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Modi’s Bhutan Visit Cements Lasting Bond

The age-old ties between India and Bhutan received a significant boost following Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Thimphu, writes Srikanth Kondapalli…reports Asian Lite news

Prime Minister Narendra D. Modi concluded a two-day visit to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan on March 23. The age-old ties were renewed with the visit and several firsts were made.


Even though a model code of conduct has commenced with the General Elections plan announced and political campaigning across the country is picking up, the Prime Minister thought it wise to visit and renew ties with Bhutan, despite also the fact that the two Prime Ministers met at Delhi a week ago.


PM Modi was conferred with the highest civilian award of “Order of the Druk Gyalpo” thus Bhutan sent a message of its close relations with India. Also, not only the PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay received PM Modi at the Paro airport but he and the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck saw him off after the successful visit.


Bhutan also sent warm signals by mobilising people to greet PM Modi all along the 45 kilometer stretch from Paro airport to the capital Thimphu. The visit also comes after postponing the original schedule due to heavy rains in Bhutan.


Significance of visit


However, apart from these symbolic gestures, more substantive outcomes of the visit are seen at the bilateral and regional levels. First is to affirm the close ties between the two countries. PM Modi assured his hosts that “India will always be a reliable friend and partner for Bhutan”.


This is in line with the traditional amity and cooperation between the two countries since the India-Bhutan Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship of 1949, that was amended as Treaty of Friendship Treaty in 2007, and the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1968.


India had nudged Bhutan to join the United Nations and the World Bank and was happy to see Bhutan’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries last year and also pledged assistance in its quest to become a high-income nation by 2034.


Secondly, seven agreements were signed during the visit, including thousands of crore rupees extended to Bhutan as aid. India pledged over 5,000 crores to Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan and plans to double this amount for the next 13th Five Year Plan.


Massive infrastructure projects are to be constructed as a part of this cooperation including the completed 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydro-electric Project and soon to be completed 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project. There is also the connectivity between Bhutan and Assam and West Bengal through two rail projects linking Banarhat (in West Bengal) with Samtse (in Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (in Assam) with Gelephu (in Bhutan).


In addition, India extended 1500 crores for skill development. Also, during PM Modi’s visit the state-of-the-art 141 crore worth Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital was inaugurated. India is also planning space cooperation, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and STEM education with Bhutan.


Thirdly, and most significantly, at the regional level, is to keep China at bay. In recent years, China has been exerting pounding pressure in South Asia as with the other regions of the world in its quest for global and regional hegemony. Successive governments in China since the 19th century have laid claims to Bhutanese territory.


China’s expansionist design


In recent times, China’s voracious territorial claims across its neighborhood and beyond are expanding rapidly. Despite its package deal of 1996, treaty to maintain peace and tranquility with Bhutan in 1998 and the 2012 three-step road map to resolve the territorial dispute, China has not only been extending its territorial claims over Bhutan but actually grabbing land.


In June 2020, China laid claim to 650 sq.km of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan’s eastern district of Trashigang and began road construction.


In 2017, China began constructing a road through Bhutanese claimed land in Doklam plateau leading India to protect Bhutanese interests in the 72-day military standoff with Chinese military forces.


Today, China is building semi military “well-off society villages” in the neighbourhood of India, Bhutan, Nepal and other countries. For instance, at Pangda village China built 28 houses which are about two and half kilometers inside Bhutan.


Similar construction activities by China are seen at Gyalaphug (Doklam Plateau 2015), Menchuma, Dermalumg, Mabjathang, Sedewo and other villages on Bhutan borders. China intends to use these to support Chinese military outposts or to facilitate the migration of Chinese citizens into Bhutanese territory in future. This has unnerved Bhutan.


Conclusion


For India as well China’s Belt and Road Initiative “debt diplomacy” in South Asia is creating financial and strategic challenges.


