Categories
-Top News Politics USA

US Court blocks Texas from implementing immigration law

Opponents have called the law the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since an Arizona law more than a decade ago, portions of which were struck down by the Supreme Court. …reports Asian Lite News

The Supreme Court continued to block, for now, a Texas law that would give police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering the U.S. while the legal battle it sparked over immigration authority plays out.

A one-page order signed by Justice Samuel Alito indefinitely prevents Texas from enforcing a sweeping state immigration enforcement law that had been set to take effect this month. The language of the order strongly suggests the court will take additional action, but it is unclear when.

It marks the second time Alito has extended a pause on the law, known as Senate Bill 4, which the Justice Department has argued would step on the federal government’s immigration powers. Monday’s order extending the stay came a few minutes after a 5 p.m. deadline the court had set for itself, creating momentary confusion about the measure’s status.

Opponents have called the law the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since an Arizona law more than a decade ago, portions of which were struck down by the Supreme Court. The court battle is unfolding as immigration emerges as a key issue in the 2024 presidential race.

The office of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has said the state’s law mirrored federal law and “was adopted to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border, which hurts Texans more than anyone else.”

Arrests for illegal crossings along the southern border hit record highs in December but fell by half in January, a shift attributed to seasonal declines and heightened enforcement by the U.S. and its allies. The federal government has not yet released numbers for February.

The Biden administration sued to strike down the Texas measure in January, arguing it’s a clear violation of federal authority on immigration that would hurt international relations and create chaos in administering immigration law. Critics have also said the law could lead to civil rights violations and racial profiling.

A federal judge in Texas struck down the law in late February, but the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals quickly stayed that ruling, leading the federal government to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court in 2012 struck down key parts of an Arizona law that would have allowed police to arrest people for federal immigration violations, often referred to by opponents as the “show me your papers” bill. The divided high court found then that the impasse in Washington over immigration reform did not justify state intrusion.

The battle over the Texas immigration law is one of multiple legal disputes between Texas officials and the Biden administration over how far the state can go to patrol the Texas-Mexico border and prevent illegal border crossings.

Several Republican governors have backed Gov. Greg Abbott’s efforts, saying the federal government is not doing enough to enforce existing immigration laws.

ALSO READ: Israeli PM vows to invade Rafah

Categories
India News Politics

NDA seals Bihar deal

BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD(U) 16. LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest five seats and Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will fight one seat each…reports Asian Lite News

The ruling National Democractic Alliance has reached seat-sharing agreement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD-U 16.

The seat-sharing agreement was announced by BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Monday. He said LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest five seats and Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will fight one seat each.

“The NDA alliance will fight the polls collectively. We will put our full force on all 40 seats in the state. We will win on all the 40 seats. It is my belief,” he said.

The BJP has got one seat more than the JD-U, according to the seat arrangement.

He said the BJP will field candidates in Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Aurangabad, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, Saran, Begusarai, Nawada, Patna Sahib, Patliputra, Aara, Buxar, and Sasaram.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria and Jamui. Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on Gaya and Karakat seats respectively.

Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The polling will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4.

LJP chief thanks PM

LJP national president Chirag Paswan said on Monday that he would like to thank PM Narendra Modi for the way he gave respect to their party.

“I would like to thank PM Modi for the way he gave respect to our party. Thanks to all the friends in the NDA, the ease with which the seat-sharing has been done and the sacrifices every party has made to strengthen the alliance is commendable,” said Chirag Paswan.

Hailing PM Modi, he said that his party will work together to achieve the vision of PM Modi to win all 40 seats in the state of Bihar.

He further said, “LJP will contest in Jamui, Hajipur, Khagaria, Samastipur and Vaishali.”

Remembering his late father Ram Vilas Paswan, he said, “When my father passed away, the responsibility was on my uncle (Pashupati Kumar Paras) to hold the party and family together, and my father wherever he is today must have been sad to see that the party and the symbol that he had chosen is still under the freeze.”

Meanwhile, Bihar deputy CM Samrat Choudhary says, “Everyone will contest the elections unitedly. We have finalised the seats, and now the list of candidates will also be declared soon.”

