Indian Politics Highlights | 'One person comes from TN and plants a bomb in a cafe,' BJP leader makes big claim; CM Stalin condemns remarkIn a blow to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Sita Soren, a three-term MLA and sister-in-law of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, quit the party on Tuesday and joined the BJP, weeks before the Lok Sabha polls. While there are reactions coming from across political parties on this development, in another development, former Indian ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu also joined the BJP today. Meanwhile, PM Modi, who was in Salem, Tamil Nadu, has addressed a rally, a day after holding a roadshow in nearby Coimbatore. He made yet another blistering attack on the I.N.D.I.A. bloc over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remarks. Accusing Karnataka government of siding with minorities, Union minister Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday demanded Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara's resignation. She also went on to claim that the suspect involved in The Rameshwaram Cafe blast was from Tamil Nadu, drawing condemnation from CM M K Stalin. Thank you for staying with us as we tracked all the latest political developments from across India.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje.
Credit: DH File Photo
Rift in BJP-JD(S) alliance? Don't neglect us, HDK tells saffron unit
In the first clear sign that all is not well within the alliance, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday asked the BJP not to "neglect" the JD(S).
The trigger for Kumaraswamy's disgruntlement with the alliance is the BJP's reluctance to give the Kolar Lok Sabha constituency to the JD(S). BJP's S Muniswamy is the incumbent MP.
NDA finalises Bihar seat-sharing for LS polls: JD(U) to contest 16, BJP to field candidates in 17 seats
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday announced the seat distribution in Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP will contest 17 seats, one more than its ally Janata Dal (United), which will contest in 16.
Additionally, five seats have been allocated for the Chirag Paswan faction of the Lok Janshakti Party, and one seat each for the Jitan Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
The announcement is likely to deepen the rift between Paswan and his uncle, Union Food Processing Minister Pashupati Paras. Paras is set to exit the NDA after the BJP publicly sided with his nephew.
Congress Working Committee to meet today to finalise manifesto for Lok Sabha polls
The Congress' Central Election Committee (CEC) chaired by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is also likely to finalise the remaining candidates for the seven-phase polls beginning April 19.
AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the CWC, the party's top decision-making body, would meet on March 19 and give its nod to the draft manifesto which includes the five 'guarantees' for justice.
After PM's take on 'Shakti' remark, Rahul says Modi twisting words
Taking a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remark on ‘Shakti’ at an I.N.D.I.A. alliance rally in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Shivamogga on Monday the alliance has decided to end ‘Hindu Shakti’ in the Lok Sabha elections.
Reacting to Modi’s comments, Rahul clarified that he was not talking about any religious power and accused Modi of twisting his words.
'BJP govt is at Centre, yet unable to tell what they have done in the last 10 years,' says Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj
He said, "They (BJP) are making promises for the coming 100 days...This is an attempt to fool the people...Whenever the people of Delhi needed them (MPs), they were unavailable."
'PM Modi has given the country a new direction, and done the work of bringing smiles to the faces of the poor,' says Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and Pattali Makkal Katchi President Anbumani Ramadoss meet to discuss seat sharing for upcoming LS polls
PMK founder S Ramadoss and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai sign seat-sharing agreement, in Thailapuram
'We have to bring PM Modi back to power by winning all 10 seats,' says Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini during his roadshow in Ambala
'We are happy that we have joined the NDA in Tamil Nadu for a change,' says PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss
He said, "For the last ten years PMK has been part of the NDA in Delhi. Today, PMK has decided to join the NDA in Tamil Nadu and an agreement was signed. The last 57-58 years have seen that the parties have ruled and ruined Tamil Nadu. People want a change, and we want a change."
"PM Modi will definitely become the Prime Minister for the third time in India and take India to greater heights. PMK has been allotted ten parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu and we are confident that we will have a great victory in the coming elections in Tamil Nadu as well as India," Ramadoss said.
Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh arrives at Delhi AICC headquarters to attend Congress Working Committee meeting
'BJP will realise what will be the result of opportunistic politics,' says RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav
Congress leader Sachin Pilot arrives at Delhi AICC headquarters to attend Congress Working Committee meeting
'We will get double votes than last time,' says Assam BJP President Bhabesh Kalita
'We should let Mamata Banerjee write the new Constitution,' says WB BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Derek O'Brien's 'SC monitored elections' tweet
AAP leader & former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia brought to Rouse Avenue Court for hearing in excise policy case
'Sanjay Singh will finally take oath,' says Anita Singh, wife of AAP's Sanjay Singh
Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi arrive at Delhi AICC headquarters to attend Congress Working Committee meeting
Congress Working Committee meeting begins at the Delhi AICC headquarters in the presence of party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, MP Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini holds roadshow in Kurukshetra
'No matter who is the candidate, it is Narendra Modi who is fighting,' says former state minister & BJP leader Anil Vij
PM Modi holds roadshow in Palakkad, Kerala
AAP leader & former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia leaves from Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court
Delhi's Rouse Avenue court extended the judicial custody of Manish Sisodia till April 6, the next date of hearing.