Sri Lankan economic meltdown two years ago necessitated India providing $4 billion in aid. Nepal, Maldives and Pakistan are also becoming basket cases and heavily in debt to China.


India also has to consider the nascent but motivated “India out” campaign in Maldives, Bangladesh and other countries.


Keeping these trends in mind, the joint statement of India and Bhutan highlighted the “exceptional neighbourly ties” between the two countries and mentioned: “We express satisfaction with the cooperation between our two countries related to our mutual security. We agree to continue with our close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues relating to our national interests”. PM Modi’s visit then reiterated the “Neighbourhood First Policy.”


(The writer is Professor in Chinese Studies at JNU; views expressed here are his own) – India News Network

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Scared dictator wants to create dead democracy, says Rahul

Invoking the BJP’s slogan of ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ (beyond 400 seats this time), Kharge said, ” Waqt Hai Badlaw Ka..Abki Baar.. Satta Ke Bahar .”…reports Asian Lite News

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case, as he accused the latter of resorting to ‘dictatorial tactics’ to destroy democracy in the country.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP-led NDA government of ‘capturing institutions’, including the media.

Using the words ‘devilish power’ to take a veiled swipe at the Centre, Rahul Gandhi posted from his X handle, “A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. While capturing all the institutions, including the media, breaking up the parties, extorting money from companies, and freezing the accounts of the main opposition party was not enough for the ‘devilish power’, now the arrest of the elected chief ministers has also become a common thing.”

He said that the opposition INDIA bloc will give a “befitting reply to this”.

Meanwhile, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge called Kejriwal’s arrest, “a step taken to weaken the opposition before the Lok Sabha election”.

“The arrogant BJP, which makes false claims of victory every day, is trying to weaken the opposition by all means and illegal means before the elections. If there was real confidence in victory, then the accounts of the main opposition party – the Congress Party, would not have been frozen by misusing the constitutional institutions; leaders of opposition parties would not have been targeted right before the elections,” Kharge posted from his X handle.

Invoking the BJP’s slogan of ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ (beyond 400 seats this time), Kharge said, ” Waqt Hai Badlaw Ka..Abki Baar.. Satta Ke Bahar .”

“The truth is that the BJP is already scared of the upcoming election results and its panic is creating all kinds of problems for the Opposition. Waqt Hai Badlaw Ka..Abki Baar.. Satta Ke Bahar (It’s time for change! This time…out of power),” he added.

Earlier in the evening, a team from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) arrived at Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday for questioning in connection with the liquor policy case. The team conducted a search operation at his residence, sources said.

The ED team reached his residence for questioning hours after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection to Kejriwal from coercive action in connection with the excise policy case.

AAP workers also staged a protest outside the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Denying him interim protection from arrest in the liquor policy case, the Delhi HC ruled that, in this state, it was not inclined to do so.

The court passed down the directive during the hearing on a plea by the AAP supremo, urging coercive action against him in connection with the excise policy case.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders on Thursday supported the ED action to arrest the Delhi Chief Minister in the Delhi excise policy case and said “truth had to prevail.”

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said Arvind Kejriwal has been continuously making excuses in the liquor policy scam since 2020-21 “and the kind of political theatrics he was doing has been put to an end today.”

“Today, finally, the truth triumphed and I believe that the conspiracy hatched by Arvind Kejriwal and his government to push the youth into alcoholism was bound to result in this. The truth had to prevail and Arvind Kejriwal had to be punished for his sins,” Sachdeva said.

ED had issued repeated summons to the AAP supremo in the excise policy case and he had skipped them, pointing out that the probe agency had moved the court against him.

According to the ED, the agency wants to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case on issues like the formulation of the now-scraped excise policy, meetings held before it was finalized, and allegations of bribery.

Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are in judicial custody in the excise policy case. Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. On October 5, ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member. (ANI)

‘Kejriwal’s arrest will give birth to mass movement’

Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav lashed out at the BJP after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, saying that the move against the AAP supremo will lead to a ‘mass movement’ (jan-andolan).

