India Proceeds Cautiously on Trade Deals; BJP Plots 2024 Strategy; Bonds and Dissent Debated
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India is negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) very cautiously and hard, considering long-term national interests over quick deals. Sticking points could be minor issues that hold up talks.
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The BJP sees similarities in its 2014 and 2024 election strategies - strong leadership, clean governance - but social media and fake news will play bigger roles.
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On electoral bonds, the aim was to clean up political funding and protect donors, though the BJP got less than half the donations despite its majority.
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On allegations of suppressing dissent, Goyal claims the government is ensuring justice for all and is not worried about criticism of its "Shakti".
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The opposition alliance is fragmented and lacks a clear leader, making it "immaterial", while the NDA expects to cross its 370-seat target.