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Elections 2026Q&A - Interviews / Daily Excelsior
BENGALURU, May 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attacked the Congress, accusing it of failing to provide good governance due to the internal power struggles in Karnataka, and betraying people. He said that a saffron sun was rising from Bengaluru amid the BJPs expanding political influence across the country. Addressing a large gathering of BJP workers in Bengaluru, Modi projected the BJP-led NDA as the embodiment of political stability and development, contrasting it with what he descr
SRINAGAR, May 6: It is deeply unfair to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the promise of statehood is not being kept, says Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while going on to ask if they are being punished for not electing a BJP chief minister. If that is the case, the BJP should have stood up in Parliament or told the Supreme Court that till a BJP chief minister sits in Jammu and Kashmir, you will not [] The post Are People Of J&K Being Punished For Not Electing A BJP CM? Omar A
KOLKATA, May 5: Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday ruled out stepping down after her partys defeat in the assembly polls, claiming that the verdict was not a genuine public mandate but the result of a conspiracy. Banerjee also alleged that the TMCs contest in the polls was not against the BJP, but against the Election Commission, which worked for the BJP. The question of my resignation does not arise, as we were defeated [] The post Wont Resign, Poll R
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 4: Provincial president of the National Conference for Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta today launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that its decade-long rule has been marked by broken promises, missed opportunities, and growing disillusionment among the people of Jammu particularly in border and Kandi areas of district Samba. He was addressing a well-attended party meeting of Vijaypur Assembly Constituency at party office Jammu today. Gupta said the BJP has lost
New Delhi, May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said peoples power has prevailed and the BJPs politics of good governance has triumphed in West Bengal, while in Assam, the NDAs win illustrates the unwavering support for the ruling alliances emphasis on development. In a series of posts on X, Modi also said West Bengal has given a spectacular mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and assured the people of the state that the party will do everything [] The post Peoples Power Prevail
KOLKATA, May 4: Exuding confidence about forming the next government in West Bengal, BJP leaders on Monday said people of the state have voted for change and in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP was leading in 171 seats against the TMCs 83 as counting progressed for 293 assembly segments, signalling a political shift in the state. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari asserted that the BJP will form the next government in the state. Adhikari is seeking [] The post Victory For P
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir held a meeting of its MLAs at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar,here, today. Party president and Rajya Sabha MP, Sat Sharma and Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly (LoP) in J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma addressed the meeting. Party general secretaries, Sanjita Dogra, and Baldev Singh Baldev Singh Billawaria were also present in the meeting. Sat Sharma, while addressing the meeting, said that the BJP remains full
PATNA, May 1: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited the Mahabodhi temple in Gaya Ji district on Friday and greeted people on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The temple in Bodh Gaya town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most sacred pilgrimage destination in Buddhism. The Mahabodhi temple is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. In a post on his X handle, Choudhary [] The post Bihar CM offers prayers a
New Delhi, May 1: The Congress on Friday took a swipe at Home Minister Amit Shah over his Ladakh visit, saying he is basking in the glory of the Piprahwa relics, while remaining silent on the demands of the people there for statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and protection of land and employment. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh recalled Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus July 1949 visit to Ladakh. The HM is in Ladakh today basking in the [] The post Si
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 30: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, which is being observed tomorrow. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor has said: On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all. The timeless wisdom of Lord Buddha, rooted in compassion, non violence and equality, continues to illuminate humanitys journey toward spiritual salvation and las
NEW DELHI, Apr 30: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday that Ladakhi peoples voices have been suppressed, democratic rights crushed, and their land and fragile environment are being handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modis billionaire friends. Gandhi posted a video on X of his recent interaction with youngsters from Ladakh. The video was posted amid Home Minister Amit Shahs Ladakh visit. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said the people of Ladakh are not against developme
HARDOI (UP), Apr 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a fearless atmosphere, which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades. He also asserted that the assembly poll results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling. Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the [] The post People Are Votin
