[Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accused Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar of conspiring to take away part of the quota for Dalits and EBCs and give it to another community, the BJP turned the allegation into a formal election plank by putting out front-page advertisements in local newspapers in Patna.]
I/III. http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/bihar-polls-bjp-puts-quota-conspiracy-theory-out-in-print/ Bihar polls: BJP puts ‘quota conspiracy’ theory out in print The ad addresses leaders of each constituent of the maha gathbandhan. It reminds Nitish of a speech he had made in Parliament in 2005, when he called for Muslims among Dalits to be included among the SCs. [Facsilmile of the ad] The ad addresses leaders of each constituent of the maha gathbandhan. It reminds Nitish of a speech he had made in Parliament in 2005, when he called for Muslims among Dalits to be included among the SCs. ***Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accused Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar of conspiring to take away part of the quota for Dalits and EBCs and give it to another community, the BJP turned the allegation into a formal election plank by putting out front-page advertisements in local newspapers in Patna.*** [Emphasis added.] And where Modi had left the “other community” unnamed in his speech in Buxar, the party has spelt it out. Its quarter-page and bottomspread advertisements allege that Lalu and Nitish’s aim is to transfer the quota to minorities. Leaders of the grand alliance saw a sign of desperation in the BJP’s pitch, saying the party has sensed it is losing the elections. Monday’s ads appeared as part of a series that the BJP has been running. Called “Jawab Nahin, Vote Nahin (If you have no answer, you get no vote)”, the ads have been asking Lalu a series of questions with the tagline “Lalu-Nitish jawab do, 25 saalo ka hisab do”. “Daliton, pichchado ki thali kheech alpasankhyakon ki aarakshan parosne ka shadyantra kya sushashan hai?” asks Wednesday’s ad, alleging a “conspiracy to snatch from the plate of Dalits and backwards and serve it to minorities”. Watch Videos: Comprehensive Coverage Of Bihar Elections 2015 [Video] The ad addresses leaders of each constituent of the maha gathbandhan. It reminds Nitish of a speech he had made in Parliament in 2005, when he called for Muslims among Dalits to be included among the SCs. Nitish repeated that view in 2007 at an OBC Muslim rally at Rafiganj, Aurangabad, it adds. The JD(U) agreed Nitish had made those remarks. “Yes, we stand by what Nitish said,” said Ali Anwar, Rajya Sabha MP with the JD(U) and head of All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz. “When we say Dalit, we don’t differentiate and mean all Dalits, Hindu or Muslim. Besides, we were talking of increasing the quota of Dalits, not of taking away from the existing quota.” He added that after Nitish’s statement, the Bihar assembly during Lalu’s regime had passed a resolution to this effect. “The BJP didn’t oppose it then. Uttar Pradesh passed a similar resolution and Dalit leader Mayawati didn’t oppose it; when Andhra Pradesh passed one, NDA ally N Chandrababu Naidu didn’t object,” Anwar said. “The BJP is desperate midway through an election that they know they are losing.” The BJP ad’s questions to Lalu and the Congress, too, harp back on earlier statements made by leaders. It reminds Lalu of his 2014 party’s manifesto which, it says, promised to amend Article 341 of the Constitution to add Muslims and Christians among SCs. The RJD denied it. “We never said anything about tampering with constitutional provisions,” said Manoj Jha, RJD national spokesperson. “The BJP has lost its face at the national level. Such acts and statements are coming out of its desperation and are aimed at communalising the elections.” Addressing the Congress, the BJP ad refers to a speech in 2011 by Digvijaya Singh in Lucknow, where he called for reservation for Dalit Muslims, and another by Salman Khurshid in 2012, when he called for nine per cent reservation for Muslims. “Yes, our leaders said so,” said Prem Chandra Mishra of the AICC media cell. “Even in Andhra Pradesh, we sought a four per cent quota for Muslims. The court in Hyderabad ruled it out and we did not press it further.” About the BJP, he echoed his allies’ views: “They are fighting a losing battle.” II/III. http://www.firstpost.com/politics/in-twitter-interaction-with-firstpost-nitish-predicts-landslide-victory-for-grand-alliance-in-bihar-polls-2486700.html In Twitter interaction with Firstpost, Nitish predicts landslide victory for grand alliance in Bihar elections by FP Staff Oct 29, 2015 07:20 IST As the third phase of the Bihar Assembly polls 2015 came to an end on Wednesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in a Twitter interaction with Firstpost, said that he was confident that the Mahagathbandhan would have a 'landslide victory' in the elections. .@firstpost All indications suggest that people have decided to bless and support the Mahagathbandhan. (1/2) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/2) My reading is that the Mahagathbandhan is heading for a landslide victory. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost With people's blessings, Mahagathbandhan is all set for a landslide victory — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost It’s a welcome trend and only adds to our confidence that Mahagathbandhan is heading for a landslide victory. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 He said that the people of Bihar would elect him as Chief Minister again "based on the work I have done so far which they have witnessed, and on the basis of the priorities that I have outlined for the next 5 years". .@firstpost There is no need for me to be any different. People would elect me to office based on the work I have done so far which (1/3) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/3) they have witnessed, and on the basis of the priorities that I have outlined for the next 5 years in the form of my — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (3/3) 7 nishchays - my seven point agenda to ensure unabated development of Bihar. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Nitish Kumar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP, alleging that they were trying to communalise the Bihar polls. He also brought up the beef issue and said that BJP was trying to "import" the beef issue to Bihar to communalise the state polls. .@firstpost Modiji and his party has made brazen attempts to add communal colour to their campaign in Bihar. They have tried to import (1/3) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 @firstpost (2/3) issues such as that of beef which have no relevance in Bihar. Also, in the last leg he is commenting on reservations which — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (3/3) is nothing but one more attempt in the same direction. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Firstpost also asked the Bihar Chief Minister whether he thought that there was communal polarisation after the beef controversy. He, however, said that the beef controversy was never an issue in Bihar, although the BJP did try to make it one. .@firstpost No. It's true that BJP did try to use the beef issue to add communal color to this election, however, as I've said this on (1/2) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/2) many occasions beef has never been an issue in Bihar. So any such attempt was bound to fail which is exactly what happened — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 On being asked whether he thought the BJP had shifted its focus from development to issues of caste and communalism, Nitish Kumar said that BJP's attempts to communalise the Bihar polls were now obvious to all. .@firstpost During the course of this campaign, BJP’s repeated and blatant attempts to add communal colour to the debate have been (1/3) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/3) out in the open for all to see. Not only the local leaders but also the national leaders including Modiji himself have — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (3/3) attempted to add communal colour to the Bihar elections. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 The Bihar CM further said that they had "lowered the standard of the debate" by using indecent language. He said that even PM Modi "used language that is not in keeping with the dignity of the office he holds." .@firstpost I stand for use of civil language in political discourse. However, I must say that during these elections in Bihar, it is (1/3) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/3) Modiji and his party who have lowered the standard of the debate and on many counts Modiji himself has used language that — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (3/3) is not in keeping with the dignity of the office he holds. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Giving his views on the impression that the youth in Bihar seemed to favour Modi, Nitish said that this was just an impression created by some people. .@firstpost This is the impression that some have been trying to make. The overwhelming support that Mahagathbandhan has been getting (1/2) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/2) as seen in the last 3 phases of Bihar elections clearly suggests that Bihar's youth is in full support of Mahagathbandhan — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Nitish Kumar also did not shy away from answering difficult questions, including questions on his alliance with former bitter rival and RJD chief Lalu Prasad. .@firstpost Not at all. I would like to believe that people like me for all that I bring to the table, including my allies. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost In choosing political partners or allies we have been guided primarily by principles, ideology, and the political realities(1/2) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/2) of the day. Beyond these, in taking such decisions, I have always tried to keep the interest of Bihar above anything else — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost @hitesh2014 The interest of Bihar — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 He was also asked whether there was a chance of 'jungle raj' in Bihar if JD(U) got lesser number of seats than RJD. .@firstpost @aniket_mit Please do not trouble yourself with such predicament, the mandate is going to be decisively in favour of (1/2) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost @aniket_mit (2/2) Mahagathbandhan. And I have said it time and again that with me as CM, only the rule of law will prevail. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Nitish Kumar faced criticism from some corners after the BJP released a video of him visiting a tantric to seek his blessings for the Bihar polls. Firstpost asked Nitish Kumar what he would tell the tantric if he saw him again. .@firstpost First of all I don't meet tantrics very often, but in a hypothetical situation if I were to meet him again, as I did (1/2) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/2) last time, I would be courteous and would extend pleasantries and hear him out on whatever he has to say — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Nitish even responded to a Twitter user who complained that his father, a government employee, hadn't got his salary from 2008 and the government had not addressed this problem. .@firstpost @SaveLifePMModi I am sorry to hear about this. Pls share details at [email protected] my office will get in touch with you — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 He also said that there was no anti-Narendra Modi campaign when he was asked whether Sushil Modi was a partner with him in the anti-Modi campaign. .@firstpost When there was no such campaign, where is the question of partnering with anyone — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 On being asked about whether women voters had stood by him, Nitish Kumar said that he believed in their "overwhelming support for me and the Mahagathbandhan". .@firstpost It has been my privilege to have the trust and support of our women electorate throughout my political career. (1/3) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (2/3) Yes it is true that in these polls too they are voting in large numbers and I continue to believe in their overwhelming — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost (3/3) support for me and the Mahagathbandhan — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 The Bihar CM also spoke about the poem he had recited on Monday at a Patna presser in which he had mocked PM Modi. .@firstpost A friend of mine shared those lines with me, since I liked them & found them relevant, I thought I should share it with you all — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 He also answered a question on his plan for Bihar's industrial development if the state did not get special status. .@firstpost @singh_alok We will continue to build upon our industrial growth (nearly 14%) that has been above national average over (1/3) — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost @singh_alok (2/3) the years and further strengthen our efforts by proactively reaching out to all key stakeholders to encourage — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 .@firstpost @singh_alok investmnents and industrialization in the state. — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 Perhaps Nitish Kumar's most witty response was his answer to the last question. .@firstpost @dipanghosh I thought we are still dealing with issues of 2015 — Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 28, 2015 The voting for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly polls will conclude on 5 November and the counting of votes will take place on 8 November. III. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/bihar-elections-2015/news/Bihar-elections-Saffron-hopes-surge-after-good-turnout-in-3rd-phase-in-areas-seen-as-pro-BJP/articleshow/49575123.cms? Bihar elections: Saffron hopes surge after good turnout in 3rd phase in areas seen as pro-BJP TNN | Oct 29, 2015, 04.48 AM IST PATNA: Voter turnout in the third phase of Bihar's assembly elections surpassed the polling figures of five years ago and the BJP is seeing it as a sign that it has acquired a lead over the secular "alliance". That's because voters turned out in larger numbers in the area that's supposed to be more favourable to the BJP's bid to wrest power in Patna. Saffron strategists believe that their "change-for-development" pitch has resonated well. In the 2010 assembly polls, the BJP won 20 of the 50 constituencies in the comparable round. The NDA led in 37 of these in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In last year's general elections, it polled the same percentage of votes — 42% — as the JD(U), the RJD and the Congress put together. While exact replications are rare because the public moos isn't constant, the BJP derives appears confiedent for several reasons. There's little sign of OBC voters getting polarized against the BJP, despite Lalu Prasad using Mohan Bhagwat's reservations comment to dub the BJP anti-quota. In Arrah and Vaishali districts, saffron candidates appear to be have drawn support from EBCs and Dalits. This could help them build upon the solid backing saffron challengers are getting from the upper castes, Vaishyas, Paswans and Musahars. Thee BJP also seems to be gaining from the resentment among EBCs, the trading castes and others whoare against the dominance that the Yadavs enjoyed during 15 years of Lalu-Rabri rule. PThe fear of 'Jungle Raj 2' — PM Narendra Modi's shorthand for Yadav raj — appeared more palpable in constituencies that voted on Wednesday. -- Peace Is Doable -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
