News Analysis India

Tag: BJP

  • Will repatriate illegal money from Swiss banks, says Kejriwal, promises free and ‘unlimited’ healthcare

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged those involved in corruption under the BJP government in Gujarat have parked their money in “Swiss banks” and the AAP will bring it back if it is voted to power in the state.

    He also promised the construction of 20,000 mohalla clinics on the lines of Delhi across Gujarat, government-run schools in each village of the state, and also assured “free and unlimited” healthcare for all.

    On the first day of his two-day visit to the state, where Assembly elections are due in December this year, Kejriwal claimed a “secret IB report” of the BJP government has suggested that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win the elections with a huge majority.

    Campaigning for AAP with Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal addressed two rallies at Gandhidham town in Kutch district and in Junagadh.

    Addressing a rally in Gandhidham, the AAP national convener said the new government will ensure that Narmada water reaches every corner of the Kutch district.

    Kejriwal promised to provide free and unlimited healthcare, including medicines, tests, and surgeries, to all residents of Gujarat, irrespective of their financial status.

    “We will build 20,000 mohalla clinics across Gujarat. Be it rich or poor, the people of Gujarat will be given free treatment. Everything will be free, be it medicines, tests or operation, even if it costs Rs 20 lakh,” said Kejriwal in Junagadh.

    On the lines of Delhi, private schools in Gujarat will be audited if AAP comes to power and excess money collected by schools will be returned to the people, he said.

    Attacking the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat, Kejriwal alleged those involved in corruption under BJP have parked their illegal money in banks in Swiss banks.

    “When people demand something, they (BJP government and leaders) say there is no money. Where does the money go when they collect crores and crores through various taxes? It goes into Swiss banks. Each one of them owns more than 10 bungalows. These netas have amassed enormous wealth,” said the AAP leader.

    “If AAP forms a government, it will not let any minister or MLA indulge in corruption. We will bring back all the (black) money parked in Swiss banks,” said Kejriwal, adding that AAP will make electricity free by saving money through plugging corruption.

    Kejriwal also claimed that a “secret IB report” of the BJP government has suggested that AAP will win the elections with a huge majority.

    In Gandhidham, Kejriwal claimed students of government-run schools belonging to poor families in Delhi are securing admissions in medical and engineering courses.

    “They will lift their families out of poverty after getting well-paying jobs. But in Gujarat, I have learnt the ruling BJP is shutting down government schools in Kutch,” he said.

    “I promise that AAP will build government schools in every village of Gujarat after coming to power. We will also bring Narmada water to every corner of the Kutch region. Just give one chance to AAP for the sake of your children’s future,” the AAP leader said.

    If voted to power, AAP will build a government-run hospital in each of the 33 districts in Gujarat to provide free and quality treatment to people.

    Kejriwal said the chief minister of Gujarat and his ministers were getting 5,000 units and 4,000 units, respectively, of electricity free per month but the state government here was abusing him for promising 300 units free to common citizens.

    Mann said 74 lakh families in Punjab have electricity meters in their homes, and 51 lakh of these have received electricity bills with no amount to pay, popularly called ‘zero electricity bills’.

    “The Delhi government saved Rs 150 crore on the construction of a bridge and spent that money on distributing free medicines to the needy people. Is that revdi? If that is the case, then I want to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi who sold the papad (freebie promise) of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of citizens,” Mann added.

    AHMEDABAD: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged those involved in corruption under the BJP government in Gujarat have parked their money in “Swiss banks” and the AAP will bring it back if it is voted to power in the state.

    He also promised the construction of 20,000 mohalla clinics on the lines of Delhi across Gujarat, government-run schools in each village of the state, and also assured “free and unlimited” healthcare for all.

    On the first day of his two-day visit to the state, where Assembly elections are due in December this year, Kejriwal claimed a “secret IB report” of the BJP government has suggested that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win the elections with a huge majority.

    Campaigning for AAP with Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal addressed two rallies at Gandhidham town in Kutch district and in Junagadh.

    Addressing a rally in Gandhidham, the AAP national convener said the new government will ensure that Narmada water reaches every corner of the Kutch district.

    Kejriwal promised to provide free and unlimited healthcare, including medicines, tests, and surgeries, to all residents of Gujarat, irrespective of their financial status.

    “We will build 20,000 mohalla clinics across Gujarat. Be it rich or poor, the people of Gujarat will be given free treatment. Everything will be free, be it medicines, tests or operation, even if it costs Rs 20 lakh,” said Kejriwal in Junagadh.

    On the lines of Delhi, private schools in Gujarat will be audited if AAP comes to power and excess money collected by schools will be returned to the people, he said.

    Attacking the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat, Kejriwal alleged those involved in corruption under BJP have parked their illegal money in banks in Swiss banks.

    “When people demand something, they (BJP government and leaders) say there is no money. Where does the money go when they collect crores and crores through various taxes? It goes into Swiss banks. Each one of them owns more than 10 bungalows. These netas have amassed enormous wealth,” said the AAP leader.

