After Ram Vilas Paswan of LJP, Karunanidhi of DMK hints at backing Narendra Modi.

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The Paswan Effect? Now DMK chief praises his ‘good friend’ Modi

Gopu Mohan | Chennai | March 1, 2014:: A day after Ram Vilas Paswan joined the NDA, M Karunanidhi described Narendra Modi as a “good friend”, and praised his “hard work”.

In 2002, the leader of the LJP had quit Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ministry, saying that the riots in Gujarat would have “reverberations across the country”. And the DMK chief has repeatedly professed his commitment to “secularism”.

“(Modi’s) ongoing election campaign shows how hardworking he is. He is also a good friend of mine,” Karunanidhi said in an interview published in a Tamil daily on Friday. The comment raised eyebrows in Tamil Nadu because the DMK has so far stressed that it would align with neither Congress nor BJP, and emphasised especially the need to prevent “communal forces” from coming to power.

The interview had no questions about the Gujarat riots. Asked in the interview about the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the BJP, Karunanidhi said, “I cannot predict what the scenario after the Lok Sabha election will be.” He did mention his camaraderie with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and  Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but they were overshadowed in the “good friend” status that he accorded to Modi.

As his comment — and the possibility of it being a signal to the BJP — was analysed all day, Karunanidhi refused to speak to the media throng outside his home and the DMK office. Party spokesperson and MP TKS Elangovan argued there was nothing wrong in expressing personal opinions about individuals. “People can be friends and still not form an alliance due to differences in policies. We stand by our general council decision to give a non-Congress, non-BJP alternative,” he said.

Senior BJP leader Ela Ganesan, the state president of the party when the DMK was part of the NDA over a decade ago, too, downplayed the comment on Modi, saying it was Karunanidhi’s personal opinion, and had no political significance.

“Our decision is to set up a non-AIADMK, non-DMK coalition in Tamil Nadu, and we have come some distance on that path. Now there is no question of a BJP-DMK alliance,” Ganesan said.

The BJP has been in talks with the DMDK, MDMK, PMK and a few caste outfits, but is yet to finalise a poll deal. In December 2013, Karunanidhi had praised Modi as a “good person” and “capable administrator”, setting off the first wave of speculation about a possible re-joining of forces. The DMK had quit the NDA in December 2003, and chosen to contest the 2004 elections with the UPA.

At its state conference in Tiruchirappalli on February 15-16, the party resolved to ally with only those who were secular, believed in social justice, and supported the Sethusamudram shipping channel project. The first and last conditions were believed to have automatically excluded the BJP.

Courtesy: Indian Express.

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Narendra Modi warns China, says no power can snatch Arunachal from us.

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Modi advises China to shed its 'expansionist' attitude

Rahul Karmakar and agencies, Hindustan Times  Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh), February 22, 2014::The nearest point on the India-China border is 35km east of Pasighat. In 2009, China had objected to the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the state. In 2012, it again objected to defence minister AK Antony's visit, saying "it would complicate the border issue".

Pasighat was the first stop of his second poll campaign across northeast within a fortnight. Silchar in Assam and Tripura capital Agartala were the next.

Read: Modi raises poll pitch in Assam, attacks Congress

"China should shed its expansionist policy and forge bilateral ties with India for peace, progress and prosperity of both the nations," said Modi.

India and China have fought a brief war in 1962 over differences on the border. China lays claim to more than 90,000 sq km disputed by New Delhi in the eastern sector of the Himalayas, while India says China occupies 38,000 square km of its territory on the Aksai Chin plateau in the west.

China has grown increasingly assertive and questioned India's claims over the territory, calling it instead South Tibet.

"Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will always remain so. No power can snatch it from us. People of Arunachal Pradesh didn't come under pressure or fear of China," he said.

"I swear in the name of this soil that I will never allow the state to disappear...breakdown and to bow down," Modi said to a thunderous applause from people gathered near the mighty Siang River.

Read: China intrudes into Arunachal, stays on for 3 days

He said China needs to change its stand.

"China should adopt the plank of development. Focus is on the development all over the world," the Gujarat chief minister said.

Modi lauded the "brave" people of Arunchal and said that because of them, who were guarding the state as well as the country as sentinels, the northeastern remained an integral part of the country.

