Spl piece : by PM Narendra Modi :::::: - Tribute to Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji Maharaj

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the grand festival of Lok Sabha elections, the news of the demise of Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji Maharaj brought my mind to a standstill for a few moments. Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji Maharaj was a pioneer of India's spiritual consciousness and his demise is like a personal loss. 

A few years ago, the demise of Swami Atmasthananda Ji and now the departure of Swami Smaranananda Ji on his eternal journey has left many people bereaved. My heart, like that of crores of devotees, saints and followers of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, is deeply saddened.

Swami Smaranananda Maharaj, president of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, died in Kolkata on March 25, 2024 evening. He was 95 and suffering from age-related ailments, the mission said in a statement. Swami Smaranananda Maharaj became the 16th president of the order in 2017.

During my visit to Kolkata earlier this month, I had gone to the hospital to enquire about Swami Smaranananda Ji’s health. Just like Swami Atmasthananda Ji, Swami Smaranananda Ji too dedicated his entire life for spreading the ideas of Acharya Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Mata Sharada Devi and Swami Vivekananda across the world. While writing this article, the memories of meetings and conversations with him are getting refreshed in my mind.

In January 2020, during my stay at Belur Math, I meditated in the room of Swami Vivekananda. During that visit, I had a long conversation about Swami Atmasthananda Ji with Swami Smaranananda Ji.

It is widely known that I had a close relationship with Ramakrishna Mission and Belur Math. As a seeker of spirituality, I have met different saints and mahatmas and been to many places over the period of more than five decades. Even in Ramakrishna Math, I got to know about the saints who dedicated their lives to spirituality, among whom personalities like Swami Atmasthananda Ji and Swami Smaranananda Ji were prominent. 

Their sacred thoughts and knowledge provided contentment to my mind. In the most important period of my life, such saints taught me the true principle of Jan Seva hi Prabhu Seva.

The lives of Swami Atmasthananda Ji and Swami Smaranananda Ji are an indelible example of the motto of Ramakrishna Mission ‘Atmano Mokshaartham Jagaddhitaaya Cha’.

We all are inspired by the work being done by Ramakrishna Mission for the promotion of education and rural development. Ramakrishna Mission is working on India's spiritual enlightenment, educational empowerment and humanitarian service. In 1978, when the disastrous flood struck Bengal, Ramakrishna Mission won the hearts of everyone with its selfless service. 

I remember, when an earthquake ravaged Kutch in 2001, Swami Atmasthananda Ji was among the first people to call me and offer all possible assistance for disaster management on behalf of the Ramakrishna Mission. Under his direction, Ramakrishna Mission helped many people who were affected by the earthquake.

Over the past years, while holding various positions, Swami Atmasthananda Ji and Swami Smaranananda Ji laid great emphasis on social empowerment. Those who know the lives of these great personalities will definitely remember how serious these saints were towards modern education, skilling and women empowerment.

Among his many inspiring traits, one thing that impressed me the most was Swami Atmasthananda Ji’s love and respect for every culture and every tradition. 

The reason for this was that he used to travel continuously and had spent a long time in different parts of India. He learned to speak Gujarati while living in Gujarat. He used to even speak with me in the language and I loved listening to his Gujarati!

At different points in India's development journey, our motherland has been blessed by many saints and seers like Swami Atmasthananda Ji, Swami Smaranananda Ji who have ignited the spark of societal change. 

They have motivated us to work with a collective spirit and address all the challenges our society faces. These principles are eternal and will act as our source of strength as we embark on developing a Viksit Bharat during the Amrit Kaal.

Once again, on behalf of the entire nation, I pay homage to such saintly souls. I am confident that all the people associated with the Ramakrishna Mission will further move ahead on the path shown by them.

Om Shanti.

Ends

(This piece appeared in Prime Minister's website www.narendramodi.in)

Link

Delhi Police names Prabir Purkayastha as accused, files over 8,000-page charge sheet in UAPA case against NewsClick ::::: "India is a very important player in the world and we need India to restore just and lasting peace", says Ukraine foreign minister

Delhi Police names Prabir Purkayastha as accused, files over 8,000-page charge sheet in UAPA case against NewsClick

Delhi Police on Saturday filed its first charge sheet, spread across about 8,000 pages, in the UAPA case against NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha for allegedly running Chinese propaganda, naming him and the firm owning the portal as accused.

The final report was filed by the Delhi Police Special Cell before Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur.   