Yadav, in a post on X, also jabbed the BJP saying that the party fears defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and hence is “trying to keep the Opposition leaders away from the public”.

“What will those, who themselves are imprisoned in fear of defeat, accomplish by imprisoning someone else? The BJP knows that it will not come to power again. Overcome with this fear, it wants to remove Opposition leaders from the public eye by any means at the time of elections. The arrest is just an excuse. It will give birth to a new people’s revolution,” Akhilesh posted.

Kejriwal was arrested on Thursday by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, becoming the second chief minister after Hemant Soren to be taken into custody by the central agency in 50 days.

Kejriwal’s arrest immediately attracted the Opposition leaders’ ire, with top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging that a “scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy,” while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said that the BJP government “sinks to despicable depths” after the “unjust targeting of brother” Hemant Soren.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien said, “A large number of AAP leaders and workers had gathered at Kejriwal’s residence who shouted slogans in favour of the Chief Minister. The election process has begun. And now this! Chiefs of political parties, CMs, political leaders, election agents, workers, every opponent- being harassed & arrested like this. What will be the fate of our precious democracy? LET US ALL SAVE DEMOCRACY FROM IMPENDING DISASTER.”

A large number of AAP leaders and workers had gathered at Kejriwal’s residence who shouted slogans in favour of the Chief Minister.

His former cabinet colleagues Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain are also presently in judicial custody in money laundering cases. Sisodia was arrested in the money laundering case linked to excise policy. AAP leader Sanjay Singh was also arrested in the case. BRS leader K Kavitha was also arrested in this case last week. (ANI)

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-Top News Bhutan India News

Modi Heads to Bhutan for High-Level Talks and Partnerships

The state visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, and the government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday to cement bilateral ties and hold talks with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

PM Modi will also hold talks with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

The state visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, and the government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy.

“On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“I look forward to talks with Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and Prime Minister,” he added.

PM Modi’s visit, earlier scheduled for March 21, was postponed due to inclement weather conditions in the country.

“The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters of interest and deliberate on ways to expand and intensify our exemplary partnership between the two nations,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in an earlier statement.

PM Modi accepted an invitation extended by his counterpart Tshering Tobgay last week, on behalf of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, to visit Bhutan.

PM Tobgay visited India from March 14-18, marking his first overseas trip after assuming office in January this year.

Sharing warm hugs and handshakes, he met PM Modi and discussed a range of issues to strengthen relations between the two neighbouring nations.

ALSO READ-Bhutan Celebrates Modi’s Visit

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Entrepreneurs Praise PM Modi, Startup India

The founders of startups credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring them to push their ideas into genuine businesses…reports Asian Lite News

Startup Mahakumbh, a first-of-its-kind event that brought together the entire startup ecosystem of India, including startups, investors, incubators, accelerators and industry leaders spanning several sectors concluded on Wednesday in the national capital.

Led by the efforts of ASSOCHAM, nasscom, Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation, TiE and Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), the event had sector-focused pavilions, which showcased the country’s most innovative startups.

The founders of startups credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring them to push their ideas into genuine businesses.

Aman Porwal the founder of Indore-based Momskart said, “Momskart is an online marketplace that digitalises Indian women entrepreneurs without any investment. Here at the Startup Mahakumbh, we interacted with PM Modi today and we got a very good vibe that ‘Startup India’ is doing a lot for the start-ups in India…”

The event also hosted a Future Entrepreneurs Day on March 20, with a focus on cultivating entrepreneurial spirit among students. The Future Entrepreneurs Day gathered close to 5,000 individuals handpicked by colleges and incubators nationwide for their inclination towards entrepreneurship.

“I work as a startup mentor and I visit colleges and motivate students and guide them in their journey. By taking inspiration from PM Modi, I started my journey around 2016-17. In the last five years, I have met over 3 lakh students…,” Chairman of International Business Startup and Entrepreneurs Association, Anshumaan Singh said.

