Be ready to face questions over 2014 poll promises: Shiv Sena to BJP
Mumbai:The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said the BJP should now be prepared to face questions from people over its 2014 poll promises of peace in the Kashmir Valley and construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme, it said till now he was putting forth his 'Mann Ki Baat', but on May 23, people's "mann ki baat" will be out.
Lok Sabha polls will be held in seven phases from April 11 till May 19, and counting of votes will be done on May 23, according to the Election Commission.
"History says people cannot be fooled for long. Even people have questions, the answers to which they seek through ballot boxes," the Sena asked in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
The BJP secured a big win in 2014, riding on the promises of peace in the Kashmir Valley and construction of Ram temple, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party noted.
"However, both the issues have remained unresolved in 2019 as well. They should be ready with answers when people ask questions over it," said the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra.
It said doubts were also there in the minds of people over the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in polls.
"Why the insistence over EVMs when all other countries have stopped using them due to their faulty nature and the fact that these machines could be controlled with money power?" it asked.
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, it said they were busy with inaugurations, announcements and giving green signal to projects till the last minute before the announcement of Lok Sabha poll dates on Sunday.
"The model code of conduct has come into effect and is now applicable to all except the prime minister and chief ministers of various states," it said in sarcastic remarks.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
