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The Congress criticized PM Modi for prioritizing foreign visits over addressing the Manipur crisis while highlighting China's influence on India's diplomacy.

Congress Criticizes PM Modi Over International Visits Amid Manipur Crisis

Congress reproaches PM Modi's foreign travels amid unresolved Manipur issues, noting China's rising influence over India's diplomacy. Modi defends his visits for national interest and peace promotion.

Congress Criticizes Modi's Foreign Visits

Congress criticizes PM Modi for foreign trips amid Manipur issues, raising concerns about China's influence.

&nbsp;
New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) &ndash; The Congress Party, on Friday, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his international visit to Japan and China, highlighting the fact that the people of Manipur have been waiting in vain for his attention. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, tweeted that, "The Frequently Flying (and more frequently lying) Prime Minister is off to Japan and China." His trip to China is particularly significant as India grapples with normalizing ties with China, which seems to be happening largely on Beijing&rsquo;s terms.
&nbsp;
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;The Frequently Flying (and more frequently lying) Prime Minister is off to Japan and China.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;His visit to China is a moment of some reckoning for India. We are being forced to normalise relations with China -- largely on their terms, with China trying to take advantage of the&hellip;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1961285933430706185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 29, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
&nbsp;
Ramesh expressed concerns that China may be leveraging recent tensions between India and the United States to its benefit. He referred to China&rsquo;s collaboration with Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor', information that was disclosed by India's own military establishment, as seemingly forgotten.
Ramesh also pointed out the impact of Prime Minister Modi's statement on June 19, 2020. By claiming that, "Na koi hamari seema mein ghus aaya hai, na hi koi ghusa hua hai," it weakened India&rsquo;s negotiation position, leaving the nation with limited options to manage the situation. Despite the failure to revert to the pre-April 2020 circumstances, Modi's visit appears as a result of what Ramesh described as a "notorious and cowardly clean chit."
Continuing his criticism, Ramesh underscored that, even as the Prime Minister embarks on foreign visits, the communities in Manipur affected by the events of May 2023 are still waiting for him to address their grievances. He alleged that Modi has "simply washed his hands off" the issues plaguing Manipur, blaming this attitude on the mistakes of the Union Home Minister.
Prime Minister Modi departed for his tour of Japan and China with the assertion that the visit would promote India's national interests, fostering cooperation to enhance both regional and global peace. His first stop is Japan, where he will be from August 29 to 30, and he has already arrived in Tokyo. Following his stay in Japan, Modi is set to travel to China for a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The Rupnagar Semen Station in Punjab achieves ISO certification, aiming to produce 5.20 lakh semen straws and boost livestock farmers' incomes across the region.

Rupnagar Semen Station Bags ISO Certification 

Rupnagar's Semen Station in Punjab earns ISO certification, with ambitious targets to enhance farmers’ incomes through quality semen production for livestock.

Punjab Animal Husbandry's Rupnagar station receives ISO certification, targeting 5.20 lakh semen straws, boosting farmers' incomes.

Chandigarh: The Punjab Animal Husbandry Department has achieved a remarkable milestone with the Semen Station in Rupnagar obtaining International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification. This certification highlights the department&rsquo;s commitment to quality standards in animal husbandry services.
&nbsp;
Sharing this achievement today, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that two semen banks of Punjab have achieved ISO certification. The Semen Station, Rupnagar has produced 1.06 lakh semen straws in the first three months of FY 2025-26, with a target of producing 5.20 lakh semen straws for the year.
&nbsp;
While congratulating the department officials for this feat, S. Khudian said that modernising the department would help livestock farmers boost their income through agri-allied businesses like dairy and animal farming.
&nbsp;
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the Semen Station at Nabha has been certified ISO 9001:2015 by the Government of India and has been granted Grade A status. The Nabha semen station has produced 3,11,000 semen straws in the first three months of FY 2025-26. For the year, the target is set to produce 16.39 lakh semen straws, which is higher than in previous year.
&nbsp;
The Animal Husbandry Minister stated that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has been making all out efforts to enhance the income of livestock farmers by delivering good breed semen straws to every corner of the state. Usage of these straws ensures production of good breed calves and helps increase milk production to record levels, he added.

Punjab Assembly refers the Holy Scriptures Bill to a select committee for thorough review. The bill aims to impose stricter penalties for sacrilege, ensuring justice.

Anti-sacrilege bill sent to select committee for wider consultation

Punjab Assembly directs the Holy Scriptures Bill to a select committee for thorough analysis and public input, focusing on stricter penalties for sacrilege.

Punjab's Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, goes to a select committee for public and religious feedback with a six-month review period.

