Dual contest proves good, will it be so for Rahul Gandhi? - Dual contest goes well with good season

But, Rahul Gandhi has chosen about such a contest when things are not in his favour!

Like in all electoral contests, in the dual candidature issue also what ultimately matters is the people's wishes. What uniquely distinguishes Congress president Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from two parliamentary seats than what has been done earlier by the likes of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi and even his mother Sonia Gandhi is - the popularity graph.

Mr Gandhi has taken the decision at a time when his party is faced with multiple challenges and is desperate to get back its relevance in national politics - especially in terms of the number of members it will have in the Lower House of Parliament. In 2014, the Congress tally had come down to all time record low of 44.

Rahul Gandhi is contesting in two constituencies when there is no wave in his favour and in fact, the BJP leaders have already mocked that his decision to contest from Wayanad parliamentary seat is guided by the fear of rejection in family pocket borough Amethi. Among others, who had contested such two-seats in the past include time tested politician Vajpayee - who had done this in 1991 from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.

He repeated that in 1996 from Gandhinagar in Gujarat and Lucknow in UP. The BJP stalwart had won both and later gave up Gandhinagar.

For his part BJP veteran L K Advani did so from New Delhi and Gandhinagar in 1991.

For her part, Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi contested in 1999 from two seats in Bellary in Karnataka and family's pocket borough Amethi in UP.In fact, it was considered a tough fight but Sonia Gandhi's personal popularity was never in question and her political ability was not put on test earlier. In the case of Rahul Gandhi, the scenario is slightly different as he has been at the helm of affairs running the party for quite sometime and the electoral voyage has been - win some, lose some.
To take on Sonia Gandhi in Bellary, the BJP had fielded Sushma Swaraj - a woman trying to represent 'Bharatiya Nari' image against Italian born Sonia. Many said with her 'big bindi on the forehead' Ms Swaraj was the perfect nationalistic foil to take on Sonia Gandhi - but the Congress president won the contest by a margin of 56,100 votes.

In 2014, when Prime Minister decided to contest from Vadodara in his home turf and Varanasi — Narendra Modi was riding the much talked about 'pro-Modi wave' --- such a thing is clearly missing in the case of Rahul Gandhi in circa 2019.


In others cases, most of such decisions to contest from two seats used to be strategic and to prefer a relatively comfortable entry into Lok Sabha, the BJP leaders say the gamble in Modi's decision was about to demonstrate the mass appeal.

"Modi's candidature in Varanasi changed the entire equation. The BJP won as many as 71 seats and two additional for ally Apna Dal and thus the Modi magic helped his party capture power," a BJP leader said.

In contrast, sources said Mr Advani's decision to contest from two seats in 1991 was guided by the fact that New Delhi constituency was slowly offering a tough contest to him when Congress fielded actor Rajesh Khanna. In fact, the issue of contesting from two seats has triggered debate and litigation too. Last year, the Election Commission had told the Supreme Court that it favours an amendment to Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to ensure that a candidate is not allowed to contest from more than one seat.

As of now, the Representation of the People Act says a candidate may contest any election (Parliamentary, state assembly, biennial council, or by-elections) from 'up to two constituencies' -- this is presumably to give greater flexibility to candidates.

In 2004 Lok Sabha polls, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had contested from two constituencies Hassan and Kanakpura. He lost Kanakpura contest to Tejaswani Gowda but could win from Hassan.

Ironically, five years back in 1999 Lok Sabha - Mr Gowda had lost Hassan seat to G Pattaswamy of Congress.  

Among others, Mulayam Singh Yadav had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri in 2014 and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad had also contested from Saran and Pataliputra in 2009.

Jaitley uses 'moon and finger' simile to blast Oppn over PM announcement

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday displayed his oratory skills to dismiss the Opposition’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi making the announcement about the space mission and said such behavior only would put them in poor light.

Making it clear that he is not trying to show any disrespect to opposition leaders, Mr Jaitley, known for his witty jibes, said "When the finger points to the moon, the idiot always point to the finger".

“Can anybody argue that such sensitive programme should be disclosed to anybody other than those in command. Is that the requirement of national security?” he asked at the media briefing here.

Mr Jaitley said, “It is regrettable that elementary lessons of national security are not known.”

He said a large number of countries today will grudge India for achieving this and thus it could not be announced other than the Prime Minister.

India joins Space Super League: 'No threat to anyone', says PM

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) India on Wednesday made it clear that it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and the scaling up defence capability to enter the super league of the US, China and Russia is not aimed against anyone but rather the unique feat will "compel" other players in the region to maintain peace.

"India has no intention to threaten anyone ...I want to assure the international community that the new capability we have developed is not directed against anyone," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a

a rare televised address to the nation weeks before the elections.

Predictably, the opposition parties have flayed the government for the same and said the announcement was like a theatrical show and formed violation of the election code.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at a press conference said a large number of countries today will grudge India for achieving this.

Official sources have maintained that - India now expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space.