According to special public prosecutors, Akhand Pratap Singh and Suraj Rathi, the charge sheet names Purkayastha and PPK NEWSCLICK Studio Private Limited as accused.

Court sources said the charge sheet contains over 8,000 pages, including annexures. The matter has been posted for further proceedings on April 16.

The court granted extensions to the Delhi Police to file the charge sheet, first in December last year and then in February this year. Later, on March 20, it again extended the time required to file the final report by 10 days after noting submissions of the public prosecutors.

Section 43 D of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) extends the time required to complete investigation from 90 days to up to 180 days.

The Delhi Police Special Cell had last year registered a case under sections 13, 16, 17, 18 and 22 of the UAPA along with sections 153A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code in the matter.

It also arrested NewsClick's founder Prabir Purkayastha and HR head Amit Chakravarty on October 3, 2023.

In January this year, the present court allowed Chakravarty's application seeking the court's permission to turn an approver.

 Visit of H.E. Mr. Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to India 

(March 28-29, 2024)  

After meeting Jaishankar, Kuleba said, “In New Delhi, I had sincere and comprehensive talks with Dr S Jaishankar about Ukrainian-Indian bilateral relations, the situation in our regions, and global security. We paid specific attention to the Peace Formula and next steps on the path of its implementation.”

Earlier, he had said that he would build on “the dialogue between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Dmytro Kuleba paid an official visit to India on 28-29 March 2024. During his visit, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine met External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Deputy National Security Adviser, Shri Vikram Misri.

"The meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Kuleba held on 29 March 2024 focused on fostering constructive dialogue and strengthening bilateral relations between India and Ukraine including in areas such as trade and investment, science and technology, defence, agriculture, health, culture, and education," an MEA statement said here. 

Both Ministers also held a separate discussion on matters related to the India- Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, Industrial and Cultural Cooperation and its working groups. 

Both sides agreed to work towards holding the 7th IGC meeting later this year.

The exchange of views on regional and global matters involved a comprehensive discussion on the ongoing conflict and efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement. 

"Regular interactions at various levels and meetings of bilateral mechanisms have contributed to the strong and multifaceted partnership that exists between India and Ukraine," the statement said. 

Ukraine Foreign Minister Mr Kuleba, who is in India on a two-day visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar, said it didn't take him any time to agree to come. 

"This is because India is a very important player in the world and we need India to restore just and lasting peace in Ukraine," he said in an interview to NDTV.

To a question on what his country would like India to do in the current situation, the minister said New Delhi can use its relations with Russia to stop the war, which has gone on for over two years now. 

"India can play a very important role in bringing together more nations from the Global South... if India sits at the table of the peace formula, the initiative put forward by Ukraine to find a diplomatic solution to the war, then many other nations will feel much safer and comfortable sitting next to India and they will come and join this effort," he said. 

Mr Kuleba said this will not only enhance "excellent" India-Ukraine ties, but also 

respect for international law. 

"That you cannot change borders by force, that you cannot invade your neighbours, that you cannot commit atrocities. This is the world that India will benefit from and this is the world that Russia tries to destroy," he said. 

The minister also Indicated a softening of Ukraine's stance on India purchasing Russian oil and said since the transaction is done in rupees, it does not end up benefiting the Russian "war machine". 

ends 

Eight Trinamul Congress leaders on Saturday again skipped summonses by the NIA for questioning in connection with a blast at Bhupatinagar in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district in 2022. 

On December 3, 2022, an explosion ripped apart a house with a thatched roof in Bhupatinagar, killing three persons.

Is Narendra Modi going the Putin way ? Is west really concerned about PM and BJP trying to bulldoze and crush India's Opposition ??

Before we deal with the question as raised in the title 'Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi going the Vladimir Putin way', we may deal with a few other issues those can figure in any election in India.

They are vital ones. It's about 'Kashmir' --- one Kashmir and also Jammu region and Ladakh are well known. What about the 'Azad Kashmir' ? India. Bharat calls it Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. One refrain from the man on the street in mainland India and also in Jammu and Kashmir is -- 'Will Pakistan again figure in debate in Indian elections of 2024'?  

In 2019 - it made a lot of difference even as BJP stalwarts including Amit Shah have stated that even prior to Balakot ot Pulwama things were in favour of Narendra Modi and the BJP. 

Mutual admiration to Mutual Inspiration Club ??

    

On this let us wait. 

The neo-nationalism can figure in BJP's political lexicon sooner than later.  Now comes the issue of whether Modi is trying to emerge as a neo-masculine decisive and a strong leader. Two of his other friends in the RIC stage - Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have the image of being politically strong and mostly being 'ruthless' against potential political rivals.  

