
BJP set to announce new party president after August 15, four candidates among front-runners
The RSS – the ideological mentor of the BJP – has reportedly advised reaching a consensus on a candidate with organisational experience and a neutral stance within the party. Sources also stated that the BJP has zeroed in on four potential candidates, all of whom have organisational experience.
Union ministers Bhupendra Yadav, Dharmendra Pradhan, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and senior BJP leader BD Sharma are said to be the front-runners as they meet the criteria for the post.
The party is preparing to first call a meeting of its central council to build a consensus around one of the names under consideration.

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Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh: ‘Govt talks with stakeholders on two labour codes inadequate … they must take this more seriously'
With RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) set to mark 70 years of its founding on July 23, its president Hiranmay Pandya discusses in an interview the organisation's journey from modest beginnings to becoming the country's largest labour organisation. Pandya reflects on the BMS's past, its ideological independence, vision for the future in a rapidly transforming economy, and its selective endorsement of the new labour codes, among other issues. Excerpts: When Dattopant Thengadi founded the BMS in 1955, there was no fund, office, or cadre. Today, the BMS has grown into the largest labour organisation in the country with over 7,000 trade unions, 41 federations, and more than 2.5 crore members. We are active in 27 states, with offices at the district and the panchayat level, especially in Kerala. For the past 35 years, we have consistently emerged as the number one trade union in the country. We first raised the demand for a bonus in 1965, which was later recognised by the National Labour Commission. This has been possible due to the sacrifice, dedication, and tireless efforts of our karyakartas (cadre). Yet, we have not become complacent. There is much to be done. We are seeking the guidance of RSS sarsangchalak (chief Mohan Bhagwat). Credit for this must go to Thengadi. He was a sharp thinker, an economist, and an organiser. He travelled across the country for 12 years and this had a lasting impact on the labour movement. The contribution of each worker has been vital to this success as all workers followed organisational discipline. Our focus must solely be on labour welfare and for that, we need to be apolitical. We do have ideological differences with the Left, but Thengadi spoke of responsive cooperation. The idea is to work for labour welfare. We will stand by those who do good work and against those who do not work for the sector. Ideology is immaterial. We also opposed the World Trade Organization (WTO), but no one heard us. Today, everyone is acknowledging the problems with it. We have given a slogan for the WTO: 'modo, todo, ya chhodo (bend it, break it or leave it)'. We believe we were successful (in influencing the government). At the time, the idea was to privatise everything. The government wanted to even privatise the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Our protests forced the government to adopt a more calibrated approach. The Covid pandemic showed us that it is the public sector, such as the railways, which stands by society in times of crisis. It is the public sector that stands with the country during war. Plans were afoot to privatise the railways, but that stopped at the IRCTC. There are questions on the efficiency of PSUs, but those are not labour-related. There are many other factors. Even the management is responsible. I would like to make it clear that the BMS always fights for labour rights, irrespective of the government in power. The opposition to the four new labour codes by some unions is political. The BMS has welcomed two new labour codes: the Code on Wages, 2019, and the Code on Social Security, 2020. For the first time, the Code on Wages empowers the Centre to fix a national floor wage while allowing state governments to set minimum wages at or above that level. Under this code, any worker who puts in eight hours of work is legally entitled to minimum wages. Similarly, the Code on Social Security, 2020, introduces social security provisions for gig and platform workers for the first time in India. Why should anyone oppose this? However, the BMS has recommended that the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, be amended after in-depth consultations with all stakeholders. In recent months, the government has held discussions with various trade unions and employers, but the BMS believes that these interactions have been inadequate. The government must take this issue more seriously. Regardless of which party is in power, our approach has always been one of responsive cooperation, which entails dialogue first and struggle only when necessary. Be it the Congress or the Vajpayee government, our stance has remained the same. For us, a strike is always the last resort. National interest comes first. During Operation Sindoor, we did not raise any demands. Once the situation stabilised, we resumed placing our demands before the government. It is also true that many ministers listen to us while others remain indifferent or unresponsive to our concerns. But we press on. Technology cannot be stopped. Recently, a joint delegation from our organisation visited Japan to study how different countries are adapting. Even in the United States, significant challenges have emerged. The goal must be to embrace technology while also ensuring employability. We need to find solutions for gig workers. There are also professionals, like some class of lawyers and independent journalists, who currently have no access to social security. We have to work to secure rights and protection for all of them. India's economy is growing, but it must remain human-centric or else it will not be sustainable. It is true to some extent that incomes are not rising proportionately. Though PSU employees have seen a good wage growth, even temple priests have received better pay. Along with minimum wages, workers must be ensured a living wage. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has also emphasised the need for responsible business conduct. This is the direction we must move in, and ensuring dignified work and dignified wages must be our approach. Even the definition of the middle class is changing today. At the state level, we pushed for higher wages for Anganwadi workers and managed to get their honorarium increased from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000. But even Rs 10,000 is too little. It must be raised further. Just as the BMS has risen over the years, we must continue to grow further. New technologies will keep emerging, but we must carefully evaluate which ones to adopt and which to avoid. Progress must be thoughtful and balanced.


