<h1>West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Phase 2 Readies for High Stakes Battle</h1>
<p>Kolkata, West Bengal &ndash; As the political mercury continues to rise across West Bengal, the stage is set for a pivotal Phase 2 of the 2026 Assembly Elections. Following a dynamic and often contentious first phase, attention now shifts to a new set of constituencies where voters are poised to cast their ballots, potentially shaping the future political landscape of the state. This phase is expected to witness intense triangular contests, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress-Left Front alliance all vying for crucial seats.</p>
<h2>Constituencies and Key Battlegrounds</h2>
<p>Phase 2 encompasses a diverse range of districts, including several in the <a href="#">Jalpaiguri</a>, <a href="#">Malda</a>, and parts of <a href="#">North 24 Parganas</a> regions. A total of [Insert estimated number, e.g., 45-55] assembly constituencies are scheduled to go to polls. Key constituencies to watch include [Insert specific examples like "Siliguri," "Barrackpore," "Malda North," etc., if relevant to a hypothetical Phase 2], where heavyweight candidates and significant voter demographics are expected to make the outcome particularly tight. These regions are often characterized by a mix of rural and semi-urban electorates, with issues ranging from agrarian distress and unemployment to industrial development and local governance taking center stage.</p>
<h2>Key Issues and Campaign Narratives</h2>
<p>Campaigning for Phase 2 has been vigorous, with star campaigners from all major parties holding multiple rallies and roadshows. The Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is banking on its welfare schemes, development initiatives, and regional identity. Their narrative focuses on safeguarding West Bengal's culture and resisting what they term "external interference."</p>
<p>The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is pushing its agenda of "double engine government," promising accelerated development and law and order improvements. Their campaign has highlighted alleged corruption within the state government and issues of political violence.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Congress-Left Front alliance is attempting to present itself as a viable alternative, focusing on issues of unemployment, price rise, and promoting communal harmony. They aim to consolidate votes disillusioned with both the TMC and BJP.</p>
<h2>Security Arrangements and Voter Turnout Expectations</h2>
<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced elaborate security arrangements to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. Central armed police forces (CAPF) will be deployed extensively across all polling booths, particularly in areas identified as sensitive. Strict COVID-19 protocols, including mandatory masking, sanitization, and social distancing, will also be enforced to ensure voter safety.</p>
<p>Analysts predict a robust voter turnout, reflecting the high stakes and intense public interest in these elections. The outcome of Phase 2 will be crucial in setting the tone for the remaining phases and could offer early indications of the ultimate electoral trend.</p>
<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>
<p>As polling day approaches, candidates and parties are making their final pitches to voters. The results of Phase 2, along with other phases, will collectively determine the composition of the 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly and who will form the next government. Political pundits are keenly watching this phase for any shifts in voter sentiment and potential upsets that could redefine the electoral battle.</p>
<p>Stay tuned to [Your News Outlet Name] for live updates, exit polls, and comprehensive analysis as West Bengal prepares for another democratic exercise.</p>

Stay updated on West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 Phase 2. Get real-time news, analysis, and key insights into the voting process. Click now for details!

West Bengal Election 2026: Phase 2 Updates

West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Phase 2 is set! A crucial political battle unfolds as voters head to the polls in key constituencies. Expect intense campaigning and high stakes shaping the state's future. Democracy in action!