It is a matter of fact that even Putin is an 'elected' president. The US foreign policy engine room just cannot accept that Russian elections recently held were 'election' in any manner. In India - elections are real time democratic show. No matter whatever is spoken about against EVM - people still have immense faith in the election system in the country. 

The Congress spin doctors should  remember that they cannot claim EVMs to be genuine when they work in Telangana and Karnataka; but the machines are rigged and manipulated in Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh. 

Now there is a big hype about arrest of Arvind Kejriwal -- mainly the timing. But who decided the 'timing'? Is it not Kejriwal himself? What sound reasons he had to ignore as many as nine summons by the ED? Presumably, all legal giants (of Supreme Court) have advised him. One legal luminary in Team Kejriwal's battery of lawyers is famous for giving the impression that he is 'little a few steps ahead of the judge or judiciary'.

Skeptics know him more for the cases he lost than he won. Of course, his media and even social media management is far better than anyone else. Apparently we are to believe now that Kejriwal has walked into a trap created by these learned counsels only.

  It is possible they told him - You are the Chief Miniser! You are Arvind Kejriwal !! Who is ED? You must ignore it. This was one part of the story. Second story -- is they have probably taken a line - as Arvind Kejriwal - why should a trial court or Delhi High Court decide your case? You are such a big leader ... only Supreme Court can decide your case !!

And here was the problem. To understand some of these intricacies - here is small refresher dosage. 

On Dec 14, 2023 Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud clarified the bail application of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain was assigned to a bench led by Justice Bela Trivedi since Justice A S Bopanna was not available due to health reasons. Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi had earlier raised an 'objection' regarding the listing of Jain's petition. 

This is a Ting tong matter.

In March 2024, the Chief Justice Of India has assigned a special bench for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's petition, challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. The three-judge bench was led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, with M M Sundresh and Bela Trivedi. Let us not go further on the typical legal issues.  

But we can say or rather point out that if there is any arrest; the first thing that happens in Trial court. Your being A, B or even Arvind does not matter. So for the timing and the arrest and being in -- ED custody is practically Kejriwal's mishandling. 

So a bad legal strategy is something Kejjriwal and his party should ponder over and not rest any hope on matters related to US or Germany reacting to his arrest and the process of his trial.   

The fact of the matter is one way of looking at it is --- sympathy from US spokesman during election season is likely to boomerang of the party and their leader. And who knows - the players of 'deep assets' are doing exactly the same today.  

So to link 'arrest' of Kejriwal to Modi being inspired by Vladimir Putin is a gossip masala that can go down well in the 'pheku club of India'. 

Playing cards well: Blogger ..ear on ground !! 

Then comes the issue of Congress accounts being frozen. So again the timing. Who and why Congress did not put its accounts clean is also a subject.... to be debated in the run up to the elections. 

Old timers know Congress style of book keeping was different. It was very informal and they all liked it. Remember the days --- 'Na khata na bahi .... jo chacha Kesri kahi, wohi sahi'. These kinds of approaches suited the politics of earlier era. 

The New era is of GST and account paying. In journalism -- even freelancers are faced with some music as money now comes rarely. They do not come in cash form at all and whatever comes goes to account and there is 10 percent deduction. 

The Congress party may feel, we are the Indian National Congress and so why should we pay taxes and fines, oh no...never ! 

So better the oft-repeated firangi phrase -- threat to democracy !!  

Poor Americans may have to regret all that. In 2007 - there was a bravado when Namo was denied Visa. That was the Bush era. Poor Obama, he had to run to receive Modi in 2014 and the poor fellow had to even learn the phrase 'kem chho' ! 

Biden is an old 'Democratic bird' and all old habits die hard !! 

ends 

Will India's friends 'west' including US and traditional rival China gang up to defeat Narendra Modi ?

To say that Narendra Modi has led India to a decisive moment of history in the new century is an understatement. 

India, that is Bharat, is today a major global strategic power. Both Russia and Ukraine want India's Prime Minister to play a role for truce is no incidence. It is also not a case because India's Prime Minister is a man called Narendra Modi. It is also no coincidence that both China (a rival) and the United States (a geo-strategic friend) are busy finding faultlines with the Modi regime. The truth is India matters. 

It is also well understood today in the 'real world', strategic or political issues are not separate from the economic, cultural, and ideological factors.

