| 22 June 2023
1. In a joint press briefing held on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden discussed various issues of bilateral importance. However, the event drew criticism for the restricted access granted to journalists. The selection of reporters and limited number of questions raised concerns about the scripted nature of the interaction. Critics argue that such controlled press briefings undermine the principles of transparency and openness that should be upheld in democratic societies. While the event was significant, the limitations imposed on media access hindered open dialogue and unfettered journalism.
2. Leaders from nearly 20 opposition parties gathered in Patna on Friday for a mega opposition meet aimed at formulating a joint strategy to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Initiated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the gathering sought to boost the morale of the opposition, which has been grappling with internal conflicts and power struggles. Notable attendees included leaders from Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), among others. The outcome of this meet holds significant implications for the political landscape in India.
3. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar expressed concern over the violence that has unfolded in Manipur over the past 50 days. Sonia Gandhi appealed for peace, acknowledging the human tragedy that has affected the lives of people in the state. An official survey conducted by the Manipur government revealed the presence of over 2,000 illegal immigrants from Myanmar in settlements across four districts. The survey highlighted the impact of the state's "War on Drugs" campaign on influential illegal poppy cultivators and drug lords from Myanmar, which has fueled recent violence.
4. The Election Commission's draft delimitation proposals for assembly and parliamentary seats in Assam triggered a controversy, with political parties criticizing one another as well as the EC. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed sadness over the trifurcation of his constituency, while the Congress questioned the EC for publishing the draft while the matter is subjudice in the Supreme Court. The AIUDF criticized both the EC and the ruling BJP, accusing the Congress of being the "B-team" of the BJP. The delimitation exercise proposed retaining the number of assembly seats at 126 and Lok Sabha constituencies at 14, with changes in reserved seats for SCs and STs.
5. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to opposition leaders, calling for discussions on the Centre's ordinance regarding control of administrative services in Delhi. Kejriwal urged opposition parties to make their stance clear on the issue, emphasizing that the ordinance has broader implications beyond Delhi and may be extended to other states. While several opposition parties have expressed solidarity with Kejriwal and agreed to oppose the ordinance, the Congress has yet to take a stand, possibly due to internal conflicts and concerns over AAP's political expansion. Kejriwal has sought a meeting with Congress leaders to discuss the matter.
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