News Analysis India

Category: Nation

  • ‘Surprising…’: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Questions ECI’s Priority In Voter Turnout Row |

    New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday asserted that it is surprising to see the Election Commission responding to a letter written by him to the leaders of the INDIA-bloc but choosing to ignore several complaints Kharge raised directly to the ECI. 

    Earlier, in a letter addressed to the CEC and several election commissioners, Kharge pointed out the electoral committee’s lack of prompt action in addressing the overtly communal and caste-driven remarks made by leaders of the governing party. 

    Reacting to the letter by the Congress president expressing concerns regarding the delay in disclosing the voter turnout for the two phases of Lok Sabha polls, the Commission said that it is an attempt to promote a prejudiced narrative under the pretext of seeking clarifications. 

    Kharge responded to the EC’s remark and said that the letter was clearly addressed to the alliance leaders and not the commission. 

    “It is surprising that the Election Commission of India wanted to respond to this letter while ignoring several other complaints given directly to it. I have certain misgivings about the language of the letter, but I will not press on that issue as I understand the pressures they are working under,” reported PTI, citing Kharge’s letter sent to the EC on Saturday. 

    He said that while the EC letter says that it respects citizens’ right to inquire, on the other hand, it “threatens citizens in the form of an advice to exercise caution.” 

    Kharge said, “I am happy that the Commission understands that it has the mandate to conduct smooth, free, and fair elections under the constitution. However, the lack of urgency shown by the Commission in acting against blatantly communal and casteist statements being made by the leaders of the ruling party that vitiate the electoral process seems puzzling,” reported PTI. 

    In a five-page reply containing several annexures, the election commission dismissed accusations of mismanagement and tardiness in disclosing voter turnout statistics for the initial two phases of the Lok Sabha elections. It labelled Kharge’s allegations as unwarranted,” ” “without facts,” and “reflective of a biased and deliberate attempt to spread confusion”.  

    In the letter, the Congress leader mentioned that, besides delaying voter turnout, the ECI did not mention several crucial data points, such as votes cast in each parliamentary constituency and their corresponding assembly constituencies. 

    Opposition leaders on Friday met with senior officials of the Election Commission to address concerns over voter turnout statistics and complaints about the violations of the model code by leaders of the ruling party. 

  • Kejriwal Asks BJP ‘Who Will Be Your Next PM Face?’ As Modi Is Turning 75 Soon |

    In his first address to party workers and supporters after being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in the excise policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi who he said had “left no stone unturned” to crush the Aam Admi Party.

    Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says “…These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years…LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September…If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi’s guarantee?…”

    “…Our Aam Aadmi Party is a small party, spread over two states. But the Prime Minister left no stone unturned to crush our party and sent four leaders to jail simultaneously. If four top leaders of big parties go to jail, the party ends. The Prime Minister wants to crush AAP…PM Modi himself believes that AAP is the one that will give future to the country…,” alleged Kejriwal at a press conference at the party headquarters here.

    Kejriwal visited the Hanuman temple and at Sri Navgrah Temple in the national capital and will hit the campaign trail addressing a mega roadshow later this evening. “I am coming straight from jail to you. It feels great to be with you after 50 days. I just went to Hanuman temple with my wife and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Bajrang Bali’s blessings are on our party and us. It is by his grace that I am among you today…,” Kejriwal said.

    “No one had expected that I would be out of jail amid the 2024 Lok Sabha polls,” he said in his address, in which Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Admi Party leaders including Atishi, Gopal Rai, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj were present.

    The Supreme Court on Friday gave interim bail to the Aam Admi Party convenor till June 1. However, as per the terms of his bail, the Delhi Chief Minister cannot make any comment about his role in the Delhi liquor scam case.
    Kejriwal spent over 50 days in Tihar Jail after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy case on March 21, days after the election schedule for the general elections was announced.

    The bail is applicable till June 1 and Kejriwal has to surrender to authorities on June 2. The Delhi CM can participate in the poll campaigning but can not attend his office as Chief Minister.

  • UP Shocker! Man Suspected Of Killing Mother, Wife, 3 Children Before Shooting Self To Death |

    A man allegedly shot his mother, wife and three children dead before killing himself at Plahapur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, police said on Saturday. Anurag Singh, 45, was mentally unstable and this could have led to the incident, Sitapur Superintendent of Police Chakresh Mishra. 

    “We are collecting evidence from the spot and the bodies have been sent for postmortem,” he said. Singh allegedly shot his mother Savitri Singh, 62, wife Priyanka, 40, daughters Aasvi, 12, and Aarna, 8, and son Advik 4. He later shot himself dead, the official said.

    Police units have been deployed to ensure law and order in the village.

  • Chhattisgarh: 12 Naxalites Killed In Bijapur, Dy CM Vijay Sharma Appeals Naxals To Join Mainstream |

    Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister has urged the Naxals to come together and engage in dialogue with the administration in order to find answers. His plea was made just hours after a Friday encounter in Bijapur resulted in the deaths of twelve Naxalites.