JAMMU, Apr 28: After spending eight months in prison, AAP MLA Mehraj Malik was released from Kathua jail on Tuesday following the quashing of his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) by the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Malik arrived at his residence in Jammu to a rousing reception with a floral welcome and beats of dholaks and bursting of crackers. Scores of party workers distributed sweets amid slogannering in favour of Malik, as he vowed to [] The post Will Continue To Fight F
KOLKATA, Apr 27: Central forces will remain in West Bengal for 60 more days after the assembly polls,Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday and asked voters to cast their votes without fear of Didis goons in the final phase, a remark signalling the Centres commitment to preventpossible post-poll violence. Shah made the remarks while addressing a gathering on the last day of the election campaign after leading a massive roadshow in Behala, where voting will take place on [] The post Shah sa
MOSCOW, Apr 27: At least 42 people were killed and 10 wounded in Chad as a result of a clash between two families over access to a water source, the Tchadinfos portal reported citing authorities. According to Chadian Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat, this violence is not related to classic utilities clashes, but was the result of a dispute between two families over a water source, which escalated into retaliatory actions across a wider area, the portal reported. Chadian President [] The post
COLOMBO, Apr 26 : A group of 22 people dressed as monks has been arrested for allegedly carrying Kush and Hashish narcotics at the Bandaranaike International Airport here upon arrival from Thailand, Sri Lankan police said. The Narcotics Bureau said the haul worth 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees was the largest drug seizure at the airport. The 22 individuals were arrested on Saturday for allegedly carrying 120 kg of Kush and Hashish narcotics on false bottomed suitcases, police said. They [] The po
NEW DELHI, Apr 23:An analysis of memorial records of 505 people who lived with chronic fatigue syndrome has revealed themes of systemic and clinical neglect, personal burden and quality of life, among others. Findings published in the journal PLOS One also point to themes of institutional failure, including a lack of acknowledgement by health and insurance authorities, and a social disconnection. Researchers from the US Iowa State University analyzed entries in the National Chronic Fatigue and I
NEW DELHI, Apr 22: Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday termed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges terrorist remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfortunate and said this episode has unmasked the partys way of functioning, character and face before the people of the country. It is unfortunate. I feel the politics of spreading hatred that Rahul Gandhi follows, and the political tradition that he has started, to bring such malice in the country, to create such false narr
AGARTALA, Apr 21: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday alleged that attempts were being made to create divisions among people on religious and linguistic lines, asserting that Indias strength lay in its unity amid diversity. Addressing a gathering after the consecration ceremony of Maa Chinmayi Soundarya Temple at Fakrimura, around 23 km from Agartala, Bhagwat said certain evil forces were worried that their shops would shut down if India progressed by drawing on its centuries-old civilisational s
CHENNAI, Apr 21: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of terrorising political parties and people by misusing government machinery and central agencies to stifle the opposition. Addressing a press conference in Chennai alongside AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Kharge initially referred to the Prime Minister as a terrorist while criticising the AIADMKs alliance with the BJP. However, when pressed b
NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday said it was shocking that well-educated people were getting duped in cases of digital arrests. The CJI, who was heading a bench which also comprised Justice Joymalya Bagchi, flagged the recent case of an old woman who was duped of her entire retirement benefits in one of such cases. The observations came from the CJI after Attorney General R Venkataramani mentioned the suo motu case concerning victims of [] The post Shocking That Wel
Lucknow, Apr 19: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said the BJP-led NDA has no right to remain in power at the Centre because its failure to get a Constitution amendment bill passed in the Lok Sabha to tweak the womens quota law has shown that it didnt represent the will of the people. The opposition, in real terms, represents peoples will, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. Speaking at the party headquarters here, Yadav also said that [] The post Defeat of bill on wo
NEW DELHI, Apr 19: To tackle the menace of digital arrest frauds, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will on Monday unveil an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that will help people verify the authenticity of notices issued to them. The chatbot, Abhay, will be launched by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on the occasion of the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the CBI in honour of its founding director, officials said. The CJI will deliver the [] The post Digital A
NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Congress and other parties will have to pay a price for not supporting the bill for the early implementation of the womens reservation and asked Union ministers to expose the oppositions anti-women mindset before the people, according to sources. At a Cabinet meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed his governments support and commitment to get the womens reservation implemented in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The sources also s
YAOUNDE (Cameroon), Apr 17: Pope Leo XIV neared the halfway point in his four-nation tour of Africa on Friday with a day focused on encouraging Cameroons young people, first with a big Mass and then a visit to the countrys Catholic university. Leo was travelling on Friday to Douala, Cameroons main port city, to celebrate Mass and visit a hospital. The Vatican predicted some 600,000 people would turn out for the liturgy, the biggest crowd Leo is expected to draw [] The post More than half-million