"The people here are real patriots as they salute their counterparts with 'Jai Hind' and are zealously protecting the state's territory... They gave a befitting reply to the advancing Chinese army during 1962 and the British and several army personnel from the state also fought with Pakistan during the Kargil war," he said.

Read: PM has failed Assam; Nido's death 'national shame', says Modi

While directly referring to the killing of Arunachal Pradesh youth Nido Taniam in Delhi, Modi cautioned the UPA government against underestimating the people of the state and added that it was the duty of the entire nation to protect the people and the state's territorial integrity.

Elaborating on BJP's mantra for development of the northeast, Modi pitched for the "three H" model of the growth for Arunachal Pradesh.

"Herbal, horticulture and handicrafts - these three Hs can give lot of opportunities to the people here," Modi said.

"Arunachal can be the world environment capital. It is no less than Switzerland," he said.

Read: Modi wave may not be enough to sweep Congress out in northeast

Making a scathing attack on Congress governments, both at the Centre as well as in the state, for their failure in meeting the aspirations of the people, he said, "Neither dynasty nor casteism will benefit the country. Country will be benefited from development and 2014 elections will be fought on the development plank."

He also said that Congress government at the Centre does not listen to its own government in Arunacahal Pradesh.

"You need a government which is sensitive to the problems of every part of the country. The state does not have any opportunity in education or employment to offer the youth."

"There were special provisions in the budget for the development of northeast and Sikkim during A B Vajpayeeji's time," he said, adding "lotus will again bloom in the region."

Making an attempt to bond with the state, he said, "I come from Gujarat, a land that has very old and close relations with Arunachal Pradesh. The relation between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh brings the eastern and western part of our country together."

He also said that the "first rays of the sun bless this land. Arunachal Pradesh wakes up first and then the rest of India rises. The final rays of the sun set in Gujarat and tell us, we will rise again tomorrow in Arunachal Pradesh."

At Silchar, Modi flayed the Congress for catering to Bangladeshi infiltrators for political gain. "Two sets of people come from Bangladesh – one under a conspiracy to outnumber locals and the other that are forced to flee. The latter are Bengali Hindus, who the Congress targets by marking them as D-voters," he said.

Bengalis form almost 25% of Assam's voters. They form the bulk of 1.43lakh voters marked 'D', meaning 'doubtful'.

Vowing to scrap the list if the BJP comes to power, Modi also outlined the BJP's plans for tea plantation workers "exploited by Congress" for decades. Tea plantation workers – Adivasis from central India – have traditionally been a major Congress vote bank after Muslims.

Former Arunachal chief minister and Congress veteran Gegong Apang, who recently joined the BJP, also belongs to the Adi (hill man) tribe.

Going back to another favourite topic — mythology — Modi suggested the Modis inhabited the eastern and western ends of India because of Krishna and his wife Rukmini. “If we (Gujarat) have Dwarka, Krishna’s kingdom, you have the birthplace of Rukmini,” he said in Pasighat. Rukmini is fabled to have been born in Rukmininagar near Roing, headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley district.

At his last stop, Agartala in Left-ruled Tripura, he took on the “third front” driven by the Left parties. “The third front is like migratory birds that will vanish after the elections. We need a strong government at the Centre that can bring real development.”

Modi is looking for a foothold in the region whose party does not boast of any influence in the eight states.

The Christian-majority population in some hill states, the status of the Congress as the only "national party brand", more trust in regional parties and perception of the BJP as being "too Hindi belt" are the major factors behind its dismal presence in the region.

Modi's elevation as his party's prime ministerial nominee has coincided with a slide in the BJP's fortunes in the northeast, which offers 25 MPs.

@ Hindu migrants from Bangladesh must be accommodated in Bharat: Narendra Modi (Silchar Meeting). http://wp.me/pCXJT-3wx

@ No power in this world can snatch away our territory: Narendra Modi (Pasighat Meeting). http://wp.me/pCXJT-3wx

@ China should also reject mentality of aggression: (Pasighat Meeting). http://wp.me/pCXJT-3wx

@ People of Assam troubled by infiltration from Bangladesh: Narendra Modi (Both in Silchar and Pasighat).  http://wp.me/pCXJT-3wx

Courtesy: Hindustan Times: Hindu Existence.

