Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran :::: "..... he was seen by many diplomats as a moderate"

 Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Iran, Palestinian group Hamas said, drawing fears of a wider escalation in a region shaken by Israel’s offensive in Gaza and a worsening conflict in Lebanon.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the death of Haniyeh, hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country’s new president, and said it was investigating.

They added that one of Haniyeh’s bodyguards was also killed in their residence in Tehran early on Wednesday, Iran’s state-owned news agency IRNA reported.

Haniyeh’s bodyguard also killed in their residence, say Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

News comes within a day of Israel’s claim of killing Hezbollah commander behind Golan strike Pakistan “deeply shocked”, views growing “Israeli adventurism” with serious concern,

US says “not aware of or involved” in killing while Middle East countries term it “cowardly action”, “heinous crime”

There was no immediate comment from Israel. The Israeli military said it was conducting a situational assessment but had not issued any new security guidelines for civilians.

The news, which came less than 24 hours after Israel claimed to have killed the Hezbollah commander it said was behind a deadly strike in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights, appears to set back chances of any imminent ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

“This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas,” senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

“We confirm that this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives. Hamas is a concept and an institution and not persons,” he said.
Zuhri vowed Hamas would continue the path it was following, adding: “We are confident of victory.”

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Iran’s top security body is expected to meet to decide Iran’s strategy in reaction to the death of Haniyeh, a close ally of Tehran, said a source with knowledge of the meeting.

Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader who was killed in Iran, was the tough-talking face of the Palestinian group’s international diplomacy as conflict raged back in Gaza, where three of his sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

But despite the rhetoric, he was seen by many diplomats as a moderate compared to the more hardline members of the group inside Gaza.

Appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, Haniyeh moved between Turkiye and Qatar’s capital Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip and enabling him to act as a negotiator in ceasefire talks or to talk to Hamas’ ally Iran.

“All the agreements of normalisation that you (Arab states) signed with (Israel) will not end this conflict,” Haniyeh declared on Qatar-based Al Jazeera television shortly after Hamas fighters launched the October 7 raid.

Israel’s response to the strike has been a military campaign that has killed more than 35,000 people inside Gaza so far, according to health authorities in the territory.

Nagaland politics :::: No need for a Congress MP to back demand for 'Chiethu airport' : Therie

 No need for a Congress MP to back demand for 'Chiethu airport' : Therie

New Delhi

Congress MP S Supongmeren Jamir's statement in Lok Sabha demanding central intervention for a proposed new airport at Kohima has evoked mild reactions with his senior party colleague stating that there was "no need" to make such a demand and dilute the importance of implementation of negotiated agreements.

"I did not listen to Supong's maiden speech in Lok Sabha on July 30. I saw some comments in the papers. There is no proposal for Kohima Airport. The proposed Chiethu-Airport is CM’s pet project in his Constituency. He has been running for 21 years in his capacity as CM. If the project is beneficial to the public and viable, the Govt of India would have implemented it," Therie told 'Nagaland Page' when asked to comment on the issue.

"There is no need for any Congressman to make such a demand," he remarked.

He said Supong's maiden speech reflects not only him, it reflects "the Nagaland people and the Northeast and especially Congress". 

"Highlighting the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position is not enough," he said adding the Congress leaders should understand and explain to Parliament that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's government is "against the implementation of negotiated agreements".

"Evidence, when he saw that Shri R N Ravi the then Governor of Nagaland and Interlocutor was making all efforts for a final settlement, .... under pressure from Rio; Ravi was removed as the Governor and Interlocutor".

The former Nagaland Congress president maintained: 

"Thereafter the Govt of India did not even appoint an interlocutor. The Govt of India is aware that BJP and the Alliance Govt are hand-in-glove with the 'Naga National Workers'. 

They are running the state Govt to run an Independent self-style Govt."

Therie also said if the central government is willing to implement and enforce the law of the land, they can implement the negotiated agreements under the Governor's Rule.

Answering a question, Therie flayed the Modi government and lamented that a "completely skewed budget" had been delivered in Parliament.

"Justice and equality have been shot dead. Ransom promised to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh looks like a paper tiger. A promise of the National Highway Roads and the loan from multinational Banks may or may not see the light of the day. The CSS will be implemented at the pleasure of Central Govt," he stated.

To another question, he said, "The Budget lacks vision and commitment even for states such as Bihar. Even if loans are secured it will add to the burden for the state for repayments in times to come".

"Tax, cess, and surge charges are all paid by the public for the welfare of the people. These funds belong to the people. People have authorized the Parliament to use the funds judiciously, and proportionately for the welfare of people and growth," he said.

Therie, who served as Finance Minister for a brief spell, said, "The GST Compensation Cess, National Calamity Contingent Duty on Tobacco and Tobacco Products, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess, Road and Infrastructure Cess, Health and Education Cess, Cess on Crude Oil, and Cess on Exports are the different types of cesses in India. 

