Opposition Meeting LIVE News Updates: Opposition parties going to defeat BJP together: Rahul Gandhi

14:49 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

Opposition parties going to defeat BJP together: Rahul Gandhi

Opposition parties would beat the BJP in the general elections in 2024, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday, claiming a struggle was underway between his party's "Bharat Jodo" philosophy and the BJP's "Bharat Todo" thinking.

He also asserted that the Congress will win the next elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, emphasising the need of party unity.

He accused the BJP of attempting to "divide India and spread hatred and violence," and said that an ideological battle was taking place in India.

"On the one hand, there is the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP and RSS' 'Bharat Todo' thinking is on the other hand," Gandhi said while addressing a large gathering of Congress workers and leaders at the party office in the Sadaqat Ashram area here.

That is why we have come here because the DNA of the Congress is in Bihar, the former party chief said.

"All Opposition parties have come here and together we are going to defeat the BJP," he said.

14:15 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

Union Minister Smriti Irani lashes out at Opposition meeting in Patna

Union Minister Smriti Irani lashed out at the Opposition gathering in Patna, claiming that the Congress has conceded that they cannot beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi alone and that they would need the help of others. The senior BJP leader alluded to today's Opposition leaders' meeting in Patna, Bihar.

"I especially thank Congress for publicly announcing that they cannot alone defeat PM Modi and that they need the support of others to do so," Smriti Irani said while addressing a press conference.

Irani went on to blast the opposition, saying it is amusing that under Congress, such politicians have collected individuals who saw the slaughter of democracy during the emergency.

"It is hilarious that those people are getting together who want to signal to the nation that their own capabilities are insufficient in front of Modiji," she added.

The much-anticipated Opposition summit has begun in Bihar's Patna, hosted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with the goal of reaching an agreement to form a unified Opposition front to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

14:11 (IST)

Amit Shah LIVE Updates

'Photo session in Patna': Amit Shah's jibe at Oppn meeting, says Modi will return as PM with over 300 seats in 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will form the government in 2024 by gaining more than 300 seats and resuming his position as Prime Minister.

"No matter how many parties come for the meeting, they can never unite," Shah stated during a public gathering in Jammu.

"Today a photo session is underway in Patna. They (the opposition) want to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA. I want to tell them that PM Modi will form his government in the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls with more than 300 seats," Shah, who arrived in Jammu on a two-day visit today said.

A conference of opposition leaders convened in Patna today by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with the goal of forging a unified opposition front to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. More than 15 opposition parties gathered at Nitish Kumar's official house in Patna for the meeting.

13:33 (IST)

India Monsoons LIVE Updates

Monsoon onset in MP likely over weekend: IMD

The south-west monsoon is expected to arrive in Madhya Pradesh this weekend, despite pre-monsoon rains in parts of the state, including the state capital Bhopal and Indore, according to an IMD official on Friday.

Rain fell in the eastern regions of the state, bordering Chhattisgarh, during the previous two days, providing much-needed relief from the searing heat.

"The south-west monsoon is likely to hit Madhya Pradesh on June 24 or 25 and it is expected to set in over state capital Bhopal on June 26 or 27," India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Bhopal director R Balasubramanian told PTI.

By June 29, he believes it will have covered the whole state.

Last year, the monsoon came in the state on June 16, a day earlier than usual. It had engulfed 80 per cent of the state by June 21.

The monsoon came in Kerala on June 8, seven days later than usual.

13:23 (IST)

Amit Shah LIVE Updates

UPA govt was involved in scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Friday that the Modi government has created a firm basis for the eradication of corruption in the country, whereas the previous UPA administration was involved in "scams" of Rs 12 lakh crore.

He also launched a harsh assault on the National Conference, PDP, and Congress, asking who will bear responsibility for the deaths of 42,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir as a result of terrorism.

Modi took over from the UPA administration, which was implicated in scandals totaling Rs 12 lakh billion. Shah stated at a public event here that the prime minister has established a solid basis for a corruption-free India.

12:32 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

Opposition party meeting to chalk out a joint strategy to take on BJP starts

The meeting of opposition leaders to devise a common plan to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year begins in Patna.

The gathering is attended by more than 15 opposing parties.

12:14 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

'If we win Bihar, we can win across country', Kharge while addressing party workers in Patna

On Friday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed party members at the Bihar State Congress headquarters Sadakat Ashram, saying that if the party wins in Bihar, it can win across the country.

Rahul Gandhi, the party's senior leader, and Congress leader KC Venugopal were also present at the party headquarters ahead of the Opposition leaders' meeting.

"If we win Bihar, then we can win across the country," Kharge said while addressing the party workers in Patna. He also appealed to the people to unite and work in favour of the country and its democracy.

"I appeal to you to come together despite differences and work in favour of the country and its democracy. We must take forward what Rahul Gandhi has started," he said.

