NEWS

In a bid to play down divergent statements on population control measures from NDA leaders, former Bihar deputy CM and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Wednesday urged the allies to not make contradictory statements on the issue and suggested that the parties sit together and arrive at a common ground.

While the Rajya Sabha MP did not name any leader, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Monday said that education and awareness, and not legislation alone, can help control population.

A week after NCP chief Sharad Pawar dismissed his remark that Congress would contest future polls on its own, state Congress president Nana Patole on Wednesday targeted NCP, saying it had “betrayed” Congress in 2014 assembly polls. As a result, Congress, he said, had now geared up to contest the 2024 general and assembly elections which, he reiterated, the party would fight on its own.

A week ago, Pawar had declined to comment on Patole’s “going solo” remarks, saying he would respond “only to statements made by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.” Incidentally, Patole is scheduled to address a party workers’ rally at Baramati, Pawar’s hometown, on July 29.

As the Congress prepares for a reshuffle in the Punjab unit, party leaders are eagerly awaiting to know who will be the next PPCC chief. On Wednesday, party’s Punjab incharge Harish Rawat again met AICC leader Rahul Gandhi.

While some Congress leaders claim that former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu would be the next party chief, the high command is yet to make an announcement.

A few leaders in Congress said that Sidhu started calling up leaders seeking their support.

Election strategist Prashant Kishor is learnt to be in talks with the Congress leadership for joining the party. This may be his second innings as a political leader after his brief membership of JD (U).

Sources said the party leadership is open to the idea of Kishor becoming a card carrying Congress leader.

The indications came a day after Kishor met Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for discussions at Rahul’s residence. The meeting was also joined by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi via a video link.