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News18
23 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
Uttar Pradesh Set For Major Political Overhaul As BJP Eyes Course Correction Before 2027 Polls
Last Updated: After identifying lapses in regional and caste representation, the BJP leadership is initiating a reset to recover ground lost in the 2024 polls Uttar Pradesh is poised for a significant political reshuffle, both within the BJP's organisational framework and the state government structure, top sources have confirmed to CNN-News18. In the wake of its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is preparing a comprehensive reset ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly polls. The first step in this direction is expected to be the announcement of a new Uttar Pradesh BJP president — a decision currently awaited. After a brief lull following the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, the BJP has resumed focus on pending organisational changes. Uttar Pradesh is at the centre of this activity, with the appointment of a new state president seen as the immediate priority. The decision is expected to set the tone not only for the 2027 state elections but also for the party's larger leadership transition. Following the appointment, a cabinet expansion in the Yogi Adityanath-led government is on the cards. The move aims to ensure balanced regional and caste representation, especially from areas and communities that have either been underrepresented or shifted their allegiance in the recent parliamentary polls. Sources indicate that additional representation may be extended to regions such as Awadh, Braj, Kashi, Ambedkar Nagar, and the Pratapgarh–Prayagraj belt. Among the communities likely to receive fresh or enhanced representation are the Pasi and Kurmi groups from Awadh; Saini, Maurya, and Shakya from the central-eastern belt; Shakya from Braj; and Bind and Kurmi from the Kashi region. An internal review conducted by the party suggests that many of these communities, including segments of the BJP's traditional voter base, drifted away in 2024 — leading to a substantial fall in vote share. In several constituencies, the drop was as high as 6–7 per cent, even in areas previously considered secure by the party's own estimates. This feedback, shared with the central leadership, has prompted urgent discussions on course correction, with the twin goals of addressing gaps in representation and regaining electoral ground. The party is also preparing to elect a new national president. JP Nadda, who was appointed in January 2020, has already completed his full term and was given extensions to steer the BJP through critical phases, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As per party norms, a majority of state unit elections must be completed before the new national chief is named — making the Uttar Pradesh appointment a key step in that direction. In contrast, the Samajwadi Party's candidate selection — rooted in nuanced social engineering — paid off handsomely in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, bolstering Akhilesh Yadav's political stock. The BJP, meanwhile, is working on a counter-strategy to outpace the SP in the run-up to 2027. Having come to power in 2017 with a landslide and repeated that performance with an even stronger mandate in 2022, the Yogi Adityanath government will now seek a third consecutive term. For the BJP, retaining Uttar Pradesh is not just about a state election, it is about mirroring the larger national narrative of continuity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in a rare third term at the Centre. First Published: June 28, 2025, 09:44 IST
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal high court rejects apology, ex-MP Sushant, son to face contempt case
Jun 28, 2025 07:48 AM IST Former Lok Sabha MP Rajan Sushant and his son Dhairya Sushant will face criminal contempt as the Himachal Pradesh high court on Friday rejected an 'unqualified and unconditional' apology offered by them. The high court had taken a suo motu notice after a video was uploaded on Facebook, levelling allegations against the judicial system. The court reviewed the Hindi and English transcriptions of the video. The Himachal high court has listed the matter for July 16 for framing of charges. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) 'We are sorry to say we cannot subscribe to the 'slap, say sorry and forget' school of thought in the administration of contempt jurisprudence… Saying sorry does not make the slapper poorer, nor does the cheek which has taken the slap smart less upon the said hypocritical word,' said the division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja while referring to Supreme Court judgements refusing to accept the apology. 'Apology tendered herein is nothing but a paper apology, which in the given facts and circumstances cannot be accepted. Had the respondents been sincere and honest, they they would have made all endeavour to have apologised at the earliest given opportunity. Therefore, the apology cannot be accepted,' the court said in its 21-page order. 'An apology can be accepted in case the conduct for which the apology is given is such that it can be ignored without compromising the dignity of the court, or it is intended to be evidence of real contrition. It should be sincere. Apology cannot be accepted in case it is hollow, more especially, when there is no regret and repentance,' ruled the court while listing the matter for July 16 for framing of charges. Both Rajan and Dhairya have been directed to personally remain present before high court.
