Tag: Narendra Modi

‘Party apparatchik’, Congress slams India’s envoy to Ireland for critical remarks

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Congress on Tuesday, April 16, took strong objection to the criticism directed at it by the Indian envoy to Ireland while responding to an Irish daily’s editorial, saying that attacking opposition parties openly in a manner like a “party apparatchik” was “disgraceful behaviour” and the ambassador should be sacked.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh hit out at Indian Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra over his remarks in his “rejoinder” to The Irish Times over what the embassy said was a “highly biased and prejudiced editorial, casting aspersion on Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Indian democracy, law enforcement institutions and ‘Hindu-majority’ people of India”.

In the rejoinder, Mishra said, “Further to ‘The Irish Times’ view on the Indian election: Modi tightens his grip” (April 11th), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys unprecedented popularity and profile not only in India but globally because of his impeccable personal character and integrity and thought-leadership on innovative, inclusive governance and sustainable development.” “…The fight against the deeply entrenched ecosystem of corruption (created by the 55-year rule, including the first 30 years, by a single dynastic party in India) is a major factor behind Mr Modi’s ever-growing popularity,” the ambassador wrote.

Hitting out at the envoy’s remarks, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Ramesh said, “Defending the Government of India is one thing and is to be expected. But to attack Opposition parties openly in this manner like a party apparatchik is not expected from an Ambassador even if he is a political appointment.”

He later said in another post, “I stand corrected. This Ambassador is actually a career diplomat which makes his comments even more shameful, disgraceful and completely unacceptable. He has actually breached service rules and should be sacked right away”.

“This is unprofessional and disgraceful behaviour on his part but is par for the Modi course I guess,” the Congress leader said.

Sharing the envoy’s rejoinder, the embassy said on X, “Ambassador Akhilesh’s rejoinder to Irish Times is highly biased and prejudiced editorial (Modi tightens his grip’ April 11, 2024), casting aspersion on Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Indian democracy, law enforcement institutions and ‘Hindu-majority’ people of India.”

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

PM Modi defends ‘400 Paar’ amid allegations of constitution amendments threatening diversity

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken out in defense of the controversial ‘400 Paar’ slogan, amidst allegations from opposition parties suggesting it could lead to changes in the Constitution and threaten diversity. In an exclusive interview with ANI on Monday, April 15, Modi addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders, stating firmly, “We worship diversity. We celebrate it.”

The Prime Minister attributed the controversy to the opposition, accusing them of attempting to homogenise the nation. “The problem lies with them (opposition) – they want to cast the country in the same mould,” Modi emphasised, countering accusations that the slogan signals intentions to amend the Constitution and abolish reservation.

“The problem lies with the opposition. They want to cast the country in the same mould. We worship diversity. We celebrate it,” says Prime Minister Modi in an interview while discussing the allegation by the opposition that ‘400 paar’ would lead to changes in the Constitution,… pic.twitter.com/sMKiMXAmQE

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) April 15, 2024

The ‘400 Paar’ slogan, coined by the BJP, has been interpreted by opposition figures as a veiled attempt to overhaul constitutional provisions, including reservation policies. Akhilesh Yadav, addressing a rally in Muzaffarnagar, warned that achieving 400 Lok Sabha seats would embolden the BJP to alter the Constitution and curtail fundamental rights.

Also read: PM Modi: ‘I have big plans for India’

Responding to these allegations, Modi challenged the opposition’s narrative, pointing to his administration’s efforts to promote linguistic diversity. “When I speak about the mother tongue, it means I am celebrating it, I am enhancing its greatness,” he remarked, highlighting initiatives to encourage education in local languages.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had previously criticised the BJP, alleging that the ‘400 Paar’ slogan was a precursor to constitutional amendments. Gehlot accused BJP leaders of manipulating facts to sway public opinion in their favor.

Also read: Lawyer seeks 6-year poll ban on PM Modi — here’s why

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lawyer seeks 6-year poll ban on PM Modi — here’s why

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A lawyer has filed a plea against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Delhi High Court for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), and sought his disqualification from contesting elections.

Referring to Modi’s poll speech in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh on April 9, the plea by Anand S. Jondhale alleged that the PM was seeking votes in the name of “god and place of worship” and “Hindu deities and Hindu place of worships as well as Sikh deities and Sikh place of worship” while campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

The plea has sought the disqualification of PM Modi from contesting any elections for a period of six years, the report added.

Jondhale argued that Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct mentioned in Compendium of Instructions Volume-III under Rules General Conduct-I(1) and (3).

The provision states that no party or candidate shall include in any activity that may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes or communities, religious or linguistic.

Meanwhile, concluding his Lok Sabha poll campaign at a rally in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Modi made a Tamil-centric pitch as he proposed to set up Thiruvalluvar centres globally, and labelled the Congress and DMK “sinners” over “ceding” Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.