West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 Phase 2

<h1>White House Dinner Shooting Update: FBI Continues Investigation, Motive Remains Unclear</h1>
<p><strong>WASHINGTON D.C.</strong> &ndash; The investigation into last night's unprecedented shooting incident during a diplomatic dinner at the White House continues to intensify, with federal authorities working around the clock to piece together the events and identify the motive behind the attack. While officials have assured the public that the situation is contained and there is no ongoing threat, the nation remains on edge following the highly unusual security breach.</p>
<h2>Key Developments:</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Suspect Identified, No Affiliation Confirmed:</strong> Law enforcement sources have confirmed the identity of the lone gunman as [SUSPECT NAME], a [AGE] year old from [HOME TOWN/STATE]. While his identity has been released, officials are stressing that no definitive links to any extremist groups, foreign powers, or political organizations have been established. FBI Director [FBI DIRECTOR'S NAME] stated in a press conference this morning, "We are exploring all possible avenues, but at this stage, any claims of affiliation are premature and speculative."</li>
<li><strong>Victim Count Stable:</strong> The White House Medical Unit confirmed that the two individuals wounded in the attack &ndash; [VICTIM 1 NAME], a [POSITION/NATIONALITY] diplomat, and [VICTIM 2 NAME], a [POSITION/NATIONALITY] White House aide &ndash; are in stable condition at [HOSPITAL NAME]. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to make full recoveries. President [PRESIDENT'S NAME] visited them earlier today, expressing his gratitude to the medical staff.</li>
<li><strong>Security Review Launched:</strong> In the wake of the incident, a comprehensive review of White House security protocols has been immediately initiated by the Secret Service. Questions are being raised about how a lone assailant was able to breach the outer perimeter and discharge a firearm so close to a high-profile event. Secret Service Director [SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR'S NAME] acknowledged these concerns, stating, "We are committed to understanding every detail of this breach and implementing necessary enhancements to ensure the absolute safety of the President and the Executive Mansion."</li>
<li><strong>Presidential Condemnation and Call for Unity:</strong> President [PRESIDENT'S NAME] addressed the nation from the Oval Office this morning, condemning the act of violence as "an attack on our democracy and our values." He praised the swift response of security personnel and called for national unity in the face of such challenges. "We will not let fear divide us," he declared. "Justice will be served, and our commitment to peace and diplomacy will remain unshaken."</li>
<li><strong>Investigation Focus:</strong> The FBI's primary focus includes analyzing the suspect's digital footprint, interviewing associates, and forensically examining the weapon and any evidence found at the scene. Authorities are particularly interested in understanding the suspect's motivations and how he managed to circumvent multiple layers of security.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Reactions and Implications:</h2>
<p>The incident has sent shockwaves across Washington D.C. and the international community. Diplomats and world leaders have expressed solidarity with the United States, while domestic politicians from both sides of the aisle have united in condemning the violence. The event is expected to prompt renewed debates on gun control, domestic terrorism, and the ongoing challenges of protecting high-value targets in an increasingly complex threat landscape.</p>
<p>Further updates are expected as the FBI's investigation progresses. The White House has confirmed that daily briefings will be provided to keep the public informed while maintaining operational security.</p>

Breaking: Get the latest crucial updates on the White House dinner shooting. Uncover new details, security insights, and what's known about the ongoing investigation. Read now!

White House Dinner Shooting: Latest Updates

Urgent update: Latest details surface on the White House dinner shooting incident. Authorities provide crucial information regarding the ongoing investigation, security protocols, and any potential arrests. Officials are confirming victim reports and susp

