Prime Minister Modi to Speak at Chhattisgarh Rally on September 14th:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a one-day visit to Chhattisgarh on September 14th, where he is set to address a public rally in Kodatarai, Raigarh district, following a roadshow, as reported by a BJP official on Sunday.
State BJP President Arun Sao and other senior party leaders conducted a recent assessment of the preparations at the Kodatarai venue to ensure the event’s success, according to the unnamed BJP official.
The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at the local airstrip in Kodatarai around 1 p.m. on September 14th. Prior to addressing the public rally in Kodatarai, he will stage a roadshow in Kondatarai.
This visit marks his second trip to Chhattisgarh in the past two months. During his July visit to Raipur, he unveiled various developmental projects totaling Rs 7,600 crore and addressed a meeting of BJP workers at the Science College ground.
Prime Minister Modi to Speak at Chhattisgarh Rally on September 14th
Chhattisgarh is due for assembly polls in November this year. The BJP is gearing up to launch two ‘Parivartan Yatras,’ a large-scale mass outreach campaign, in the state on September 12th and September 16th. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will kick off the first yatra in Dantewada under Bastar on September 12th, while BJP National President J.P. Nadda will launch the second yatra in Jashpur on September 16th.
During a frank discussion with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s “serious concerns regarding the ongoing anti-India activities conducted by extremist elements within Canada.”
In a bilateral meeting held during the G20 Summit on Sunday, Modi informed Trudeau that these extremist factions were actively endorsing separatism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, resulting in property damage, attacks on places of worship, and threats to the Indian community in Canada.
Modi stressed the importance of a relationship between India and Canada that is built on mutual respect and trust, while also cautioning that the connection of these extremist groups with Canada should be alarmed by the association of these extremist elements with organized crime, drug networks, and human trafficking.
He emphasized the need for both countries to collaborate in addressing these threats, highlighting that India-Canada relations are firmly rooted in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and strong people-to-people connections.
However, a statement issued by the Canadian government on Sunday made no mention of India’s concerns regarding the need to address pro-Khalistan extremism. Instead, the statement emphasized the significance of upholding the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty, a move seen as both a message to India and a firm stance taken by Trudeau.
Trudeau’s government has faced criticism for adopting a lenient approach towards pro-Khalistan elements, even as they openly issue threats to India and the Indian community, citing the importance of freedom of speech. This issue has gained significance as Hindu temples have been vandalized in Canada.
Modi Discusses Khalistani Extremism with Trudeau
New Delhi believes that Trudeau is turning a blind eye to these elements due to electoral considerations. Tensions escalated when pro-Khalistan groups in Canada recently organized a celebratory display on the streets depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was killed by two of her bodyguards in 1984.
Despite New Delhi’s calls for action against such elements, Trudeau’s government has not taken significant steps in this regard.
Lokesh, the National General Secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), strongly believes that his father and former Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has been subjected to an unjust judicial remand for a crime he did not commit. In a statement released on Sunday, Lokesh expressed his deep frustration, questioning the extent of political vendetta and why someone of his father’s caliber, who has made significant contributions to the country, the state, and the Telugu people, should face such injustice.
He pondered whether it was because his father refrained from engaging in vindictive or destructive politics and instead focused on promoting growth, welfare, and opportunities for the people long before others did. leader emphasized that his father, Chandrababu Naidu, never knew rest, tirelessly dedicating himself to improving the lives of millions. His political career has always been characterized by dignity and honesty.
Lokesh himself drew inspiration from his father’s noble path, making the difficult decision to leave a comfortable job in America to return to India. This decision was based on faith in the nation, its systems, foundational principles, and, most importantly, the Constitution.
Lokesh Deems Judicial Remand of Naidu Unjust
Concluding his statement, Lokesh expressed a sense of betrayal but also conveyed his determination. He noted that both he and his father are fighters who will rise with an unstoppable force, guided by unwavering determination for the welfare of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu people worldwide.
Statewide Bandh Today as TD Protests Naidu’s Arrest:
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has declared a statewide shutdown scheduled for Monday in response to the arrest of their party leader and former Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu.
In an announcement made on Sunday, K. Atchannaidu, the TDP state president, revealed that the party’s leadership had decided to organize a state-wide bandh as a form of protest against Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s perceived acts of retaliation, which specifically target the Telugu Desam Party.
