parties Decry LG’s Power to Nominate MLAs, Threaten Legal Action

October 7, 2024, 7:59 pm

In a move that could influence the formation of the next government in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) is set to nominate five members to the Union Territory’s Legislative Assembly. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who have vowed to challenge the nominations in the Supreme Court.

Sources revealed that these five nominated members could play a pivotal role in government formation, raising concerns over fairness and democratic principles. The Congress has been vocal in its opposition, with senior leader Ravinder Sharma calling the move “an assault on democracy” and “a manipulation of the people’s mandate.”

“We strongly oppose the nomination of MLAs before government formation. This goes against the core principles of democracy and the Constitution,” Sharma declared.

NC President Farooq Abdullah also expressed outrage, stating that if the Union government allows the LG to proceed with these nominations, his party would seek justice in the Supreme Court. “The LG should refrain from getting involved in this process. It is the government’s job to make these nominations. We will fight this in court if they push through,” Abdullah said in Srinagar.

Iltija Mufti of the PDP criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to rig the election outcome. “The nomination of five members, all of whom are linked to the BJP, is nothing but brazen pre-result rigging,” Mufti wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The controversy stems from the 2023 amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which allow the LG to nominate two women members, two representatives from the Kashmiri migrant community, and one from displaced persons of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). These five members will have full voting rights, which could sway the balance of power in the 95-member assembly, where a majority now requires 48 seats.

Political analysts have drawn parallels to the Puducherry Assembly, where nominated members wield the same powers as elected ones. The Supreme Court had previously upheld a similar arrangement in Puducherry, where the Lieutenant Governor nominated members without consulting the state government, a decision that could set a precedent in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read: AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan’s Custody Extended in Rs 36 Cr Waqf Scam

With opposition parties preparing to contest the decision in court, the coming weeks could determine whether the LG’s nominations proceed as planned, or if the Supreme Court will intervene to protect what they claim is the integrity of the democratic process.

Amid Opposition demands over Manipur violence discussion Rajya Sabha faces another adjournment

July 25, 2023, 2:55 pm

The Rajya Sabha adjourned for the second time on Tuesday, with the opposition insisting on a full discussion of the Manipur violence and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on it.

The Opposition leaders reiterated their demand shortly after the House reconvene at 12 noon following the earlier recess. Even when opposition members raised shouts in favor of their demand, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar continued with Question Hour. The Chairman instructed the protesting members to keep order because Question Hour is important to the operation of Parliament.

“We will have to have zero tolerance for lack of decorum,” he said.

Dhankhar previously complained to Congress leader P Chidambaram’s “how can you do it” remarks, calling them “extreme and intemperate.” Chidambaram stated that he was referring to the Chair’s earlier remarks and meant no disrespect.

Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and P. Chidambaram requested a discussion on the Manipur matter under Rule 267, claiming that over 50 notifications had been issued.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, questioned why the administration is not prepared to debate the Manipur matter when 50 members had given notice under Rule 267 today and similar notices have been submitted for the last four days.

He also alluded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s jab at the opposition over the INDIA alliance by bringing up the East India Company while failing to address the Manipur violence in Parliament.

“So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur, but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company,” Kharge alleged.

Opposition INDIA to move no-confidence motion against government in Lok Sabha

July 25, 2023, 12:59 pm

According to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) grouping has resolved to submit a no-confidence resolution against the government in Lok Sabha.

The accusation was made after the first three days of Parliament’s ongoing monsoon session were washed out as INDIA grouping parliamentarians remained firm in their demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on the ethnic violence in Manipur.

Telugu Desam Party was one of the parties that filed a no-confidence motion against the Modi government in 2018. The administration prevailed by a vote of 325 to 126.

In 2003, the Congress-led Opposition introduced a no-confidence resolution against the administration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The motion was debated and voted on, but Vajpayee was not defeated. Only in the Lok Sabha can a no-confidence motion be introduced against the government. If a government is defeated in the vote required to decide the motion, the Prime Minister must resign.

To be clear, any such move poses no threat to the Narendra Modi government, which enjoys a solid majority in the Lower House of Parliament. Opposition leaders argued that the purpose of the motion was to force the Prime Minister to address the Manipur issue in the House.

