Amit Shah's Punjab visit: 'Give one chance to BJP, will make Punjab chitta-free by 2029-end', vows Home Minister

Amit Shah says there are many problems to be addressed in -- issues related to farmers, 

industry, law and order or women’s safety but, the BJP will fight these elections first and foremost for a drug-free Punjab. 

He pledges that by the end of 2029, "there won't be a single chitta trader in the state".

BJP MP and general secretary Tarun Chugh says, 

"The country's Home Minister (Amit Shah) and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party has given a guarantee on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will create a 'Chitta'-free Punjab, and the deadline for this has been set for December 31, 2029. 

"He (Shah) has sought the support of the people of Punjab to form the government so that the country's 'double-engine' government can eradicate 'Chitta' with full force, liberating the state from this monster that is devouring Punjab's youth and consuming the vitality of its young generation. The deadline is December 31, 2029."  

Talking to reporters at Jalandhar, BJP leader Ashwani Kumar Sharma says, 

"Everything Amit Shah Ji has said or promised to the nation to date, he has fulfilled. Whether it concerns Naxalism, Article 370, or the elimination of terrorism in Kashmir, his credibility is well-established; 

...   furthermore, while speaking about Punjab, he addressed the state's dire condition, including the financial crisis, and spoke of the farmers and the business community. 

"However, he (Amit Shah) added a crucial caveat: all these measures would only be meaningful if Punjab breaks free from the grip of drug abuse. The most important priority is to save Punjab's youth and safeguard the future of its young generation."  

Before addressing the rally, the Union Minister paid obeisance at the historic 200-year-old Tripurmalini shrine within the compound of Shri Devi Talab Mandir. 

The Home Minister arrived at Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Adampur Airport and travelled to the temple by helicopter. 

He landed at the LR Doaba School grounds, where a helipad was prepared adjacent to the temple complex.

"Election Commission is totally working for the BJP, Modi, and Shah" :::: "President of India has no immunity. Only one person, the Chief Election Commissioner has it" - Rahul Gandhi

After the INDIA alliance meeting, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal says, "We discussed many things, and we decided many things. Whatever we can state to the media, the Congress President has already told you the action plans. That's all."

He further says, 

"The Election Commission is working for them. If you work for me, I have a duty to protect you. The Election Commission is totally working for the BJP, Modi, and Shah. In this country, only one person has immunity until death. 

"Even Supreme Court judges do not have that. Governors do not either. I don't think the President of India has that immunity. Only one person, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, has life-term immunity. This is what Rahul ji said today."

'Greater Confrontation with Chanakya' ::::: NPF's "Bolero power" at play ?? :::: Four NPP MLAs likely to be 'embraced' by Cock family on Oct 4 or 5 ::: Rio's planned missive : "When chips are down, people still willing to support me"

It's a good calculative game. 

Cornered by S C Jamir's 'Mohan Bhagwat card' and the self-inflicted widescale damage done by NPF secretary general's most unbecoming and arrogant statement; the party leadership has the set the ball rolling for "spins". 

Four NPP legislators including state unit legislative wing leader A Nyamnyei Konyak are now set to embrace the Cock family. 

Nyamnyei Konyak 

Understandably the message from the beleaguered NPF chief and state chief minister Neiphiu Rio is -- "despite some nosedive in public perception lately, there are legislators still willing to join us".  It is also seen as a diversionary tactic from the present impasse the NPF leadership has landed even in media and social media due to unwarranted utterances by its own office bearer and two senior Naga underground functionaries.  

Nyamnyei himself is a five-time MLA from the Moka Assembly constituency. Three others reportedly willing to accompany him to join the NPF bandwagon are - 

Kohima legislator - Tseilhoutuo Rhütso  (popular as Dr Ato) 

Seyochung–Sitimi - MLA -- C. Kipili Sangtam and 

Benei M. Lamthiu  - who represents 57 assembly segment - Thonoknyu.  

Understandably, Mr Nuklutoshi – representing Arkakong (Assembly Constituency No. 22) is still reluctant to jump the NPP ship as he is apparently not very keen to dump Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma yet.

Rio : Doing an Angami business-like calculation 

 

The NPP MLAs were apparently keen to merge with the NPF a year back. Rio had applied break saying - "I am too close to Sangma family .. Late P A Sangma was a bosom friend and so t would not be proper to break Conrad Sangma's party". 

The NPP Nagaland unit does not have a president now. An interim five-member panel manages routine organisational matters. They are --- Chuba Jamir, James Vizo, 

Ms. Audrey Jamir, 

Eje Wangnyu Konyak and H Khumtimong Sangtam (NPYF).