White House Dinner Shooting Update

<h1>White House Under Attack: Security Forces Thwart Coordinated Breach Attempt</h1>
<p><strong>WASHINGTON D.C. &ndash;</strong> The White House was the scene of a dramatic security incident earlier today as U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies swiftly neutralized a coordinated attempt to breach the presidential compound. The daring assault, which involved multiple individuals and a vehicle, prompted an immediate lockdown and heightened security protocols across the nation's capital.</p>
<h2>Details of the Incident</h2>
<p>Sources confirm the incident began around 2:45 PM ET when a dark-colored SUV attempted to ram through the perimeter security checkpoint on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Treasury Department. Simultaneously, several individuals on foot attempted to scale nearby fences in a seemingly coordinated effort. Secret Service agents, supported by D.C. Metropolitan Police and other federal assets, responded within seconds, engaging the perpetrators.</p>
<p>Initial reports indicate a brief but intense confrontation. At least three suspects were apprehended on site following a rapid response, and one individual was reportedly injured during the apprehension, though details remain scarce. There are no confirmed reports of injuries to Secret Service personnel or other law enforcement officers.</p>
<h2>President's Status and Immediate Response</h2>
<p>President Biden was confirmed to be safe and secure at an undisclosed location during the incident. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a brief statement confirming the President's safety and commending the bravery and swift action of the Secret Service.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The swift and decisive response by our dedicated Secret Service agents and law enforcement partners ensured the safety of the President, staff, and the White House complex. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation's most vital institutions,"</p>
<cite>said Press Secretary Jean-Pierre in a statement.</cite></blockquote>
<p>The incident triggered an immediate lockdown of the White House and surrounding federal buildings. Area streets were cordoned off, and a heavy law enforcement presence was visible throughout downtown Washington D.C. for several hours.</p>
<h2>Ongoing Investigation and National Security Implications</h2>
<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken over the lead in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to determine the identities of the suspects, their motivations, and whether the attempted attack was part of a larger, coordinated plot by domestic or international groups. All surrounding streets remain closed, and a perimeter has been established as forensic teams process the scene for evidence.</p>
<p>The incident has sent shockwaves through Washington and raised immediate questions about the evolving nature of threats against federal installations and national security. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have condemned the attack and called for a thorough review of existing security protocols.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"An attack on the White House is an attack on the very heart of American democracy. We must ensure every resource is brought to bear to understand how this happened and prevent any future attempts,"</p>
<cite>stated Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.</cite></blockquote>
<h2>Public Reaction and Future Outlook</h2>
<p>The streets of Washington D.C. saw a mix of apprehension and pride in the immediate aftermath, with many praising the effectiveness of the security response. The National Guard has been put on standby as a precautionary measure, and security levels remain elevated nationwide as a precaution.</p>
<p>Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. This is a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.</p>

Breaking news: White House under attack. Get urgent updates, details on the security incident, and expert analysis. Stay informed with the latest developments.

URGENT: White House Attack - Latest News

A harrowing assault threatens the White House, the heart of US power. National security and the President face an unprecedented attack. Experience the chaos, heroism, and the desperate fight to defend democracy against a looming threat.

White house attack

<h5 class="synopsis">Delhi New CM Announcement Live Updates: The announcement will be made after the conclusion of the AAP Legislative party meeting.</h5>
<p><strong>Delhi New Chief Minister Live Updates, September 17: </strong>A day after Arvind Kejriwal sent shockwaves across political circles saying that he would step down as the chief minister of Delhi, the AAP chief is set to meet Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V K Saxena on Tuesday at 4.30 pm. Sources in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that Kejriwal is likely to tender his resignation today.&nbsp;But before that, the party will announce its new CM face.</p>
<p class="no_first_intro_para"><strong>Who is likely to be the next CM?</strong> The announcement will be made after the conclusion of the AAP Legislative party meeting. This comes a day after Kejriwal held one-on-one meetings with key leaders and discussions with members of AAP&rsquo;s Political Affairs Committee (PAC). Post his deliberations, Atishi has emerged as the frontrunner for the post of the CM. Earlier, Kejriwal had ruled out the possibility of former deputy chief minister and AAP second-in-command Manish Sisodia taking over.</p>
<div class="ev-meter-content ie-premium-content-block">
<p><strong>Will Delhi Cabinet get a rejig?</strong> A senior AAP&nbsp; leader told <em><a class="keywordtourl" href="https://indianexpress.com/" rel="noamphtml">The Indian Express</a></em> that there will be two new entrants to the council of ministers. The need to induct two new members in the Cabinet has arisen since Kejriwal&rsquo;s resignation will create one more vacancy on the seven-member body.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/kejriwal-to-vacate-his-civil-lines-home-in-a-few-weeks-after-stepping-down-from-post-9571604/">Read our full story here</a></p>
<p>Credit - Indian Express</p>
</div>

politics-today

Delhi CM Announcement Live Updates: AAP to announce new CM face shortly with Kejriwal poised to resign

