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The issue of the statehood of Delhi

Voters in India’s national capital don’t know who to go to for water, or safety. Though Delhi has its own ministers and legislature, the central government still controls the land, services, law and order. This election, the <keyword id="6354944" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="aam-aadmi-party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) is advocating full statehood for Delhi so that the friction between the Delhi government and central government can come to a halt, and real issues can be addressed. 
 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="We have to take permission from the Central government for everything. Other states do not have to do this. We asked why, they said because Delhi is not a full state." auname="Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi and member of the AAP, at a rally in East Delhi’s Trilokpuri on March 24"></div>







 In the last five years, Delhi has seen two assembly elections, two lieutenant governors and plenty of discord over control of the city. However, AAP isn’t the first political party to demand statehood for Delhi. Over the past twenty years, every leading political party in India promised statehood, which lead nowhere until the next election cycle.

Delhi’s voters will have to decide if full statehood is the answer to their problems

The central government is not ready to grant full statehood to Delhi with a top <keyword id="69522" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="ministry-of-home-affairs">Ministry of Home Affairs</keyword> official saying, nowhere in the world does any capital city have such a status. This would prove to be a bone of contention between <keyword id="6399360" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Delhi-chief-Minister">Delhi Chief Minister</keyword> <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> and the NDA government in days to come. 
 Before the 2013 assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised full statehood to Delhi. The party again repeated it during the <keyword id="6355187" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha">Lok Sabha</keyword> polls last year. But its manifesto was silent on the full statehood demand before the 2015 state polls, reports the Economic Times. The issue of full statehood for Delhi was first initiated by the BJP in 1998, when the party was in power both in the state as well as the Centre. However, nothing could be done at that time. 
	 

	"Full statehood was not granted to Delhi even at the time when the BJP was in power in both the Capital and the Centre. Nowhere in the world does the country's capital city enjoy a full statehood status," a top home ministry official said. The ministry, in a reply in the Parliament last month, had also said that there was no proposal before it to grant full statehood to Delhi. The Delhi chief minister, who made full statehood to the national capital the primary point of his manifesto, discussed the matter with <keyword id="6000" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Home-Minister">Home Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6355121" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> soon after he won the Delhi elections with a landslide majority in February this year. 
	 

	"Yes, Kejriwal had raised this matter with the home minister. But the same is not likely to happen," the top home ministry official said earlier. 
	 
	The ministry also sees little merit in Kejriwal's earlier demand to 'bifurcate' the capital with the Centre retaining its powers over land, police and public order in NDMC areas with the rest of the state being under direct control of the chief minister. "That will breed total confusion and is ruled out as well," another official aware of the issue said. 
	 
	(Image: Indiatimes)

Delhi's Statehood dream will have to wait

<ul><li>The exit polls for the Delhi assembly elections 2020 are out. </li><li>According to the Times Now IPSOS opinion polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to win with a massive majority.</li><li>The <keyword id="609507" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="exit-poll">exit poll</keyword> indicates that BJP is expected to win nearly 23 seats and Congress on the other hand could win no seats this time.</li></ul>The exit polls for the Delhi assembly elections 2020 are out. According to the Times Now IPSOS opinion polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to win with a massive majority with 47 seats. The exit poll indicates that BJP is expected to win nearly 23 seats and Congress on the other hand could win no seats this time. However, many times exit polls have gone wrong with its predictions. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">BJP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">INC </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">47</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0</td></tr></tbody></table> Kejriwal had said that clean water supply, ensuring the safety of women and improving public transport are the top priorities of the AAP. They also said that they will ensure free bus rides for students after winning the 2020 Assembly elections in the national capital, similar to the way his government has made the public transport free for women in the city, IANS reported. While the Bharatiya Janata Party which is looking to come into power had said in its manifesto that it will focus on solving the water crisis and air pollution problem. As many as 672 candidates are contesting across 70 constituencies. The key contesting parties are Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The voting started at 7 am in the morning and over 1.46 crore people were eligible to vote. As of 6 pm, the voter turnout stood at 54.67%. The polling percentage is indicating a low voter turnout this time. The results will be declared on February 11. During the 2015 elections, a large number of people came out to vote, registering a 67.1% voter turnout. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won the 2015 assembly election by winning 67 of 70 seats. Arvind Kejriwal is now eyeing a re-election in the upcoming assembly polls. This is the first time that the national capital is going to polls after the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP bagged all the seats in Delhi. Pollution crisis, cracking down on unauthorised residential colonies and full statehood of Delhi are the key issues to be brought up during the assembly polls and campaigns. Before the AAP came into power in Delhi, Congress ruled the state for nearly 15 years. However, they are not predicted to get back into power this year. The election commission had said that it will deploy nearly 90,000 officials to facilitate the election process. A statement from the election commission said, “Adequate night stay arrangements for polling staff on duty and due vigilance by expenditure observers needs to be stepped up and stringent action be taken so that electoral atmosphere is not vitiated.” See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/interesting-facts-about-delhi-election-2020/articleshow/74020815.cms?src=hp_ts">Interesting facts about Delhi election 2020⁠— voter turnout, gender representation, migrant voters and a lot more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-achievements-ahead-of-delhi-elections-2020/articleshow/73145839.cms">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal⁠— the man with a knack for Carpe Diem</a> <a href="http://businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-bjps-vijay-goel-who-deliberately-broke-traffic-rules-in-delhi-hopes-to-re-create-lok-sabha-success/articleshow/73265139.cms">Delhi Election 2020: BJP’s Vijay Goel, who ‘deliberately’ broke traffic rules in Delhi, hopes to re-create Lok Sabha success</a>

