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Congress lies busted: UPA govt did not blacklist AgustaWestland, Modi govt did and never withdrew the blacklisting

OpIndia Staff
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Congress lies busted: UPA govt did not blacklist AgustaWestland, Modi govt did and never withdrew the blacklisting

After the Enforcement Directorate told a court that Christian Michael, the middleman in AgustaWestland AW101 deal, has named some “Mrs Gandhi”, “the son of the Italian lady”, the Congress party is scrambling to protect the “family”. And the party is trying to do that with the only weapon they have nowadays, lies.

Briefing the media, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that UPA government had blacklisted AgustaWestland, and Modi government removed the company from blacklisting on 22 August 2014. He also said that the AgustaWestland was given FIPB approval for FDI by the Modi government. Surjewala also said that Modi government allowed AgustaWestland to participate in the bid for navy helicopters.

Every sentence in the above para is a lie, and this is not the first time Congress is making these allegations. They have been alleging these for the last two years.


Let’s take them one by one.

Did UPA government blacklist AgustaWestland?

Congress party has been claiming for a long time that they blacklisted AgustaWestland company.


But the reality is, they did not. Although the UPA II government cancelled the VVIP chopper deal with the company, ordered a CBI investigation and recovered the money already paid, it did not blacklist the company. On 5 February 2014, then defence minister AK Antony had informed the Rajya Sabha that “no decision has been taken till date to debar the said company”.

The Finmeccanica group of companies, including the AgustaWestland, was blacklisted on 3 July 2014, means it was done by the Modi government.

The order dated 03/07/2014 blacklisting Finmeccanica including Agusta Westland
The order dated 03/07/2014 blacklisting Finmeccanica including Agusta Westland

Did Modi government withdraw the blacklisting of AgustaWestland?

It is an absolute lie that the companies blacklisting was withdrawn by the government. On August 2 this year, the defence ministry had released a list giving detail of companies debarred and suspended from doing business with the ministry of defence. And in this release, the list of suspended companies includes AgustaWestland and Leonardo S.p.A., into which Finmeccanica was merged in 2016, and four other group companies. Which means that the companies are still blacklisted. In the same list, it is clearly mentioned the companies were blacklisted on 3 July 2014.

Finmeccanica & group cos are still blacklisted
Defence ministry note dated 02/08/2018 informs that Finmeccanica & group cos are still blacklisted

Surjewala said that on 22 August 2014, Modi government whitelisted AgustaWestland, which is not true. The order issued by Defence Ministry’s vigilance department makes some modifications to the order blacklisting the company, it does not withdraw the blacklisting.

22/08/2014 order clarifies that Finmeccanica & group companies are barred from ongoing and future defence deals
22/08/2014 order clarifies that Finmeccanica & group companies are barred from ongoing and future defence deals

The order, shown above, says that if there are any contracts with Finmeccanica group companies which are already under execution, or already have been executed but only regular maintenance etc are needed, such deals can continue. But Finmeccanica and its group companies cannot be provided tender papers for bidding in defence deals, if it has already submitted tender that will not be considered, and even if it has been declared as the lowest bidder in a tender, such procurement process will be put on hold. This order makes it clear that Finmeccanica and its group companies can’t participate in ongoing and future deals, only past deals can continue. It can be noted that there were no past deals with the company, with the VVIP helicopter deal cancelled.

Did Modi government give FIPB approval for FDI by AgustaWestland in India?

An FDI proposal by AgustaWestland to set up a joint venture with Tata Sons was approved by the government of India on 2nd September 2011, when UPA was in power, not Modi. It is important to note that this was a completely private sector deal, and not linked to VVIP chopper or any other deal by the defence ministry. A defence company blacklisted by defence ministry means it can’t participate in defence ministry deals, it is free to do other business subject to fulfilling norms. The JV with Tata, known as Indian Rotorcraft, was for AW119Ke helicopter, which is a civilian utility helicopter. The foreign investor in the JV was AgustaWestland, the Netherlands. But as it later merged with AgustaWestland, Italy, they had submitted an application with the FIPB to change the company’s name to AgustaWestland S.p.A, Italy, and they also wanted to change the helicopter to be made in India to AW119Kx, an upgraded version. In 2015, these changes were granted by the Modi government, but the original FDI proposal was already approved during the UPA government.