SRINAGAR, Apr 16: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said if the Centre wants real peace in Jammu and Kashmir, it will have to focus on winning the hearts of the people. If you want real peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, it is not possible until the Centre attempts to win the hearts of the people and talks about dialogue, Mehbooba told reporters in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president also expressed hope that [] The post Centre Must Win Peopl
KYIV, Apr 16: Russia hammered civilian areas of Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in an attack that stretched for hours from daytime into the night, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 80 others in its biggest aerial barrage in almost two weeks, officials said on Thursday. Russia launched nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, primarily targeting civilians, authorities said. Moscows forces have hit civilian areas almost daily since its [
Mandya (Karnataka), Apr 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to people to take nine collective pledges, ranging from water conservation, natural farming, to fitness and service, to realise a developed Karnataka and a developed India. Listing his priorities, Modi said his first request is about water conservation and better water management, followed by appeals for tree plantation under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One tree in the name of mother) campaign, cleanliness in public and r
DHAKA, Apr 15: At least 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, were missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea recently on the way to Malaysia, according to the United Nations refugee and migration agencies. When the boat sank and the status of any search Wednesday were unclear. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration in a joint statement said Tuesday that the trawler departed from Teknaf in the southern Bangladeshi
Today, we communicate online far more often than we do in real life. The Internet has literally erased geographical boundaries, allowing us to stay connected with loved ones and find kindred spirits all over the world. We no longer have to wait for the weekend to meet up with friends and share news. Its enough to simply open a messenger and send a message at any time of day or night. We now have the freedom to choose who we [] The post Digital communication: people want real interaction appeared
SRINAGAR, Apr 14: The strategically significant Zojila Tunnel along the Srinagar-Leh highway is nearing a major milestone, with excavation work expected to achieve a breakthrough by the end of May, officials associated with the project said. Once completed, the over 13-kilometre tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, ensuring round-the-year access across the treacherous Zojila Pass. Project developers said only around 300 metres of excavation remains, with work
NEW DELHI, Apr 14: About 1.3 billion people around the world were living with Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in 2023, marking a 143 per cent increase since 1990, a study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal has estimated. The analysis, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023, also projected that global cases of MASLD could rise to about 1.8 billion by 2050, driven largely by populat
Jammu, Apr 13: A drug-free Jammu Kashmir will emerge not from one person, but from collective action. Society must realize that drugs dont just kill individuals-they erode entire villages, wards and cities honor and destiny. Lets build a J&K where our youths energy illuminates the world, not destroys itself. Let us confront this challenge with unyielding resolve, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a massive public rally at Sports Stadium Ka
MADURAI (Tamil Nadu), Apr 12 : BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Sunday said Madurai will pay back Chief Minister M K Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi for their alleged remarks against Sanatana Dharma and the Hindu culture. Speaking to PTI at the sidelines of a roadshow here, Nabin stated that the public and the priestly community would ensure the ruling party is punished by the electorate for these comments. The way Stalin and his son have insulted Sanatana Dharma [] The post Madurai people w
Leh, Apr 10: In a significant development addressing the long-pending public demand, residents of Ladakh can now see their rightful identity reflected in Aadhaar records, with Ladakh replacing Jammu & Kashmir in the State field, following the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena. Despite the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh in 2019, after being carved out of Jammu & Kashmir, the Aadhar records of the people of Ladakh continued to reflect the erstwhil
Srinagar, Apr 9: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre to fulfil promises made to people of Jammu and Kashmir. On the Iran-US ceasefire, Bukhari said it should become permanent now. People of Kashmir have chosen the path of peace, as is evident over the past five to six years. I want to remind the honourable prime minister to reciprocate the gesture and fulfil the promises made to the people, especially [] The post Apni Par
NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted people on Easter, wishing that the teachings of Jesus Christ inspire all to be kind and strengthen the spirit of togetherness in society. Greetings on Easter. This sacred day celebrates hope and renewal. May it bring peace, joy and brightness to everyones lives, Modi said on X. May the teachings of Jesus Christ inspire all to be kind and strengthen the spirit of togetherness in society, the prime minister [] The post PM Modi Greets
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Easter, which will be celebrated tomorrow. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said: On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my hearty greetings and best wishes to all. May the Easter Sunday usher in peace, prosperity, and happiness in everyones life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ embodies the spirit of hope and the triumph of light over [] T
