Farmers' issue, 'soft Hindutva' in Congress' revival strategy in Uttar Pradesh

News Network

February 14, 2021

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Lucknow, Feb 14: Desperately looking to revive itself in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, the Congress plans to capitalise on the farmer agitation and pursue 'soft Hindutva' in the state, where assembly election is barely a year away.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was also the in-charge of the state, made the party's revival strategy quite clear by her temple hopping and addressing 'kisan mahapanchayat' last week.

Priyanka took a dip in the holy waters at the holy 'Sangam' (the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers) on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya' (a sacred day on which millions take a dip in holy rivers across India) at Prayagraj, on Thursday and also visited the famous 'Mankameshwar Temple'.

She also met Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati.

A day before, the Congress leader had paid obeisance at the famous Shakambhari Devi Temple near Saharanpur, about 500 kilometres from Lucknow.

Priyanka also addressed a well attended 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Saharanpur, where she attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the farm laws and vowed to support the agitating farmers.

Apparently mindful of her party's Muslim support base, the Congress leader also visited the 'Khanqah dargah' at Saharanpur, which was revered by the community.

Although the BJP leaders sought to make light of Priyanka's temple visits and 'kisan mahapanchayat', political observers here point out that the strategy may pay rich electoral dividends if it succeeds.

''Congress' electoral success will depend on the support it gets not only from the Muslims but also the Hindu community....the party can hope for a revival if it is able to capitalise on the farmer agitation and send across the message that it is not an anti-Hindu party,'' said a Lucknow based political observer.

The grand old party has plans to hold a series of 'kisan mahapanchayats' in the western UP districts in the days to come. Priyanka is scheduled to address one such meeting at Bijnore on Monday.

Congress could win only one seat and that of Raebareli in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. It could manage to win only seven seats in the 2017 assembly polls.

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US attempted 93 ‘regime change’ operations across the world since 1946, admits envoy

News Network

December 7,2025

Since 1946, the United States has attempted 93 coups or “regime change” operations across the world — including two in Iran, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has admitted.

Speaking to the UAE-based IMI Media Group, in remarks published by The National, Barrack said Washington tried twice to overthrow the Iranian government but failed both times.

“For (Trump) then to be imputed with regime change — we had two regime changes in Iran already. Neither one worked. So I think wisely leave it to the region to solve,” said Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey.

His comments come six months after the US joined Israel in airstrikes against Iran during ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

On June 13, Israel launched an attack on Iran that killed at least 1,064 people and hit civilian infrastructure. Days later, the United States targeted three nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — in what Iran called a clear violation of international law. Iranian retaliation eventually forced a halt to the assault on June 24.

Barrack further claimed that US President Donald Trump and Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio are “not into regime change” and prefer a regional approach driven by Middle Eastern countries themselves. According to him, regional dialogue and non-interference by outside powers offer a more durable path forward.

He added that Washington is still open to an agreement with Tehran if Iranian authorities show “seriousness” and willingness to engage constructively.

However, Iran maintains the US has not shown readiness for meaningful talks. In an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations could advance only if Washington acknowledges Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and lifts unilateral sanctions.

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