Delhi Exit Poll result by Times Now IPSOS

<ul><li>The Election Commission of India has announcedthe schedule for <keyword id="1416108" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-elections">Delhi elections</keyword>.</li><li>The assembly polls will be held on February 8, and counting on February 11, 2020.</li><li>The three main parties contesting elections constitute the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).</li><li>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won the 2015 election — winning 67 of the 70 assembly seats.</li></ul>As the 70 member assembly term approaches its end on February 22, the Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Delhi elections. The assembly polls will commence on February 8, and the final counting of votes will be on February 11. Of the total 1.46 crore voters in Delhi, 8,055,686 are men, 6,635,635 are women and 815 are categorised as third gender. The three main parties contesting elections constitute the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). In 2015 assembly elections, <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> was elected as the Chief Minister of the state. He is now eyeing a re-election in the upcoming assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won the 2015 election — winning 67 of the 70 assembly seats while the three seats went to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This is the first time that the national capital is going to polls after the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP bagged all seven seats in Delhi. Pollution crisis, cracking down on unauthorised residential colonies and full statehood of Delhi are the key issues to be brought up during the assembly polls. Kejriwal also <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-poll-dates-to-be-announced-by-election-commission-at-3-30-pm-2159423">told</a> NDTV that clean water supply, ensuring the safety of women and improving public transport are the top priorities of the Delhi government. In addition to this, Kejriwal said that the government will ensure free bus rides for students after winning the 2020 Assembly elections in the national capital, similar to the way his government has made the public transport free for women in the city, IANS reported. The ongoing row over the Citizenship Amendment Act is also likely to be a prominent issue for the upcoming elections. Kejriwal also voiced his opposition to the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and NPR (National Population Register). In a bid to defend the citizenship law, Narendra Modi-led BJP government has taken up the attacks on Nankana Sahib in Pakistan while campaigning for elections. Sikhs constitute almost 5% of Delhi’s population, as per census 2011. Addressing a press conference, BJP National Secretary R.P. Singh said, "On Friday, stones were thrown at the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara and slogan to throw Sikhs out of Pakistan and send them to India were raised. The Pakistan government didn't take any action for 13 hours." Before the AAP came into power in Delhi, Congress ruled the state for nearly 15 years. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/kejriwal-is-peoples-favorite-for-upcoming-delhi-elections-2020-beating-modi-and-congress/articleshow/72603105.cms">22% of BJP's Lok Sabha voters like Kejriwal more than Modi, says Lokniti-CSDS survey</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-election-2019-delhi-key-poll-issues-statehood-constituencies-and-candidates/articleshow/69289343.cms">Delhi’s voters will have to decide if full statehood is the answer to their problems</a>