Atchannaidu has called upon the general public, various unions, associations, and all supporters of democracy to participate in the bandh, emphasizing that this collective action is essential to safeguarding democratic principles.
Chandrababu Naidu Incarcerated in Rajamahendravaram Central Prison:
Telugu Desam Party leader N. Chandrababu Naidu arrived at Rajamahendravaram Central Prison early on Monday after a Vijayawada court ordered his 14-day judicial custody in a multi-crore corruption case, according to officials. He made the journey of nearly 200 kilometers from Vijayawada to reach the prison located in East Godavari district.
“Chandrababu Naidu entered the prison around 1:20 am,” said P. Jagadish, Superintendent of Police for East Godavari district, as reported by PTI.
The court provided certain amenities to Babu during his judicial custody, including home-cooked food, medication, and a special room. Given the perceived threat to his life, the 73-year-old former chief minister has been given a separate accommodation within the jail. He holds a Z-plus category security status.
Naidu’s son and TDP general secretary, Nara Lokesh, followed his father to the prison gates and waited there for a while before departing.
Chandrababu Naidu Incarcerated in Rajamahendravaram Central Prison
According to the detention order, the judge noted that there were valid reasons to believe the allegations against Naidu, and the standard 24-hour period was insufficient for a complete investigation. Babu’s arrest in the Skill Development Corporation scam case took place during a pre-dawn operation on Saturday in Nandyala, where officers approached the caravan in which he was sleeping. The CID arrested him at approximately 6 a.m. from a marriage hall near where his caravan was parked.
TDP Activists Stage Mass Relay Fasts in Protest of Naidu’s Detention:
Activists from the Telugu Desam Party (TD) party conducted extensive relay fasts in their respective assembly constituencies in the former East and West Godavari districts on Sunday. Their protest was in response to the arrest of former Chief Minister and TDP Telugu Desam Party national president N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Former MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao, known as Kondababu, led the fast at the Telugu Desam office in Kakinada. Women party members also actively participated in the fast. Kondababu, dressed in black attire, asserted that Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest marks the beginning of the downfall of the ruling YSRC party and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He reiterated his belief that Jagan behaves like a dictator, comparing him to the North Korean leader.
Former minister Chikkala Ramachandra Rao accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of neglecting the state’s development and suppressing opposition parties that raise questions. TD City President Mallipudi Veeru, Alongside Grandhi Babji, Tummala Ramesh, and N. Viswanadham, Joins Relay Fast.
In Eluru, TD constituency in-charge Bade Chanti conducted a hunger strike along with TD members.
TDP Activists Stage Mass Relay Fasts in Protest of Naidu’s Detention
In Nidadavolu, senior Telugu Desam leader Kundula Satyanarayana led the extensive relay fast, with participants chanting slogans against Jagan. Despite being placed under house arrest in Tanuku, police took Satyanarayana into custody for participating in the fast.
Nidadavolu constituency TD in-charge B. Sesha Rao staged a protest along with TD members at his residence in Velivennu village.
Nandamuri Balakrishna Alleges Naidu’s Arrest Is a Political Conspiracy:
TD MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna has raised allegations of a political conspiracy in the apprehension of TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu through AP CID crop on Saturday. He argued that there is no evidence supporting the AP Skill Development case and questioned the legal basis for Naidu’s arrest, particularly noting the absence of a filed charge sheet despite the FIR being registered on December 19, 2021.
Balakrishna expressed disappointment in Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of targeting opposition parties instead of focusing on the welfare of the people. He characterized the AP skill development scam as a significant publicity stunt and criticized Jagan, who, he claimed, faced court admonishments in various cases since assuming office.
Nandamuri Balakrishna Alleges Naidu’s Arrest Is a Political Conspiracy
Furthermore, Balakrishna criticized Jagan’s behavior, suggesting that it seemed to be a lifelong ambition to detain Naidu for at least 16 minutes, as Naidu had spent 16 months in jail. The TD MLA asserted their resilience in the face of false accusations against their TDP leader Naidu and pledged to engage in a legal battle and seek justice through the court of public opinion.