I doubt if they are used judiciously and proportionately".

He also said the first budget of the Modi 3.0 regime has essentially violated the "spirit of the Constitution".

ends

Paris 2024 : Manu Bhaker's medal inspires me, says badminton star Lakshya Sen

 Manu Bhaker's medal inspires me, says Lakshya Sen

"Yes, I was focused on playing one match at a time. It was a tough group. Going forward, I will keep the same strategy and just focus on one match at a time," said Lakshya after stunning Jonatan Christie in men's singles badminton. 

Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen also spoke about how Manu Bhaker's medal has inspired the entire Indian contingent. 

"She is a good friend of mine. We have played a lot of multi-sporting events. Congrats to her on winning 2 medals. It inspires you to do well," said Lakshya.

Boxing : Assam's Lovlina Borgohain one win away from securing 2nd medal

Lovlina Borgohain will take on China's Li Qian, a two-time Olympic medalist. Lovlina had lost to Li in the Asian Games women's 75kg final. 

Lovlina is through to the quarter-final of women's 75kg. A dominant performance from the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist. She wins the Round of 16 bout with an unanimous decision. 

Veteran Indian archer Deepika Kumari qualified for the R16 event in women's singles competition by beating Netheralnds' Quinty Roefen. 

Lakshya Sen and P V Sindhu stormed into Round of 16. Lakshya stunned All England champion Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the final group-stage match. 

Swapnil Kusale also reached the final of men's 25m rifle 3 positions.

Wayanad landslides: Early warning was given to Kerala on July 23, says Union home minister Amit Shah ::::: "If we perform well, national politics will undergo a transformation", says Sonia Gandhi

Wayanad landslides: Advance warning given to Kerala on July 23, says Home Minister Amit Shah

“Members have raised questions about the Government of India's warning system. They are shouting ‘please listen to us,’ but I want to tell them, please read the warning sent to the state,” Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha.

He said that many state governments have followed the Centre's warnings, resulting in zero casualties in disaster management.

“When Odisha was being governed by the Naveen Patnaik-led government, we had sent an alert about the cyclone almost seven days in advance and unfortunately only one person lost life,” said Amit Shah.

Shah said that the Government of India has had an early warning system after 2014 and ₹2000 crore has been spent on it and warnings are being sent to every state and available on the website also.

He informed the Rajya Sabha that there is a system in place for rains, heatwaves, storms and lightning also.

“Nine NDRF teams were sent by the Centre on July 23 fearing there may be landslides. What did the Kerala government do? Why did not Kerala government evacuate people?” said Shah

 Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat says, "... The World Heritage Committee meeting was held in India for the first time. 

The 'Moidams' in Assam's Charaideo district, belonging to the Tai Ahom dynasty, who ruled the region from the 6th to 12th century, the burial grounds created by them have been listed in the World Heritage Sites list. 

This would be the 43rd heritage of India to be included in the list... India has submitted 53 more sites on the tentative list...".   

At the CPP meeting, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi says, "In a few months, elections will be held in four states. We must sustain the momentum and goodwill that had been generated for us in the Lok Sabha elections.   We must not become complacent and over-confident. 

The ‘mahaul’ does favour us, but we have to work unitedly with a sense of purpose. 

I dare say that if we perform well, reflecting the trend that we witnessed in the Lok Sabha elections, national politics will undergo a transformation."   

West Bengal ration distribution case: ED tracks two more Shahjahan-like networks  

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has tracked the network which built empires over ill-gotten proceeds in the ration-distribution case similar to that of Sheikh Shahjahan, the arrested and suspended Trinamool Congress leader from Sandeshkhali.

The ED officials detected this during their day-long raid and search operations at ten places in two districts of West Bengal on Tuesday, said sources. Incidentally, the native district for these two empires is also North 24 Parganas and both have very strong ruling party connections.

Is this a 'semi masterstroke' mooted by Amit Shah ??? :::: BJP leaders, top Union ministers may meet church leaders from northeast

 

BJP leaders, top Union ministers may meet church leaders from northeast

Did NBCC try to dissuade people from voting for NDPP on religion ground ?

New Delhi 

Drawing political lessons and working out new strategies are constant things about politics.

Smarting out of recent Lok Sabha mandate from states such as Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur; top ministers and central BJP leaders are now mooting the idea of a few meetings with church leaders in north east India.

The Narendra Modi-Shah led BJP and its allies lost all five seats in these three states -- one in Nagaland and two each in Meghalaya and Manipur.

In Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma-led NPP lost both Tura and Shillong parliamentary seats while NDPP nominee Chumben Murry was humbled in Nagaland. And in Manipur the BJP and NPF lost one seat each in Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur respectively.