The party office is covered with posters and banners of Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders.

12:12 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

‘Everyone coming to solve their own problems’: BJP MLA ahead of Opposition meet in Patna

Jivesh Mishra, a BJP MLA, mocked the opposition leaders who would attend the opposition unity conference in Patna on Friday, saying that all the politicians are coming together to settle their own personal issues.

Opposition leaders from around the nation will gather in Patna to devise a plan to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Mishra lashed out at opposition leaders, saying that people attending the opposition convention here should first decide on their Prime Ministerial candidate.

"First they should decide who is the actual PM contender among all those who are coming for the opposition meeting in Patna. Everyone is coming here to solve their own problems," he told ANI.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi has asserted that the opposition parties are not unified.

12:08 (IST)

Micron Investment LIVE Updates

Micron's investment will create 5000 direct jobs, says Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar

PM Modi kicked off a semiconductor mission in December 2021 to establish India as one of the key partners in semiconductors, said Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

The Union Minister also said that since December 2021, substantial progress has been seen and that $2.8 billion package was approved for the mission.

India has made great development in the semiconductor business during the previous 18 months. The announcements made by American firms would also assist to foster startups in India. Micron's investment will result in the creation of 5000 direct employment, according to Chandrasekhar. It would create 500 new high-level engineering employment, he added.

11:46 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

Mega Opposition meet today: Can they unite to defeat PM Modi and BJP?

The Opposition is holding a mega-meeting in Patna today.

The gathering was organised by Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar in order to unite the opposition against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Nitish had dropped the BJP as his ally last year.

But can the Opposition stay on the same page? Can they defeat PM Modi?

Read More

11:41 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

NCP chief Sharad Pawar arrives in Patna to attend Opposition leaders' meeting

Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), arrived in Patna, Bihar, on Friday to attend an Opposition leaders' conference organised by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Before departing for the Opposition conference, the NCP leader stated that the "Manipur issue will also be discussed" at the Opposition gathering.

11:16 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad asks who would be Opposition’s PM candidate for the upcoming polls

As political figures gathered in Patna, Bihar, for the mammoth Opposition gathering on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad wondered who will be the Opposition's Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

"Nitish Kumar 2024 ke liye baaraat saja rahe hai Patna mai, baaraat me to dulha bhi hota hai, pr is baaraat ka dulha kon hai? (Nitish Kumar is preparing the wedding procession for the 2024 elections in Patna, but who is the groom (PM contender). Everyone is calling themselves a PM contender," he said.

Leaders of Opposition parties from across the country are set to meet in Patna to chalk out a strategy to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

11:01 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge arrive in Patna

Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge arrived in Patna on Friday to attend an Opposition leaders' conference sponsored by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with the goal of forging a unified Opposition front to take on the BJP.

Speaking to media before of the meeting, Kharge stated that the opposition parties' goal is to destabilise the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration at the Centre, and that they will fight together.

"We all want to fight together against BJP and our agenda is to remove the BJP government," Kharge said while talking to the media as he left for the opposition meeting in Patna.

10:24 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

‘All leaders are united to defeat PM Modi’ says JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar

Janata Dal (United) leader Neeraj Kumar stated on Friday, ahead of a mammoth gathering of key Opposition groups in Patna, that all leaders are united to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 general election.

"All leaders including Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav are united to defeat PM Modi in 2024," the JDU leader said.

10:22 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

BJP MP Sushil Modi derides opposition ahead of meeting in Patna

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi lashed out at opposition leaders who are set to gather in Patna today to establish a unified Opposition front to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, claiming that the opposition parties are not united.

"Sitting together for tea does not mean that the opposition is united," Sushil Modi said ahead of the opposition meeting.

10:10 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

‘Manipur issue to be discussed in Opposition meet,’ says NCP's Sharad Pawar

As he headed for the conference in Bihar's Patna on Friday morning, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar stated that the "Manipur issue will also be discussed" during the Opposition leaders' meeting.

Pawar, joined by his daughter Supriya Sule, went on to say that "they are meeting to discuss some important issues of the country and decide the future course of action."

09:41 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

‘We want to fight together’: Mallikarjun Kharge ahead of Opposition meet in Patna

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with party leader Rahul Gandhi, will attend the opposition unity conference in Patna on Friday.

Speaking to media before of the meeting, Kharge stated that the opposition parties' goal is to destabilise the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration at the Centre, and that they will fight together.

"We all want to fight together against BJP and our agenda is to remove the BJP government," Kharge said while talking to the media as he left for the opposition meeting in Bihar's Patna.

09:29 (IST)

Opposition Meeting LIVE Updates

Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge to address party workers ahead of Opposition meeting in Patna

Before the Opposition leaders' meeting on Friday morning, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi will address party members at the Congress office in Patna, Bihar.

At 10 a.m. on Friday, the two Congress leaders will pay a visit to the party headquarters in Patna and address the party workers.