Hence Hindutva is an asset that influences relations among nations and also a matter of concern as arrival of Bharat or 'new India' that is too assertive and 'independent' does not go well either in Beijing or Washington. 

Given the edge the west had for various reasons, the Americans and others are also concerned about Hindutva factor vis-a-vis Christianity. Lobbies will be upset in the US as many shops are not able to function (practically nothing) in India's northeast and other vulnerable pockets. 

The changes in FCRA laws have upset many who for some reasons or the other may not like Congress party, but are able to draw any consolation prize in the fact that Modi or Yogi Adityanath will be in play in future. Sonia Gandhi suited them best irrespective of corruption and an era of remote controlled Prime Minister. 

Moreover, even unimaginative things had happened like giving an affidavit that Ram was an imaginary figure. Minorities continued to have the laugh at India's majority -- who were told to behave otherwise 'minorities' can get angry. In other words threats were like Vatican will get angry, the Arab world can get angry and so on. 

 

So when Modi talks about development and infra developments; the spin doctors will raise environmental crisis, joblessness and threat to 'secularism (read SICKULARISM)'. There is another twist in the new tale - Indians and Hindus are 'more democratic' than anyone else and yes ...to be 'democratic' also means lampoon at your own Hindu tradition and culture. And the ultimate target will be to VOTE OUT Narendra Modi.

How does Modi be so assertive? A tea vendor, a Hindu? All those virtues are for someone else. Rahul Gandhi suits everyone. Even Arvind Kejriwal suits. After all a product of anti-corruption movement could be better even from jail !! 

Kejriwal being in jail as a Chief Minister is no threat to democracy! Sandeshkhali .... oh that's a hype by Hindu communalists ? 

But Modi and the BJP are trying to change some of rules of the games? The challenge, Modi says, now is to seize the moment.  In 1990-91, India's economic conditions have nosedived. The liberalisation by the Narasimha Rao government rescued the country -- also the world's largest democracy. But on the ladder, India had tumbled down. 

But corrective measures and certain global situations helped India. The stellar stewardship by the Modi-led dispensation also contributed. 

In 2022, India rose at the top 5 for the first time ever. The changing global order has also given Modi a growing geo-strategic significance. It also started around 2017. In November 2017 in the Philippines, the grouping of India, the U.S, Japan and Australia as the QUAD came out with an increasing role as a counterweight to China.

In 2024, look at the assertive foreign minister of Modi. In his new book “Why Bharat Matters,” Dr Jaishankar designates the architecture of the post-World War II multilateral organizations as a “trick” of the victors of WW II to keep them in power. 

The consequence of this perspective is an "under-appreciation" of the effect of the nature of generalized war (over 60 million people perished in the second world war) vis-a-vis the structure of the United Nations. 

Will the US and other western countries appreciate all that? They know where the trouble is building up. And it is more visible when India is declining to toe the western line and continues to maintain a healthy bond with Vladimir Putin's Russia.  

The west and the US are thus seen or rather projected as 'leaders' of only developed countries trying to keep their international power positions from being eroded by such emerging powers as Bharat, Africa and players such as RIC or even BRICS. This factor could in fact cement a greater ties between India, Russia and China despite traditional border issues and rivalries in terms of trade and commerce. 

But India is far behind China in manufacturing and exports. Xi Jinping is also aware of these. A article in 'The Diplomat' tries to handle some key issues pretty well.

"Jaishankar lauds the wisdom of Bharat under Modi to reach out to all nations as family members, which draws on the ancient Hindu concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the World is One Family) and was the theme of India’s chairmanship of the G-20. However, the concept of family does not necessarily solve international problems of peace and war. As Jaishankar had shown in the use of another Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, as a paradigm in ‘The India Way,’ some of the most deadly and devastating aspects of relations occur within families." (The Diplomat)

Link 

'Foreign policy' is this year an important facet of India’s electoral journey even as the usual Pakistan is not the elephant in the room. 

Therefore, in the run-up to the campaign trail, BJP has highlighted Modi’s slogan of positioning India as a “vishwa-guru” or world leader or 'teacher'.

India can be a new role model globally and Americans under Joe Biden's Democratic force will never be too happy with all these.

To add an apparent does of 'insult' to injuries for the west; the term and its philosophy 'Vishwa Guru' was debuted prominently on the world stage when India hosted the G-20 in New Delhi.

If Americans or Germans are unhappy, they have their reasons. Much more drama expected in next few days. Arvind Kejriwal episode may be only a tip of the iceberg.