    “I appeal to them (the Naxals) to join the mainstream and have discussions with our government, which is ready to provide very good facilities, more of which will be announced in the future,” Sharma told ANI. “The solutions to the issues should be found through talks. Development should reach every village. Why should the people of Bastar be kept hostage?” he added.

    Talking about the operation of the security forces, he said, “Around a thousand soldiers of the DRG, STF and Cobra battalions of Bijapur and Dantewada had set out for the joint operation. Fortunately, in the operation, none of our soldiers were injured.” Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the security forces after the operation.

    “An encounter broke out between Naxals and the Security forces in the Gangaloor area of Bijapur district. 12 dead bodies of the Naxals have been recovered. I congratulate our jawans and senior officers. Ever since we came into government, we have fought strongly against the Naxalites. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also want Naxalism to end in Chhattisgarh. We are benefiting from the double-engine government,” CM Vishnu Deo Sai told ANI.

    On Friday, an altercation broke out in the Chhattisgarh jungle close to Pidiya village between Naxals and security personnel. Earlier this month, in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh’s Kanker, 29 Naxals were killed and three security officers were injured in an encounter.

  • Heavy Rainfall Triggers Water Leakages At Bengaluru Airport`s Terminal 2

    Kempegowda International Airport witnessed heavy rainfall on May 9 which turned out rainwater leaked through the roof of Terminal 2.

  • ECI Rebukes Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge For Allegations On Voter Turnout Data |

    New Delhi: The Election Commission of India issued a strongly worded rebuke to Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, on Friday. The ECI criticized Kharge’s remarks about the release of voter turnout data, calling them inaccurate and biased.  Commission said that the statements were deliberately intended to sow confusion, misguide, and create obstacles to the smooth conduct of impartial elections.

    ECI stated that it finds a ‘pattern’ in a series of past and present irresponsible statements from INC and calls it ‘disconcerting”. The commission said, with all facts in place, the Congress President is attempting to push a biased narrative.

    It said that the ECI was determined “to act against developments which have a direct impact on the delivery of its core mandate.” The commission takes cognizance of Kharge’s letter addressed to leaders of INDI alliance on voter turnout data, and finds it highly undesirable. The commission categorically rejected Kharge’s contentions, calling them insinuations and innuendos.

    The ECI asserted that no lapse or deviation in the collection and dissemination of voter turnout data; pilots all past and present procedures and practices; and provided point-by-point counters to reject Kharge’s contentions.

    The commission also refuted any delay in giving turnout data and pointed out that updated Turnout data has been always higher than the poll day. The commission provided a factual matrix from the 2019 general election onwards.

    ECI especially condemned with contempt Kharge’s statement, “Could this be an attempt to doctor the final results”, and said, it can create an anarchic situation, besides doubts and disharmony

    On May 7, Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the leaders of the INDIA bloc over the alleged discrepancies in the voting data released by the Election Commission (EC).
    In his letter, Kharge urged the INDIA bloc leaders to raise their voices against voting data discrepancies, for “our only objective is to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution”. The Congress president alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party are ‘visibly flustered’ and ‘frustrated’ by the voting trends and their receding electoral fortunes in the first two phases.

    “In this context, I would urge all of you that we must collectively, unitedly and unequivocally raise our voice against such discrepancies, for our only objective is to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution. Let us ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India and make it accountable. Let us ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India and make it accountable.,” the letter read.

     

  • Last Chance To Apply For UGC NET June 2024, Application Form Closing Today! |

    New Delhi:  The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the registration process for the UGC NET June 2024 exam will conclude on May 10, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete their application forms for the UGC NET 2024 exam, which can be accessed at https://ugcnet.nta.ac.in/. It’s important to note that the deadline for the successful transaction of examination fees, via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI Payment Modes, is May 12, 2024. For General/Unreserved category candidates, the application fee is set at Rs 1150. 

    The UGC NET examination will be conducted solely in OMR-based mode. This exam comprises two papers, each featuring objective-type, multiple-choice questions. Notably, there will be no break between the two papers.

    Eligibility criteria for the UGC NET exam are as follows:

    (a) Candidates from the General/Unreserved/General-EWS category must have obtained a minimum of 55% marks (without rounding off) in their Master’s Degree or equivalent examination from universities/institutions recognized by UGC. This applies to fields such as Humanities and Social Science (including languages), Computer Science and Applications, Electronic Science, etc.

    The list of eligible subjects at the Post Graduation level can be found in Appendix -III on the UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in). OBC candidates belonging to Non-Creamy Layer/Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disability (PwD)/Third gender category candidates who have secured at least 50% marks (without rounding off) in their Master’s degree or equivalent examination are also eligible for the test.


    (b) Candidates currently pursuing their Master’s degree or an equivalent course, or those who have appeared for their qualifying Master’s degree (final year) examination and are awaiting results, or candidates whose qualifying examinations have been postponed, are permitted to apply for the test. However, such candidates will be admitted provisionally and will be considered eligible for the award of JRF/eligibility for Assistant Professor only after they have passed their Master’s Degree or equivalent examination with at least 55% marks (50% marks for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third gender category candidates).