With the central theme ‘Bharat Innovates,’ the event also featured mentorship clinics, pitch competitions, and a multi-track conference featuring leadership talks, panel discussions, workshops, and a host of exciting activities for startups as well as future entrepreneurs.

Founder of PIGPT, Siddharth said, “We have worked in the sector of Deep Tech. Today’s session with PM Modi was very inspiring. Under the recently launched India AI Mission, we have launched our own AI-powered answer engine. This is India’s first answer engine that is dedicated to the aspirants…”

“We are developing a D2C consumer-based platform, connecting customers with small laundry owners. We are providing a platform through which we do the supply chain and logistics. If you place an order from your home, we do pickup and delivery, we are trying to help small marginalized laundry owners, living in our society, so that we can empower them, increase their revenue as well as increase profitability. In the last 14 months, we have processed 1,300 orders…,”entrepreneur Vaibhavraj Pandey from Gujarat said.

Startup Mahakumbh enabled connecting startups with a spectrum of inventors such as venture capitalists, angel investors, family offices, and High Net worth Individuals- as well as potential corporate partners.

Founder of Ayurvedic Sutra, Neha Bansal said, “As PM Modi said today startups in the field of Ayurveda are growing a lot and there is immense support from the government in getting good funding…The government has provided a very good platform and startups are growing very well…”

“YouVah is the first internship platform for teenagers… Over 2 lakh students and 300 schools are on our platform. Students can take internships and training on different skills. We are the first mover in the country to implement New Education Policy” Founder of YouVah, Rohit Jain said.

Startup Mahakumbh with a tagline ‘Bharat Innovates’ encapsulated India’s commitment to showcasing innovations from every corner of the country and built for the world.

By emphasizing the breadth and depth of innovative ideas emerging from across the nation, the event celebrated the spirit of creativity and ingenuity within India while embracing a global perspective. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Bhutan Celebrates Modi’s Visit

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Bhutan Celebrates Modi’s Visit

The Himalayan nation is adorned with ‘Long live Bhutan-India friendship’ posters ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit…reports Asian Lite News

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to pay a two-day state visit to Bhutan this week, the Himalayan nation is decked up with posters of PM Modi with slogans ‘Long live Bhutan-India friendship’.

PM Modi’s visit from March 21-22 will further strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the two neighbouring nations across various sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will receive an audience with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. The Prime Minister will also hold talks with the Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, the MEA said.

Ahead of PM Modi’s arrival, the airport and the roads have been adorned with posters of PM Modi and the Bhutanese King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Earlier, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the invitation of his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay to visit Bhutan after Bhutan PM extended his invitation to PM Modi during his India visit this month.

Different posters have been put up at various places in the city along with the flags of both countries.

King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck too has made several visits to India, underscoring the close ties between the two nations. His last visit to India was in November 2023.

Similarly, PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan in August 2019 marked a significant milestone, with the launch of major bilateral projects aimed at bolstering economic cooperation and connectivity.

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay was in India on an official visit, which was his first overseas visit after assuming office in February 2024.

Over the years, high-level exchanges have played a pivotal role in nurturing the strong bond between India and Bhutan. Formal diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1968.

The economic partnership between India and Bhutan has flourished over the years, driven by the India-Bhutan Agreement on Trade, Commerce, and Transit. This agreement, first signed in 1972 and revised multiple times, has facilitated a free trade regime between the two countries, promoting bilateral trade and economic growth. India stands as Bhutan’s top trade partner, both in terms of imports and exports.

The bilateral trade volume has seen a significant surge, reaching INR 11,178 crores in 2022, showcasing the robust economic engagement between the two nations. India’s investments in Bhutan span various sectors, including banking, manufacturing, electricity generation, and IT services, contributing to Bhutan’s socio-economic development and fostering closer economic integration.