Blogger with a group of Buddhist Monks 

 

 

Given India's insistence on a stronger ties with Russia; the 'much robust and dynamic' Indo-US relations can come under scanner

Diplomatically, there are reasons to believe that the US may not be too pleased with the Narendra Modi government over its insistence for a robust and stronger ties with Moscow.  Thus, notwithstanding very good relation between New Delhi and Washington, there are some issues of 'flux' ! 

Lately the US raked up the issue of arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said Washington continues to "follow these actions closely".

It also said: "We are also aware of the Congress party’s allegations that tax authorities have frozen some of their bank accounts". India's MEA has reacted strongly, and these were as expected.  The liquor policy scam could have certain bigger implications; and there are apprehensions in some quarters that NIA could also step in sooner than later.

It is worth mentioning that some 'protests' in and around Delhi including a few like that of farmers 'from Punjab' have left New Delhi disturbed. Some of these activities need probe. And if the government goes ahead with any such investigations, obviously the issues may not be left only to the CBI and ED. 

NIA's entry will be a big development.

Meanwhile, it is also worth mentioning that the Americans have also taken up issues like CAA in recent past. On this too,  no less than US envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, has been left leaking the wounds.  His remarks "we have principles" were well countered by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar -- who said "We also have principles" and pointed out the Modi government would like to stand by those who were left in the enemy nations Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in 1947.

Notably, Dr Jaishankar also asked a question that might have gone 'deep' :: - if the US understood India’s 'history' and do they know something called Partition is a reality.

"I am not questioning the imperfections or otherwise of their democracy or their principles or lack of it. I am questioning their understanding of our history. If you hear comments from many parts of the world, it is as if the Partition of India never happened, there were no consequential problems which the CAA is supposed to address," Dr Jaishankar said at the 'India Today'conclave. 

The Minister also said, the Indian government has principles too. “So, if you take a problem and remove all the historical context from it, sanitise it and make it into a political correctness argument, and say, ‘I have principles and don’t you have principles’, I have principles too, and one of them is obligation to people who were let down at the time of Partition,” he added.

Some remarks came from US envoy during Manipur violence also and the then MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi also played it down and had said: “I am not sure foreign diplomats would usually comment on internal developments in India.”

Now how does MEA or the 'foreign policy engine room' pursue some crucial strategies vis-a-vis its American policy remains to be seen. The American statement that it wants to keep a track on what India does with CAA, Kejriwal and even Congress bank accounts freezing -- will be quite significant. 

One 'real harsh' statement or reaction from India could actually embarrass Washington to the core. That is -- if US wants to peen inside Indian internal matters; 'New Delhi can also do so ...New Delhi can even keep a track on how US handles Donald Trump on multiple matters'.  

There are many aspects to NIA's involvement and that can embarrass several global players. Recently, Indian diplomatic mantle was proved when it came to handling hyperbole styles of Canada. In fact, some dossier shared about an individual might have forced Canadian leadership see reason.

Dr Jaishankar also used one word 'Ludicrous' for China and it was related to Beijing's claim over Arunachal Pradesh.

Look how Jaishankar snubbed China.  

“This is not a new issue. I mean China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with and remain ludicrous today,” Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to Singapore, said while responding to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the prestigious NUS Institute of South Asian Studies.  This was a bit tough word used. 

The word Ludicrous means 'out of place as to be amusing'. One does now know any Indian foreign minister used such a strong word. Dr Jaishankar is a career diplomat and so one can say the word was 'measured' well before putting it across. The message from New Delhi  is --- 'patience is running out ....you better'.

Possibly, India has to tweak some statements soon to give a big picture measure to Uncle Sam.  

In Feb 2015, Modi's first Finance Minister Late Arun Jaitley had said -- "The facts relating to this dubious funding of AAP are self-evident...

"It is obvious that these companies have been used as pass-through companies. Black money passed through hawala.... It is obvious that this is round tripping of black money into the political system," he said.

"The AAP has to answer: are these only conduit companies being used to convert black money into white?" he had said.

 What can NIA find out ? Among other things it can look into 'deep' angles. 

   

PM accuses Congress of wanting 'committed judiciary' for selfish interests .... Congress retorts, stating Modi 'orchestrated' attack on judiciary

 "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. 5 decades ago itself they had called for a "committed judiciary" - they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation," PM Narendra Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Modi in effect launched a scathing attack on Congress hours after about 600 lawyers across the country wrote to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, alleging that a "vested interest group" is trying to put pressure on the judiciary and defame the courts.  

