Month: June 2024

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal have confirmed they will be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources confirmend on Thursday.

Both Hasina and her Nepal counterpart Dahal had previously extended their greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the performance of the NDA at the 18th Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi had spoken over phone with Dahal also known as Prachanda. “An invitation was extended to Nepal PM by PM Modi during Wednesday’s phone conversation,” an official said today.

“During Wednesday evening telephonic conversation between two leaders, invitation

was extended to Nepal PM for attendance in the swearing in ceremony. Nepal Prime Minister also confirmed the attendance. Formal announcement will be made soon,” the senior official told ANI.

M Nazrul Islam, the speechwriter for the Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina told ANI, “Prime Minister Hasina is departing tomorrow from Dhaka to Delhi to participate in the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after receiving an invitation from him.”

Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka on a special flight scheduled for the afternoon and will remain here in the national capital until the afternoon of June 9.

Asked about the possibility of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ceremony, Islam said “While such a meeting has not been confirmed yet, the delegations accompanying the leaders will be very small.”

Sheikh Hasina recently secured victory in the national elections in Bangladesh, following which she emphasized the strong relationship between Bangladesh and India, stating, “India is our tested and loyal neighbour, and we have a good relationship between India and Bangladesh.”

The visit underscores the ongoing diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, highlighting the mutual respect and collaboration that have been hallmarks of the partnership.

PM Modi is likely to take oath on June 8 after the BJP-led NDA narrowly surpassed the majority mark, winning 293 seats in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, while the opposition INDIA bloc secured 234 seats.

The counting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was held on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, much lower than its 2019 tally of 303.

The main opposition Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong growth, winning 99 seats against 52 in 2019. (ANI)

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Launching a scathing attack on Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut labelled Fadnavis’ urge to relieve him from ministerial duties as a ‘gimmick’ and blamed him for BJP’s abysmal performance in Maharashtra.

He further claimed that the INDIA alliance can also form government in the centre upon arrival of right time.

Speaking about the Devendra Fadnavis resignation request, Raut said, “This is all gimmick which is very common in politics. Even Prime Minister Modi does the drama, sometimes he laughs and in other moments he is sad. Fadnavis is his student, doing the same drama.”

Blaming him for the BJP’s massive defeat in Maharashtra, he said, “Devendra Fadnavis is the villain of Maharashtra’s politics and the public of the state has denied his leadership. He is responsible for running the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.

“Maharashtra has always been the state advocating for clean and diplomatic politics but Fadnavis brought cheap tactics and a culture of deceit which is the reason behind their defeat, he added.”

He further expressed his feelings on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and said, “I have a major feeling that some people are trying to sideline Yogi Ji. We have always respected Baba Ji but it is a matter of his party.”

On speculations of RSS supporting the future NDA government, Raut asserted, “I don’t feel RSS will support Modi-Shah government, as they have been side-lining RSS since their rule.”

On questions of RSS seeking Nitin Gadkari or Ranjath Singh as an alternative, Raut iterated, “Wait and watch! I won’t say that the picture is yet not finished, instead, I’ll say the picture has just been initiated and there are a lot of things that will take place.”

Tackling the question of sitting as opposition, Raut mentioned, “This time public has mandated us to remove Modi Ji from the post of PM and establish INDIA alliance’s government. We will take the necessary actions into this matter when we’ll the right time has arrived.”

He further added, “Modi Ji’s government will not get re-established and somehow if it happens, then it won’t last for long.”

He also presented his views on the seat-sharing arrangements of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Addressing the media persons about the INDIA alliance and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, Raut said, “Don’t you think Shiv Sena (UBT) has played a major role in the increase of Congress’ votes? Not just Congress, but also Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP).

“The increase in vote share of Congress and NCP (SP) was only possible due to the efforts of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Uddhav Thackeray. Would anyone have got seats if Shiv Sena (UBT) and Uddhav Thackeray hadn’t actively prepared and campaigned over the state? We have actively campaigned, especially in Baramati, Vidarbha and Ramtek. I myself have taken six rallies in Baramati.”

“There will be no dissonance in Maha Vikas Aghadi in terms of seat sharing in upcoming assembly elections and together we will work strongly to defeat Modi,” he added.

Baramati is considered a bastion of the Pawar family. In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Supriya Sule of NCP Sharad Pawar faction emerged victorious from this seat with a margin of 1,58,333 votes by defeating Sunetra Pawar of the NCP Ajit Pawar faction.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Sanjay Raut, the Shiv Sena leader from Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, in a press conference, praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and conveyed the party’s thoughts on the prospects of Rahul Gandhi’s Prime Ministership.

In a press conference, on the questions of Rahul Gandhi’s prospects of becoming Prime Minister, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, “If Rahul Gandhi is ready to accept the leadership, why would we object? He has proven himself as a national leader for multiple times. He is one of the popular leaders. We all want him and love him. There is no objection and difference in the alliance.”