India has been a steadfast development partner for Bhutan, extending economic assistance to support its socio-economic progress since the 1960s. India’s contribution to Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan, amounting to Rs 5000 Cr., underscores its commitment to supporting Bhutan’s developmental aspirations.

With several hydroelectric projects operational and others in various stages of implementation, India has played a pivotal role in supporting Bhutan’s energy security objectives. The commissioning of projects like the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project and the ongoing collaboration in the hydro-power sector underscores the shared commitment to sustainable energy development and regional cooperation.The educational and cultural ties between India and Bhutan form an integral part of their bilateral relations. India has been a key destination for Bhutanese students seeking higher education, with over 1000 scholarships provided annually by the Government of India.

Additionally, cultural exchanges and initiatives under the India-Bhutan Foundation have strengthened people-to-people ties, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two societies. The Nehru Wangchuck Scholarship Scheme, ICCR Scholarships, and ITEC program have further facilitated skill development and capacity building in Bhutan, reflecting India’s commitment to nurturing human capital and fostering educational excellence in the region.

Cultural and religious ties between India and Bhutan have deep historical roots, with shared Buddhist heritage serving as a cornerstone of their cultural identity. Pilgrimages to sacred Buddhist sites in India and cultural exchanges have further cemented these ties, enriching the spiritual and cultural fabric of both nations. Initiatives such as the loaning of the Zhabdrung Statue by the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, and the visit of His Holiness the Je Khenpo to Rajgir underscore the enduring cultural bonds and shared reverence for Buddhist traditions.

In addition to traditional areas of cooperation, India and Bhutan are exploring new avenues for collaboration, including digital initiatives, space cooperation, and technology partnerships. Projects like ‘Digital Drukyul’ and the joint development of satellites reflect the commitment to harnessing technology for mutual benefit and socio-economic progress.

The interoperability of flagship projects like RuPay and the BHIM app demonstrates the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, with a focus on leveraging digital innovations for inclusive growth and development.

Recent developments, including progress on rail connectivity links and the establishment of Integrated Check Posts, underscore the commitment to enhancing trade and connectivity between India and Bhutan. Financial linkages, youth empowerment initiatives, and skill development programs further highlight the comprehensive nature of the bilateral partnership, aimed at fostering sustainable development and prosperity in Bhutan. (ANI)

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RLJP’s Paras Quits Modi Cabinet, Accuses BJP of ‘Injustice’

Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) was denied seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar…reports Asian Lite News

Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) President Pashupati Kumar Paras resigned as union minister, a day after his party was denied any seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar.

Speaking to ANI, the RLJP President said, “Yesterday, the NDA alliance announced the list of 40 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha…Our party had five MPs & I worked with utmost sincerity…Injustice has been done with us & our party. Therefore, I resign from the post of Union Minister.”

On Monday, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced seat-sharing in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD-(U) 16. Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Aawam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) will contest one seat each. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest five seats.

Among the major seats that the BJP will be contesting are Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Aurangabad, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, Saran, Begusarai, Nawada, Patna Sahib, Patliputra, Aara, Buxar and Sasaram.

The JD(U) has been given Valmikinagar, Sitamadhi, Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Madhepura, Gopalganj, Siwan, Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Nalanda, Jehanabad and Sheohar seats.

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

The Lok Sabha elections in Bihar will be held in seven phases, starting from April 19 and concluding on June 1. The results will be declared on June 4.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had won 17 seats with a vote share of 24.1 per cent, JD(U) secured victory on 16 seats with a vote share of 22.3 per cent.

On the other hand, LJP had won 6 seats with a vote share of 8 per cent while INC had won only one seat with a vote share of 7.9 per cent.

BJP takes a dig at RJD, Congress

A day after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finalized the seat-sharing agreement in Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed confidence that the ruling alliance will win all seats in the state.