The NPP MLAs waited patiently for a while and around June-July 2026 had approached the BJP central leadership for the merger. The Lotus party was doing its own calculation and in the meantime veteran Jamir's "RSS chief meet" served as a path-breaking episode. 

Desperation set in and the resultant was frustration and use of "intemperate language". 

Reportedly, the BJP leaders wanted to keep chief minister Rio informed about the possible merger of NPP with the BJP.  But having sensed the 'change in public mood' especially after secretary general's remarks against S C Jamir; the Cock party has played up this game. 

In 2025, the Rio-led NDPP ( a party of party hoppers) not only merged with the NPF; the chief minister (a former Congressman) was also given the prestigious assignment of anchoring the regional outfit as its new president.  

Blogger and a Rooster : Mirror image - Not quite the right angle  

However, this merger may turn out as a double edged-sword as it could only make NPF-BJP relationship more complex. When the NDPP merged with the NPF (which only had two MLAs); BJP stalwart Amit Shah "did not respond" after the matter was informed to him by Rio himself.   

"The NPF was in power for 15 years and part of the opposition less government for nearly 8-9 years now. They should be ashamed to speak on Governance model development and Naga issue," remarked a pro-Hindutva force analyst and a retired army officer.  

Regionalist doyen Vizol : Also known for honesty 

In September 2025 - something was revealed by Rio himself. He told a meeting of NDPP leaders that the move for merger with the NPF was being kept 'transparent'. "We have kept Amit Shah informed ... told him during the July 19 (2025) meeting in the presence of T R Zeliang and Y Patton that we are moving ahead with that (merger) move".  

"As an ally, the BJP must know ... Tai eku reply dia nae (Shah did not respond)".  

Perhaps that hesitation still remains. It is clear; the NDPP-NPF merger and Rio taking over the Cock party has "further weakened the BJP". Moreover, the state unit chiefs of both the Congress and the BJP till recently appeared more 'loyal' to the Chief Minister than to their respective parties. 

But the outburst of BJP president endorsing S C Jamir has thrown out 'several interpretation' to talk about.

ends  

Guest Column :::: M Chuba Ao --- Former BJP national vice president ::::: "Someone working to create chaos in India; We, the people will resist it"

Public perception is often more important than the reality. 

Lately, the opposition parties have come out with the controversies pertaining to the functioning of the Election Commission.  They may not realise -- they are in effect harming the institutions of India. 

They are also harming the reputation of India as the largest democracy.  Differences of opinion in a multi-member quasi-judicial body is a normal thing.

 

Why the opposition parties are confused about it is puzzle for me.

But importantly, we have to take certain points highlighted by Honourable Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha -- Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. He says ever since Narendra Modi is in power - the perception about anti-incumbency has vanished.

How wrong!

 

The 1967 Madras Legislative Assembly election marked the historic defeat of the Indian National Congress in Tamil Nadu (then Madras State). The Congress has not come to power with its old grace since then. 

In West Bengal, Congress lost power in 1977 and has not come back. So the argument of anti-incumbency falls defeated.

In the north east Gegong Apang used to lead Congress party to repeated electoral glories in Arunachal Pradesh for many years. In Assam Tarun Gogoi won three times between 2001 and 2016.

 

In Tripura, the CPI-M was in power between 1988 to 2018. The important point is 'elections are won and elections are lost' - as no less than Rajiv Gandhi had himself said about electoral polity. 

So why is Rahul Gandhi running away from it.  Since 2014 -the Congress lost many elections. Similarly, BJP lost some and won several.

 

If we could manage so much about EVM or Vote Chori - the BJP's strength in 2024 would not have been 240 -- a significant drop from 303 of 2019. 

 

The article in an English newspaper everyone is trying to hype is actually incomplete. 

It talks about differences in opinion among the three election commissioners. But the article is incomplete - as it does not tell what happened after that. 

In the Election Commission - Gyanesh Kumar shares 'same power' in vote with two other election commissioners. All votes - under the rule are same - and the chief election commissioner does not have a casting vote as happens in some organisations.

 

M Chuba Ao

As a BJP karyakarta; I am hardly in a position to advice Congress and other opposition parties.  

But let me still pursue the debate. 

As everyone knows - real strength of a political party lies in the organisational strengths and booth workers. We have lakhs of sincere and committed BJP karyakartas. We also have backing at times from some friendly organisations. The RSS cadres for months have worked hard in different stages in West Bengal, Haryana, UP and Maharashtra.

