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Gaza Finds Place In Congress Manifesto On Foreign Policy! What More Does It Say?
Congress Manifesto Out
Congress Manifesto affirmed to “uphold continuity in India’s foreign policy”.
It alleged that BJP has departed from the consensus on India’s foreign policy since independence, “notably on Gaza conflict”.
Restore India’s global reputation as a voice of peace and moderation in world affairs. Repair India’s international image that has been damaged by the present government’s intolerance of dissent and suppression of human rights.
Quiet attention to our borders over chest-thumping or exaggerated claims. Restore the status quo ante on our borders with China and necessary steps to adjust our policy towards
China until this is achieved. Re-establish the primacy of our special relationships with Nepal and Bhutan. Enhance economic and cultural relations between India and Bangladesh, two most populous countries in South Asia.
Work with Sri Lanka to restore the political and commercial relations and help Sri Lanka resolve its political issues especially with the Tamils.
Work with Myanmar to protect the political and human rights of the people of Myanmar. Engagement with Pakistan depends on its willingness and ability to end cross-border terrorism.
Repair relations with the Maldives.
Significantly increase the size of the Indian Foreign Service, open more missions abroad, leverage our economic strengths, & acquire a position of leadership.
Revive the position of a Minister of State handling overseas Indians within the MEA to provide a one-stop window to address their concerns.
A Royal Gaurakshak from Tripura for BJP!
BJP has sprung a surprise by naming ‘Maharani’ Kriti Singh Debbarma, the younger daughter of Tripura’s last king, Maharaja Kirit Debbarma, as its candidate from the Tripura East seat.
The 52-year-old ‘Maharani’ has never lived in Tripura. Her parents and siblings had long associations with the Congress, and her husband has served as the Congress MLA twice. But Kriti took to BJP like a fish to water.
She launched her election campaign on March 30 with proper gusto. Tripura East is an ST reserved seat and a stronghold of the Tipra Motha party founded by her brother, the titular ‘Maharaja’ Pradyot Debbarma.
He joined the BJP government in the state after Union signed an agreement with Motha and Tripura government on “time-bound and honourable solution” to the demands of the tribals. Tipra Motha and Pradyot are very popular among the Tripuris.
The BJP also wields a lot of influence in Tripura East. With these two political forces combining forces, the only remaining question is Kriti Singh Debbarma’s victory margin.
Incidentally, Kriti Singh’s father won this seat on a Congress ticket thrice as did her mother once. Her elder sister Pragya, who fought the 2019 LS polls on a Congress ticket, was defeated by BJP’s Rebati Tripura by over two lakh votes.
That has been forgotten. She accompanied Kriti for nomination filing. A guarakshak, Kriti is a passionate animal lover and animal rights activist. She runs a huge gaushala in Kawardha and a shelter for stray dogs and cats.
Different from cosmetic activism, she doesn’t use any leather articles, footwear, fancy leather handbags, or fur stoles.
“She (Kriti) is not a novice in politics as many may think. Our parents were active politicians and we grew up in quite a political atmosphere. We have, while growing up, interacted closely with many senior politicians not only of Tripura but also national-level political leaders,” says Pradyot.
But she is a woman of few words, at least in public. She believes in deeds, rather than words. Her brother (Pradyot) is a bit concerned about this as that won’t do, not for a politician.
Stage For A Riveting Battle In Barmer Set With Independent Bhati’s Entry
Ravindra Singh Bhati, former BJP leader and currently independent MLA from Rajasthan's Sheo assembly seat, has filed his nomination from the Barmer LS seat.
This has made direct Barmer a triangular contest between BJP’s Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, Congress' Ummeda Ram Beniwal, and Bhati.
Barmer Lok Sabha seat comprises regions of Barmer, Balotra, and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan.
Who is Ravindra Singh Bhati?
Bhati (26) hails from Dudhoda village of Barmer district and belongs to the Rajput community.
He began his political journey with student politics at the Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU) in Jodhpur.
After ABVP denied him a ticket in 2019, he contested independently and became the first independent student union president in JNVU's 57-year history.
During his tenure, he raised several student concerns, including fee issues and was also jailed multiple times. Bhati, who joined BJP in 2023 ahead of assembly polls, was expecting a ticket from Sheo seat.
When he was denied the ticket, he contested and won as an independent becoming Sheo’s first independent MP. He was also the youngest MLA in the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections alongside Anshuman Singh Bhati.
Now, Bhati has drawn significant attention to his Lok Sabha campaign. A large crowd accompanied him for filing his nomination. The Barmer-Jaisalmer region has traditionally seen Jats and Rajputs competing with each other for political dominance.
In the current election, while both BJP & Congress nominees are Jats, Bhati is gaining by projecting himself as the lone Rajput challenger to the ‘Jat dominance’.
- Anmol Jain
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