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No other option than Modi: Amit Shah

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Narendra Modi at helm has created anti-incumbency for parties: Amit Shah 

By Palak Shah, ET Bureau | 10 Feb, 2014:: BJP PM candidate's confidant Amit Shah says Narendra Modi's leadership has generated anti-incumbency for other parties across the country because of his 'proven administrative efficiency.' In an interview to Palak Shah, he says if his leader contests from UP, BJP would make huge gains. Excerpts:

What do you feel now that the CBI has given you a clean chit in the Ishrat Jahan case?

I feel that it is the end of debate (charcha). Nothing else. These things don't affect me. I'm always at peace.

How well will BJP do in Uttar Pradesh, where you have been busy?

The environment is good. The BJP will emerge as the largest party.

How many seats?

Until the candidates are declared, we cannot say anything. If somebody gives any estimate before candidates' list, their prediction would be wrong. But the mood is in favour of BJP. There is a wave in favour of Modi. UP wants change. But I do not want to get into this prediction game before candidates are declared.

Will your UP list have radical changes?

There is some difference every time. I cannot give you details just to make headlines for your newspaper.

When will your list be out?

We have not decided yet. The BJP parliamentary board will decide. It is difficult to give a date.

Will Narendra Modi contest from UP?

That is yet to be decided. Modiji will definitely fight the Lok Sabha elections. But the place is yet to be decided.

Would he contest from Gujarat and UP?

How can we say before it is decided by the party?

By when will it be decided?

Even that is not decided.

Won't it be of help if Modi decides to contest from Uttar Pradesh?

Yes, I can say for sure that if he contests from UP, BJP will make good gains in the state. But I would still like to add that it is yet to be decided as to where Modiji would contest from.

What is your Uttar Pradesh strategy?

The anti-incumbency against SP and Congress is so strong that there is no need to make a strategy exposing them. People have not forgotten the corruption of BSP and deterioration of law and order after SP came to power. It has turned the entire state against the SP government. In my entire career, I have not seen any political party in our country lose its popularity as fast as SP did after coming to power. SP has raced towards unpopularity and people have pinned hopes on BJP now. 
The difference in Narendra Modi's leadership will be seen in all areas. It has generated anti incumbency for other political parties in the country. We can show that the leadership of Modiji is not based on loose talk but proven administrative efficiency. He has given a concrete leadership to Gujarat in 12 years.

This time, the caste arithmetic favours BJP. The entire Backward Castes are attracted towards us. All parties except BJP in UP have demanded minority reservation based on religion, which has angered OBCs. So they have pinned their hope on BJP.

Where does BJP stand on minority reservation?

BJP has vocally opposed it. It is unconstitutional. There is no provision for minority reservation based on religion in the Constitution. Also, given the 50% cap on all reservations and given that Scheduled Castes and Tribes have constitutionally guaranteed reservations within this, another form of reservation linked to religion will have to happen at the cost of OBCs. We will not support policies that lessen or take away the rights of OBCs.

But then isn't economic backwardness among Muslims a reality?

If Muslims get reservation on the basis of their caste we have no objection, but we will object and oppose if they get reservation on the basis of their religion. There are some castes among Muslims that fall in the OBC category. We have no objection to reservations for them.  Those who are Backward among Muslims and other religions can already avail of reservation benefits. We do not oppose any reservation to them.

But why promote this idea of reservation based on religion? BJP is against the idea of reservation based on religion. We do not want to divide the country based on religion. But whoever falls under the definition of OBC and other such categories has a right to reservation constitutionally irrespective of religion. 

Courtesy: Economic Times.

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Slamming Congress in every respect Narendra Modi framed a new hope of coalition in South.

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UPA has put India on the verge of disintegration: Modi in Chennai

Narendra Modi in Chennai.

One India  | Chennai | 8 Feb 2014:: BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting at VGP Ground at Vandalur, 25 kilometres from here, on Saturday. Modi addressed two rallies earlier in the day, one in Imphal in Manipur and another in Guwahati in Assam. This is Modi's third visit to Tamil Nadu since his anointment as the PM candidate of his party in September last year.

BJP's allies Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Tamil Nadu Makkal Katchi and Indhiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) shared the stage with Modi. National leaders like R Venkaiah Naidu and P Muralidhar Rao besides various state leaders were present at the rally.