“India decided this to have PM [Prime Minister] speak in Lok Sabha on Manipur,” a Congress leader said following a meeting of INDIA allies on Tuesday morning at the office of party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

The opposition will need the support of at least 50 Lower House legislators to issue a vote of no confidence in the Speaker. Otherwise, the notification will be dismissed in accordance with Lok Sabha rules.

There is no certainty that the Prime Minister will talk on a specific issue when responding to a no-confidence vote.

A second Congress leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the suggestion to bring a no-confidence resolution against the government was discussed as the “last weapon” to force the PM to appear at the INDIA grouping meeting on Tuesday.

Opposition parties protest outside Parliament, demands PM Modi’s statement on Manipur

July 24, 2023, 2:31 pm

On Monday, opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) MPs protested near the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex against the “government’s silence” on the ethnic violence in Manipur, reiterating their call for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a statement.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chairman, told journalists at the protest site that they were requesting both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha speakers to encourage Modi to come and make a speech on the true situation.

“The PM [Prime Minister] never comes to Parliament and instead sits in his office and listens to what is going on.” We can have a discussion if the Prime Minister makes a speech in Parliament about Manipur.”

He furthermore stated that Rule 267 of the parliamentary procedure allows discussion on such an issue for one hour or the entire day. “But they [the government] do not want that. One says, half an hour discussion and another says short duration discussion. Why you [Modi] are not coming to the House and telling the truth?”

Manickam Tagore, Manish Tewari, and Manoj Jha of the Rashtriya Janata Dal are among those who have moved adjournment motions to discuss Manipur.

On July 19, a video appeared online showing three women being stripped naked and displayed in Manipur. It sparked controversy and resulted in the cancellation of the first two days of the monsoon session last week. The INDIA alliance has maintained its stance on the Manipur discussion in Parliament.

The government declared its willingness to debate in both Houses, which was followed by a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The opposition, though, insisted on Modi’s statement.

At 10 a.m. on Monday, the INDIA alliance partners met at Kharge’s office to plan a strategy for the second week of the session before staging a sit-in at the Gandhi statue over the Manipur issue.

Derek O’Brien, Rajya Sabha floor leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), stated on Sunday that INDIA parties will work together on the floor of Parliament and its precincts.

Lists of Opposition parties attending meetings today in Bengaluru

July 18, 2023, 1:38 pm

Leaders from 26 opposition parties and 38 partners in the National Democratic Alliance are meeting in Bengaluru and New Delhi, respectively, to discuss strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The first day of the opposition meeting featured informal discussions followed by a dinner meal, but Tuesday will have formal deliberations. At the Monday night dinner meeting, all political parties were asked to offer names for the alliance, which would then be discussed and a consensus reached during the deliberations.

According to some reports, the parties are also likely to release a joint declaration and finalize a committee for the grouping’s operation, and Sonia Gandhi may be named chairperson of the new grouping. The chairperson was Sonia Gandhi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, on the other hand, is planning a great show of strength for its coalition on Tuesday, with party president JP Nadda claiming that 38 constituents of the ruling NDA have confirmed their attendance at the meeting, which will also include Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This will be the first such conference of the BJP-led NDA during Modi’s second term, underlining the party’s emphasis on highlighting its capacity to form alliances at a time when opposition parties have been convening to cement unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Lists of parties attending meetings today:

Opposition parties

1. Congress:

2. All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)

3. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

4. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

5. Janata Dal (United)

6. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)

7. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)

8. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

9. Shiv Sena (UBT)

10. Samajwadi Party (SP)

11. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)

12. Apna Dal (Kamerawadi)

13. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC)

14. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

15. Communist Party of India (Marxist)

16. Communist Party of India (CPI)

17. Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation

18. Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP)

19. All India Forward Bloc

20. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)

21. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)

22. Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK)

23. Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK)

24. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)

25. Kerala Congress (M)

26. Kerala Congress (Joseph)

PM Modi’s Stern warning signals crackdown on Fraudulent activities

June 27, 2023, 4:27 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday came down heavily on opposition party leaders, asserting that he will not “spare anyone involved in corruption” while pledging “to take every scamster to task”.

