This formula, if implemented, could lead to renegotiations within the alliance, potentially unsettling the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, which has traditionally been the dominant partner in the state…reports Asian Lite News
Congress’s national secretary and Bihar in-charge Shahnawaz Alam said on Monday that there are no big or small players in the INDIA Bloc.
“We must reinforce the ideological foundation of the coalition, rather than a hierarchy of power. Congress workers should not view themselves as subordinate to other alliance partners. Any decisions within the alliance would incorporate the input of Congress workers,” he said.
He said that the distribution of seats should be based on the strike rate—a metric reflecting the performance of parties in recent elections, particularly the Lok Sabha polls.
This formula, if implemented, could lead to renegotiations within the alliance, potentially unsettling the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, which has traditionally been the dominant partner in the state.
The Congress’s proposition to base seat-sharing for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections on the strike rate from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has introduced a significant challenge for the RJD.
RJD contested 23 seats and won four, yielding a strike rate of 17 per cent. Congress contested nine seats and won three, achieving a strike rate of 33 per cent.
CPI (ML), with the highest strike rate, contested three seats and won two, marking 67 per cent success.
The RJD, traditionally the dominant player in Bihar’s Mahagathbandhan, finds itself with the weakest strike rate. If Congress’s formula is accepted, RJD would lose a significant portion of its negotiating power in seat-sharing arrangements. This could disrupt the established hierarchy within the alliance, wherein RJD has historically been the “big brother.”
Home Minister pointed out that the Kerala government has submitted its memo with an estimate of Rs 2,219.03 crore for recovery and reconstruction only on November 13…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over delaying the special package to the state for the rehabilitation of the Wayanad landslide victims.
“This is the worst ever tragedy that the state witnessed but the Centre is trying to run away from doing its job. Home Minister Shah said it’s because of Kerala’s delayed response that funds have not been released so far. But all their (Centre) allegation against the state are baseless,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that this is not the first time Home Minister Amit Shah has handled any situation like the Wayanad.
“First, Amit Shah spoke about a nonexistent weather report in the Parliament. But there was no such warning given to us by the Central government. His recent statement again in the Parliament must be seen in the same manner,” the Chief Minister said.
Earlier, the Home Minister pointed out that the Kerala government has submitted its memo with an estimate of Rs 2,219.03 crore for recovery and reconstruction only on November 13.
Amit Shah also pointed out that the Centre released the first instalment of Rs 145.60 crore on July 31, and the second instalment of Rs 145.60 crore on October 1.
“Besides adequate funds of Rs 782.99 crore are available in the State’s SDRF account for relief operations, including the balance of Rs 394.99 crore,” the Home Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that during PM Modi’s visit to the state, the state official gave a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister.
“On August 17, we submitted a memorandum. It’s been more than three months since we submitted the memorandum. During this same time, the Centre extended help to other states but not to Kerala. We submitted another detailed report on November 13th,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that Tripura, Telangana Uttarakhand, and Bihar all got Central assistance, adding that the Centre is not treating Kerala fairly.
The Chief Minister said that Kerala should be treated fairly like other states, adding that in the last few years, Kerala has not been treated fairly by the Union government.
“Our state was also treated differently even during the 108 floods. We are not against other states getting support, but we also should be given our fair share,” the Chief Minister said.
To ensure broad support, the government plans to build consensus on the bill, possibly referring it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions…reports Asian Lite News
The Narendra Modi government is moving forward with its “One Nation, One Election” initiative and is preparing to introduce a bill in the Parliament during the current session, sources told.
The Cabinet has already approved the Ram Nath Kovind Committee’s report on the proposal, which advocates simultaneous elections across the country.
To ensure broad support, the government plans to build consensus on the bill, possibly referring it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed discussions. This exercise will pave the way for including opinions from all political parties which will be sending their representatives. Moreover, this will also facilitate other stakeholders, including state Assembly speakers and intellectuals, to share their views. Opinions of the public may also be sought.
At the same time, however, the implementation of the One Nation, One Election system is also likely to be challenging without a decisive and convincing consensus. The implementation of this plan would require amending the Constitution and for this, at least six bills need to be passed. This will also require a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Needless to say, the ruling NDA coalition holds a simple majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. However, obtaining the necessary two-thirds majority will be an uphill task.
According to the arguments put forward by the government, the simultaneous elections would save time, money, and resources, and prevent the obstacles that are caused by the Model Code of Conduct repeatedly due to one election or the other. The MCC also halts development work during election periods.
