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Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM, Raje's back-to-back meetings with Modi fuel cabinet expansion buzz
Jaipur: After having a 20-minute closed-door meeting with former chief minister Vasundhara Raje Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Tuesday, setting off speculation over cabinet expansion, political appointments and internal power recalibration within the state BJP . The back-to-back meetings come days after a school building collapse in Raje's constituency which drew national attention, and also prompted PM Modi to express grief on X. But many in the state BJP circles view the meetings as a prelude to a broader reshuffle and possible efforts to mend internal rifts. Party insiders hinted that both Raje and Sharma were consulted on critical matters, including how to better accommodate Jat politicians within the state govt and party structures, and to strike a balance among other influential caste groups. "With no Jat face in any top constitutional post, growing resentment among Gujjars over unmet demands, tribal vote drifting towards Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) and minimal representation of Raje loyalists in the Sharma cabinet, the discussions revolved around these vital issues," said a senior BJP member. "The progress of the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal was also part of the discussion," he added. Political observers believe the meeting is particularly significant for CM Sharma, who is under consistent attack from the opposition Congress and has struggled to mobilise strong support from his own cabinet colleagues and party machinery. The meeting with the PM is seen as an opportunity for CM Sharma to strengthen his leadership with support from the state's senior leaders in the party. On the other hand, Raje has been seeking time with the PM for months to press for greater inclusion of her supporters in the govt and organisational roles. Her last meeting with PM Modi was in Dec 2024. Even though 18 months have passed since BJP came to power, the delay in cabinet expansion and filling a number of vacant political posts has been a sore point for her supporters. The state cabinet has 24 members, including the CM, leaving scope for six more additions. According to party sources, this week's meetings may finally pave the way for long-pending political appointments to boards, commissions and the much-anticipated cabinet expansion. Further complicating the political landscape is the recent resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, one of BJP's most prominent Jat faces at the national level. His exit has created a significant representational void for the influential community. With no major Jat politician currently holding any top constitutional posts, BJP strategists are grappling with the challenge of retaining a voter base that showed signs of drifting away from the party in the recent Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Jat-dominated constituencies where it underperformed.
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
BJP vs BJP turns Constitution Club election into a thriller
Last week, as dusk settled over Lutyens' Delhi, the air was buzzing with excitement at a Maharashtra MP's residence. Young MPs had gathered for dinner, but the mood was anything but casual. Lists were being drawn, names ticked off, phone calls made. A full-blown "dinner diplomacy" was underway. What was being discussed with all seriousness wasn't the monsoon session of Parliament or Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, but an election to an elite club in Delhi. The election to the Constitution Club of India, where MPs, current and former, are members, and didn't generate much attention earlier, has turned electrifying this was being discussed and strategised was the upcoming Constitution Club election on August 12. "It felt like a college election than a parliamentary affair," recalled senior journalist Rajdeep couldn't anyhow be a college election when two BJP leaders are contesting against one another. Because, in the fray are BJP's Saran MP Rajeev Pratap Rudy and the party's former Muzaffarnagar MP Sanjeev Balyan. With caste equations, intra-party loyalties, and even the issue of IAS officers' access to badminton courts on the dinner party's agenda, this rare BJP vs BJP face-off has turned the Constitution Club election into a political Balyan, with his rustic charm, earthy Jat humour, and easy camaraderie, is challenging Rajeev Pratap Rudy, the seasoned parliamentarian and polished aviator with an elite demeanour, who has held the post of Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club's Governing Council for the past 25 years."MPs CM Ramesh, who is known for his management skills, and Nishikant Dubey, who is well-connected across party lines", are helping Balyan secure votes from members from southern states, according to Sardesai. This is an attempt at broadening the Jat MP's appeal beyond the traditional northern and western base."That makes things tougher for Rudy on August 12," Sardesai said in The Lallantop's Netanagri THE CONSTITUTION CLUB?Current and former