‘CAA not to be implemented in Bihar’

Deviating from the official line of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Janata Dal (United) leader Khalid Anwar said the law, guaranteeing permanent residency to members of persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, will not be implemented in Bihar.

The remark assumes significance as the JD(U) partners with the BJP and other allies in the ruling NDA coalition in the state.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Anwar claimed that JD(U) chief and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ruled out the implementation of the CAA in Bihar.

“The CAA will not be implemented in Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already made it clear that all 13 crore residents in the state are Biharis and there is no need for the CAA, NRC (National Register of Citizens) or NPR (National Population Register) here. As long as Nitish-ji remains in power, no one needs to worry about the CAA,” Anwar told reporters at a press conference in Motihari on Sunday.

Amid the Opposition furore over the notification of rules for the implementation of the CAA last week, the JD(U) leader sought to dispel fears of loss of citizenship, saying that the law merely intended to give permanent residentship to religious minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who are living in the country as refugees, and not take away anyone’s citizenship.

“Those instilling fear among people that their citizenship will be taken away are spreading falsehoods,” he added.

Supporting his argument that there was no need for the CAA to be rolled out in Bihar, the minority leader said the previous Nitish Kumar-led government passed a resolution in the Assembly that neither the NRC nor the NPR would be implemented in the state.

“I would like to reiterate that as long as Nitish Kumar is in power, no one from Bihar, irrespective of their religion, will be deprived of their citizenship. During the previous government, we passed a resolution in the Assembly that there is no need for NPR or NRC in Bihar and such laws will not be implemented here,” Anwar said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Modi Seeks ‘100-Day Action Plan’ of New Govt

Categories
-Top News India News Politics

Rahul Gandhi Clarifies ‘Shakti’ Remark Amid BJP Backlash

Former Congress President Rahul, taking to X, posted an elaborate explanation of what he meant by taking on the ‘shakti’, which the BJP equated with the revered and venerated figure in Hinduism…reports Asian Lite News

Being at the receiving end of vociferous attacks over his ‘Shakti’ remarks, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the statement had been taken out of context.

The Congress MP blamed the “lies-manufacturing machinery” of the BJP for creating a needless controversy over his statement and also took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the latter twists his remarks if he doesn’t like them.

Further defending his remarks, MP Rahul Gandhi said that he spoke the plain truth but that left the ruling party offended and the BJP subsequently began a smear campaign against him.

Former Congress President Rahul, taking to X, posted an elaborate explanation of what he meant by taking on the ‘shakti’, which the BJP equated with the revered and venerated figure in Hinduism.

“The ‘shakti’ which we are fighting is deeply enmeshed in system, the PM is just a mask of it,” MP Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

“It is the ‘shakti (force)’ that has destroyed constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, made agencies like the CBI, ED a puppet and taken the whole constitutional set-up for a ride,” MP Rahul Gandhi explained.

“It’s because of this ‘shakti’ that poor and marginalised farmers are being driven to more pitiable situations, while big corporates are getting bank waivers of hundreds to thousands of crores,” he opined.

Lashing out at the media, the Gandhi scion said that the fourth pillar of democracy had stopped reporting facts and was saluting this ‘shakti.’

He also said that his assertions and fight against this ‘undeclared power’ is not about any religion but it is against corruption and fake narratives.

The Congress leader, found himself in the midst of a row, over his remarks at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Sunday. Addressing a large gathering on the culmination of the Congress’ Nyay Yatra, he said, “There is a word ‘shakti’ (might) in Hindi. We are fighting against the ‘shakti’ (might of the state). The question is, what is that ‘shakti’ and what does it entail for us?”

‘Shakti’ Remark Irks BJP, Congress Stands Firm

Criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Shakti’ remark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Congress and INDIA bloc has challenged the concept of ‘Shakti’ adding that every woman and Shakti worshippers in the country, will teach the opposition alliance a lesson on June 4 (counting day of Lok Sabha polls).

Rahul Gandhi earlier had said that “there is a word ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti”.

Addressing a public meeting in Shivamogga, Prime Minister Modi said, “Yesterday an announcement to destroy Shakti was made from Shivaji Park (in Mumbai). How much it must have hurt the soul of Balasaheb Thackeray. Nari Shakti ka yahi aashirvad mera sabse bada kawach hai (Blessings of Nari Shaki is my biggest security shield). No other government has given so much focus to Nari Shakti since Independence.”