Did Modi government allow AgustaWestland to participate in the tender for Navy helicopters?

In August 2012, Indian Navy had issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for Naval Utility Helicopters, and AgustaWestland was one of the companies that had submitted their techno-commercial proposal in March 2013, during UPA government, when the VVIP chopper scam was already known and the Indian government had already started investigations. After coming to power, the RFP was scrapped by the Modi government, as it was decided that the helicopters will be manufactured in India under make in India program.

In August 2017, the government issued Request for Information for the purchase of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters, along with 123 naval multirole helicopters. The RFI was sent to Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter of U.S., Airbus Helicopters of France, and Russian Helicopters of Russia. Several Indian companies submitted their bids with proposed joint ventures with these companies, and AgustaWestland did not submit any bid for the contract.

Rajdeep Sardesai claims tourism is on a decline in Goa, official data says otherwise

OpIndia Staff
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Rajdeep Sardesai claims tourism is on a decline in Goa, official data says otherwise

Rajdeep Sardesai, self-proclaimed vulture-journalist, known for his twists and spin to the facts has arrived once again with yet another false data to claim that there has been a decline in the number of tourists visiting Goa.

In his tweet, Sardesai without citing any facts had stated that there has been a thirty per cent decline in the footfall of the tourists this year in Goa. He went on subtly blame the centre by claiming that the higher rate of GST on hotels, costlier airfares are the reasons for the decrease in tourists in the state of Goa without producing any data to substantiate his rhetorics.


However, Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer of Vistara airlines schooled Rajdeep Sardesai by citing the growth of his organisation relating to their operations in Goa contrary to Sardesai’s claims. Kapoor said that there were no signs of any decline instead Vistara had, in fact, added new flights to Goa.


Interestingly, the data [pdf] released by the Goa tourism department suggest that there has been a growth in the arrival of tourists to the state. The data suggests that nearly 78 lakh tourists arrived in Goa in the year 2017 as compared to 63.3 lakh in 2016, with a growth of 23 per cent in tourist growth. The provisional data for the first five months in the year 2018 has shown that more than 31 lakh tourists have arrived maintaining the rate of tourist arrival similar to last year.

Image source: Goatourism.gov.in
Tourist Arrival Statistics of Goa Image Source: goatourism.gov.in

Rajdeep Sardesai in a hurry to discredit economic reforms pursued by the present NDA government has yet again resorted to fake data to peddle false narratives. Recently, he had caused controversy after he had thanked Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan for the release of Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari despite the fact that Pakistan Prime Minister had no role in his release. In fact, the Imran Khan government had referred Ansari as an ‘Indian Spy’ and had accused him of involving in “anti-state crimes and forging documents”.

Karnataka government ignores women MLAs in cabinet expansion, puncturing Rahul Gandhi’s rhetorics

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka government ignores women MLAs in cabinet expansion, puncturing Rahul Gandhi’s rhetorics

After Congress’ newly elected governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh failed to keep up to the tall promises made by the party regarding the inclusion of women in politics, the Congress-JDS coalition government in Karnataka has reportedly joined the bandwagon.

In June this year, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had inducted only one woman MLA into his cabinet. On 22nd December, eight Congress legislators were added to the Karnataka cabinet. All men.

Currently, there are only nine women lawmakers in the assembly, representing a negligible 4% representation for the entire population of women in the state.

In the 2013 elections, there were 175 women candidates out of a total of 2,945 candidates. out of which the Congress gave tickets to merely eight. This year, Congress fielded fifteen women candidates.

Which is ironical, considering Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been showcasing his party to be the strongest advocate of women’s right by talking about reservation for women in politics, while his party fails to provide adequate representation to women in states where the party has been in power.

Envisioning to draw the women vote bank in the Congress’ favour, during the upcoming 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi had earlier this month, directed the state governments of Congress and its allies to pass a resolution to reserve one-third of its seats in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies for women.