“By this achievement, we are able to compel others to maintain peace in this region. India’s stand has always been no first use but we must secure our land," Mr Jaitley told a news conference in presence of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Making it clear that he is not trying to show any disrespect to opposition leaders, Mr Jaitley, known for his witty jibes, described opposition parties complain as exercise in poor light and went onto say - "When the finger points to the moon, the idiot always point to the finger".

As a policy, the government sources have said:  "India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all".

"We have always maintained that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. We are against the weaponization of Outer Space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets," they said.

Prime Minister said India will be the fourth country to have used such an anti-satellite missile after the United States, Russia and China.

The announcement by Prime Minister Modi followed after Indian Mission 'Operation Shakti' destroyed a low-orbiting satellite in a missile test that puts the country in the global space club or the "super league".

The official sources pointed out that Indian space programme is not in violation of any international law or a Treaty to which it is a party or any national obligation.

The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982.

The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.

Sources said - "India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology".

Prime Minister said the benefits of Indian satellites are reaching every Indian.

"The importance of space and satellites in the world will continue to grow. Possibly life will be incomplete without them.....We want to use modern day technologies for the security and welfare of our 1.3 billion people," Mr Modi said.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mission Shakti, India’s Anti-Satellite Missile test conducted on 27 March, 2019 - MEA

March 27, 2019

I. What was the test? 

1. On March 27, 2019 India conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test, from the Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Island launch complex.This was a technological mission carried out by DRDO. The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s existing satellites operating in lower orbit. The test was fully successful and achieved all parameters as per plans. The test required an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability.

2. The significance of the test is that India has tested and successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology.

3. With this test, India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations consisting of USA, Russia and China.

II. Which satellite was used?

The satellite used was an Indian satellite.

III. Which Missile/Interceptor was used?

The DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used, which is part of the ongoing ballistic missile defence programme.

IV. There are other ways to demonstrate ASAT capabilities such as "fly-by tests” and Jamming. Why has India used the particular technology of Kinetic Kill?

This is a technology where we have developed capability. Space technologies are constantly evolving. We have used the technology that is appropriate to achieve the objectives set out in this mission.

V. Does the test create space debris?

The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.

VI. Why did we do the test?

1. India has a long standing and rapidly growing space programme. It has expanded rapidly in the last five years. The Mangalyaan Mission to Mars was successfully launched. Thereafter, the government has sanctioned the Gaganyaan Mission which will take Indians to outer space.

2. India has undertaken 102 spacecraft missions consisting of communication satellites, earth observation satellites, experimental satellites, navigation satellites, apart from satellites meant for scientific research and exploration, academic studies and other small satellites. India’s space programme is a critical backbone of India’s security, economic and social infrastructure.

3. The test was done to verify that India has the capability to safeguard our space assets. It is the Government of India’s responsibility to defend the country’s interests in outer space.

VII. Why was the test done now?

The tests were done after we had acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success, and reflects the intention of the government to enhance India’s national security. India has seen an accelerated space development programme since 2014.

VIII. Is India entering into an arms race in outer space?

1. India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. We have always maintained that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. We are against the weaponization of Outer Space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets.

2. India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all.

3. India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space. India already implements a number of Transparency and Confidence Building Measures(TCBMs) – including registering space objects with the UN register, prelaunch notifications, measures in harmony with the UN Space Mitigation Guidelines, participation in Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management, undertaking SOPA (Space Object Proximity Awareness and COLA (Collision Avoidance) Analysis and numerous international cooperation activities, including hosting the UN affiliated Centre for Space and Science Technology Education in Asia and Pacific. India has been participating in all sessions of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. 

4. India supported UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space. We see the No First Placement of weapons in outer space as only an interim step and not a substitute for concluding substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space, which should continue to be a priority for the international community.

5. India supports the substantive consideration of the issue of Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) in the Conference on Disarmament where it has been on the agenda since 1982.

IX. What is the international law on weapons in outer space?

1. The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982. The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.

2. India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology.

3. India is not in violation of any international law or Treaty to which it is a Party or any national obligation.

X. Is the test directed against any country?

1. The test is not directed against any country. India’s space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone.

2. At the same time, the government is committed to ensuring the country’s national security interests and is alert to threats from emerging technologies. The capability achieved through the Anti-Satellite missile test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles.

Elections or no elections - space prog continues: JaitleyNew Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) The BJP on Wednesday strongly countered the charge from the Opposition parties including Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M) that announcement on India's successful space mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a violation of the model code of conduct.

Such programmes continue 365 days a year… elections or no elections," senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley strongly asserted at a press conference after the issue was raised by West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

Reacting to the Prime Minister's speech to the nation, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also took a pot shot at him and tweeted, "I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day."

Ms Banerjee had earlier tweeted, "It seems a desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission."

Mr Yechury wrote a letter to the poll panel raising similar objections.