In Maharashtra, the BJP-led NDA alliance has only secured 17 seats while the INDIA alliance has secured a major 30 seats in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The counting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was held on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, BJP won 240 seats, much lower than its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong growth winning 99 seats. The INDIA bloc crossed the 230 mark, posing stiff competition, and defying all predictions. (ANI)

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Union Health Ministry, under the chairmanship of Directorate General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel, conducted a virtual meeting with States/UTs to assess the preparedness for heatwave conditions and fire and electrical safety measures adopted by various healthcare facilities across the country.

As per the long-range outlook forecast issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on May 27, it is forecasted that in June 2024, above-normal monthly maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country, except in parts of the southern peninsular India, where normal to below normal temperatures are most likely.

During June, above-normal heat wave days are likely over most areas of Northwest India and adjoining parts of Central India.

State health departments have been sent directives including — Advisory for State Health Departments, guidelines on Strengthening health systems preparedness for Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI), a public health advisory with “Do’s and Don’ts” and IEC poster templates, guidelines on emergency cooling for severe heat-related illnesses guidelines on Autopsy Findings in Heat-Related Deaths were disseminated to all AIIMS and Medical Colleges across the country, joint communication from Secretary (Health), MoHFW and NDMA and communication from Directorate General of Health Services on health facility fire safety measures and checklist for assessment of health facility and ambulance preparedness to prevent and manage health impacts of heat.

Through a letter sent on March 23, 2024, states and UTs have been requested to take proactive measures to prevent devastating incidents caused by extreme heat.

It was informed that the highest-level officials of all State/UTs are monitoring the situation stringently. States like Madhya Pradesh have undertaken mock-drill exercises on fire-safety accidents in all Government and Private Hospitals. Urban Administration and Engineering departments were coordinated for conducting mock drills regarding fire safety. Code Red Protocol has also been issued. Heat Wave Control rooms have been established across the state of Odisha. DASTAK (Door-to-door) campaign is being conducted to raise awareness of the population in Uttar Pradesh. Fire Safety Officers are identified in almost all health facilities in this state. Haryana has made a dedicated financial allocation to ensure essential drugs and logistics at all healthcare facilities.

In Rajasthan, ambulances linked to 104 and 108 are equipped with cooling appliances.

In West Bengal, fire safety certificates are ensured by fire departments and mock drills are being conducted. In Bihar, coordination is ongoing with the State Disaster Management Authority for Preventing fire incidents at Health care facilities.

Delhi has also issued directives and SOPs for firefighting systems to all government and private hospitals. If fire NOC is not available even in smaller facilities, either in government/private institutes, fire evacuation plans and firefighting systems have been made mandatory to be kept in place. (ANI)

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Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to attend his swearing-in ceremony which is likely to take place on June 8.

Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP-led NDA’s electoral victory over a phone call.

During his conversation, PM Modi invited President Wickremesinghe to his oath ceremony, which the Sri Lankan president accepted.

“During the conversation, Prime Minister @narendramodi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which President @RW_UNP accepted,” the President’s Media Division of Sri Lanka said in a post on X.

“President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the @BJP4India led NDA’s electoral victory in a phone call,” the post added.

Extending his warmest wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the win of the BJP-led coalition in the parliamentary polls in the country, President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday said Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India.

In a post on X, Sri Lanka’s president said, “I extend my warmest felicitations to the @BJP4India led NDA on its victory, demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of PM @narendramodi.”

“As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India,” he added.

A day after the Lok Sabha poll results were announced, the Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday recommended the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha, whose term ends on June 16.

According to the sources, as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal-United (JDU), the potential “kingmakers” have given the green signal, the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi is likely to take place on June 8.

As per the results of the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India has declared results for 542 of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, with the BJP winning 240 seats and the Congress 99.

The BJP victory tally was much lower than its 2019 tally of 303 and the 282 seats it had won in 2014. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong growth, winning 99 seats compared to 52 that it had won in 2019 and 44 seats in 2014. (ANI)

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Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised by several people from the Sikh community at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star on Thursday.

Protestors were carrying the posters of slain separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann was also seen among the people raising slogans and displaying posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale at the Golden Temple premises.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around the Golden Temple.

“Security arrangements have been made here. Forces have been deployed and barricading has been done. Any untoward incident will be monitored,” said Senior Superintendent of Police SS Randhawa Singh.

Bhindranwale was the head of the radical Sikh outfit Damdami Taksal. He along with his armed followers was killed during Operation Blue Star launched by the Indian Army to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple complex in June 1984.

June 6, 1984, marked the day when the Indian Army, under Operation Blue Star, stormed into the Golden Temple on orders of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to contain Sikh militancy under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab. It was reported that Bhindranwale had stashed large quantities of arms on the Golden Temple premises.

The Operation was heavily criticised. Months later, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards at her New Delhi residence on October 31, 1984.

