Madhu Kishwar @madhukishwar 28m
Is Rahul Gandhi aware that his own party workers call him "Nashedi" and "Aiyyash"? #Pappu was better off when he didn't speak much!
Madhu Kishwar @madhukishwar 7m
2\n Many colorful allegations of #Pappu Rahul being caught in US smuggling currency &how he was rescued. If media had guts to investigate..
EconomicTimes @EconomicTimes 8m
#Congress escalates fight on Modi's marital status, says EC must intervene (Times Now)
he is a muslim, a college student, sad that even education cant change some peopleThat Guy Who @stargazer94 10m
Now don't be surprised if Modi declares his wife as his only asset.
Sushupti wrote:Yesterday he was equated to Kasab by super secular patriot Nafisa Ali and today to Owasi by exemplar muslim Indian
thats his last tweet, dunno what that meansJaved Akhtar @Javedakhtarjadu Apr 4
Since no member of Sangh parivar ha
Seems to me yesterdays polls have really got the CON rattled. If it reached the point where blowback is less of a worry how bad must it be inside the CON team? I mean doggy leading with his nose or rather his chin is one thing but pappu taking a direct shot? Moi thinks the family team was hurt badly yesterday.Vikas Saraswat @VikasSaraswat 2h
Those interested in pvt lives of politicians shud enquire into the suicide of a certain Anusha Jogi. If they need, Pappu will help
Firstpost @firstpostin 1h
Ajit Jogi knows some secret of the Gandhi family. He has never won, but Sonia Gandhi cannot function without him: Modi
The Indian Express @IndianExpress 2h
Once results are out on May 16, everyone's secret will be out: Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh
No yawn sir. This should be used against them. #americanshatehindus #americanshatepagans .Hari Seldon wrote:+1. Just yawn and move on.krishnan wrote:indians give a fsck about american resolutions, esp the people who's votes really matter
I do wish NM states (perhaps in Rajat sharma's show) casually that he has neither intention nor desire of visiting the USA. Will put all these wagging tongues and their perceived leverage over him permanently to rest.
Prasanna Viswanathan @prasannavishy 20m
The shocking love triangle between Lord Mountbatten, his wife Nehru http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/artic ... z2ya027aVG …
Oldtimer @auldtimer 15m
@prasannavishy Oh boy! Material there enough for a Shobhaa De book titled, "The Sandwiched Pandit"
Prasanna Viswanathan @prasannavishy 22m
I propose NFDC can produce this movie. Ram Guha can provide critical research inputs. Karan Johar can direct. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/artic ... z2ya027aVG …
Not just India.Anindya wrote:In India secularism == islamo-pandering - that translation of secularism must be brought to the marketplace of rhetoric.
Firstpost @firstpostin 23m
Sibal moves EC over Modi hiding marital status in earlier affidavits http://dlvr.it/5MzPNx
ANI @ANI_news 25m
This shows Congress's defeated mindset, now they have come down to personal attacks: Prakash Javadekar on Cong complaint to EC on Modi
Amit Malviya @malviyamit 32m
While Brahmachari was the silent lover, Dinesh Singh had no qualms about playing up rumours of an affair. http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?211174 … #Congress
krishnan wrote:thats his last tweet, dunno what that meansJaved Akhtar @Javedakhtarjadu Apr 4
Since no member of Sangh parivar ha
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi ... 55252.html"It seems from the trend visible in elections and your affection, which was visible in the polling booths of Odisha on Thursday, that my responsibilities are increasing. It is especially so towards you," he said.
"You have showered love toward me and I will return it with dividend. Though I am born in Lord Somnath's land, I have no less affection toward the people in the land of Lord Jagannath," he said.
Ten Lok Sabha seats in the state went to polls Thursday and the remainder 11 constituencies will vote on April 17.
Criticising BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik's lack of ability to speak, read and write Odia language, Modi wondered how the people had tolerated him for 15 years.
"The man who does not understand you language, feel your miseries and pain, cannot give you a good government," Modi said.
"Does your CM meet you? Do you need such people?... You have tolerated a person for 15 years who does not understand your language. {Hard hitting! NM himself doesn't know oriya, wish he had more capable state level leadership in the state...}
You have given Madam Sonia 10 years in the Centre and this government 15 years, give me 60 months," he said, attacking Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
Many scams have occurred in the state but were not discussed much as they were overshadowed by the bigger scams in the Centre, Modi said.
The BJP's prime ministerial candidate said he will change Odisha like he did Gujarat. {Sure, but you need to win the odisha assembly polls for that, no? }
Madhu Kishwar @madhukishwar 2h
Maneka Gandhi can provide colorful details of how many years Rahul spent in rehab centre in US for drug de-addiction but failed; 1\n
Madhu Kishwar @madhukishwar 2h
2\n Many colorful allegations of #Pappu Rahul being caught in US smuggling currency &how he was rescued. If media had guts to investigate..
Madhu Kishwar @madhukishwar 2h
@kishor_kunal07 I would never Atal ji for having rescued Pappu Rahul. India paid heavy price for Atalji's generosity
Check out > https://storify.com/neha_aks/annals-of- ... en-to-taskMediaCrooks @mediacrooks 7m
Hahaha.. So the "church-type" pimps of @NYtimes are busy slandering and then deleting tweets? #Morons... https://twitter.com/neha_aks/status/454601095751274496 …
How many equivalent letters on,SaiK wrote:artless aam enemies of modi http://www.firstpost.com/politics/open- ... 76309.html
I wish. Modi should stay on the high-road. BJP should use its SM and IT cell to spread the Nehru-Gandhi secrets. It is fair now, since Rahul started the fire. It is Diwali, Holi and Pongal time. Full blast, no let down till the job is finished. Do your part on the twitter. Venkaiah Naidu promised a boomerang, let us create a tsunami.rohitv wrote:/\/\/\
After reading the above article I am sure this strategy of raking up Modi's personal life is going to backfire on congress , as always!
The Indian Elections—What the BJP Has to Say About Foreign Policy
Council on Foreign Relations - Asia Unbound
Earlier today, on the first day of India’s five-week-long national elections, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at last released their 2014 campaign manifesto. With the ruling Congress Party having released theirs on March 26, and the drumbeat of poll results showing the BJP with a commanding lead on the eve of elections, the platform’s absence had become the subject of much speculation.
The document offers a vision of India in the world which contrasts with that of the Congress: it speaks of alliances, where Congress speaks vaguely of goodwill and Non-Aligned Movement historic legacies. While it predictably emphasizes growth, it does so invoking a representation of India’s civilizational past as one of traders, scientists, and economic leaders in the world, a position damaged by colonial rule and one necessary to recover: “Before the advent of Britishers, Indian goods were internationally recognized for their quality and craftsmanship. India had a much bigger role and presence in industry and manufacturing than any nation in Europe or Asia.” In this emphasis on India as an ancient trading power, it differs slightly from earlier BJP manifestos which focused on the achievements of Indian civilization in agriculture, science and technology, medicine, and education.
On the international economic policy front, the platform shares with Congress an emphasis on making India “globally competitive,” and takes that a step further by advocating a “Brand India built on quality.” (Of course, as the party in opposition, the BJP is in a much less awkward position arguing the need for change to produce growth, since in doing so Congress tacitly acknowledges their own stewardship of economic problems over the past five years).
The BJP’s statement on foreign direct investment (FDI) policy has already caught media attention. It is both general but specific relating to multi-brand retail: “Barring the multi-brand retail sector, FDI will be allowed in sectors wherever needed for job and asset creation, infrastructure and acquisition of niche technology and specialized expertise.” In press interviews today, manifesto committee chair Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi has stated that the party would seek to repeal the current national policy permitting FDI at states’ discretion, a move which would roll back a reform already in place.
On the more encouraging side, a specific section focused on industrial development notes an emphasis on innovation, and promises to “embark on the path of IPRsand Patents in a big way.” Many international businesses will find these welcome words, although how they might be executed in practice is not clear.
On matters of national security and foreign policy, the BJP platform promises “zero tolerance” on terrorism and would seek a revamp of intelligence systems, defense, and defense production in order to better secure India. The manifesto envisions an India as a “global hub for defense hardware and software.”
In a significant departure from the Congress platform, which uses the word “nuclear” only once to exhort the need to expand civilian nuclear energy, the BJP pledges to update India’s nuclear doctrine to “make it relevant to challenges of current times.” They would maintain India’s policy of a credible minimum deterrent “in tune with changing geostatic realities.” These statements have already been picked up by the media as representing a shift away from India’s no-first-use policy. According to Reuters, while the platform itself does not say it will review no-first-use, “sources involved in drafting the document…said the policy would be reconsidered.” This element of the manifesto will be of great interest around the world, especially given the past history of the BJP hewing to their platform statements regarding nuclear doctrine. Indeed, the BJP manifesto of 1998 pledged to “Re-evaluate the country’s nuclear policy and exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons.” In May 1998, they did.
The foreign policy section of the manifesto, which takes up one page and comes at the end, in keeping with the BJP past again promises to be “guided by our centuries old tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is a family) in working to achieve India’s rightful place in the world. The BJP, unlike Congress’s plan to strengthen relations with all, would create a “web of allies to mutually further our interests.” Alliances are selective and much tighter relationships of consultation and obligation, a position very different from one of non-alignment with all.
The foreign policy platform speaks of the importance of Indian soft power potential, and lays out a high-level “Brand India” plan through what it calls the “5 Ts: Tradition, Talent, Tourism, Trade and Technology.” They will develop talent by expanding the diplomatic corps. The Indian diaspora receives special mention as an asset in developing Brand India. Relations through regional fora, like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the “BRICS” emerging economies of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa, G20, the “IBSA” countries of India-Brazil-South Africa, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and others, also receive attention. In keeping with the manifesto’s domestic policy of deepening decentralization, the BJP promises to provide states a “greater role in diplomacy” specifically to “harness their mutual cultural and commercial strengths.”