Mr Jaitley maintained, "Since it is deterrent, the deterrent has to be known to all concerned and the deterrent of this kind there is no better person than the Prime Minister who has to inform the world."

Taking a jibe at the Trinamool Congress chief, he said the nuclear programme and space-related works go on throughout the year and "cannot be put to a halt because it does not suit to West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any other party".

Methods in strategy: BJP ‘retires’ most veterans, Cong still reposes faith in elders

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) In the list of elders – those virtually given voluntary or forced retirement by BJP include L K Advani, M M Joshi, Shanta Kumar, B C Khanduri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Kalraj Mishra and Karia Munda. From the younger lot – Sushma Swaraj (67) and Uma Bharati (59) opted out of electoral race. 

Before you gasp for air – how and why these went on – the Congress list of candidates still has the name of Digvijaya Singh (72) and Salman Khurshid (66).

In the case of Digvijaya, Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s decision is puzzling as Bhopal – a known saffron party bastion for decades – will be a tough seat to win. Notwithstanding the bravado, Mr Singh made a reluctant entry.
Talk to BJP leaders on the subject – most speak vaguely. Instead, one leader tried to show the ‘virtues’ of the decision to field 28-year-old L S Tejaswi Surya from Bangalore South denying the ticket to Late Ananth Kumar’s wife Tejaswani Ananth Kumar. Has BJP adopted pragmatism to sentimentality? In that case – what is Rahul Gandhi – 20 years younger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi - trying to do by fielding veterans like Digvijaya Singh?

In fact, when it came to making choice of Chief Ministers too – Mr Gandhi had opted for 72-year-old Kamal Nath in Madhya Pradesh and Ashok Gehlot (67) in Rajasthan. The claims from much younger Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot were brushed aside or kept in backburner.

Of course, Congress has younger leaders in the form of Hardik Patel - who formally joined the party and 
In Goa – a scene in contrast – the BJP insisted that the man to succeed Maohor Parrikar will be 48-year-old Pawan Sawant. Earlier, it gave relatively young Chief Ministers in Tripura and Maharashtra and even NPP leader Conrad Sangma in Meghalaya is only 41 and certainly represents the ‘new generation’ politics in northeast.

In terms of BJP’s ‘shift’ towards Generation Next – it all actually started way back in 2013 under Rajnath Singh as party president himself – and the move had clear blessings of the RSS leadership.

According to a BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh – now standing sidelined – the underlining theme that guided the saffron party in 2013 appointment of office bearers, 2014 distribution of tickets and also ministry formation and now against allotment of tickets in 2019 – is – ‘kisi ek neta ki nahi chali’

“The single biggest takeaway is that no individual is important,” he said adding not even patriarch L K Advani or the Late Ananth Kumar vis-a-vis the emotive issue of ‘sympathy’ ticket for his wife.

Endorsing him a Maharashtra BJP leader says – “The new team and ticket distribution reflects practical politics at places like in the case of Maneka-Varun Gandhi duo and it only reflects the generation next”.

In the case of Varun Gandhi – he is just 39 and that’s a merit, a source said.
A leader went further – saying in 2024, it will be likes of Pawan Sawant (48) or even the 28-year-old L S Tejaswi Surya – who will run the BJP.
In Uttar Pradesh – despite all criticism – the incumbent Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is not only a ‘younger’ face – he is precisely one year younger to Rahul Gandhi. A Sangh parivar functionary and close observer of things – says “Rajnath Singh started it in 2013 itself and this has been carried forward. Without showing disrespect, I must say we have been able to do away with dead wood”. 

In contrast, let us examine the cases pertaining to Congress veterans.   

Besides Digvijaya Singh and Salman Khurshid, Congress leaders contesting elections this year will be Mallikarjun Kharge (76), Nirmal Khatri (68)
Of course, 73-year-old P Chidambaram has left Sivaganga seat to his son Karti. Interestingly, in terms of showing faith on younger lots – in January this year – Congress president Rahul Gandhi brought in Jyotiraditya Scindia and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as two in-charges in UP – replacing 70-year-old Ghulam Nabi Azad.

In Uttarakhand 71-year-old Harish Rawat is Congress nominee from Nainital while in Nagaland Congress candidate is another former Chief Minister K L Chishi (75).

In the running of the party, of course Rahul Gandhi has to bank on his mother Sonia Gandhi (72) also contesting from Rae Bareli and A K Antony (78).  

ends 

BJP does tight rope walk: Sacrifices five seats to JD(U), fields ex-Marxist against Pranab's son

New Delhi, Mar 23 In the list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls across the country, the ruling BJP has tried to do the tight rope walking striking the caste balance, keeping the allies happy and foremost of all laying emphasis on winnability. 

According to party sources here, these things are easier done especially in the context of high expectations from the electorate and the the party workers. 

BJP has so far dropped 42 sitting lawmakers and gave away five incumbent seats to its muscle flexing partner JD(U) in Bihar. The candidates list include over 30 women and there are Muslims as well.