Chandigarh: The Punjab assembly on Tuesday unanimously decided to send the newly introduced Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, to a select committee for detailed deliberation and public consultation.
&nbsp;
The committee, comprising members from all political parties, has been tasked with seeking opinions from religious bodies and the public and is expected to submit its report within six months.
&nbsp;
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann, during a four-hour-long discussion on the bill, emphasised the need for widespread consultation to ensure the legislation is effective and inclusive. &ldquo;We are not in haste to pass this bill. The select committee will engage with religious organisations. Someone might contribute a valuable insight we haven&rsquo;t considered,&rdquo; said the CM.
&nbsp;
Following his proposal, speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan moved a resolution to refer the bill to the select committee, which was passed unanimously. Both the CM and leader of the opposition supported the speaker&rsquo;s proposal to set a six-month deadline for the committee&rsquo;s report.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The bill, introduced in the assembly on Monday, aims to provide stricter punishment, including life imprisonment, for acts of sacrilege against revered religious scriptures such as the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, and Bible.
&nbsp;
Mann said that repeated incidents of sacrilege over the years &mdash; especially of Guru Granth Sahib &mdash; have deeply wounded public sentiment and caused unrest. He added that the existing laws lack stringent penalties, allowing culprits to evade justice, often by claiming mental instability.
&nbsp;
Calling Guru Granth Sahib a &ldquo;living Guru&rdquo; and a beacon of peace, the CM said the bill seeks to plug all legal loopholes and deliver justice to the Sikh community and others emotionally hurt by such acts. &ldquo;Every devout Sikh is deeply connected with the Shabad Guru, and these incidents have bruised the psyche of every Punjabi,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Mann criticised previous governments for failing to punish those responsible for the 2016 sacrilege incidents, alleging that some even diluted cases to protect the accused. &ldquo;Those who took oath on Gutka Sahib failed to uphold its sanctity,&rdquo; he added, taking aim at the past leaderships.
&nbsp;
Guru Granth Sahib a living entity and not just a text: Rana Inder
&nbsp;
Independent MLA from Sultanpur Lodhi Rana Inder Partap Singh on Tuesday raised concerns over the proposed Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, saying that referring to the Guru Granth Sahib as a &ldquo;holy scripture&rdquo; fails to acknowledge its true religious and legal status as the &ldquo;living Guru&rdquo; of Sikhs.
&nbsp;
The legislator voiced his concerns during the debate in the Punjab assembly after the bill was tabled for discussion the previous day.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He cited a landmark Supreme Court ruling from March 2000 in a case involving Som Nath and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), where the court clearly recognised Guru Granth Sahib as a living entity and not just a text.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is my humble submission before all members of the august House that efforts are made to pass a strong law against sacrilege so that in the future, no one dares to commit such a heinous crime,&rdquo; he said, stressing the need for clarity in the law.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Tripura’s political scene heats up after CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury’s controversial remark on intelligence and height, hinting at ex-CM Biplab Deb, stirs BJP's demands for apology.

Tripura Politics Remark of Chaudhury Stirs Controversy

CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury's comment implying taller individuals lack intelligence, seen as a jab at ex-CM Biplab Deb, intensifies political frictions with the BJP in Tripura.

Jitendra Chaudhury&rsquo;s remarks on intelligence linked to height spark backlash amid CPI(M) and BJP tensions in Tripura.

Leader of the Opposition in Tripura Assembly, Jitendra Chaudhury, sparked a row by stating that "taller a person, dumber he is", with the ruling BJP demanding his public apology claiming it was a jibe at former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who had courted controversies several times for his remarks during his tenure.
At six feet, Deb is taller than other politicians of the state.
Addressing a party function in South Tripura's Harina on Sunday, Chaudhury, who is also the CPI(M)'s state secretary and politburo member stated, "The more in height a person is, the more of a fool he is." His remark was seen by the BJP as an ostensible jibe at West Tripura MP Deb, who was the chief minister from 2018 to May 2022.
Tripura Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday demanded a public apology from Chaudhury for allegedly making "objectionable and derogatory" remarks against Deb and other BJP leaders.
Addressing a press conference, Nath said, "The way LoP Jitendra Chaudhury targeted former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb at a party programme in South Tripura on Sunday over his height is unacceptable and objectionable. Not only Deb, Chaudhury also branded the BJP as a 'cheat' (batpar) and said that there is another cheat in Assam, who was once a health minister and is now the chief minister." "There is no doubt that Chaudhury targeted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sarma is one of the best-performing CMs in the country," he said.
It seems Chaudhury is not mentally stable, he remarked, exhorting the CPI(M) leaders to arrange treatment for their leader immediately.
Nath alleged that Chaudhury has failed to deliver as the leader of the House and is trying to mislead the people by raising baseless issues.
"We had a leader of the opposition like Nripen Chakraborty of the CPI(M) who did justice to his chair but Chaudhury has failed to continue that legacy. He failed to raise people's issues in the assembly which caused harm to the common people," he said.
"Therefore, we demand that Chaudhury seek public apology for making objectionable and derogatory remarks against our leaders and the party," he added.
When contacted, Chaudhury on Tuesday downplayed the agriculture minister's demand for a public apology for his alleged objectionable remarks against BJP leaders.
"He (Nath) himself is mental... the minister needs good treatment to get rid of his mental illness. He always speaks about irrelevant and baseless issues. I don't see any logic to pass any comment on the minister's statement," Chaudhury said.

MP Minister Vijay Shah faces an FIR for remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Despite an apology, public calls for his removal rise. Charges involve public harmony.

FIR registered against MP minister Vijay Shah for controversial remarks against Col Sofiya Qureshi

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah is facing an FIR following derogatory comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Despite apologizing, public pressure for his resignation mounts amid legal proceedings concerning sovereignty and public harmony.

FIR Against MP Minister Over Colonel Qureshi Remarks

An FIR was filed against MP Minister Vijay Shah for objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Shah has apologized, terming her 'sister' and pledging respect. Calls for his removal are rising. The FIR includes charges related to public harmony.

&nbsp;An FIR has been lodged against Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah in Indore following orders from the state High Court.
The case centers on objectionable comments reportedly made by Shah about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on X that action against Tribal Welfare Minister Shah was directed by the High Court.
In response, Shah has issued an apology, expressing regret for his remarks and reaffirming his respect for Colonel Qureshi, whom he called "sister Sofia" and praised for her dedication to national service.
Following the High Court&rsquo;s directive, the call for Shah&rsquo;s immediate removal from office has grown stronger.
A video shared on social media features Shah expressing deep regret for offending various communities with his statement, and he describes Colonel Qureshi as "the sister of the country."
The FIR was filed at Manpur police station, per orders from the High Court. Superintendent of Police (Rural), Hitika Vasal, confirmed the registration.
The charges include sections related to acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and public harmony.
The controversy follows a public event in Indore where Shah made his remarks without explicitly naming Colonel Qureshi. Colonel Qureshi, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, has been involved in briefing the press on 'Operation Sindoor', a mission by the Indian Armed Forces.
Amid the uproar, Shah stated his willingness to apologize multiple times, emphasizing his respect for Colonel Qureshi, comparing it to the regard he holds for his own sister.
&nbsp;
(Note: Aside from edits to the headline and image, the content is derived from a syndicated feed.)