Delhi assembly elections 2020:Polling on February 8; counting on February 11

<ul><li>Social activist and the Convener of Delhi’s ruling <keyword id="6354944" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="aam-aadmi-party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) — Gopal Rai — won from Babarpur constituency, again.</li><li> It is the same constituency where he won over rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate with a margin of over 36,000 votes in 2015 polls. </li><li>He is contesting against BJP’s Naresh Gaur and <keyword id="8760124" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="anveeksha-jain">Anveeksha Jain</keyword> from Congress.</li></ul>Social activist and the Convener of Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — Gopal Rai — won the <keyword id="1414375" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-assembly-election">Delhi assembly election</keyword> 2020 from Babarpur constituency with a wide margin of 33,062 votes. He was contesting against BJP’s Naresh Gaur and Anveeksha Jain from Congress. It is the same constituency where he won over rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate with a margin of over 36,000 votes in 2015 polls. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Party </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Candidate Name </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Status </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> Gopal Rai</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">84,776</td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">BJP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> Naresh Gaur</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">51,714</td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Congress </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> Anveeksha Jain</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5,131</td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td></tr></tbody></table> As a part of the Delhi government, Rai took steps towards the safety of women and children. He initiated the installation of<a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/cctvs-to-help-check-crime-says-gopal-rai-793774"> CCTV cameras in his constituency</a> in Delhi. He said that the move will help the government crack down on suspicious activities in the area. Babarpur was known for daylong congestion and broken roads with potholes — which is now on the path to improvement. “This was a key promise of the government to the people and is being fulfilled today,” he had said while inaugurating the project in his Babarpur constituency. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Party </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2020 Elections </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2015 Elections </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">53.6% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">53.39% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">BJP </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">38.5% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">35.94% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">INC </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.26% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7.80% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Others </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.64% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0.87% </td></tr></tbody></table> Rai, who is a postgraduate in sociology and the Minister of Employment, Development, Labour, General Administration and Irrigation, has been associated with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-achievements-ahead-of-delhi-elections-2020/articleshow/73145839.cms">AAP</a> from the time of Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption protests. He is now a key member of AAP’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC). <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/arvind-kejriwals-in-has-lessons-for-mamata-banerjee-mk-stalin-and-lalu-prasad-yadav/articleshow/74082357.cms">https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/arvind-kejriwals-in-has-lessons-for-mamata-banerjee-mk-stalin-and-lalu-prasad-yadav/articleshow/74082357.cms</a> Pollution crisis, cracking down on unauthorised residential colonies and a full statehood of Delhi are the key issues to be brought up during the assembly polls and campaigns. Kejriwal also <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-poll-dates-to-be-announced-by-election-commission-at-3-30-pm-2159423">told</a> NDTV that clean water supply, ensuring the safety of women and improving public transport are the top priorities of the party. This is the first time that the national capital is going to polls after the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP bagged all the seats in Delhi. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-atishi-an-oxford-graduate-and-rhodes-scholar-is-drawing-up-aaps-agenda-in-the-national-capital/articleshow/73186471.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Atishi, an Oxford graduate and Rhodes scholar is drawing up AAP’s agenda in the national capital</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-achievements-ahead-of-delhi-elections-2020/articleshow/73145839.cms">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal⁠— the man with a knack for Carpe Diem</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/gautam-gambhir-mp-cricketer-and-commentator-will-have-a-lot-of-say-during-delhis-upcoming-assembly-election/articleshow/73180033.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Gautam Gambhir, MP, cricketer and commentator, will have a lot of say during Delhi’s upcoming assembly elections</a>

Delhi election 2020: AAP’s Gopal Rai wins a second term in Babarpur with 84,776 votes

<ul><li>Nearly 14,692,136 voters voters in the national capital are ready to cast their votes in the upcoming <keyword id="461643" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-assembly-elections">Delhi assembly elections</keyword> on February 8, 2020. </li><li>The citizens of Delhi, who don’t have a voter ID card or have lost it can also participate in the electoral process. </li><li>To register as an eligible voter, the citizen will need to provide a Form-6 to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your constituency. </li><li>The identity documents that can act as photo ID proofs to cast the vote include passport, PAN card, driving licence, aadhaar card, pension documents, bank passbook and employee ID cards — in case of government service.</li></ul>With just one day remaining for the Delhi assembly elections, 14,692,136 voters in the national capital are ready to cast their votes. As many as 672 candidates are contesting across 70 constituencies. The key contesting parties for the upcoming election on February 8 are Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The political parties have been focusing on women-centric issues, statehood, clean air and water to woo voters. As the polling day nears, the confusion around the voter id cards, voter list, and polling booths is concerning the voters. The citizens of Delhi, who don’t have a voter ID card or have lost it can also participate in the electoral process. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), it is mandatory for a citizen to be registered as a voter in the government database, in order to vote. For that, eligible voters will need to provide a Form-6 to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your constituency. This will update the voter’s name in the list for electoral polls. The ECI issues a voter slip for confirmation of those who don’t have a voter ID card. The identity documents that can act as photo ID proofs to cast the vote include passport, PAN card, driving licence, Aadhaar card, pension documents, bank passbook and employee ID cards — in case of government service. This voter slip along with a photo ID proof is the ticket to exercise their voting right. This is as the ECI has mandated voter identification at the time of casting vote. The election commission said that it will deploy nearly 90,000 officials to facilitate the election process. This time, the government has also provided the facility to avail pick-up and drop facility for voters in the PwD (person with disability) and senior citizens — above 80 years — category. The results of Delhi assembly elections shall be declared on February 11, 2020. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-voting-time-schedule-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/73999115.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Voting time, schedule and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-heres-how-to-search-for-your-polling-station/articleshow/73998826.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Here’s how to search for your polling station</a>

Delhi Election 2020: Don’t have voter ID? Carry these documents to the polling booth