A key member of the BJP Central Election Committee said the enthusiasm suggests the party workers and supporters expect the saffron outfit to touch the 300 figures on its own --- certainly a tall order given the multi-pronged challenges it faces in cowbelt states like Uttar Pradesh. 

The CEC has been ruthless at some places and adopted a rather liberal approach in others - accommodating the sitting lawmakers in many places. However, in certain constituencies - the party has also done last minute fine tuning and changed the candidates' names after judging the challenges those are being posed by the rivals.  

In Assam, in the first list, it replaced five siting MPs to fight the incumbency factor while in states like Maharashtra - it decided to name candidates based on the names the rival parties have announced. 

In West Bengal from Jangipur seat - against Congress MP Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former President Pranab Mukherjee, BJP nominee is Mafuja Khatun.

The 48-year-old Khatun is a two-time former Marxist MLA from neighbouring Dakshin Dinajpur district. She joined the BJP in 2017.

Similarly, against former Chief Minister and ex Union Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in Solapur, the BJP has given ticket to Jaisiddeshwar Swami. In 2014, sitting MP Sharad Bansode had emerged as giant killer when he humbled Shinde, also a trusted aide of Sonia Gandhi.

Similarly, against Supriya Sule of NCP, the BJP nominee for the prestigious Baramati constituency will be Kanchan Kul, wife of Daund MLA Rahul Kul,

Rahul Kul is the MLA of Rashtriya Samaj Paksh and it goes to much behind the doors negotiations that BJP decided to field his wife in Sharad Pawar bastion.

In Gujarat, the BJP has showed faith in 14 sitting MPs but dropped the member from Surendranagar in the new list of 15 candidates announced on Saturday.

BJP had won all 26 from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's native state in Gujarat. Surendranagar MP Devji Fatehpara has been denied replaced by a Koli community leader Mahendra Munjpara. 

For Vadodara, the party nominee will be Ranjan Ben Bhatt thus ruling out the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi - unlike five years back - making it his second constituency.  In 2014 - besides Varanasi in UP, Mr Modi had contested from Vadodara also and had later given up it up. 

Ms Bhatt had won the seat later in the by-election. In the first list of BJP candidates on Thursday, the Central Election Committee had named Mr Modi for Varanasi yet again while BJP chief Amit Shah will be party candidate from Gandhinagar replacing party patriarch and 91-year-old L K Advani. 

Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava and Rajkot MP Mohan Kundariya, who were dropped from the Narendra Modi ministry in July, 2016, have been repeated from the two seats. The BJP candidate for Dahod ST seat will be Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jashvantsinh Bhabhor. 

BJP retained its sitting members and Union Ministers including the likes of Jayant Sinha from Hazaibagh in Jharkhand and Narendra Singh Tomar in Madhya Pradesh. 

Among the modest surprise is Paresh Rawal, sitting Ahmedabad East MP, who has opted out of the contest. The party veteran Shanta Kumar has been denied ticket from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and instead, the BJP leadership reposed faith in Kishan Kapoor.

Hours before the candidates' names were announced on Saturday, Mr Rawal had tweeted saying he is not keen for contest but he remained "a staunch supporter of Narendra Modi". 

The Union Rural Development Minister Tomar has been shifted from Gwalior to Morena. In 2014, Morena seat in Madhya Pradesh was won by BJP's Anoop Mishra and Mr Tomar had won from Gwalior. But in 2009, Mr Tomar represented Morena parliamentary constituency.

In Gujarat, the BJP reposed faith in Punamben Madam from Jamanagar seat, where the Congress may field Patidar leader Hardik Patel. "The BJP has been ahead of opposition parties in declaring candidates and our campaign will start from Saturday," Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said.

In UP, the key Kairana seat has been given Pradeep Chaudhary, a two-time MLA. In 2018, the party had lost the seat in the bypoll when its nominee Mriganka Singh, daughter of Late Hukum Singh. 

In Assam, Dilip Saikia will contest from Mangaldoi constituency instead of Ramen Deka, a founding member of the party’s state unit. Senior parliamentarian and three-time Lok Sabha lawmaker Bijoya Chakravarty has been denied ticket from the prestigious Guwahati constituency. 

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who may come to Rajya Sabha in June, welcomed the nomination of Pallab Lochandas from Tezpur.

Earlier, the party toyed with the idea of fielding state Sarma for the seat but later gave up the move on the ground that Mr Sarma as North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor will be more involved in campaigning in the entire north east region. Mr Das is sitting MLA representing Rangapara constituency and is Assam Tea Tribes Welfare (Independent charge) Minister. He will have to sweat it out against Congress nominee, former Assam bureaucrat and Andhra Pradesh-born MGVK Bhanu. 

"I welcome candidature of Sri Pallab Lochandas, my young colleague in Assam, for Tezpur LS seat. A leader from tea tribe community he has always worked hard for the community," Mr Sarma tweeted. 

