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• Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu detained yet again on way to meet deceased scribe’s family
  in National

  

  UPCC president Ajay Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday

  Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Kumar Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday night.

  The vehicles in which Lallu and other party workers were travelling were stopped by the police. After this, the Congress leaders began walking towards Ballia and were again detained in Salon by the police.This, according to Congress sources, is the 23rd time that Ajay Kumar Lallu has been prevented from reaching his destination by the state police. 

  Earlier this month, Lallu was detained while going to Bansgaon in Azamgarh to meet the family of a Dalit sarpanch who had been killed.In May this year, he was arrested in Agra and sent to jail for almost three weeks for 'misguiding the government on the issue of buses for migrants.'

   

  Next stop, Delhi? What’s ahead for K Ann…

  11-04-2025

  

  As K. Annamalai steps down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, speculation is rife about his next role. He might be appointed as a central minister in Delhi, given an organizational...

  Read more

  ‘Trials started for airside baggage tran…

  11-04-2025

  

  Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop...

  Read more

  Caught on camera: Woman throws one kid a…

  11-04-2025

  

  Read more

  'BJP takes pride in Tamil language, cult…

  11-04-2025

  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the DMK government, accusing them of using delimitation and the three-language policy to divert attention from key issues ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

  Read more

  'Squatted on track': Over 5,000 people o…

  11-04-2025

  

  Train services in West Bengal's Azimganj-New Farakka section were disrupted on April 11, 2025, as approximately 5,000 people blocked the railway track between Dhulianganga and Nimtita stations. The obstruction, stemming...

  Read more

  Dust is in the air: Strong storm in Delh…

  11-04-2025

  

  Delhi experienced a welcome temperature drop as dusty storms swept through the city for two consecutive days, causing some damage like fallen tree branches. The IMD had issued a yellow...

  Read more

  Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch:…

  11-04-2025

  

  Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a Rs 4,819 crore project to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity between North and South India. The project includes modernizing stations...

  Read more

  'Was most expected': DMK takes 'fell at …

  11-04-2025

  

  The DMK has criticized the AIADMK's reunion with the BJP, claiming it was driven by fear and pressure on Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to DMK, Palaniswami ultimately yielded to the...

  Read more

  'India-US could finalise partial bilater…

  11-04-2025

  

  India and the US are working towards finalizing a portion of their Bilateral Trade Agreement during the 90-day tariff pause initiated by the US. Negotiations have commenced, with both nations...

  Read more

  'My wish is Nitish be made deputy PM': I…

  11-04-2025

  

  Speculation is growing within Bihar's NDA alliance as the BJP may be considering a significant shift in leadership post-elections. The BJP might propose an "honourable exit" for Nitish Kumar, potentially...

  Read more

  Top 5 news of the day: AIADMK-BJP allian…

  11-04-2025

  

  AIADMK and BJP have solidified their alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, with Amit Shah confirming the NDA will contest under PM Modi nationally and Edappadi K Palaniswami in...

  Read more

  Annamalai out, AIADMK in: How Nainar Nag…

  11-04-2025

  

  BJP and AIADMK have reunited for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with Amit Shah declaring the NDA will contest under Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership. Nainar Nagendran, formerly with AIADMK, is...

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  Together, with India, we've long sought …

  11-04-2025

  

  Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

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  JNU Students' Union elections on April 2…

  11-04-2025

  

  Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union elections for 2024-25 are scheduled for April 25, with results on April 28, following student protests over delays. The election process includes nomination filings on...

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  Indian Consulate in Melbourne vandalised…

  11-04-2025

  

  The Indian Consulate General in Melbourne was vandalized with graffiti at its St Kilda Road location. The incident, occurring around 1:00 am on April 10, prompted a response from Victoria...

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  Amit Shah says AIADMK made 'no demand' a…

  11-04-2025

  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the AIADMK's return to the NDA for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election, stating that the AIADMK had no preconditions for re-joining. Shah emphasized...

  Read more

  'Will leverage his organisational skills…

  11-04-2025

  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded K. Annamalai for his exceptional contributions as the Tamil Nadu BJP unit chief, highlighting his efforts in promoting party policies and programs. Shah announced...

  Read more

  SIT to probe 40% commission allegation a…

  11-04-2025

  

  The Karnataka government will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the 40% commission allegations against the previous BJP administration. This decision follows a report by the Nagamohan Das...

  Read more

  PM Modi offers prayers at Guruji Maharaj…

  11-04-2025

  

  During his visit, PM Modi performed aarti at the Guruji Maharaj Temple. He also toured the temple complex at Anandpur Dham.

  Read more

   

• 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?

   

  Next stop, Delhi? What’s ahead for K Ann…

  11-04-2025

  

  As K. Annamalai steps down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, speculation is rife about his next role. He might be appointed as a central minister in Delhi, given an organizational...

  Read more

  ‘Trials started for airside baggage tran…

  11-04-2025

  

  Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop...

  Read more

  Caught on camera: Woman throws one kid a…

  11-04-2025

  

  Read more

  'BJP takes pride in Tamil language, cult…

  11-04-2025

  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the DMK government, accusing them of using delimitation and the three-language policy to divert attention from key issues ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

  Read more

  'Squatted on track': Over 5,000 people o…

  11-04-2025

  

  Train services in West Bengal's Azimganj-New Farakka section were disrupted on April 11, 2025, as approximately 5,000 people blocked the railway track between Dhulianganga and Nimtita stations. The obstruction, stemming...