<ul><li>And, as the Narendra Modi-led <keyword id="58687" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Janata-Party">Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword> (BJP) government gears up for Delhi elections next month, Goel seems to be confident that the BJP will form the government in Delhi. </li><li>Goel, who became the president of BJP’s Delhi unit in 2013 argued that the two opposition parties — Congress and <keyword id="6354944" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="aam-aadmi-party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) — may forge an alliance in the upcoming assembly elections. </li><li>This is the first time that the national capital is going to polls after the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP bagged all the seats in Delhi.</li></ul>Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader <keyword id="81821" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vijay-Goel">Vijay Goel</keyword> is facing heat in the national capital amid the agitation around the JNU mob attacks and protests over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). And, as the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government gears up for Delhi elections next month, protests became a key electoral issue. In spite of it all, Goel is confident. "In the last Lok Sabha election, BJP won all seven seats and by that calculation, we won 65 Assembly seats in Delhi. We also won the last Delhi municipal corporation election. People of Delhi have seen development by the Modi government," Goel told ANI. ‘Blame game’ — The battle is on As campaigning is heated from both sides, the ruling AAP and the BJP engaged in a blame game. Goel, who became the president of BJP’s Delhi unit in 2013 argued that the two opposition parties — Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — may forge an alliance in the upcoming assembly elections as both are in accord for protests over CAA, corruption and NRC (National Register of Citizens). Symbolic violation of odd-even rule As Delhi heads to assembly polls, pollution crisis, cracking down on unauthorised residential colonies and a full statehood are the key issues brought up by the AAP. However, the BJP calls it an ‘election stunt.’ A few months back, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP rolled out the odd-even scheme in Delhi to cut down on pollution levels. As a response, Goel said he would deliberately ride an odd-numbered vehicle on an even day, violating the rule. "My violation of odd-even scheme of the Kejriwal government will be symbolic because it's an election stunt and drama in view of assembly election," Goel <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/politics/bjp-mp-vijay-goel-says-will-violate-odd-even-scheme-calls-it-election-stunt-by-kejriwal-govt-2372387.html">told</a> PTI. However, taking a cue from the AAP, the BJP government rolled out the ‘jahan jhuggi wahin makaan’ (a home in place of a slum) scheme. It is dedicated to providing homes to over 20 lakh people living in the slums. Goel said that this housing scheme will be implemented on their newly claimed land. On January 10, BJP announced its 15-member election committee constituting the president <keyword id="6361217" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Manoj-Tiwari">Manoj Tiwari</keyword> and all the MPs in the state including Vijay Goel and <keyword id="322190" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Satish-Upadhyay">Satish Upadhyay</keyword>. This is the first time that the national capital is going to polls after the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP bagged all the seats in Delhi. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/delhi-election-2020-atishi-an-oxford-graduate-and-rhodes-scholar-is-drawing-up-aaps-agenda-in-the-national-capital/articleshow/73186471.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Atishi, an Oxford graduate and Rhodes scholar is drawing up AAP’s agenda in the national capital</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gautam-gambhir-vs-atishi-marlena-from-east-delhi-election-results-2019/articleshow/69457119.cms">Gautam Gambhir wins his debut election from East Delhi</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-gopal-rai-a-minister-with-multiple-portfolios-who-like-to-flash-aaps-report-card-as-he-seeks-votes/articleshow/73242360.cms">Delhi election 2020: Gopal Rai, a minister with multiple portfolios who likes to flash AAP’s ‘report card’ as he seeks votes</a>

Delhi Election 2020: BJP’s Vijay Goel, who ‘deliberately’ broke traffic rules in Delhi, hopes to re-create Lok Sabha success

