Related items

• Cong Mulls Appointing 2 Vice-Prez to Assist Sonia Gandhi as Leaders Seek 'Active, Visible' Leadership
  in National

  

  For the past few days, a handful of Congress leaders have been preparing for the Congress Working Committee meeting.

  It’s to be a departure from recent past and instead of Zoom, it will now be using WebEx for video conferencing the meet to tide over the fear of hacking. The last time Sonia Gandhi met Rajya Sabha MPs, the incident left a bad experience. So this time, the Congress is taking no chances and the ID for the meeting will be given to the participants just before it begins.

  Ironically, the fear of leak or hacking is not from China, Pakistan or even the BJP. It’s from within the party as the Congress faces a crisis of leadership and voices that were silent or reticent till now have started becoming vocal. At such a time, the last thing the top Congress leadership would want is for their internal strife to be made public.

  However, the change in the means of conducting the meeting cannot put a lid on the crisis that the CWC could address. The biggest problem remains that of leadership. Most leaders in private and, some publicly, have complained that Congress has lost its steam; that it cannot fight the Modi juggernaut and the listlessness means soon Congress could be eased out of the national narrative. Apart from many leaving the party, those who stayed behind and are with the Congress often wonder what’s happening.

  Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Rajiv Satav are a few who have raised their voice against this.

  The problem before Sonia Gandhi remains the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to take charge. When recently, a year-old interview of Priyanka Vadra to a book surfaced in which she said she agreed with her brother on a non-Gandhi Congress president, there were alarm bells in the party. The Congress officially made a statement to say the old interview was being used to push an agenda and party workers and leaders accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

  At the CWC, it’s quite possible more voices may come up asking for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as it’s clear that Sonia Gandhi wants to hand over the reins. But what if he remains adamant? There is a proposal in place which could be implemented.

  There could be appointment of more than two vice-presidents to assist Sonia Gandhi. This is to address the concern that Congress needs a full-time president. But such an appointment could also ensure that Gandhis remain in control and the party continues to be headed by one of them, in this case Sonia Gandhi. Names which are doing the rounds are of Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Mallikarjun Kharge, but it’s quite possible that young leaders could be propped up.

  This apart, many new faces could be brought in for key posts and most of them are perceived to be close to Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev and Manickam Tagore are some names doing the rounds.

  It would also be interesting to see whether Sachin Pilot is brought to the centre. While Pilot has made it clear that he sees Rajasthan as his ‘karam bhumi’ and CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t want to leave the state yet, the Congress leadership could bring in Pilot to buy time till the committee submits its report.

  The caveat for all this is, of course, that the Congress needs to have the urge to solve this turmoil. For now, the restlessness becomes tough to ignore. Some like Jitin Prasada have formed a Brahmin Samaj and this is to capitalise on the 12% Brahmin vote bank which his party doesn’t seem to be concentrating on. Clearly, he wants to ensure that his politics stays alive.

  Few others who don’t want to leave the Congress are looking at ways to stay relevant. But the list of disillusioned leaders is long and growing, and many of these have at one point been influential or important in the scheme of things such as Milind Deora, Veerappa Moily, Anand Sharma, Ashwini Kumar, Salman Khurshid.

  Some chose to leave the party, like Jyotiraditya Scindia, some fought back and continue to do so like Sachin Pilot. But as new leaders are being propped up and Rahul Gandhi has his favourites, many feel left out and yet, want to stay in the party. The CWC brings some hope to them that things could change. But will the Congress and CWC once again shy away from taking a decision?

   

  Delhi Police busts Rohingya trafficking …

  03-05-2024

  

  Delhi Police has uncovered a scheme involved in smuggling Rohingyas from Myanmar through Bangladesh to various regions of India and other foreign nations. Two individuals, one of whom was an...

  Read more

  Telangana police arrest 5 Congress worke…

  03-05-2024

  

  Telangana Congress social media team arrested for sharing doctored video of Home Minister Amit Shah. Hyderabad high court directed Delhi Police to halt action against Congress activists. Petitioners challenged FIR...

  Read more

  HD Revanna files 2nd bail plea after kid…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  SC junks PIL to bar namesakes from poll

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Prajwal booked for raping wife of ex-aid…

  03-05-2024

  

  JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna faces abuse allegations, including rape and kidnapping accusations in multiple FIRs. His father, MLA HD Revanna, is also involved in the allegations.