Much to the embarrassment of Modi's much touted 'Congress-Mukt' India slogan; out of five the

Congress could win as many as four seats including two from Manipur and one each in Nagaland and Meghalaya.

Saleng A. Sangma of Congress humbled CM Conrad's sister Agatha Sangma in Tura. 

A section of BJP leaders in Delhi admit that the alleged Hindutva slant of the saffron party also played a significant role in the defeats of BJP and its allies. At the same time, the "local unhappiness" against NPP and NDPP leadership too could not be ruled out.

Hence, a proposal is on card for meetings with church leaders from these three states and possibly also from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Mizoram.

This is to clear apprehensions that the saffron party is against Christians and Christianity.

The BJP nominees won both the seats in Arunachal Pradesh but it is also a fact that in the run up to this year's Lok Sabha polls, the influential Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) had urged all its member and denominational organizations to “extend full support and work for” Congress candidates Nabam Tuki and Bosiram Siram, who contested against the BJP’s sitting parliamentarians from the two constituencies.

In its circular, the ACF said it was supporting the Congress candidates to “continue the ongoing democratic movement against the present regime.”

It also listed its demands which include repealing the state’s anti-conversion law, and an assurance not to rob tribal Christians of their Scheduled Tribe status which ensures them education and job benefits under India’s affirmative action program.

The ACF also wants the targeting of Christians and their institutions or faith practices to stop.

In Nagaland, NDPP nominee Murry wrote in an article after the polls that, "The NBCC has attempted to dissuade people from voting for NDPP on religion ground".

In Assam, the controversial anti-healing Bill piloted by the Himanta Biswa Sarma government had galvanized Christians and tribals against the BJP nominees.

In the case of Nagaland of course, a key BJP source also said: "....if Christians can vote and elect those who contest on BJP ticket in 2018, 2023 and ULB polls will they take alliance with BJP so seriously ? It was 100% anti NDPP sentiments at play".

'Nagaland Page' link

However, the formats of interactions between top ministers and who will do with the church leaders so has not been worked out yet.

It is likely that the Home Ministry will seek the assistance of state governments or respective state chief ministers to convene such meetings either at state levels or in New Delhi.

ends 

  

Naga Congress MP Supongmeren flags off pending Naga talks, seeks funds for 'rehabilitation'

Congress MP also backs Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's 'pet project' of a new airport at Kohima

New Delhi 

Congress MP S Supongmeren Jamir on Tuesday flagged off the long pendingNaga peace talks issue and said even on the floor of the state assembly the then Governor R N Ravi had claimed that negotiations have completed completely.

"The Governor (R N Ravi) who was the interlocutor of Naga peace talks announced on Jan 17, 2020 that the Naga political solution is solved. He congratulated PM Narendra Modi and the Home Minister (Amit Shah) but the implementation is still awaited," Jamir said in Lok Sabha while participating in the Budget debate. 

Amid Congress and other opposition parties screaming 'Shame, Shame'; Supongmeren Jamir said: "....the implementation (of Solution pact) is still awaited whereas contradictory to this the Govt of India has imposed the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFPSA) in Nagaland. The ceasefire monitoring is not doing well. Killing of the people is going in the day light. And 'anti' elements are collecting the taxes."  

He also lamented that - "We have 24 factions ....and it takes much time for the common commodities to reach the state". 

He told the chair, "I would like to request your chair to communicate to the Home Ministry that we want immediate implementation of the Naga political Solution". 

However, it could be 'music' to the ear of those who sympathise with the cause of NDPP leadership that Supong also backed the 'pet project' of Kohima district - the airport. 

The Congress lawmaker pointed out: "Nagaland is the only state whose capital does not have airport, so I would like to request the government to give the project a priority".

Supongmeren maintained that the Framework Agreement was inked in 2015 and the Agreed Position with the NNPG in 2017; no mention is made about these two preliminary agreements in the Budget for last nine years. 

"We have Naga political solution which was agreed in 2015 and 2017 and which mentions about the Rehabilitation; but in the Budget it is never mentioned". 

He also pointed that in 2015, Late Arun Jaitley (the then Finance Minister) had said in his Budget speech that in Nagaland the Indian Institute of Science and Education and Research will be established but even now the project has not seen the light of the day.  

ends 

  

"We have rescued the economy and taken to a new height" - says PM Modi

 "The community I belong to, its identity has been that the promises made during the elections are forgotten after elections, but I am an exception. India is progressing regularly. When you gave us responsibility of country in 2014, the biggest question was to bring India on the path of development. 

India was among the fragile economies, there used to be big corruption. We have presented a white paper mentioning nuances of the state of then economy. I urge you to study it, debate it. 

We have rescued the economy from there to take it to such height," says PM Modi at the CII event on Budget 2024.

"We are discussing 'Journey towards Viksit Bharat', this change is not just about sentiments, but it is about the confidence. India is now fifth biggest economy and the day is not far when India will become the third largest economy."

