In a surprising move, Dalit leader Ashok Tanwar, a prominent figure in Haryana politics, has left the BJP and rejoined the Congress in a rally led by party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Bhupinder Singh Hooda. This unexpected defection to the opposition party has raised questions among analysts, as Tanwar was reportedly seen campaigning for the BJP earlier in the day. The Congress has welcomed Tanwar back into the party, citing his return as a boost in their fight for Dalit rights in the state. Tanwar himself has stated that he has buried the hatchet with his former party and is looking forward to the future with the Congress.
Ashok Tanwar Rejoins Congress, Deal or No Deal?
Background:
Ashok Tanwar is a prominent Dalit leader in Haryana politics. He was the president of the Haryana Congress from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership.
Recent Developments:
In a surprising move, Tanwar rejoined the Congress on March 29, 2023, in a rally led by Rahul Gandhi and Bhupinder Singh Hooda. This move has raised questions among analysts, as Tanwar had been seen campaigning for the BJP earlier in the day.
Congress's Perspective:
The Congress has welcomed Tanwar back into the party with open arms. Party leaders believe that his return will strengthen the party's fight for Dalit rights in Haryana.
Tanwar's Statement:
Addressing the rally, Tanwar stated that he had buried the hatchet with his former party and was looking forward to the future with the Congress. He expressed his commitment to working for the people of Haryana.
Analysts' Views:
Analysts have expressed mixed reactions to Tanwar's return to the Congress. Some believe it is a strategic move by the Congress to consolidate Dalit support, while others see it as a sign of political opportunism.
FAQs:
1. Why did Ashok Tanwar rejoin the Congress?
Tanwar has not publicly disclosed the reasons behind his return to the Congress. However, it is speculated that he may have been dissatisfied with the BJP's policies and leadership.
2. How will Tanwar's return affect the Congress's fortunes in Haryana?
Tanwar's return is likely to boost the Congress's support among Dalits, who constitute a significant voting bloc in Haryana. It could also help the party challenge the BJP's dominance in the state.
3. What are Tanwar's political ambitions?
Tanwar is a seasoned politician with aspirations of becoming the Chief Minister of Haryana. His return to the Congress could indicate his desire to contest the upcoming Assembly elections.
4. Will Tanwar be able to bridge the gap with the Congress leadership?
Tanwar had a strained relationship with the Congress leadership during his previous stint in the party. It remains to be seen if he will be able to overcome these differences and work harmoniously with other leaders.
5. What does Tanwar's defection mean for the BJP in Haryana?
Tanwar's defection is a blow to the BJP's efforts to consolidate its support among Dalits in Haryana. It could also dent the BJP's morale ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has raised doubts about Sharad Pawar's recent statement about two individuals approaching him before the state elections and offering to ensure the Opposition's victory. The NCP leader had only spoken about this now, nearly a year after the elections took place. Pawar's claim has raised questions about the legitimacy and timing of his statements.
Tension and violence erupted in the streets of Kolkata as police allegedly used excessive force against protesters, including the mother of a rape and murder victim, during an opposition-led demonstration. The victim's mother was hospitalized after being beaten and allegedly having her sacred Sankha-Pola shattered by police during the demonstration. This incident has sparked outrage and accusations of police brutality, adding to the ongoing political tensions in the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with children at their respective residences in Delhi. Singh and Goyal also took part in Rakhi celebrations with school children and members of the Brahmakumari organization, highlighting the festival's importance in strengthening the bond between siblings. Earlier in the day, Modi extended his greetings to the nation and emphasized the significance of Raksha Bandhan.
After months of diplomatic efforts, the US has brokered a historic agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, putting an end to a decades-long dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a significant achievement that will bring lasting peace to the region and open new doors for American trade and investment. During the signing ceremony, both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Along with the peace deal, the US has also secured exclusive development rights to a transit route in southern Armenia, further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The Chief of Indian Air Force Staff, Air Chief Marshall AP Singh, expressed regret that the public was not convinced of the success of the 2019 Balakot airstrike, but praised the success of Operation Sindoor in effectively combating terrorism. He further praised India's decision to "stop the war" and stated that the only motive of Operation Sindoor was to "teach terrorists a lesson" after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Air Chief Marshall Singh also highlighted the importance of putting aside egos and finding opportunities for peace rather than continuous conflict.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the development of a new police infrastructure framework for Pune city, including five new police stations and 1,000 additional personnel. The framework also includes dedicated narcotics and forensic units to address emerging challenges in law and order. Fadnavis highlighted the increasing need for a strong security apparatus in Pune, a city with significant industrial and educational significance, as its population grows. He also launched a modernized CCTV surveillance control center integrated with AI-based analytics, making Pune the first city in Maharashtra to have five police stations approved at once.
Amid the uncertainty and fear among the residents of Mumbai's Ghatkopar (W) Chirag Nagar, as they face possible relocation to make way for a memorial project, NCP (SP) leader Suhel Khalil Subedar has requested CM Devendra Fadnavis for an inclusive rehabilitation plan. The lottery for 62 PAP units has been postponed due to residents' objections and SRA's lack of clarity on the process. Subedar has urged for a comprehensive in-situ rehabilitation project within the same locality to preserve the community's fabric and long-standing ties to the area.
In a grand celebration at the Anantha Function Hall in Gadwal town, MLA Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy launched the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission - 2025, marking a significant step towards women's empowerment in the region. The event witnessed the distribution of ration cards and interest-free loan cheques to women self-help groups, and insurance cheques were presented to the families of deceased women SHG members. Addressing the gathering, the MLA announced plans to make one crore women into crorepatisthrough various welfare schemes and initiatives that aim to uplift the poor and empower women. The District Collector also highlighted the government's commitment to economic development through the Indira Mahila Shakti initiative, providing interest-free loans for women to establish various businesses and purchase buses.
The Maharashtra government has announced the launch of Ladka Bhau Yojana to provide practical skills and financial assistance to unemployed youth in the state. Candidates between the ages of 18 and 35 with a diploma, graduation, or 12th grade qualification are eligible for this program. Trainees will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000, or Rs 6,000 based on their educational background. Interested applicants can apply on the official website and will be notified if chosen for the program.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi has refused to submit a signed affidavit to the Election Commission of India in response to his allegations of electoral fraud, stating that his constitutional oath as a Member of Parliament is sufficient. Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of attempting to silence public scrutiny by shutting down their websites in different states. The controversy follows Gandhi's explosive press conference where he presented detailed allegations of systematic vote manipulation affecting multiple constituencies.