  Read more

  Furnish data on GST notices & arrest…

  03-05-2024

  

  Supreme Court requests GST notices/arrests data to prevent harassment and address ambiguity in section 69 powers. Bench analyzing 281 petitions, highlights misuse concerns, and stresses the need for adjudication to...

  Read more

  Jingle vs jungle jibe: Tejashwi Yadav’s …

  03-05-2024

  

  During the 2019 poll campaign, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had gone to voters with the “Chowkidar **** ***” slogan, which ultimately proved counterproductive for the opposition alliance. This time round...

  Read more

  Congress digital platform activist held …

  03-05-2024

  

  Delhi Police arrest Arun Reddy from Congress's internet media team for alleged involvement in a doctored video. His phone is sent for forensic analysis. Investigation ongoing regarding a deep fake...

  Read more

  Why BJP stood firm when Kshatriyas prote…

  03-05-2024

  

  Kshatriya protests in Gujarat, particularly against Rajya Sabha member Parshottam Rupala, have not significantly impacted BJP's electoral strategies. These agitations were brought under control once two of the three key...

  Read more

  'Remain vigilant’: MEA relaxes travel ad…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Hany Babu withdraws bail plea in Elgar c…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  8 years on, Telangana cops close Vemula …

  03-05-2024

  

  Eight years after the PhD student Rohith Vemula died by suicide due to alleged caste-related discrimination at the University of Hyderabad, the Telangana Police has submitted a closure report stating...

  Read more

  Congress's DK Shivakumar let fellow Vokk…

  03-05-2024

  

  Union home minister Amit Shah accused Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar of allowing the JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to leave the country, adding he said immediate action could...

  Read more

  Canada cops arrest three ‘hit squad’ mem…

  03-05-2024

  

  Three Indians arrested in Canada, linked to hit squad hired by Indian govt to kill pro-Khalistan separatist. All the accused were arrested in operations in two provinces – Alberta and...

  Read more

  Uttarakhand forest fire claims third lif…

  03-05-2024

  

  Three labourers from Nepal, including an unidentified woman, all aged 30, who were working at a pine resin factory in Syunrakot, Almora, died within the past 24 hours after being...

  Read more

  Iran releases crew, including 16 Indians…

  03-05-2024

  

  Iran announced on Friday that it has freed the crew members, which includes 16 Indian nationals, of the Portuguese-flagged vessel that was captured during the military conflict with Israel. The...

  Read more

  SIA attaches Rajouri property of abscond…

  03-05-2024

  

  The J&K state investigation agency (SIA) Friday attached the property of an absconding terrorist, Abdul Hameed Khan, in Jammu’s Rajouri district under section 33 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act...

  Read more

  A tale of ‘nowhere people’

  03-05-2024

  

  The unique location of Siura Gopalpur makes it a classic place. It is just five kilometers away from the Mau district border and 20 kilometers from Mau town. However, the...

  Read more

  8-month pregnant woman falls from speedi…

  03-05-2024

  

  An eight-month pregnant woman, S Kasthuri, fell from Kollam Express near Ulundurpet. Her relatives unsuccessfully searched for her for three hours. An inquiry was ordered by the RDO to rule...

  Read more

  Police personnel, students launch drive …

  03-05-2024

  

  Police officers, along with volunteers from the community and school children, initiated a campaign to clean up public spaces in Pilibhit city on Friday in order to address the issue...

  Read more
• Who Will be Next Congress President? Reports of 'Sonia Gandhi Resigning False', Says Randeep Surjewala
  in National

  

  New Delhi, August 23: Congress' national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed the reports which claimed on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi would step down from her position of party president.

  The seniormost Gandhi family member was appointed at the helm n August last year, after her son Rahul Gandhi had stepped down following the humiliating defeat in 2019 general elections.

  "Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false," said Surjewala, whose statement is considered as the official word of the party. Congress President Row: Veterans Back Sonia Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot Says Letter of Dissent 'Unbelievable'.
  

  Surjewala's clarification came amid reports claiming that Gandhi has replied to a letter of dissent sent to her by around 23 seniormost party leaders. The dissenters have sought a complete overhaul of the party structure to re-energise the cadres and end the spree of poll defeats. Gandhi, in her reply, reportedly asked them to "get together and elect a new president".

  Update by ANI 

  Who Will be Next Congress President?