India.com
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
BJP's ‘Nari Shakti' Rhetoric Faces Leadership Test Within Party
New Delhi: In Indian politics, slogans often do the heavy lifting. 'Nari Shakti', the BJP's rallying cry for women's empowerment, has been a consistent part of its electoral pitch, development agenda, and cultural messaging. From schemes like Ujjwala Yojana to the push for the Women's Reservation Bill, the party has repeatedly projected itself as a champion of women's rights. However, despite years of promoting 'Nari Shakti' as a key electoral plank and cultural identity, the Bharatiya Janata Party today finds itself in an uncomfortable position, lacking a strong, popular pan-India woman face in its top leadership or newly formed cabinet. While the Modi cabinet has seven women ministers, none of them enjoys pan-India popularity like Sushma Swaraj or other former women leaders of the party. This apparent disconnect between rhetoric and representation hasn't gone unnoticed. This gap has raised eyebrows among political observers, and as the 3.0 Modi-led government takes shape, a critical question arises: Where are the women? A cabinet without prominent women "Nari Shakti" is a powerful slogan, but slogans don't substitute for representation. The absence of prominent female leadership highlights how women are still perceived more as support systems than leaders within the party. This is not a new pattern. The BJP fielded around 16% women candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a modest improvement, but still far short of the 33% goal it has publicly endorsed. Despite a strong base of women MPs (31 out of the BJP's 240 in the 18th Lok Sabha) and growing female participation in election campaigns and grassroots politics, few women are elevated to positions of national political visibility or decision-making authority. As per several analysts, parties field women candidates in either safe or hopeless constituencies, rarely in the crucial battleground seats. Women are mobilized during elections, but not groomed for leadership. Experts feel the BJP's Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Act was a mere eyewash, promising 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but delivering a paltry 31 women MPs in 2024, a stark decline from 42 in 2019. Experts say this is a part of a broader pattern where women are mobilized as voters and campaigners, especially in welfare schemes and outreach initiatives, but are not empowered as political decision-makers. This paradox, between women's increasing political visibility and their absence from actual leadership, has drawn criticism. Political Analyst Sandeep Choudhary said, "Making Droupadi Murmu the President of India, a tribal woman from a humble background, certainly sent a message to the world. But let's not mistake representation for empowerment. Women do not become empowered merely by holding symbolic positions. Real empowerment demands structural change; women must be given real power in legislative assemblies, in ministries, in administrative authority, and in decision-making bodies where their voice is not just present, but heard and acted upon." "Women's participation in politics should not be conditional upon the will or generosity of men. As long as male leaders continue to decide which woman should get a ticket, whose voice should rise, and who should be sidelined, empowerment will remain a distant dream. Women must be allowed to rise through their merit, their strength, and their vision, not based on what role the male leadership assigns them. Until then, this will not be true empowerment, but controlled representation," he further added. "Look at Smriti Irani, she is articulate, bold, and deeply connected to the ground realities. Yet after her defeat, she vanished from political prominence. In contrast, men like Pushkar Singh Dhami and Keshav Prasad Maurya were made Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister despite losing. This inconsistency shows that women are still viewed as exceptions, not equals," Choudhary further highlighted, adding, "Today, the BJP governs many states across India, yet how many women do we see as Chief Ministers? Just one, and that too, a recent appointment of Rekha Gupta in Delhi, after the fall of the AAP government. If women truly matter in politics, why are they missing from the top posts across the country? You cannot talk about Nari Shakti while structurally excluding women from leadership roles." Experts feel that when capable women are ignored, it sends a message to the next generation of women that their rise will always depend on factors beyond competence. "Slogans like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and 'Nari Shaktikaran' are powerful, but they must translate into policies, opportunities, and representation. Until a woman can rise from the Panchayat to Parliament without systemic bias, until her ticket isn't decided by the male high command, and until her defeat isn't treated as final while men are resurrected, true women's empowerment will remain a distant ideal," he concluded. Ground-level mobilization, but no elevation To be fair, the BJP has effectively mobilized women at the grassroots, using self-help groups, local welfare schemes, and women-specific subsidies to cultivate strong female voter bases. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, women played a decisive role in the BJP victories. Initiatives like the Ladli Behna Yojana and targeted welfare programs have built immense goodwill among women voters, especially in rural India. BJP has mastered the art of symbolism when it comes to women, but that mobilization has not translated to genuine political inclusion. Women are present on the ground, not in the room where decisions are made. This dissonance, women as voters versus women as leaders, is now becoming too stark to ignore. Reports also say that women's representation is far lower than in many other democracies. The few women who do make it are typically from politically privileged families. Senior Journalist Rahul Lal slammed the BJP, saying, "The BJP's actions suggest that women's empowerment is not a priority for the party, and that the Nari Shakti slogan is merely a publicity gimmick." Making his views stronger, Rahul Lal added, "Women have been marginalized in every matter in terms of representation, and it's not an exaggeration to say that the BJP's Nari Shakti slogan has been a mere facade. The BJP could have given more tickets to women, but they didn't, and as a result, women's representation in the party has taken a hit. The Saffron party's promises of women's empowerment have turned out to be empty promises, with no substance or action to back them up." Regional contrast and missed opportunities Regional parties have offered a different model. In contrast, parties like the TMC, BSP, and even Congress have put women front and center. Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are household names. Meanwhile, the BJP, a party with a national presence and deep organizational machinery, lacks any woman who occupies a similar national leadership space today. What must change Experts feel that for the BJP to credibly claim the mantle of 'Nari Shakti,' it must: Elevate women into the party's highest decision-making bodies, including cabinet committees and national executive posts. Field women candidates in winnable constituencies and train them for long-term leadership roles. Move beyond symbolism, giving women policy authority, not just campaign responsibilities, and promote internal mentorship and leadership pipelines, especially from grassroots to national politics. Time for structural empowerment The BJP's messaging around "Nari Shakti" has undeniably reshaped how women voters see politics, as something accessible and participatory. But turning that participation into real representation requires more than slogans. Until women are given real power, not just portfolios but policy-shaping authority, the gap between narrative and reality will continue to grow. In an era where optics matter, substance matters more. The question is no longer whether the BJP can mobilize women. It's whether it is ready to be led by them.
News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
BJP National President Announcement Likely Soon, But Uttar Pradesh Chief To Be Finalised First
June has largely been dedicated to Modi government events marking one year of its third term and 11 years of 'seva'. However, organisational activity has now picked up pace After a brief lull due to the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, the Bharatiya Janata Party has resumed focus on pending organisational elections. Key among these is the appointment of the party's national president, expected soon, but not before Uttar Pradesh gets its new state unit chief. Given Uttar Pradesh's political significance and the upcoming state elections in two years, the BJP is prioritising the appointment of a new president there, setting the tone for the national leadership transition. Other major states are also in focus. Gujarat, home to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, is due for a leadership change. Currently, CR Patil holds the post but he now serves as a union cabinet minister. Madhya Pradesh—considered the BJP's oldest organisational stronghold—also awaits a new state president, as BD Sharma's term has ended. June has largely been dedicated to Modi government events marking one year of its third term and 11 years of 'seva". However, organisational activity has now picked up pace. On Friday, the BJP appointed central observers for organisational elections in three key states. In Maharashtra, union minister Kiren Rijiju will oversee proceedings. Ravindra Chavan, currently working president after Chandrakant Patil joined the state cabinet, is expected to take full charge. In Uttarakhand, union minister Harsh Malhotra has been tasked with finalising the new state president. In West Bengal, former union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has been assigned as current state president Sukanta Majumdar, now also a union minister, may be replaced. With West Bengal headed to polls next year, there is speculation that the BJP may appoint a woman as state president. Agnimitra Paul and former MP Locket Chatterjee are seen as strong contenders. Organisational elections in other states are being scheduled. Tripura elections will be held on June 29, with former union minister Pratima Bhowmik in