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With GST rate cuts and project-launch spree, Modi tries to woo poll-bound Gujarat again

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8 years ago

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With GST rate cuts and project-launch spree, Modi tries to woo poll-bound Gujarat again

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Traders and cloth merchants across Gujarat had been protesting against the GST rollout and could have dented the BJP’s poll prospects later this year

Terming it an “early Diwali”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked to assuage dissent among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in poll-bound Gujarat by lauding the government’s move to revise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates as he addressed the public in Dwarka on Saturday.

Traders and cloth merchants, who carry substantial clout and influence in the Gujarat’s political landscape, had been protesting against the Modi government’s GST rollout for months as the high tax rates under the new unified tax regime had hit their business hard. It had largely been touted that the unrest among the trader lobby in Gujarat could have dented the BJP’s poll prospects in the state that goes to Assembly elections later this year.

The BJP has managed to stay in power in Gujarat since 1995 despite major political churning and signs of its citadel crumbling on more than one occasion – most notably after the 2002 post-Godhra pogrom. However, ever since Modi – who had managed to keep the BJP’s political fortunes in the state on an upswing even after the 2002 riots – moved to New Delhi as Prime Minister in May 2014, his party’s poll prospects have been uncertain. The state has, since May 2014, seen two chief ministers – Anandiben Patel and incumbent Vijay Rupani – and three major long-drawn anti-BJP agitations, first by the party’s loyal votebank – the Patel/Patidar community, then from Dalits and most recently by traders affected by the GST rollout.

It is thus difficult to believe that the change in GST rates meant primarily to curb dissent among owners of macro and small enterprises, and traders, cloth merchants and small retailers like Khakra (one of the most popular Gujarati snacks) manufacturing household industries came on the eve of Modi’s two-day visit to his home state ostensibly aimed at kick-starting his party’s poll campaign. Modi’s visit to Gujarat follows a three-day tour of the state’s Saurashtra region by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi earlier last week during which he hit out at the BJP government for its failure to create jobs and also over the GST rollout.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYmxvY2txdW90ZSUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydHdpdHRlci10d2VldCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTNFJTNDcCUyMGxhbmclM0QlMjJlbiUyMiUyMGRpciUzRCUyMmx0ciUyMiUzRVdpbGwlMjBiZSUyMGluJTIwR3VqYXJhdCUyMHRvZGF5JTIwJTI2YW1wJTNCJTIwdG9tb3Jyb3clMkMlMjB3aGVyZSUyMEklMjB3aWxsJTIwam9pbiUyMGltcG9ydGFudCUyMHByb2dyYW1tZXMlMjBhY3Jvc3MlMjB0aGUlMjBzdGF0ZS4lMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdC5jbyUyRlFrSlR0M3BLekclMjIlM0VodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnQuY28lMkZRa0pUdDNwS3pHJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMjZtZGFzaCUzQiUyME5hcmVuZHJhJTIwTW9kaSUyMCUyOCU0MG5hcmVuZHJhbW9kaSUyOSUyMCUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRm5hcmVuZHJhbW9kaSUyRnN0YXR1cyUyRjkxNjUwODM0MzY4MTgwMjI0MCUzRnJlZl9zcmMlM0R0d3NyYyUyNTVFdGZ3JTIyJTNFT2N0b2JlciUyMDclMkMlMjAyMDE3JTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRmJsb2NrcXVvdGUlM0UlMEElM0NzY3JpcHQlMjBhc3luYyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMiUyRiUyRnBsYXRmb3JtLnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tJTJGd2lkZ2V0cy5qcyUyMiUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The change in GST rates that was announced on Friday night – a day after Modi’s ‘emergency meeting’ with BJP national president Amit Shah and finance minister Arun Jaitley – has expectedly given the Prime Minister and self-appointed flagbearer of Gujarati asmita an opportunity to flaunt his government and party’s sensitivity towards the concerns of the small and medium scale enterprises and traders.

Stating that he was happy with the reception to the changes in GST, Modi told the public gathering in Dwarka that his government had further simplified the unified tax system.

The stated objective of the public gathering was foundation stone laying ceremony for a four-lane cable stayed signature bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka to be built at a cost of Rs 962.42 crore. However, Modi did not miss to utilize the opportunity to harp about the change in GST rate cuts.

