India Politics Updates | India's Muslims have Babur in their DNA, says SP leader

'India is a symbol of unity in diversity': Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, at an Iftar party hosted by him, says, "India is a symbol of unity in diversity. We should not fall into the trap of any divisive forces. We have just celebrated Holi, Gudi Padwa and Eid are coming - all these festivals teach us to live together.

"We should all celebrate it together because unity is our real strength. I want to assure you that your brother Ajit Pawar is with you. Anyone who shows an eye to our Muslim brothers and sisters, if anyone tries to create a fight between two groups and takes law and order in his hands, whoever he is - he will not be spared, he will not be forgiven."

Naveen Patnaik will raise his voice against anything that is deterimental to Odisha': BJD leader Amar Patnaik

On the meeting on delimitation called by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, BJD leader Amar Patnaik says, "Under direction from the former Chief Minister, our party president and the leader of opposition, Naveen Patnaik, we have been nominated to represent the party in the meeting which has been convened by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Stalin, to discuss the issue of delimitation.

"The issue is important for a state like Odisha because there is a likelihood of various ramifications to the number of seats for MP and MLA if the existing criteria continue. I think in this broader picture, the consultation has been initiated by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Naveen Babu has always stood up for the people of Odisha. Anything that is detrimental to Odisha or not beneficial to Orissa, he will definitely like to raise his voice."

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'DMK is staging this delimitation drama to deflect public's attention from their failures': BJP leader CR Kesavan

On the meeting called by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on delimitation, BJP leader CR Kesavan says, "DMK staging this delimitation drama is a diversionary tactic to deflect public attention from DMK's corrupt, failed, disastrous misrule. DMK's divisive politics of fear-mongering will badly boomerang. Rahul Gandi and the Congress party, with their mutually conflicting and contradicting stance, are indulging in a pathetic politics of opportunism... Rahul Gandhi vouches that rights should be proportional to population... DMK should call Rahul Gandhi's bluff and break their alliance with the Congress party..."

A recap of political developments

Karnataka bandh on March 22: Autos, cabs may stay off roads; RTC buses to operate as usual

18 BJP MLAs suspended amid ruckus over honey-trap row in Karnataka Assembly

Pawan Kalyan’s MP to participate in Stalin’s delimitation meeting? Rumours abound

Cong MLAs in black dresses play gongs, flutes in Odisha assembly, cause multiple adjournments

Poster war erupts in poll-bound Bihar

A poster war has erupted between the ruling Janata Dal(United) and the RJD in Bihar ahead of assembly elections.

On Saturday, a new poster was seen in front of the residence of former Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi, targeting CM Nitish Kumar.

The poster reads, 'Nayak nahi khalnayak hoon main' (not a hero, I am a villain), accusing Bihar CM of insulting women and disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi and the national anthem.

India Politics LIVE | Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar reaches Chennai to meet on delimitation called by DMK

Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday morning reached Chennai to attend first meeting of CMs of seven states over delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies.

Upon reaching Chennai, he said, "I would like to congratulate MK Stalin. He has taken the first step. We are very proud that he is protecting the federal structure and the Constitution of this country. Coming together is the beginning. Today, all of us will discuss what the progress will be, and work together... Leaders from Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, we all have joined here... At any cost, we cannot let down our country and our seats be reduced... We are a very progressive state. We have stood fast economically and in literacy... We will stand united, and we will make sure none of our seats are reduced...

Speaking on the black flags shown by BJP upon reaching Chennai, he said, "I welcome all the BJP black flags. I am not afraid even if they send me to Tihar jail..."

India Politics LIVE | This meeting will speak for another 100 years: TN Congress chief Selvaperunthagai

TN Congress chief Selvaperunthagai said, "CM MK Stalin organised this meeting. We welcome it. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar are participating...This meeting will speak for another 100 years - protection of the people of Tamil Nadu and those in south India. This meeting will create some impact, it will give a lot of questions to the Centre..."

India Politics LIVE | BJP holds protest across Chennai against Kerala CM & Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai and other leaders of the party show black flags, registering their protest against Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar over Mekdatu project issue.

The protests are against Karanataka's assertions that it will implement the Mekedatu project across River Cauvery and Kerala allegedly using Tamil Nadu as its “dump yard.”

"Our state has various issues with neighbouring states. With Kerala, we have Mullaperiyar Dam issue...Karnataka government has opposed Metro line towards Hosur from Karnataka border. On various occasions, our CM didn' raise these issues when he visited neighbouring states. But today, he has called all CMs and is doing drama on delimitation, which is not even a problem at all," Annamalai said.

India Politics LIVE | 'States that have contributed to nation’s development came together to safeguardfederal structure'

Watch: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin meets Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar ahead of meeting on delimitation

India Politics LIVE | 'Important day for federalism in India,' says Stalin as joint action meet on delimitation begins

 The first joint action meeting on delimitation begun on Saturday, with Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin addressing the meeting.