<ul><li>Social activist and the Convener of Delhi’s ruling <keyword id="6354944" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="aam-aadmi-party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) — <keyword id="6391020" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="gopal-rai">Gopal Rai</keyword> — is reaching out to over 1.5 crore people with the party’s ‘report card’ as a part of campaigning — as the national capital braces for election next month. </li><li>The Minister of Employment, Development, Labour, General Administration and Irrigation was also a part of Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption protests in Delhi. </li><li>Rai contributed a lot to the development of Babarpur in North East Delhi — where he won over rival <keyword id="58687" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Janata-Party">Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword> (BJP) with a margin of over 36,000 votes in 2015 assembly polls.</li></ul>Social activist and the Convener of Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — Gopal Rai — is reaching out to the people of Delhi with the party’s ‘<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/assembly-elections/delhi-assembly-elections-2020-door-to-door-campaign-roadshows-and-meetings-parties-prepare-for-polls/story-q4EUr3Rcw0hBhvpBPiWyFO.html">report card</a>’. This is a part of its aggressive campaigning — as the national capital braces for election next month. As the Arvind Kejriwal-led party prepares for the next assembly polls for 70 seats on February 8, it is drawing up its manifesto that will blend both party’s vision and public suggestions. Rai, who is a postgraduate in sociology is a key member of AAP’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC). The Minister of Employment, Development, Labour, General Administration and Irrigation, has been associated with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-achievements-ahead-of-delhi-elections-2020/articleshow/73145839.cms">AAP</a> from the time of Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption protests. Under the Delhi government, Rai also took a step towards the safety of women and children in Delhi. He initiated installation of<a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/cctvs-to-help-check-crime-says-gopal-rai-793774"> CCTV cameras in the Babarpur constituency</a> in Delhi. It was the same constituency where he won over rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate with a margin of over 36,000 votes in 2015 polls. He said that the move will help the government crack down on suspicious activities in the area. “This was a key promise of the government to the people and is being fulfilled today,” he had said while inaugurating the project in his Babarpur constituency. Babarpur was known for daylong congestion and broken roads with potholes — which is now on the path to improvement. This is the first time that the national capital is going to polls after the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP bagged all the seats in Delhi. Before that, Rai also promised to fill over 13,000 vacancies in Delhi government departments, if AAP comes into power. However, it is yet to be seen if AAP will come to power again in Delhi. Pollution crisis, cracking down on unauthorised residential colonies and a full statehood of Delhi are the key issues to be brought up during the assembly polls and campaigns. Kejriwal also <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-poll-dates-to-be-announced-by-election-commission-at-3-30-pm-2159423">told</a> NDTV that clean water supply, ensuring the safety of women and improving public transport are the top priorities of the Delhi government. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-atishi-an-oxford-graduate-and-rhodes-scholar-is-drawing-up-aaps-agenda-in-the-national-capital/articleshow/73186471.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Atishi, an Oxford graduate and Rhodes scholar is drawing up AAP’s agenda in the national capital</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-achievements-ahead-of-delhi-elections-2020/articleshow/73145839.cms">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal⁠— the man with a knack for Carpe Diem</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/gautam-gambhir-mp-cricketer-and-commentator-will-have-a-lot-of-say-during-delhis-upcoming-assembly-election/articleshow/73180033.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Gautam Gambhir, MP, cricketer and commentator, will have a lot of say during Delhi’s upcoming assembly elections</a>

Delhi election 2020: Gopal Rai, a minister with multiple portfolios who likes to flash AAP’s ‘report card’ as he seeks votes

The stand-off between the Delhi Government and Lt Governor <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword> is probably the biggest lesson <keyword id="6354944" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) ever learnt. Last time when <keyword id="6399360" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Delhi-chief-Minister">Delhi Chief Minister</keyword> <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> resigned in February 2014, he learnt that fights last longer in people’s mind than quitting. 
 
He understood people wanted the system to change, and they would like him to be the agent of that change. Stay on and fight, he reiterated, while campaigning for Delhi polls. His AAP won 67 seats in the 70-member assembly. 
But, it is yet to be seen whether Kejriwal has taken on the correct premise as situation around has become too hot to handle. 
 
Despite the Supreme Court notice to the Delhi Government, seeking its response in three weeks on the High Court judgement regarding the powers of LG Jung, Kejriwal and his men may get in some serious trouble, if the attitude of heckling powers continued. All said and done, Delhi isn’t a random city or state. 
 
It is national capital and for all practical reasons, it is in best interest that Centre and Delhi government co-exist in terms of administration. 
 
Coming back to the bone of contention, some time ago, Centre had restrained the Delhi Government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) from acting against its officers in criminal offences and had said the LG cannot act as per the CM’s discretion. 
 It all started when Shakuntala Gamlin, an IAS officer, was appointed as <keyword id="371591" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="acting-chief-secretary">Acting Chief Secretary</keyword>. Kejriwal levelled allegations against her, stating she had favoured discoms through a loan of Rs 11,000 crore and said in most certain terms that she shouldn’t be sitting in the vantage position. 
 
This triggered a war of sorts since her appointment was made by Jung and that city administration, which rests in the hands of AAP government, practically has no role in the appointment. 
 
The fiasco reached its crescendo with Kejriwal revolted (again) raising questions about the administration of the city, which had to be in the hands of the party that was ruling Delhi. 
 
The government in Delhi, in fact, has least say in the matter of retaining or transferring bureaucrats who play a crucial role. LG was in no mood to listen to the rants and Kejriwal, who is also called as AK, on the other hand wrote to the Prime Minister on the matter. He even wanted to gain credibility for his argument through networking with all CMs from non-BJP ruled states, and work towards strengthening his case. And he did! 
 
Now, the problem with this move is, though it can be seen as an aspect that’s detrimental to AK’s reputation, as he is seen as a constant fighter and not much of a doer, the numbers of non-BJP CMs can be a cause of concern for Modi Government . The power tussle has now become a dirty laundry that is getting a wash in the open. 
 
The verdict issued by HC on May 21 states that LG will have jurisdiction over the matters connected with services, public order, police and land and that he may consult with the chief minister, whenever he deems it necessary, using his own discretion. 
 
If you need to gain better perspective into the situation, you need to understand there is something that’s working at a deeper level. 
 
