News Analysis India

Category: Nation

  • Will Gangster-Politician Mukhtar Ansari’s Death Impact Upcoming Elections In Eastern UP? |

    NEW DELHI: Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari’s political journey is intricately intertwined with the socio-political fabric of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, where his influence extended far beyond his criminal background. From his emergence as a gangster to his transformation into a powerful political figure, Ansari’s legacy leaves a significant imprint on the region’s political landscape.

    Early Life And Criminal Beginnings

    Born into a politically influential family, Ansari’s foray into crime began in the 1980s and 1990s when he established himself among government contract mafias in Uttar Pradesh. His criminal activities, ranging from extortion to murder, earned him notoriety in the region. Despite facing numerous criminal charges, Ansari’s political ambitions remained undeterred.

    Foray Into Politics: From Gangster To Legislator

    Ansari’s transition from gangster to politician marked a pivotal moment in his life. He capitalized on his criminal network to build a formidable political base, eventually winning elections on the tickets of various political parties. His ability to secure electoral victories, even from behind bars, underscored his enduring influence and the complexities of Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.

    Dominance In Eastern UP

    Ansari’s political dynasty, encompassing multiple generations, wielded considerable influence in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Constituencies like Mau and Ghazipur emerged as electoral fortresses for the Ansari family, with Mukhtar and his relatives consistently winning elections by significant margins. Their stronghold over local politics reflected a blend of power, patronage, and legacy.

    Despite his criminal background, Ansari enjoyed widespread support among certain sections of the population, particularly among Muslims and Dalits. Many locals viewed him as a Robin Hood-like figure, attributing his popularity to his perceived assistance to the underprivileged. His ability to provide financial aid for medical treatment, weddings, and other necessities cemented his support base in the region.

    Impact On Eastern UP: Socio-Political Dynamics And Governance

    Ansari’s influence extended beyond electoral politics, shaping the socio-political dynamics of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. His patronage networks, coupled with his ability to mobilize voters, played a crucial role in determining electoral outcomes and influencing governance priorities. However, his dominance also led to allegations of corruption, nepotism, and criminalization of politics.

    Controversies: Legal Battles And Allegations

    Throughout his political career, Ansari faced numerous legal battles and controversies. From allegations of criminal intimidation to charges of corruption, his tenure was marred by accusations of wrongdoing. However, his ability to navigate these challenges and maintain his political relevance speaks to the complexities of power dynamics in Uttar Pradesh.

    Post-Ansari Era In Eastern UP

    With Mukhtar Ansari’s demise, Eastern Uttar Pradesh finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the aftermath of his political legacy. The void left by his absence raises questions about the future trajectory of the region’s politics and the emergence of new power brokers. As parties vie for control in the upcoming elections, the impact of Ansari’s legacy continues to reverberate through the corridors of power in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

    Mukhtar Ansari’s political journey, characterized by a blend of criminality and electoral success, remains a subject of fascination and debate in Uttar Pradesh. His impact on Eastern Uttar Pradesh, both as a gangster and a politician, underscores the intricate interplay between power, patronage, and populism in the region’s politics. As the region navigates the post-Ansari era, the legacy of one of its most enigmatic figures will continue to shape its political landscape for years to come.

  • Persistent Pursuit, The Inspiring Journey Of IAS Aspirant Hitesh Meena, Overcoming Rejection To Achieve Success |

    New Delhi: The Civil Services Examination, organized by the esteemed Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), stands as a formidable challenge among India’s plethora of competitive exams. Aspirants embarking on this arduous journey must meticulously craft their study plans and adopt effective strategies to navigate the complexities of this rigorous assessment.

    Cracking the UPSC exam demands not only intelligence but also perseverance. It often entails multiple attempts and years of dedicated preparation. Only those individuals who demonstrate exceptional prowess across all three phases – the Prelims, Mains, and Interview – earn the prestigious titles of IAS, IPS, IFS, and other civil servants.

    In this narrative, we delve into the inspiring journey of Hitesh Meena, an exemplary IAS officer who weathered the storm of failure before emerging triumphant in his quest for success. Hailing from humble beginnings as the son of a farmer, Hitesh exhibited brilliance from an early age, consistently ranking among the top performers in his academic pursuits.

    His journey towards the civil services began after completing his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the esteemed IIT BHU, Varanasi. Despite securing a promising future in engineering, Hitesh harbored a fervent desire to serve his nation through administrative roles. Subsequently, he pursued a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from IIT Delhi, before pivoting his focus towards UPSC preparation.