"During the times of pandemic, we were discussing to get the growth back. I then said that India will soon run on the path of development and India has today attained a new height. India is growing by 8 pc."   

"The Budget has come recently, I want to present some facts of it. When the last Budget of Manmohan Singh govt came, it was of 16 lakh crore, it has now swelled to 48 lakh crore. Capital expenditure, which is called the most productive medium of resource investment, its figures are very interesting. 

In 2004, UPA govt was formed, in their first Budget, it was 90,000 crore. In 2014 (10th year of UPA govt), it was 2 lakh crore. Today, it is more than 11 lakh crore. Budget allocation has increased manifold in many sectors", he said. 

A leader and a party that hates Hindus ... have made it a fashion to use Hindu epics and Gods for political mileage :: Rahul needs to be exposed

There's lot in the story:

-Current President :  Tribal

-Former President : Dalit

-Over 25% BJP MPs : OBC

-Over 25% BJP MPs : SC/ST

-Over 1300 BJP MLAs : OBC

-PM Modi himself : OBC

*Former PMs by Congress & current core team of Rahul Gandhi

-Zero OBC

-Zero Dalit

-Zero Tribal

"Minutes after Rahul Gandhi's fierce attack on the Modi government 3.0 over the Union budget, BJP IT head cell head Amit Malviya said, "If there are no OBC officers at the top echelons of the Govt, it is Third Time Fail Rahul Gandhi’s father Rajiv Gandhi and grandmother Indira Gandhi’s legacy."

"The Congress has been anti SC/ST and OBCs since Independence.

BJP leader Hitesh Jain says: “Speaking about Chakravyuh, India is breaking free from the Chakravyuh of incompetence, corruption, and divisive agendas created by Rahul Gandhi and his forefathers. 

His speech, devoid of facts and filled with abuse, belongs in the flames of irrelevance.”

 Rahul Gandhi use God Shiva's placard in the last Parliament session. And this time he used Mahabharat characters ---- the politics of opportunism and sheer double standards should be understood and exposed.  

BJP’s Mumbai unit vice-president Hitesh Jain shared his reactions on formerly Twitter or X, stating, “Today, Rahul Gandhi's speech in Parliament was nothing short of a divisive, anarchic rant. His rhetoric was filled with cheap thrills aimed at burning down the country's unity. 

Mocking wealth creators and institutions shows his utter disregard for the nation's progress.”

He added, “Youth, middle class, and all the communities must unite and take action against his divisive agenda.”

Another netizen termed Rahul Gandhi’s speech “something that could divide the society on caste lines”.

A social media user even went so far as to claim that Rahul Gandhi is steering the country towards civil war, alleging that he has already identified his targets.

The BJP was particularly enraged by Rahul Gandhi's use of the metaphor of ‘Chakravyuh’ -- a complex military formation from the Mahabharata -- to criticise the government's policies.

Rahul Gandhi specifically identified three elements for his ‘Chakravyuh’ reference -- monopoly capital, government institutions, and political executive.

Reacting to this, BJP leader Jain said, “Speaking about Chakravyuh, India is breaking free from the Chakravyuh of incompetence, corruption, and divisive agendas created by Rahul Gandhi and his forefathers. His speech, devoid of facts and filled with abuse, belongs in the flames of irrelevance.”

“Rahul Gandhi’s speech today was a disgrace. His ramblings were merely an attempt to grab power and divide our great nation. Instead of presenting solutions, he chose to insult and mock, showing his true intentions,” he wrote on X.

He added, “Rahul Gandhi, a product of the very institutions he mocks, seeks only to divide the society for his own gain. His speech lacked credible data, hard facts, and honest intent. This is not statesmanship; it's a desperate bid for power at any cost.”

Trying to take the battle to the Congress, BJP Mahila Morcha tweeted and mocked:

"...Instead of appointing an OBC or Dalit MP as the leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi himself occupied the post."   

"Under Sonia Gandhi (between 2004-10), the Congress tried to defraud the OBCs in Andhra Pradesh by giving away a chunk of their quota to Muslims. They even tried to include Muslims under the central OBC quota in 2011, which would have reduced the OBC share in central institutions and jobs. More recently, in Karnataka, the Congress has included the entire Muslim community in the OBC list. 

So, Balak Buddhi Rahul Gandhi should know, that Congress’s history is replete with instances of obstructing reservation for SC/ST and OBCs. It is an anti-Hindu party," - BJP leader Amit Malviya. 

Dr Jaishankar unveils commemorative postage stamp of Ram Lalla in Laos ::::: first postage stamp in the world dedicated to Lord Ram’s Ayodhya idoll

"A good meeting with DPM and FM Saleumxay Kommasith of Lao PDR. Thanked him for the warm hospitality. 

