LIVE: BJP is becoming synonymous with aspirations, progress, says PM Modi

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8:42 PM

PM Modi addressing party workers after the inauguration of the residential complex and auditorium

Highlights from his speech:

• The journey began with 2 Lok Sabha seats and is now at 303 seats. BJP is the only pan-India party from east to west and from north to south.
• BJP gives the opportunity to the youth to progress.
• BJP is not only the world's biggest but also the most futuristic party, its only goal is to make a modern and developed India
• The party was almost finished in the 1984 elections, but we didn't lose hope. We continued working for the people

7:28 PM

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.) in Delhi

6:56 PM

Amritpal Singh spotted without a turban and with a mask on his face in Delhi on March 21

2:40 PM

Congress asks Odisha CM Patnaik to visit Japan after Assembly session

With Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik planning to undertake a nine-day trip to Japan from April 3, Opposition Congress on Tuesday suggested that the CM visit the East Asian country after the end of the Budget session of the House.

 

The Budget session of the Odisha Assembly will end on April 6.

 

The issue was raised by Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra in the House during the Zero Hour. "I understand from media that the CM is all set to start his tour to Japan from April 3. We do not have any objection to his (CM) visit to Japan on the state's interest. But, he should not ignore the House which is on session," he said.

2:27 PM

Karnataka Congress promises to scrap quotas announced by BJP when it wins

Karnataka Congress on Tuesday pledged to scrap various reservation quotas announced by the ruling BJP in the state immediately after it comes to power.

Talking to media persons, State President D.K. Shivakumar stated that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has given his stamp on the reservations done by the BJP government in Karnataka. But, the people have rejected it and after 40 days, the Congress is going to form the government and scrap the new reservations.

2:14 PM

Atiq Ahmed sentenced to life imprisonment in Umesh Pal kidnapping case

Prayagraj MP-MLA Court sentences mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed to life imprisonment in Umesh Pal kidnapping case; also imposes a fine of Rs 5,000 on him. 

 

The Court convicted Atiq Ahmed, Dinesh Pasi and Khan Saulat Hanif in the case. All the other seven accused, including the brother of Atiq Ahmed - Ashraf - acquitted.

2:12 PM

AAP to display posters against PM Modi across India on March 30

The Aam Aadmi Party will be displaying posters against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 11 languages across the country on March 30, party's state convener Gopal Rai said on Tuesday.

"The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will display posters in states across the country on March 30. All state units of the party have been asked to paste posters in their respective states. The posters have been printed in 11 languages," Rai, the Delhi AAP chief and environment minister, told PTI.

1:37 PM

India committed to support African partner nations in all defence-related matters: Rajnath Singh

India is steadfast in its commitment to provide support in all defence-related matters to African partner countries, including capability enhancement of their armed forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday.

Speaking at the conclave of Army chiefs in which 31 delegates from African nations participated, including 10 Army chiefs, Singh said India is at the forefront of providing training to the armed forces of African countries.

1:13 PM

Rahul to visit K'taka on April 5 to take on BJP over disqualification row

The Congress is planning a mega programme for April 5 to retaliate on the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the very place where the contentious speech was made in Karnataka, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

 

The party is planning to have Rahul Gandhi deliver his address.

12:54 PM

Zydus Lifesciences gets USFDA nod to market generic drug

Zydus Lifesciences on Tuesday said it has received approval from the US health regulator to market a generic product which is used to treat myxedema coma.

The company has received the final approval for Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection in strength of 100 mcg/vial, 200 mcg/vial, and 500 mcg/vial from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), the drug firm said in a statement.

 

12:25 PM

Rahul trying to 'rip apart' PM Modi's image, but won't succeed: BJP

The BJP on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader's refusal to apologise to the OBC community for his "indecent" comments is yet another "manifestation" of the Gandhi family's political arrogance.

 

BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani alleged that Gandhi was trying to "rip" apart the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But the Congress leader will not succeed as the people of the country are with the prime minister, she asserted at a press conference.

12:17 PM

BBC Punjabi Twitter account withheld in connection with Amritpal's case

Amid ongoing police crackdown against pro-Khalistani elements in Punjab, the official Twitter account of the BBC Punjabi was blocked by the authorities.

 

The message of Twitter profile of BBC News Punjabi' read: @bbcnewspunjabi's account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand

11:45 AM

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid protest by Opposition members

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday amid protest by Opposition members.

As soon as the House met, some Opposition members, wearing black clothes, trooped into the Well of the House and hurled papers towards the Chair.

11:40 AM

Stalemate to continue in Parliament, budget session likely to end early

With the stalemate continuing in Parliament, the session is likely to be wound up early.

 

The Budget session is scheduled to end on April 6, but with continued logjam over various issues, sources are saying that it may be sine die soon.

11:22 AM

Prove Savarkar apologised, late Hindutva ideologue's grandson tells Rahul

The grandson of late Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar has sought action against Rahul Gandhi for his comments and also challenged the Congress leader to show documents that prove he had apologised to the British.

 

Gandhi's "My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone" remark has drawn fire from BJP.