My Opinion

There is no fight within the NDA for seat sharing in Bihar polls. There are differences due to Ram Vilas Paswan and Manjhi’s demands. Paswan wants that Manjhi, Narendra Singh and his son should not be given a ticket. But Manjhi is adamant that the 13 people who were with them during tough times should definitely get a ticket. Narendra Singh is also a part of those 13 people. Due to this issue, the announcement on seat sharing is delayed. BJP leaders have assured that these differences will be sorted out by tomorrow and announcement on seat sharing will be done soon.

This is not a big issue. Previously, there were ban on sale of meat during religious festivals. This time around, the issue has been highlighted because it has been politicised. Common people do keep in mind the sentiments of each other. ‘Paryushan’ is a big festival for the Jains. People should respect the sentiments of Jain followers. There is no harm in this. This issue should not be politicised by parties.

Swami Ramdev says what he feels, which is a good thing. He had led a massive campaign across the country to bring back Black Money. Now, it has been one and a half year of Modi govt and a SIT has been set up on Black Money probe. There have been many mutual agreements with different countries as well. But as of now, no one has the answer as to when will the black money come back to India. Right now, we don’t even know that how much black money is there in banks across the world. Hence, Swami Ramdev’s impatience is right.

Mulayam Singh and Sharad Pawar are aware of the fact that their candidate cannot become the Chief Minister of Bihar. Mulayam’s SP could not get even a single seat in the last Bihar polls. NCP was also in the same state with no seat. But both the parties will project a Muslim candidate and garner some votes. This will have an impact on Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar.

Some important and helpful suggestions were made at the Vishwa Hindi Sammelan. As the PM suggested, Hindi would become very important and influential in the coming years especially in the digital world. If mobile apps are developed in Hindi, it would help many people. What was striking at this conference was the use of conversational Hindi which the audience enjoyed.

Hawabaaz, dagabaaz, hawalabaaz… This continuous jibe at each other is only making matter worse. Politicians should refrain from such mudslinging. It only weakens democracy.

How much is Pakistan serious about the DG level talks is a question mark. There have been continuous violations of the ceasefire and an Indian jawan was seriously injured at the Krishna Ghati sector due to incessant firing by Pakistan. When will Pakistan realise that talks and bullets can’t go hand in hand

The Bihar polls appear to be such a keenly contested elections that BJP, Paswan, Manjhi, Kushwaha have realised that they have to stick together otherwise the tide would turn on them.

What is the use of such diplomatic immunity where the perpetrator of such a horrible crime cannot be arrested? Despite having all evidences, an FIR can’t be registered without taking permission from the MEA!

Religion and a person’s dietary habits are two different things. I know many Hindus who prefer meat as well as many Muslims who are vegetarians. Whether it is Owaisi, Uddhav or Raj Thackeray – no one should politicise the meat ban. And the BJP government should also realise that they should not play with the sentiments and personal choices of people and they should refrain from playing politics on such issues.

It reflects poorly on the government when they either say that the ban was implemented by a ‘minor’ municipal corporation or say that they have had to take care of sensitivities of those who voted them to power. Whoever may have taken the decision, either ways this controversy could even have an impact on the PM’s image.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi feels that instead of making conflicting statements, the state government in Maharashtra and the Central government should concentrate on working for the people. He also questioned Uddhav Thackeray if Shiv Sena is so opposed to the meat ban, why were they still a part of the state government.