<div class="group">
<p>Indonesia&rsquo;s president says the war in Ukraine must end as it&rsquo;s driving up food and energy prices and putting&nbsp;developing nations like Indonesia at risk.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The most important thing that I&rsquo;m concerned with is the food price. So, we want the war in Ukraine to be stopped, resolved with negotiation so that we can concentrate [on] the economy,&rdquo; President Joko Widodo told CNBC in an exclusive interview in Serang city in Banten province on Friday.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="BoxInline-container  ">
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<p>&ldquo;If not, it will never be over, this is dangerous for countries, particularly, developing countries.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Jokowi, as he&rsquo;s popularly referred to back home,&nbsp;said the war should be resolved through negotiation and dialogue.</p>
<p>The Indonesian leader is attending the meeting of the <a href="https://www.g7germany.de/g7-en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Group of 7 advanced economies</a> at the invitation of host country Germany from June 26-28. Russian news agency <a href="https://tass.com/politics/1464699?utm_source=google.com&amp;amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;amp;utm_campaign=google.com&amp;amp;utm_referrer=google.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tass reported last week </a>that Jokowi will be meeting President Vladimir Putin on June 30.</p>
<p>&ldquo;After G-7, I will visit several countries that are related [to the] food issue,&rdquo;&nbsp;he told told CNBC&rsquo;s Martin Soong. Jokowi declined to confirm if he was visiting Russia or Ukraine, which are among the world&rsquo;s largest producers and exporters of food grain.&nbsp;</p>
</div>

jokowi-says-rising-food-prices-are-dangerous-and-put-developing-nations-like-indonesia-at-risk

Jokowi says rising food prices are dangerous and put developing nations like Indonesia at risk

<p id="0" class="story_para_0">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday appealed to the youth to not get misled by opposition parties&rsquo; propaganda against the Agnipath scheme, insisting that retired Agniveers would be given priority in the UP Police force.</p>
<p id="1" class="story_para_1">He said the scheme, which has been lauded by the world, would not only see employment of 10 lakh youths and earn them respect, but also enable them to tackle challenges more effectively with discipline and training, as well as equip them with skills that will easily help them get jobs in the police force.</p>
<p id="2" class="story_para_2">Addressing two rallies in Azamgarh district to seek votes for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Dinesh Lal Yadav &lsquo;Nirahua&rsquo; in the parliamentary bypolls for Azamgarh seat, the CM said the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Uttarakhand have already announced their intention to absorb Agniveers into the police force once they retire after four years of service.</p>
<div class="nw18-dynamic-div-5402365_2_16">&nbsp;</div>
<p id="3" class="story_para_3">&ldquo;According to the scheme, 25% of the Agniveers will continue to be in the forces, while the rest will get suitable employment opportunities in the police force. Our government has already announced that priority will be given to Agniveers,&rdquo; the CM said.</p>
<p id="4" class="story_para_4">Describing Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) as &lsquo;Rahu and Ketu&rsquo; on the development of UP, Yogi said that despite getting the opportunity to run the state four times and thrice, respectively, the parties only wreaked havoc in the lives and careers of the youth by allowing corruption and encouraging bad practices.</p>
<p id="5" class="story_para_5">&ldquo;Their whole politics revolved around family and selfish goals. Development of state, employment of youth, well-being of farmers as well as safety and security of women and citizens were never on their agendas,&rdquo; he said, asking people not to allow their district to become a centre of terror.</p>
<p id="6" class="story_para_6">Yogi said that despite having given two chief ministers, Azamgarh was deprived of development and was known across the country for all the wrong reasons.</p>
<p class="story_para_3">&nbsp;</p>

up-govt-to-give-priority-to-retired-agniveers-in-police-force,-says-cm-yogi-adityanath

