Related items

• 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.'

   

  ALH Dhruv Army, IAF variants cleared to …

  01-05-2025

  

  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced that the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv have been cleared for operations, following recommendations from...

  Read more

  Pahalgam attack fallout: Attari-Wagah bo…

  01-05-2025

  

  Following the Pahalgam terror attack, traced to Pakistan-based militants, the Attari-Wagah border witnessed a complete closure after a week of heightened activity. The Indian government's directive mandated the departure of...

  Read more

  'US stands in solidarity with India': Ra…

  01-05-2025

  

  Amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth. This dialogue occurred alongside increased ceasefire violations by Pakistan...

  Read more

  Army, Air Force versions of ALH Dhruv cl…

  01-05-2025

  

  Following a thorough investigation into safety issues stemming from a January crash, HAL's ALH Dhruv variants for the Indian Army and Air Force have been cleared for operations. This decision...

  Read more

  Pakistan partially closes Karachi, Lahor…

  01-05-2025

  

  Pakistan's aviation authorities have announced a temporary closure of specific airspace sections over Karachi and Lahore from May 1 to May 31, 2025, citing security concerns. This precautionary measure, implemented...

  Read more

  Dalit labourer found hanging in Saharanp…

  01-05-2025

  In Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a 35-year-old Dalit labourer named Rajesh was found dead, hanging from a tree in a field. Police responded to the scene after villagers discovered the body...

  Read more

  Throwback Thursday: When Rajiv Gandhi qu…

  01-05-2025

  

  AAP MP Sanjay Singh criticised the government's timing of the caste census announcement, alleging it was a distraction from the Pahalgam terror attack where 26 tourists were killed. He questioned...

  Read more

  Pakistan-linked drug smuggling network b…

  01-05-2025

  

  Punjab Police's counter-intelligence unit uncovered a drug smuggling network linked to Pakistan-based operatives, recovering 5 kg of heroin and other items in Amritsar. Key suspect Jodhbir Singh reportedly distributed drugs...

  Read more

  Pahalgam terror attack fallout: How mili…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  'If you wanted caste-based census so bad…

  01-05-2025

  

  Union Minister Chirag Paswan criticized the Congress party for allegedly using the caste census as a political tool to incite public sentiment, questioning their commitment since they didn't implement it...

  Read more

  'Iss baar ghar mein ghus kar baith jana…

  01-05-2025

  

  Asaduddin Owaisi urged the BJP government to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action against Pakistan by focusing on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He reminded the government of the Parliament's resolution...

  Read more

  One more arrested in Jharkhand for links…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Jharkhand ATS arrested Ammar Yashar in Dhanbad for alleged links to the banned terror group Hizb ut-Tahrir. Previously jailed for ties to Indian Mujahideen, Yashar was released on bail...

  Read more

  'Warships on high alert': Navy intensifi…

  01-05-2025

  

  Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Navy has significantly increased its presence in the Arabian Sea. Naval warships are on high alert, conducting anti-ship and anti-aircraft...

  Read more

  'Against reservation since birth': Kharg…

  01-05-2025

  

  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the national census, while criticizing the BJP and RSS for their historical opposition to reservation. He accused...

  Read more

  Election Commission rolls out reforms to…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Election Commission of India is enhancing the electoral process through three major initiatives. These include electronic acquisition of death registration data for prompt deletion of deceased voters, a redesigned...

  Read more

  'Request PM to honour sentiments': Rahul…

  01-05-2025

  

  Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant martyr status to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, following a request from the family of...

  Read more

  Caste census: Allocate sufficient funds…

  01-05-2025

  

  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, urging timely execution with adequate funding. He emphasized Congress's consistent support for caste census...

  Read more

  INS Kochi arrives at Male, hands over co…

  01-05-2025

  

  INS Kochi, a frontline Indian Navy destroyer, arrived in Malé alongside MNDF’s CGS Huravee, which underwent refit in Mumbai. The visit reinforces India-Maldives maritime ties and regional security cooperation. Diplomatic...

  Read more

  You want to demoralise forces? SC raps p…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Supreme Court dismissed petitions requesting a judicial investigation, overseen by a retired SC judge, into the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities...