PM Modi visits Mauritius to enhance ties, focus on bilateral cooperation, and discuss the Chagos Islands. Events include project inaugurations and key agreements.

PM Modi's Strategic Visit to Mauritius

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Mauritius emphasizes bilateral relations, addressing collaboration and the Chagos Islands. His agenda includes important agreements and inaugurations.

PM Modi enhances Indo-Mauritian ties with strategic visit

PM Modi's visit to Mauritius aims to strengthen ties. Engaging in strategic discussions, he addresses bilateral cooperation and Chagos Islands issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Mauritius where he will attend the island nation's national day celebrations as the chief guest and hold meetings with the country's top leadership.
"Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors," Modi posted on X.
"Today, I will be meeting President Dharam Gokhool, PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam and addressing a community programme in the evening," the post said.
He was welcomed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by his Mauritius counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam with a garland.
Ramgoolam was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of Grand Port District Council and many others.
There were a total of 200 dignitaries present to welcome Modi.
During the visit at the invitation of Ramgoolam, the two countries will sign several pacts providing for cooperation in the areas of capacity building, trade and tackling cross-border financial crimes.
Before leaving for Mauritius, Modi on Monday said that his visit would open a "new and bright" chapter in the ties between the two nations.
Modi will call on the president of Mauritius, meet the prime minister, and hold meetings with senior dignitaries and leaders of political parties in the island nation.
He will also interact with the members of the Indian community, and inaugurate the civil service college and the area health centre, both built with India's grant assistance.
In his departure statement, the prime minister said he was looking forward to engaging with the leadership of Mauritius to elevate "our partnership in all its facets and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples".
A contingent of Indian armed forces will participate in the celebrations on Wednesday along with a warship of the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force.
"Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent. We are connected by history, geography and culture," Modi said.
"Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and celebration of our diversity are our strengths," he said.
The prime minister said the close and historical people-to-people connection between the two sides is a source of shared pride.
Modi last visited Mauritius in 2015.
India is amongst the largest trading partners of Mauritius, a former British and French colony that gained independence in 1968.
A key reason for the special ties is the fact that Indian-origin people comprise nearly 70 per cent of the island nation's population of 1.2 million (12 lakhs).
Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, India on Saturday said it supports the island nation in its efforts to reach a mutually beneficial deal with the UK over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.
The issue is expected to figure in Modi's talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
In October last year, the UK announced its decision to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after more than half a century under a historic agreement.

BJP candidate Parvesh Verma pledges to rename Talkatora Stadium after Bhagwan Maharshi Valmiki, while predicting a sweeping victory for BJP in New Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal counters with allegations of BJP's electoral manipulation.

Delhi Elections: Parvesh Verma says Talkatora Stadium to be renamed, predicts massive BJP victory

BJP candidate Parvesh Verma pledges to rename Talkatora Stadium after Bhagwan Maharshi Valmiki, while predicting a sweeping victory for BJP in New Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal counters with allegations of BJP's electoral manipulation.

BJP's Parvesh Verma, a candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, announced on Monday that Talkatora Stadium will be renamed in honor of Bhagwan Maharshi Valmiki.&nbsp;
During a press conference, Verma shared, "In the first NDMC council meeting after February 8, we will bring a proposal to rename Talkatora Stadium as Bhagwan Maharshi Valmiki Stadium. This will be a tribute to the great saint and philosopher whose teachings continue to inspire generations."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | BJP candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, Parvesh Verma, says, "...In the first NDMC council meeting after February 8, we will rename the Talkatora stadium as Bhagwan Maharshi Valmiki stadium." <a href="https://t.co/N7roaQHD5x">pic.twitter.com/N7roaQHD5x</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886304874872369620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Expressing confidence in his victory, Verma confidently predicted a major defeat for AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, stating, "We will win by a margin of more than 20,000 votes. It could even go up to 25,000-26,000. Arvind Kejriwal will lose his deposit here and will come third."
The BJP's campaign in the New Delhi constituency has been emphasizing governance, transparency, and public welfare. Verma's statement reflects the party&rsquo;s strong position and assurance of securing a decisive win in the constituency.
In contrast, AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the election process. He claimed that the BJP would misuse the Delhi Police and deceive voters by pretending to be Election Commission personnel.&nbsp;
"Aam Aadmi Party is heading to a historic victory and BJP is heading towards its worst defeat," Kejriwal declared. "BJP will use Delhi Police to commit hooliganism. BJP workers will go to poor people and tell them that they are from the Election Commission and will put ink on their finger and tell them to take Rs 3,000 and cast their vote."
Kejriwal further accused BJP of misleading people in slum areas, alleging, "BJP people are going to slums and saying that people from the Election Commission are coming to get your vote cast on the night before the elections. All of them are cheating and lying. The Election Commission does not come to your home to conduct voting."
Meanwhile, AAP&rsquo;s Manish Sisodia expressed confidence in the public&rsquo;s rejection of BJP's tactics, stating, "The public will answer BJP's hooliganism with their votes. Baba Saheb made the people (Public) the masters by creating a democratic system. Now BJP is threatening the people. They are threatening the workers and leaders of Aam Aadmi Party. Let me tell the BJP people, we are the disciples of Baba Saheb and Bhagat Singh ji, we are not going to be scared of your hooliganism. The public has made up its mind to teach you a lesson and make Kejriwal the Chief Minister again."
As the campaigning period concludes on Monday, the Delhi Assembly elections are set for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/delhi-elections-campaigning-ends-check-out-the-key-candidates-in-the-fray-1738577261378" target="_blank">Campaigning ends - check out the key candidates in the fray for Delhi Polls</a>

With campaigning officially ending, Delhi gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections. AAP, BJP, and Congress have made their final appeals, with 1.55 crore voters set to decide the next government on February 5.