Police had put up a five-tier security ring around the venue after Intelligence Bureau officials raised an alert about a possible attack on Modi during his visit. More than 5,000 police personnel were deployed at various placed across the city as well as the venue. About 5 lakh people turned up at the meeting. 

Slamming the UPA's style of functioning,Modi said, ""Centre vs State, Party vs Government, Government vs Supreme Court, Defence Minister vs Army this is what is happening". Our Federal Structure must be respected in letter & spirit. Irrespective of which party it was, Atal ji embraced them all, he said.

"Congress respect corruption a lot. Their allies are allowed to loot and in Tamil Nadu, you have the beneficiaries too", said Modi, taking a dig at the DMK government in the state.

"In the last 60 years never before has there been tension between the Centre and the Armed Forces", said Modi. But in last 10 years, the forces are dived in sectarian lines, thanks to the UPA government, he said. The thought and work culture of UPA has put India on the verge of disintegration & to save nation we need to bid them goodbye, he said. Work culture must be of cooperation but confrontation, he added.

Raj Bhawan, IT departments, various commissions and even CBI are being misused, said Modi. "To win trust votes CBI is misused. They are used to make and break governments", he said. "Grains meant for poor were given to alcohol makers at 80p even when SC said give it to the poor", he added.

"Such a noble nation we are but on all 4 sides we are being troubled be it China, SL, Bangladesh, Pakistan", said Modi, referring to the incident of Srilanka arresting Tamil fishermen. "We need a strong government in Delhi. If India is strong then our neighbours will also be friendly with us", he said. "If the Government had even little concern for the poor then the condition of the fishermen community in TN would be different", he said. Fishermen of Tamil Nadu have to face major problems. Fishermen are spending time in jails in Srilanka, he said.

Hitting out at Union minister Chidambaram, who is from Tamil Nadu, Modi said, "An arrogant minister from Tamil Nadu said Modi's knowledge is such that it can be written behind a postal stamp". "Only if you put a postal stamp, a letter gets delivered. I have proven myself as an administrator but what have you done as an economist?", Modi hit out at Chidambaram. "You are here because of Harvard, I am here because of my hardwork", he said. "Dear Finance Minister, knowledge of economics does not come from books alone", he said, taking a dig at Chidambaram. Further, Modi slammed the UPA government for not creating jobs for the youth in the country.

Thanking the six political parties who attended the rally, Modi said, " I thank the 6 political parties who have come here to cooprate with us to build a glorious India". 

Courtesy: One India. 

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'Congress spews venom'. Modi counters Sonia`s `fields of poison` remark.

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Modi counters Sonia`s `fields of poison` remark, says Congress spews venom

Hemant Abhishek | Zee News | Januaty 02, 2014::  Narendra Modi on Sunday hit back at Sonia Gandhi over her 'zeher ki kheti' barb, saying it is the Congress which sows and spews poison and reaps the harvest from it by its divisive politics. 

Modi accused the Congress of putting one religion against another, one caste against another and one state against another. 

"Sonia Gandhi has told Rahul that power is poison. Who has been in power for most of the time during the last 60 years?.. In whose stomach has this poison gone? Who is spewing this poison? Who is harvesting the poison? They (Congress) are the ones who sow the seeds of poison," the BJP prime ministerial candidate said at a rally here. 

Also Read: Narendra Modi's 'Vijay Shankhnaad' rally: As it happened. 

He said the country is seeking answers from Congress to its issues but its replies are wayward. "People are asking Sonia Gandhi why farmers are committing suicide, her reply is people are sowing seeds of poison." 

Modi's counter-attack came a day after Sonia Gandhi at a rally in Karnataka accused Modi and BJP of indulging in divisive politics by "sowing seeds of poison" (zeher ki kheti) and instigating violence in their "hunger" for power. 

In his 50-minute speech, Modi attacked the Congress, ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and the AAP government in Delhi and sought a mandate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by projecting himself as 'chowkidar' who will guard public funds. 

Read here the full report here>>>

Related: Highlights of Narendra Modi's speech at Meerut rally: TOI.

Congress tasted poison the most, Modi slams Sonia, Rahul Gandhi: One India.

Courtesy: Z News | TOI | One India. .