“I will take every scamster to task,” PM Modi said, without taking any names. His scathing remarks came days after an opposition party meeting in Patna earlier this month pledged to take on the BJP in the next year’s elections.
While addressing party booth workers in Madhya Pradesh where elections are due later this year, PM Modi said,” All the corrupt politicians joined their hands in Patna’s meeting. Opposition is trying to escape the anti-scam crackdown. The corrupt leaders are trying to save each other”.

Lashing out at the mega meeting held in Patna on June 23, which saw participation by leaders from over 15 Opposition parties, the PM said all corrupt leaders had joined their hands in Patna.
“The party booth workers will expose their corruption at a village level. They will let people know about their (opposition) real faces. People of this country have an awareness of what was the real agenda behind opposition leaders in getting together at a platform,” the PM said. Pressing his attack, the Prime Minister said that the term “guarantee” was in vogue these days.

“But what is the guarantee all about? The guarantee is for corruption. The guarantee is about scams worth lakhs of crores. The identity of such opposition leaders is to guarantee a scam worth Rs 20 lakh crore,” the PM said.

“I guarantee you, I will not spare any of them,” PM Modi said in his address to BJP booth-level workers in Bhopal.
“If they (the opposition) have the guarantee of scams and corruption then I also have one guarantee for all of you and it is I will not spare any of those who are involved in the corruption…,” PM Modi pledged.

The Opposition meeting in Patna was called by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who severed ties with the BJP to form an alliance with his political rival Lalu Prasad Yadav paving the way for a ‘Mahagathbandhan 2.0’ ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Taking a dig at the opposition leaders, who have been accusing PM Modi of “misusing” probe agencies for “political ends”, the PM said, “Today when action is being taken against them (Opposition), they are banding together and forming a unity,” PM Modi said.

Patna: Akhilesh Yadav to attend Opposition parties meeting on 12 June

June 2, 2023, 2:32 pm

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, will attend an Opposition party meeting on 12 June in Patna, Bihar’s capital city.

According to a Janata Dal (United) party leader, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has been holding meetings to bring together Opposition parties against the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is expected to chair the meeting. Senior opposition party leaders are expected to attend the meeting. Congress has also agreed to attend the proposed meeting of opposition parties.

“We will undoubtedly attend the June 12 meeting.” “Who will attend (from the Congress) is still being worked out,” party leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters on Thursday.

“We had appealed to advance the date of the Patna meeting which is scheduled for June 12 but the organizers are probably unable to extend it. Rahul Gandhi is out (on visit abroad) and the party president has many programmes. If they are not able to go then someone else will go. This is certain. This is not the only meeting of the Opposition. Senior leaders will also attend the next meeting,” he said further.

The Bihar chief minister has met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi in recent months. He’s also met with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Congress leads protest march of 17 Opposition parties to ED office; NCP, TMC boycott

March 15, 2023, 2:16 pm

Legislators from 17 opposition parties led by the Congress took out a protest march on Wednesday from Parliament House to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office to hand over a memorandum over the Adani issue.

Almost all opposition parties jointly participated in the foot march, which was boycotted by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs. Rashtriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Janata Dal (United), Samajwadi Party (SP), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) participated in the march.

The protest march, which took place amidst an impasse between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Opposition, continued on the third day of the second phase of budget session, with charges being traded over allegations against the Adani Group and Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in London. Heavy security was deployed both at Vijay Chowk and in front of the ED office in view of the protest march, and the marching legislators were stopped soon after they reached Vijay Chowk.

The standoff between the ruling BJP and the Congress continued for the third consecutive day, leading to the adjournment of proceedings in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha till 2 p.m. over the government’s demand for an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his democracy in India remarks in London and criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Soon after the Rajya Sabha adjourned, all MPs from these 17 parties marched towards the ED office.

Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha faced adjournment for the whole day on Monday and Tuesday too amid pandemonium as Treasury benches sought an apology for Gandhi’s remarks in London on democracy in India, and the opposition objected to the matter and demanded a probe into the Adani Group by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

In a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal raised the matter on Tuesday, pointing out that “this is the first time” a Member of Parliament used words against the democracy of India during his visit outside the country and seeking his apologies.