Delhi Elections: Campaigning ends - check out the key candidates in the fray

With campaigning officially ending, Delhi gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections. AAP, BJP, and Congress have made their final appeals, with 1.55 crore voters set to decide the next government on February 5.

As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections edge closer, the political battlefield in the national capital is abuzz with energy, last-minute appeals, and fierce competition.&nbsp;
With campaigning officially ending today, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress (INC) have pulled out all stops to rally support for their candidates, setting the stage for an intense electoral showdown.
This election sees a mix of veteran politicians and fresh faces from each party vying for a place in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.
Each candidate carries the hopes of their party and supporters, making this a high-stakes contest that will shape Delhi&rsquo;s political future. Meet the 10 pivotal candidates from each party who are set to shape the outcome of this intense electoral battle.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67a092b1cbac8_1738576561.png" width="687" height="205">
Over the past weeks, political leaders have crisscrossed the city, addressing rallies, holding roadshows, and making last-minute promises to sway undecided voters.
Delhi has a total of 1,55,24,858 registered voters, marking a 1.09% increase since the last electoral roll update on October 29, 2024. The electorate includes 83,49,645 male voters, 71,73,952 female voters, and 1,261 third-gender voters. A total of 699 candidates are contesting across all 70 Assembly seats, making the competition even tougher.
The polling is set for February 5, 2025, with Delhiites deciding the fate of the next government in a single-phase election. The much-anticipated results will be announced on February 8, 2025, revealing whether Delhi opts for continuity or change in leadership.&nbsp;
With the campaign dust settling, all eyes are now on the voters, who will ultimately shape the city's political future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the AAP government for prioritizing its image over the future of students, promising a new era of development and welfare in Delhi.

Delhi Elections: PM Modi criticizes AAP for prioritizing party's image over students’ future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the AAP government for prioritizing its image over the future of students, promising a new era of development and welfare in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government during an interaction with students in Delhi.&nbsp;
He accused the party of prioritizing its image over the future of students. Modi claimed that the AAP government only allows students to progress beyond class nine if they are certain to pass, to protect its reputation.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: In an interaction with students, PM Narendra Modi lashes out at how students' future is harmed to improve the image of the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) govt <a href="https://t.co/VVp9XOvnsM">pic.twitter.com/VVp9XOvnsM</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886314152865767905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
"I have heard in Delhi, they (AAP government) do not allow children to go further after class 9. Only those children who are guaranteed to pass are allowed to go. Because if their result is bad, their government's reputation will be ruined. That is why very dishonest work is done," he stated.
At a public rally in RK Puram, Delhi, on Sunday, the Prime Minister spoke about the upcoming "new spring of development" in the city with the arrival of a BJP-led government.&nbsp;
"In a few days, a new spring of development will arrive in Delhi. This time, the BJP government is about to form in Delhi. The 'AAP-da party' has wasted 11 years. My biggest request is that we should be given a chance to serve the people of Delhi. I promise to go to any length to remove every difficulty you face. A double-engine government will come to Delhi that will make the lives of every poor and middle-class family prosperous," he added.
PM Modi also promised several initiatives for Delhi&rsquo;s residents, including Rs 5 nutritious meals for slum dwellers, the creation of a welfare board for auto drivers and domestic workers, and continued support for existing welfare schemes.&nbsp;
"A welfare board will be set up for auto drivers and domestic workers, providing them with insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. The BJP government will also assist with children's school fees. I give another guarantee: these AAP-Da people are spreading falsehoods, but not a single slum in Delhi will be demolished. The welfare schemes for the public in Delhi will not be stopped," he declared.
With the Delhi Assembly elections taking place on February 5 and results expected on February 8, the city is set to witness a three-way contest between the BJP, Congress, and AAP.

Amit Shah promises to open Kejriwal's controversial "Sheesh Mahal" for public viewing, and accuses Manish Sisodia of deceiving Patparganj residents and promoting liquor shops near temples.

Delhi Elections: Amit Shah says Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' to be opened for public viewing

Amit Shah promises to open Kejriwal's controversial "Sheesh Mahal" for public viewing, and accuses Manish Sisodia of deceiving Patparganj residents and promoting liquor shops near temples.

Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah made a bold claim on Monday that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&rsquo;s residence, known as the 'Sheesh Mahal,' will be opened to the public.&nbsp;
Speaking at an election rally in the Jangpura assembly constituency, Shah accused Kejriwal of greed, stating that the former CM was not satisfied with just one house and went ahead to construct the &lsquo;Sheesh Mahal&rsquo;.&nbsp;
Shah alleged that a hefty Rs 51,000 crore was spent on the construction of the mansion, which, according to him, belongs to the people of Delhi.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiElection2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiElection2025</a> | Addressing an election rally in Jangpura, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...In 2013, Kejriwal used to say he would not take a house, car or security after becoming CM. But he took a car and bungalow also. He was not satisfied with one house, so he&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/dPbRgdzcqh">pic.twitter.com/dPbRgdzcqh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886313374671380770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"In 2013, Kejriwal used to say he would not take a house, car, or security after becoming CM. But he took a car and a bungalow as well. He was not satisfied with one house, so he constructed the 'Sheesh Mahal'... Who does this Rs 51,000 crore belong to? It belongs to the people of Delhi. I promise that we will open the 'Sheesh Mahal' for public viewing... After Kejriwal indulged in corruption worth crores of rupees, should he be voted to power again?" Shah said in his address.
Shah also turned his attention to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, accusing him of deceiving the residents of Patparganj. "Manish Sisodia (AAP candidate from Jangpura constituency) has come here. You should ask him, what did he do that he had to leave Patparganj (constituency)? He thinks he can make false promises here now after deceiving the people of Patparganj," Shah remarked.
The BJP leader further criticized Sisodia's tenure as Deputy CM, accusing him of allowing liquor shops to be set up near religious places, including temples, schools, and gurudwaras.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiElection2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiElection2025</a> | Addressing an election rally in Jangpura, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Manish Sisodia (AAP candidate from Jangpura constituency) has come here. You should ask him, what did he do that he had to leave Patparganj (constituency). He thinks he can make&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/hpU4xHw0Nh">pic.twitter.com/hpU4xHw0Nh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886308801130971608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"As Deputy CM, he did one thing: he opened liquor shops near all temples, schools, and gurudwaras. There is only one education minister in the country who went to jail in the liquor scam," Shah added.
In a pointed comment aimed at Kejriwal and Sisodia, Shah remarked, "The Bade Miyan and Chote Miyan have cheated Delhi." Sisodia, the sitting Patparganj MLA, is contesting from the Jangpura assembly seat against BJP's Tarvinder Singh Marwah and Congress' Farhad Suri.&nbsp;
Monday marked the last day of campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections, which are set to take place on Wednesday, February 5. The election results will be declared on February 8.