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Narendra Modi describes Samajwadi Party as 'Samajvirodhi Party'. Blames SP for law and order in UP.

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Narendra Modi blames SP for law and order in UP

IANS | Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) | February 02, 2104::  In a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Sunday blamed it for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

"Has anybody thought about the law and order situation of the state (UP)?" Modi asked at a rally here, adding that the SP should be called the "Samajvirodhi Party" instead of Samajwadi Party.

Asserting that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated over the last decade, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate asked people whether they felt their women were safe under the current regime.

"Women are scared of venturing out of their homes..., I urge you to at least ensure the safety and security of women in the state," Modi said, addressing SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Challenging the SP regime on the development plank, he said: "If you want to compete with Modi, improve the law and order situation, give electricity to the villages and improve the lot of farmers, and then compete."

"Compete on the issues of development," he said, adding that the SP will not do that as they don't want to address these issues.

Courtesy: IANS.

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Modi - Ram combination for 2014 Lok Sabha Poll.

Ramdev to go on door-to-door campaign for Narendra Modi

TNN | Bangalore | Dec 29, 2013:: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Saturday said he will organize a door-to-door campaign—Vote for Modi—in the run up to the 2014 polls.

Ramdev, who was speaking at the Press Club, came down heavily on the Nehru family and the Congress. "Corruption exists in all parties. But politicians like Modi, Mamata Banerjee and Naveen Patnaik are not corrupt. The difference between the Congress and the BJP is that even the top leaders of the former are corrupt," he said.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi as a 'baccha', he said Modi is like the Himalayas and Rahul is too small. "Rahul has become a zero from hero. He hasn't done anything in the past 10 years, what will he do now," he said. He said he hopes to get answers from Modi on January 5 regarding problems faced by the common man in the fields of agriculture, education and health.

The yoga guru didn't even spare the new Delhi chief minister. "Arvind Kejriwal made three mistakes. He didn't stick to his promise of neither lending nor taking support from any party. He went on to take support from the Congress. He also passed comments against Anna Hazare," said Ramdev. "The day they file an FIR against Sheila Dikshit, the support will end," he said.

Baba said he doesn't believe that the Aam Aadmi Party can replicate its success in other states. "AAP can cause side effects but can't have a big impact," he said, assuring people that he will never enter active politics but only support politics that ensures a good democracy.

Courtesy: TOI.

"Ensure 1st place where you were in second position". Modi Formula to get 272+ in 2014 parliamentary election.

Narendra Modi's formula for BJP to win back Lok Sabha seats from Congress 

PTI | NEW DELHI |DEC 24, 2013:: Narendra Modi today asked BJP to specially focus on those Lok Sabha constituencies where its candidates stood second behind Congress in the last elections and encash on the strong anti-incumbency against the ruling party to meet is ambitious target of securing majority. 

Addressing BJP Chief Ministers, central office-bearers and state unit presidents here, Modi shared some interesting statistics to drive home his point. 

"Modi said that in the last Lok Sabha elections, Congress had won 206 seats while BJP won 116. In most of the constituencies where Congress was the winner, BJP had come second. The total vote difference in these seats between Congress and BJP is only 89 lakh. But in the last five years, 12 lakh new voters have been added," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters. 

BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate claimed these young new voters are attracted to the main opposition and they should be further courted by the party. 

While BJP will peg its election campaign around its PM candidate and have "Modi for PM" as its slogan, it is also using the methods adopted by other parties to win votes. 

"One vote, one note" is the mantra through which BJP aims to collect funds for the party. However, the range has been fixed between Rs 10 to Rs 1,000 and BJP will reach out to 10 crore families for this purpose. 

Asked if this idea is inspired by AAP which had engaged in a similar exercise, Javadekar said "the cue has been taken from 1977 onwards. We have always asked for funds and votes both. Our party runs with the funds from the people." 

BJP was in denial mode about AAP being a threat in the Lok Sabha polls and said this issue was not even discussed. 

"People clearly said in the Delhi elections that in the minor election they are voting for AAP while in the major one they will vote for Modi," Javadekar said. 

Rousing nationalist sentiments by invoking and appropriating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other such figures will also be high on BJP's agenda. The statue of unity will be a rallying point in the campaign as farmers and workers will be asked to chip in with iron and soil for the project. [Courtesy: PTI | ET].