He further stated that an attack on ‘Shakti’ means an attack on daughters and women in the country.

“The people of the INDI alliance want to destroy this Shakti. They hate the increasing shakti of Maa Bharti. An attack on Shakti means an attack on women, daughters, Maa Bharti. INDI alliance and Congress has challenged this Shakti, our daughters, and women of this country will give them a befitting reply on June 4,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi, in his comments made on Sunday in Maharashtra, raised concerns about the operation of EVMs to emphasize the opposition’s struggle against the might of the state.

“There is a word ‘Shakti’ (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that, Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax Department, have traded their spines to the Centre,” Rahul said in an address in Mumbai.

After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark sparked outrage, with BJP leaders criticising him for his statement, the Congress has come in support of Rahul Gandhi.

On Monday, Congress leader Pawan Khera launched an indirect attack on the ruling BJP, saying that now this country will not be run by “demonic power” but by “divine power”.

In a post on X, Khera, lashing out at the BJP, said “women were being made to run naked in Manipur, which power was keeping you silent?”

“Ten years ago, when your party was organizing morchas in favour of rapists in Kathua, Unnao, and Hathras, did you not remember the worship of Shakti? When the female wrestler was on the road and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was inside your house, which power were they worshipping? This election will be between divine power and demonic power and the victory will be of divine power,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi also appealed to the voters to wipe out Congress from Karnataka.

“In these Lok Sabha elections, wipe out Congress completely. You have to come out with this resolution on April 26 and May 7,” he said.

Taking a further dig at the Congress, PM Modi said that “the Congress is a party that will go to any extent to gain power”.

“The British have left, but the Congress has not left the British mentality of divide and rule. Congress first divided the country, divided based on caste, based on community, and divided people on the basis of religion, region and language. To gain power, Congress also divided the country, but still, Congress, with its divisive mentality, is not satisfied with this. Congress has again started playing the dangerous game of dividing the country,” he said.

Referring to Congress leader DK Suresh’s remarks on “separate country for South India”, Prime Minister Modi said, “Now they have also started speaking openly about their intention. Congress MP from Karnataka has given a statement about dividing the country once again. Instead of throwing such an MP out of the party, the Congress party is protecting him. Karnataka will never allow such politics and such conspiracies to succeed.”

However, DK Suresh later issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were just to “bring attention to the discrimination being done in the southern states by the BJP-led Centre”. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Rahul Gandhi calls for ‘combined consciousness’

Categories
India News Politics

Congress, BJP stalwarts to clash in 7 Rajasthan seats 

A third seat is that of Jodhpur where the BJP has fielded Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against the Congress’ Karan Singh Uchiarada. It is Rajput Vs Rajput here…reports Asian Lite News

As the election dates have been announced for the Lok Sabha polls, there are seven seats in Rajasthan that are being discussed animatedly as the Congress and the BJP have fielded their stalwarts here.

While the BJP has so far announced candidates for 15 seats, the Congress has fielded candidates for 10 seats. Overall, there are 25 Parliamentary constituencies in the state

The names of the remaining candidates are eagerly awaited. The BJP has called its core group committee meeting in Delhi on Monday while the Congress’ next list is also expected soon.

Amidst all these developments, the most talked about seat in the state is Churu where the BJP has fielded Paralympic Devendra Jhajharia against the Congress’ Rahul Kaswan. Kaswan is an ex-BJP MP who left the saffron party after being denied a LS ticket.

For Jhajhariya, these elections mark a fresh innings for him. Now, the seat has become a prestige issue for the BJP as well as the Congress.

Another seat is Bikaner where it is a Meghwal Vs Meghwal contest.

The BJP has again fielded Arjun Meghwal, who has been a MP for two consecutive terms, and is the Union law minister while also being a strong Dalit face of the state. The Congress has fielded Govind Meghwal, who was a cabinet minister in the Ashok Gehlot government in the state. He is counted among the big Dalit leaders of the Rajasthan Congress. This has made the fight interesting here.