Arvind Kejriwal slams Election Commission and BJP over recent attacks on AAP's campaign van, raising concerns on democracy and fair elections ahead of Delhi Assembly polls.

Delhi Elections: Arvind Kejriwal accuses Election Commission of surrendering to BJP

Arvind Kejriwal slams Election Commission and BJP over recent attacks on AAP's campaign van, raising concerns on democracy and fair elections ahead of Delhi Assembly polls.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday accused the Election Commission of surrendering to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;
In a press conference, Kejriwal reiterated his earlier allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, claiming that Kumar is "seeking a post-retirement position" and accusing him of "destroying the country" for personal gain.&nbsp;
Kejriwal urged Kumar to fulfill his responsibilities and relinquish his "desire" for a post.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal says, "...Today the way the Election Commission has surrendered before the Bharatiya Janata Party, it seems as if the Election Commission does not exist. This is raising a very big question. It is absolutely justified for&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/znJKL3530W">pic.twitter.com/znJKL3530W</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886293732410159213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Our revolutionaries were hanged so that there would be democracy in the country, elections would be fair. But the way the Election Commission has surrendered before the BJP today, it seems as if the Election Commission does not exist. This raises a very big question. It is absolutely justified for people to question what kind of post has been offered to Rajiv Kumar Ji after his retirement. The post of Governor, the post of President &ndash; what kind of post could it be? I request Rajiv Kumar Ji with folded hands. Do your duty, give up the desire for the post, give up the greed for the post. Do not destroy the country and its democracy at the end of your career,&rdquo; said Kejriwal.
These comments came after the AAP accused BJP of attacking and vandalizing their campaign van, with the assault allegedly taking place in the presence of Delhi police, who the AAP claimed failed to provide adequate protection.&nbsp;
During the press conference, AAP leaders Priyanka Kakkar and Jasmine Shah identified two individuals, Rohit Tyagi and Shanky, as the suspects in the attack and showed a video of the incident.
"BJP goons attacked and vandalized AAP's campaign van at New Delhi Assembly. The two BJP goons, Rohit Tyagi and Shanky, who are seen attacking in the video&hellip;" Jasmine Shah said.&nbsp;
Kakkar added that on January 18, the same individuals had thrown stones at Arvind Kejriwal, saying, &ldquo;If the police had taken action against these goons, they would not have dared to attack AAP's campaign vehicle today. The people of Delhi are watching everything, and they will press the broom button with such force that Amit Shah will get a direct electric shock.&rdquo;
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), AAP further claimed that BJP candidate Parvesh Verma's supporters had broken the light on one of their vans in the R K Ashram area.
"While this was happening, Delhi Police was also present, but they did not even bother to stop the BJP goons," the party said.
The Delhi Assembly elections are set to take place in a single phase on February 5, with the vote counting scheduled for February 8. In the 2020 elections, AAP won 62 seats, while BJP secured the remaining eight.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal warns Delhi voters against BJP's alleged attempts to influence votes through material offerings ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections.

Delhi Elections: Arvind Kejriwal urges voters not to sell votes for money

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal warns Delhi voters against BJP's alleged attempts to influence votes through material offerings ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal called on Delhi voters to stand firm against attempts to sway their votes through financial incentives and gifts.
Kejriwal accused the BJP of distributing items such as gold chains, sarees, shoes, and cash to influence voters ahead of the upcoming February 5 Assembly elections.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&ldquo;मैं आप लोगों के लिए भगवान से प्रार्थना करूंगा कि उन्होंने जो आपको झूठी कसम खिलाई है, वह आपको ना लगे। आप लोग इन गुंडों से मत डरना। आप अपनी मर्जी से Vote करना। अगर आपने इन पैसों के लिए देश और लोकतंत्र को बेच दिया तो आपको भगवान माफ़ नहीं करेगा।&rdquo;<a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> <a href="https://t.co/A3nlj8BGI8">pic.twitter.com/A3nlj8BGI8</a>
&mdash; Aam Aadmi Party Delhi (@AAPDelhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAPDelhi/status/1882750695612330084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In a video message, Kejriwal urged the people to take the material offerings but not let their votes be bought, stating, "It&rsquo;s your money; take the money. But do not sell your vote for Rs 1,100 or for a saree. Your vote is invaluable."
He also reminded voters of the sacrifices made by B R Ambedkar in securing their voting rights, stressing that if votes could be purchased, it would signify the end of democracy and lead to rule by the rich. He urged people to vote for anyone, but not for those distributing money.
As AAP aims to retain power for a third term, the BJP is seeking a return to prominence after 25 years. Kejriwal also addressed concerns about voter intimidation, reassuring the public that their votes will remain private.
The election in the national capital is set for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.

In the 2023-24 financial year, BJP's political donations surged to Rs 2,244 crore, while Congress received Rs 288.9 crore. A large portion of these funds came from the Prudent Electoral Trust, highlighting a key source of party funding.

BJP and Congress see significant rise in political donations for 2023-24

Following the Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision to strike down the electoral bond scheme in February 2024, the focus now shifts to donations made directly or via electoral trusts.

