Aiyar Stokes Fresh Controversy; ‘Modi vs Mamata’ Takes Center Stage in West Bengal
Delhi CM Kejriwal Denied Relief by Supreme Court; Congress Seeks CBI Probe into Dalit Woman’s Death in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar
With just three days left until the end of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the political landscape is heating up. The seventh and final phase of voting is crucial for major parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Janata Dal-United (JDU), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Samajwadi Party (SP).
Despite the ongoing campaigns, leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA bloc are already declaring victories. Some opposition leaders argue that reducing the BJP to fewer than 250 seats would be a significant moral victory for the INDIA alliance.
Aiyar Sparks New Controversy
Mani Shankar Aiyar has ignited fresh controversy with his remarks. Known for his contentious statements, Aiyar recently referred to China’s 1962 invasion of India as “alleged” during an event at the Foreign Correspondents Club. As the video circulated online, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that Aiyar had apologized unreservedly and the party distanced itself from his comments. However, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused the Congress of revisionism.
Modi vs Mamata in West Bengal’s Final Phase
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clashed in a series of rallies and roadshows ahead of the final phase of elections on June 1. Modi accused the TMC government of appeasement politics and misleading OBC youth, referencing a Calcutta High Court ruling that annulled OBC certificates for 77 groups. In response, Banerjee reiterated her opposition to the court order and accused Modi of deceiving the public. This final phase is critical, especially in Kolkata and the 24 Parganas districts, where the BJP aims to improve on its 2019 performance.
Kejriwal’s ‘Atishi Next’ Prediction After Defamation Notice
Reacting to a defamation case summons for AAP leader Atishi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal predicted her imminent arrest, alleging that the BJP is targeting all opposition leaders. He warned that if Modi is re-elected, all opposition leaders will face imprisonment. The defamation case, filed by BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor, follows Atishi’s claims that she was pressured to join the BJP or face the Enforcement Directorate.
Supreme Court Denies Urgent Hearing for Kejriwal’s Bail Extension
The Supreme Court’s vacation bench refused an urgent hearing on Kejriwal’s plea for a one-week extension of his interim bail on medical grounds. Emphasizing that the Chief Justice should decide on the matter, the bench noted that judgment on Kejriwal’s petition had already been reserved. Kejriwal, released from custody on May 10 to campaign, is scheduled to return to jail on June 2, with election results due on June 4.
Congress Demands CBI Probe into Dalit Woman’s Death
The death of a Dalit woman, who had filed a sexual harassment complaint against members of the Rajput community in 2019, has sparked a political uproar in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district. Following her uncle’s murder, the Congress has called for a CBI investigation. Rahul Gandhi has pledged support to the victim’s family and plans to meet them. State Congress chief Jitu Patwari connected Gandhi with the woman’s brother during a visit to their village, underscoring the party’s commitment to justice.