lawmakers, PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, MP Sonia Gandhi, MP Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and even former Deputy PM LK Advani, are all members of the Constitution Club and are eligible to vote as a collective Constitution Club, established as an informal gathering of Indian Constituent Assembly members in early 1947, was formally inaugurated by President S Radhakrishnan in February 1965, at its current premises on Rafi Marg, close to the under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, the club serves as a premier platform for interaction among current and former Members of Parliament. It hosts events, conferences, and debates while maintaining facilities like conference rooms, lounges, a library, gym, swimming pool, spa, and badminton governance of the club is vested in an elected Council drawn exclusively from sitting and former MPs, with the Lok Sabha Speaker serving as the ex-officio President, the Deputy Speaker as General Secretary, and a Union Minister and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair among the Vice-President(s). POLISHED VS RUSTIC: BJP'S CLUBHOUSE CLASHThe most crucial post in the functioning of the Constitution Club is that of Secretary (Administration), a position Rajeev Pratap Rudy — a seven-time MP — won unopposed for the past 25 years. Now, in a bid to "restore the old ways", Sanjeev Balyan is challenging the veteran Bihar MP."There are 1,237 eligible voters, but around 40 have reportedly passed away. So the voter list is under scrutiny. There are objections to allowing postal ballots. Some MPs want only physical voting. The fight isn't going to be easy for Rudy," India Today Group's political editor Himanshu Mishra said at the Netanagri show."All Maharashtra MPs were being contacted. It'll be a very interesting election. Balyan is getting votes from the South too, thanks to MP CM Ramesh (Lok Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh) who's reportedly made a list of 175 MPs supporting Balyan. Nishikant Dubey is campaigning for him too. Balyan is in the Club daily, campaigning with Satish Gautam, Bhola Singh, Surendra Nagar," added assumed many of these members were in his corner because of his party seniority. But Balyan, with his rustic charm and Western UP Jat style, connects easily. He jokes, chats, and wins people over casually. Also, in past years, Rudy often won unopposed. This time, he is actually contesting. Rudy's supporters tried to convince Balyan to withdraw, even Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh made a call. But Balyan didn't budge," he being asked who the Congress leaders were supporting in the BJP vs BJP contest, journalist Aadesh Rawal said, "Rajiv Pratap Rudy. The English-speaking, polished crowd is with him. The Jats, Ahirs, Gujjars, and rural MPs are supporting Sanjeev Balyan," Rawal CALLS CONSTITUTION CLUB POLL 'DEMOCRACY', BALYAN BATS FOR REVIVALWith the BJP vs BJP contest hotting up, while incumbent Rudy is projecting it as a healthy democratic exercise, Baliyan is batting for "change and revival"."I was nominated about 25 years ago by the then Lok Sabha Speaker GMC Balayogi. PM Sayeed was the Deputy Speaker. Since then, all the members found my work to be satisfactory and elected me every time. It is a very good thing that elections are being held this time. Every time I was elected unopposed. So, I also used to think what is so special about me! Those who are contesting against me in the elections are also my colleagues," Rudy told the Hindi edition of the India Today if he was confident of winning, Rudy said, "This is an election in the country in which the voters are MPs. All of them are leaders. MPs will choose whoever they feel is good for them."Balyan, on the other hand, believes the Constitution Club of India needs a course correction."Once upon a time, many new and old MPs used to come to the Constitution Club, share ideas with each other, but now it is not so. Earlier, there was a competition among people to become its member, but that too is over. Some MPs told me that it should be brought back to its old form and glory. Today it is running more in a commercial way, whereas this should not happen. My purpose of contesting the election is to return its old form," Balyan told the Hindi edition of the India Today the Constitution Club election, coinciding with the end of the monsoon session, draws near, it is becoming more than just a procedural affair, like it was for over two decades. Experts see it as a reflection of shifting power dynamics, and a churn within the BJP. Whether it ends in continuity or change, the outcome will be watched and analysed beyond the elite club's walls.- EndsMust Watch
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Caste At The Core? BJP Weighs Brahmin, OBC Faces For Party's UP Chief Post
