On May 25, 2024, during a campaign rally in Patna for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised free electricity for all and criticized the Opposition's attempts to snatch the reservation benefits of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Class communities. He also accused them of practicing "vote jihad" and urged voters to reject their "communal, casteist, and dynastic" politics. He specifically targeted the INDI (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance) alliance for allegedly giving OBC reservation benefits to their vote bank in West Bengal. The rallies took place on the same day as polling in eight seats in Bihar and attracted strong media coverage.
Patliputra to Hastinapur: A Political Journey
Patliputra, the ancient capital of Magadha and Hastinapur, the mythical capital of the Pandavas, represent two significant historical centers in India. While Patliputra held political and economic sway over eastern India, Hastinapur played a central role in the epic Mahabharata. Today, their namesakes, the modern cities of Patna and Delhi, serve as important political hubs, mirroring the historical significance of their predecessors.
In recent times, the Patliputra-Hastinapur axis has witnessed a significant political transformation, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi's 2024 Campaign Rally
On May 25, 2024, Prime Minister Modi addressed a massive rally in Patna, Bihar, during the Lok Sabha election campaign. His address focused on a range of issues, including:
Historical Context
The political rivalry between Patliputra and Hastinapur has deep historical roots. In ancient times, Magadha, with its capital at Patliputra, emerged as a powerful kingdom under the Mauryan dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Ashoka, Magadha became a major center of Buddhism and expanded its influence across the Indian subcontinent.
Hastinapur, on the other hand, is associated with the Kuru dynasty, as depicted in the Mahabharata. The city was the site of the legendary Battle of Kurukshetra, a decisive conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Patliputra-Hastinapur axis? Answer: The Patliputra-Hastinapur axis represents the historical and political rivalry between eastern and northern India, and now between the cities of Patna and Delhi.
2. Why did Modi focus on reservation benefits in his 2024 campaign rally? Answer: The issue of reservation benefits is particularly sensitive in Bihar, where a large population belongs to marginalized communities. Modi's promise to protect these benefits was likely an attempt to appeal to these voters.
3. What is "vote jihad"? Answer: "Vote jihad" is a term used by Hindutva groups to refer to the alleged mobilization of Muslim voters by political parties. It has been criticized for being divisive and factually inaccurate.
4. What is the INDI Alliance? Answer: The INDI Alliance is an electoral alliance formed in 2021 by the Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, and other parties.
5. What was the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections? Answer: The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are not yet known.
As Delhi goes to polls with a voter turnout of 46.55% till 3 pm, chaos erupts in several constituencies due to allegations of fraudulent voting. Key candidates from major parties face tough competition as the AAP aims for a third consecutive term, while the BJP and Congress strive for a comeback. The pre-poll discourse was marked by fierce campaigning and aggressive name-calling, with issues ranging from welfare schemes to corruption and water quality. In the midst of this, the DCP of South East Delhi dismisses allegations of voter bribery in Sarai Kale Khan.
With Delhi's Assembly elections just around the corner, the BJP has brought attention to a report by JNU professors on the alleged negative impacts of Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators on the city's infrastructure. The research reveals a demographic shift in areas such as Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, and Zakir Nagar. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claims that these infiltrators have taken over jobs from Indian workers, with the support of AAP and Congress. The issue of fake voter identities and criminal connections is also addressed in the report.
In a fiery Lok Sabha speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to criticism from the opposition by highlighting his government's achievements in real development for the people. He also took a dig at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal for prioritizing photo opportunities over the needs of the poor. Modi emphasized that the President's address further strengthened the government's commitment to a developed India.
Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard is still waiting for updates from the police regarding their investigation into Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher. Sources have revealed that Gaspard has requested certain information from the National Security Council in relation to the case. Harewood-Christopher's attorney Pamela Elder SC maintains that there is no evidence against her client. However, Gaspard has not received any updates from the police since Saturday.
The state planning department of Maharashtra has released a notification stating that all government and semi-government officials must speak in Marathi while at work. Those who do not comply may face disciplinary action. This rule aims to promote and protect the Marathi language and culture within the state.
Telangana's Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy denied the BRS party's claims that the launch of new schemes would affect ongoing schemes. During an informal media interaction, he stated that the BRS was spreading false information for their own political gain. The Minister reassured that the ongoing schemes would continue without any impact. He also added that the current government has successfully implemented numerous welfare schemes and is committed to providing good governance.
The Lt Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir have both strongly condemned a terrorist attack that took place on Monday, resulting in the death of an ex-serviceman and injuries to two women. The LG has vowed to punish the perpetrators and provide support to the victims, while the CM has expressed condolences and called for an end to such heinous violence in their society. Other political figures, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and APni Party president Altaf Bukhari, have also spoken out against the attack and offered prayers for the injured.
BJP MPs have filed a Notice for Breach of Parliamentary Privilege, Ethics, and Propriety against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her alleged derogatory and slanderous remarks against the President. The move comes amid increasing tensions in Parliament as the BJP accuses Gandhi of violating ethical standards. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra praised Rahul Gandhi's speech, stating that a leader's words should present a clear vision for the country. Entertainment Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Praises Rahul Gandhi's Parliamentary Speech Amid ongoing tensions in Parliament, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lauds her brother Rahul Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha. She states that a leader's speech should lay out a clear vision for the country, and that she was impressed by his words. The speech comes amidst the ongoing Budget Session, which saw proceedings in the Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day.
The recently announced Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been strategically tailored to cater to the needs of the state of Bihar, which is gearing up for assembly elections later this year. With a strong focus on projects and schemes that benefit farmers and the youth in Bihar, the budget aims to secure the reigns of the state for the BJP-led NDA ahead of the upcoming polls. The minister's choice of a saree adorned with Madhubani art motifs further reinforces this focus on the Mithila region.
In a move that has sparked international criticism, the Nicaraguan parliament has approved a constitutional reform that grants full powers to President Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. This makes them the first-ever co-presidents of the Central American country, with control over state institutions and no term limits. The controversial measure was passed by the parliament, which is dominated by Ortega's party, and is retroactive, extending the couple's mandates until 2028.