Witnessed exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos under Mekong Ganga Cooperation and cooperation in sharing successful Digital Solutions.  Launched a special stamp set celebrating our shared cultural treasures of Ramayana and Buddhism. " - tweeted Dr S Jaishankar

Dr Jaishankar is in Laos to attend the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN union. He stated earlier that he was looking forward to the meetings as India marks a decade of Act East Policy.

 

During his visit to Laos, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar unveiled a special commemorative stamp set showcasing Ram Lalla’s idol from Ayodhya.

Being touted as the first postage stamp in the world to be dedicated to Lord Ram’s Ayodhya idol, Jaishankar posted about the unveiling on X and said, “Launched a special stamp set celebrating our shared cultural treasures of Ramayana and Buddhism.”

Along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, Jaishankar announced on social media that he had a good meeting with him and thanked him for the hospitality.

The set which comprises two stamps has Lord Ram’s Ayodhya idol’s image on one and on the other stamp, Lord Buddha is depicted.

No Congress ... no corruption and no nepotism and 'no shopping spree' of babus in Olympics : Manu Bhaker wins bronze medal

Paris Olympics 2024: 

Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal as India opened their medal tally in the Paris Olympics. 

P V Sindhu and HS Prannoy won their badminton matches while Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula advanced in table tennis.

India had a memorable day on Sunday in the Paris Olympics, especially in shooting. 

Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting at the quadrennial event. The 22-year-old bagged bronze in the final of the women’s 10m Air Pistol event. Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta also made their way through to the final of the 10m Air Rifle events.  

Sandeep Singh and Elavenil Valarivan, however, returned empty-handed after missing out on berths in the finals of their respective events. 

PV Sindhu, the only Indian woman to have won back-to-back Olympic medals, started in an emphatic manner after beating Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq in straight games. 

H S Prannoy also fended off Fabian Roth in straight games.  

Balraj Panwar is set to take part in the quarterfinal of the Men’s single sculls after finishing second in Repechage 2 with a timing of 7:12.41. Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra won their table tennis matches, but Achanta Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai crashed out of the tournament.

In tennis, Sumit Nagal faltered and made an exit after losing to France’s Corentin Moutet in the opening round. In boxing, Nikhat Zareen beat Maxi Kloetzer in the Round of 32. Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji failed to make their way into the second round after losing to Gael Monfils and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

Sindhu 

Nagaland :::: Has ‘Opposition-less’ theory boomeranged? Is it a liability for NDPP?

Has ‘Opposition-less’ theory boomeranged? Is it a liability for NDPP?

The Humpty Dumpty egg cannot go on forever

New Delhi

Drawing political lessons is a constant process. No political leader of wisdom and experience ideally can resist such a phenomenon.

There is a thinking process in the ruling NDPP in Nagaland that the so-called Opposition-less dispensation is now quite a political liability. And if this school of thought is given credence in fact this very factor has boomeranged leading to the defeat of NDPP candidate Chumben Murry.

Reportedly the issue figured at party’s brainstorming session after Lok Sabha polls and was flagged off by a few senior leaders. There is no confirmation yet on what the final decision has been taken. The concept of opposition-less regime was mooted as a mode of expressing willingness to make sacrifice including “readiness to shed power” in case the Naga Solution pact is inked.

During the 1990s when S C Jamir was the Chief Minister and even prior to that Nagaland government’s key apparatus – ministers and legislators – liked to call themselves ‘Bridge’ between underground and the central government. In later years under the Neiphiu Rio-rule, the term changed to ‘facilitators’.

In fact, before the so-called Opposition-less government was mooted; the Joint Legislature Front led by CM Rio and Speaker (changed from time to time) took up the cause and at least on the face value told the Govt of India more than once that all 60 MLAs are together and united to pave the way for Solution. 

But slowly, it has come to light that the once upon a time well perceived ‘opposition-less’ dispensation is now a selfish agenda. To many it is to seek something.

At least this is what a powerful and influential section of NDPP leaders believe.

'Nagaland Page'

The argument being put forward is that now the Chief Minister is under immense pressure – often even by illogic argument – to accommodate all 60 MLAs as ministers and advisors. Some parties are taking a line that all are supporting NDA leadership of Narendra Modi and hence should be made ministers in Nagaland.

But those opposing the concept of ‘opposition-less’ government say the NDPP has also suffered at the organisational level due to this. The MLAs from other parties contested and defeated both NDPP and BJP candidates but in such constituencies they are ‘bosses’ and often undermine and discriminate the booth level NDPP and BJP workers.

Of course, the church role played a part in the win of Congress nominee and an underdog S Supongmeren Jamir. But the ‘ground reality’ suggests in many constituencies and villages, NDPP and BJP workers decided not to back the NDPP or the PDA’s official nominee Murry.

The “Ministerial Berth” as a concept is a beautiful or rather a very tempting concept. But this is also a link between “greed” and “performance” and in most cases the former takes precedence. 