He took a dig at the opposition RJD-led alliance over their having not finalised seat-sharing so far and said “those who have not been able to finalise, should now speak”.

“NDA’s seat-sharing was done yesterday. ‘Ab jinka nahi ho raha hai voh batayein’. BJP and NDA are ready to win all the seats in Bihar in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” Chaudhary told ANI.

RJP invites Paras

RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav invited Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party leader Pashupati Kumar Paras, who resigned as Union Minister on Tuesday after the NDA ignored his party in the Bihar seat-sharing deal, to join the Mahagathbandhan.

“Injustice was done to Pashupati Kumar Paras in the NDA. He should have separated a long time ago. He has made a good decision. If he joins the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, I will be the first person to welcome him,” Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, said.

“The atmosphere is turning out positive for the Mahagathbandhan in the 2024 Lok Sabha election contest. The Mahagathbandhan will become stronger with his presence,” he added.

On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that PM Narendra Modi had given great respect to Paras, who was a cabinet minister for a long time. “After the death of Ram Vilas Paswan, his political successor was Chirag Paswan, still Paras was given respect and a post in the Union Cabinet. Now, he has to give blessings to his nephew Chirag Paswan and take the NDA forward,” he said.

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BJP got Rs 6,986.5 crore through poll bonds

The latest dataset released by the EC included scanned copies of the disclosures made by the political parties, running into hundreds of pages…reports Asian Lite News

Top purchaser of electoral bonds Future Gaming and Hotel Services donated Rs 509 crore to Tamil Nadu’s ruling party DMK through the now-scrapped payment mode, the Election Commission’s (EC) data showed on Sunday.

The donations given by Future Gaming, whose owner, “lottery king” Santiago Martin, has been under the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) scanner, accounted for more than 77 per cent of the total receipts from electoral bonds of Rs 656.5 crore disclosed by the DMK.

Since most political parties have not disclosed the names of the donors, it was not known who were the beneficiaries of the balance Rs 859 crore worth bonds purchased by Future Gaming.

The disclosure is part of the data dump pertaining to a total of 523 recognised and non-recognised political parties made public by the EC on the Supreme Court’s orders. This was followed by another dataset published by the EC last week based on the information submitted by the State Bank of India (SBI), the sole bank authorised to sell and redeem electoral bonds.

The latest dataset released by the EC included scanned copies of the disclosures made by the political parties, running into hundreds of pages.

While initially the data submitted by the SBI pertained to a period from April 12, 2019 till the scrapping of the bonds by the apex court last month, the latest disclosure is based on the declarations given by various political parties in November last year on the bonds redeemed by them since the scheme was launched in early 2018 and exclude the last few tranches.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre received the maximum funds through these bonds at Rs 6,986.5 crore since they were introduced in 2018, followed by West Bengal’s ruling party Trinamool Congress (Rs 1,397 crore), Congress (Rs 1,334 crore) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (Rs 1,322 crore), according to the latest data shared by the EC.

Odisha’s ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was the fourth-largest recipient at Rs 944.5 crore, followed by the DMK at Rs 656.5 crore and Andhra Pradesh’s ruling party YSR Congress at nearly Rs 442.8 crore.

According to an earlier report compiled by NGO Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), electoral bonds worth Rs 16,518 crore were sold from March 2018 to January 2024.

Collating the two datasets, the BJP is estimated to have received a total amount of Rs 7,700 crore during the entire duration of the scheme.

According to the data released on Sunday, the Janata Dal (Secular) received bonds worth Rs 89.75 crore, including Rs 50 crore from Megha Engineering, the second-largest purchaser of electoral bonds.

Future Gaming was the biggest purchaser of electoral bonds at Rs 1,368 crore, of which nearly 37 per cent went to the DMK.

Other major donors of the DMK included Megha Engineering (Rs 105 crore), India Cements (Rs 14 crore) and Sun TV (Rs 100 crore).

The TMC received Rs 1,397 crore through electoral bonds, making it the second-largest recipient after the BJP.