A third seat is that of Jodhpur where the BJP has fielded Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against the Congress’ Karan Singh Uchiarada. It is Rajput Vs Rajput here.

The BJP has retained its trust in Shekhawat, a trusted face of the psrty’s central leadership, for the third time. Jodhpur is the home constituency of former CM Ashok Gehlot, however the Congress has fielded a Pilot loyalist Karan Singh Uchiarada against Shekhawat. Karan Singh has worked in different positions in the Congress. This contest between two Rajput leaders is being watched by the voters with keen interest.

The next seat is Chhittorgarh where BJP state president CP Joshi has been fielded against the Congress’ former state minister Udailal Anjana.

The BJP won the assembly elections under Joshi’s tenure as the state BJP chief who is the MP from Chhittorgarh as well. Being the home turf of the state BJP chief is what makes this seat crucial. Joshi’s differences with Chittorgarh MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya is an open secret now. Akya left the BJP after being denied a ticket and contested the assembly polls as an Independent and won. Since then, he has verbally attacked Joshi for playing a key role in the denial of a ticket to him. There were discussions if Akya preferred to contest the LS polls against Joshi again. However on Sunday, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma played an intermediary role and helped the two leaders to patch up, making things easy for the BJP.

The Congress has placed its bets on Udailal Anjana, who was a cabinet minister in the Gehlot government, to counter Joshi. Anjana has also been a MP from this area. So it’s a fight between a former Congress MP and BJP MP.

Another interesting fight is in Alwar where the BJP has fielded Union minister Bhupendra Yadav against Lalit Yadav

The BJP has fielded Yadav who has been a Rajya Sabha MP twice but is contesting the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. The Congress meanwhile has fielded its MLA Lalit Yadav against him. Lalit is a first-time MLA from Mundawar. Party sources said that the Congress is trying to bring in new leadership here. Former Alwar MP Karan Singh resigned from the Congress after being denied a ticket and joined the BJP. So what roles the rebels will play here is being watched closely.

Another seat which is being discussed in the political corridors is Jalore-Sirohi where the Congress has fielded former CM Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Gehlot against the BJP’s Lumbaram Chaudhary.

Vaibhav had contested the LS polls from Jodhpur in 2019 but was defeated by Shekahwat. Now he has been fielded from Jalore Sirohi and hence this seat has become a prestige point for Ashok Gehlot too, said party workers.

The BJP has denied a ticket to three-time MP Devji Patel from Jalore-Sirohi and has fielded Lumbaram Chaudhary who is contesting the LS polls for the first time.

Another seat attracting eyeballs is Udaipur where two ex-bureaucrats are locking horns.

The BJP has fielded Mannalal, a former transport officer, after cancelling the ticket of its MP Arjun Mean in Udaipur. Mannalal has served in organisations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad and has grassroots experience. The Congress has fielded former Udaipur collector Tarachand Meena. Both the candidates are outsiders.

The Congress has sprung a surprise by fielding Meena from here as his VRS will only take effect from March 20.

Tarachand is known to be the blue-eyed boy of former CM Ashok Gehlot and was directly appointed the Chittorgarh Collector. Eight months later he was appointed the Collector of Udaipur district. Now, his candidature has left everyone surprised.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan BJP vice president Narayan Pancharia claimed that there is no tough contest on these seats and the BJP will sail through smoothly on all these seats,

“Our party manifesto includes suggestions to see Bharat on top of the world charts by 2047. We are working to see a developed India and the voters are trusting us,” he said.

On the other hand state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra said, “Electoral bonds, fake promises of the BJP like reducing petrol and diesel prices in the state to the same rate as that in the neighbouring state has exposed the lies of the saffron party. Voters will teach them a lesson,” he added.

As the attacks and counter -attacks continue, the discussions on these seven seats are garnering attention in political circles while the wait continues for the remaining candidates to be announced.

ALSO READ-BJP got Rs 6,986.5 crore through poll bonds

Categories
India News Kerala Politics

Thiruvananthapuram Set for High-Stakes Battle

The BJP has fielded Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar against Congress MP Tharoor. This is the first time that Chandrasekhar has been fielded for Lok Sabha polls…reports Asian Lite New

One of the most high-profile constitituencies in this Lok Sabha election is Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Three-time MP from the constituency Shashi Tharoor of the Congress is up against Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the BJP and a strong left candidate in Pannyan Raveendran a former MP.

Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency comprises six Assembly segments: Nemom, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Parassala, Vattiyoorkav, and Kazhakkoottam. Being the state with the highest literacy rate in the country, Kerala holds 20 Lok Sabha seats.

Congress’ Shashi Tharoor believes that his work over the last 15 years in the constituency will speak for itself.

“I’ve served the people of Thiruvananthapuram for 15 years. They know me and have seen my service. It’s not as if I’ve got anything to be ashamed of in my track record. I’ve been consistently available and attended to all the major issues,” he said. “It’s always been a three-cornered fight here because I took the seat from the LDF. They had won it two times before me and then in the last two times, the BJP came second. So we have to take both candidates seriously. I’m very confident that I would prevail,” Shashi Tharoor said.

In 2019 general elections, Tharoor emerged victorious, gathering 416131 votes (41.4 per cent) of total votes, followed by BJP’s Kummanam Rajasekharan–416131 votes (31.4) and Communist Party of India’s C. Divakaran–258556 votes (25.7).

Similarly, in 2014, Shashi Tharoor emerged victorious, defeating BJP candidate O. Rajagopal.

The BJP has fielded Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar against Congress MP Tharoor. This is the first time that Chandrasekhar has been fielded for Lok Sabha polls.

He also served as a national spokesperson for the BJP.

“It is also my intention to present to them how the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Modi government can change the trajectory of Thiruvananthapuram, from nothing happening in the last 10 years to making Thiruvananthapuram a place where technology, tourism, electronics, manufacturing, research and science that Anandapuri deserves,” Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

Pannyan Raveendran, the Left Democratic Front’s Lok Sabha candidate from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, said that the main fight in the constituency is between the LDF and the Congress-led UDF.

“The main contest is between LDF and UDF. BJP is irrelevant in Thiruvananthapuram,” Pannyan Raveendran who won the constituency in 2005 told ANI.

Kerala will hold elections in a single phase on April 26. There are 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala and the BJP has never won a parliamentary seat in the state.

Earlier in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 353 seats, the UPA stood at 91, and Others won 98. (ANI)

‘BJP Will Transform Thiruvananthapuram’s Future’

Ahead of Lok Sabha elections in the country Union Minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday said that he is meeting people from all sections of the society, adding to which, he said, “I consider it my duty to meet and hear them.”

He further highlighted, “It is also my intention to present to them, how Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Modi govt can change the trajectory of Thiruvananthapuram, from nothing happening in the last 10 years to making Thiruvananthapuram a place where technology, tourism, electronics, manufacturing, research and science that Anandapuri deserves.”


He stated that the BJP and I as a candidate will consider people’s desire for change, development and progress and will work to deliver that.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the left parties in Kerala, calling them ‘incompetent’ and saying that the state has endured hardship under their governance.
Addressing the public campaign in Pathanamthitta for candidates of the BJP-led NDA, PM Modi that the people of the state will benefit only if the cycle of consecutive Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) governments is broken.
He further said both the LDF and UDF governments have turned a blind eye to the struggles of rubber farmers.
The Prime Minister also said that his party will win seats from Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The PM also lauded Anil K Antony, the BJP candidate for Pathanamthitta seat in the upcoming general elections.
It is noteworthy that Kerala will hold elections in a single phase on April 26.
There are 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala and the BJP has never won a parliamentary seat in the state. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Kalyana Karnataka may not be a cakewalk for the BJP  

Categories
India News Politics

Dimple Yadav Dismisses Aparna Yadav’s Alleged BJP Nomination

Referring to the Supreme Court’s action on electoral bonds, Dimple said: “If the Supreme Court continues to interfere in this way, then many things will fall in line which are now in disarray…reports Asian Lite News

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Monday downplayed the reports of her sister-in-law Aparna Yadav being a likely BJP candidate against her in Mainpuri constituency.

Reports of Aparna Yadav being fielded against Dimple started doing the rounds after she and her brother Aman Bisht met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath two days ago in Lucknow.