But it is also a genuine argument that when an elected MLA – irrespective of whichever party he or she has won – if has spent Rs 40 crore or so; the people’s representative deserves an opportunity to get back his money.

This is where comes Politics. It is totally a world caught between mismatched policies and their endless impact. The Humpty Dumpty egg cannot go on forever.

So, one may have a season of enormous clashes.

The whole body of politics is today diseased and is unable to respond to the challlenges of modern times. The opposition-less regime possibly cannot go much ahead. 

Ends

Two northeast leaders make it to separate Raj Bhavans ::::: Ex Lok Sabha MP from Assam Ramen Deka to be Governor of Chhattisgarh

Former Lok Sabha MP from Assam Ramen Deka appointed Governor of Chhattisgarh.

Former Deputy CM of Tripura from the BJP Jishnu Dev Varma has been appointed Governor of Congress-ruled Telangana.

Senior BJP leader Santosh Gangwar, who was not given the ticket to contest from Bareilly in the recent Lok Sabha elections after having won the seat six consecutive times, has been appointed Governor of Jharkhand. 

He is an OBC from the Kurmi caste, which seems to have veered away from the BJP in UP and Bihar in the parliamentary polls.  

Senior BJP leader Santosh Gangwar, who was not given the ticket to contest from Bareilly in the recent Lok Sabha elections after having won the seat six consecutive times, has been appointed Governor of Jharkhand. 

He is an OBC from the Kurmi caste, which seems to have veered away from the BJP in UP and Bihar in the parliamentary polls.

BJP leader from Rajasthan O P Mathur, a former member of the Rajya Sabha, has been appointed Governor of Sikkim. 

Former Lok Sabha member from Karnataka C H Vijayshankar, who quit the BJP to join the Congress and rejoined the BJP in 2019, has been appointed Governor of Meghalaya.

The President has accepted the resignation of Banwarilal Purohit as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh. 

K Kailashnathan, a retired IAS officer who served as chief principal secretary to then Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat from 2013 to 2014, has been appointed Lt Governor of Puducherry.

Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Assam, has been appointed as Governor of Punjab and also Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Kataria, a veteran BJP leader, was a minister in Rajasthan earlier.

C P Radhakrishnan, Governor of Jharkhand with additional charge of Telangana, will now be Governor of Maharashtra, a crucial state for the BJP. 

Twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore, Radhakrishnan is a former Tamil Nadu BJP president.

Drama yet again, Mamata walks out of Niti Aayog meet, claims mic was muted ::::: Bengal CM plays double game .... attends Aayog meet amid boycott by other Opposition states

Mamata Banerjee walks out of PM-led Niti Aayog meet, claims mic was muted

'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' is an ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th Governing Council Meeting of Niti Aayog.

Modi chairs NITI Aayog meet, Mamata Banerjee attends amid Opposition boycott

NITI Aayog's ninth governing council meeting was underway on Saturday to discuss the development issues of the country. Ahead of the key meeting, many Opposition party chief ministers announced to boycott it.

The NITI Aayog, which is the apex public policy think tank of the central government, includes the PM as Chairman and Chief Ministers of all the states, Lieutenant Governors (LG) of several Union Territories and several union ministers as its members.

According to sources, the chief ministers of the BJP-ruled states were directed to take part in the meeting and to give a presentation in front of PM Modi highlighting the key achievements of their government.

"The chief ministers of the BJP-ruled states have been asked to highlight the achievements of their tenure in office. They have also been asked to highlight the performing and non-performing departments/schemes of their government," sources told India Today TV ahead of the meeting.

The Opposition Chief Ministers who boycotted the meeting included Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and all three Congress chief ministers-- Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh’s Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana’s Revanth Reddy, announced to boycott the key meeting of the NITI Aayog.

On Friday, Mamata Banerjee said the public policy think-tank brought by the Modi government should be scrapped and the Planning Commission restored.

Banerjee said the BJP is a "tukde-tukde platform" and asserted she would not allow her state to be divided. This was in reference to talk about creating a new administrative format for north Bengal -- where TMC is politically is much weak and the BJP has gained grounds.

Asked about the situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, which has been rocked by widespread anti-quota agitation, Banerjee said while she cannot interfere in the matters of neighbouring countries, as per United Nations conventions, her state has to give shelter if refugees turn up at the border.

Even as most INDI bloc chief ministers have decided to give it a miss, said she felt their voices should be raised on a common platform.

"They (BJP) have formed the government, but they don't have people's mandate. This is the first time after the BJP came in 2014 that they have not formed the government as a single party," said the Trinamool Congress chief, whose party is a constituent of the INDIA bloc.   

PM Modi likely to visit Ukraine on August 23, first since Russia invasion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely visit Ukraine on August 23, where he will meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This would be the Prime Minister's first visit to Ukraine since its war with Russia.