Beant Singh and Satwant Singh were Indira Gandhi’s bodyguards and killed her on October 31, 1984, at her residence.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh (one of Indira Gandhi’s bodyguards) registered victory from the Faridkot constituency with a margin of 70,053 votes over Aam Aadmi Party leader Karamjit Singh Anmol.

Earlier, Lt Gen (retd) Kuldeep Singh Brar who led the 1984 Operation Bluestar to flush out extremists from the Golden Temple said that Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had “allowed” militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to grow into a sort of Frankenstein monster and decided to “finish him off” when he reached the pinnacle.

The retired 1971 war veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Brar in an interview with ANI said, “No one wants an operation, but what do you do? Indira Gandhi allowed him to become Frankenstein. You could see every year what was happening. But when he reached the pinnacle, now finish him off, now destroy him. It’s too late.”

He claimed that the then-political leadership had allowed the Bhindranwale cult to flourish.

“They had their own little problem support between Akali and Congress. They allowed this cult of Bhindranwale to continue,” the retired army officer had said. (ANI)

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that the result of the Lok Sabha elections is a political loss for Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally apart from being a “moral defeat” as well.

Addressing the INDIA bloc meeting held at his residence, Kharge said, “I welcome all INDIA partners. We fought well, fought unitedly, fought resolutely. The mandate is decisively against Modi and the substance and style of his politics. It is a huge political loss for him personally apart from being a clear moral defeat as well.”

“However, he is determined to subvert the will of the people. INDIA welcomes all parties that share its fundamental commitment to the values enshrined in the Preamble to our Constitution and to its many provisions for economic, social and political justice,” Kharge added.

Several INDIA bloc leaders arrived at the Congress President’s house to attend the meeting.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi also arrived at the meeting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav arrived at the residence of Kharge along with his uncle Ram Gopal Yadav ahead of the meeting to discuss a strategy to form the central government.

Congress workers were heard raising slogans in support of party leader Rahul Gandhi outside the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi.

According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, much lower than its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong improvement, winning 99 seats. While the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won 292 seats, the INDIA bloc crossed the 230 mark, posing stiff competition, and defying all predictions.

Notably, NDA leaders unanimously passed a resolution at an NDA meeting, electing Narendra Modi as their leader.

According to sources, PM Modi will take the oath for the third time on June 8. (ANI)

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President Droupadi Murmu dissolved the 17th Lok Sabha on Wednesday after the recommendation of the Union Cabinet.

“The President accepted the advice of the Cabinet on June 5, 2024, and signed the Order dissolving the 17th Lok Sabha in the exercise of the powers conferred upon her by Sub-Clause (2) of Article 85 of the Constitution,” a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha, whose term ends on June 16.

Following the meeting, PM Modi tendered his resignation along with his Council of Ministers to President Murmu. The President accepted the resignation and requested that the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers continue until the new government assumes office.

According to sources, PM Modi will take the oath for the third time on June 8.

As per the results announced by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, the BJP won 240 seats and the Congress 99 seats. BJP had won 303 seats in the 2019 general elections and 282 seats in the 2014 general elections. This time, the BJP fell 32 seats short of the majority mark of 272 and will need to rely on its allies to form a government.

On the other hand, the Congress registered a significant growth from 52 seats in 2019 to 99 seats this time. The Congress-led opposition coalition, the INDIA bloc, crossed 230 seats, defying all predictions. (ANI)

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After suffering a massive defeat in the State Assembly and Parliamentary elections, the 24-year-old tenure of Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik concluded as he submitted his resignation to the Odisha Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

The Biju Janata Dala which has ruled Odisha since 1997 lost to the BJP breaking the 24-year-old reign of Naveen Patnaik as the Chief Minister.

The Bhartiya Janata Party secured 78 seats in the 147-seat assembly. The BJD secured 51 seats way behind the majority mark of 74 and the Indian National Congress secured 14 seats.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls also BJP performed well by securing 20 out of the 21 parliamentary seats of the state, the remaining one seat was won by Congress.

Naveen Patnaik had made an unexpected entry into state politics through the BJD, a party named after his father, the former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik.

His political journey began with a victory in the 1998 Lok Sabha bypoll, representing his father’s constituency of Aska. Following the BJD’s success in the 2000 Assembly elections, forming a coalition with the BJP and gaining a majority, Patnaik resigned from his position in the Union Cabinet to assume the role of chief minister.

Since then, he has been the second longest-serving Chief Minister after Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling.

The counting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was held on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, much lower than its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong growth, winning 99 seats. The INDIA bloc crossed the 230 mark, posing stiff competition, and defying all predictions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third term, but the BJP will need to rely on the support of other parties in his coalition – JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP’s chief Chandrababu Naidu.

BJP fell 32 seats short of the 272 majority mark after votes polled in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were counted. For the first time, since the Bharatiya Janata Party swept to power in 2014, it did not secure a majority on its own. (ANI)

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