As the second phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections reaches its conclusion, multiple exit polls are showing a clear advantage for the BJP-led NDA alliance. While one pollster predicts a victory for the Congress-JMM alliance, others are giving a significant lead to the NDA. The results will be announced on November 23, when the fate of both alliances will be decided.
The political turmoil in Manipur continues as the National People's Party, the second-largest ally of the ruling BJP-led NDA state government, withdraws its support citing failure to restore normalcy. While the BJP still holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly, this pullout represents a setback for the administration and signals further erosion of support. Amidst this, the Opposition Congress has also ramped up pressure on the government, with some even offering to resign from their MLA positions for a new mandate. All eyes are now on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has cancelled political programmes in Maharashtra to monitor the security situation in Manipur and has instructed for steps to restore peace.
Akhilesh Yadav, leader of Samajwadi Party and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, defied barricades set up by the BJP government and paid tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary. Yadav also called on Bihar's chief minister to withdraw support from the NDA and criticized the BJP for trying to block their celebrations at the JP International Centre. Despite the obstacles, Yadav and hundreds of party workers stood on the road to honor the socialist leader known as the "Jan Nayak," highlighting the ongoing political tension.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the NDA Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers, where they discussed various aspects of good governance and ways to improve people's lives. The PM emphasized the importance of focusing on 'Pro-people, Pro-governance- P2G2' and passing six proposals to further national progress. Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the meeting also touched upon the 'Amrit Mahotsav' of the Constitution and the 50th anniversary of Emergency.
Chirag Paswan, the Union food processing minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, stated that his party will be participating in the upcoming assembly election in Jharkhand. He met with Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the political situation and the elections in Jharkhand. Paswan expressed his support for fighting the elections under the National Democratic Alliance, with a final decision to be made in the next 2-4 days. The state unit of the party is keen on joining the contest.
Leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States. They have lauded his efforts to deepen ties between the two nations and attract investments, especially in cutting-edge technology areas. The warm welcome accorded to PM Modi by world leaders and the Indian diaspora symbolizes his strong leadership. Additionally, his address to the United Nations is a testament to India's growing importance and role on the global stage.
In a press conference, Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu showed his support for Jana Sena chief and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan's recent declaration to protect Sanatana Dharma. He stated that the declaration has come at a crucial time when the religion is facing threats from various forces. Srinivasulu also mentioned the steps taken by the NDA government to revamp the TTD administration and the recent findings of adulterated ghee. He welcomed the Supreme Court's direction and urged everyone to support Pawan Kalyan's "Dharma Poratam".
With the Assembly polls nearing, Home Minister Amit Shah lambasted the Congress-NC alliance during a rally in Jammu, accusing them of attempting to revive the "old system" in the region. He also promised that statehood would be restored at an "appropriate time" after the elections, and emphasized that the NDA government will continue to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP's manifesto for the upcoming polls includes a unique scheme that will provide financial assistance to the eldest woman in every family and free gas cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen spoke out against the Indian government upon his arrival in Kolkata, addressing issues such as wrongful imprisonments and economic disparities. He emphasized the need for political open-mindedness and secularism in the country. This comes as the recently held 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a major shift in power, with the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance securing more seats than the ruling NDA.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has requested UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan to withdraw the advertisement for lateral entry to 45 government posts, citing the need for "rightful representation" of marginalized communities in the government services. This decision comes after objections raised by the Opposition and key NDA allies JD(U) and LJP. Despite the government's reliance on a 1978 instruction to conclude that lateral entry does not require reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates, the issue of reservation has been sidelined, causing concerns about fair representation for these communities.