Cooperative federalism and urbanisation are two major concepts that today’s India is trying to implement. States are massive and complicated structures. Urbanisation being the concept that’s surging through today, we need to understand the necessity of decentralisation. 
 
Cities indeed drive the economic growth. But, so far, like a populist politics that reigned in India for the sake of votes, office and power, village appeasement is quite another thing that thrives. Political parties have been for long appeasing rural areas without paying decent amount of attention to urban areas. 
 
When you set aside the ‘incident’ between AK and Jung, what you see under the surface is the need for full statehood for Delhi. Kejriwal has always been upfront about his demand of full statehood 
 
It is indeed important that the elected Delhi Government, like it happens in all states, requires greater say in city’s administration. Right now, the control Centre has over Delhi makes it impossible to function like a state unit, despite enjoying people’s mandate. 
 
But, it looks like a full statehood for Delhi as desired by AK will remain a distant dream for the time being. Because Delhi is just not any other city. It is the capital of the country which houses the seat of power and it is the space from where the country’s fate changes through an elected government at the Centre. Hence, the Union Government will certainly have a say in Delhi’s administration. 
 
Let’s not lose sight of AAP’s and AK’s aspirations of moving to become a national party. This could also be a stepping stone for AK to make it a mission of his life to ensure statehood for Delhi. Whether the battle is tangible or not, it surely is going to work against all the might that BJP can bring together. 
 
By writing to other CMs, AK simply spread out the issue beyond its geographical limitations. This could work either miracles or turn into a bane depending on the ground work AK and his team would do for Delhi. Either way, right now, there is no order in this chaos. Delhi suffers, both politically and figuratively. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Delhi: The political heat-wave is causing serious damages

A parliamentary proposal on August 5, 2019 to bifurcate the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UT) saw the total number of states and union territories in the country increase to 36. This figure consist of 29 states and 7 union territories. In terms of governance, structure and function, states and union territories are significantly different from each other. Article 1 of the Indian constitution defines India as a Union of States and not as a federation of states. The term union of states. India, the largest democracy of the world is a federal country where the ruling powers are distributed among the state and the central governments. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What are the Union Territories?" comment="subhead" text="What are the Union Territories?">What are the Union Territories?</cmsannotation> Unlike the states of India, which have their own governments, Union Territories (UTs) are the federal territories, administered by the union government of India. In UTs, the central government appoints the Lieutenant Governor, who is the administrator and the representative of the President of India. However, as an exception, Puducherry and Delhi have an elected legislature and government, as they were granted partial statehood, under the special Constitutional amendment. Currently, India has eight Union Territories including, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Let us find out more about the difference between a state and a union territory." comment="subhead" text="Let us find out more about the difference between a state and a union territory.">Let us find out more about the difference between a state and a union territory.</cmsannotation> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"> <tbody><tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; border-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> State </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top: 1pt solid windowtext; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left-width: initial; border-left-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> Union territory </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top-width: initial; border-top-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> A state is a constituent division that has a separate government. States have their own elected government that are vested with the powers to frame the laws. </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top-width: initial; border-style: none solid solid none; border-left-width: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> An union territory is a small administrative unit that is ruled by the union. The union territories are administered and controlled directly by the Central Government of India. </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top-width: initial; border-top-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> States enjoy a federal relationship with the central government. The legislative and executive powers are distributed </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top-width: initial; border-style: none solid solid none; border-left-width: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> Union territories has unitary relationship with the central government which means all the legislative and executive powers rest with the Union. </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top-width: initial; border-top-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> Governor is the constitutional head of the state. </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top-width: initial; border-style: none solid solid none; border-left-width: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> The president of India is the executive head of the union territory. </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top-width: initial; border-top-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> The chief minister duly elected by the people administers the state. </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top-width: initial; border-style: none solid solid none; border-left-width: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> Union territory is appointed by an administrator who is appointed by the president. </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top-width: initial; border-top-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> States are much larger in size than the union territories. </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top-width: initial; border-style: none solid solid none; border-left-width: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> Union territories are much smaller in size when compared to the states. </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top-width: initial; border-top-style: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> States have autonomous powers. </td> <td style="width: 233.75pt; border-top-width: initial; border-style: none solid solid none; border-left-width: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;"> Union territories do not have autonomous powers. </td> </tr> </tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Two types of Union Territories in India" comment="subhead" text="Two types of Union Territories in India">Two types of Union Territories in India</cmsannotation> In India, there are two types of union territories namely union territory with legislature and union territory without legislature. The two union territories with the legislature are Delhi and Puducherry. This type of union territory has an elected legislature and government. The other union territories are directly controlled by the central government. The union territories have no separate representation in the Rajya Sabha except in cases of Delhi and Puducherry where the union territories have their own independent legislature. After the bifurcation, Jammu and Kashmir resemble the category of Delhi and Puducherry. The special provision granted for Jammu and Kashmir will mean that the administrative powers are distributed between the governor and the chief minister. The education and municipal operations of these union territories come under the purview of the legislative assembly while aspects like security and others are managed by the central government as per the advice of the Lieutenant Governor. Since they enjoy a partial statehood like status and they have their own legislative assemblies, union territories like Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir do not operate in the same way as the other four union territories in India do. See Also - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/the-inspiring-legacy-of-srinivasa-ramanujan-and-his-contribution-to-mathematics/articleshow/79835583.cms">Srinivasa Ramanujan and his contribution in Mathematics</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/article/all-you-need-to-know-about-rti-act/articleshow/72053630.cms">All you need to know about RTI Act</a>