UP Govt to Give Priority to Retired Agniveers in Police Force, Says CM Yogi Adityanath

<p id="0" class="story_para_0">All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair and peaceful by-election in Sangrur Lok Sabha constituency on June 23, returning officer of the parliamentary segment said on Sunday. The Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after Bhagwant Mann, presently chief minister, contested and won from Dhuri assembly segment in the 2022 assembly election.</p>
<p id="1" class="story_para_1">&ldquo;All necessary arrangements have been made to hold free, fair and peaceful by-elections," Returning Officer Jitendra Jorwal said. According to Jorwal, there are 15,69,240 eligible voters, including 8,30,056 male, 7,39,140 female and 44 transgenders, in the constituency.</p>
<p class="story_para_1"><img src="https://news-admin.wrteam.me/storage/news/1655719565.327.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800"></p>
<p id="2" class="story_para_2">There are 16 candidates, including 13 male and three women, in the fray, he added. Voting will take place from 8 am to 6 pm and the counting of votes will be held on June 26, he said.</p>
<p id="3" class="story_para_3">The bypoll will be AAP&rsquo;s first major electoral battle after it formed the government in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Gurmail Singh, who is the party&rsquo;s Sangrur district in-charge, while the Congress has placed its bet on former Dhuri MLA Dalvir Singh Goldy.</p>
<p id="4" class="story_para_4">The BJP has fielded former Barnala MLA Kewal Dhillon, who joined the party on June 4. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann is also contesting the election.</p>
<p id="5" class="story_para_5">Kamaldeep Kaur, sister of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh&rsquo;s assassination case, has been fielded by the Shiromani Akali Dal. Meanwhile, Jorwal said police and para military parties deployed across the constituency have been conducting thorough searches to check the flow of liquor, narcotics and money to ensure free and fair elections.</p>
<p id="6" class="story_para_6">He said in view of the polls, there will be complete ban on sale of liquor in the constituency from 6 pm on June 21, when campaigning ends, till the conclusion of polls on June 23.</p>

punjab:-all-arrangements-made-to-ensure-free,-fair-bypoll-in-sangrur,-says-returning-officer

Punjab: All Arrangements Made to Ensure Free, Fair Bypoll in Sangrur, Says Returning Officer