Prime Minister Modi Designated as the Representative of Bharat at G20 Meeting:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was designated as the leader representing ‘Bharat’ during the G20 Summit, marking the opening of the two-day event. The government has intentionally employed ‘Bharat,’ a term present in the Constitution alongside ‘India,’ in various official G20 documents. During Modi’s address at the Bharat Mandapam, the Summit venue, the name card displayed ‘Bharat’ in front of him.
This choice led to controversy when dinner invitations were sent to G20 delegates and other guests, bearing the title ‘President of Bharat.’ Opposition parties criticized this move, alleging an attempt to exclude ‘India’ from the country’s name, and they linked it to their decision to name their alliance as INDIA.
Prime Minister Modi Designated as the Representative of Bharat at G20 Meeting
The ruling BJP expressed support for the use of ‘Bharat,’ emphasizing its cultural significance as an ancient Hindi name. Some leaders argued that the term ‘India’ has colonial origins. However, the party has generally refrained from engaging in a ‘Bharat vs. India’ debate, recognizing that the Constitution employs both names for the country.
TDP Leaders Placed Under House Arrest Following Naidu’s Detention:
Numerous leaders affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)were subjected to house arrest after the party’s leader and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, was detained in connection with an alleged skill development scandal.
TD Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Nimmakayala China Rajappa (Peddapuram), Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary (Rajamahendravaram Rural), Adireddy Bhavani (Rajamahendravaram Urban), Vegulla Jogeswara Rao (Mandapeta), as well as all constituency representatives and TD district presidents in the former East and West Godavari regions, have been placed under house arrest following Naidu’s apprehension.
TDP Leaders Placed Under House Arrest Following Naidu’s Detention
Similarly, Kuna Ravi Kumar in Srikakulam, Gana Babu, MLA from Visakhapatnam (West), Bendalam Ashok in Ichapuram, and former minister Devineni Uma in Vijayawada were also confined to their residences. In Gudivada, former minister Kala Venkat Rao and senior leader Venigandla Ramu were arrested when they attempted to stage a protest against Naidu’s detention.
Modi and Biden Pledge to Strengthen and Expand Defense Ties:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have pledged to enhance and broaden their bilateral defense partnership. This commitment comes as they welcome progress in India’s acquisition of 31 drones and the joint development of jet engines.
The two leaders met for approximately 50 minutes shortly after President Biden arrived in New Delhi for the G20 summit. Their discussions covered India’s role in the G20 presidency, collaboration in nuclear energy, critical technologies like 6G and artificial intelligence, and efforts to reshape multilateral development banks fundamentally.
They also explored ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership (CGSP), emphasizing its broad scope.
Following their meeting, a joint statement was issued, highlighting advancements in defense cooperation, including the completion of the Congressional notification process on August 29. Negotiations have now begun for a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India. President Biden welcomed India’s letter of request to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft along with associated equipment.
President Biden commended India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, demonstrating the forum’s effectiveness in achieving important outcomes. Both leaders expressed their commitment to the G20 and their confidence in the summit’s ability to advance shared objectives.
They also reiterated the significance of the Quad in supporting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Modi invited Biden to the next Quad Leaders’ summit scheduled to be hosted by India in 2024.
Additionally, the leaders called for continued efforts to enhance the India-US strategic partnership across various dimensions and emphasized their support for building robust global semiconductor supply chains.
They underlined the importance of shared values, including freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens, which strengthen the relationship between their countries.
Following their productive meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with the discussions and highlighted the role of India-US friendship in advancing global welfare.
Reports suggest that Modi hosted President Biden for dinner during his visit to India. President Biden was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in New Delhi by Union Minister of State Gen. V.K. Singh (retd).
The leaders also discussed 5G and 6G technologies, highlighting the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance, facilitating deeper cooperation between vendors and operators. They acknowledged the establishment of two Joint Task Forces focused on Open RAN collaboration and research and development in 5G/6G technologies. A 5G Open RAN pilot project will be conducted by a leading Indian telecom operator in partnership with a U.S. Open RAN manufacturer before field deployment.
Modi and Biden Pledge to Strengthen and Expand Defense Ties
Furthermore, they expressed their support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains, citing investments by Microchip Technology, Inc., and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in expanding their research and development operations in India. Microchip plans to invest approximately US$300 million, while AMD intends to invest US$400 million in India over the next five years.