Modi dubbed the DMK and Congress “anti-national” and said the entire country has now understood the “truth,” that they had given Katchatheevu to another country after “cutting it off” from Tamil Nadu.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

PM Modi: ‘I have big plans for India’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “big plans” for India if he returns to office after the Lok Sabha elections 2024, intending to shape the country into a developed nation. Modi said so during an interview with news agency ANI on Monday, April 15, where he also responded to questions on electoral bonds, Elon Musk-led Tesla’s entry into India, the misuse of central investigative agencies, and more.

“I have big plans… My decisions are not made to scare anyone or to diminish anyone. They are made for the overall development of the country,” the PM told ANI’s Smita Prakash.

PM Modi has been focusing on the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision in his recent addresses, targeting to make India a developed country in the 100th year of its Independence from British rule. The near-term goal is to make India the third-largest economy in the next five years, as stated in the BJP’s election manifesto, which was released on Sunday, April 14.

When asked about the Opposition’s charge of the lack of a ‘level playing field’ and government’s alleged influence over agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Election Commission (EC), the PM said, “Out of these, not a single law (ED, CBI filing cases) was brought by my government; on the contrary, Election Commission reforms were brought by my government… Those close to the ‘family’ were made election commissioners who later got Rajya Sabha seats and ministries… We (BJP) can’t play at that level.”

On the persisting controversy over the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for elections, PM Modi said, “In reality, they are trying to come up with a reason for their defeat. So that blame for defeat is not attributed to them directly.”

On electoral bonds, PM Narendra Modi said, “Due to electoral bonds you are getting the trail of the money. Which company gave it? How did they give it? Where did they give it? And that is why I say, when they (the Opposition) will think honestly, everyone will regret it (on the Supreme Court decision to scrap electoral bonds).”

On being asked if we can see Tesla cars, and Starlink in India, PM Modi sais, “Elon Musk is a supporter of Modi is one thing, but basically he is a supporter of India.”

Elon Musk is expected to be in India on April 21 and 22. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

BJP manifesto, the Sankalp Patra — here’s all you need to know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India, China should urgently address ‘prolonged situation’ on borders, PM Modi says

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India and China should urgently address the “prolonged situation” on their border, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in remarks published on Wednesday, in an apparent softening of tone on bilateral issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

“It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us,” Modi said in an interview with US publication Newsweek.

Ties between India and China, who share a long mountainous border, have been strained since troops of both countries clashed on their disputed Himalayan frontier, killing 24 soldiers, in 2020.

In May last year, Modi said peace on the border was essential for normal relations with China, adding that India was committed to protecting its sovereignty and dignity.

Internal security and strong foreign policy are two planks Modi has used as he campaigns for a record third term, in a general election that gets under way next week and will span nearly two months.

“For India, the relationship with China is important and significant,” Modi said, adding that peaceful relations between the two neighbours were important for the entire region and world.

India and China share a 3,800 km (2,400 mile) border – much of it poorly demarcated – over which they also fought a bloody war in 1962.

Also Read: South Korea’s prime minister and top presidential officials offer to resign after election defeat

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Election LIVE: PM Modi holds road show in Chennai, targets Rahul Gandhi for ‘Shakti’ remarks

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Lok Sabha Election LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attacked the INDIA alliance over its earlier “Shakti” remarks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said he was reminding the people on the first day of Navratri how the opposition blow has “vowed to end Shakti.” Addressing a rally in Philibhit in Uttar Pradesh in support of the party’s candidate, Jitin Prasada, PM Modi also accused the Congress of “appeasement politics.”

Meanwhile in Maharashtra, the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) on Tuesday announced its seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha polls with the Shiv Sena (UBT) getting the major chunk of 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. The Congress gave up its claim on the contentious Sangli and Bhiwandi seats, which will now be contested by the Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), respectively.

As part of the deal, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has got Jalgaon, Parbhani, Nashik, Palghar, Kalyan, Thane, Raigad, Maval, Osmanabad, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Buldhana, Hathkanangkale, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Sangli, Hingoli, Yavatmal-Washim, Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North West and Mumbai North East seats.

The Congress has got Nandurbar, Dhule, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur, Nanded, Jalna, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North, Pune, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur and Ramtek seats. The NCP (SP) will contest Baramati, Shirur, Satara, Bhiwandi, Dindori, Madha, Raver, Wardhan, Ahmednagar South and Beed seats. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state in five phases, from April 19 to May 20.

Here are the live updates from the Lok Sabha election and campaign trail

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow has fired up BJP workers in MP, say party leaders

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday has fired up workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, leaders said. The 1.2 kilometre roadshow, from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing to Adi Shankaracharya crossing in Gorakhpur locality here, saw huge crowds lining up along the route, many of them carrying placards claiming they were Modi’s family.

Tribal dancers performed at several places while the saffron-coloured vehicle carrying the PM, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and others moved as part of the roadshow between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm. Jabalpur is the main city in MP’s Mahakoshal region. The BJP has been winning from the Jabalpur Lok Sabha seat since 1996. It has fielded Ashish Dubey this time. Of the eight Assembly seats in Jabalpur, the BJP won seven and the Congress one in the 2023 polls.