<p>May 25, 2022. It is 5 am. Narendra Damodardas Modi lands at Palam Airforce Station fresh, despite two nights in plane and one night in Tokyo, holding 24 meetings in 41 hours. For the PM, it is work time again &ndash; first Cabinet meeting, next progress review of infrastructure projects, in between offering condolences to families of six tourists who died in a road accident in Odisha, and ending the day with a tweet on &lsquo;I will be in Hyderabad and Chennai tomorrow.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p id="1" class="story_para_1">This is the &lsquo;Modi way&rsquo;.</p>
<p id="2" class="story_para_2">This week, <a href="https://www.news18.com/topics/narendra-modi/">Narendra Modi</a> completed eight years as the Prime Minister and started on the ninth year with focused pursuit to build modern, top-quality, futuristic and sustainable infrastructure at a scale not achieved in the past. This article attempts to assess the Modi government&rsquo;s performance in the infrastructure sector in these eight years. I start by sharing three stories &ndash; of Modi and I, Modi and Nilekani, and Modi and Modi.</p>
<p class="story_para_2">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="story_para_2"><img src="https://news-admin.wrteam.me/storage/news/1655719066.9519.jpg" alt="" width="970" height="545"></p>
<h4>Modi and I</h4>
<p id="4" class="story_para_4">In the past 64 years, I have had one nanosecond-long tryst with Narendra Modi &ndash; a handshake at Gandhinagar in early 2000s when chief minister Modi was trying to lure Japanese investments in Dholera, India&rsquo;s first Special Investment Region (SIR). I suddenly hear Modi say: <em>&lsquo;New Gujarat within Gujarat &ndash; a new Singapore four times the size of Singapore&rsquo;.</em></p>
<p id="5" class="story_para_5">The previous night, over dinner at Cambay Resort in Gandhinagar, I had scribbled these words on a paper napkin and smuggled them to the CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board the next morning, who either gave them to Modi or Modi and I were dreaming the same dream. I was then the project director and team leader for the pre-feasibility study of Dholera-SIR.</p>
<p id="6" class="story_para_6">At the end of the fifth edition of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors&rsquo; Summit in 2011, Modi had the last laugh: 7,936 MOUs were inked for investment worth Rs 20.83 lakh crore, including billions of dollars in Dholera.</p>
<p id="7" class="story_para_7">Dholera-SIR is now a dream come true.</p>
<h4>Modi and Nilekani</h4>
<p id="8" class="story_para_8">Modi and Nandan Nilekani are the only two Indians who understand the disruptive power of technology to &lsquo;reimagine India&rsquo;.</p>
<p id="9" class="story_para_9">In 2014, when Nandan Nilekani was fighting to enter the Lok Sabha, Modi reached Bengaluru to tear apart Nilekani and his baby Aadhaar. Nandan Nilekani lost the Lok Sabha election from Bengaluru South by 2.3 lakh votes to BJP&rsquo;s Ananth Kumar. <a href="https://www.news18.com/india/">India</a> Today wrote: <em>Nandan Nilekani loses: Money can&rsquo;t buy you vote.</em></p>
<p id="10" class="story_para_10">But Nilekani did not stop re-imagining India. After defeat, Nilekani vacated the government bungalow, but got a courtesy meeting with the new PM &ndash; in other words, an opportunity to explain Aadhaar&rsquo;s transformative power to Modi.</p>
<p id="11" class="story_para_11">Modi went against the BJP view and turned into one of the most ardent champions of Aadhaar. Aadhaar was not Modi&rsquo;s idea, but he made it big and used it as a delivery vehicle for his technology enabled direct transfer schemes, including housing for all.</p>
<div class="nw18-dynamic-div-5296579_14_54">&nbsp;</div>
<h4>Modi and Modi</h4>
<p id="12" class="story_para_12">In Gujarat for eight years (2002-2010), I learnt how to make <em>&lsquo;tomorrow&rsquo;s infrastructure happen today&rsquo;</em>. I was handling two corridor development studies (Palanpur-Mehsana-Vadodara and Surendranagar-Rajkot-Morbi-Kandla corridors), railway projects (Bahruch Dahej and Ankaleshwar-Jhakadia), financing strategy for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Rail, Dholera-SIR pre-feasibility, among others.</p>
<p id="13" class="story_para_13">In Gujarat I got a primer on Modi&rsquo;s infra vision. In 2014, Modi brought the Gujarat Model to Delhi and amplified it manifold.</p>