In the financial year 2023-24, the BJP witnessed a substantial increase in political donations, receiving around Rs 2,244 crore from individuals, corporate entities, and trusts, a sharp rise from the Rs 723 crore it received the previous year. In contrast, the Congress party's donations for the same period amounted to Rs 288.9 crore, significantly higher than the Rs 79.9 crore reported in 2022-23.
The recent data published by the Election Commission revealed that a considerable portion of both parties' funding came from the Prudent Electoral Trust. The BJP received Rs 723.6 crore from the trust, while Congress secured Rs 156.4 crore. Notably, this trust has been a significant source of funding for both parties, contributing to more than a third of BJP&rsquo;s donations and over half of Congress' funds in 2023-24. Prominent donors to Prudent Electoral Trust included large corporations such as the Serum Institute, ArcelorMittal, Megha Engg &amp; Infra Ltd, and Bharti Airtel.
It&rsquo;s essential to highlight that these donation figures do not include funds raised through electoral bonds, as political parties only disclose electoral bond donations in their annual audits. Following the Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision to strike down the electoral bond scheme in February 2024, the focus now shifts to donations made directly or via electoral trusts.
In addition to national parties, some regional parties disclosed their electoral bond receipts for 2023-24. BRS received Rs 495.5 crore, DMK reported Rs 60 crore, and YSR Congress collected Rs 121.5 crore from the now-defunct bond scheme. BJP&rsquo;s donations saw an impressive 212% rise from the previous year, which is typical in the lead-up to elections. For context, prior to the 2019 general election, BJP reported Rs 742 crore in donations, while Congress declared Rs 146.8 crore.
Prudent Electoral Trust also contributed significantly to regional parties, including Rs 85 crore to BRS, Rs 62.5 crore to YSR Congress, and Rs 33 crore to TDP. Interestingly, BJP declared donations of Rs 3 crore from Future Gaming and Hotel Services, a company owned by Santiago Martin, also known as the &lsquo;Lottery King&rsquo; of India. Martin&rsquo;s company, which was a major donor through electoral bonds, is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department.
Other national parties reported mixed donations, with AAP seeing a decrease in donations, reporting Rs 11.1 crore compared to Rs 37.1 crore in the previous year. CPM&rsquo;s contributions slightly increased, reaching Rs 7.6 crore. Some regional parties, such as BSP and BJD, reported no significant donations, while the Samajwadi Party saw a sharp decline in its donations, receiving only Rs 46.7 lakh in 2023-24 compared to Rs 33 crore the previous year.

RJD leader and former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav has thrown his support behind Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to lead the opposition INDIA bloc, dismissing Congress's objections.

Lalu Endorses Mamata for INDIA Bloc Leadership

RJD leader and former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav has thrown his support behind Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to lead the opposition INDIA bloc, dismissing Congress's objections.

RJD leader and former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav has thrown his support behind Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to lead the opposition INDIA bloc, dismissing Congress's objections. &ldquo;We will support Mamata... She should be given the leadership of the INDIA bloc,&rdquo; Yadav stated on December 10.
Yadav&rsquo;s endorsement comes after the Trinamool Congress intensified its push for Banerjee&rsquo;s leadership, with MP Kirti Azad calling her the most suitable candidate due to her consistent victories over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal.
Banerjee, who has expressed interest in heading the alliance, also emphasized her readiness to lead. &ldquo;If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning. I don&rsquo;t want to go outside West Bengal, but I can run it from here,&rdquo; Banerjee said in an interview on December 6.
The leadership question has gained prominence following the opposition bloc&rsquo;s electoral setbacks. While many in the alliance, including NCP's Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, have expressed support for Banerjee&rsquo;s leadership, a formal decision is yet to be made.
This isn&rsquo;t the first time Lalu Yadav has backed Banerjee. In a 2023 INDIA bloc meeting ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Yadav criticized Left and Congress leaders in West Bengal for their continuous criticism of the TMC leader.
Must Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/priyanka-gandhi-carries-modi-adani-bhai-bhai-bag-to-parliament-rahul-gandhi-calls-it-cute-1733811216782">Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Modi-Adani Bhai Bhai' bag to Parliament, Rahul Gandhi calls it cute</a>

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra carried a bold bag to Parliament, featuring a design with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani on one side and the slogan "Modi Adani Bhai Bhai" on the other.

Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Modi-Adani' bag to Parliament

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra carried a bold bag to Parliament, featuring a design with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani on one side and the slogan "Modi Adani Bhai Bhai" on the other.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra carried a bold bag to Parliament, featuring a design with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani on one side and the slogan "Modi Adani Bhai Bhai" on the other.
The bag drew attention from her brother, Rahul Gandhi, who commented with a smile, &ldquo;Look how cute this is!&rdquo; after examining the design and slogan.
This gesture is part of the ongoing opposition criticism of the government, particularly regarding allegations of bribery involving Adani in the U.S. Since the beginning of the parliamentary session on November 20, both Houses have faced repeated disruptions as the opposition demands a probe into the matter.
On Monday (December 9), Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka wore face masks of Modi and Adani as part of protests demanding a joint parliamentary investigation into the bribery case.
Rahul Gandhi was seen clicking pictures of the MPs and jokingly asking about their "relationship," to which they humorously replied, "We have had a relationship for years."
Opposition MPs from the INDIA alliance, excluding Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Aam Aadmi Party, joined the protests, chanting slogans such as "Modi, Adani ek hain" and "We want justice" outside the Makar Dwar of Parliament.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-yadav-backs-mamata-banerjee-for-india-bloc-leadership-1733812268497">Lalu Prasad Yadav Backs Mamata Banerjee for INDIA Bloc Leadership</a>

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi reportedly sent back 10 Assembly-approved bills since 2020.