Rahul Gandhi might not have seen all that. But AICC president Malikarjun Kharge ji certainly has seen the rise of Congress with the commitment of Seva Dal. Instead of wasting time on non-issues for cheap headlines; the Congress will do well to revive its Seva Dal. 

In north east too, the Seva Dal was very strong. We had a young friend working so hard in Nagaland - Atovi Sumi.

There are millions like that. I knew some of them in Assam and also in West Bengal. 

The downfall of Congress is linked to the downfall of Seva Dal. 

No political party should actually ignore the organisation base and the supporting organisations.

 

Finally, let me go back to the present controversy.  

After the media report came out on the 'differences' of opinion between Election Commissioners; the poll panel has issued a detailed statement. 

Neither of the two EC Sukhbir Singh Sandhu nor Vivek Joshi had said that they do not agree to the press statement. So, there is no controversy. 

It is all a case of building a hype so that there is some chaos in the country. This is a dangerous trend and our voters will certainly teach necessary lessons to the political parties.

 

Sensationalism is never a good weapon in politics. 

In contrast, the hard work and a clarity in ideology are the best things the political parties and the politicians should do.  When I joined BJP in early nineties; our party was nowhere in Nagaland. 

But we worked hard. In 2003, BJP won seven seats in Nagaland. We were crucial partners led by NPF in toppling the Congress dispensation. 

Today we have 12 MLAs. Similarly, we worked hard in Assam, West Bengal and other states. Look at the BJP's growth graph; it is all gradual – step by step. 

We were hardly a force in Assam till 2016. But we never gave up.  

  

Ends

 

Nitsh Kumar and three opposition stars 

*views are personal

Surgical strike 2016 - "PM Modi could not let the outrage at Uri go unanswered," Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment had said ::::

US-think tank endorsed Moditva --- Surgical strikes after Uri Terror attack

On the night of September 28–29, 2016, the Indian Army conducted targeted surgical strikes against militant launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

This was in response to Uri Attack. On September 18, 2016, heavily armed Pak-based terrorists attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 19 Indian soldiers.  

India just marked the 10th anniversary of surgical strikes that demonstrated to the world a new example of Modi Govt's counter-terrorism policy.

From the old files .. we can say :: American experts had then endorsed the strikes. 

"The Indian surgical strike inside Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) against terrorist planning to sneak into India for terrorist activities was "carefully measured", a top American think-tank had said then.

The onus for escalation lay purely on Pakistan, this was stated.

"This Indian response was indeed coming. Both as a signal to Pakistan and as reassurance for Indian domestic audiences.  Modi could not let the outrage at Uri go unanswered," said Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a top American think-tank. 

"The Indian action was carefully measured: striking at terrorist launch pads was meant to signal that India has not lost its freedom to retaliate, but puts the onus of further escalation on Pakistan," Tellis told Press Trust of India (PTI) in Washington then. 

Modi made maiden visit to US : Obama era - 2014 

India marks 10th anniversary of surgical strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan  

On September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army carried out targeted surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). 

The operation was launched as a direct and decisive military response to the Uri terror attack earlier that month, in which 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives. 

The anniversary highlights a decade of evolving national security measures. 

The government noted that the resolve shown in 2016 laid the groundwork for subsequent bold actions, including the 2019 Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor in 2025.

 

In his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani (Sunday, Sept 27, 2026); PM Narendra Modi described the 2016 surgical strike against terrorist hideouts as a historic milestone. 

He said the surgical strike highlighted the role of the Indian Army in carrying out the operation across the LoC. PM Modi recalled how the world was astonished by the manner in which Indian soldiers crossed the LoC to take action against terrorism. 

India’s counter-terrorism approach has continued to evolve over the past decade, citing the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor as examples, PM said. 

 

PM said the surgical strike was India’s decisive response to the long-standing pain the country had endured due to terrorist attacks. 

He also stated that India had suffered from terrorist attacks for a long time, recalling a period when serial blasts had become a frequent occurrence in the country. 

Referring to terrorist attacks in September 2008, Modi recalled the serial blasts in Delhi on September 13, 2008, in which several innocent people lost their lives. 

Namo recalled the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which took place just weeks after the Delhi blasts. 

PM said under his government, India’s approach to terrorism has changed and that the country now follows a “zero-tolerance policy against terrorism”.

What did Indian troops do?