The DMK is among the few political parties that have disclosed the identity of the donors, while major parties such as the BJP, Congress, TMC and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have not revealed these details to the EC, which has now made public those filings pursuant to a Supreme Court order.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) redeemed bonds worth Rs 181.35 crore, Shiv Sena Rs 60.4 crore, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rs 56 crore, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Rs 50.51 crore, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Rs 15.5 crore, Samajwadi Party (SP) Rs 14.05 crore, Akali Dal Rs 7.26 crore, AIADMK Rs 6.05 crore, National Conference (NC) Rs 50 lakh from the Bharti Group and Sikkim Democratic Front Rs 50 lakh.

While the AAP did not give a cumulative figure of its donations, the SBI’s data showed it had received Rs 65.45 crore, while it is estimated to have received another Rs 3.55 crore after its filing with the EC, taking its total to Rs 69 crore.

Among the major parties that have disclosed the identity of their donors, the AIADMK got most of its donations from India Cements-owned IPL cricket team Chennai Super Kings, while the contributors to the JD(S) included the Aditya Birla Group, Infosys, the JSW Group and the Embassy Group.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has declared that it will not receive funds through electoral bonds, while the filings made by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) showed nil receipts. After the disclosures, the opposition parties have dubbed the electoral bonds as legalised corruption, while the BJP has said scrapping of the bonds could lead to the return of black money in politics

ALSO READ-Several TN Leaders Join BJP Ahead of Polls

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PM, Modi discuss early conclusion of FTA

India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for an FTA between India and the UK started in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the Roadmap 2030.

“During the conversation, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the Roadmap 2030 in diverse areas, including trade, investment, defence, security, emerging technologies and others,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

The two leaders also assessed the progress made towards the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.

They reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi and Sunak also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The two leaders further agreed to remain in touch. They also exchanged greetings on the upcoming festive occasion of Holi, the statement added

Earlier in the day, Modi posted on X stating, “Had a good conversation with PM @RishiSunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.”

Notably, India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for an FTA between India and the UK started in 2022.

The 13th round of negotiations between India and the UK took place from September 18 to December 15, 2023. Earlier in January, during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the UK, Rishi Sunak expressed hope that the ongoing FTA negotiations could be brought to a successful conclusion soon.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement was also discussed during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on his recent visit to the country in November. (ANI)

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Modi in Srinagar First Time Since Scrapping Article 370

Kashmiris expect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring gifts of peace and progress…reports Asian Lite News

The people of Kashmir Valley are expecting gifts of peace, prosperity and much more from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is arriving here on Thursday.

People from far and near are reaching Srinagar and the otherwise sleepy winter city has come to life on Thursday with the first light of the day despite the morning cold.

People from Uri border town, Baramulla town, Kupwara, Handwara, Lolab, Tangmarg, Bandipora, Kangan, Ganderbal, Kokernag, Achabal, Pahalgam, Khansahib, Beerwah, Chadoora, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama and over two dozen other places are reaching here on buses and private vehicles to get a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

Traffic department and the security wing of J&K Police have issued detailed advisories to ensure smooth passage of the people to and from the Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of Prime Minister Modi’s public address.

Ravinder Raina, President of BJP’s J&K unit, told reporters that he is expecting 2 lakh people to attend the rally.

While the exact number would be known only after the beginning of the programme, the most significant thing is the mood and enthusiasm with which the participants are reaching the city.

Nazir Ahmad, 41, came from the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district. He is eager to see the man who brought an end to uncertainty and chaos in Kashmir.

“My children go to school without any fear of facing stone pelters to send them back home. I am able to work normally in my apple orchard as my wife attends to household chores without fear for me and the children returning home safely… This was made possible by the man (Prime Minister Modi) I am going to see and listen to today,” he said.