  While a section of party old guard including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have led their weight behind Sonia Gandhi, a number of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs have demanded the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

  Sonia, 73, was given a one-year interim role as party chief last year after no one came forth to claim the presidency following her son's exit. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is scheduled to convene tomorrow for a top-level meeting, will take a final call on the next leader, reports said.

   

   

  Delhi Police busts Rohingya trafficking …

  03-05-2024

  

  Delhi Police has uncovered a scheme involved in smuggling Rohingyas from Myanmar through Bangladesh to various regions of India and other foreign nations. Two individuals, one of whom was an...

  Read more

  Telangana police arrest 5 Congress worke…

  03-05-2024

  

  Telangana Congress social media team arrested for sharing doctored video of Home Minister Amit Shah. Hyderabad high court directed Delhi Police to halt action against Congress activists. Petitioners challenged FIR...

  Read more

  HD Revanna files 2nd bail plea after kid…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  SC junks PIL to bar namesakes from poll

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Prajwal booked for raping wife of ex-aid…

  03-05-2024

  

  JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna faces abuse allegations, including rape and kidnapping accusations in multiple FIRs. His father, MLA HD Revanna, is also involved in the allegations.

  Read more

  Furnish data on GST notices & arrest…

  03-05-2024

  

  Supreme Court requests GST notices/arrests data to prevent harassment and address ambiguity in section 69 powers. Bench analyzing 281 petitions, highlights misuse concerns, and stresses the need for adjudication to...

  Read more

  Jingle vs jungle jibe: Tejashwi Yadav’s …

  03-05-2024

  

  During the 2019 poll campaign, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had gone to voters with the “Chowkidar **** ***” slogan, which ultimately proved counterproductive for the opposition alliance. This time round...

  Read more

  Congress digital platform activist held …

  03-05-2024

  

  Delhi Police arrest Arun Reddy from Congress's internet media team for alleged involvement in a doctored video. His phone is sent for forensic analysis. Investigation ongoing regarding a deep fake...

  Read more

  Why BJP stood firm when Kshatriyas prote…

  03-05-2024

  

  Kshatriya protests in Gujarat, particularly against Rajya Sabha member Parshottam Rupala, have not significantly impacted BJP's electoral strategies. These agitations were brought under control once two of the three key...

  Read more

  'Remain vigilant’: MEA relaxes travel ad…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Hany Babu withdraws bail plea in Elgar c…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  8 years on, Telangana cops close Vemula …

  03-05-2024

  

  Eight years after the PhD student Rohith Vemula died by suicide due to alleged caste-related discrimination at the University of Hyderabad, the Telangana Police has submitted a closure report stating...

  Read more

  Congress's DK Shivakumar let fellow Vokk…

  03-05-2024

  

  Union home minister Amit Shah accused Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar of allowing the JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to leave the country, adding he said immediate action could...

  Read more

  Canada cops arrest three ‘hit squad’ mem…

  03-05-2024

  

  Three Indians arrested in Canada, linked to hit squad hired by Indian govt to kill pro-Khalistan separatist. All the accused were arrested in operations in two provinces – Alberta and...

  Read more

  Uttarakhand forest fire claims third lif…

  03-05-2024

  

  Three labourers from Nepal, including an unidentified woman, all aged 30, who were working at a pine resin factory in Syunrakot, Almora, died within the past 24 hours after being...

  Read more

  Iran releases crew, including 16 Indians…

  03-05-2024

  

  Iran announced on Friday that it has freed the crew members, which includes 16 Indian nationals, of the Portuguese-flagged vessel that was captured during the military conflict with Israel. The...

  Read more

  SIA attaches Rajouri property of abscond…

  03-05-2024

  

  The J&K state investigation agency (SIA) Friday attached the property of an absconding terrorist, Abdul Hameed Khan, in Jammu’s Rajouri district under section 33 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act...

  Read more

  A tale of ‘nowhere people’

  03-05-2024

  

  The unique location of Siura Gopalpur makes it a classic place. It is just five kilometers away from the Mau district border and 20 kilometers from Mau town. However, the...

  Read more

  8-month pregnant woman falls from speedi…

  03-05-2024

  

  An eight-month pregnant woman, S Kasthuri, fell from Kollam Express near Ulundurpet. Her relatives unsuccessfully searched for her for three hours. An inquiry was ordered by the RDO to rule...

