With Rahul showing a significant lead over Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi in opinion polls across southern India but lagging in the north, the Congress believes his contesting from the south will help galvanise cadres.
For this dispensation, ideas are dangerous. Those who propagate liberalism and democratic traditions are even more dangerous, observes Rashme Sehgal.
'Let Modi not be in the news, I will stop making cartoons on him.'
When Nitin Gadkari was president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the party had announced it would set up a separate ministry for handlooms and handicraft. Instead of doing that, the BJP government has abolished the only institution that took into account the voice of the weavers.
Madhaw Anand, the party's principal national general secretary and chief spokesperson, resigned from the posts as well as the primary membership stating that the party ran the risk of being "finished" on account of the "inconsequential" move.
Festive atmosphere and bonhomie prevailed in Lok Sabha on Thursday with members donning traditional dress and head gears and many taking oath in their mother tongue.
There is a deep-seated sense of rejection that the new generation Tamil youth have felt for a decade and more now, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
He, however, expressed confidence that a series of state-specific alliances, where like-minded parties would come together on an anti-BJP platform, was likely for the 2019 general election.
In a terse message, the ministry further added that "it is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes."
As a member of his Cabinet, the former finance minister would give valuable inputs because of his knowledge of parliamentary and government history, Modi said, adding that he will always miss his presence and called him an "encyclopedia".
'The Modi government thinks that once the CAA protests are over, they will bring in the NPR that will help to get the NRC.'
However, in reality, Mukherjee neither wore a cap nor did he give any salute.
A wise politician would disarm his critics, try to take them along, co-opt them, or, at least, take the criticism in his stride. Developing a thick skin ought to be an essential part of any politician's toolkit, notes Virendra Kapoor.
Monday's surprise meeting is an admission by the Bharatiya Janata Party that their purported strategy of hoping to ride the popular 'Modi wave' in a Tamil Nadu without Jaya and a bed-ridden Karunanidhi does not have much chance of success, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
Following the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, reactions poured in from various leaders across the political spectrum.
Hundreds of BJP workers who had gathered outside the complex cheered when Parrikar arrived.
Some BJP and Congress leaders believe the assembly building is filled with 'negative energy'.
The JD-U also used the meeting to call for a joint Opposition candidate for the election to the President's post and urged Gandhi to take the lead in the matter.
'Electricity, better roads and uninterrupted water supply are problems for everyone in India, not Muslims alone.' 'Regional parties are solving these problems much better. And for that reason, Muslims favour regional parties.'
Shah said that the BJP hoped the Dalit nominee would be unanimously selected as the President.
The party's steady flow of money from industrialists has all but dried up, leaving a cash crunch so serious that it's been forced to crowd-fund for a candidate.
'Had these three farm laws existed it would have become a huge election issue.'
Referring to Maoists sympathisers, Singh said Naxals have got a very strong support system from Raipur to Delhi.
The Congress said that there are still questions before those who believe in the judiciary.
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'But I understand the need for this government move.' 'I completely support Mr Modi.'
The EC limits campaign expenses incurred by a candidate to Rs 50 lakh to Rs 70 lakh. But there is no such limit on spending for parties. The vendors aren't complaining.
If the Congress came to power in MP, those responsible for the deaths of the six farmers would face strict action within 10 days.
Leaders hope the Ayodhya temple ceremony would pave way for harmony.
What are Manveer Gurjar, Prince Narula, Urvashi Dholakia up to?
Adding to the BJP's fears, former vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat met senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Friday.
Kapil Mishra had been invited because he was an "anti-corruption crusader", one 'IIT B for Bharat' organiser said. But in his half hour-long speech, Mishra didn't mention corruption. His entire focus was on the long "battle" Hindus had fought for their identity.
"He also gave verbal directions to make the necessary arrangements for the prevention of COVID-19 spread during the session," the spokesperson added.
The chief minister accused the media of "running a misleading and factless campaign" against him and shared on Twitter a full video of the event.
'The Supreme Court should take it up with the government and send a message that high court judges are not pawns in the transfer games.'
The Congress must learn its lessons from the Gujarat elections and ensure that the anti-BJP votes don't get splintered by aligning with the JD-S, says Shafeeq Rahman.
With his swearing-in, the five-decade-long practice of retired bureaucrats being appointed to the post has ended.
Moments after Anna Hazare skipped a public meeting addressed by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, former army chief Gen V K Singh on Wednesday met him triggering speculation that the anti-corruption crusader could have been wooed by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The mortal remains of Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave were consigned to flames on the banks of the river Narmada at Bandrabhan in Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad district today, with full state honours.
Given Modi's penchant for springing a surprise, the BJP nominee for next President could be anyone. The only thing certain is that it will be an RSS person, reports R Rajagopalan.
