
PM Modi In BRICS Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s departure for the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg comes at a crucial juncture, offering a platform to address the lingering issue of the Chinese “presence” in the Ladakh region
Chennai, 22 August(City Times): PM Modi In BRICS Summit: In Indian politics, there’s a lot happening. The Opposition is talking about the Chinese presence in Ladakh, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to BRICS Summit. This could be a chance for him to discuss the Ladakh issue. At the same time, other things are going on in politics too, like Rahul Gandhi visiting Ladakh, Lalu Prasad returning to politics, and Arvind Kejriwal dealing with a legal matter. All of these things show how complex and interesting Indian politics can be, with different ideas, problems, and plans shaping the country’s future.
Diplomatic Agenda:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s departure for the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg comes at a crucial juncture, offering a platform to address the lingering issue of the Chinese “presence” in the Ladakh region. As the Opposition keeps the spotlight on this matter, Modi’s participation provides an opportunity for strategic engagement.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
BRICS Reunion:
The in-person BRICS Summit, a confluence of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, signifies a major diplomatic event after a gap since 2019. Amid these interactions, speculations are rife about a potential meeting between Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Summit.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Hint of Interaction:
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Shubhajit Roy’s, veiled suggestion of a Modi-Xi meeting intensifies the intrigue. This proposed interaction would mark their first scheduled dialogue since the onset of the border standoff in May 2020.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Bilateral Meetings:
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s guarded remarks about the schedule of the Prime Minister’s bilateral meetings add an air of anticipation as discussions continue behind the scenes.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Journey to Greece:
Post the BRICS Summit, Modi’s itinerary includes a historic visit to Greece, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to grace the country since the era of Indira Gandhi in 1983. The visit holds significance as it symbolizes diplomatic expansion and cooperation.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Rahul Gandhi’s Ladakh Sojourn:
The ongoing Ladakh trip of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is a subject of public attention, with the party utilizing social media to showcase his engagement with the local populace. It marks his first visit to the region since the abrogation of Article 370 and Ladakh’s transition into a separate Union territory.
Listening to the People:
During his Ladakh visit, Rahul Gandhi aims to gauge the concerns of the residents, with a specific focus on reports of Chinese military activities and alleged encroachment on grazing lands.
Congress in Bundelkhand:
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s forthcoming public address in Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region reverberates as a political move. The event follows PM Modi’s foundation stone-laying ceremony for a Rs 100 crore Sant Ravidas memorial and public gathering in Sagar.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Electoral Dynamics:
The Sagar district’s political dynamics, where the BJP won 6 seats and the Congress secured 2 out of the total 26 seats in the previous election, draw attention. Additionally, the broader state scenario reveals Congress’s significant gains among the Dalit community, despite BJP’s dominance in SC-reserved constituencies.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Empowering Bundelkhand:
The Congress’s emphasis on Bundelkhand goes beyond political optics. With 6 reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) out of Bundelkhand’s total 26, the BJP secured 5 seats in the 2018 election. However, the Congress’s success among Dalits in the state, as highlighted by Anand Mohan J, is evident. Of the state’s 35 SC-reserved seats, BJP won 18 while the Congress secured 17.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
UPA’s Commitment:
The Congress reinforces its stance by highlighting the UPA government’s announcement of an Rs 8,000 crore package for the development of the backward Bundelkhand region. This commitment aims to resonate with voters and demonstrate Congress’s dedication to addressing regional disparities.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
Punjab’s Duel with Nature:
Amid Punjab’s changing climate dynamics, the state witnesses the dual challenges of floods and droughts. Farmers in Sangrur district clashed with police over leaders’ detention ahead of a planned compensation-seeking demonstration. With farmer associations, like Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, demanding Rs 50,000 crore for flood-related crop damage and individual losses, the agricultural sector’s grievances are magnified.
Lalu Prasad’s Reappearance:
RJD president Lalu Prasad’s presence in Gopalganj marks a significant event. His visit, post-kidney transplant, exemplifies his commitment to the anti-BJP alliance. Lalu’s critique of Modi’s claims and his assertion of unity within the alliance, despite hesitations about the INDIA “face,” set the stage for upcoming political dynamics.
Lalu Prasad, the RJD president, makes a significant move by returning to his home district of Gopalganj. Despite his recent kidney transplant, he visits his ancestral house and offers prayers at a local temple. Lalu emerges as a prominent face in the anti-BJP alliance, positioning himself at the forefront of the opposition’s efforts to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
OBC Representation Battle in Gujarat:
The Congress’s attempt to showcase its OBC leadership in Gujarat amplifies the party’s focus on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. With OBCs playing a crucial role, Congress invites prominent OBC figures to participate in a Gandhinagar sit-in. The BJP’s delay in publicizing a report on OBC representation intensifies the debate over reservation in local bodies.(PM Modi In BRICS Summit:)
In Gujarat, the Congress seizes on the issue of OBC representation by organizing a sit-in at Gandhinagar. Prominent OBC leaders participate to highlight concerns about the community’s representation, including reservations in local bodies. With a claim that the BJP is undermining OBC representation, the Congress calls for transparency in the report regarding backwardness implications for local bodies’ reservation decisions.
Legal Maneuvers:
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh’s court plea for a speedy hearing in a criminal defamation case underscores the political climate. The case, involving Gujarat University and their alleged derogatory remarks about PM Modi’s degree, resonates as legal actions shape political narratives.
In Gujarat, the shadow of defamation cases looms large over opposition leaders. Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister, along with AAP colleague and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, appeals to a Sessions Court for a swift hearing regarding their application against a summons in a criminal defamation case. This case stems from their “sarcastic” and “derogatory” statements regarding PM Modi’s degree, underscoring the tense legal climate.
Assam’s Pension Protests:
Assam witnesses a two-day protest over the contentious issue of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) versus the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). With around 5 lakh government employees, including 3.5 lakh under the NPS, demanding a return to the OPS, the state grapples with employee discontent. Various associations from schools, colleges, judicial services, trade unions, and more join the movement, pressing for a change that impacts thousands of livelihoods.
BJP’s Vigil in Himachal Pradesh:
The BJP, wary of the One Pension Scheme (OPS) demand’s potency, keeps a close watch on Assam’s situation. The demand for reverting to the OPS resulted in the party losing an election in Himachal Pradesh. This history influences the BJP’s stance as they monitor the unfolding events in Assam.
Kejriwal and AAP’s Legal Battle:
In Gujarat, the shadow of defamation cases looms large over opposition leaders. Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister, along with AAP colleague and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, appeals to a Sessions Court for a swift hearing regarding their application against a summons in a criminal defamation case. This case stems from their “sarcastic” and “derogatory” statements regarding PM Modi’s degree, underscoring the tense legal climate.