Businessmen, academicians, transporters, houseboat owners, Shikarawallahs, farmers, orchardists, government employees, small industrial unit entrepreneurs, and hoteliers, everybody is expecting gifts from the Prime Minister.

“We are expecting Prime Minister Modi to help us live a better life… Kashmir now expects big from the big man,” said Sajad Ahmad, 47, who runs a retail shop in Srinagar city.

The majority of people attending the Prime Minister’s public rally are hopeful to return home with some good news that touches their lives directly.

Shakeel Lone, 38, from Uri border town is mainly concerned about peace in the areas close to the line of control (LoC) as he lives in one such area. “Peace on the border is my first priority. My family, my home and everything else I own is dependent on peace and normalcy on the LoC. And, Prime Minister Modi is the man who can ensure the safety of my family.”

“I want to see the Prime Minister in person while he speaks of his vision for the people of Kashmir,” he said.

People working in the hospitality sector like hotels, taxi operators, houseboat owners and guest house owners are upbeat after hearing that the Prime Minister is going to announce a package for the tourism industry.

“We had a tourist boom last year. We expect even larger numbers to visit the Valley this year. Tourism needs better and larger infrastructure than we have at present. We need incentives to do that. I am sure he loves to see Kashmir tourism grow and for that to happen, we need his continued patronage,” said Gowhar, 56, a hotel owner.

Imran Fida Bhat, 39, is a daily rated worker in the Jal Shakti Department. He has spent more than 20 years serving for the department. He has been waiting like thousands of others to get their services regularised.

“We are 63,000 families across J&K. We have given the best years of our lives to the department. All previous governments promised to regularise our services, but none have done that so far… I have come to see the Prime Minister do something positive for us. ‘Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai’,” he said.

“We have all our hopes pinned on him,” Imran said as he narrated his story of how difficult it is to send two children to school and keep the wolf away from his door at just Rs 9,000 a month.

Security in and around the Bakshi Stadium has been tightened while ensuring smooth passage of the people.

Police have declared the city a ‘Temporary Red Zone’ today to ensure that no private drone or Quadcopter is seen in the sky during the VVIP visit.

A multi-tier security ring is in place to provide foolproof security to the Prime Minister and the people attending the public rally.

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‘Modi wants youth to chant Jai Shri Ram, starve to death’

Earlier in the day the BJP launched an all-out attack against the Congress’ ally DMK for a speech made by former Minister A Raja in Madurai…reports Asian Lite News

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused his government of misleading the youth, saying that the PM wants the young generation to only chant ‘Jai Shri Ram and starve to death’.

Addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress MP also advocated for the caste-based census and said that conducting the survey will ensure social justice for the people.

“Our policy is very clear– that is a revolutionary step towards social justice that is only caste-based census…the Congress has done only revolutionary work. It fought for the country’s independence when they (BJP) went lost, where they were at that time. Be it, the green revolution, white or digital, all the revolutionary works have been done by Congress…but the PM wants our youths to be glued to their phones for the whole day, chant Jai Shri Ram and starve to death (bhukhe raho aur mar jao),” he said.

Earlier in the day the BJP launched an all-out attack against the Congress’ ally DMK for a speech made by former Minister A Raja in Madurai.

Amit Malviya, the head of Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT cell, criticised A Raja, accusing him of advocating for the Balkanisation of India and making derogatory comments about Lord Ram, Manipuris, and the idea of India as a nation.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra resumed from Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district on Tuesday morning. Gandhi started the yatra from Sarangpur in the presence of a large number of party workers.

He was in an open Jeep, greeting the party workers who were carrying the party flag. Notably, the Congress MP is also slated to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, one of the Jyotirlinga temples, during his yatra.

This marks Gandhi’s second visit to the temple during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, with the last one taking place on November 29, 2022.

Notably, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered the state on March 2 and will stay in the state till March 6. The Congress’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, after the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, aims to cover 6,700 km through 15 states, with Lok Sabha polls around the corner.

The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)

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