Many hospitals lack OPD services, OTs, blood storage units Sanjeev K Sharma JAMMU, Apr 4: The available manpower, including crucial manpower, at J&K Hospitals, has not been distributed uniformly across the districts as against the sanctioned strength of 46,115 posts, J&K Union Territory (UT) had 30,745 (67 per cent) doctors, nurses and paramedical staff as of March 2022, and one government doctor was serving a population of 2,191 (2,461 in case of allopathic doctors). This was stated by the Comp
NEW DELHI, Apr 4: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the Modi government is putting the security of every Indian at risk by attempting to cover up its own failures and concealing the reality of foreign surveillance through Chinese cameras installed at vital locations. This is a deliberate conspiracy to keep India in the dark, he said in a post in Hindi on Facebook. Gandhi said the government recently banned the public use of Chinese CCTV cameras. Yet, [] The post Govt Hiding R
NEW DELHI, Apr 1: A special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday reviewed the steps taken in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and assessed the availability of critical needs of the common man. At the meeting, Modi called for all-out efforts to protect the citizens from the impact of the conflict, a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office said. The meeting was held to review measures [] The post West Asia war: PM
NEW DELHI, Apr 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday participated here in the first self-enumeration exercise in Indias census history, giving an option to citizens to submit their own information through a special web portal, officials said. In a message posted on X, Shah urged people to fully cooperate in this national duty by providing the requested essential information to the Census team when it visits their homes. As part of the first phase of the Census, the [] The post Amit Shah
GUWAHATI, Mar 31: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday released the BJPs manifesto for Assam assembly polls, promising protection of land, heritage and dignity of indigenous people and Rs 5 lakh crore infrastructure investment. BJPs Sankalp Patra comprises 31 promises, including the recovery of encroached land from Bangladeshi Miyas, bringing in Uniform Civil Code, and ensuring the development of the state, employment opportunities for youths. Sitharaman said this manifesto was p
NEW DELHI, Mar 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to reduce their sugar intake and cut down on cooking oil by 10 per cent, saying such small efforts will keep people away from obesity and lifestyle diseases. In his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, Modi said many people have commented on Instagram content creator Yuvraj Duas post, in which he had requested the prime minister to ask his father to reduce his sugar intake. I am [] The post Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi urges peopl
SRINAGAR, Mar 28: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday held a protest here, accusing the Jammu and Kashmir government of turning a blind eye to peoples issues and not fulfilling its promises. Scores of party leaders and workers assembled at the Press Enclave here and protested against the government. Speaking to reporters, party leader Iqbal Tramboo said March 31 has become a black day for the people of Kashmir due to mounting financial pressures. People are under an immense tax [] The pos
RANCHI/KHUNTI, Mar 28: Bhagwan Birsa Mundas life and sacrifice continue to inspire generations, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said on Saturday after paying floral tributes to the statue of the tribal icon during his visit to Khunti district. During the visit, Radhakrishnan interacted with the descendants of Birsa Munda at Ulihatu. After assuming the office of the Vice-President of India, I am deeply moved to once again visit Ulihatu, the sacred birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. I pay my deep
ALAPPUZHA (Kerala), Mar 27: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday said any alleged deal between the CPI(M) and the BJP would not work in the elections, asserting that the Congress has a deal with the people. Speaking to reporters during an election campaign in Kayamkulam, Tharoor said if any such understanding exists, it could only be between the CPI(M) and the BJP. The Lefts aim is to continue in power. The BJPs aim is to eliminate the Congress. So if [] The post Kerala Polls: Tharoor says any C
New Delhi, Mar 27: Asserting that behind every statistic lies a human story, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that the true measure of economic policy is not merely in numbers, but in its outcome. Addressing a group of Indian Economic Service (IES) officers, who had called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, she said the role of economic planning and implementation in public service has become more critical than ever. Murmu said their role will be significant in ensuring [] The post Behind
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Central governments decision to cut excise duty on fuel when prices are shooting up globally underscores its people-centric governance and sensitivity-led decision-making. In an X post, Shah wrote, As the world is reeling under fuel shortages amid the West Asia crisis, driving up prices globally, the Modi governments decision to cut excise duty on fuel brings much-needed relief to citizens. While many nations have hiked diesel a
JAMMU, Mar 26: Warning people to refrain from panicking or crowding petrol pumps, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said reiterated that there is no shortage of fuel, LPG or essential commodities and said he was attending a meeting with the prime minister on the matter. My earnest request is that people stop camping outside petrol pumps. If this situation continues, I may be forced to shut all petrol pumps for the next few days until this cycle of [] The post Will Be Forced To Shut

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