    Undeterred by initial setbacks, Hitesh demonstrated resilience and unwavering determination. Despite falling short in his first two attempts, his resolve remained unshaken. Instead of succumbing to disillusionment, he redoubled his efforts, leveraging each setback as a learning opportunity.

    His perseverance bore fruit during his third attempt when he finally emerged victorious, securing an impressive All India rank of 417 in the year 2018. With an exceptional score of 977 marks, Hitesh’s name found its place in the coveted final list of successful candidates.

    Currently serving in the esteemed Haryana cadre as an Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Citizen Resource Information Officer in Gurugram, Hitesh continues to epitomize dedication and leadership in his administrative endeavors. His personal life is equally enriching, being happily married to IAS Renu Sogan, a fellow officer of the 2019 batch.

    Hitesh’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Through his remarkable achievements, he not only embodies the spirit of resilience but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring civil servants across the nation.

  • Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates | Court Sends Delhi CM To 4-Day ED Remand |

    Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Arvind Kejriwal, was today produced before the Rouse Avenue Court, following the conclusion of his custodial remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This development comes in the wake of Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with an alleged excise policy-linked money laundering case. While the ED sought seven days remand of the Delhi CM, the court sent Kejriwal to four-day ED custody.

    On the other hand, the Delhi High Court also heard a public interest litigation (PIL) today, which sought Kejriwal’s removal from the post of Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi. The hearing was presided over by Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. The court rejected the PIL saying that there is no leagl bar in the case and Kejriwal can continue to function as the Delhi CM. In another case, the Delhi High Court has also issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate in response to a petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and the ED remand granted by the trial court.

    Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of the embattled Chief Minister, asserted that her husband’s health is not well and he is being harrased by the ED. 

    CM Kejriwal’s arrest and court proceedings LIVE here:

    4.43 pm: ED while seeking remand stated that Data in one mobile phone (belonging to the arrestee’s wife) has been extracted and is being analyzed. However, data from the other 4 digital devices seized during search at Arvind Kejriwal’s premises on 21.03.2024 (belonging to the arrestee himself) are yet to be extracted as the arrestee has sought time to provide password/login credentials after consulting with his lawyers.

    3.50 pm: The Rouse Avenue Court sent the Delhi CM to four-day ED remand. Kejriwal’s ED remand will now end on April 1. 

    3.30 pm: Arvind Kejriwal said in court that the ED has only two missions – two crush him and finish Aam Aadmi Party. Kejriwal said that his name is mentioned only four times in the documents of the ED and CBI. Kejriwal told the court that he was arrested on behalf of some statements that are not enough to arrest even a thief.

    02:43: The ASG SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stated that Arvind Kejriwal’s statements have been documented, and he provided evasive responses. ASG remarked that Kejriwal is intentionally refusing to cooperate with their investigation. He informed the Rouse Avenue court that during custody, Arvind Kejriwal did not divulge the passwords, resulting in the lack of access to digital data. The ED further said that, “A CM is not above the law.” According to Zee News TV report, The court has reserved the order regarding Enforcement Directorate’s plea seeking 7 days extension of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s custody remand.

    02:38: It is claimed that there was a scam worth Rs 100 crore… Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asserted before the Rouse Avenue Court during his ED remand hearing that Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated the money trail has not been identified yet… Kejriwal submits that the motive of the ED is to dismantle the Aam Aadmi Party.

    02:31:  CM Kejriwal says in his defence,”The case was initiated by the CBI two years back…The ED submitted a report spanning 25 thousand pages…Numerous ministers have visited my residence over time… I question why the arrest is solely based on verbal statements.” He is speaking in the Rouse Avenue Court. 

    02:24: “He is not proven guilty in any court,” Arvind Kejriwal says in Rouse Avenue Court.

    02:19: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, upon arrival at the Rouse Avenue court, “It is a political conspiracy and the people will give an answer to it.” 

    02:14: ED has requested an extension of seven additional days for the custody of the Delhi CM by remand, says he needs to be confronted with some people linked with excise policy case.

    02:05: Arvind Kejriwal has reached Rouse Avenue Court, and the court hearing has begun. His wife Sunita Kejriwal is also present in the proceeding.

    01:45: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being brought out of ED office; to be taken to Rouse Avenue Court. 

    VIDEO | “This is a political conspiracy, the public will give a befitting reply,” says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) in response to a media query on Delhi L-G VK Saxena’s ‘government cannot run from jail’ remark.

    Kejriwal has been brought to Rouse Avenue Court in… pic.twitter.com/q7n2zYuHKb


    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2024

    01:30: Delhi High Court rejects PIL seeking removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi.

    01:00 PM: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be produced before Rouse Avenue Court at 2 pm today on the expiry of his six days of ED custody.

     

  • Congress Drops Supriya Shrinate As Maharajganj Candidiate Amidst Backlash Over Kangana Remarks |

    New Delhi: The Congress has substituted Supriya Shrinate as a candidate from the Maharajganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, where she ran in 2019. The following decision came after she faced significant backlash over her comments regarding actor Kangana Ranaut, who is the BJP’s chosen candidate from Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, Shrinate ran from Maharajganj but was defeated by BJP’s Pankaj Chaudhary.  

    In its eighth list comprising 14 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress nominated Virendra Chaudhary instead of Supriya Shrinate to contest from Maharajganj. The party announced names for four states – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Jharkhand. Congress has announced 208 candidates so far. 

    A disrespectful post appeared on Shrinate’s Instagram on Monday after BJP announced Kangana Ranaut from Mandi. The account featured a picture of Ranaut along with an allegedly derogatory caption. Shrinate quickly explained that several individuals have access to her social media accounts, and one of them was responsible for the inappropriate post. “As soon as I came to know, I deleted that post. Everyone who knows me, also knows very well that I can never make personal and indecent comments towards any woman. I wanted to know how this happened,” she said. Earlier today, the Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Shrinate regarding her post. 

    The party has chosen Rao Yadvendra Singh to contest against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna constituency, and Pratap Bhanu Sharma to go against former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Vidisha. Tarvar Singh Lodhi has been selected as the nominee from Damoh. 

    In Jharkhand, Kalicharan Munda has been designated for the Khunti (ST) constituency, Sukhdeo Bhagat for Lohardaga (ST), and Jaiprakashbhai Patel for Hazaribagh. In Telangana, the party has put forward Suguna Kumari Chelimala for Adilabad, Tatiparthi Jeevan Reddy for Nizamabad, Neelam Madhu for Medak, and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy for Bhongir. 

    For Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has named Dolly Sharma for Ghaziabad, Nakul Dubey for Sitapur, Shivram Valmiki for the Bulandshahr (SC) seat, and Virendra Chaudhary for Maharajganj. 

  • ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex Continues For The Seventh Day

    Acting on the court directives, the ASI team, accompanied by senior police and administrative officials, on March 22 began its survey at the disputed complex in the tribal-dominated Dhar district.

  • 2024 Polls: BJD Announces First List Of Candidates For Nine Lok Sabha, 72 Assembly Seats In Odisha |

    New Delhi: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) announced its first list of candidates of Odisha for the approaching Lok Sabha elections on Wednesday. Chief Minister of Odisha and chief of the BJD Naveen Patnaik posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to disseminate the names of nine Lok Sabha contenders, earmarked for Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Bhubaneswar, Kendrapara, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Aska, and Koraput constituencies. The party also released candidate list for the 72 seats of the Odisha assembly. CM Naveen Patnaik is set to seek re-election from the Hinjili Assembly constituency for the sixth consecutive term. 

    Significant Names In 1st List 

    BJD General Secretary Pranab Prakash Das is set to face Union Minister and BJP candiate Dharmendra Pradhan from Sambalpur. Shortly after joining BJD, Manmath Routray, the son of Congress veteran leader Suresh Routray, was nominated as the Lok Sabha candidate from Bhubaneswar. Anshuman Mohanty, a former Odisha Congress MLA who joined Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on February 16, will vie for the Kendrapara Lok Sabha seat. Other candidates are as follows:

    Pradeep Kumar Majhi – Nabarangpur 
    Dilip Tirkey – Sundargarh  
    Lambodhar Nial – Kalahandi 
    Ranjita Sahu – Aska 
    Kaushalya Hikaka – Koraput  

    BJD Assembly Candidate List

    Jagannath Saraka – Bissamkatak
    Raghunath Gamango – Gunpur
    Anusaya Majhi -Rayagada
    Debesh Acharya -Bargarh
    Rita Sahoo -Bijepur
    Snehangini Churia -Atabira
    Susanta Singh -Bhatli
    Ashiwni Patra -Jaleswar
    Subhasini Jena- Basta
    Sanjib Mallick-Bhandaripokari
    Prafulla Samal -Bhadrak
    Bishnubrata Routray -Basudevpur
    Sanjay Das -Dhamnagar
    Byomkesh Ray-Chandbali
    Pramila Malik-Bijharpur
    Pranab Balbantra-Dharmasala
    Sujata Sahoo-Jajpur
    Pritiranjan Ghadei-Sukinda
    Sudhir Samal -Dhenkanal
    Prafulla Mallick -Kamakshyanagar
    Nursingha Sahoo -Parjang
    Mukesh Pal-Pallahara
    Sushant Kumar Behera-Chendipada
    Niranjan Pujari -Sonepur
    Nihar Behera -Loisingha
    Saroj Meher -Patnagarh
    Kalikesh Nayarayan Singh Deo -Bolangir
    Tukuni Sahu -Titilagarh
    Rajendra Dholakia-Nuapada
    Nabina Nayak -Umerkote
    Ramesh Majhi-Jharigaon
    Kaushalya Pradhani-Nabarangpur
    Manohar Randhari-Dabugaon
    Pradip Dishari-Lanjigarh
    Dibyashankar Mishra-Junagarh
    Puspendra Singh Deo-Dharmagarh
    Latika Nayak-Bhawanipatna
    Saluga Pradhan-G Udaygiri
    Mahidhar Rana-Kantamal
    Pradip Amat -Boudh
    Debi Prasad Mishra-Badamba
    Debi Tripathy-Banki
    Sauvik Biswal -Cuttack-Choudwar
    Ranendra Pratap Swain-Athagarh
    Pramod Mallick-Niali
    Chandra Sarathi Behera-Cuttack-Sadar
    Arvind Mohapatra-Patkura
    Pratap Deb-Aul
    Dhruba Sahu- Rajnagar
    Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak -Mahakalpada 
    Sunil Mohanty -Puri
    Uma Samantaray -Brahmagiri
    Sanjay Dasburma-Satyabadi
    Rudrapratap Maharathy-Pipili
    Bibhuti Balbantray -Jatni
    Satyanarayan Pradhan-Ranpur
    Ramesh Behera -Daspalla
    Arun Sahoo-Nayagarh
    Bikram Keshari Arukh-Bhanjanagar
    Srikant Sahoo -Polsara
    Latika Pradhan-Kabisuryanagar
    Subhash Behera-Chhatrapur
    Sanghamitra Swain-Sorada
    Naveen Patnaik -Hinjili
    Bikram Panda-Gopalpur
    Biplab Patra -Digapahandi
    Chanmanya Nanda-Chikiti
    Chandrasekhar Majhi -Kotpad
    Raghuram-Koraput
    Manas Madkami-Malkangiri 
    Badrinarayan Patra-Ghasipura

    Odisha Lok Sabha, Assembly Polls

    The Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, encompassing 21 constituencies, will occur across four phases, scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) emerged dominant, winning 20 out of 21 seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing just one.  

    However, there was a shift in the political landscape during the 2019 elections. The BJD’s seat count decreased to 12, while the BJP made significant progress, claiming 8 seats, indicating a notable surge in the BJP’s influence in the state. Additionally, the Indian National Congress (INC) managed to secure a seat in the 2019 elections.

  • ED Books Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan`s Daughter Veena In Money Laundering Case

    ED has begun investigating questionable financial dealings involving a contentious mining company and the IT firm of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena

  • Prakash Ambedkar-Led VBA Exits MVA Alliance; Announces 1st List Of Candidates For Maharashtra Lok Sabha Polls

     Ambedkar accused that the MVA coalition partners – Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT) are attempting to use his faction to advance dynastic politics. 

  • Lok Sabha Elections: Kangana Ranaut’s Congress Connection You Didn’t Know About |

    New Delhi: Actress Kangana Ranaut has been nominated to contest from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP’s decision has fumed many and has stirred up discussion in the political arena. After a markworthy career in Bollywood, the actress is all set for her political debut. 

    Kangana’s Political Background

    It’s interesting that Kangana Ranaut also comes from a political background, as her great grandfather, the late Sarju Singh, was an MLA from the Trifalghat assembly constituency. This sustantiates that she is not an outsider to politics but rather hails from a family that has actively participated in the democratic process of the country.

    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has referred to Kangana Ranaut as the “daughter of Himachal.” The actress has her deep roots emebedded in the state. CM Sukhu also mentioned that Ranaut’s father held the position of General Secretary of Congress in Mandi, and her parents continue to reside in the state.”She (Kangana Ranaut) is the daughter of Himachal. Her parents live here. Her father was made the General Secretary of Congress in Mandi,” CM Sukhu stated while addressing reporters in Shimla.

    Kangana Ranaut- Supriya Shrinate Controversy

    The nomination of the Bollywood actress has sparked controversy, especially after the deleted social media post by Congress leader Supriya Shrinate. The purported post from Congress’ social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate on Monday, which featured a picture of Ranaut with an objectionable caption, has since been deleted. Although, Shrinate has now-deleted that social media post. 

    Kangana Ranaut’s Political Debut

    As Kangana Ranaut gears up for her political debut, the actress met the BJP chief, Kangana Ranaut said in a post on X that she will do her best towards the progress of the Mandi constituency.
    “Today I met with the National President, Honorable Jagat Prakash Nadda ji. I will always be grateful for his guidance and support, and I will give my best for the progress and prosperity of my area, Mandi. Jai Hind,” Kangana Ranaut posted on X. She is expected to return on March 28 to commence her campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

  • PM Modi Reaches Out To Lok Sabha Candidates In Bengal, Kerala; Know Why It’s Important For BJP |

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to BJP candidates of two crucial states – Kerala and Bengal. While the BJP is looking to open its account in Kerala Lok Sabha polls, the party is trying hard to boost its seat count in TMC-ruled West Bengal. The BJP is fighting tooth and nail against the popularity of the TMC led by Mamata Banerjee while in God’s own country Kerala, the saffron party is yet to taste victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Thus, PM Modi’s attempt to speak to the women candidates from both the states is an attempt to boost the morale of the party cadre. 

    PM Modi’s Speaks To Kerala BJP Candidate

    Prime Minister Modi talked to Prof TN Sarasu who is the BJP candidate from the Alathur Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. During the conversation, she informed PM Modi that there is a problem with cooperative banks in Kerala which are governed by the CPI(M) leaders. “They loot the money that the poor people deposited in the bank. They are not getting back their money. So, there is a great complaint from the people here…Could you do something against this?” said Sarasu.

    PM Modi then told her, “I am happy that as a candidate, you are taking up the issues of the people. It’s a good thing for any public servant…Yes, I have heard about it. I have some details about it and you are right that a lot of poor people have been affected. Our government will take strict action against everyone involved and we will ensure that the poor get justice…I will take the legal advice and whatever property the ED will attach, if the common man’s money is involved, I will see that every penny should return to the person concerned. We will do that strictly.”

    #LISTEN | The conversation between PM Narendra Modi and Prof TN Sarasu, BJP candidate from Alathur in Kerala.

    She tells the PM, “…”There is a problem in Kerala with cooperative banks which are governed by the CPI(M) leaders. They loot the money that the poor people deposited… pic.twitter.com/AlpeQOkyNs
    — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024

    PM Modi’s Conversation With Bengal Candidate

    Prime Minister Modi also spoke to Rekha Patra, BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bengal’s Basirhat and one of the Sandeshkhali victims. The senior BJP leader spoke to Patra about her Lok Sabha campaign preparations. While talking to her, PM Modi called her ‘Shakti Swaroopa’. Shakti is a Hinduism term associated with goddesses like Durga and Kali. Patra narrated the ordeal faced by women of Sandeshkhali. 

    #LISTEN | The conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rekha Patra, a BJP candidate from Basirhat and one of the Sandeshkhali victims.

    She says, “…The situation in Sandeshkhali has been a matter of concern since 2011. If we were allowed to vote freely then this… pic.twitter.com/Y4KB7k1OKE
    — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024

    Boosting Cadre’s Morale

    The BJP has been galvanising its grassroots cadre in Kerala and West Bengal besides southern states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana. While the BJP has bettered its presence and vote share in Bengal, in Kerala, the saffron party is yet to open its account in the Lok Sabha. There are at least five seats in Kerala where the BJP has increased its vote shares and the party is now looking to translate it into the winning seats. PM Modi’s conversation with the candidates will send out a message that the person sitting on the highest echelons of the BJP is looking after the party candidates. This will boost the cadre’s morale ahead of the voting for the Lok Sabha polls.