Mahakoshal also has Chhindwara, the only Lok Sabha seat the BJP had failed to win in the 2023 Assembly polls. The BJP, which won 166 seats in the 230-member Assembly and relegated the Congress to a distant second with 63 seats, however, had failed to capture any of the seven seats in Chhindwara, which is considered a bastion of Congress leader Kamal Nath.

The PM began his roadshow by garlanding the statue of Rani Durgavati, the queen of the tribal Gond community, who valiantly fought the Mughals in Jabalpur and then ended her life with a knife to keep her honour intact. Jabalpur and Chhindwara will go to polls in the first phase on April 19 along with Sidhi, Shahdol (ST), Mandla (ST) and Balaghat.

Also Read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: CAA to human-animal conflict, a look at key poll issues in Kerala

“The PM’s roadshow has really fired up BJP workers,” a party leader told PTI. Incidentally, of the 31 Assembly seats in Mahakoshal, the Congress won 16 and the BJP emerged victorious on 15 in the 2023 polls. Of the 12 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes in the region, the Congress won eight and the BJP four.

In Mandla, the BJP has fielded Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste, who had lost the 2023 Assembly polls from Niwas seat. Moreover, of the six Assembly seats reserved in Mandla for STs, the Congress won four and the BJP two. Of the total eight seats in Mandla, the Congress emerged victorious on five and the BJP managed to win on three.The PM will also address a public meeting on Tuesday in Balaghat, where BJP’s Bharti Pardi is up against the Congress’ Samrat Saraswat and BSP’s Kankar Munjare.

Of the eight Assembly seats in Balaghat, the BJP and Congress had won four each in 2023.In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 28 out of the 29 seats in MP on the back of a massive Modi wave. The stellar performance came just months after the Congress managed to edge out the BJP and form government after the 2018 Assembly polls.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress names candidates for Bangaon, Uluberia, Ghatal seats in West Bengal

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

‘Just a trailer, main course still to come’: PM Modi teases more achievements ahead of 2024 polls

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Highlighting the work done by his government in the last 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it was just a trailer and a lot more is yet to come. He was addressing an election rally in Rajasthan’s Churu ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

“No matter how much has happened, whatever has happened till now is a trailer. What Modi has done so far, it was just an appetiser and the main course is still to come,” the prime minister said. “There is a lot to be done… there are a lot of dreams. We have to take the country far ahead,” he said.

Modi also attacked the Congress in his address, saying the party was known for insulting the Army and dividing the country. Referring to the law on ’triple talaq’, Modi said it has saved the lives not only of Muslim sisters but also of all Muslim families.

He further said that the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc have their own interests and have nothing to do with the welfare and respect of the poor, Dalit and underprivileged people.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Election 2024: BJP’s rising influence challenges TMC dominance in West Bengal

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw closer, all eyes are on West Bengal, a state that has emerged as a crucial battleground in Indian politics. With 42 seats at stake, the state holds immense importance in shaping the national political landscape.

In recent years, West Bengal has witnessed a dramatic shift, particularly with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) making significant inroads into what was once considered a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In the 2019 General Elections, the BJP’s impressive performance, securing 18 seats in the state, marked a watershed moment in West Bengal’s political history. This surge in BJP’s fortunes not only challenged the TMC’s dominance but also intensified the rivalry between Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, as the 2024 elections loom large, both parties are gearing up for a fierce electoral battle, with each vying to sway diverse voter demographics.

For the BJP, West Bengal represents a golden opportunity to further expand its footprint in the eastern region of India. Dilip Ghosh, former West Bengal President of the BJP, highlights the party’s growing influence, citing a steady rise in both vote share and electoral success over the years.

However, the TMC remains undeterred, brushing aside BJP’s gains as mere electoral promises that have failed to materialise.

Shashi Panja, Women & Child Development Minister of West Bengal, underscores the TMC’s commitment to governance and social welfare, emphasising Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and the implementation of various welfare schemes. The party remains confident in its ability to retain popular support, particularly among women and Muslim voters, despite facing allegations of corruption and other controversies.

As the political discourse intensifies, both parties are employing distinct strategies to appeal to voters. The BJP is banking on the persona of Prime Minister Modi, coupled with nationalist rhetoric and its agenda of Hindutva, to bolster its electoral prospects. Conversely, the TMC is emphasising its track record of governance and development, while also seeking to capitalise on the “Centre vs State” narrative to rally support.

Political analysts anticipate a continuation of the trend witnessed in 2019, with a significant section of left-leaning voters gravitating towards the BJP as a counter to the TMC, rather than a genuine ideological shift. This dynamic, they suggest, could have far-reaching implications for the outcome of the 2024 elections, potentially strengthening the BJP’s position in parliament.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow