2019 General Elections News and Discussion

[maluman]

A bunch of lies and platitudes but one needs to read between the lines to get the real message of these bigots.

The vatican is a separate country with an embassy in India. The pope appoints bishops and cardinals and as such these people voicing political opinions should be taken as foreigners interfering in the Internal affairs of India. These people owe a direct allegiance to rome and by their law also take orders from rome. People should stand united to dislodge NDA Government: Church of South India

Here is the thing, Church of South India has nothing to do with the Pope/Catholic Church. CSI in India is the combination Anglican (Episcopal), Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist that was started by British Missionaries Pre-independence. The CSI Church follows Non-Apostolic Christian doctrines while Catholics under the Pope represent Apostolic Christianity. They are completely different in Theology, Liturgy, Administrative structure, etc.

So long story short blaming the Catholics for something the CSI Bishop said is like Bahamians for something the Buddhists said.

In general I believe that religion must stay out of politics, I was just pointing out the difference thats all.

[ShyamSP]

BJP got best case scenario in BJP dominant states including UP. Getting up to 50 in UP in itself is big achievement. Any dent can't compensated by other states but can be reduced if it wins some in Orissa and West Bengal. No other place is there for new seats except for some new partnership with other parties will help to get 20-40 seats.

Yes the lack of expansion in new states is a problem. Even if they improve a lot in Odisha and WB they are starting from almost nothing. It cannot be enough to defray the losses due to united opposition in other states.

It wasn't just UP, the 2014 win was due to the NaMo tsunami absolutely decimating all opposition in several other high population states like Maharashtra, Bihar, MP and Gujarat. Add to that TDP winning AP. That was on the back of immense dissatisfaction with congress government, zero opposition unity and a campaign by NaMo the likes of which India had never seen. It is very very difficult to repeat that performance when you have anti-incumbency and opposition unity working against you. So I'm not sure why people are surprised by BJP themselves projecting between 200-240 seats. Lets hope they reach that because it is possible to form a government with those numbers.

Alternative to Modi might be way to go. Modi and Amit with arrogance screwed up friendly partners and couldn't do well in their own states in recent elections. Non-Modi person as PM such as Gadkari, etc can fetch good partners including TDP back.

[nachiket]

Alternative to Modi might be way to go. Modi and Amit with arrogance screwed up friendly partners and couldn't do well in their own states in recent elections. Non-Modi person as PM such as Gadkari, etc can fetch good partners including TDP back.

Are you serious? Take Modi and Shah out of the picture and BJP will struggle to reach 100. Overreacting is not the answer.

[chetak]

A bunch of lies and platitudes but one needs to read between the lines to get the real message of these bigots.

The vatican is a separate country with an embassy in India. The pope appoints bishops and cardinals and as such these people voicing political opinions should be taken as foreigners interfering in the Internal affairs of India. These people owe a direct allegiance to rome and by their law also take orders from rome. People should stand united to dislodge NDA Government: Church of South India

Here is the thing, Church of South India has nothing to do with the Pope/Catholic Church. CSI in India is the combination Anglican (Episcopal), Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist that was started by British Missionaries Pre-independence. The CSI Church follows Non-Apostolic Christian doctrines while Catholics under the Pope represent Apostolic Christianity. They are completely different in Theology, Liturgy, Administrative structure, etc.

So long story short blaming the Catholics for something the CSI Bishop said is like Bahamians for something the Buddhists said.

In general I believe that religion must stay out of politics, I was just pointing out the difference thats all.

True. I realized this later.

But the other denomination is not so quiet about its political preferences either or shy about voicing its opinions.

these are tactics employed by hired guns like the clones of cambridge analytica that are being surreptitiously used in India to vilify personalities and channel votes in the desired direction.

FCRA is a major bugbear for these people and their activities.

[SBajwa]

People may be living in rural area, but their work might be in a urban or semi urban location. In a densely populated area like India, the nearest town is barely a cycle ride or a scooter ride away. With improved rural roads and suburban buses, even a bus ride is not too inconvenient.

If services has surpassed agriculture in rural employment, it could partly be because people travel to their nearest town to work from their villagers. I have heard of people taking their autorikshaws from their home in the village to ply in the city and at the end of the day go back to their village.

My cousin who is a surgeon and lives in a village goes around 2 districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur doing surgeries. He leaves at 5 Am and gets to home around 8 PM. Takes Sunday off. My other cousins also do the same thing (attorney), Soldier, etc. All framing is now done by laborers from UP and Bihar. Each house has multiple vehicles.

[chetak]

Alternative to Modi might be way to go. Modi and Amit with arrogance screwed up friendly partners and couldn't do well in their own states in recent elections. Non-Modi person as PM such as Gadkari, etc can fetch good partners including TDP back.

Are you serious? Take Modi and Shah out of the picture and BJP will struggle to reach 100. Overreacting is not the answer.

Sure, take Modi and Shah out of the equation.

It will be like sending an MBT into the thick of battle with no fuel and no ammunition. The entire BJP electoral machinery will simply grind to a halt which is exactly what the mahamilawati and the tukde tukde gangs so very desperately want.

gadkari is OK but he is a racehorse meant only for one purpose and can run only on the prepared racetrack. Not enough backbone for the constant trench warfare required these days to handle a lot of the crooked politicos.

No one in the BJP has this capability except NM and AS and to a certain extent, yogi adityanath perhaps.

Why do you think that they tried so very hard to jail Modi and Shah for over a decade??

Why not anyone else?? other than a few small time lallu panjus??

when dealing with politicos, you need to kick many dickheads in the testimonials.

If this is what you are calling arrogance, then the BJP needs a lot more of it.

The TDP is no ally of anyone except maybe of the naidu family.

They are experienced backstabbers, as everyone knows.

[maluman]

FCRA is a major bugbear for these people and their activities.

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christians India has been around for 2000 years in India....Catholics in India broke of from them the 1600's and spread due to Portuguese influence. Orthodox and Catholic Christians are the only from of Apostolic Christians inside and outside India; both follow pretty strict rules in their theological/administrative governance.

FCRA issues with Christians in India happens with non Apostolic Christians such as the Evangelical Pentecostals...

The poster child of FCRA violations by Evangelical Pentecostals in India would be K P Yohannan....he was a former duck farmer from Kerala who made millions using religion as Pyramid Scheme


https://www.thedailybeast.com/did-this- ... to-himself

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cit ... 277698.cms

[vijayk]

https://www.republicworld.com/india-new ... hmed-patel

EXPLOSIVE: ED Cracks Agusta Kickbacks Scandal. Republic TV Accesses 52-page ED Supplementary Chargesheet Where Middleman Christian Michel Mentions 'Ítalian Lady's Son', 'Family' And 'Ahmed Patel'

As per the ED chargesheet, a copy of which is available with Republic TV – ED concludes that Christian Michel acknowledges knowing 'Mrs. Gandhi'. Michel further reveals that he was in touch with 'Mrs Gandhi' and knew her since 1986-87.

Earlier, the investigating agencies had recovered hand-written diary notings detailing the alleged kickbacks paid for the 12 AW-101 AgustaWestland deal. These noting mentioned ‘FAM’, ‘AP’ among others – answers to which were unknown so far. However, as per ED conclusion, Christian Michel has revealed that 'AP’ stands for Ahmed Patel and 'FAM’ was the abbreviation for ‘Family'.

The 'Italian lady’s son' mention:
The 52 page chargesheet mentions meetings with 'the Italian lady's son' who 'will be the next Prime Minister'. Reference to 'Son's power growing in the party and mother unaware of full facts' have been made as part of the dispatch published by the Enforcement Directorate.

On Page 22, a dispatch dated 1st October 2009, reads:

“Meeting at the beginning of the week with regards to the Italian lady’s son. The gentlemen I met knew about our activity and felt we were well placed. Explained that this was well known but that we could not wait any longer. The gentleman confirmed that the son will be next Prime Minister and his power in the party is growing day by day. Hence, the Finance Minister’s extreme anxiety at the son’s phenomenal rise. The son will be asked this weekend to raise this matter with his mother as the mother is certainly not aware of all the facts".

The dispatch further reads: “My friend will report back to us next week and may be willing to come and visit us if the news is significant. We feel this is a low-risk".

Indirect references to political influence in swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland are made. The chargesheet further reveals that the entire AgustaWestland deal was 'politically charged' and notes related to the deal were sent to the 'head of the ruling party'.

Vimal Dagli
‏

@vimaldagli
46m46 minutes ago
More
Replying to @republic
IE journo Raju Sanathanam, Print's Manu Pabbi & Shekhar Gupta recieved Dalali in #AugustaWestland case according to ED chargesheet.

They will move HC today praying to keep their name secret from public.
#AgustaCaseCracked

[naird]

Vimal Dagli
‏

@vimaldagli
46m46 minutes ago
More
Replying to @republic
IE journo Raju Sanathanam, Print's Manu Pabbi & Shekhar Gupta recieved Dalali in #AugustaWestland case according to ED chargesheet.

They will move HC today praying to keep their name secret from public.
#AgustaCaseCracked

That sounds illogical. Manu was the one who broke the scam !

[chetak]

so our 49 years young uncle was up to no good during his secret phoren "holidays" and visits to see his "grandmother"??

[nachiket]

Chetak, I have deleted your last post. You and maluman both need to stop the religious discussion. The first 2 posts were within context of the coming election so I've let them be.

[chetak]

That sounds illogical. Manu was the one who broke the scam !

why exactly does that sound illogical??.

some dilli journos are living in 50 crore houses, no??

surely some hanky panky must be going on somewhere, right??

[chetak]

Chetak, I have deleted your last post. You and maluman both need to stop the religious discussion. The first 2 posts were within context of the coming election so I've let them be.

thanks

[ramana]

Coupta, Manu Pubby, and Raj Santhanam chargesheeted in Augusta case.

[Karan M]

Coupta, Manu Pubby, and Raj Santhanam chargesheeted in Augusta case.

Shouldn't criminal charges have been filed on them as well?

[nachiket]

Coupta, Manu Pubby, and Raj Santhanam chargesheeted in Augusta case.

Shouldn't criminal charges have been filed on them as well?

I don't see this being reported. Self imposed blackout to protect their own? I only see Christian Michel mentioned everywhere.

[Karan M]

That sounds illogical. Manu was the one who broke the scam !

They were "allegedly" paid to tone down their reportage. This is a classic scene from "jaane bhi do yaaron" in reality.

[Karan M]

Shouldn't criminal charges have been filed on them as well?

I don't see this being reported. Self imposed blackout to protect their own? I only see Christian Michel mentioned everywhere.

Of course, Indian media, apart from rare hold outs like Swarajya/OpIndia is just a crony club of rent-seeking leftists.

https://www.business-standard.com/artic ... 027_1.html


AgustaWestland chargesheet mentions three journalists

IANS | New Delhi Last Updated at April 5, 2019 00:35 IST

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has mentioned names of several political leaders and three Indian journalists in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal supplementary chargesheet, said sources.

The names of these leaders and journalists, are however, not as accused in the chargesheet filed before a city court.

As per the chargesheet, British national and one of the middlemen of the scrapped deal, Christian Michel, had used important personalities in the field of media in order to influence the public opinion.

Michel is in Tihar jail and he has been named in the chargesheet as an accused.

The chargesheet mentions that Michel used media personalities as evident from trail of payment made to one Raju Santhanam.

It mentioned that "as per Casana sheet, a payment of Euro 205860.40 was made to Ashwin Santhanam, son of Raju Santhanam in addition to booking an air ticket for him and his family for a total amount of Rs 26.50 lakh".

Michel has accepted that he had made such payments and admitted to hiring services of Guy Douglas to influence the media and this fact is further corroborated by act of using influence on journalists "Manu Pubby and Shekhar Gupta to tone down the article in Indian Express", said sources.

"Michel also deposed that Douglas was in touch with several journalists."

The chrgesheet also mentions that Michel, Guido Haschke and his associate Carlo Gerosa -- all middlemen in the case -- made payment to defence officials, bureaucats and political leaders of ruling party. A total bribe of Euro 70 million allegedly exchanged hands in this case in two parts to Christian Miche and Agusta Westland's Guido Haschke.

-- IANS

rak/prs

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

[kit]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 730900.cms
AP - stand for Ahmed Patel, FM - Family (Gandhi) ,
RG - Rahul Gandhi

[nachiket]

Liberals accusing Modi of creating a fear complex in 2019 are guilty of doing the same

Hard-hitting article laying bare all the fake intolerance shenanigans of the media and intellectuals. Refutes every made up allegation with facts. Spread far and wide folks even if it is in slimy Coupta's ThePrint.

[williams]

Modi govt did do a lot of good things. But people get disappointed when high expectations are not met quickly. Question is will such disappointments cause people to vote Modi out. To get an understanding of this, we need to look at our electorate. I usually break them down into 5 categories.

1. The Secularist crowd. - These are the people who always see Modi in a negative lens. They are the JNU/NDTV types. No matter what reforms he brings, they will cite a hidden agenda or find fault in it. These people are always going to vote against Modi leadership. My estimate of this crowd is about 20% of the electorate.

2. The Regionalist crowd. - These are people who only think about their state or region or religion or caste. They don't care about parties they will blindly vote for their regional agenda. This part of the electorate is always volatile and we will never know how they will lean in any election. I would put another 10-20% of people in this category.

3. The Nationalist crowd. - These are the people who think about pure national interest and I think they are guaranteed to vote for Modi. They are not going to accept a congress or any other alternative leader. I think there is 20% of people in this category and Modi is going to win the majority of them.

4. The rationalist crowd. - These are the people who make a good rational decision to vote and I am not sure how much of the positives of Modi govt has impacted them. I kind of feel Modi might have lost some of these people who actually voted him to power in 2014. I have a feeling there are 20% of people in this category and Modi may win 10% of this.

5. The self-centrist crowd. - These are the people who only think about their own household benefits. I am pretty sure there is a percentage of this crowd that benefitted from this govt but there is also a large percentage of this crowd who are not satisfied. Off the 20%, Modi may win maybe 10% of this crowd.

So Modi gets around 40% of the electorate. Now you need to figure out the variables of the shape and distribution of this electorate in specific regions to figure out if that will translate into actual seats. My prediction is NDA will lose 30-40 seats but will win the majority.

[Klaus]

That sounds illogical. Manu was the one who broke the scam !

Change of heart. Pangs of conscience!

[Najunamar]

Williamsji, that's a very good breakup. Any ways to exploit these differences and angle for the independent crowd? I am thinking regional campaigns targeted at the rationalists and the self-centered groups...

Anything we can do? This is too important a battle to be disengaged from.

[Najunamar]

I am particularly interested in the battles in TN. If BJP can win 3 or more of the 5 seats contested, will mean a lot for laying the foundation for a strong grassroots movement that is sustainable for 2024 and beyond.

[williams]

Williamsji, that's a very good breakup. Any ways to exploit these differences and angle for the independent crowd? I am thinking regional campaigns targeted at the rationalists and the self-centered groups...

Anything we can do? This is too important a battle to be disengaged from.

I think at this point there is nothing we can do for the self-centered group. It is too late. For the rationalists, the easiest thing to do is to show them how things will work under alternative leadership. I also think BJP should show some honesty to say they failed in certain areas and come with an agenda to take future corrective action. We need the star technocrats in the Party to do some open talk.

[banrjeer]

The message to Indians is that by keeping the current govt they will see better long term growth in their assets and net worth. Whether it’s a subsistence farmer, minority or a company.

Political Balkanization and gathbandhan and petty scam artists will erode it

[abhijitm]

How is the situation in Bengal for BJP this time around?

[shyamal]

How is the situation in Bengal for BJP this time around?

Bad. Tremendous amount of infighting. 5 seats max.

[chetak]

Shouldn't criminal charges have been filed on them as well?

I don't see this being reported. Self imposed blackout to protect their own? I only see Christian Michel mentioned everywhere.

twitter

EXCERPT of the chargesheet filed by ED showing the NAMES journalists named in the
#AugustaWestlandScam They are- Indian Express journo Raju Sanathanam, Print's Manu Pubby & Shekhar Gupta

[chetak]

MEA sponsored free alcohol, air tickets, and more during Congress rule: Senior journalist reveals why media dislikes the Modi govt

Shrivastav explained how everything changed when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country. Post-2014, no media organisations or journalists are being allowed to fly with the official Indian delegation.

MEA sponsored free alcohol, air tickets, and more during Congress rule: Senior journalist reveals why media dislikes the Modi govt

Shrivastav explained how everything changed when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country. Post-2014, no media organisations or journalists are being allowed to fly with the official Indian delegation.

OPINDIA STAFF
APRIL 5, 2019



The lavish air travel enjoyed by the Indian journalists during UPA days

The media in the country has always shared an intriguing relationship with the government of the day. From involving in the allocation of cabinet berths to availing freebies, the Indian media fraternity has been part of an echo chamber but unfortunately, it was never part of public debate.

Now, an interesting video has gone viral, in which senior journalist Ashok Shrivastav can be heard describing anecdotes, which explain the murkier relationship between the media and the past government. Ashok Shrivastav narrated his experience regarding how Indian journalists were gifted with freebies, including expensive alcoholic beverages whenever they travelled with the Indian delegation to foreign countries led by the past Prime Ministers. He said that over 150 journalists would travel officially during the Congress regime.

Embedded video https://twitter.com/i/status/1113884083384352769

Ashok Shrivastav
@ashokshrivasta6
समझिए क्यों भारत को "असहिष्णु" और "लिंचिस्तान"बना दिया कुछ पत्रकारों और बुद्धिजीवियों ने।#narendramodicensored

1,028
12:50 AM - Apr 5, 2019
589 people are talking about this

He further revealed how the previous governments spent lavishly to treat the Indian media establishment during the official trips. Narrating an incident, Shrivastav said that courtesy of the external affairs ministry during the Congress government, journalists were allowed to order expensive cuisine, alcohol while they were part of the Indian media delegation. Srivastav said that after journalists were wined and dined during the flight when they reached their hotel room an expensive alcohol bottle of Black Label would be waiting for them. He also said that many journalists had brought back expensive alcohol back to the country as it would be sponsored by the external affairs ministry apart from the free air tickets and hotel accommodation.

Interestingly, Shrivastav explained how everything changed when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country. Post-2014, no media organisations or journalists are being allowed to fly with the official Indian delegation. The media organisations should cover their expenses if they intend to report on Prime Minister Modi’s official foreign trips. He also added how the Modi government cut unnecessary expenses on journalists by not allowing public money to spent on local trips, that used to be sponsored by the previous governments in the past.

The Indian journalists’ fraternity has in the past lamented against the present government for not following the established ‘etiquettes’. It is also believed that resentment against the Narendra Modi government also comes from the fact that there are no such freebies available to them today contrary to the past when ’eminent’ journalists were co-opted by the government for reciprocity of being soft on them.

It is rather worrying to see that the Indian media, dominated by the left-leaning Lutyens cabal, often speaking in a condescending tone targetting the self-made journalists of being co-opted and a mouthpiece to the present Narendra Modi government despite the fact that they themselves have questionable integrity and journalistic ethics in the past.

[Vadivel]

I am particularly interested in the battles in TN. If BJP can win 3 or more of the 5 seats contested, will mean a lot for laying the foundation for a strong grassroots movement that is sustainable for 2024 and beyond.

They will get 1 seat, and a tough fight in Kanyakumari. Other 3 are seats where BJP has NIL chance.

[Singha]

i have a pic of suhasini haider and barkha dutt on whatsapp on that same PMO flight, the seats are rigged to business class. haider is working on a laptop.

per a personal source in same troupe:

At the end of the trip, the Air India gives us gifts... One litre of Black Label, 20 packets of Benson & Hedges cigarettes, one bottle of french perfume and a packet of Swiss chocolate..

[panduranghari]

Alternative to Modi might be way to go. Modi and Amit with arrogance screwed up friendly partners and couldn't do well in their own states in recent elections. Non-Modi person as PM such as Gadkari, etc can fetch good partners including TDP back.

Modi will win BJP in excess of 350. I am going into hibernation until the results. Give common man more credibility. They know garibi hatao is BS and they will prove it.

[ramana]

That sounds illogical. Manu was the one who broke the scam !

Change of heart. Pangs of conscience!

Could be too clever by half. When story broke in Italian press Manu Pubby went vociferous hoping Michel will never get extradited.

[Singha]

i have a pic of suhasini haider and barkha dutt on whatsapp on that same PMO flight, the seats are rigged to business class. haider is working on a laptop.

per a personal source in same troupe:

At the end of the trip, the Air India gives us gifts... One litre of Black Label, 20 packets of Benson & Hedges cigarettes, one bottle of french perfume and a packet of Swiss chocolate..

any of you who have friends or relatives in delhi journalist circles can verify about the AI given gifts on president and PM foreign trips if you dont believe the above. the fraternity is well aware of this.

[Raveen]

How is the situation in Bengal for BJP this time around?

Bad. Tremendous amount of infighting. 5 seats max.

Really? The crowds @ Modi's rally suggested otherwise though?

[chetak]

Change of heart. Pangs of conscience!

Could be too clever by half. When story broke in Italian press Manu Pubby went vociferous hoping Michel will never get extradited.

the overwhelming thought was "pakdna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai"

some high flying patels' are also crapping bricks.

[Singha]

if we think life is tough, here is what Namo has to do every day...



on a serious note, that young boy has such a big heart and temperament, hope life gives him opportunities to excel.

[chetak]

Bad. Tremendous amount of infighting. 5 seats max.

Really? The crowds @ Modi's rally suggested otherwise though?

these so called BJP guys see the chance to replace the TMC guys and continue to run their "businesses" by simply moving in and taking it over.

I don't think that many of them have an ideology in mind.

[Suraj]

these so called BJP guys see the chance to replace the TMC guys and continue to run their "businesses" by simply moving in and taking it over.

I don't think that many of them have an ideology in mind.

That doesn't change the underlying fact that so many people would be intent on stating their 'new position' only if they think the new position has credibility. In an ideologically polarized place, people don't step out and state a change of allegiance to suit their business , if they aren't confident of winning, because they consequences of losing are that they will likely lose the business.