“I am not aware of what transpired at the meeting. I am in my constituency and they (Aparna) have met (CM Yogi) before also so there is nothing new in it. I know that Samajwadi Party is contesting the elections with great strength and is getting people’s support and love,” she told reporters.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s action on electoral bonds, Dimple said: “If the Supreme Court continues to interfere in this way, then many things will fall in line which are now in disarray. If the Supreme Court had not interfered in the Chandigarh mayor’s election, things would have gone how the BJP planned it. It is not right to win the election in such a wrong way.

Asked about the JD-U response to the Election Commission regarding the electoral bonds that an envelope was left in our office and when it was opened, bonds worth Rs 10 crores were found in it, Dimple Yadav said: “This is a matter that concerns JD-U and the truth should come out regarding the electoral bond, be it the BJP government or any party which has taken donations. The question arises as to who came up with the system of electoral bond first?”

Replying to a question on Rahul Gandhi’s concern over EVMs, she said: “There is a lot of confusion among the people regarding EVMs. Many people have said that in the last elections, we had voted for this party but our vote has not come out, so there should be some kind of clarity even if the EVMs are correct. The village people want it, the city people want it, they want the elections to be done through ballot paper, everywhere the elections are being done through ballot paper only. There is a feeling of doubt in the minds of the people.”

ALSO READ-BJP’s OBC Strategy Reshapes UP Politics

Categories
India News Politics

Actor, Scholar, and Young Turk Clash in Triangular Battle

In 2019, Trinamool Congress replaced Bose and fielded actress-turned-politician Mimi Chakraborty…reports Asian Lite News

The middle-class dominated Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency will witness a triangular contest between an actor, scholar and a Young Turk during the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Political stalwarts like the former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee and the incumbent West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have both been elected as MPs from the Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat in the past.

Since 2009, Trinamool Congress has been comfortably winning this constituency but every time the party had to choose a different candidate. The party has now fielded actress-turned-politician Saayoni Ghosh.

In 2009, the party candidate singer-turned-politician Kabir Suman got elected with a thumping majority only to be replaced by historian Sugata Bose in 2014 general elections, who is the grandnephew of Subhash Chandra Bose.

In 2019, Trinamool Congress replaced Bose and fielded actress-turned-politician Mimi Chakraborty.

For 2024, Mimi declined re-nomination, and Trinamool fielded Saayoni Ghosh.

The two common complaints against both Kabir Suman and Mimi Chakraborty were their rare availability within the constituency to address the grievances of the common voters and negligible participation in Parliamentary debates.

The question remains whether Ghosh will be different from her predecessors or will continue to face the same complaints from voters and critics.

Ghosh has said that she realises the responsibility of an MP which is much beyond making trips to the national capital at the cost of public exchequer. She also said that she is aware of the importance of being present at the Parliament and highlighting the public issues.

The other challenges for her are the strong candidates fielded by both BJP and CPI(M).

BJP has fielded scholar-turned-politician and author Anirban Ganguly. Earlier, he unsuccessfully contested from Bolpur assembly constituency in Birbhum district in the 2021 assembly polls. However, despite being defeated, Ganguly was able to improve the vote share of BJP to almost 41 per cent, from a paltry 9.46 per cent in the 2016 assembly polls.

“The previous Trinamool Congress MPs from Jadavpur forgot the people of the constituency after getting elected. So I am appealing to voters to select any candidate this time who will be with them round the year after getting elected and also highlight their grievances in the Parliament,” Ganguly said.

Equally strong is the CP(M)’s Young Turk and former state president of the party’s student wing SFI, Srijan Bhattacharya. An academically bright alumnus of the iconic Jadavpur University, Bhattacharya’s links with Jadavpur constituencies since his days of student politics had been quite in-depth.

“Jadavpur, being thoroughly middle-class dominated with a sizable population of people coming from erstwhile East Bengal after partition had been traditionally left-inclined for a long time. My only target is to revive that ‘Red Fort’ and I will leave no stone unturned for that. An ideal MP from Jadavpur should have a thorough knowledge of the aspirations of the voters of the constituency.