Kerala state unit general secretary K Surendran, who has the RSS backing, finally walked away with the crucial party ticket for Pathanamthitta parliamentary constituency that houses popular Sabarimala Temple.

The BJP considers it has good chance of winning Pathanamthitta, which was the epicentre of Sabarimala agitation.

Ends 

PM, BJP use Pitroda's remarks on Balakot strike: Pushes hashtag '#JantaMaafNahiKaregi'

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) In the run up to the general elections, the ruling BJP and its top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made optimum use of Congress leader Sam Pitroda's controversial remarks on aerial strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and said the episode clearly distinguishes the 'difference' between the opposition and the ruling dispensation.  

Pushing the hashtag  '#JantaMaafNahiKaregi' - 'people will not forgive', Mr Modi tweeted: "Opposition insults our forces time and again. I appeal to my fellow Indians - question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them - 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics.
"India stands firmly with our forces," he said.
''Difference between Opposition and BJP is clear. They suspect our Army, we are proud of our
Army," BJP chief Amit Shah tweeted.
As Prime Minister himself pushed the hashtag 'Janta Maaf Nahi Karegi' on Twitter - it was soon joined by several party leaders and Union Ministers.

Mr Modi lashed out at Congress for what he said 'kick starting' the Pakistan National Day celebrations for questioning Balakot anti-terror aerial strike and called it a 'shame'.

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame!," Prime Minister tweeted taking cognizance of the comments from Sam Pitroda, a known Rahul Gandhi loyalist.

Mr Pitroda's incidentally came on a day the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi hosted a reception in connection of Pakistan National Day. The government officially boycotted it saying it was in protest against invitation sent to separatist Hurriyat leaders.

Sam Pitroda, Indian Overseas Congress Chief, has questioned Indian Air Force actions on February 26 and said just because eight terrorists come and 'do something' --- "you don’t jump on entire nation (Pakistan)".

This was to imply his endorsement to UPA regime's refusal to conduct such strikes after 2008 Mumbai siege.

Mr Pitroda also had worked closely with the Late Rajiv Gandhi and BJP leaders like Arun Jaitley - thus - went on to describe him as 'Guru' of Congress president.

Mr Jaitley, however, was more than sarcastic. "Agar Guru aisa ho aur unke vichar aisa ho, toh shishya kitna Nikamma niklega aaj yeh desh ko bhukatna par raha hae (If Guru is like that, the disciple can be only a worthless one and the country is suffering this situation today)," Mr Jaitley told reporters in presence former cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who joined the saffron party here.

Prime Minister also has taken exception to remarks by Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav.

"Opposition is the natural habitat of terror apologists and questioners of our armed forces. This reprehensible statement by a senior leader like Ram Gopal Ji insults all those who have given their lives in protecting Kashmir. It humiliates the families of our martyrs," Mr Modi wrote.

Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted: "Now the Nation knows why Rahul Gandhi and UPA chose not to respond with the full might of India post 26/11. Congress sympathies with Pakistan stand exposed".

In his missive, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal wrote: "Once again Congress speaks the language of terror apologists. Time and again, they betray our jawans and insult the memories of our martyrs".
Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu was also unsparing as he wrote: "Despite all that our forces do for our country, the opposition insults them by commencing the Pakistani National Day celebrations. 130 crore citizens of India will not let this go unnoticed".
Mr Jaitley further said Mr Pitroda's remarks reflect the fact that the Congress party is out of touch from the sentiments of the armed forces and the people of the country.
"Even Organisation of Islamic Countries have not said the aerial strike was wrong.....," he said adding the fight against terror has now emerged as an 'ideological battle' between those who want to defend India through all instruments and strategies and those who want to fight terrorism "with kid gloves and their hands tied behind them".

IF GURU IS LIKE PITRODA, DISCIPLE CAN BE ONLY A 'NIKKAMMA': JAITLEY

Taking note of Pitroda remarks Jaitley makes 'Nikkamma' jibe on Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) Taking strong exception to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's close associate Sam Pitroda's remarks questioning anti-terror strike by Air Force at Balakot in Pakistan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday blasted the Opposition party.


"Agar Guru aisa ho aur unke vichar aisa ho, toh shishya kitna Nikamma niklega aaj yeh desh ko bhukatna par raha hae (If Guru is like that, the disciple can be only a worthless one and the country is suffering this situation today)," Mr Jaitley told reporters in presence of Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who joined the saffron party here.

"It is very unfortunate statement for India that somebody regarded as the ideologue for Congress party has said so," Mr Jaitley said answering questions.

Sam Pitroda, Indian Overseas Congress Chief, has questioned Indian Air Force actions on February 26 and said just because eight terrorists come and 'do something' --- "you don’t jump on entire nation (Pakistan)".

Mr Pitroda had tried to justify the then UPA government's decision not to undertake any aerial strike against Pakistan after 26/11 Mumbai terror strike in 2008.

"Such people have no connect with India's security requirements...The pain that we have suffered in last three decades due to terrorism," the Finance Minister said.