"No wonder, 140 crore Indians are rejecting them," Modi tweeted.

PM's unprecedented remarks drew an immediate response from the Congress leadership.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X and wrote a three-point post highlighting crisis in the judiciary under the Modi government's regime.

Earlier in the day, the letter targeted a section of lawyers without naming them and alleged that they defend politicians by day and then try to influence judges through the media at night.

"We are writing to you expressing our deepest concern on the manner in which a vested interest group is trying to pressure the judiciary, influence judicial process and defame our courts on the basis of frivolous logic and stale political agendas. Their antics are vitiating the atmosphere of trust and harmony, which characterises the functioning of the judiciary. 

Their pressure tactics are most obvious in political cases, particularly those involving political figures accused of corruption. These tactics are damaging to our courts and threaten our democratic fabric," the lawyers said in their letter. 

Mr Kharge wrote to PM through Twitter itself: 

"You are talking about Judiciary.

1. You conveniently forget that 4 senior-most Supreme Court judges were forced to hold an unprecedented press conference and warn against "destruction of Democracy". That happened under your regime.

One of the judges was nominated by your Govt to the Rajya Sabha. So WHO wants a 'committed judiciary' ?

2. You forget that your party has fielded a Former HC Judge in West Bengal for the current Lok Sabha elections. Why was this candidature bestowed on him?

3. Who brought the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)? Why was it stuck down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court?

Modi ji, Institution after Institution is being 'bullied' by you into submission, so STOP pinning the blame on the Congress party, for your own sins!

"You have mastered the art of manipulating Democracy and hurting the Constitution !" 

"The PM's brazenness in orchestrating and coordinating an attack on the judiciary, in the name of defending the judiciary, is the height of hypocrisy! The Supreme Court has delivered body blows to him in recent weeks. The Electoral Bonds Scheme is but one example. The Supreme Court declared them to be unconstitutional - and it is now proved beyond doubt that they were a blatant instrument of fear, blackmail, and intimidation to force companies to donate to the BJP," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.

"Instead of giving a legal guarantee to MSP, the Prime Minister has given a legal guarantee to corruption. All that the Prime Minister has done in the last ten years is divide, distort, divert, and defame. 140 crore Indians are waiting to give him a befitting reply very soon," he added.

More than a dozen former Chief Ministers - mostly from BJP - and three from Congress including Digvijaya Singh to sweat it out

The BJP's list of candidates for the battle of 2024 has several former Chief Ministers. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is one of them. He is seeking re-election from BJP's traditional stronghold Vidisha -- a seat he represented before becoming Chief Minister in November 2005.

From Haryana, not surprisingly it is ex-CM Manohorlal Khattar - said to be a personal friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was replaced as CM only recently and now fielded from Karnal. In Assam, it is former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal contesting from Dibrugarh. Sonowal is in fact the first BJP Chief Minister and he represented Dibrugarh in Lok Sabha earlier as an AGP lawmaker. From northeast - BJP has Biplab Kumar Deb from Tripura. 

From Andhra Pradesh, BJP has fielded former CM Kiran Kumar Reddy -- who was actually a Congress Chief Minister but is in the Lotus party now. He will be trying his luck from Rajampet. Notably, BJP is contesting six Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh as an alliance partner of the TDP.  Former Union Minister Ms Purandeswari, daughter of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao, will contest from Rajahmundry.

There are a few others such as Arjun Munda from Jharkhand and ex Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai. In Uttar Pradesh there is party stalwart Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister and the sitting Lucknow MP. There is another UP man in this category - Jagadambika Pal -- a former CM of the 1990s and a well known turncoat. 

From the Congress stock comes Digvijaya Singh in Madhya Pradesh. Singh had lost Bhopal seat in 2019 and is now Rajya Sabha member. In Arunachal Pradesh, former CM Nabam Tuki has been fielded from Arunachal Pradesh West and he will take on BJP's sitting member and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. From Karnataka, former CM H D Kumaraswamy of JD-S will be trying his luck from Mandya.  

Uttarakhand's famous temple city Haridwar constituency will be hot seat for veterans this year.

The seat will see two stalwarts ex-CM Harish Rawat from Congress and Trivendra Rawat, also an ex-Chief Minister of BJP fight an uneasy battle. The fact of the matter - however is Harish Rawat is not contesting himself.  

But for him, the battle has become a question of prestige as his son Virendra Rawat is contesting for the seat Harish Rawat had lost to former Chief Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank in 2019. Nishank has been dropped by the saffron party this year.