  Read more

  'He lives in his own world': Delhi HC pu…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Delhi High Court has found Yoga guru Ramdev in prima facie contempt for violating a previous order regarding his "sharbat jihad" remarks against Hamdard's Rooh Afza. Justice Amit Bansal...

  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?

   

  ALH Dhruv Army, IAF variants cleared to …

  01-05-2025

  

  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced that the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv have been cleared for operations, following recommendations from...

  Read more

  Pahalgam attack fallout: Attari-Wagah bo…

  01-05-2025

  

  Following the Pahalgam terror attack, traced to Pakistan-based militants, the Attari-Wagah border witnessed a complete closure after a week of heightened activity. The Indian government's directive mandated the departure of...

  Read more

  'US stands in solidarity with India': Ra…

  01-05-2025

  

  Amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth. This dialogue occurred alongside increased ceasefire violations by Pakistan...

  Read more

  Army, Air Force versions of ALH Dhruv cl…

  01-05-2025

  

  Following a thorough investigation into safety issues stemming from a January crash, HAL's ALH Dhruv variants for the Indian Army and Air Force have been cleared for operations. This decision...

  Read more

  Pakistan partially closes Karachi, Lahor…

  01-05-2025

  

  Pakistan's aviation authorities have announced a temporary closure of specific airspace sections over Karachi and Lahore from May 1 to May 31, 2025, citing security concerns. This precautionary measure, implemented...

  Read more

  Dalit labourer found hanging in Saharanp…

  01-05-2025

  In Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a 35-year-old Dalit labourer named Rajesh was found dead, hanging from a tree in a field. Police responded to the scene after villagers discovered the body...

  Read more

  Throwback Thursday: When Rajiv Gandhi qu…

  01-05-2025

  

  AAP MP Sanjay Singh criticised the government's timing of the caste census announcement, alleging it was a distraction from the Pahalgam terror attack where 26 tourists were killed. He questioned...

  Read more

  Pakistan-linked drug smuggling network b…

  01-05-2025

  

  Punjab Police's counter-intelligence unit uncovered a drug smuggling network linked to Pakistan-based operatives, recovering 5 kg of heroin and other items in Amritsar. Key suspect Jodhbir Singh reportedly distributed drugs...

  Read more

  Pahalgam terror attack fallout: How mili…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  'If you wanted caste-based census so bad…

  01-05-2025

  

  Union Minister Chirag Paswan criticized the Congress party for allegedly using the caste census as a political tool to incite public sentiment, questioning their commitment since they didn't implement it...

  Read more

  'Iss baar ghar mein ghus kar baith jana…

  01-05-2025

  

  Asaduddin Owaisi urged the BJP government to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action against Pakistan by focusing on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He reminded the government of the Parliament's resolution...

  Read more

  One more arrested in Jharkhand for links…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Jharkhand ATS arrested Ammar Yashar in Dhanbad for alleged links to the banned terror group Hizb ut-Tahrir. Previously jailed for ties to Indian Mujahideen, Yashar was released on bail...

  Read more

  'Warships on high alert': Navy intensifi…

  01-05-2025

  

  Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Navy has significantly increased its presence in the Arabian Sea. Naval warships are on high alert, conducting anti-ship and anti-aircraft...

  Read more

  'Against reservation since birth': Kharg…

  01-05-2025

  

  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the national census, while criticizing the BJP and RSS for their historical opposition to reservation. He accused...

  Read more

  Election Commission rolls out reforms to…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Election Commission of India is enhancing the electoral process through three major initiatives. These include electronic acquisition of death registration data for prompt deletion of deceased voters, a redesigned...

  Read more

  'Request PM to honour sentiments': Rahul…

  01-05-2025

  

  Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant martyr status to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, following a request from the family of...

  Read more

  Caste census: Allocate sufficient funds…

  01-05-2025

  

  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, urging timely execution with adequate funding. He emphasized Congress's consistent support for caste census...

  Read more

  INS Kochi arrives at Male, hands over co…

  01-05-2025

  

  INS Kochi, a frontline Indian Navy destroyer, arrived in Malé alongside MNDF’s CGS Huravee, which underwent refit in Mumbai. The visit reinforces India-Maldives maritime ties and regional security cooperation. Diplomatic...