The platform presents a straw man (“Instead of being led by big power interests”), which to my knowledge and diplomatic experience has never been true about India, to assert it will “engage proactively on our own with countries in the neighbourhood and beyond.” No individual countries receive mention, unlike the Congress document. On the neighborhood, the BJP will “pursue friendly relations” but “where required we will not hesitate from taking strong stand and steps.” These should be read as statements of orientation toward China and Pakistan, but enactment of any future policy steps will necessarily depend on immediate circumstances. Finally, similar to the German concept of citizenship by blood, the manifesto provides for India to serve as a “natural home” for persecuted Hindus around the world to seek refuge.
So: the BJP lays down some markers on FDI, India’s nuclear doctrine, and how it would approach its bilateral and multilateral relationships. As a roadmap for what the possible next Indian government might undertake, it thus offers some high-level guideposts, and important areas for external observers to watch closely.
Follow me on Twitter: @AyresAlyssa
What would Modi mean for Indian foreign policy?
Danielle Rajendram
lowyinterpreter.org
Polling booths for the world's biggest election open in India this week, with signs pointing towards likely victory for a BJP-led coalition with Narendra Modi at the helm. But despite his image as a divisive nationalist, it's unlikely there will be any disruptive change in Indian foreign policy under a Modi-led government.
Foreign policy hasn't traditionally played a prominent role Indian election campaigns, and this election is no different. Modi's campaign has focused heavily on improved governance and economic growth, meaning that he is yet to clearly articulate his foreign policy vision or priorities. While much has been made of Modi's 'strongman' image, this simplistic formulation overlooks Modi's inherent pragmatism and fails to distinguish pre-election bluster from the necessary compromises made once in power.
From what Modi has said, it is clear that economic development will be his priority, and that this will underpin his foreign policy decision-making. Modi has argued that India's Ministry of External Affairs should place greater emphasis on trade negotiations and promoting Indian businesses overseas, and supports enhancing the role of individual states in building economic and political relations abroad.
This emphasis on economic growth speaks to the pragmatism that will likely drive Modi's foreign policy, and nowhere is this more evident than in his attitude towards China.
Modi has been vocal in his criticism of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's handling of Chinese incursions across the Line of Actual Control into Indian-controlled territory in Kashmir, and recently criticised China's 'expansionist attitude' at a rally in the disputed territory of Arunachal Pradesh, arguing that 'no power on earth can take away even an inch from India'.
But at the same time as pushing for a tougher line on China, in his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi has been warmly received on four visits to China, most recently as an 'honourable guest'. Economic links between China and Gujarat are strong, and Modi will be unlikely to jeopardise the economic opportunities that come from closer engagement with China, regardless of his tough rhetoric on territorial disputes.
However, Modi will still seek to balance against China, necessitating a continued emphasis on building relations with India's East and Southeast Asian partners. Modi has already developed strong ties with Singapore and Japan as chief minister of Gujarat, and the ideological similarities between Modi and Shinzo Abe have not gone unnoticed. Already a significant economic and strategic partner for India, we can expect to see relations with Japan deepen under a Modi-led government.
Of course, it is arguable that this emphasis on Asia has been driven by the unwillingness of European and North American states to engage with Mr Modi over his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. However, a number of European states have reversed their stance on the controversial leader in recent years, and Modi's February 2014 meeting with former US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell signifies a softening in the US stance. But should Modi become prime minister, realistically the US and others will have no choice other than to engage with him.
The way relations with Pakistan would play out under a Modi-led government are less clear. In recent years, the BJP has been more strident than Congress in times of crisis with Pakistan, and the perception of Modi as anti-Muslim certainly will not help. Moreover, reinforcing the findings of the Lowy Institute's India Poll, Indians still perceive Pakistan to be the largest threat to India's security, with the Pakistani-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba coming in second. Modi is likely to continue to play to this public sentiment in his rhetoric on Pakistan.
While Modi's foreign policy rhetoric is likely to continue to be tougher and more nationalistic than under Manmohan Singh, this will signify more of a change in emphasis and style, rather than substance. Though we can expect some more assertive diplomatic signaling, especially in relation to provocations from China and Pakistan, it's unlikely we'll see a significant departure from the UPA's foreign policy of the last ten years. For Australia, Modi's emphasis on economics and trade policy aligns well with the Coalition's own mantra of 'economic diplomacy', and this could give bilateral ties a boost.
As with former BJP Prime Minister Vajpayee, the perception of the BJP as stronger on national security may actually have the effect of making space for creative diplomatic endeavours, such as the Delhi-Lahore bus link initiated in 1999. Of course, much of this also will depend on Modi's team, and who fills the external affairs, defence minister and national security advisor portfolios will weigh heavily on the foreign policy calculus. But should he become prime minister, Mr Modi will need to develop a good sense of when to rein in the assertive rhetoric in times of crisis, bearing in mind he will no longer just be playing to a domestic audience.
SwamyG guru, we are exactly 5 weeks away from results. These are the most crucial 35 days of post-1990 India. For nanhas like moi who were born then, it feels like 1947+Emergency combined.Full blast, no let down till the job is finished. Do your part on the twitter. Venkaiah Naidu promised a boomerang, let us create a tsunami.
india does not allow dual passports.