ALSO READ-Two former Cong ministers join BJP in Rajasthan

Categories
India News Politics

Stage set for big Anantnag-Rajouri LS seat battle

The ‘Nazrana’ (Devotional offerings) offered at the Wangat shrine includes cash, cattle, sheep and goats whose value runs into crores of Rupees each year. The devotees come to the ‘Peer’ every year at Wangat…reports Asian Lite News

As the battlelines start becoming clear in the five Lok Sabha seats in J&K, the most interesting to watch is going to be the south Kashmir Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.

This is the only Lok Sabha constituency in J&K that is spread over both the Jammu division and Kashmir with the most diverse mix of communities and voter affinities.

The constituency includes the two districts of Kashmir, including Anantnag and Kulgam, and two districts in Jammu division, including Rajouri and Poonch. The voter mix is as diverse as the topography of the constituency.

Spread over the plains of Anantnag district known as the rice bowl of Kashmir to the limits of the Valley’s mountains in Pahalgam hill station, Kokernag, mountainous terrain of Kulgam and the rugged, tough and challenging borderlines of Poonch and Rajouri districts, the constituency is running close to the Line of Control (LoC).

The constituency has a varied class of voters, including the Kashmiri speaking Muslims of Anantnag and Kulgam with influential Gujjari speaking Muslims of Pahalgam, higher reaches of Kokernag right up to Daksum and the foothills of Kulgam district.

The two districts of Rajouri and Poonch with a very large number of Gujjar and Pahari communities will finally decide the winner and loser in this constituency.

The reach and popularity of the fighting candidates is undoubtedly not going to be universal in this varied mixture of voters and communities.

There is hardly a single leader of any political party that can safely be picked up as the winner in this constituency despite the influence of the National Conference (NC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Each of these parties has an appreciable presence in this constituency, but none with such a presence that would make victory a foregone conclusion.

It is under this background that the NC has decided to put forth its most powerful Gujjar/Bakarwal leader, Mian Altaf Ahmed into the arena.

Mian Altaf Ahmed is not just the political leader of the Gujjar/Bakarwal communities in the four districts of this constituency, he is also the most respected religious leader of this community.

For the last four generations, spread over Mian Altaf’s great grandfather down to his father, late Mian Bashir Ahmad, reverently called the ‘Baba Sahib’ (The great father), Mian Altaf sits on a legacy of lethal power against his opponents. Each year on the annual Urs at his ancestral seat in Wangat village of north Kashmir Ganderbal district, thousands of Gujjars/Bakarwals from every nook and corner of Poonch and Rajouri districts and other parts of the UT converge to pay obeisance at the shrine.

The ‘Nazrana’ (Devotional offerings) offered at the Wangat shrine includes cash, cattle, sheep and goats whose value runs into crores of Rupees each year. The devotees come to the ‘Peer’ every year at Wangat.

Very cleverly, the NC has decided to send Mount to Moses by fielding Mian Altaf Ahmed. Instead of Moses coming to the Mount as do the Gujjars/Bakarwals in thousands each year to Wangat shrine. The party is definite to announce Mian Altaf’s candidature for the constituency any time soon.

Sources close to Mian Altaf told IANS that his consent has already been sought and after the request was made to him by both Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, the Mian had no option other than consent.

With the NC fielding Mian Altaf Ahmed, the BJP is now seriously considering the choice of his opponent. One big advantage the BJP has in Poonch and Rajouri districts is the recent announcement of ST status for the Pahari community.

Statistics show that the Pahari community has over three lakh voters in these two districts. The Paharis are committed to vote for the BJP as their 70-year long demand was fulfilled by the BJP government at the centre.

Among Gujjars and Hindus living in these two districts of Poonch and Rajouri, the BJP also has supporters whose votes would definitely favour the BJP candidate.

Given the fact that any reconciliation between the NC and the PDP is now out of the question, Kashmiri speaking Muslim voters in Anantnag and Kulgam would surely cut into each other in this constituency as the PDP is likely fielding a powerful candidate to avenge its disgrace by the NC.

The NC dumped the PAGD without even asking the PDP chief, Mehbooba Mufti. Sources close to her indicate that despite maintaining a low outward resistance, Mehbooba Mufti will not take the left-handed compliment of NC sitting down.