Despite the use of the term "surgical strikes", the Indians definitely did not airdrop commandos to hit "launching pads of militants" inside Pakistani-held territory, or conduct ground assaults deep into the Pakistan-administered side. 

But they did cross the Line of Control (LoC), in some cases by more than a kilometre, to hit nearby Pakistani border posts.

Police officials on the Pakistani side privately concede that such a ground assault did occur in the Madarpur-Titrinot region of Poonch sector, west of Srinagar, where a Pakistani post was destroyed and one soldier killed.

In Leepa valley to the north, locals said that the Indians crossed the LoC and set up their guns on ridges directly overlooking the village of Mundakali. A Pakistani border post located at some distance east of the village was hit. Two other posts higher up in the mountains were also hit. At least four Pakistani soldiers were injured in the attack, which lasted from 05:00am until 8:00am, locals said.  (BBC) 

"We heard that the Indians had crossed LoC and hit posts from positions overlooking the valley"

 

Kashmir-focused militants have had a strong presence in Pakistani-administered Kashmir for years. During the 1990s they crossed the LoC in droves to ambush troops on India's side.

Their activities became less visible after the 2003 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, but their proficiency in suicide raids and other attacks kept them relevant to Pakistan's strategy in its dispute with India, despite denials from Pakistan's military.

The militants continue to maintain safe houses in bigger cities like Muzaffarabad, located some distance from the border area.

ends 

India and Media of 1979 :::::: ".. our journalists are not above corruption. Some of them are worth a bottle of whisky —unless we change them, we cannot change India" - Ram Nath Goenka in 1979

"...  our journalists are not above corruption. Some of them are worth a bottle of whisky—unless we can change them, we cannot change the nation," Ram Nath Goenka said in 1979.  

**

"You should not only regard newspapers as a mere business, but also as a mission: a zeal to improve the lot of your people."

In an interview with 'India Today'; he said:  

 "I do not like music, films or any other kind of entertainment. My sole entertainment is work. I enjoy walking. I get up at 4.30 a.m. and walk for five miles. I do the same in the evening. I don't drink. I don't smoke. 

"My food is simple: vegetarian. I don't like big cars. The biggest car that I have ever driven is a Fiat. I drive myself but on long journeys I am accompanied by a driver. 

"Reading books on economics is what I enjoy most. Friends are few and far between: mostly my employees. 

I am a loner and keep to myself. My family consists of my son and his wife."  

* On his early days: 

Goenka had said : "I have done everything during the freedom movement. In 1942 I have blown up trains, blown up bridges and I have been prosecuted. I was in charge of the movement in the south where we did everything, not for myself, but for the country."  

* On newspapers: 

He said: "Every other newspaper in the country has been built by their great grandfather, grandfather or father. 

The 'Times of India' was built by someone other than the present owners. Now everybody can sit on the gaddi and carry on. 'The Statesman' was built by somebody. 'The Hindu' was built by somebody 100 years ago. 

There is no man in this country except me who started and built, what you call my empire."

* On his success: 

Goenka had maintained : 

"Fear should never enter the mind of a newspaper owner. 

He should pay any price that the occasion demands. 

No newspaper owner should be frightened of politicians. They care for themselves, whereas newspaper owners should care for the people and the country. 

"Politicians and governments come and go. The newspapers are there to stay. I have ploughed back every rupee that I have earned from the newspaper to improve its quality. 

In 45 years, we have paid dividends for only three years."

"You should not only regard newspapers as a mere business, but also as a mission: a zeal to improve the lot of your people. Both must go side by side. You cannot carry out your mission without sound business sense.

"For example, G. D. Birla is a great great friend of mine. 

We are thick as thieves. He has a particular view about industry. 

I have a different view than his. 

He thinks that industry is the be all and end all of everything for the country. I believe that social obligation is greater than the industry: unless you have social obligation in industry, industry can never succeed. 

I built my newspapers with the necessary zeal."    

* On the shake-up: 

"I have not done anything for the last eight years. Firstly, because I had very little money and machinery. 

So, I could not produce better newspapers. Secondly, I had very little money and so I could not employ the right kind of people whom I wanted. I could not employ investigators. Now I have made up my mind to have an investigative story every day. 

Our campaign against the problem of untried prisoners has spotlighted the plight of 80,000 in jails."  

"I have now bought a web-offset from France at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore. 

This will speed up production and give us better quality newspapers. I want to produce the best newspapers in this country. I want to see this happen in my lifetime. Hence the present thrust."