But contrary to these big claims, the composition of the cabinets in the recently won three states exposes the shallowness of the promises of women empowerment made by the party. In Chhattisgarh cabinet, there is only one woman legislator out of a total of 12 legislators. Similarly, Rajasthan cabinet is no better with one woman out of 23 as compared to 4 women legislators in the Vasundhara Raje government. There are 2 women in the 28-member Madya Pradesh cabinet led by Kamalnath who is facing allegations of involvement in the 1984 riots.

Now with reports that Karnataka, where the Congress is in power along with JDS, has only one woman representative in the state cabinet, the hypocrisy lies further exposed.

Women’s Reservation Bill

The history of the Women’s Reservations Bill itself is very complicated. In 2010, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha after the BJP voted in favour of the bill along with the Congress and the Left. However, in 2014, the Women’s Reservation Bill, which promised 33% representation for women in Parliament and Assemblies, lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.

Somehow, over the last four years, ever since Modi has been in power the Congress’ theatrics surrounding reservation for women has picked up the pace.

But Congress’ negative response to BJP’s proposal seeking Congress’ support for the passage of three bills related to women empowerment ahead of the monsoon session in 2018, itself speaks volume of the party’s intentions and the dramatization the Congress indulges in, merely to attract voters.

From women empowerment rhetorics to the ‘soft Hindutva’ approach. From Rahul’s temple run to the ‘Janeu Dhaari Hindu narrative‘. From his Kailash Mansarovar yatra to project himself as a Shiv Bhakt. From playing the Lingayat card to Modi bashment… the Congress’ list of showmanship seems to be ceaseless.

But sadly like the lifespan of these narratives are very small and has fizzled off before time, the Women reservation narrative which has been Rahul’s latest farce will soon die its natural death.

Uttar Pradesh Police arrests prime suspect Haroon in Bulandshahr cow slaughter case

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh Police arrests prime suspect Haroon in Bulandshahr cow slaughter case

Police has reportedly arrested the prime accused in the Bulandsheher cow slaughter incident which had triggered violence resulting in the deaths of a cop and a citizen. The arrested accused has been identified as Haroon. He was arrested near a factory near Syana-Gadh road. The police have recovered a licensed gun, cartridges and a jeep from him. He has been sent to judicial custody. Eight suspects have been arrested so far in relation to the case.

Meanwhile, a Panchayat was held in the Chingravathi village of Syana area on Saturday over the death of Sumit who was shot in the chest by deceased cop Subodh Singh. The villagers in the Panchayat expressed disappointment over the functioning of the police in the case. People had invited MLA Devendra Lodhi to the Panchayat to put their demands before him. Lodhi assured the villagers to raise the matter before the Chief Minister. The women present in the Panchayat alleged that they faced harassment by the police.

The villagers are complaining that no FIR was filed against the deceased cop for the murder of Sumit and his family was given no financial assistance while the same was given to the cop’s family.

The Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh recently witnessed incidents of violence after carcasses of cows were discovered in the area. A youth and a cop lost their lives in the clashes that took place after police opened fire at the people protesting against the inaction of the police on their repeated complaints of illegal slaughterhouses.

Jayalalitha death case: Probing panel’s counsel implicates health secretary, hospital

OpIndia Staff
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Jayalalitha death case: Probing panel’s counsel implicates health secretary, hospital

Probing panel’s counsel in the Jayalalitha death case has accused the Tamil Nadu Health Secretary, J Radhakrishnan and Apollo Hospital of collusion and conspiracy in medical treatment of former Tamil Nadu chief minister, late J Jayalalitha. The advocate has also accused former Chief Secretary Rama Mohana Rao of purposely giving false evidence.

The Counsel has stated in the petition that Apollo failed to provide angio treatment to Jayalalitha as suggested by three senior doctors. The relevant part of the petition reads as: “The medical evidence adduced so far against the Respondent No. 2 namely Apollo Hospital clearly established the fact that the Apollo Hospital failed to provide angio treatment in spite of the fact that three senior doctors hailing from various hospitals have suggested such a course. Thus, it is clear that failure to take Angio test or Angiogram in time has led to deterioration of her health, which is suggestive of collusion between Respondent no.1 [VK Sasikala] and 2 [Apollo] in a matter of treatment of former chief minister. There is also sufficient circumstantial evidence in this regard.