The Uttar Pradesh BJP unit has formally submitted a shortlist of six contenders to the central leadership — two Brahmins, two OBCs, and two Dalits. Who will steer the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India's most decisive political battlefield? As the BJP prepares to appoint a new Uttar Pradesh chief from a shortlist of six names, Brahmins and OBCs have emerged frontrunners in the decision that could define the party's strategy for the 2027 assembly polls. The Uttar Pradesh BJP unit has formally submitted a shortlist of six contenders to the central leadership — two Brahmins, two OBCs, and two Dalits. Sources say the high command is actively evaluating the names, with a decision likely in the next two weeks, possibly earlier. The new state chief will replace Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, a Jat leader from western UP, who has been in office since 2022. Chaudhary's tenure, while focused on consolidating Jat and non-Yadav OBC support, saw the BJP suffer unexpected losses in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, prompting an urgent rethink at the organisational level. Why Caste Math Matters Caste arithmetic is at the heart of the BJP's deliberations. While explaining the importance of caste equations in UP, Shashikant Pandey, head department of political science, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and a political expert said Uttar Pradesh has always been a political chessboard where social equations can make or break electoral fortunes. 'The BJP's setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where the Samajwadi Party surged to the forefront, has heightened the need for a new strategy. Discontent among Brahmins, combined with a shifting OBC vote bank, is forcing the BJP to carefully weigh its next move," points out Pandey. The leaders close to the decision-making process admit that the new president must bridge both gaps while ensuring cohesion with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership. A Decade-Long Trend Since 2014, the BJP has alternated between Brahmin and OBC leaders to maintain balance among its support bases. In 2014, Laxmikant Bajpai, a Brahmin, headed the state unit as the BJP swept the Lok Sabha elections. Keshav Prasad Maurya, a Maurya OBC, was appointed in 2016 and led the party into its massive 2017 assembly win. Mahendra Nath Pandey, a Brahmin, guided the 2019 general election campaign, while Swatantra Dev Singh, a Kurmi OBC, took the reins for the 2022 assembly elections. Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, a Jat, followed, but his tenure coincided with the party's disappointing 2024 Lok Sabha performance. The Brahmin Option Harish Dwivedi, a two-term MP from Basti, is emerging as the strongest Brahmin contender. Though he lost his seat in 2024, Dwivedi remains well-regarded for his organisational skills and close ties with the BJP's central leadership. Having earlier led the state's youth wing and held responsibilities as in-charge of Assam, Dwivedi is also considered close to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. His elevation would aim to address murmurs of discontent among Brahmins while injecting youth and energy into the state leadership. The OBC Contenders Among OBC aspirants, Union Minister of State BL Verma is being seen as a safe and steady choice. A long-time associate of the late Kalyan Singh, Verma is praised for his low-profile style and RSS roots. His appointment would strengthen the BJP's hold on non-Yadav OBCs, a crucial bloc to counter the SP's growing influence. Also in contention is Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, a prominent Maurya OBC leader who earlier served as UP BJP president during the 2017 landslide. Maurya is known for his connect with party workers and for asserting that the 'organisation is bigger than the government." While speculation persists about his dissatisfaction with his current role, his caste base and proven record make him a formidable candidate. Other Names in Circulation The shortlist also includes Dinesh Sharma, a Brahmin leader and former Deputy Chief Minister with strong RSS backing; Ram Shankar Katheria, a Dalit leader and former Union minister known for his Hindutva credentials; and Vidya Sagar Sonkar, a Dalit MLC recognised for his loyalty and quiet organisational work. However, party insiders suggest the real contest lies between the Brahmin and OBC candidates, with Dalit contenders unlikely to be favoured this time. A Crucial Call for the BJP The senior BJP political analysts in UP said that for the BJP, the choice of its new UP chief is about more than balancing caste equations. The leader will need to energise the cadre, reconnect with communities drifting away, and complement Yogi Adityanath's leadership without overshadowing him. 'We are looking for someone who is acceptable to both the organisation and the communities that form our backbone," a senior BJP leader said. 'This decision will set the stage for 2027." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Before dying in Kargil, Indian Army soldier chose a bride for his son. This is their story
