The Shiv Sena’s comments, about possible political scenarios if the BJP fails to get a majority on its own after the 2019 general elections, get wide traction in the press. The Asian Age quotes the party’s mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ as saying “Pranab could be PM in 2019”. The paper adds, “Comment after BJP chief Shah met Uddhav”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jin Ping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO summit in China also dominates front page headlines. The Times of India notes “In boost to ties, Xi accepts Modi invite for ‘summit’ in India”.
Highlighting other outcomes of the meeting, the Indian Express writes “Several visits on cards, China to share Brahmaputra data, allow India non-Basmati rice; India clears Bank of China branch”.
Many papers report that there is trouble brewing in the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar. The Tribune reports “Lalu’s elder son Tej unhappy over being sidelined in RJD”. The Asian Age writes “RJD’s Tej hints he may quit politics”.
The disquiet in the Karnataka Congress over allocation of ministerial portfolios is widely noticed in the press. The Hindu writes “Rahul tells dissident leader not to weaken coalition; M B Patil says he’s explained ‘everything’ to Congress chief”. Meanwhile, the DNA quotes the BJP’s state chief, B S Yedyurappa as saying “Many Congress, JD(S) MLAs willing to join BJP”.
And two interesting stories from school students’ lives…the Pioneer reports “Cheque given by CM to UP board topper bounces” and the DNA tells us “Bihar students get more than maximum marks”. How’s that!
A shootout between the police and gangsters in Delhi grabs front page attention in all the national dailies. The Tribune reports “Kranti gang leader, 3 aides shot in Delhi ; 8 Special Cell cops hurt, 100 rounds fired”. The Asian Age notes “Kingpin had 25 cases of murder, extortion, robbery against him”.