Tamil Nadu Governor sends back 10 bills, DMK plans response

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi reportedly sent back 10 Assembly-approved bills since 2020.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi is once again in the spotlight. He has reportedly sent back 10 Assembly-approved bills in the last three years, increasing friction with Chief Minister MK Stalin and his party.
Media reports say these bills come back to the Assembly, which now plans to re-approve them without making any amendments.
An unnamed source has told the Deccan Herald that bills blocked by the CM were related to the establishment of a new institution called Siddha University. &ldquo;The government has decided to reenact these bills without any changes,&rdquo; the source told DH.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu also spoke on the matter. &ldquo;The special session has been convened to reenact the bills. The government wanted the session to be convened,&rdquo; he said.
The anti&ndash;NET bill has been a friction point between the DMK and Tamil Nadu governor. It was rejected by the governor and has now been handed to President Droupadi Murmu.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/amp/web-stories/india-news/what-is-tamil-nadu-s-anti-neet-bill-1698402374877">What is Tamil Nadu's anti-NEET bill?</a>

Prachanda was sworn in as PM for the third time on December 26 last year after he dramatically walked out of the pre-poll alliance led by the Nepali Congress and joined hands with opposition leader Oli.

Nepal: trouble for Prachanda led ruling alliance as former PM Oli withdraws support

Prachanda was sworn in as PM for the third time on December 26 last year after he dramatically walked out of the pre-poll alliance led by the Nepali Congress and joined hands with opposition leader Oli.

Nepal's second largest party in Parliament - CPN-UML - on Monday withdrew its support to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda"-led government following a rift over backing the main opposition party's candidate for the presidential poll, plunging the Himalayan nation to another spell of political instability.
The prime reason for the break-up of the alliance between Prachanda and former prime minister Oli was because the Maoist leader decided to support senior Nepali Congress (NC) candidate Ram Chandra Paudel for the President's post.
Paudel is from the Nepali Congress, an opposition party, and from outside the ruling alliance. Nepal's Presidential election will be held on March 9.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/nepal-thousands-rally-on-founder-s-birthday-demanding-reinstatement-of-monarchy-1673488780269">Nepal: thousands rally on founder's birthday demanding reinstatement of monarchy</a>
The exit of CPN-UML may not immediately affect the Prachanda-led government, which is supported by the Nepali Congress (NC) which has 89 lawmakers in the House.
In the 275-member House, the UML has 79 lawmakers while CPN (Maoist Center) has 32. CPN (Unified Socialist) and Rashtriya Swatantra Party have 10 and 20 members, respectively. Janamat Party has 6 members, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party 4 and Nagarik Unmukti Party 3 members in the parliament.
With the three major parties, NC (89), CPN-Maoist Centre (32) and RSP (20), the government has support of at least 141 lawmakers.
Prachanda needs only 138 votes in parliament to continue as the prime minister.
According to constitutional experts, the prime minister must face a vote of confidence within 30 days.
(PTI)

Nepal President calls political parties to form new govt within 7 days

The President&rsquo;s call comes following the submission of a report by the Election Commission of the final results of the election of members of the House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assembly held on November 20.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday called on all the political parties of Nepal to form a new government within seven days, as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba discussed power sharing deal with the coalition partner Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.
The President&rsquo;s call comes following the submission of a report by the Election Commission of the final results of the election of members of the House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assembly held on November 20.
As no single party got a majority in the HoR election, the President has called for submitting a claim by a member of the HoR who can garner a majority with support from two or more parties, as stipulated in the Article 76 clause 2 of the Constitution.
The deadline for submission of the claim is 5 pm on December 25, according to a statement issued by the Office of the President.
No party in the 275-member House of Representatives has 138 seats required to form a government.
The Nepali Congress (NC) led by Deuba emerged as the single largest party in the election with 89 seats followed by opposition CPN-UML with 78 seats and CPN-Maoist Centre led by Prachanda secured 32 seats.
The newly-formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has 20 seats, Rastriya Prajatantra Party 14, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) 12 and Janamat Party six seats.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/french-president-emmanuel-macron-hails-mbappe-despite-defeat-congratulates-argentina-1671417563823">French President Emmanuel Macron hails Mbappe despite defeat; congratulates Argentina</a>
CPN (Unified Socialist) has 10 seats, Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) has four, and Nagarik Unmukti Party has three seats. Rastriya Janamorcha and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party have one seat each. There are five independent members in the Lower House.
The Nepali Congress along with the other ruling alliances has the combined strength of 136 seats, two seats short of forming the majority government.
The President&rsquo;s call to form the new government comes at a time when political parties have engaged themselves in hectic consultations.

In what could be his last election ex-Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva defeated incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. The extremely tight election marks a stunning comeback for Lula- veteran Left leader ending Brazil's most right-wing government in decades

Brazil's former President reclaims top post after 20 years

In what could be his last election ex-Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva defeated incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. The extremely tight election marks a stunning comeback for Lula- veteran Left leader ending Brazil's most right-wing government in decades