  Read more

  Dust is in the air: Strong storm in Delh…

  11-04-2025

  

  Delhi experienced a welcome temperature drop as dusty storms swept through the city for two consecutive days, causing some damage like fallen tree branches. The IMD had issued a yellow...

  Read more

  Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch:…

  11-04-2025

  

  Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a Rs 4,819 crore project to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity between North and South India. The project includes modernizing stations...

  Read more

  'Was most expected': DMK takes 'fell at …

  11-04-2025

  

  The DMK has criticized the AIADMK's reunion with the BJP, claiming it was driven by fear and pressure on Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to DMK, Palaniswami ultimately yielded to the...

  Read more

  'India-US could finalise partial bilater…

  11-04-2025

  

  India and the US are working towards finalizing a portion of their Bilateral Trade Agreement during the 90-day tariff pause initiated by the US. Negotiations have commenced, with both nations...

  Read more

  'My wish is Nitish be made deputy PM': I…

  11-04-2025

  

  Speculation is growing within Bihar's NDA alliance as the BJP may be considering a significant shift in leadership post-elections. The BJP might propose an "honourable exit" for Nitish Kumar, potentially...

  Read more

  Top 5 news of the day: AIADMK-BJP allian…

  11-04-2025

  

  AIADMK and BJP have solidified their alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, with Amit Shah confirming the NDA will contest under PM Modi nationally and Edappadi K Palaniswami in...

  Read more

  Annamalai out, AIADMK in: How Nainar Nag…

  11-04-2025

  

  BJP and AIADMK have reunited for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with Amit Shah declaring the NDA will contest under Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership. Nainar Nagendran, formerly with AIADMK, is...

  Read more

  Together, with India, we've long sought …

  11-04-2025

  

  Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

  Read more

  JNU Students' Union elections on April 2…

  11-04-2025

  

  Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union elections for 2024-25 are scheduled for April 25, with results on April 28, following student protests over delays. The election process includes nomination filings on...

  Read more

  Indian Consulate in Melbourne vandalised…

  11-04-2025

  

  The Indian Consulate General in Melbourne was vandalized with graffiti at its St Kilda Road location. The incident, occurring around 1:00 am on April 10, prompted a response from Victoria...

  Read more

  Amit Shah says AIADMK made 'no demand' a…

  11-04-2025

  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the AIADMK's return to the NDA for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election, stating that the AIADMK had no preconditions for re-joining. Shah emphasized...

  Read more

  'Will leverage his organisational skills…

  11-04-2025

  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded K. Annamalai for his exceptional contributions as the Tamil Nadu BJP unit chief, highlighting his efforts in promoting party policies and programs. Shah announced...

  Read more

  SIT to probe 40% commission allegation a…

  11-04-2025

  

  The Karnataka government will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the 40% commission allegations against the previous BJP administration. This decision follows a report by the Nagamohan Das...

  Read more

  PM Modi offers prayers at Guruji Maharaj…

  11-04-2025

  

  During his visit, PM Modi performed aarti at the Guruji Maharaj Temple. He also toured the temple complex at Anandpur Dham.

  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.

   

   

  Marjorie Taylor Greene accused of 'insid…

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  'Very exciting for America, world': Trum…

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  Donald Trump touted the success of his tariff policy, despite a weakening US dollar and concerns about inflation. Recent data indicates a slowdown in consumer price increases. However, China has...

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  Agustin Escobar, family boarded doomed N…

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  Agustin Escober, a Siemens executive, his wife, and their three children tragically died in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River during a celebratory tour of New York City. The...

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  Together, with India, we've long sought …

  11-04-2025

  

  Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

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  Ahead of nuclear talks, Germany calls fo…

  11-04-2025

  

  Iran and the US are scheduled to hold talks in Muscat, Oman, this Saturday regarding Tehran's nuclear program, with Germany advocating for a diplomatic resolution between the two countries. These...

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  US military base chief in Greenland fire…

  11-04-2025

  

  The commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, Col. Susan Meyers, was relieved of her duties after expressing disagreement with Vice President JD Vance's remarks during his controversial visit. Meyers...

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  Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan open to …

  11-04-2025

  

  Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, is open to reconciliation talks with the government or any institution, according to Junaid Akbar. However, Khan refuses to be coerced into submission while...

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  NYC chopper pilot radioed minutes before…

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  A New York Helicopter Tour tragically crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six on board, including Siemens executive Agustin Escobar's family. The pilot, en route for refuelling, reported needing...

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  China retaliates with 125 per cent tarif…

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  Immigration or ideology? How Trump admin…

  11-04-2025

  

  The Trump administration is facing backlash for its strict immigration policies. These policies target pro-Palestine voices in American universities. Visa cancellations and deportations are rising. Universities are under pressure to...

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  'Will keep escalating consequences': Tru…

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  Quds force commander claims US and Israe…

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  Two workers trapped after metro construc…

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  Xi warns of ‘self-isolation’ in first re…

  11-04-2025

  

  President Xi Jinping has cautioned against tariff wars, emphasizing that confrontation within the international community could lead to isolation. He urged the EU to join China in opposing unilateralism and...

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  Tesla halts new orders in China for two …

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  'Prize for terror, boost for Hamas': Isr…

  11-04-2025

  

  President Macron of France indicated plans to potentially recognize a Palestinian state by June, coinciding with a conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia. The aim is to encourage reciprocal recognition of...

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• 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.