    It’s essential for these candidates to complete their Master’s degree or equivalent examination within two years from the date of the NET result, achieving the required percentage of marks. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

  • Agra Lawyer Claims Ancient Hindu Temple Below Fatehpur Sikri Dargah, Files Case |

    An Agra-based lawyer has filed a lawsuit alleging that a Hindu temple exists on the grounds of a dargah (shrine) in Fatehpur Sikri. According to lawyer Ajay Pratap Singh, a civil court in Agra has accepted his lawsuit. He has identified the Dargah of Salim Chishti in Fatehpur Sikri as the temple of Goddess Kamakhya, which includes the adjacent mosque.

    According to the advocate, the disputed property, which is now under the Archaeological Survey of India, was originally the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Kamakhya. He also refuted the notion that Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Akbar, claiming that references to Sikri, also known as Vijaypur Sikri, appear in Baburnama, indicating its historical significance.

    The advocate cited archaeological evidence, specifically excavations conducted by former Superintending Archaeologist D.B. Sharma, which revealed Hindu and Jain artefacts dating back to around 1000 A.D. British officer E.B. Howell also referred to the disputed property’s pillars and roof as Hindu sculpture, challenging its classification as a mosque.

    Furthermore, historical records indicate that during the Khanwa war, Rao Dhamdev, the king of Sikri, transported the consecrated idol of Mata Kamakhya to safety in Ghazipur, reinforcing the temple’s ancient roots, as he claimed.

    Advocate Ajay Pratap Singh emphasised that once a structure is designated as a temple, its nature cannot be changed. The case was brought before a civic court, and Judge Mrityunjay Srivastava issued notices. The advocate had previously filed a court case alleging that an idol of Lord Krishna had been buried beneath the stairs of Jama Masjid.


    The plaintiffs in the case include Aasthan Mata Kamakhya, Arya Sanskriti Preservation Trust, Yogeshwar Shri Krishna Cultural Research Institute Trust, Kshatriya Shaktipeeth Vikas Trust, and Advocate Ajay Pratap Singh.

    Meanwhile, the defendants include the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Management Committees of Dargah Salim Chishti and Jama Masjid.

  • Narco-Terror Module Busted In Baramulla Of Jammu and Kashmir: Drugs Worth Rs 50 Crore, Cash Recovered, 3 Arrested |

    The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Thursday that they have busted a narco-smuggling module in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir, arresting three smugglers with a significant quantity of narcotics and cash. Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure stated that the Uri police station received information on May 8 from reliable sources indicating the involvement of Mehmood Ahmad Najar of Churunda and Sajad Ahmad Malik of Dhanisyedan in narcotics smuggling. 

    Both suspects were detained for questioning, during which they disclosed that they had concealed contraband substances and cash in Churanda. “Following their disclosure, a police party, along with a magistrate, conducted a search at the location and recovered the contraband substance. The operation was assisted by the Army,” Amod said.

    He further mentioned that the accused revealed the involvement of another individual, Fayaz Ahmad Hajam of Danisyedan, in smuggling contraband from Pakistan. Subsequently, Hajam was detained, and during questioning, he disclosed the concealment of additional contraband, which was subsequently recovered by the police and magistrate.

    “Additionally, based on further disclosures by Fayaz, some cash was also recovered from his residence. This module is linked to Pakistan-based handlers, from whom the police managed to recover contraband weighing 7.800 kg (valued at approximately Rs 50 crore) and cash worth Rs 12,63,500,” he added.

    The SSP stated that as of now, no election angle has been established in the investigation. However, a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure that elections are held in a free and fair manner.

  • Shillong Teer Result TODAY 09.05.2024: First And Second Round Thursday Lottery Result |

    Shillong Teer Result 2024: The Shillong Teer Lottery is a one-of-a-kind Meghalaya game in which the winner is determined by the number of arrows shot. The lucky numbers for the first and second rounds of the May 07 competition are available on the official website. Shillong Teer Lottery Game winners are decided by correctly estimating the number of Arrows shot in a day. This lottery game has two rounds. Tickets for both rounds are available between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM at Teer Betting Centres. 

    Monday to Sunday, at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., with Sundays allocated for church visits. The game, unlike other lotteries in India, is legal and supervised by the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act. The game is organized by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association, which is made up of 12 clubs.

    Shillong Teer Result 09.05.2024 Thursday




    Date
    First Round Result
    Second Round Result


    09.05.2024

     


     



    The results of the Shillong Teer lottery may be seen at https://www.sarkariexam.com/. If you cannot wait for the results, you can view the lucky numbers for the first and second rounds on the official website between 4 and 5 p.m.

    Shillong Teer Result 2024: Steps To Participate Here

    Shillong Teer is a lottery game in which tickets ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 100 can be purchased. Sales start at 10 a.m., Monday to Sunday. Players must guess the number of arrows shot by 50 archers in the first and second rounds at Shillong’s Polo Ground in two minutes, with a maximum of 30 and 20 arrows respectively. Meghalaya has about 5,000 ticket counters distributed across 11 districts.

    In a single day, the player must guess the last two digits of the total number of arrows shot and hit the target. The winner of the lottery is the individual who correctly predicts the number. Every day, 50 archers shoot 30 arrows in the first round and just 20 arrows in the second.

    (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in any way.)