The Opposition at the same time has faulted the proposal, saying that this plan will face logistical challenges. Managing multiple elections will be challenging, says the opposition. The parties in opposition have also called the idea “undemocratic and unconstitutional”.
Meanwhile, the Committee, headed by former President Kovind, suggested that bipartisan support is crucial for the success of “One Nation, One Election”. It also recommended that the plan can be implemented only after 2029.
The committee also stressed the need for wider consultations and public engagement to address concerns so as to ensure the idea is viable in the long term. This, however, indicates the complexity of this ambitious electoral reform.
Nadda emphasised that Congress was aligning itself with those elements whose actions were undermining India’s democratic institutions…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will respond to the debate on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, December 14, sources said. According to the sources, Home Minister Amit Shah will initiate the debate in the Rajya Sabha on December 16.
Meanwhile, both houses of the parliament – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha- have been adjourned till Tuesday during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament which is currently in its third week of functioning. The adjournments came after disruptions in the proceedings, with opposition parties demanding a discussion on various issues of national importance. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House JP Nadda accused the Congress party of becoming a “tool” of forces attempting to create instability in the country.
Nadda emphasised that Congress was aligning itself with those elements whose actions were undermining India’s democratic institutions. He called for a structured debate on these matters to clear the air.Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly refuted Nadda’s allegations.
Kharge rejected the claims that Congress was playing a disruptive role in Indian politics. He argued that the Congress party remained committed to upholding democratic values and that the BJP was using such accusations as a diversion from pressing issues affecting the country. The exchanges between the two leaders have intensified the ongoing political drama in Parliament, with both parties seemingly at odds over the direction of national discourse. On the twelfth day of the ongoing Winter Session, opposition MPs, including Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi staged a protest at the Parliament premises over the Adani matter.
Rahul Gandhi joined Opposition MPs in their protest over the Adani matter. However, members of the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party did not participate in the protest. The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20. (ANI)
He has served as a Governor before and has expressed concern about farmers’ issues. But it is unclear why today he was compelled not to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak,” Jairam Ramesh added…reports Asian Lite News
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday attacked the government over ruckus in Rajya Sabha on Monday and alleged that it does not want the House to function.
He also alleged that the Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed to speak while Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda got a “a number of chances to speak”.
He said the opposition wants the House to run and raise various issues. Speaking to ANI, Jairam Ramesh also said that several BJP MPs were selectively called upon to speak by the Chairman. “What we witnessed in the Rajya Sabha today was surprising and unfortunate. The chairman is like an umpire and is neutral but today the Leader of the Opposition as not get an opportunity to speak. The leader of the House was got multiple chances and specific BJP MPs were given chances to speak,” he said. “We hold the chairman in high regard. He has served as a Governor before and has expressed concern about farmers’ issues. But it is unclear why today he was compelled not to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak,” Jairam Ramesh added.
The Congress MP emphasized that they will continue raising issues and submitting notices, whether the government accepts them or not. “Whether it’s about Adani, Manipur, or the farmers’ concerns, there should be debates, and bills should be passed. Our promise of constructive cooperation remains firm even today. However, in recent days, it has become evident that the government does not want the House to function,” he said. “Running the House is primarily the government’s responsibility. The opposition also has its duties, and we are not shying away from them. I have a question in my mind whether these people will allow discussion on the Constitution in Lok Sabha on December 13, 14 and in Rajya Sabha on December 16, 17,” he added. (ANI)
Alina Habba, 40, defended Trump earlier this year, also serving as his legal spokesperson…reports Asian Lite News
President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he is appointing one of his defense attorneys in the New York hush money case as counselor to the president.
Alina Habba, 40, defended Trump earlier this year, also serving as his legal spokesperson. Habba has been spending time with the president-elect since the election at his Florida club Mar-a-Lago.
“She has been unwavering in her loyalty and unmatched in her resolve — standing with me through numerous ‘trials,’ battles and countless days in Court,” Trump posted on his social network Truth Social. “Few understand the Weaponization of the ‘Injustice’ System better than Alina.”
Trump became the first former American president to be convicted of felony crimes when a New York jury in May found him guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex.
In Trump’s first term, the position of counselor was held by Republican strategist Kellyanne Conway. Habba has Iraqi ancestry and is Chaldean, which is Iraq’s largest Christian denomination and one of the Catholic Church’s Eastern rites.