  Read more

  Police personnel, students launch drive …

  03-05-2024

  

  Police officers, along with volunteers from the community and school children, initiated a campaign to clean up public spaces in Pilibhit city on Friday in order to address the issue...

  Read more
• No Pilots For Rafale Jets – Why Is The Indian Air Force Facing An Acute Shortage Of Trained Pilots?
  in International

  

  As India is in the process of overhauling its airforce with the latest Rafale jets and additional MiG-29 and SU-30 MKIs, an RTI (Request To Information) filed by India Today

   reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.

  New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed. 

  However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF. 

  Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.

  “The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.

  HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.

  

  The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies. 

  Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

   

   

  Torrential rains inundate southeastern T…

  03-05-2024

  

  Torrential rain in Houston caused closures and highway shutdowns. Over 9 inches fell, leading to flood and evacuation orders. Flash flood warning for San Jacinto River. Harris County Judge Lina...

  Read more

  Indian worker dies in worksite accident …

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson t…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  China launches Chang'e-6 lunar probe to …

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  France estimates 150,000 Russian soldier…

  03-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Indian couple, grandchild killed in mult…

  03-05-2024

  

  A tragic event unfolded on Highway 401 in Whitby, Ontario, claiming the lives of four individuals, including an Indian couple and their three-month-old grandchild. The collision occurred amidst a police...

  Read more

  'Fuel for water': Heatwave piles misery …

  02-05-2024

  

  Read more

  20 people killed, 21 others injured afte…

  02-05-2024

  

  Read more

  A tornado hit an Oklahoma newsroom built…

  02-05-2024

  

  Sulphur suffered Oklahoma's worst destruction during an outreak of severe weather when a tornado plowed through downtown in the community of about 5,000 residents south of Oklahoma City. Four people...

  Read more

  Russia says it downs six Ukraine-launche…

  02-05-2024

  

  Five of the drones were downed over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine and one over the Crimean Peninsula, the defence ministry said on the Telegram messaging app. The ministry...

  Read more

  Heavy rains near Houston close schools a…

  02-05-2024

  

  Mandatory evacuations near Houston due to heavy rains causing rising San Jacinto River. National Weather Service reports over 2 feet of rain in Texas. Schools closed, shelters opened. Concern over...

  Read more

  Security measures tightened for Chinese …

  02-05-2024

  

  Chinese nationals in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region are now subject to movement restrictions. The KP government has decreed that Chinese citizens must be accompanied by armored vehicles when traveling...

  Read more

  Mexican cops find tents, question people…

  02-05-2024

  

  Mexican authorities investigate the disappearance of two Australians and an American who went missing while surfing near Ensenada in Baja California. Evidence found at the scene linked to the case...

  Read more

  Indian American billionaire Vinod Khosla…

  02-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Death toll from rains in southern Brazil…

  02-05-2024

  

  Read more

  Labour claim early win in UK vote as clo…

  02-05-2024

  

  Labour's Chris Webb wins Blackpool South, influencing national election dynamics. Conservatives facing challenges with Sunak's leadership amid lagging polls. Results scrutiny crucial for party future.

  Read more

  Pro-Palestine protests: Fresh stir in US…

  02-05-2024

  

  Police have arrested more than 2,000 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks. Demonstrations — and arrests — have occurred in almost every...

  Read more

  Xenophobia causing China, Japan & In…

  02-05-2024

  

  President Joe Biden has called Japan and India “xenophobic” countries that do not welcome immigrants, lumping the two with adversaries China and Russia as he tried to explain their economic...

  Read more

  Turkiye ‘halts’ trade while Colombia bre…

  02-05-2024

  

  Turkey ceased all trade with Israel starting from Thursday, as reported by two Turkish officials who are knowledgeable about the situation, escalating the existing tensions between the former close allies...

  Read more

  Russia using chemical weapons in Ukraine…

  02-05-2024

  

  The US has accused Russia of using chemical weapons, including poison gas, “as a method of warfare” against Ukrainian forces, in violation of a global ban on the use of...

  Read more
• Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems
  in International

  

  Turkey has again signed a contract with Russia to acquire additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

  This would be a second deal between Moscow and Ankara for the S-400 missile systems. Turkey has already received two batteries of the S-400s worth $2.5 billion, a deal which was inked in April 2017.

  Speaking to reporters, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheyev said “The contract has been signed”, and stated that the parties shall now discuss the financial terms of the contract.