"Our security doctrine has evolved," said Mr Jaitley, who is also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

He said - "We were earlier only defending ourselves when the terrorists came within the country. Today it has evolved that we go to the point of origin of terror and make a pre-emptive strike because that terror is aimed against us".

He further said Mr Pitroda's remarks reflect the fact that the Congress party is out of touch from the sentiments of the armed forces and the people of the country. The Opposition party also has not bothered to note that every country has "supported us" during the Surgical strike of 2016 and also the air strikes on Balakot camps.

He said the fight against terror has now emerged as an 'ideological battle' between those who want to defend India through all instruments and strategies at its command and those who want to fight terrorism "with kid gloves and their hands tied behind them".

"If the tutor has these views (like Pitroda), then the student I think will do what the present student is doing," said Mr Jaitley, who also held Defence portfolio for sometime under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"This is not the first time that a senior leader of Congress party has made such a statement. Repeatedly such statements have been made....Mr Pitroda will be very high on his TRPs in Pakistan TV today," he said adding - "I am equally sure the level of revulsion against his statement in India will also be very high".

Speaking on the occasion, former cricket star Gautam Gambhir, who joined the saffron party on Friday, said he 'echoes' and endorses what Mr Jaitley has said.

"....I echo what sir (Jaitley) has said. I totally endorse that statement," Mr Gambhir said.

ends

Guest Column: Lie as an instrument – common to Congress & Pak machinations

Guest Columnist -------  Swati Deb

Pakistan is getting encircled in vicious cycle – the most of which is its own creation. This again came to the fore when Pakistan made use of or misused the F-16 fighter jet.

Senior Indian officials smell yet another ‘success’ on this and hopes that Uncle Sam would only testify this violation sooner than later; and act against Pakistan or pull it up.

"Sab kucch wahan haen (Everything is with them)," a key government source said in Delhi. Things like serial number, the name of the company .....everything is with the US.

If 'lie' is an instrument, Pakistan has won many battles against India. But at the end of the day, Pakistan remains a country where the truth easily gets countered by 'falsehood' and silence.

And that silence is actually a lie. Pakistan, as a result, post-Pulwama is only indulging in propaganda campaign and in full time business of peddling fake news.

Indian government has taken cognizance of these and sources say at the moment the intention of Pakistan government is to simply “pretend” before international community that they are taking steps against terrorism.

A series of media interviews by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also seen in that perspective. At a recent closed door meeting of senior security analysts and a few top guns in the government – it was underlined that India’s pressure tactics on Imran Khan had worked and after the ‘no negotiation’ on Wg Cdr Abhinandan was heard in Islamabad “loud and clear” --- Pakistan was forced to release the captured Indian pilot.

Importantly again, it was also understood that the Foreign Minister of Pakistan was compelled to give two interviews to western media.

Importantly, from Indian government’s perspective – it was also understood Qureshi was defensive during the interview. “In the first place, Pak Minister acknowledged that Masood Azhar was in Pakistan and also that somebody in Pakistani establishment could contact Azhar”.

Besides these – it was also underlined that in one of the interviews at least for four times Masood Azhar was described as JeM chief – but on no occasion – Qureshi denied that fact. “This is important from Indian perspective as on the context of proposal for UNSC ban it has been argued that Masood Azhar is no longer the chief of that organisation....Qureshi not denying Azahr as JeM chief thus demolishes this argument”.

Pakistan has been champion in spreading lies. This happened post-Pulwama too. When the terror exporter was getting sidelined in the comity of nations across the world, some opposition Indian political parties and seasoned politicians joined the Pak lie only to give credibility to Pakistan's false narrative.

New Delhi has 'given proof' to Washington about the use of F-16 fighters. The fact that Pakistan has to resort to tactics and alleging that the missile came from a Taiwanese inventory and the Taiwan government clearly putting a denial simply indicate the desperation that Pakistan is facing.  

Pakistan played its usual game and apparently wanted to look for an escape route and said the wreckage could have been part of a missile sold by the U.S. to Taiwan. In fact, a Pakistan daily also reported - “How the wreckage of a missile sold to Taiwan ended up in the hands of an Indian military air vice marshal is something only New Delhi can explain".

The reference was to Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor statement that Pakistan has no other plane other than the F-16 to use the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) missile beyond visual range air-to-air missile. But the Pakistan's motives did not run for long and the bluff was called as the Taiwan Air Force quickly did their "checks and ascertained" that the identification numbers reported by Pakistan newspaper did not match any of its missiles. In fact, a section of Taiwanese media was also annoyed with such allegation directed against Taiwan and said the charge was like a case of Taiwan getting hit by a bullet while lying down.

Indian authorities feel – Imran Khan regime is gradually loosing ‘popularity’ in Pakistan but nobody has started questioning it, but some questions are obvious. Here comes the issue of fake news that Indian submarines had moved close to Pakistan coast and that Sukhoi Indian Air Force jets were brought down.