What is union territory and how it's different from state

New Delhi, Jan 8 () The government is unlikely to implement major reforms despite "prolonged economic slowdown" in the country and may continue to focus on Hindu nationalist themes for political dividends to make up losses in recent state elections, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
The country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter was 5 per cent and 4.5 per cent in the subsequent three-months period.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, fiscal constraints and price pressures will preclude fiscal and monetary stimulus in the short-term.
Meanwhile, emboldened opposition-controlled state governments are likely to obstruct the progress of major projects backed by the central government, further undermining the country's growth potential, it added.
"Despite the prolonged economic slowdown (real GDP grew by just 4.5 per cent year on year in July-September), the government is unlikely to implement major economic reform.
"Instead of unpopular economic measures, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to maintain its focus on popular Hindu nationalist themes as it seeks to rebound from its poor performance in recent state elections," the EIU said in its report.
The government has reacted defensively to the drumbeat of poor economic data in recent months, lashing out at critics and questioning the basis of some official reports.
In response to criticism from prominent business people over the state of the economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman warned that such rhetoric could harm India's national interest. She separately suggested in late November that India was incapable of experiencing a recession.
Officials recently scrapped a government survey that showed an unprecedented decline in consumer spending between 2011-12 and 2017-18, arguing that the methodology was flawed.
Rather than responding more robustly to the economic slowdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are likely to remain focused on divisive social issues that they believe will pay political dividends, the EIU added.
Several far right groups, including some affiliated with the BJP, have long been pushing for India to be recast as a Hindu country. Since winning re-election in May 2019, the government has altered India's only Muslim-majority state by revoking Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and special status under the constitution, it noted.
Further, it also won a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for a Hindu temple to be built on the site of a 16th century mosque destroyed by Hindu nationalists in 1992. In addition, new citizenship legislation, seen widely as a means of denying citizenship to Muslims who lack documentation, was enacted in December, sparking nationwide protests.
"With Mr Modi strongly backing the citizenship measure in spite of the protests, the next major social measure on the government's agenda will probably be a uniform civil code. Such a measure would introduce a more progressive system of marriage and divorce, supplanting India's long standing practice of allowing Muslims to follow different practices," the report added.
While Modi's hold over the national government remains unquestioned, the BJP has lost control of five state assemblies since late 2018, setting the stage for greater acrimony between the government and independently minded state legislatures.
"The BJP is unlikely to improve its performance significantly in the state elections due in 2020. The party lost control of the mining and steel-centric state of Jharkhand on December 23 and faces an uphill battle to defeat the anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party in elections in New Delhi scheduled for February 2020," the EIU noted. SP
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Govt to prioritise Hindu nationalism over economic issues: EIU