However, Apollo Hospital in its press statement has denied the allegations of the Standing Counsel claiming that no such suggestion was made by doctors mentioned in the petition. It said that only a single external doctor had suggested immediate angiogram which was not accepted by doctors in the discussion held later on.

The Standing Counsel has alleged that at times the Health Secretary behaved like the spokesperson of Apollo Hospital which hints at collusion in relation to the treatment of the late Chief Minister. The Counsel also alleged that J Radhakrishnan had given false statements to the Commission regarding the communications with the government on the procedure performed on Jayalalitha.

Apollo Hospital had a few days ago filed a petition before the Commission demanding that a team of 21 experts from across the globe be formed to examine the treatment given to Jayalalitha. The Hospital had alleged in its affidavit that serious errors were found in the statements of the doctors recorded by the Commission’s typist.

Triple Talaq Bill to be discussed in Rajya Sabha tomorrow, BJP, Congress issue whips

OpIndia Staff
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Triple Talaq Bill to be discussed in Rajya Sabha tomorrow, BJP, Congress issue whips

The BJP and Congress, both, have issued whips to their MPs to be present in Rajya Sabha tomorrow, 31st, as the Triple Talaq Bill is listed in the Rajya Sabha legislative agenda for tomorrow.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will table the Triple Talaq bill in Upper House of Parliament tomorrow and has expressed confidence that lack of NDA members in the house won’t create hindrance in the passage of the bill. The bill criminalizing Triple Talaq was passed within Lok Sabha on Thursday, with 245 MPs voting in favour with opposition walking out of the house.

However, Congress party has already declared that it will not support the bill and will not let it pass. All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal said that the party would join hands with others to prevent the bill from getting passed in the House. In addition, to this Congress has also issued whip against some of the MPs in Rajya Sabha, to ensure that they cast votes in tandem with party’s line.


Venugopal also said that around 10 parties have already opposed the bill in Lower house, including AIADMK of Tamil Nadu. He said that criminalising a civil offence is not acceptable. The opposition has been demanding that the bill is referred to a ‘joint select committee’ of parliament for further scrutiny.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has already stated that the law should not be viewed through the prism of politics and it is not directed against any community or religion. BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi had even called it a matter of ‘human rights violations’.

Meanwhile, the BJP has also issued whip for its Rajya Sabha MPs for tomorrow.


After the Supreme Court ruled that Triple talaq is unconstitutional, the NDA government had brought an ordinance in September to make it a punishable offence. However, despite the ordinance and the Supreme Court calling it unconstitutional, the cases of triple talaq had not declined.

Meghalaya miners: North East was not suffering tyranny of distance, but tyranny of low expectations

Abhishek Banerjee
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Meghalaya miners: North East was not suffering tyranny of distance, but tyranny of low expectations

On December 25, the birth anniversary of Swargiya Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Narendra Modi dedicated the Bogibeel bridge in Assam to the nation. As the Prime Minister basked in the glory of fulfilling a need expressed by the Assamese people since the 1970s, a much bitter Rahul Gandhi tweeted asking why the PM isn’t showing more concern for the trapped miners in Meghalaya.


Indeed, 15 miners trapped hundreds of feet below the ground in a coal mine in the East Jaintia hills. It has been 16 days now. That’s far too terrifying to imagine. And heartbreaking to think about.

As rescue teams make their best efforts under difficult conditions and we hope and pray for the trapped miners, we must also note the remarkable rise in the “national standing” of Meghalaya and in fact the entire North East. Who can deny that our people in the North East have been victims of neglect for most of the last 70 years? That the North East was treated as little more than a strategic possession of the Republic? In fact, Delhi’s concerns about the Chinese Army being able to make rapid advances through the region during a possible war were long used as the (lame) excuse to keep the North East deprived of basic road, rail and bridge infrastructure.

What a heartening change to see the “national media” proactively tugging at our conscience, with hard-hitting reports and editorial cartoons, pushing people to share in the grief of the North East and pushing the government into action.

