Decisive, Inclusive, Forward-Looking: FM Sitharaman Urges Global South to Unite at NDB
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News18
2 hours ago
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Inside Look At NDA's Seamless Coordination: How Coalition Stays On Same Page
Strategic grouping of MPs One of the NDA's key innovations has been the division of all its MPs into smaller working groups, each comprising 10-12 members. These groups are overseen by one cabinet minister, one minister of state, and one member from the BJP's organisational setup to ensure regular engagement. To reinforce the seriousness of these meetings, it has been made mandatory that at least one among Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, or JP Nadda be present in every group-level meeting. This ensures that alliance coordination isn't left to junior leaders but is backed by the top tier of government. For instance, a recent group meeting took place at the residence of JD(U) MP and union minister Ramnath Thakur, a member of the group led by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Regular meetings during Parliament sessions Sources say each group holds at least one meeting during every Parliament session, with additional meetings for larger state blocs like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Maharashtra, depending on coordination needs. These sessions are used to discuss key policy positions, clarify the government's stance on current issues, and ensure a unified voice across the coalition. 'These meetings are not just about BJP strategy," a source explained. 'They also serve to address issues raised by our alliance partners and Bharatiya Janata Party MPs regarding constituency work or pending development projects, so that they don't have to constantly knock on doors." Digital coordination and real-time feedback To strengthen coordination further, dedicated WhatsApp groups have been created for each MP team. These groups are used to share ground reports, media clippings, programme updates, and internal communication. Senior ministers like Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Bhupender Yadav, and key leaders from NDA allies such as TDP's Ram Mohan Naidu and JD(U)'s Lalan Singh, are actively leading these groups. NDA-wide parliamentary party meetings In a recent move inspired by suggestions from an NDA ally, the parliamentary party meetings, traditionally held only by the BJP every Tuesday during Parliament sessions, have now been expanded to include all NDA members. A senior minister from an NDA ally told CNN-News18, 'We felt the PM is not just the BJP leader but the head of the entire coalition. He should address all NDA MPs together." He added that PM Modi readily accepted the suggestion, and now these Tuesday meetings have become full-fledged NDA gatherings, giving all allies direct access to top leadership. Strength in numbers The BJP secured 240 seats on its own in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With key allies like TDP and JD(U), along with regional partners like Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), LJP (Chirag Paswan), HAM (Jitan Ram Manjhi), Jana Sena, and JD(S), the NDA's strength stands at 292 seats, giving it a comfortable majority.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Himachal BJP leaders meet Nirmala, seek aid to rebuild disaster-hit regions
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Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Simplified language in new Income Tax Bill a significant shift: FM Sitharaman
New Delhi: The use of simplified language in the new Income Tax Bill, 2025 marks a significant shift in making the provisions easier to understand, reducing the potential for misinterpretation and enhancing taxpayer-centricity and compliance, according to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Urging the I-T Department to accelerate disposal of disputed tax demands pending before faceless appellate authorities and ensure timely resolution of litigation backlog, she said the Department should identify and withdraw departmental appeals falling below the revised monetary thresholds announced in Union Budget 2024-25 within 3 months. 'Ensure timely processing of tax refunds and proactive and timely resolution of taxpayer grievances. Analyse the grievances and devise strategies not only to resolve the existing pendency but also to address the challenges that are causing the grievances in the first place,' she said at an event here on the occasion of the 166th Income Tax Day. She also requested the Department to undertake region-wise performance reviews to help identify factors hindering performance and streamline operations through indicators such as grievance disposal, Orders Giving Effect (OGE) issuance, rectification completion and processing of condonation cases under Section 119. The Finance Minister also congratulated the Department for its commendable work in efficiently drafting the New Income Tax Bill, 2025 within the stipulated timeline. She appreciated that the Department is actively addressing the recommendations received from the Select Committee. Looking ahead, the Finance Minister emphasised the importance of continuing this momentum, reaffirming the potential for further technological advancements to enhance consistent and efficient service delivery. She encouraged the Department to reaffirm its duty to serve taxpayers with fairness, empathy and professionalism, earning public trust not just through policy but through conduct. 'The CBDT must ensure that we provide adequate support to the staff and officers in terms of better workspaces and residential accommodations, so they don't have to commute in difficult situations and conditions. I would emphasise that the CBDT and the Department of Revenue prioritise the swift development of family accommodations and improved workspaces,' said the Finance Minister.