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6358953" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Transgender">Transgender</keyword> people in <keyword id="6354495" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> face discrimination and harassment throughout their lives.</li><li>Many work as matchmakers or performers at weddings, but coronavirus restrictions mean they are now out of work.</li><li>Kashmir is not only in the grip of the virus, but also a security crisis since <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> removed the region's autonomy in 2019.</li><li>Trans expression is a taboo subject in Muslim-majority Kashmir, pushing members of the trans community into the shadows.</li></ul>Now is not a good time to be transgender in Kashmir.Members of the trans community are often rejected by their families, and by a conservative society that views them as an underclass.To make matters worse, a security crackdown imposed by India since removing the region's autonomy last year — and now a coronavirus lockdown — means that they are without work and have been pushed to the brink.Aijaz Ahmad Bund is an academic and rights activist for the LGBTQ community. From a small office in the regional capital Srinagar, he speaks out for those who have no voice."This society has pushed them to the wall. They are living an invisible life," he told Business Insider"They face discrimination in every aspect of life. They are abused physically, verbally. They face a lot of street harassment. They face a lot of sexual abuse as well."One of the few trans individuals to have made a name for herself in Kashmir is Abdul Rashid, otherwise known as Reshma. She is a well-known singer here, but even she is struggling to make ends meet.She makes a little money from tailoring, sitting on the floor of her small apartment with an old sewing machine. Her experience growing up is similar to many among the trans community. "I wasn't allowed even out of our lane. I would be asked where I had been for so long and then beaten for being late. We would take the narrow side streets to avoid getting bullied on the main roads. Some would even spit on us," she told <keyword id="9071581" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="business-insider-weekly">Business Insider Weekly</keyword>.From a small drawer, under lock and key, she takes out a small vial and applies mascara."Growing up, I wasn't interested in studying, but was into girlish things. I used to put chalk on my face as powder," she said.<h2>Transgender people in Kashmir are living in the shadows.</h2>Unlike in other parts of India and Pakistan, the transgender community here rarely dress in colourful clothing, afraid of ridicule — or worse.Subhan, known as Shabnam, is luckier. Her family has always supported her."I used to get along well with ladies, not that much with men. That's because I had an affinity towards them and not towards men. As time passed by, I started dressing up like them, and then it became clear that I was a third gender," she said.But a life of living in the shadows, combined with the present-day double crisis of pandemic and security crackdown, has taken its toll."I must say that we face so many issues that we can't even count them," she said.Traditional patriarchal values mean that sex and sexual orientation in the Muslim-majority region is a taboo subject. And gender affirmation procedures are not seen as a viable option."Our Quran doesn't allow us to bring changes to our bodies that won't be good. How our Lord made us, we should remain that way. We are a third gender," Shabnam said.<h2>With the region in political turmoil, the past year has been suffocating.</h2><div type="image" title="security" height="1080" width="1920" msid="78711203" hostid="261"></div>Already a shunned and invisible minority, Kashmir's trans community is now living in a land that has been turned upside down. Last year, India <a href="https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-factbox/factbox-kashmirs-history-indias-revoking-of-special-status-in-context-idUSKCN1UV0RK">abolished Article 370 of its constitution</a>, which granted Kashmir a special status as an autonomous region.The move stripped Kashmir of its flag and its lawmaking powers, and brought it under direct control of the government in New Delhi. Thousands were arrested and imprisoned — and all phone and internet services cut off.Today, security forces continue to line the streets and man checkpoints.For the trans community, with little acceptance from wider society and no means to communicate with the outside world, this last year has been suffocating.Communications have only been partially restored but blackouts are still a regular occurrence.Aijaz Ahmad says mental health issues are prevalent in the community — <a href="https://theins.in/2017/11/30/transgenders-suffering-stress-even-attempted-suicide/">as are attempts at suicide</a>. Those disowned by their families are even denied a proper burial.And he said his research suggests around 15% of the transgender community is forced to work in the sex trade to make ends meet.<h2>Wedding gigs are some of the only jobs transgender people can find — and those are drying up.</h2><div type="image" title="KASHMIR TRANS NEW WEEKLY V2.00_04_40_23.Still007" height="1080" width="1920" msid="78711206" hostid="261"></div>One of the only acceptable lines of work is matchmaking and performing at weddings. It's here that Kashmir's trans community are permitted to dress, and perform, as themselves.Mohammad Aslam, known as Babloo is a matchmaker, playing the role of broker between two families in arranged marriages. She, like the others, is now without work."The situation deteriorated after the abrogation of Article 370," she said. "We can't go to people's houses because our work involves interacting with people in their homes. At the moment we are hesitant to meet people and are scared of getting infected and vice versa."With weddings cancelled and an increasing number of people finding their own partners online, times are tough."People used to call us to dance and sing at marriages, and we used to get good money as well. Now there are DJs, and women sing too, so we don't get much business there," Shabnam told Business Insider.To make matters worse, the Indian government has now made it possible for non residents of Kashmir to own property and work in the region, putting a further squeeze on job opportunities.<h2>"We have people who are violated on a daily basis."</h2><div type="image" title="KASHMIR TRANS NEW WEEKLY V2.00_04_03_27.Still006" height="1080" width="1920" msid="78711208" hostid="261"></div>An irony of the abolition of Kashmir statehood was that the mountainous region inherited Indian laws on homosexuality, which was recently decriminalized.Yet this, as well as a transgender rights bill passed in 2019, has made no real difference to the lives of Reshma, Shabnam or Babloo.Aijaz Ahmad says the problem is not their legal status, rather acceptance by society."We have laws, and we have a lot of provisions in the Constitution of India which protect citizens irrespective of their gender, sex, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, blah, blah," he said. "But still we see that such people are discriminated against. We have people who are violated on a daily basis, and we believe what is more important is the ideology that needs to change."Every few weeks Shabnam, Babloo, Reshma, and other members of Kashmir's trans community gather with Ahmad to drink tea and share their stories, and their woes. For most of them, this is the only family they have.Ahmad remains optimistic, in spite of the stark reality they face."We are very hopeful that there may be a day that you know we will be able to see a gender-inclusive society," he said.Baboo added: "It's all up to God. God has to run the whole universe. God who will take care of each one of us."

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