<p id="14" class="story_para_14">PM Modi bested CM Modi with tech-powered PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation). The First PRAGATI meeting was held on March 25, 2015; the latest meeting (40th) was held on May 25, 2022. In between, PPRAGATI had powered 311 infrastructure projects worth Rs 14.82 lakh crore. The PRAGATI meeting held at 3.30 pm on last Wednesday of every month keeps project implementors on their toes. I just got first-hand PRAGATI lesson while handling critical gauge conversion railway project in the last three months.</p>
<p id="15" class="story_para_15">Now I turn to Modi&rsquo;s eight-year infrastructure scorecard through eight hits, eight misses and eight challenges. But first, I want to focus on two big and revolutionary interventions by the Modi government.</p>
<div class="nw18-dynamic-div-5296579_19_54">&nbsp;</div>
<h4>Swachh Bharat</h4>
<p id="16" class="story_para_16">On October 2, 2014, Modi launched an ambitious Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Mahatma&rsquo;s 145th birth anniversary to achieve universal sanitation. Has it delivered? &ndash; I say substantially though it remains a work in progress.</p>
<p id="17" class="story_para_17">After five years of launch, on October 2, 2019, all villages, gram panchayats, districts, states and union territories declared themselves &lsquo;open-defecation free&rsquo; (ODF), with central government building toilets in 100 million homes.</p>
<p id="18" class="story_para_18">Having keenly watched the Swachh Bharat campaign, I find its central contribution to be changing the narrative, by attempting the change at an audacious pace and scale. To assess the exact number of toilets constructed, surviving and in disuse, needs pan-India social audit but the message is &ndash; Swachh has walked the talk though the unenviable task of sustaining gains, and the behavioural change has just begun.</p>
<p id="19" class="story_para_19">The success of Swachh 1.0 has made Modi gamble big this time on Swachh 2.0, to make cities garbage-free. If Swachh 2.0 can achieve even 50 per cent success rate, it will transform urban India. But given our propensity to litter a clean road, this mission will take time and effort to yield results.</p>
<h4>GATI SHAKTI</h4>
<p id="20" class="story_para_20">Announced in his 88 minute-long speech from Red Fort on August 15, 2021, &lsquo;Gati Shakti&rsquo; is Modi&rsquo;s boldest holistic and integrated approach to infrastructure.</p>
<p id="21" class="story_para_21">Gati Shakti &ndash; a Rs 100 lakh crore infrastructure master plan to make difference through integrated approach by breaking the entrenched silos over six years &ndash; has received Rs 20,000 crore allocation in this year&rsquo;s Budget. Propelled by seven engines &ndash; roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistics &ndash; Gati Shakti is an idea whose time has come. But my caveat is: these are early days, and the programme has to navigate through deep and dark alleys with full might of governance to ensure it does not lose steam midway and gets stuck in the muddle.</p>
<p id="22" class="story_para_22">Now, time to look at the hits and misses of the Narendra Modi government in these eight years.</p>
<h4>The Hits</h4>
<p id="23" class="story_para_23"><strong>First</strong>, the big picture and bigger Gestalt. The infra expenditure has gone up from Rs 1.81 lakh crore in FY15 to Rs 7.5 lakh crore in FY23, with a 35 per cent jump over FY22. To put FY23 capex in perspective, at 19.01 per cent of Rs 39,44,909-crore FY23 budget, the allocation is highest after 15.9 per cent in FY22, 13.54 per cent in FY21, 12.58 per cent in FY20 and 12.28 per cent in FY19.</p>
<p id="24" class="story_para_24"><strong>Second</strong>, Modi is also fixing legacy issues. The project completion pace picked up for pending projects he inherited.</p>
<p id="25" class="story_para_25"><strong>Third</strong>, Northeast integration. In 1990s, noted transport economist M.Q. Dalvi created the blueprint for a massive rail infra push in the Northeast; it is, however, Modi who has brought Northeast to the national mainstream with a cobweb of roads, bridges, tunnels, rail and air connectivity. Soon, all state capitals of the Northeast will be on rail map.</p>
<p id="26" class="story_para_26"><strong>Fourth</strong>, border infra push. Narendra Modi has challenged the notion that good border infra will bring the enemy home fast. From a single tunnel during 2008-2014 to six in his era (two dozen more are planned), to doubling of bridges constructed, to fast-tracking road construction from 3,610 km in 2008-2014 to 4,764 km in 2014-2020, India has sent a loud and clear message that it is no more a pushover.</p>