Only a few years ago, celebrity editors in Delhi would laugh off calls from common people to cover even the worst tragedies in the North East. Those who are active on social media will remember how one celebrity editor, in particular, had haughtily dismissed demands for coverage of the deadly riots. His infamous argument was based on the tyranny of distance. That the logistics of covering the North East were too difficult for the media.

What changed so quickly?

The answer is not hard to guess. The North East, which Delhi media tends to lump together as a single entity, is now seen as a BJP stronghold. And wherever there is BJP, the great “institutions” of our democracy have work to do!

It is not like Meghalaya has a BJP government. Far from it. In fact, the Meghalaya Assembly has just 2 BJP MLAs who support the government. Talking of a “BJP government in Meghalaya” would be like saying that there is a BSP government in Madhya Pradesh because Kamal Nath has the support of 2 BSP MLAs in the Assembly.

But the mere fact that Meghalaya has 2 BJP MLAs who are on the side of the ruling party, coupled with the fact that Delhi intellectuals do not distinguish between North Eastern states, means that there is enough reason for Indian media to make Meghalaya a priority. Which is fundamentally a good thing. We all deserve a government that is kept accountable and on its toes by hawk-eyed observers and critics.

And this also means that the mere presence of BJP inevitably leads to accountable governance.

Tell me, has anyone heard about the drug problem in Punjab since the day the Congress was elected to power there? Of course not! In neighboring Haryana, remember how a big traffic jam near Gurugram became national news in 2016?

The difference: BJP is ruling Haryana. Congress is ruling Punjab.

Just think about how the story of 52 Dalits and tribals kept in ‘slavery’ for three years in Karnataka vanished from our screens within a minute or so. Or how the Kerala Government didn’t have to move a limb for three long months even as helpless nuns protested charges of rape by a powerful Bishop.

There is a reason that the media is called the fourth pillar of democracy. Because the media is supposed to focus the attention of the people on matters of public interest. Democracy works better with an informed public than not. Who can disagree with that?

Most of us are not members of political parties who stand to personally win or lose power with every election cycle. We are common people. We want better roads, electricity, water, lesser crimes, secure schools, a healthy environment and so on. That’s our real interest. I guess the question is: do you trust politicians to selflessly do their best for you when nobody is watching?

Do you trust politicians to do their best for you with your eyes closed? I’ll admit: I won’t even trust the typical politician to do their best for me with my eyes open!

And what does it tell you when we see that the Indian media just pack up and leave the moment Congress or one of its allies comes to power in a state?

Now we know: the North East was never suffering from the tyranny of distance. They were suffering from the tyranny of low expectations, the magic armour that liberal media throws around Congress governments to protect them from being accountable to the people.

Times of India misquotes Modi’s cook, changes web story after getting called out

OpIndia Staff
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Times of India misquotes Modi’s cook, changes web story after getting called out

Yesterday, The Times of India ran a story claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cook hailing from Varanasi has expressed his disgruntlement over PM’s ‘Pakoda comment‘, which has recently left the so-called ‘liberals’ spasmodic.

The media house in its story published yesterday mentioned that a cook named Rajiv Batwal, working in the kitchen of Varanasi’s Diesel Locomotive Workshop (DLW), who has cooked for the Prime Minister on several occasions, criticised Narendra Modi over his statement where he said that selling Pakoras is also a type of employment.

Screenshot from December 29th print edition of TOI

The article stated Batwal said “I didn’t like his remarks on pakoda sellers. Those who have completed MBA or engineering cannot be looking to sell pakodas. It belittled the efforts of youth who study or work hard and dashes their dreams.” This was in reference to the comment made by Prime Minister Modi earlier this year when he had said selling pakodas is also a form of employment.

Rajiv Batwal, however, clarified that he had no such grievances against the Prime Minister and denied of giving any such statement. “I don’t know anything about it. They asked me since when I’m working here, I told I cook here for past 10 yrs. I don’t know anything about politics over “pakoda”. Whatever is published is wrong.”


Once this statement from the cook himself started creating a stir on Twitter, the Times of India craftily edited the story’s online version, changed the headlines and removed the lines that were denied by Rajiv Batwal.