United News of India
33 minutes ago
- United News of India
Opposition ready to corner Modi-led govt in Parliament as monsoon session begins today
New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) The monsoon session of Parliament is set to begin today on a stormy note with Opposition INDIA bloc up ready to corner Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government over several issues, including the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan, the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. The government has said it is open to discussing all issues, including Operation Sindoor, but stressed that debates must be held in accordance with established parliamentary rules and procedures. This marks the first session of Parliament since Operation Sindoor, India's precision strike conducted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. "The Congress will also seek a response to US President Donald Trump's claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar," party's communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh posted on X. Opposition parties have insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should address the House on Operation Sindoor, as well as clarify the repeated claims made by Trump about having brokered peace between India and Pakistan. They have also demanded a discussion on the SIR process in Bihar. "Our senior Army officers have raised a very sensitive issue about the two-front axis that has been formed on our border with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. So it is very important that we talk about defence and foreign policy," said Congress's Gaurav Gogoi after an all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session. On the home front, Congress will seek a discussion on the restoration of full statehood for J&K, Schedule VI status for Ladakh and the situation in Manipur. The party's march in Jammu and Kashmir demanding statehood was foiled on Sunday. The session will continue until August 21. Both Houses will be adjourned on August 12 and will reconvene on August 18 to facilitate Independence Day celebrations. The session will have 21 sittings spread over 32 days. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that 17 items of legislative and other business have been identified for the session, including 15 bills. He reaffirmed the government's readiness to engage in discussions on all key national issues, including Operation Sindoor. Addressing the media after an all-party meeting, Rijiju said the government 'is not shying away and will never shy away' from debate, but emphasised that discussions must be conducted within the framework of 'niyam (rules)' and 'parampara (conventions)'. Among the key legislations expected to be taken up are the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on February 13 and referred to a joint parliamentary committee led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. It is expected to come up for passage during this session. The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to align the state's GST law with the Central legislation, is also on the agenda. Other proposed legislations include the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, aimed at promoting ease of doing business and improving regulatory compliance; the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025; the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025; the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025; and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025. UNI AAB PRS


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Monsoon session: Income Tax bill, anti-doping law on agenda; full list of key bills
NEW DELHI: The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to begin on Monday, after a break of over three and a half months. The government has lined up 15 bills, eight new and seven pending, for consideration in both Houses. The session is likely to focus on introducing and passing several key bills across various sectors, including finance, income tax , sports, education, mining, and shipping. The highlight will be the introduction of the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, which was first presented during the Budget session in February and later referred to a select committee chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. The session will also mark the rollout of a new digital attendance system for Members of Parliament. Under this system, MPs will be required to register their presence using a digital device at their designated seats, a move aimed at boosting transparency and curbing misuse of allowances. This will be the first Parliament session since Operation Sindoor , launched in May in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. According PRS Legislative Research , with several high-stakes bills lined up, the government is looking to push through major reforms and policy updates across sectors, including: New bills on the agenda Finance & Commerce Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025: To amend the Manipur Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, which aims to align the state GST law with the central legislation. Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Proposes changes to existing tax laws. Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025: Seeks to improve ease of doing business by reducing compliance burdens. Education Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Propose to add IIM Guwahati to the schedule of the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017 Culture Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025: Aims to preserve and promote sites of geological significance for research, education, and tourism. Mines Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025: Focuses on recovery of critical minerals, expanded mining leases, and strengthening the National Mineral Exploration Trust. Sports National Sports Governance Bill, 2025: To provide for the promotion of sports, sportspersons' welfare, and ethical practices in sports; to establish standards for the governance of sports federations; and to institute measures for the resolution of sports grievances and disputes National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Aims to bring the 2022 Anti-Doping Act in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and global standards, and to ensure the National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel works independently. Pending bills up for discussion Finance Income Tax Bill, 2025: Seeks to simplify the Income Tax Act by replacing the 1961 Act. Retains most of its provisions, including tax rates and offences. Primarily seeks to simplify the language and remove redundant provisions 13 Feb 2025 In the Lok Sabha, the Select Committee is expected to present its report on the Income Tax Bill, 2025 today. Home Affairs Scheduled Tribes Representation in Goa Bill, 2024: Proposes to reserve seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly by readjusting assembly constituencies. Introduced in Lok Sabha on August 5, 2024; currently pending. Shipping and maritime Indian Ports Bill, 2025: Replaces the Indian Ports Act of 1908. Establishes new regulatory bodies including a Maritime State Development Council and State Maritime Boards. Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024: Updates rules around ship registration, maritime training, and seafarer welfare. Pending in Lok Sabha. Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024: Regulates domestic coastal shipping. Passed by Lok Sabha; pending in Rajya Sabha. Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024: Modernizes the 1925 Act dealing with sea transport of goods. Passed by Lok Sabha but it is pending in Rajya Sabha. Bills of Lading Bill, 2024: Seeks to replace the outdated Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, with an updated legal framework for issuing shipping documents that serve as proof of goods on board. While modernizing the language, it retains most of the original provisions. Introduced on August 9, 2024, and passed by the Lok Sabha on March 10, 2025; currently pending in the Rajya Sabha. The Monsoon Session of Parliament will continue until August 21, with a total of 21 sittings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo A break is scheduled from August 12 to 18 for Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day celebrations. The session is likely to see heated debates between the ruling BJP and the opposition, including the Congress-led INDIA bloc. The opposition is expected to question the government on Operation Sindoor and US President Donald Trump's claim that "he helped prevent a nuclear conflict" between India and Pakistan.