The visit also comes days after PM Modi visited Russia and met President Vladimir Putin.

Nearly a month ago, PM Modi met Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.

Will 'Delayed' verdict add to Naga CM Rio's woes or help NDPP ?

 Will 'Delayed' verdict add to Rio's woes or help NDPP ?

New Delhi/Dimapur

In short, it is a satisfaction media can draw -- but with a limited impact.

The story has created minor ripples in Delhi circles with queries about the case and the state of affairs pouring in throughout the day from officials, BJP leaders and also a few among Congress leaders.

'Nagaland Page' story - "HC Complex scam: Dimapur CBI court orders contractors to face rial" has drawn much traction. In short, the news story has set the stage for a high profile political drama.

While general contention is that such a 'delayed verdict' after two years coming at a time when New Delhi is apparently not happy with the NDPP leadership could add to the woes of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, his party and his entire government.

(Refer)

https://nagalandpage.com/hc-complex-scam-dimapur-cbi-court-orders-contractors-to-face-trial/

Link

However, there is also a section who says as the court order states that "no offence could be established against the accused Rulkongutuo Suohu and contractors Vilelie Khamo and Beinyu Miacheo" might dilute some of the tough provisions related to the entire case.

In legal sense while the general sentiment is 'the law will take its own course'; questions raised by BJP and Govt of India functionaries revolve around alleged "political failures" of the NDPP leadership  since 2019 to get the peace pact signed. 

Repeated requests and informal warnings seemed to have fallen on deaf ears or the state leadership should not have promised the moon -- is one refrain.

The section of powerful functionaries who are unhappy with developments in Nagaland including the defeat of NDA/PDA candidate Chumben Murry is that -- Delhi's "goodwill was not meted with justice".

"Protection if any for Chief Minister Rio and his NDPP party politically or otherwise was given for a purpose and that was Solution to long pending Naga issue to usher peace and development. It was not for any ulterior motive. 

But the leaders in the state and CM Rio failed in the task and used central BJP’s support as something for granted," is one refrain.

Nagaland Page

From the political circle it is being stated that the high command has not taken the line lightly that the MP candidate Murry lost due to alliance with the BJP and alleged Hindutva issue. 

One source was vehement in arguing: "Tell me if Christians can vote and elect those who contest on BJP ticket both in 2018 and 2023 and later in ULB polls will they take alliance with the BJP so seriously and defeat a regional party candidate? It was 100% anti NDPP sentiment at play during Lok Sabha polls".

Coinciding with the verdict from the designated CBI court also comes other developments.

Senior Congress leader K Therie reportedly camped in Delhi in the last few days and "held important" rounds of meetings with several people including Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Therie had developed big differences with Shruhozelie and Rio in 2005 and since then has been in state politics like a wounded tiger.

Recently, other developments related to a potent Naga armed group too was reported and New Delhi mandarins interpretation is that the 'patience' seems to yield some results.

There was a lot of pressure from local BJP leaders to contest 2023 state polls without alliance but Central leaders (read Amit Shah) prevailed and gave NDPP an upper hand. This issue was flagged in 2023 even by veteran S C Jamir when he met BJP national president J P Nadda.

New Delhi is now exploring all angles to draw its strategies in Nagaland. 

Another whispering is about either change of guard at Kohima or opt for President's Rule. But these are early hours.

This section is also pro-Solution pact lobby and believes only a firm stance by Delhi can ensure immediate signing of the final peace pact.

There is no formal ceremony or ritual that marks any person as a statesman except the simple rule that the leadership should think of the posterity and take a decision which will display guts and determination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to display these.

The statehood of Nagaland came after much hard work from either sides in the 1950s and 1960s - it is time again to show true statesmanship. Otherwise, a simple 'legal case' of "excess payment" to the tune of Rs 29,68.345 is not even a story to look back or gossip in a state where Netas have enough muscles to spend crores to win the so-called people's mandate.

ends 

Budget 2024-25 - A Masterstroke -- M Chuba Ao (By invitation)

 Budget 2024-25 - A Masterstroke

- M Chuba Ao

I welcome Union Budget 2024-25. I also take the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji for presenting this year's budget under a typical difficult conditions globally.

It is no small achievement that India's economic growth has reached 8.2 per cent. In fact, this has set a record.

It ought to be stated that every sector from agriculture, rural development, education, healthcare has been kept focused in the budget and Finance Minister Madam Sitharaman deserves compliments.

We can conclude that the budget is inclusive, with a strong thrust on job creation and improving the skills. Notably, it has also able to strike the right balance between agriculture and other sectors like services and manufacturing.

The Finance Minister. much to her credit, announced a substantial allocation of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors in the new financial year.

Importantly, over the next two years, 10 million farmers will be introduced to natural farming practices.