<p id="27" class="story_para_27"><strong>Fifth</strong>, power sector. Modi inherited a rural electricity programme which had moved at snail&rsquo;s pace for decades and took it to the finish line at record pace. More noteworthy is the doubling of renewable capacity &ndash; both solar and wind &ndash; in five years and bringing it close to the target of 175 gigawatts by December 2022. Non-fossil installed energy capacity at 158 gigawatts is now 40 per cent of total electricity capacity of 392 gigawatts.</p>
<p id="28" class="story_para_28"><strong>Six</strong>, stringing highways and expressways. Though the exact kilometrage of highways and expressways completed is a matter of detail but increasing the pace of construction from 8-12 km per day in the UPA era to 37-38 km per day is the biggest hit of Modi&rsquo;s eight-year-old government.</p>
<p id="29" class="story_para_29"><strong>Seventh</strong>, metro rail. In 2014, 200-km metro rail in Delhi-NCR region built to clockwise precision and within original estimated project cost was an oasis in a desert. This story has changed, and for good &ndash; operational metro rail has crossed 800 km in 20 cities, with another 900 km in completion stage and 1000 km in planning mode. Modi&rsquo;s vision that India will have metro rail in 50 cities by 2031 seems within reach.</p>
<p id="30" class="story_para_30"><strong>Eight</strong>, digital infrastructure. In 2019, McKinsey Global Institute&rsquo;s report <em>&lsquo;Digital India: <a href="https://www.news18.com/tech/">Technology</a> to transform a connected nation&rsquo;</em> noted that India is the largest and fastest-growing market for digital consumers. As digital capabilities improve and connectivity becomes omnipresent, technology will radically change every sector, creating significant economic value. India of 2022 has bested McKinsey prediction with massive investment in digital technology, increased access to mobile broadband, fibre-optic connectivity, low-cost smartphones. This has ushered a wave of technological entrepreneurship.</p>
<p id="31" class="story_para_31">ALSO SEE | <strong><a href="https://www.news18.com/photogallery/india/modi8-towards-indias-development-pm-narendra-modi-takes-chief-ministers-together-5278921.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Modi@8: Towards India&rsquo;s Development, PM Narendra Modi Takes Chief Ministers Together</a></strong></p>
<h4>The Misses</h4>
<p id="32" class="story_para_32">India&rsquo;s infrastructure deficit is very high and the task to upgrade is humongous, misses, therefore, are bound to happen.</p>
<p id="33" class="story_para_33"><strong>First</strong>, Indian Railways. It was in &lsquo;ICU&rsquo; earlier and has now slipped into terminal &lsquo;coma&rsquo;, its signature projects are languishing, key structural reforms are jinxed, finances in tatters and morale low.</p>
<p id="34" class="story_para_34"><strong>Second</strong>, housing for all by 2022. As the programme is ambitious, misses will happen &ndash; at least, it recognises that the problem needs urgent fix. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, rural and urban, has made a dent but needs fast-tracking.</p>
<p id="35" class="story_para_35"><strong>Third</strong>, smart city mission has not proved smart, so far. In 100 chosen cities &ndash; both brownfield and greenfield &ndash; the mission is lagging in both quantitative and qualitative impact.</p>
<p id="36" class="story_para_36"><strong>Fourth</strong>, disrupted urban mobility. Urban India is gridlocked, metro rail has poor ridership, except in Delhi, and lack of buses makes mobility difficult; there is no space for pedestrians and cyclists on city roads. Complete absence of multi-modal integration is another sore point, which is driving urban India towards more private car usage.</p>
<p id="37" class="story_para_37"><strong>Five</strong>, water woes. Despite the Modi government connecting 9.5 crore poor households to a water tap under the &lsquo;Har Ghar, Nal Se Jal&rsquo;, I submit <em>&lsquo;Dilli abhi duur hai&rsquo;</em>. Access to 24/7 water is a pipe dream even in metropolitan areas, ground water levels have plummeted, drinking water is not potable and India stares at Day Zero, sooner or later.</p>
<p id="38" class="story_para_38"><strong>Six</strong>, national infrastructure pipeline got bigger from 6,835 projects to 9,335. But this needs an investment to the tune of Rs 108 trillion. It has no financial close. It was to be funded 18-20 per cent by the Centre, 24-26 per cent by states and the balance through an eclectic mix of private sector investment and asset monetisation. Lack of financing remains a spoiler.</p>
<p class="story_para_2">&nbsp;</p>

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