"We have come together to protect India’s democracy and federal structure. Every state has its unique identity and India’s beauty is its diversity. Only when these states grow on their own and in their own style, India can truly be a federal country," he says.

"This is a very important day in the history of federalism in India," says Stalin

"Delimitation on population will affect our political representation and that’s why we have to oppose this vehemently," says Stalin.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said social justice will be affected due to the reduction in political representation. "If we allow this to happen, we might lose representation in our own country," he says.

"BJP is trying to implement its agenda of weakening states through the Delimitation exercise," he added.

India Politics LIVE | Instead of being rewarded for managing population growth, we now at risk losing our political representation, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "...For decades, States present here have made significant efforts to control and manage the population growth. We introduced policies, raised awareness and achieved what the nation aimed for - stable population growth. While some other states continue to experience rapid population growth, we acted responsibly. As a result, we reached the population replacement rate much earlier than many other states. But instead of being rewarded for this achievement, we are now at the risk of losing our political representation."

India Politics LIVE | Delimitation must uphold the federal spirit of our democracy: YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy writes to PM Modi

Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy writes to PM Narendra Modi, "requesting that the delimitation exercise be conducted in such a manner that no State would have to endure any reduction in its representation in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, in terms of its share in total no. of seats in the House."

India Politics LIVE | Centre should launch meaningful dialogue with states, says Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says the Union Governmeny should launch a meaningful dialogue with states in the issue of Delimitation.

"It is the responsibility of the Centre to make its stand clear on Delimitation. Not just about numbers it is about the conscience of India," he said.

India Politics LIVE | Proposed resolution seeks to freeze delimitation exercise for the next 25 years

The proposed resolution at the meet seeks to freeze delimitation exercise for the next 25 years. 

India Politics LIVE | Delhi AAP holds protest over non-implementation of Mahila Samman Yojana

Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi holds a protest alleging the non-implementation of Mahila Samman Yojana.

India Politics LIVE | BJP doesn’t believe in discussions, says Revanth Reddy

In his speech at meeting of states over delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy said, "We will fight together on this. The BJP doesn’t believe in discussions; it believes only in imposing its decisions."

India Politics LIVE | Delimitation based on population is unacceptable, says Naveen Patnaik

"This meeting is aimed at protecting the country's federal structure. The country would have faced serious consequences if southern states hadn’t controlled population. Delimitation based on population is unacceptable," says former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik in his speech via Video conferencing

India Politics LIVE | Fadnavis holds review meeting on law and order in Nagpur

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis holds a review meeting at Nagpur Police Headquarters regarding the law and order in the city.

India Politics LIVE | Delimitation cannot be done without a fresh census, says Jairam Ramesh

Speaking to news agency ANI, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Delimitation cannot be done without a fresh census. Atal Bihari Bajpai amended the Constitution to say that the delimitation will be postponed till we complete the first census after 2026, which means 2031. That was his constitutional amendment in 2002. So, delimitation was kept frozen at 1971 population levels... When is the census coming?... Four years have passed. When is the census coming? You need delimitation for the women's reservation and distribution of Lok Sabha seats... You cannot penalize states for successes in family planning... There are many states which will lose seats... If we take the 2025 estimated population...many states will lose their representation... Because many, some states that have been successful in family planning...they are going to be penalized. That is unacceptable..."

India Politics LIVE | Second JAC meeting in Hyderabad, proposes Revanth Reddy

India Politics LIVE | Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena didn't attend JAC meet on delimitation, party clarifies

Party statement

Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena, ally of BJP clarified party declined the invite from DMK to attend meeting to discuss de limitation. In a statement Pawan Kalyan’s political secretary and MLC P Hariprasad said Jana Sena was invited to the all-party meeting organized by the DMK party in Chennai to discuss the reorganization of constituencies. However, Jana Sena Party informed that they couldn't attend the meeting. He said There were rumors that Jana Sena attended the meeting, but he clarified that it was just speculation. The DMK party representatives extended an invitation to Jana Sena to participate in the meeting. Jana Sena will announce their stance on the reorganization of constituencies on an official platform, said the statement from Jana Sena.

India Politics LIVE | Many in Siddaramaiah govt involved in Rs 15,000 cr 'smart meter scandal', claims BJP MLA

India Politics LIVE | Bengal BJP workers want women barred from working in bars; protest TMC bill

India Politics LIVE | All will 'come together' to save federalism and Constitution: DKS after JAC meet on delimitation

India Politics LIVE | Scuffle breaks out between cops, BJP's Roopa Ganguly amid protest against TMC Bill allowing women to work in bars

BJP's Sukanta Majumdar and Agnimitra Paul have also joined the protests

India Politics LIVE | What's in focus for Viksit Delhi budget

- Economic empowerment of women

- Education

- Health

- Yamuna cleaning

- Pollution

- Waterlogging

The announcement was made by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