  Read more

  You want to demoralise forces? SC raps p…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Supreme Court dismissed petitions requesting a judicial investigation, overseen by a retired SC judge, into the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities...

  Read more

  'He lives in his own world': Delhi HC pu…

  01-05-2025

  

  The Delhi High Court has found Yoga guru Ramdev in prima facie contempt for violating a previous order regarding his "sharbat jihad" remarks against Hamdard's Rooh Afza. Justice Amit Bansal...

  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.

   

   

  Why Louis Theroux is under-fire for 'ant…

  01-05-2025

  

  Then there’s what Theroux chose not to include—or at least not to focus on. The most glaring omission, according to critics, is the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel...

  Read more

  'Is Buddha needed for Buddhism?' Elon Mu…

  01-05-2025

  

  Elon Musk compared himself to Buddha and his DOGE with Buddhism and said like Buddhism did not stop after Buddha's death, DOGE would not stop functioning after Musk steps away...

  Read more

  Did India-born Democrat Rep Shri Thaneda…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  Female cop assaults ex-boyfriend, threat…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  Donald Trump vs Ink: Do Kilmar Abrego Ga…

  01-05-2025

  

  John Colello, homicide chief for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where MS-13 originated in the 1980s, said that a tattoo alone, without additional context, could not serve as...

  Read more

  Senate Democrats plan to force a vote on…

  01-05-2025

  

  US Senate Democrats will push for a vote on the Trump administration's El Salvador deportation policies. The resolution seeks transparency regarding compliance with court orders. It also demands information on...

  Read more

  What is US-Ukraine minerals deal all abo…

  01-05-2025

  

  In a landmark move, the US and Ukraine have formalized a deal establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. This initiative aims to harness Ukraine's mineral wealth for post-war recovery...

  Read more

  Baloch students forcibly disappeared; UN…

  01-05-2025

  

  Pakistani security forces allegedly abducted two Baloch college students, Shey Haq Baloch and Adam Baloch, from Turbat, Balochistan, according to The Balochistan Post. This incident follows reports of other disappearances...

  Read more

  China detain investors for speaking to f…

  01-05-2025

  

  Last month, several investors among the almost 100,000 affected by an alleged 20 billion yuan (approximately USD 2.74 billion) financial fraud connected to the Jianghaihui Group in Shandong province spoke...

  Read more

  Japanese police arrest man after car plo…

  01-05-2025

  

  In Osaka, Japan, a 28-year-old Tokyo resident was arrested after allegedly driving his car into seven elementary school children on their way home from school. The children sustained injuries, including...

  Read more

  UK counterterror police say they will in…

  01-05-2025

  

  British police are investigating Irish hip-hop group Kneecap over controversial remarks made at concerts, including statements about UK politicians and support for banned organizations. The investigation follows criticism from lawmakers...

  Read more

  UAE to lift three-year Lebanon travel ba…

  01-05-2025

  

  The United Arab Emirates will lift a ban on its citizens travelling to Lebanon that was imposed during a diplomatic row in 2021, according to a joint statement on Thursday...

  Read more

  South African police rescue 44 Ethiopian…

  01-05-2025

  

  South African police rescued 44 Ethiopian nationals, including 17 minors, from a house in Johannesburg's Sandton area, where they were held against their will. This incident follows a series of...

  Read more

  New Zealand hit by destructive winds, he…

  01-05-2025

  

  New Zealand faced severe weather conditions, prompting a state of emergency in Christchurch due to heavy downpours and river overflows. Wellington experienced destructive gales, leading to flight cancellations and warnings...

  Read more

  North Korea and Russia begin building th…

  01-05-2025

  

  North Korea and Russia have initiated the construction of their first road link, a bridge over a border river, signaling a significant expansion of their bilateral relations. This project aims...

  Read more

  Fearing Trump crackdown US govt workers…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  21 countries Americans should not travel…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  Hunter Biden voluntarily drops lawsuit a…

  01-05-2025

  

  Read more

  Ex-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol …

  01-05-2025

  

  Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces fresh charges of abuse of power, escalating his legal woes. Already on trial for allegedly plotting an insurrection through a martial law...

  Read more

  Elon Musk denies Tesla CEO replacement p…

  30-04-2025

  

  Read more
• 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.