'BJP's credibility has been lost,' says Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai
He said, "From the things that are happening across India including Delhi, it is understood that ED is working as a BJP worker rather than an independent agency...this case is fake (Excise Policy scam), they have been conducting raids for two years but haven't found any evidence so far..."
'Tamil Nadu is once again going to prove that this is the land of Periyar,' says MDMK MP Vaiko on seat-sharing
Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark'NDA has decided on the seat-sharing but everyone knows who are all upset with it,' says RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on I.N.D.I.A. alliance seat-sharing in Bihar
'He is continuously insulting Maa Shakti, Sanatan Dharma, religion and central institutions,' says BJP leader Tarun Chugh on Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark
'Injustice has been done with us & our party,' says RLJP President Pashupati Kumar Paras on his resignation as Union Minister
'The country wants change. The guarantees of the current government are going to meet the same fate as the 'India Shining' slogan in 2004,' says Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi.
Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party President Mallikarjun Kharge.
The CWC meeting under way at the Delhi AICC headquarters.
The Congress Working Commitee meeting under way at the Delhi AICC headquarters.
'This time there will be a change in Kerala and it will show in the results,' says BJP candidate from Palakkad Lok Sabha seat, Krishnakumar
He said, "I am prepared to contest these elections. There is a very good response to PM Modi's visit here. We are well ahead of the two other (political) fronts in the state."
VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan announces candidates for polls to 2 constituencies
Thirumavalavan named Thirumavalavan from Chidambaram constituency and Ravikumar from the Villupuram constituency.
ED has become a mere political tool of BJP, PM Modi, says AAP Minister Atishi
She said, "...Why is ED issuing press releases? Is it a political party? PC is given by political parties. ED giving press releases itself is a big question..."
The Congress Working Committee meeting is under way at the Delhi AICC headquarters today to finalise the party's manifesto
The Congress Working Committee meeting is under way at the Delhi AICC headquarters today to finalise the party's manifesto.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The CWC meeting is under way at the Delhi AICC headquarters today to finalise the party's manifesto.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
'Country wants change, present govt's guarantees will meet same fate as 'India shining' slogan in 2004,' says Kharge at CWC meet in Delhi
'Congress workers in every village, town will have to rise to take our manifesto to every household, ' says Kharge at CWC meeting
'Through Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, we were able to draw country's attention to real issue of people,' says Kharge at CWC meeting
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder-President Raj Thackeray, accompanied by his son Amit Thackeray, will meet Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah shortly
Earlier, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, who hails from Mumbai met him at a five-star hotel.
The BJP is working on an alliance with the MNS. Raj Thackeray has asked for two seats - Nashik and Mumbai South.
'It is BJP's character that they take no note of us once their means are justified,' says RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari on Pashupati Kumar Paras's resignation
'Many examples have been given to ECI as to how the BJP is breaking rules,' says CPI-M leader Brinda Karat
'I feel that this is the time to fight against corruption, unemployment and inflation,' says NCP-SCP leader and MP Supriya Sule on Raj Thackeray's visit to Delhi
'People are fed up with LDF and UDF,' says BJP President K Surendran on PM Modi's roadshow in Palakkad
'Kejriwal has murdered the trust of thousands of people,' says BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra on skipping ED summons
He said, "Sometimes I feel surprised that there are people who change their colour like this. The people who used to say 'summon sammaan hota hai'. Today, they are running away from the summons. They are afraid of summons, today they have become shameless. In the last six months, approximately nine summons have been delivered to Arvind Kejriwal."
Adding on, he also said, "Till March, without respecting even a single summon, Arvind Kejriwal disrespects the constitutional sections of India, the structures created by the Constitution, they do not respect their validity..."