The two top leaders of the Bihar State Congress will be welcomed at the party's office at Sadakat Ashram. Posters and banners of Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other party leaders adorn the party's headquarters.

Opposition leaders from around the nation will gather in Patna to devise a plan to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Opposition chose Patna as the site of its convention because it reflects Jayaprakash Narayan's demand for total revolution in 1974, which ousted Indira Gandhi's majority government.

The conference will be held by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with the goal of reaching an agreement to form a united Opposition front to oppose the BJP.

09:01 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

India, US agree to end six trade disputes at WTO; Delhi to remove retaliatory customs duties

According to an official announcement, India and the United States have agreed to settle six trade issues at the World Trade Organisation, and New Delhi would also reduce retaliatory customs tariffs on 28 American items such as almonds, walnuts, and apples.

This comes in the midst of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the United States, which he is doing at the request of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

On the basis of national security, the United States levied 25 per cent and 10 per cent import taxes on specific steel and aluminium goods, respectively, in 2018. In return, India levied tariffs on 28 American items in June 2019, including chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, apples, boric acid, and diagnostic reagents.

"United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States and the Republic of India have agreed to terminate six outstanding disputes at the World Trade Organization. India also agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs which it had imposed in response to the Section 232 national security measures on steel and aluminium," Tai said on Thursday.

It added that these tariff cuts will restore and expand market opportunities for US agricultural producers and manufacturers.

08:55 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi lauds role of Indian Americans in strengthening India-US relationship

Indian Americans have contributed significantly to the overall development of the country in which they live, as well as to the strengthening of the India-US relationship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Modi was speaking at the State Dinner thrown in his honour by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the White House's North Lawn. 

More than 400 people were invited to the event, including IT titans and billionaires like as Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Google CEO Sunder Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Modi raised a glass to his "wonderful" hosts during his State Dinner speech. He dedicated it to the pursuit of pleasure, liberty, equality, and fraternity, as well as the everlasting friendship between India and the United States.

08:23 (IST)

Indian Economy LIVE Updates

Govt spending to drive India growth this fiscal year

According to a Reuters survey of experts, the Indian economy would grow at a solid 6.1 per cent this fiscal year, fuelled primarily by strong government expenditure, with consumption and exports being the biggest drags. Consumer spending, which accounts for 60 per cent of Asia's third-largest economy, has recently stagnated and is no longer giving the support it once provided.

08:13 (IST)

Assam Floods LIVE Updates

Nearly 4.96 lakh people affected in 22 districts due to floods in Assam

As the flood situation worsened in 22 Assam districts on Thursday, about 4.96 lakh people were badly impacted. amid Tamulpur, one person drowned amid flood waters.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority's (ASDMA) flood report, the flood situation in Bajali is the worst, with nearly 2.60 lakh people affected, followed by 77702 people in Nalbari, 65221 people in Barpeta, 25613 people in Lakhimpur, 24023 people in Baksa, 19208 people in Tamulpur, 13704 people in Darrang, and 6538 people in Kokrajhar.

Flood floods have flooded 14091.90 hectares of crops in flood-affected regions.

08:09 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Legislation introduced in US Congress to fast-track weapons sales to India

A bill to expedite weapons sales to India has been presented in the US Congress, with a group of congressmen arguing that enhancing the nations' strategic cooperation will protect their shared security interests.

This comes in the midst of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the United States, which he is doing at the request of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

The legislation, which was introduced on Thursday in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, seeks to put India on an equal footing with other US partners and allies by streamlining and expediting the review and sales process for foreign military sales and exports under the Arms Export Control Act.

While in the House of Representatives, it was introduced by Congressmen Mike Waltz, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Andy Barr and Marc Veasey, in the Senate, it was Mark Warner and John Cornyn.

"The United States and India are bonded by our shared national security interests and democratic values which is why it is so important we continue to strengthen our global partnership to address the threats of today," Waltz said.  

07:25 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi thanks the Bidens for official State Dinner

After addressing a joint session of the US Congress, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden received PM Modi at the White House for a state dinner.

"I want to thank US President Joe Biden for this wonderful dinner today. I would also like to thank First Lady Jill Biden for taking care of my visit to make it successful. Yesterday evening you opened the doors of your house for me," PM Modi said during the official State Dinner at The White House.

07:24 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

India US cooperation will serve the global good, says joint statement

Affirming a vision of the US and India as close allies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the two countries diversified collaboration will benefit the global good.

The US-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership is anchored in a new level of trust and mutual understanding, and it is enriched by the warm bonds of family and friendship that inextricably link the two countries together, according to a joint statement issued by the White House following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama in the Oval Office and the Cabinet meeting room.

Together, we will build an even stronger, diverse US-India partnership that will advance the aspirations of our people for a bright and prosperous future grounded in respect for human rights, and shared principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, said the joint statement.