As a Naga farmer by birth, it also makes me happy to note that our Modi government will release new 109 high yielding, climate resilient seeds for 32 field and horticulture crops.

Nagas in particular and the northeast people and other agrarian communities in the rest of the country will be immensely benefited.

The central government will also promote farmer producer organisations, cooperative and startups. The Digital public infra in agriculture will be made use of for coverage of farmers and lands in three years.

 

The Prime Minister's stewardship is now time tested as in the last 10 years he had put the country towards a journey for a developed India by 2047.

I find a number of innovative ideas as mentioned in the Budget speech.

FM Sitharaman has reduced fiscal deficit target to 4.5 per cent and she also announced a revised income tax structure in the new regime.

I particularly welcome a series of initiatives such as 20 lakh youths to be skilled

during next five years and that 1000 training institutions will be upgraded.

FM Sitharaman also listed nine priority areas for the government which are: productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and

development and next-generation reforms.

 

This Budget 2024-25 will be a consolidation of the 10 years of growth and will certainly put the country on a journey towards Viksit Bharat - Developed India.

Factually, Budget is always a journey of resolve to take the country on the path of development and progress. FM Nirmala ji has done a good balancing act and I am confident that under Shri Modi ji's leadership, the country will move rapidly towards achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'.

PM Modi has committed since 2014 to make India self-reliant and we are on this great journey with result oriented projects, ambitious programmes and welfare schemes.

The announcement made for expansion of banking activities in north east India is another good move.

Lastly, I ought to mention new initiatives like support for women's workforce participation through hostels and creches, loans for students up to Rs 7.5 lakh with a government guarantee. These will help 25,000 students annually. I am also glad to note that the financial support for higher education will now ensure loans up to Rs 10 lakh and direct e-vouchers for 100,000 students every year, along with an annual interest subvention of three percent.

The opposition parties including the Congress are unable to find faults and that is why they are even stating that this year's Budget is a copy of Congress manifesto. They have all the more reasons to conduct more rationally now.

ends

(M Chuba Ao is BJP National Vice President, Views are personal.)

Former GoC Nagaland Lt Gen Lakhera to be new DG Assam Rifles :::: Appeasement backfires !! Govt gets protest note from Bangladesh on Mamata's remarks

Former GoC Nagaland Lt Gen Lakhera to be new DG Assam Rifles  

New Delhi

Assam Rifles in northeast will get its new administrative boss. Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, former GoC Nagaland and ex IG Assam Rifles will now be new Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR). 

Nagaland Page

He will be posted in Shillong. Recently he was promoted from Maj Gen rank to Lt Gen and was posted to army headquarters for sometime.

Lt Gen Lakhera takes over new assignment and replace outgoing DGAR Lt Gen P C Nair who is retiring on July 31. 

Lt Gen Lakhera interacting with Naga students, Kohima 

Earlier when Maj Gen Lakhera was promoted as Lt Gen; DGAR Lt Gen Nair had tweeted to describe it as a momentous occasion for Assam Rifles and testament to hard work and dedication.

Major General Lakhera assumed the command of the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) on January 5, 2022. He moved out earlier this year on promotion.

The Assam Rifles is a paramilitary force under the union Home Ministry but its operational activities and administration are supervised by top Indian army generals.

Ends 

A case of 'shameful appeasement' of Mamata Banerjee !!

"I can confirm that we have received a diplomatic note from the Bangladeshi side, protesting against the comments made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.  

"I would like to underline that under the Seventh Schedule, Union List I, Item No. 10 of our Constitution, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into the relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogative of the Union government," he said. 

Addressing the Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata on July 21, Mamata Banerjee commented on the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, saying that she would not hesitate to provide shelter to the "helpless people" coming from the neighbouring country and seeking refuge in West Bengal.

"There is a United Nations resolution that the neighbouring countries should show respect and accommodate refugees coming from regions under turmoil," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

Reacting strongly, the Sheikh Hasina government termed the West Bengal CM's remarks "provocative" and "inaccurate", especially at a time when the local authorities were trying to normalise the tense situation there.

'shameful appeasement'

The MEA, meanwhile, termed the ongoing protests in Bangladesh an "internal matter" of the country and thanked the Bangladesh government for its "excellent cooperation" that has helped in the safe return of over 6,700 Indian students till now.

"We are aware of the situation in the country. We have been closely following the developments there. India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an internal matter of Bangladesh. With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, we were able to arrange for the safe return of our students which we deeply appreciate.

"We share warm and close ties and are hoping that the situation there will turn normal soon," the MEA spokesperson said.

Respect for LAC essential for normalcy in relations, Jaishankar tells Chinese FM 

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar stressed the importance of the three mutual (agreements) - mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity - to India-China ties during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

They met on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' meetings in Laos' capital Vientiane, on Thursday.  

"Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties. Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting with Wang Yi who is also the Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau.  

"Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," Jaishankar added.