Screenshot of the web version of TOI’s same story with a changed headline

Few Twitter users were although quick in pointing out how TOI had effortlessly altered the content to cloak the narrative they tried peddling which sadly boomeranged at them.


This is, however, not the first time Times Of India has indulged in such frivolousness. Recently the Australian cricketer, Mitchell Johnson had criticised the media house for faking his interview.

TOI was earlier, also caught on the wrong foot, as it tried passing off a Hindu saint’s picture to depict a Muslim rape accused. After being heavily criticised for the same, the channel had later tendered an apology for giving a misleading spin to its article.

In July 2018, TOI had also received a legal notice for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus by portraying ‘Veda Pathshalas’ as Human Trafficking centres. Following the furore on Social Media, TOI had then too, proceeded to quietly change the headline to delete the Veda Pathshala reference but failed to provide any apology for its mistake.

Only 500 permits per day recommended by Pakistan for Kartarpur pilgrimage as per ‘leaked’ proposal

OpIndia Staff
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Only 500 permits per day recommended by Pakistan for Kartarpur pilgrimage as per ‘leaked’ proposal

Pakistan has proposed that only 500 permits per day be given to pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. To put things in context, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest Sikh shrine few kilometres from Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara on Indian side, feeds an average of 1,00,000 pilgrims in the Langar, with the number of devotees visiting the shrine expected to be much higher.

The Pakistan government is said to have finalised the agreement to be submitted to the Indian government regarding facilitating the processes for a visa-free pilgrimage to Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur situated in Pakistan.

According to the reports, Islamabad has prepared a 59-page draft document with 14 key recommendations to finalise the modalities with New Delhi regarding the visa-free travel of pilgrims to Kartarpur. The recommendations call for Indian pilgrims to be given free entry and that facilitation centres and security check-posts to be set up on both sides of the border.

The document is reportedly leaked to the Pakistan media, has proposals seeking to limit the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine and the Pakistani government has also asked for a three-day advance list of pilgrims along with their security clearance papers.

The full text of the proposals sent by Pakistan government to India government is as follows:

1. The objective of this agreement is to facilitate visa-free travel of the pilgrims from India to Kartarpur Sahib.

2. In order to implement this agreement, the parties shall establish infrastructure in their respective territories, including facilitation centres and counters for running security checks and issuance of permits for the facilitation of pilgrims.

3. A database of the pilgrims shall be created by the parties having names, travel history and other relevant information of the pilgrims.

4. The Government of Pakistan may issue a permit to pilgrims desirous of paying a visit to Kartarpur Sahib, subject to the following conditions:

a. The pilgrims must constitute a group of at least 15 people;

b. The pilgrims must carry Indian passports and individual security clearance certificates issued by the Government of India, in English, for the purpose of visiting Kartarpur Sahib.

c. The Government of India shall share with the Government of Pakistan details of the pilgrims and their respective security clearance certificates 3 days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur Corridor.

d. The permit shall only be issued for the purpose of visit to Kartarpur Sahib, subject to such further limitations as may be prescribed by the Government of Pakistan.

5. The number of permits granted may not be more than five-hundred (500) per day.

6. The Kartarpur Corridor shall remain open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.

7. The Government of Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry into, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory, of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit to such pilgrim if It considers that the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes.

8. The agreement shall be implemented in accordance with the National laws of the parties.

9. This agreement shall not exempt the pilgrims from the obligation to respect the laws and regulations of Pakistan when entering into its territory, including but not limited to the laws and regulations concerning their entry, stay and exit.

10. This agreement does not affect the existing commitments under the agreements between the parties concerning border security.

11. All disputes arising from or in connection with the application or the interpretation of this agreement shall be amicably settled between the parties through the diplomatic channels.

12. This agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified by written mutual agreements of the parties.

13. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signatures by the parties and shall remain valid for a period of — years unless terminated earlier. The parties may extend the duration of this agreement for any period by mutual consent In writing.

14. Either party may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a notice of one month to the other party of its intention to terminate this agreement.