“Today, everywhere it is being said that Diwali has come 15 days ahead. I am happy… We had said that we will study GST implementation for three months and shall overcome any discrepancies. Our finance minister (Arun Jaitley) convinced everyone in GST council to bring changes,” Modi claimed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“When there is trust in the government and policies are made with best intentions, it is natural for people to support us. I thank people of this country for their support,” Modi asserted.

It is, however, a different matter that the Prime Minister’s tall claims of his government’s sensitivity towards the problems that the public was facing because of what economic experts Opposition leaders and BJP veterans like Yashwant Sinha termed as “hasty implementation of GST” also come at a time when the slowdown in India’s economy is being attributed in part to the new tax regime.

Modi also announced the setting up of India’s first and biggest marine police training institute at Mojap in Dwarka district. “I would like to give a gift to the people of Gujarat that will benefit the entire country. For security of coastal area, we are working to modernise marine police who look after coastal security till five km from shore. To help train policemen from across the country, a marine police training and research institute will be set up near Mojap,” he said.

Alluding to the rising criticism of his government’s economic agenda, Modi said that development would continue to be the driving force for his government.

“This generation may have suffered poverty but we would take development to such heights that future generations do not get to see poverty,” the PM said.

Through the course of his two-day visit, Modi is scheduled to address six public meetings at launches of various schemes and projects across three regions of his home state.

After Dwarka, Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Rs 2,500-crore Rajkot International Airport on the outskirts of the biggest city in Saurashtra. He also addressed another public rally at the pilgrim town of Chotila in Surendranagar district.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Modi is also scheduled to dedicate a new building of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar to the nation at a function scheduled for Saturday evening.

On Sunday, Modi will visit his birthplace Vadnagar in North Gujarat to inaugurate a Rs 500-crore civil hospital and a medical college, apart from dedicating a re-developed lake and facelift of the Vadnagar railway station.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone of the Rs 1,200-crore Devi Ni Mori International Buddhist complex near Shamlaji in Aravalli district, also in North Gujarat, on Sunday.

Later, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 3,000-crore Bhadbhut barrage project over river Narmada, as well as a Rs 650-crore Dahej-Ghogha Ro-Ro ferry service near Bharuch in South Gujarat, before flying off to New Delhi from Vadodara.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

Published

1 day ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

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TMC MLA Humayun Kabir suspended after Babri Mosque replica proposal sparks row

TMC suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he proposed building a Babri mosque replica in Murshidabad, a move that drew criticism from the party and sparked political tension.

Published

1 day ago

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December 4, 2025

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Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he publicly announced plans to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Party leaders said Kabir had earlier been cautioned for making such statements but continued to push ahead with the controversial proposal.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said the MLA’s remarks were unacceptable, stressing that the party stood firmly by its secular stance. “We noticed that one of our MLAs suddenly declared he would build the Babri masjid. We had warned him before. As per the party’s decision, we are suspending him,” he said.

Kabir vows to continue project, may form new party

Kabir had planned to lay the foundation stone for the mosque replica in Beldanga on December 6. Sources indicated he is likely to resign from Trinamool on Friday and float a new party while continuing with the project.

The choice of date and nature of the project drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool leadership. Hakim alleged the move reflected a “divisional politics” strategy aligned with the BJP. “Why December 6? He could build a school or college. This is divisional politics,” he said.

Sources also said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “hugely annoyed” by Kabir’s remarks and informed him that the party would not support or associate with such activities.

Governor raises concerns, administration on alert

West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose questioned why action was not being taken if the MLA’s statements risked creating a law-and-order issue. He said intelligence inputs suggested attempts to turn Murshidabad into a “hub of scandal,” adding that authorities would not remain silent if communal tensions were provoked.

Officials confirmed that while Kabir has permission to hold the December 6 event, the administration is maintaining a high-level alert in Murshidabad.

Minutes after his suspension, Kabir withdrew from Mamata Banerjee’s rally in the India–Bangladesh border district, where she was protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

BJP attacks Kabir over remarks

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned Kabir’s comments, claiming they were intended to “create communal tensions.” He said any attempt to raise structures linked to historical rulers would trigger disputes similar to the Babri Masjid conflict.

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Karnataka Power Shift: What Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar compromise formula means

A closer look at the emerging ‘compromise formula’ between Karnataka’s top leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and how it may shape the state’s political future.

Published

6 days ago

on

November 29, 2025

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A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

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