* On hiring a foreigner as editor: 

"I will buy talent from anywhere in the world to improve my newspapers. I have sought and got the advice of the prime minister, home minister and the information minister. 

They have not objected to my luring Rafferty as editor of the 'Financial Express', why should anyone else? 

Only those who feel insecure on the staff will moan and those who feel that way are not worth their salt."

Arun Shourie 

* On his staff: 

"You know and I know that Arun Shourie has little experience in journalism. But he is willing to learn. 

He is in-charge of all the appointments and transfers. He also sees that things are carried out. 

Mulgaokar is the chief. In his absence it is Ajit Bhattacharjea. I will need three, four or five editors for each one of the centres of production.  

"I have taken on Nanporia in Bombay. I have taken Narasimhan's son in Bangalore. Kuldip is my political reporter. I only talk to my senior staff and don't go below the news editor level. Of course, I talk to everyone at the junior level but only when they are in' groups or a senior member present. Otherwise, the discipline will break down."

* On firing an editor: 

"V.K. Narasimhan was editor of the 'Financial Express' when Mulgaokar was removed by force during the Emergency. 

He was told, in writing, that we will give him Rs 1,000 a month more if he would lend his name as acting editor to the Indian Express. He was a man of integrity and honesty.

"When the Emergency was over, I had to reinstate the victim of the Emergency. If I had not done that, I would have been a cad. I would not be worth my salt. 

I told Narasimhan that he would not lose Rs 1,000 if he would revert back to his original title. 

He (Narasmhan) said: 

'Mr Goenka, I understand everything but once I have been made an editor-in-chief I could not take a position below that status.' Now there can't be two chiefs. Narasimhan was only keeping the seat warm for Mulgaokar.  

"The Madam wanted a junior reporter from The Times of India to be in Mulgaokar's chair. I said no. 

If I had not brought Mulgaokar back, I would have been the most disgraceful man."

RSS stalwarts 

* On the RSS: 

"In my editorials I have not supported RSS. 

But I have never condemned RSS. And I will not condemn RSS. 

Do you know what is the real trouble today? 

They have to enroll members of the Janata Party. 

Now none of these damn fellows has any organization. The Socialists could not enrol more than three per cent. The Congress (O) could enrol about 12 per cent-six per cent false, six true. Raj Narain enrolled about 20 per cent-10 per cent false, 10 per cent true. 

Jan Sangh enrolled 42 per cent-all true. So, they went to check the names from village to village and found that they all existed. They were the RSS cadre.

"So now they think that 42 per cent will rule the roost in the Janata Party, so the sooner they are turned out of the party the better. It is a fight of self-survival. I support RSS, personally. Do you know why? 

Because of its members' patriotism, nationalism and well-organized cadre. They don't say Muslims should be converted to Hinduism."

* On JP and RSS: 

"When I brought about a marriage between Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) and Nanaji Deshmukh, JP asked me: 

'Ram Nathji, what are you doing? 

"Are you asking me to associate with Jan Sangh?' I said: 

'JP, we will use them in our own way. If they misbehave, we will twist their tail, and if they continue to misbehave, we will kick them on their buttocks.' With great difficulty, I persuaded him and finally, he said that they were the best people. 

"They are prepared to die for the cause. It was Jawaharlal Nehru who gave a bad name to RSS for reasons better known to him. He said that they were responsible for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi. 

I told him that a full inquiry has been made and RSS has been cleared."

* On Muslims: 

"Show me a single instance where we have gone out of the way to improve their lot. 

We use them only for votes. Thank God Pakistan is in a bad way otherwise the way we treat the Muslims they could prove to be potential fifth columnists in this country."  

India Today link

* On politicians: 

"No politician can run a newspaper because they can only think of themselves. 

All the newspapers started by politicians have closed down, even 

Nehru's National Herald. 

Newspaper is not your own property and if you are a newspaper owner never use it for your own publicity or ends. 

I have standing instructions with my staff that my picture should never appear in my newspapers. 

In the last 45 years my picture has not appeared in my newspapers. My speeches may have, but only when I was a member of Parliament. 

All politicians are for themselves except for Morarjibhai who is for God."

Morarji Desai 

* On the Janata Government: 

Goenka said:

"The rule of the Janata Party has done one thing. It has liberated the soul of the people. Beyond that it hasn't done anything. 

I am greatly disappointed in the Janata Government. My affection for them, my rapport with them is quite friendly. 

But I tell them: 'Damn fools, you are not doing your job.'"

(The article was published in the INDIA TODAY edition dated May 31, 1979)

ends