Kartarpur Sahib is located four kilometres across the border on the banks of the River Ravi, and it is considered to be the highest seat of worship for Sikhs is visible from the Indian side. With India and Pakistan agreeing to open the Kartarpur corridor for visa-free entry of pilgrims in November, the trip is expected to get a lot smoother.

On November 22, the government of India had announced its intention to build the Indian side of the Kartarpur Corridor and had urged Pakistan to reciprocate by building the corridor on Pakistan side. Harsimrat Badal, along with Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri had officially attended the foundation laying ceremony of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

Navjot Singh Sidhu had eagerly accepted the invitation of the Pakistan government while Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh had declined the invitation sent to him. Captain Amarinder Singh had said that due to continued terrorist attacks in Punjab and horrific killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan, he will not be attending the event.

Senior Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu had caused a severe controversy after he posed with dreaded Khalistani terrorist Gopal Singh Chawla during his controversial visit to Pakistan to inaugurate the Kartarpur corridor.

Accidental Media: Here is how Narendra Modi’s travel expenses were twisted without comparing it to UPA era

OpIndia Staff
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Accidental Media: Here is how Narendra Modi’s travel expenses were twisted without comparing it to UPA era

Much has been said about Narendra Modi’s foreign trips and his critics have often mocked and derided him for the official trips to foreign countries he has made as Prime Minister. While Modi has been aggressively pushing his ‘Make in India’ agenda abroad, his critics claim that the trips have only cost a lot of money to the exchequer without any tangible benefits.

On the 29th of December, The Telegraph published a report calling the Prime Minister an ‘accidental tourist’ for his foreign trips.

In the report, it is mentioned that the Prime Minister’s foreign trips until now have cost the exchequer Rs. 2,021 crores. The report also compared the costs of foreign trips between Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his second term from 2009-14. While Narendra Modi visited more than 55 countries in 48 trips, Singh toured 33 countries in 38 trips that cost the exchequer over Rs. 1,346 crores.

The anti-Modi bias in the report is far too obvious. The report does an extremely shoddy job of comparing the data available regarding the foreign trips of the two Prime Ministers. It also fails to appreciate the fact that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has seen a sharp rise during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister, an agenda that Modi has pushed hard during his foreign visits.

The New Indian Express does a far better job of comparing the expenses. It says in its report, “While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often come under criticism for his frequent foreign tours, it transpires that his predecessor Manmohan Singh is not much behind, either in the number of trips or the expenses incurred on them.”

In a graphical representation of the expenses in the report, it can be seen that the bulk of the expenditure has been on maintenance of aircraft. Rs. 1,583.18 crores have been spent on Aircraft maintenance during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister while the figure is Rs. 842.6 for Manmohan Singh. Rs. 446.59 crores were spent on flights during the foreign trips of Manmohan Singh while the same for Narendra Modi thus far is Rs. 429.29 crores.

Source: New Indian Express

The biased Telegraph report has provided detractors of Narendra Modi new fodder to attack the Prime Minister with.


As is clear from the data, leaving aside the cost of maintenance of the aircraft, Prime Minister Modi has actually been more economical when it comes to flight expenses than his predecessor. Flight expenses for Manmohan Singh were Rs. 11.75 approximately per trip whereas the same figure for Narendra Modi thus far has been Rs. 8.94 crores approximately. Thus, The Telegraph’s epithet for the Prime Minister appears to be motivated by partisan political interests rather than objective facts.

More importantly, Narendra Modi has visited more countries and has spent more days abroad as the Prime Minister emphasized on marketing ‘Brand India’ to the world and strengthening India’s position in world politics. Diplomacy has been a major area of focus for the NDA government ever since it won the 2014 elections. We have also reported on the tangible benefits India has earned through the Prime Minister’s visits. For instance, Modi’s visits to countries in the regions have been directed towards thwarting China’s imperialist tendencies. Many of the visits are also scheduled multilateral events that the prime minister attends, no matter which party is in power.

As we have reported earlier, the NDA government has been watchful of its expenditure on foreign trips. The expenses of the Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State have declined sharply every year since 2014-15 to now. PM Modi had also started the practice of travelling only during the night for long flights, which reduces the number of days spend overseas and also cuts the duration of stay in hotels.

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