contention. Andhra Pradesh elections are set for July 1, as current president D Purandeswari remains in contention along with BJP Lok Sabha MP CM Ramesh. Sources have said that in Telangana, a new state president is likely to be announced in the coming week. In Karnataka, sources suggest that BY Vijayendra—son of veteran leader BS Yediyurappa and current state president—may continue for another term, especially given the political instability facing the Congress government in the state. Out of 36 states and union territories, the BJP has successfully concluded elections in 14. As per party norms, 51% of state units must complete their organisational polls before the national president is elected. Incumbent national president JP Nadda, appointed in January 2020, has already completed his full term. He was granted extensions to lead the party through key events, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is now expected to move swiftly on completing the remaining state-level appointments before naming its next national president. First Published: June 27, 2025, 19:14 IST
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
No new excise policy for Delhi, current one to continue till March '26
With no clarity on a new excise policy that has been under preparation for over 33 months, the Delhi government on Friday announced the extension of the existing liquor policy till March 2026 — one of the longest such extension since the scrapping of the 2021-22 excise regime in September 2022 following allegations of irregularities. The last implemented excise policy (2021-22) was withdrawn following allegations of irregularities in September 2022.(Representational) The extension means the city will continue to operate under the 2020-21 policy — which has already been extended five times. The move, officials said, was necessary to ensure uninterrupted liquor supply as the current extension was set to expire on June 30. The last implemented excise policy (2021-22) was withdrawn following allegations of irregularities in September 2022. 'The competent authority has granted approval for continuation of the excise duty-based regime… for the excise year 2025-26 (July 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026),' said a June 27 order issued by the excise department. It confirmed that wholesale licenses (L-1, L-1F), retail (L-2), hotel, club, and restaurant licenses would be renewed on existing terms upon payment of the applicable fees. An excise official said licensees across all categories will need to renew their permits to continue operations, including Delhi government-run liquor vends. The rollout of a new policy has now been stalled for nearly two years. Initially expected in late 2022, its drafting was delayed first due to ongoing probes into alleged corruption in the 2021-22 excise policy and later by the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, and assembly elections in early 2025. Following a CBI inquiry and the arrests of several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the government reverted to the 2020-21 regime in September 2022. The continued extensions have created supply issues, with many popular Indian and international liquor brands — especially premium whiskies, vodkas, and wines — frequently out of stock. Industry observers and consumers have urged the government to revamp the policy to match the more liberal excise regimes in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where private retail players are allowed and customer experience is more robust. Currently, only government-run liquor outlets operate in Delhi. While the current policy technically allows for private participation, no decision has been taken on whether to allow private players until the new policy is implemented. The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Delhi has said it is drafting a new excise regime that will focus on 'transparency, quality, and accountability,' with improved consumer experience and safeguards for public health. A high-level committee headed by chief secretary Dharmendra is reviewing practices from other states and consulting stakeholders. Chief minister Rekha Gupta recently told HT that the new policy aims to reduce business flight to neighbouring Gurugram and Noida. 'It will enhance consumer experience while ensuring regulatory checks,' she said. However, this policy appears to have been delayed for now. A separate circular issued Friday added that all existing licenses, including L-6 (government retail), L-6FG (supermarkets), and L-10 (hotels/clubs/restaurants), would be renewed for the nine-month period starting July 2025, subject to compliance with the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, and Delhi Excise Rules, 2010. Vinod Giri, director general of the Brewers Association of India, the extension of the policy should have been extended in entirety. 'Old policy had provision for private retail which is essential for ensuring a consumer friendly and market driven product availability and retailing experience in the city. So we urge the government to ensure that private vends is introduced using existing provisions in the policy as soon as possible which is in the interest of consumers, industry and also the government,' he said.