1 2 Chandigarh: It is often said that marriages are made in heaven but celebrated on earth. For Karan Singh, the son of a Kargil war martyr, his marriage was destined by the Kargil war itself. Before leaving for the battlefield, his father, Havildar Mahavir Singh of 17-Jat regiment, penned what would become his final letter to Karan, who was then undergoing military training as a recruit. In his letter, Mahavir hesitantly revealed that he had chosen a girl, expressing his hope that Karan would marry her after completion of his training. Though Havildar Mahavir Singh was martyred in Kargil, Karan honored his father's dying wish. He sought out the girl his father had chosen—and married her. Today, the couple Karan Singh and wife Sudesh Boora are happily married for around 24 years. Interestingly, the couple's both children, Apoorav Boora and Anjali Boora are into their graduation and preparing for the officer's entry examinations for armed forces. Karan's father, Mahavir Singh had attained martyrdom even when Karan was to complete his basic military training. In his last letter posted in April 1999 to his son, Mahavir Singh had written, "I am writing this letter, as you had requested of me. Don't worry about me, my son, I have reached my unit safely. Please take care of yourself during the training. If you don't mind, I wanted to share with you that I have finalized a girl for your marriage. But don't worry, we will not marry you till you complete your class-XII. Please keep on writing at home, your grandmother always worries about you. Complete your training with concentration and zeal. Don't bother about anyone at home, all are happy". At that time, Karan was a recruit in "Multan Coy" in the Jat regiment's training Centre at Bareilly. The letter was written by Mahavir Singh, a Havildar posted with the 17-Jat regiment, on April 16, 1999. After the war broke out in 1999, Havildar Mahavir's unit moved to Mushkoh Valley in Kargil. His unit was assigned the task to push the enemy out from Pimple-II complex (Point 4875). In the fierce battle, Mahavir had lost his life on July 5, 1999 in a fierce battle. A total of 34 men including two officers of the 17-Jat regiment lost their lives in Kargil. Havildar Mahavir Singh was conferred with Sena Medal (SM) for his gallant act. At that time Karan Singh had not completed his military training. According to Karan, he was given special leave from the training to perform the last rites of his father. Later, Karan left the army to take care of his mother and younger brother. He is now running a petrol pump near Hisar cantonment, which was allotted by the government to honour the next of kins of soldiers killed in action. According to Karan, he took the words written by his father as his last wish and on inquiry found Sudesh whom his father wanted him to marry in Karsindhu village in Jind district. After two years of his father's death, he married the same girl in 2001. Girl's father was not in the army, but her maternal uncle was known to Havildar Mahavir Singh. Karan's wife informed that she was not aware about the fact that her father and her father-in-law had any kind of discussions about her marriage as she was very young at that time. "If it was destined, I am proud that I was married in this family. We are preparing both our children for the armed forces," Sudesh added.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Centre aims to achieve 30% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030: ICAR-IIMR director
Stressing the need to increase maize productivity through scientific and cost-efficient methods, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) director Dr HS Jat said on Wednesday that the Union government aims to achieve 30 per cent ethanol blending (E30) in petrol by 2030, in which maize is emerging as a major feedstock. 'India needs to achieve 65-70 million tonnes of maize production at a growth rate of 8-9 per cent every year to achieve the E30 mission by 2030. High productivity hybrids and mechanisation are necessary for this,' Jat said after inaugurating a three-day training-cum-workshop on 'Strengthening field implementation for maize-based bioethanol and catchment development' organised at ICAR-IIMR, Ludhiana, under the project 'Increasing maize production in catchment areas of ethanol industries'. Jat stressed the need for field-based innovations and increased farmer participation in this direction. A total of 27 field personnel from the project working in 78 districts across 15 states of the country attended the event, the institute, in a statement, said. The participants shared the progress made in their respective areas, including successful field interventions, increased farmer participation, and dissemination of improved maize production technologies. Highlighting the objectives of the workshop, principal investigator for maize Dr SL Jat said, 'The main goal of the project is to provide stable raw material for ethanol production through improving maize productivity.' He talked about promoting coordination and experience-sharing between regional scientists and field staff. About 380 liters of ethanol can be obtained per tonne from maize, making it a viable option for ethanol production along with sugarcane, the institute said. The institute said the total area under maize in India in 2023-24 was about 10.5 million hectares, while the average productivity has reached 3.1 tonnes per hectare. The use of maize is no longer limited to animal feed and industry, but is emerging as an alternative crop for ethanol production. About 380 litres of ethanol can be obtained per tonne from maize, making it a viable option for ethanol production along with sugarcane.