Habba frequently accompanied Trump on the campaign trail and was one of the speakers at the late October rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden.
On Sunday, Trump also announced he is bringing back former staffer Michael Anton to serve as director of policy planning at the State Department. Anton served as the National Security Council spokesman from 2017 to 2018.
Trump said he also will be appointing Michael Needham, a former chief of staff for Sen. Marco Rubio, as counselor of the State Department. The Florida senator was chosen by Trump to be his next secretary of state.
The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time…reports Asian Lite News
Voters dejected by the presidential election results need to find a way to give back and remain involved, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Clinton presidential library.
The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time. The two spoke about a month after former President Donald Trump’s win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election.
“We’re just passing through, and we all need to just calm down and do something that builds people up instead of tears them down,” Bill Clinton said.
Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election, said she understands the next couple of years are going to be challenging for voters who don’t agree with the decisions being made.
“In addition to staying involved and staying aware, it’s important to find something that makes you feel good about the day because if you’re in a constant state of agitation about our political situation, it is really going to shorten your life,” she said.
The Clintons spoke during a panel discussion with journalist Laura Ling, who the former president helped free in 2009 when she was detained in North Korea with another journalist. The event was held as part of a weekend of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library’s opening in Little Rock. The library is preparing to undergo an update of its exhibits and an expansion that will include Hillary Clinton’s personal archives.
Hillary Clinton said part of the goal is to modernize the facility and expand it to make it a more open, inviting place for people for convene and make connections.
When asked about advice he would give for people disappointed by the election results, Bill Clinton said people need to continue working toward bringing people together and improving others’ lives.
“If that’s the way you keep score, then you ought to be trying to run up the score,” he said. “Not lamenting the fact that somebody else is winning a different game because they keep score a different way.”
“And in addition, figure out what we can do to win again,” Hillary Clinton added, eliciting cheers.
The program featured a panel discussion with cast members of the hit NBC show “The West Wing” and former Clinton White House staffers.
The weekend amounted to a reunion of former Clinton White House staffers, supporters and close friends, including former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and adviser James Carville.
McAuliffe said he and Carville ate Friday at Doe’s Eat Place, a downtown restaurant that was popular with Clinton aides and reporters during Clinton’s 1992 White House run. He said he viewed the library and its planned expansion as important for the future.
“This is not only about the past, but it’s more importantly about the future,” McAuliffe said. “We just went through a very tough election, and people are all saying we’ve got to get back to the Clinton model.”
Action was taken against Bhanot after a website 5 Pillars raised complaints about tweets to the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Charity Commission…reports Asian Lite News
Two British-Indian Tory (Conservative) peers Rami Ranger and Hindu Council UK managing trustee Anil Bhanot were stripped of their honours by the King. Ranger was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while Bhanot received the Officer of the Order (OBE).
According to an official notice published in the London Gazette, “THE KING has directed that the appointment of Raminder Singh, Baron RANGER to be a Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated December 31, 2015, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.” The same order was issued for Bhanot who was appointed as OBE on June 12, 2010.
Action was taken against Bhanot after a website 5 Pillars raised complaints about tweets to the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Charity Commission. He allegedly tweeted ‘Islamophobic’ tweets where he was condemning violence against Bangladeshi Hindus in 2021.
Meanwhile, Ranger lost his honour after complaints filed by the organization Sikhs for Justice which is banned in India. He was also accused of harassing and bullying an Indian-origin journalist Poonam Joshi on social media.
Ranger and Bhanot criticised the revocation of their honours, calling it an attack on freedom of expression. Bhanot was initially awarded the OBE for his contributions to community cohesion.
He stated that when the committee contacted him in January, he hoped the issue would be resolved, but that did not happen.
Lord Ranger said he was devastated to have been stripped of the honour and would explore various legal avenues to challenge the ‘unjust’ decision, according to BBC.
A spokesperson for Lord Ranger reportedly said the peer did not commit any crime or broke any law. They also added that many who have their awards revoked this way were associated with serious crimes.
The spokesperson also called the move a ‘sad indictment’ of the honour system, and that it was curtailing ‘basic fundamental rights of free speech and thought process,” according to reports.
“The King has directed that the appointment of Raminder Singh, Baron Ranger to be a Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated December 31, 2015, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order,” reads the official public notice in ‘The London Gazette’.