  He further said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend “on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project”.

  Turkey, being the first NATO member country to have received the S-400 air defense system, has damaged its reputation among NATO members and severely strained ties with Washington.

  Due to the deal, Washington kicked-out Turkey out from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – which means it won’t be getting any American 5th generation fighters and could instead look at Russian Su-35 jets.Instead of trying to resolve matters with the United States, Erdogan has pushed forward for a second deal for the S-400.

  Past talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the acquisition of the Patriot air defense system had fallen over a large group of issues, from the accessibility of S-400s to Ankara’s disappointment with Washington’s terms and conditions.Turkey has said it will possibly consent to an offer if it incorporates terms for indigenous production and transfer of technology.

  Ankara has more than once emphasized that it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that drove it to search out different vendors, adding that Russia offered a superior deal, including the transfer of technology.  Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to explain any specialized issues, yet the U.S. has so far not reacted to this proposition.According to TASS, the S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.

   

• Assam: KMSS To Launch Politcal Party, Akhil Gogoi To Be Chief Minister Candidate
  in Election News

  

  Guwahati: Peasant body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) on Saturday announced that it will launch a political party to fight the Assam assembly election in 2021 and its jailed leader Akhil Gogoi will be its chief ministerial candidate.

  Addressing a press conference here, the KMSS leadership said the proposed party’s name will be announced by Gogoi once he is released from jail.

  “We have prepared ourselves to form a new political party. It will be a regional party. People from all tribes, castes, communities, religions and languages will be a part of this party,” KMSS president Bhasco De Saikia said.

  The new outfit will be a non-compromising political force and it will not be named after KMSS’s earlier venture Gana Mukti Sangram-Asom.

  “Because of our non-compromising position, Akhil Gogoi is still inside the jail. By October, we hope he will be released. He will announce the name of the party after coming out of jail. The name of the party has been finalised already,” Saikia said. 

  Gogoi is lodged in Guwahati central jail and is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) late in 2019. The special NIA court earlier this month rejected his bail plea.

  Asked if Gogoi, who is the adviser of KMSS, will fight the polls, he replied in the affirmative.

  “Yes Akhil Gogoi will fight the polls in 2021. He will be our CM candidate,” Saikia said. “We are at present fighting for Akhil Gogoi’s release. Responding to our appeals, the people of Assam have come forward and contributed large amounts to carry forward the legal battle,” Saikia said.

  Elaborating on the proposed party, he said all intellectual preparation for the new party is ready as is its constitution.

  “The work agenda will be known as Asombasir Jatiya Karmahuchi and it will be the basis of the future modern Assamese society. We will send the constitution and the agenda to all district committees and our sister organisations. Then we will make these public and seek the peoples’ opinion on them,” he said.

  The KMSS leader said the proposed political party will fight against all forms of communal forces and appealed to regional forces to come forward and join hands to defeat the ruling BJP and its allies.

  “Our goal is to create a politically federal, economically self reliant, socially and culturally inclusive, and mentally scientific Assam. The KMSS will remain as an independent organisation like today and the political party will be separate,” Saikia said.

  Asked if KMSS has spoken to opposition parties in the state and All Assam Students’ Union, which too is foraying into politics, Saikia said “We have not talked to Congress or AASU yet. We all have to unite. The need of the hour is to join hands.”

  About the number of constituencies that the new front will contest, Saikia said it is being worked out and will be announced later.

  The KMSS leaders, the AASU and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) have been separately making public statements about forming new regional political parties since the protests against the CAA in December 2019.

  On August 19 student and youth bodies AASU and AJYCP set up an 18-member committee of prominent personalities to suggest the two organisation’s future course of action, a step towards their much-talked about political entry ahead of state Assembly polls.

  Senior journalist and Rajya Sabha member Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, who was supported by opposition parties Congress and AIUDF, too recently floated a new regional entity ‘Anchalik Gana Morcha’ to fight the assembly election slated for March-April in 2021.

  Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi had announced that Congress is working on to form a ‘Grand Alliance’ of non-BJP parties, including the AIUDF, Left and AGM, to oust the ruling party in the assembly elections and kept doors open for any new parties.

  The election to the 126-member Assam assembly in 2016 had given a fractured mandate and no party got the absolute majority in the current House. The ruling BJP is in the government with support from the AGP and BPF along with one Independent MLA.