India Politics LIVE | Mamata's cops know how to stop women BJP workers, not give women security, says BJP's Agnimitra Paul

India Politics LIVE | SP leader sparks fresh row comparing Babur, Rana Sanga as Aurangzeb issue simmers

India Politics LIVE | We will take up this issue in Delhi, says CM Revanth Reddy on delimitation

After attending the first Joint Action Committee meeting on delimitation in Chennai, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy says, "We will take up this issue in Delhi. We are going to organize a closed-door meeting as well as a public meeting. This is a public issue, and we want to create awareness among the public."- PTI

India Politics LIVE | Delimitation based on population would render southern states ''inconsequential'': Y S Sharmila

India Politics LIVE |Efforts were made to reduce number of seats reserved for tribals in the state, says CM Soren on delimitation meeting

India Politics LIVE | Whatever Abu Azmi said, it was with Akhilesh Yadav's consent, says UP Deputy CM Maurya

India Politics LIVE | It seems Ajit Pawar has started a new business of checking eyes, says Narayan Rane

On Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar's "Anyone who shows an eye to our Muslim brothers..." remark, BJP MP Narayan Rane says, "It seems Ajit Pawar has started a new business of checking eyes."- ANI

India Politics LIVE | Who is running the government in today's situation, ask RJD's Tejashwi Yadav

India Politics LIVE | This will increase transparency; it will help the poor and women: Kiren Rijiju on Waqf Amendment Bill

India Politics LIVE | Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's delimitation meeting garners strong support from various leaders

India Politics LIVE | This meeting being held by Tamil Nadu CM is a vote bank agenda: Sudhakar Reddy

India Politics LIVE | There should be complete peace in Maharashtra

India Politics LIVE | Congress workers protest against leadership over district head appointment during Holi Milan ceremony in Lucknow

India Politics LIVE | Delimitation exercise planned attack on non-BJP ruled states: TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin

The proposed delimitation exercise by the Centre was not just a numbers game but a planned attack on the non-BJP ruled states to reduce their representation in the Parliament, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Saturday- PTI

India Politics LIVE | BJP has always done politics of hatred, says Independent MP Pappu Yadav

India Politics LIVE | We will contest the 2025 elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, and he will become CM, says Jitan Ram Manjhi

India Politics LIVE | TMC MLA dares LoP Suvendu Adhikari to visit Murshidabad district

Four days after being cautioned by the TMC legislature party not to make provocative statements in public, Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir on Saturday dared the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari to enter Murshidabad district on April 13 and face the music- PTI

India Politics LIVE | Present delimitation policy 'threat' to future of southern states: BRS leader K T Rama

Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working President K T Rama Rao on Saturday alleged that the current policy of delimitation "poses a threat to the future of southern states", undermining their economic contributions, governance achievements, and democratic representation -PTI

India Politics LIVE | MK Stalin has completely drowned in corruption while ruling for 4.5 years, says G Kishan Reddy

India Politics LIVE | Giving such remrks on Rana Sanga shows that SP leader Ramji Lal is not in the right state of mind, says MP Dy CM Rajendra Shukla

India Politics LIVE | This budget is not of Delhi but of the people of Delhi: Manjinder Singh Sirsa

India Politics LIVE | India's Muslims have Babur in their DNA, says SP leader Ramji Lal Suman

India Politics LIVE | SP and people of INDI alliance are trying to divide the country based on caste, religion and language: Dilip Jaiswal

India Politics LIVE | After BJP came to power in Odisha, reign of terror is going on: Pradeep Majhi

BJD leader Pradeep Majhi says, " After BJP came to power in Odisha, reign of terror is going on. They want to capture all the govt and administration...in Raigarh, the ADM was humiliated because he is a tribal. The BJP district President (of Rayagada), Gopi Anand has collected lakhs of money from the businessmen there. He told them that his party is with him and if they don't pay, they won't exist there...we condemn this. BJD is with people who have sought protection from govt..." -ANI

India Politics LIVE | Women's economic empowerment, Yamuna cleaning, waterlogging in focus of Viksit Delhi budget: CM Rekha Gupta

India Politics LIVE | What kind of future Is Mamata creating for Bengal's women? BJP's Roopa Ganguly slams Bengal CM

Ganguly remarked, "She (Mamata Banerjee) herself says a lot of wrong things which does not befit her as a woman and a chief minister."

Referring to Banerjee's earlier comment that women should avoid going out at night, Ganguly questioned her latest move, stating, "Just a few days ago, she said that women should not go out at night, but now women will work in bars? What kind of future is she creating for the women of Bengal?"- ANI

India Politics LIVE | AAP stages protests across Delhi against BJP govt for 'failing' to provide Rs 2,500 aid to women

Senior AAP leaders and party supporters took to the streets in multiple locations, distributing symbolic cheques of "Bank of Jumla' to highlight what they said was BJP's "broken commitment", an official statement of AAP said - PTI