POLITICS | US President Donald Trump to Talk to PM Modi Over the Phone Today

Newly inaugurated President of the United States will speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone today, according to reports from the White House.

The telephonic meet is scheduled at 1 p.m. Washington DC time, which according to IST is 11:30 p.m.

With this, Mr. Modi will be the fifth foreign leader the U.S President would have spoken with over the phone after being sworn in to presidency on January 20.

Also, Mr. Modi was among the first few world leaders to have congratulated Mr. Trump on his victory in the presidential polls.

During his election campaign, Mr. Trump, in an address to Indian- Americans in Edison, New jersey, had said, "Under a Trump administration, we are going to become even better friends. In fact, I would take the term better out, and we would be best friends."

"We are going to have a phenomenal future together," he had added.

Attempting to Garner Votes on Grounds of Religion Impermissible: Supreme Court

                    

Prior to the crucial assembly elections in five states, the Supreme Court on Monday declared that political parties can not seek votes in the name of religion, caste or creed, saying that the parties must adhere to the principles stated within the constitution.

The judgment, which was delivered by a bench of 7 judges, declared that an appeal to voters on the grounds of Caste, Creed and Religion is Impermissible.

The bench was headed by outgoing Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, and Justice Sharad Bobde, Justice Madan Lokur and Justice Rao agreed with him that votes cannot be sought in the name of caste or religion. Three judges – Justice UU Lalit, Justice Adarsh Goel and Justice DY Chandrachud – stood for dissent.

Following the latest ruling, any attempt to garner votes on ground of religion, caste or creed will be subjected to the provisions laid under the Representation of People’s Act.

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“Relation between an individual and God is an independent choice,” the court observed, further stating that the state is forbidden to partake in any such activity.

In response to the judgement, NCP leader Majeed Memon said that the ruling could prove to be a setback for the BJP owing to their plan of bringing up the Ram Mandir issue in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh election. He further added,"Local police and EC should be alert about the kind of speeches that will be given in the coming months."

BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy, however, quoted that the latest development has nothing to do with the BJP as the party has always been free of exploiting religion for winning voters.