Brushing aside Pakistani claim that Indian Sukhoi jets were downed and submarines have been 'chased away', Indian officials have said many ongoing things can make one believe that "Imran Khan is himself perhaps not in the know of things".

Credibility of Imran Khan is at stake. In this context, one can obviously cite the fact that Pakistan Prime Minister himself claimed on February 27 that 'two Indian aircraft' were downed, but they have not able to produce any photographs of the same.

"Someone has to question Pakistan government on that, and why Pakistani media is not doing that," a key analyst said. Moreover, there has been constant discrepancy between what the Pakistani government is saying and what they are doing. At times, the versions of Pakistani diplomats have been in contradiction to what Pakistan government has said about terrorist groups.

 
The ‘desperation’ catching up with Pakistani government is palpable. One day they try to push the case of Imran Khan as contender for Nobel peace prize, another day a little known Pak Minister is sacked for his comments on Hindus.

The whole idea is also to ensure that the Pakistani population does not ask any "awkward question" on the government and what the Pakistani forces have done themselves.

 
Now, what Congress and other opposition leaders have tried to say -  the authenticity of Balakot attack.  If Pakistani media and army is saying is correct and Balakot terror camp has not been 'destroyed' – the obvious question why are Pakistani media not taken to the site even after seven days.

Over to Congress: Brand game of False Allegations

If desperation is catching up with Imran Khan; – in India – a class of politicians who often ‘sympathised’ with him seem to share the Pakistani game of lie, falsehood and utter shamelessness at times.

If such sweeping remarks appear too harsh, one must scan through the tweets of Kapil Sibal and Digvijaya Singh. The former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh – who once was a virtual guru of Rahul Gandhi – has now called Pulwama terror attack – “an accident”.

Sibal for his part want to bank more on a section of foreign media and questioned the authenticity of Balakot strike and its impact. For his part, the Air Force chief Air chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said the aerial strike on February 26 achieved its target and the Pakistani retaliation itself was the ample proof about it. "We hit the target......If we had dropped bombs in the jungle, there would be no need for them (Pakistan) to respond”.

In fact, Congress president Rahul Gandhi added to his list of faux pas when he tweeted horrifying lines on the Ordinance factory at Amethi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Amethi said the factory was inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi in 2007 but it did not materialise due to UPA negligence.

Mr Gandhi wasted no time – and tweeted in hurry that he had inaugurated the factory in 2010 and that Mr Modi was only telling a lie. BJP leaders Smriti Irani and Kiren Rijiju released a photograph that showed that the function was held in 2007 - as mentioned by Prime Minister in his speech.

"Please take a closer look at the photograph, it shows 2007. When you really laid the foundation stone for Amethi and when you destroyed Amethi, please come clean," Smriti Irani it out at Rahul Gandhi in Hindi.

Kiren Rijiju, MoS Home went a step further.  "Rahul Gandhi ji is holding a responsible position. Why don't some sensible people in Congress party tell him that compulsive liar is a person who tells falsehoods out of habit, sometimes for no reason at all," Union Minister Mr Rijiju tweeted.

But more vital question is what does Congress and other opposition parties stand to benefit by questioning the authenticity of Air Force strike of February 27?

First reason is obvious – it wants to deprive Modi and the BJP all credit for the muscular policy it displayed post Pulwama and especially remained firm on February 27-28 after Indian pilot Abhinandan was captured. 

Opposition camp and apologists among ‘left-liberal and sickular’ media tried to make a big cause of Congress party cancelling its meeting in Ahmedabad and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal putting off his hunger strike for Delhi statehood. In fact, there was nervousness in the opposition camp as the BJP went ahead with its political programmes. However, they are not appreciating one that PM Modi has been monitoring every inch of the development and officials in Ministry of External Affairs and Defence confirm how things are in ‘total control’

“It is firmness with which Prime Minister has been working that Pakistan has been put on defensive more than once,” a senior government functionary in the know of strategic matter said.

On the contrary, Congress and opposition parties started getting quoted in Pakistan media. None would miss the point that the opposition camp was giving credibility and fodder to the Pakistani narrative whereas the fact of the matter was Pakistan was getting sidelined in the comity of nations.

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Pak isolation in own backyard

Even the most 'neutral historians' among Pakistanis, including those settled in the US, would say that the 1965 Indo-Pak war had 'ended in a stalemate' --- something which is far from truth. There are records to suggest that before and after 1965 debacle Pakistan resorted to propaganda machination by setting up a so called ‘revolutionary radio’ --- the 'Radio Sada-e-Kashmir'. The new 'radio station' used to claim of Kashmiri 'revolutionary council' setting up "parallel government in India- administered Kashmir". There would be also claims that at least crucial bridges on main road linking Jammu with Srinagar and the Kashmir valley have been 'destroyed'.

Hence, despite the claim of enforcing principles of 'Naya Pakistan' - as claimed by its new Prime Minister Imran Khan - Islamabad has not yet given up the old habits of trying to thrive in propaganda.