The revocation orders came reportedly after a review of the forfeiture committee. The committee examines cases of individuals with honours, whose action might ruin the reputation of the honorary system. The forfeiture committee’s recommendations were then conveyed to King Charles III through Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Both Ranger and Bhanot have criticised the move terming it an “attack on free speech”.
Ranger, who has openly criticised the Khalistan movement, in a statement to the media following the revocation said, “Today I lost my CBE for standing up against Khalistanis who wish to break up India and the BBC for producing a two-part documentary with the help of anti-Prime Minister Modi guests to imply that the PM was involved in the Gujarat riots some 20 years after the riots and for which PM Modi was exonerated by the highest court in India”.
He also mentioned that he has plans to take this up legally, seek a judicial review and added that he would be appealing against the decision with the European Court of Human Rights.
Lord Ranger Blames Khalistanis, Anti-Modi Forums for CBE Loss
Lord Rami Ranger, who recently had his Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honor revoked following an investigation into social media posts and allegations of bullying and harassment of a journalist, has blamed separatist Khalistani groups and anti-Modi forums for the decision.
“Today I lost my CBE for standing up against Khalistanis who wish to break up India and the BBC for producing a two-part documentary with anti-Modi guests, aiming to imply that the Indian Prime Minister was involved in the Gujarat riots 20 years ago—a claim for which Mr. Modi was exonerated by India’s highest court,” Lord Ranger said in a statement.
He criticized the actions of the Forfeiture Committee, claiming they undermined British democracy and the rule of law. “The committee’s decision has serious implications for all upstanding citizens, suggesting that they risk losing their honors if they speak their minds or challenge those who wish to harm us and our country.”
Lord Ranger has announced his intention to challenge the decision. He plans to seek a judicial review and appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that the committee’s decision infringed upon his fundamental right to freedom of speech.
“I am now pursuing a judicial review and will take my case to the European Court of Human Rights, as the Forfeiture Committee has violated my basic rights to freedom of expression,” he asserted.
Senior RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said he has no objection to any senior leader of the INDIA bloc, including Mamata Banerjee…reports Asian Lite News
Days after Trinamul supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was ready to head the INDIA bloc, to prominent leaders of the Opposition grouping appeared to say that they had no objections to the proposal.
Senior RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said he has no objection to any senior leader of the INDIA bloc, including Mamata Banerjee, leading the coalition, but stressed that the decision must be reached through consensus. Also Read – BJP Slams Congress for Soros Links Amid Adani Debate Advertisement “INDIA bloc hasn’t thought on this matter and there has to be a discussion involving all stakeholders,” he said in Kolkata.
“We have no issue with Mamata Banerjee leading the bloc, but keeping in mind there are so many senior politicians in the the anti-BJP coalition, there’s a need to sit together and take a collective decision on choosing a leader,” he said. In Mumbai, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar supported Mamata Banerjee’s statement, telling reporters in Kolhapur on Saturday that the Trinamul chief was a capable leader and has the right to show her intent to head the opposition alliance.
“The MPs she has sent to Parliament are hardworking and aware.” Also Read – Rajahmundry: Ex-MLA Varma Challenges YSRC for open debate on KSEZ Meanwhile, the Trinamul Congress raised the pitch with party MP Kirti Azad saying Mamata Banerjee was the “most suitable” for the job as she was the only leader who had repeatedly defeated the BJP. In an interview to a news channel on Friday, Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the INDIA bloc and indicated her readiness to take charge of the alliance if given an opportunity.
She said she could manage the dual responsibility of running the opposition front while continuing her role as Chief Minister of West Bengal. Her statement comes at a time when voices of discontent have emerged within the opposition INDIA bloc following the recent electoral setbacks for the Congress, including in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra. “Senior leaders, including the seniormost Sharad Pawar ji, have also said Mamata Banerjee should be made the leader of the INDIA bloc, “ Azad said.
“There is a need for change. Mamata Banerjee is the only leader who has repeatedly defeated the BJP and Modi ji, and in the recent byelections in West Bengal, BJP was thrown out of Bengal.”
“She has a lot of experience, she herself said she has created the INDIA bloc, and she has said that she is ready to lead the bloc if she gets an opportunity. She has been an MP, Union minister, and since 2011 the Chief Minister of West Bengal,” Azad said.
“It is time to make Mamata Banerjee leader of the INDIA bloc. With her experience she is the most suitable for this job,” he added.