Ghulam Nabi Azad does not have any formidable presence in this constituency, but together with the Congress, Azad can play the spoilsport for the PDP and the NC.

Given these permutations and combinations, much will now depend on who the BJP chooses to field in this constituency.

The ‘Battle Royale’ is decidedly going to be between NC’s Mian Altaf Ahmad and the BJP.

With the scale heavily loaded in favour of the senior Gujjar/Bakarwal leader, the BJP will have to field a formidable stalwart to take the legal mixture of politics and religion represented by the Mian head on.

In a nutshell, the most interesting electoral battle in J&K is going to be fought in the south Kashmir Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency.

ALSO READ-Rajasthan’s political parties explore new equations  

Categories
India News Politics

Eshwarappa Snubs PM’s Rally Amid Ticket Dispute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to arrive in Shivamogga city, the home district of former Chief Minister and BJP Central Election Committee member, BS Yediyurappa…reports Asian Lite News

Senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa, embroiled in a dispute over the denial of a ticket to his son for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Haveri, chose to skip Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in an apparent snub to the party. The 75-year-old former Deputy Chief Minister, who declined the invitation to attend the event, was observed visiting religious institutions associated with various communities instead.

Eshwarappa, adamant in his decision, has declared his intention to contest independently from Shimoga (Shivamogga) in the forthcoming polls. He squarely blames veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa and his son, B Y Vijayendra, the state BJP President, for the refusal of a ticket to his son, K E Kantesh.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to arrive in Shivamogga city, the home district of former Chief Minister and BJP Central Election Committee member, BS Yediyurappa. His planned rally, expected to draw a crowd of approximately 2.5 lakh people, aims to bolster support for the NDA ahead of the elections.

PM Modi, announcing his itinerary on social media, expressed enthusiasm for the fervor evident in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in favor of the NDA. Scheduled to arrive in Shivamogga by 1:30 p.m., he will lead a roadshow before addressing the assembled gathering at the Allama Prabhu ground. Party workers and constituents from Shivamogga, Davanagere, Chitradurga, and Udupi-Chikmagalur constituencies are expected to attend the rally.

ALSO READ-Modi Seeks ‘100-Day Action Plan’ of New Govt

Categories
India News Politics

Cong workers holds protest demanding ticket for youth president

Congress announced names for seven seats in Karnataka, including DK Suresh contesting from Bangalore Rural…reports Asian Lite News

Youth Congress workers on Monday held a protest in front of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office in Bengaluru demanding a ticket for Mohammed Nalapad from Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha Constituency.

Nalapad is the Youth Congress President in Karnataka.

Notably, Congress this month released its first list of 39 candidates for Lok Sabha elections.

Of the total 39 candidates announced, 16 were from Kerala, seven from Karnataka and six from Chhattisgarh, four from Telangana. Two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Lakshwadeep.

Also, Congress announced names for seven seats in Karnataka, including DK Suresh contesting from Bangalore Rural.

Meanwhile, after the announcement of the Lok Sabha poll schedule, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party chief BY Vijayendra lauched a scathing attack on Congress and said that the mood across the state is in the favour of the BJP.

“Congress party despite being power in the state, they aren’t able to find candidates in any Lok Sabha constituencies. They’re trying hard to convince their minister to contest the elections but fortunately, the mood across the state is in the favour of the BJP and PM Modi…” said Karnataka BJP chief.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was afraid of the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as he started his campaign for Lok Sabha elections from Kharge’s home district Kalaburagi.

He said that the party is sure to win 20 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka including Kalaburagi.

“PM Modi is afraid of the leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Hence he started his election campaign from Karnataka, especially Kalaburagi. Congress will win 20 seats in Karnataka including Kalaburagi parliamentary constituency,” Shivakumar told ANI.

Karnataka has 28 Lok Sabha seats. In 2019, BJP won 25 seats with a vote share of 51.7 per cent while Congress won one seat with a 32.1 per cent vote share. On the other hand, JD(S) too got one seat and South Indian actress Sumalatha Ambareesh and independent MP won the Mandya constituency in Karnataka with the support of the BJP. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Congress-SP Partnership Hopes to Turn Tide in UP