It is certainly this machination that made authorities in India's western neighbour delay the release of captured Air Force pilot Wing Commander Pilot - as he was 'made to undergo' a video recording wherein he is made to say among other things - the Pakistani Army is "very professional and I am impressed by it".

A retired Army officer and now a BJP leader says - "This is part of their medieval history legacy. None will question an authority even if it is utterly falsehood. They will not seek reform and instead sit back and endure and look for loopholes and theories to deny the fact".

"Archives of media reporting in custody of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan show that grossly exaggerated and false claims of 'military success' were made by the Pakistan military both during 1965 and 1971," the source said.

In Abu Dhabi, after successful speech by Sushma Swara, India’s only foreign minister to address OIC, Pakistan stands ‘isolated’ in its own backyard.

ends

Will BJP's Bengal 'success story' reflect 'moral defeat' for Mamata?

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) The BJP is certainly ambitious and more so in the run up to the elections in West Bengal where it has always faced the ignominy of organisational weaknesses.
The story of this eastern state at least since 2011 has been the story of Mamata Banerjee but over the last two years, the saffron party has been working hard and has now set a target of 22 plus seats out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats. Electorally, West Bengal is the third largest state - after 80 seats from Uttar Pradesh and 48 in Maharashtra.

The saffron party, which is now expected to release its first list of candidates on Tuesday, has alleged that the Trinamool Congress regime has made a mess of governance.
In fact, BJP lawmaker and Union Minister Babul Supriyo's theme campaign song 'Phutbey ebar Padda ful, Bangla Chharo Trinamool' (Time for Lotus in Bengal now, it is time for pack up for TMC) has spread like viral on social media - chiefly after a police FIR has been filed by Trinamool Congress.

A senior party leader says, “The BJP target is more than the vote share and the seats. This year, as the BJP will win in Bengal and Mamata Banerjee will lose out more than a dozen seats, the Trinamool will actually lose out not only electorally but also morally”.

The BJP leaders say the decade old argument that Bengali voters will not endorse a 'Hindi party which is wedded to right Hindu chauvanism' will be proved wrong this time. To strengthen this argument, they cite Tripura outcome in March 2018.

According to senior West Bengal BJP leader Rahul Sinha, so much is the 'mess' of governance that today polls will be held in the state in seven phases.

“We are in a resurgent mood and once our candidates names come out, see how things will start falling at place in Bengal,” Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP in charge of West Bengal, told UNI.
West Bengal BJP leaders also say that understanding the dynamics and complexities of the Mamata Banerjee-ruled state has become all the more important now than ever before especially in the context of the ensuing polls and its importance.

The underlining refrain is -- BJP is desperate for additional seats in Bengal and the logic is simple - more the merrier. In retrospect, the saffron party leaders feel the Sharada chit fund scam did make a dent in the credibility of the Ms Banerjee-regime and this was only compounded by her going out of the way to please Muslim voters.
Thus, according to a key leader Mukul Roy, a strong anti-Mamata political atmosphere has been created.

BJP leaders admit this factor is not working for them in neighbouring Odisha.
“We do have an ambitious plan in Odisha also, at least for Lok Sabha polls, but Naveed Patnaik has not done anything to displease Hindu voters,” says one party leader who is actually involved in electioneering in both the states.
It is on this backdrop, new entrant to the BJP Arjun Singh, a four-time MLA of Trinamool, says: “I felt hurt and so did hundreds of our workers at Barrackpore when Mamata Banerjee spoke wildly against the country’s security forces after the Modi government ordered aerial strike against Pakistan”.
Admittedly for the BJP; the fact that Bengali voters have remained "pro-Left" ideologically, culturally and intellectually have often made things difficult for the organisational drive.
"We do not say we have achieved the ultimate. But we have started making difference ideologically. The BJP vote share in West Bengal has been increasing gradually," says a key party leader working closely with party chief Amit Shah.

Many say, the saffron party leaders have drawn out a few specially worked out electoral strategies to capture the minds of voters.

Thus, displaying yet another departure from BJP's known politics of Temple and hardline Hindutva issues - as was done with all the machinations successfully in Uttar Pradesh - for Bengal and also in Tripura last year - the saffron party leaders are more talking about mundane issues - jobs, women safety, law and order chaos, development and industrialisation.

On this backdrop, BJP poll strategists say - in a vibrant democracy and diverse electorate, one cannot have uniform poll plans. The election process actually throws up opportunities for sizing up the polity. It does a reality check.

Thus, according to a senior leader, the parameters of this check have to differ greatly in each state.
But when it comes to West Bengal, well these will be major acid tests for the popularity of both Narendra Modi and also Mamata Banerjee's programs and policies.
On this, they cite BJP's handling of north east and Goa.
The BJP won the support of Christians in Goa in 2012 and also in 2017, they say - helping them ultimately to form government.

Ends