Four years ago, Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva's reputation and political future were in tatters. After an unlikely rise from poverty to union leader to Brazil's presidency, the man universally known as Lula had landed in prison.
On Sunday &ndash; in yet another twist &ndash; Brazilian voters chose him by the narrowest of margins to once again lead the world's fourth-largest democracy. He will also be putting his legacy on the line.
&ldquo;They tried to bury me alive, and I am here,&rdquo; da Silva said in a speech on Sunday night after results that confirmed his third presidential win.
&ldquo;I am here to govern in a very difficult situation. But I have faith in God that, with our people's help, we will find a way out for this country.&rdquo; The life of da Silva has unfolded in such a unique, extraordinary way that, were it fiction, it would strain credulity.
His family moved from Brazil's poor northeast region to Sao Paulo state in pursuit of a better life, following his father who had travelled south years before.
Upon arriving, however, they found he had settled down with another woman.
Da Silva's mother was left alone to raise eight children, of whom little Lula was the youngest.
Pressed for money, he became a metal worker at age 14 in the metropolis' gritty outskirts. It was a physical job that famously cost him his left pinky finger.
He became a union leader in an era when Brazil's manufacturing work force was still vast, and translated into political power.
He made his first presidential run in 1989, which he lost &mdash; along with two subsequent races.
Finally, in 2002, he claimed victory and became the first worker to assume the nation's top job. And he was reelected four years later, defeating his rival Geraldo Alckmin who, this year, became his running mate.
Commodities exports to China were surging, filling government coffers, and a vast welfare program lifted tens of millions of Brazilians into the middle class.
Da Silva left office with an approval rating above 80 per cent, and then-US President Barack Obama called him &ldquo;the most popular politician on Earth.&rdquo; His hand-picked successor, Dilma Rousseff, was elected in 2014.
In Rousseff's second term, however, a sprawling corruption investigation ensnared top politicians and businessmen alike.
It plunged her administration &mdash; along with da Silva and the rest of the Workers' Party he founded &mdash; into disgrace.
Revelations of systemic kickbacks in exchange for government contracts were followed by a deep, two-year recession that many blamed on Rousseff's economic policies, and which turbocharged resentment of the Workers' Party.
She was impeached in 2016 for breaking fiscal responsibility laws regarding management of the federal budget.
Then the former president was sentenced for corruption and money laundering, and confined to a 160-square-foot room on the fourth floor of a Federal Police building in southern city Curitiba.
That sidelined him from the 2018 presidential race, and cleared the way for Jair Bolsonaro, then a fringe lawmaker, to cruise to victory. Da Silva's political legacy was in tatters.
His personal life, too, was blown to pieces. His wife passed away, which at the time he blamed on the strain caused by the investigation.
Slowly, hope crept in. He started exchanging love letters with a woman named Ros&acirc;ngela da Silva, nicknamed Janja.
Their relationship blossomed thanks to da Silva's then lawyer, Luis Carlos Rocha, who visited him every weekday.
Rocha acted as dutiful courier, hiding Janja's letters inside his jacket pocket where guards wouldn't check. He told The Associated Press he saw da Silva's face light up with each colorful envelope he delivered.
&ldquo;God willing, one day we will publish (the letters),&rdquo; da Silva said at a rally in September. &ldquo;But only for people aged over 18.&rdquo; The Supreme Court also started assessing the legality of his convictions, which it eventually annulled on the grounds that the presiding federal judge had been biased and colluded with prosecutors.
After 580 days imprisonment, da Silva was a free man &mdash; free to marry his girlfriend, and free to run for the presidency.
That didn't stop incumbent Bolsonaro, seeking a second term, from reminding voters of da Silva's convictions at every turn, warning that electing him would be like letting a thief return to the scene of the crime.
It revitalized semi-dormant sentiment against the Workers' Party, and the fact that much of Brazil still holds da Silva in disdain is a key reason this year's contest between the two political titans grew ever closer.
Ultimately, it came down to the wire: da Silva was elected, for the third time, with 50.9 per cent of the vote. It was the tightest election since Brazil's return to democracy over three decades ago.
During his victory speech, Janja was by his side, as she was throughout his campaign. She shed tears, overwhelmed with emotion. And she wasn't alone.
&ldquo;I cried when he was jailed. Now I cry because he will take Brazil back to normal.
He can do it, he has the charisma to do it," said Claudia Marcos, a 56-year-old historian who joined thousands of others to celebrate the leftist's victory on Sao Paulo's main boulevard. &ldquo;He is our phoenix. The most important president in Brazil's history.&rdquo; At the Workers' Party's headquarters on Sunday, da Silva read out a long, carefully written speech promising to unite Brazil.
He will take office on January 1, and has said he won't seek re-election. That means this presidential term could be his final act.
&ldquo;It is not the number of years that makes someone old. What makes you old is the lack of a cause,&rdquo; said da Silva, who turned 77 three days before the vote. &ldquo;Brazil is my cause. The Brazilian people are my cause.

AAP, BJP to meet President Murmu over ‘operation lotus’ allegations
 

Two days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accepted its complaint against the BJP’s alleged attempts to topple governments in various states, the Aam Aadmi Party has sought time from President Droupadi Murmu to apprise her about BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.

Taking to Twitter, AAP MLA Atishi shared that the President has agreed to meet a delegation of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs on September 7, 2022, a request for which was put earlier in the day.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Two days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accepted its complaint against the BJP&rsquo;s alleged attempts to topple governments in various states, the Aam Aadmi Party has sought time from President Droupadi Murmu to apprise her about BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.
Taking to Twitter, AAP MLA Atishi shared that the President has agreed to meet a delegation of the party's MLAs on September 7, 2022, a request for which was put earlier in the day.&nbsp;
On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have also sought President&rsquo;s time in the matter. &nbsp;A delegation of saffron party leaders will be meeting President Droupadi Murmu on September 6, 2022 to demand the dismissal of the AAP government over a host of issues, including allegations of corruption against its ministers.
On Wednesday, a 10-member delegation of the AAP MLAs including Atishi went to meet CBI Director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal to demand a probe into BJP's alleged attempts to topple other parties' governments in the state even though his office had not given any response to their request for the meeting.
As they were not allowed to enter the CBI headquarters, the AAP legislators sat on a dharna outside in protest.
Amid the agitation, some CBI officials took AAP's chief whip in Delhi Assembly Dilip K Pandey and Kalkaji MLA Atishi inside the agency premises to lodge their complaint
The AAP leaders claimed that the BJP has bought a total of 277 MLAs of other parties to topple their governments so far under 'Operation Lotus' and spent "an estimated Rs 6,300 crore" for it while demanding a CBI probe into it.
The political temperature in the national capital has been soaring after AAP alleged poaching of MLAs by BJP while the saffron party brushed off the charges and blamed the Arvind Kejriwal-led party for playing dirty politics.&nbsp;
With PTI inputs
ALSO WATCH:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/delhi-political-face-off-aap-leaders-allege-corruption-by-lg-saxena-refutes-1661949276544">Delhi political face-off: AAP leaders allege corruption by LG, Saxena refutes</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

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