AAP leader Sanjay Singh takes oath as Rajya Sabha member
'Fortunate that Uttarakhand became the first state where Uniform Civil Code Bill was passed,' says CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
PM Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome at his public meeting at Gajjalnaickenpatti in Salem
'I have always said that I am a full-time BJP worker,' says Former state minister & BJP leader Anil Vif
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated during his public meeting in Salem, Tamil Nadu
Raj Thackeray leaves after meeting Union Home minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi
Public support for BJP in Tamil Nadu, says being discussed all over India; this support and blessings disturbing DMK's sleep, says PM Modi during his public address
Tamil Nadu has made up its mind to vote for BJP-led NDA, says PM Modi at Salem rally
NDA got new energy following seat-sharing deal with PMK, says PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
At Mumbai meeting, INDI alliance displayed their ill-intentions by announcing to destroy 'Shakti', PM Modi says
PM Modi gets emotional as he remembers former BJP president late K N Lakshmanan & his contribution
INDI alliance people repeatedly deliberately insult Hindu faith; every statement made by them against it is well thought out, says PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
In Hinduism, Shakthi means Matru shakthi, naari shakti; INDI alliance which has Congress & DMK says they will destroy this, says PM Modi in TN
INDI alliance of DMK and Congress doesn't target any other faith, but doesn't waste a second in abusing Hinduism: PM Modi in TN
Tamil Nadu will punish those who try to defeat Shakti, says PM Modi in Salem rally
In Tamil Nadu Kanchi Kamakshi is 'Shakti', Madurai Meenakshi is 'Shakti'...Congress, DMK & INDI alliance says they will destory this (Shakti): PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
In the next 5 years, my sisters, mothers and daughters of Tamil Nadu will get much more schemes to make their life easy, says PM Modi
DMK and Congress are two sides of the same coin. they mean 'one family rule': PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
The whole day will finish off if we start counting the bad, greedy deeds of DMK and Congress, says PM Modi in Salem rally
How the DMK behaved with the late Jayalalithaa is well known. This is DMK's real face, says PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
Stalwart politicians can succeed in future by dynastic parties don't allow or help in that, PM Modi says in Salem
Those who wish to destroy Shakti, their downfall is definite, PM Modi says
BJP and NDA dreams big and does every thing to make fulfill them, PM Modi says in Tamil Nadu
History is the proof that those who try to destroy Shakti, their downfall is definite, PM Modi says in Tamil Nadu
The NDA govt is making two defence corridors in the country and one of them is being built in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi says in Tamil Nadu
Rs 500 crore have been spent for the railways here, PM Modi says
In Tamil Nadu NDA is here to have your blessings. I thank and respect everyone who is working for the betterment of Tamil Nadu, PM Modi says
Next 5 years for the development of Tamil Nadu are most important, PM Modi says in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has to make a new record on April 19 for the state's development by making BJP and NDA win, PM Modi says in Salem
The country which has the oldest language which is the Tamil language, can stand with full pride, PM Modi says
I have technology now, to learn Tamil, PM Modi says
You can find my speeches on the Namo app on the 'X', says PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
CWC authorises Congress President to give final approval to party's manifesto for LS polls, decide date for its release, says Congress's K C Venugopal
CWC prepared roadmap for taking party's guarantees to grassroots, says Congress's K C Venugopal
Party will release not just a ‘ghoshna patra’ but also ‘nyay patra’ so that people see a bright future, says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
'Had a good discussion on various issues,' says Congress leader Sachin Pilot after attending CWC meeting
Congress' CEC to discuss candidates for Karnataka, Puducherry, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh today.
Th party will also discuss candidates for the Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim at 4 pm today.
Congress is completely ready for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, says Congress's Jairam Ramesh
The meeting we had today was not just for our manifesto but for our 'Nyay Patra', says Jairam Ramesh
Jharkhand MLA Sita Soren joins BJP at party's Delhi headquarters
NCP to have another round of talks with BJP high command in Delhi
Ajit Pawar has a one-on-one meeting with the Maharashtra BJP Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.
'I had never dreamt to taking such a step but when faith is lost, then the time comes,' says Sita Soren after joining BJP
JMM legislator Sita Soren, the sister-in-law of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, joined the BJP on Tuesday.
Former Indian ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu joins BJP
Former Indian ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the BJP on Tuesday amid the possibility that he may be fielded in the Lok Sabha polls from Amritsar in Punjab.
He joined the party in the presence of its general secretaries Vinod Tawde and Tarun Chugh.
India's former Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, joins BJP in Delhi.
Credit: X/@PTI
'Aaj Salem ka mera Ramesh nahi hai...': PM Modi breaks down while remembering slain BJP functionary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday turned emotional and paused his speech shortly in Salem while recalling a slain BJP functionary in this district 10 years ago.
Addressing a well-attended public rally organised by the BJP, Modi recalled three personalities related to the district, including the late BJP leader K N Lakshmanan.
However, he turned emotional while talking about 'Auditor' Ramesh, who was hacked to death.
'Making a huge political mistake': Congress leader Ajoy Kumar on JMM leader Sita Soren joining BJP
SC allows Sharad Pawar group to use 'Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Chandra Pawar' name and 'man blowing turrah' symbol for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections
Those who want to destroy 'Shakti' will get destroyed, says PM Modi
Haryana Cabinet Expansion: BJP leaders Dr Kamal Gupta and Seema Trikha take oath as ministers in the Haryana cabinet
The Nayab Singh Saini government in Haryana carried out the first cabinet expansion on Tuesday by inducting eight MLAs as ministers.
'Rahul insulted Hindu culture, Congress party led by divisive mind, Maoist and anti Hindu thoughts', says Ravi Shankar Prasad
We thought that he would realise his mistake. But even after a day, there have been no efforts to rectify the statement. His coterie spokespersons were looking for meaning in his remark and attempting to justify it...The Congress party under Rahul Gandhi is no more the Congress party imbued with the doctrine and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. This is a Congress party led by a divisive mind, Maoist thought and anti-Hindu thought. Rahul Gandhi is completely in the sway of these elements...Rahul Gandhi, do you have the courage to speak in the same derogatory terms with regard to the fundamental principles of faith of other religious thoughts or gods?..."
JMM and Congress not happy with their govt, says Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi as former CM Hemant Soren's sister-in-law Sita Soren joins BJP
'Karnataka’s BJP in control of one family, we are protesting against this': Former Deputy CM K S Eshwarappa on his decision to contest as an Independent candidate from Shivamogga seat
'One person comes from Tamil Nadu and plants a bomb in a cafe,' Union Minister & BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje makes big claim; CM Stalin condemns remark