    “If AAP forms a government, it will not let any minister or MLA indulge in corruption. We will bring back all the (black) money parked in Swiss banks,” said Kejriwal, adding that AAP will make electricity free by saving money through plugging corruption.

    Kejriwal also claimed that a “secret IB report” of the BJP government has suggested that AAP will win the elections with a huge majority.

    In Gandhidham, Kejriwal claimed students of government-run schools belonging to poor families in Delhi are securing admissions in medical and engineering courses.

    “They will lift their families out of poverty after getting well-paying jobs. But in Gujarat, I have learnt the ruling BJP is shutting down government schools in Kutch,” he said.

    “I promise that AAP will build government schools in every village of Gujarat after coming to power. We will also bring Narmada water to every corner of the Kutch region. Just give one chance to AAP for the sake of your children’s future,” the AAP leader said.

    If voted to power, AAP will build a government-run hospital in each of the 33 districts in Gujarat to provide free and quality treatment to people.

    Kejriwal said the chief minister of Gujarat and his ministers were getting 5,000 units and 4,000 units, respectively, of electricity free per month but the state government here was abusing him for promising 300 units free to common citizens.

    Mann said 74 lakh families in Punjab have electricity meters in their homes, and 51 lakh of these have received electricity bills with no amount to pay, popularly called ‘zero electricity bills’.

    “The Delhi government saved Rs 150 crore on the construction of a bridge and spent that money on distributing free medicines to the needy people. Is that revdi? If that is the case, then I want to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi who sold the papad (freebie promise) of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of citizens,” Mann added.

  • BJP wins 417 out of 814 seats in MP local body elections

    By PTI

    BHOPAL: The ruling BJP on Friday won 417 out of 814 seats in local body elections in Madhya Pradesh and claimed to have secured majority in 38 out of 46 local bodies. The elections had been held on Tuesday.

    The main opposition Congress won 250 seats, Independents 131, Aam Aadi Party seven, Gondwana Ganatantra Party (GGP) six and Bahujan Samaj Party three seats in the polls to 46 local bodies, an official said.

    As many as 3,397 candidates were in the fray in the elections to 17 nagar palikas and 29 nagar parishads.

    Voter turnout of 72.60 per cent was recorded in the polls held across 18 districts. At least 25 corporators were elected unopposed.

    Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath congratulated Congress candidates on their performance and alleged that the BJP misused the official machinery to contest the elections.

    Congress candidates were harassed by the administration at the BJP’s behest, he alleged, adding that the results showed that “the truth can be harassed, but it can’t be defeated.”

    Claiming that a large number of Congress-supported candidates won the polls, Nath said the party will return to power in the state in the next 12 months (after Assembly polls) as people have supported it.

    State BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said that out of 46 local bodies, the party secured majority in 38.

    The BJP emerged victorious in all seats in Khurai and Garhakota local bodies in Sagar district, while the party’s performance was also good in Chhindwara, Nath’s bastion, he said.

    “He (Nath) should tell why the Congress lost in his stronghold,” Chaturvedi said. The BJP spokesperson also claimed that the party had won many seats in the tribal areas too.

    BHOPAL: The ruling BJP on Friday won 417 out of 814 seats in local body elections in Madhya Pradesh and claimed to have secured majority in 38 out of 46 local bodies. The elections had been held on Tuesday.

    The main opposition Congress won 250 seats, Independents 131, Aam Aadi Party seven, Gondwana Ganatantra Party (GGP) six and Bahujan Samaj Party three seats in the polls to 46 local bodies, an official said.

    As many as 3,397 candidates were in the fray in the elections to 17 nagar palikas and 29 nagar parishads.

    Voter turnout of 72.60 per cent was recorded in the polls held across 18 districts. At least 25 corporators were elected unopposed.

    Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath congratulated Congress candidates on their performance and alleged that the BJP misused the official machinery to contest the elections.

    Congress candidates were harassed by the administration at the BJP’s behest, he alleged, adding that the results showed that “the truth can be harassed, but it can’t be defeated.”

    Claiming that a large number of Congress-supported candidates won the polls, Nath said the party will return to power in the state in the next 12 months (after Assembly polls) as people have supported it.

    State BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said that out of 46 local bodies, the party secured majority in 38.

    The BJP emerged victorious in all seats in Khurai and Garhakota local bodies in Sagar district, while the party’s performance was also good in Chhindwara, Nath’s bastion, he said.

    “He (Nath) should tell why the Congress lost in his stronghold,” Chaturvedi said. The BJP spokesperson also claimed that the party had won many seats in the tribal areas too.

  • Madhya Pradesh: BJP wins 417 out of 814 seats in MP local body elections

    By PTI

    BHOPAL: The ruling BJP on Friday won 417 out of 814 seats in local body elections in Madhya Pradesh and claimed to have secured majority in 38 out of 46 local bodies. The elections had been held on Tuesday.

    The main opposition Congress won 250 seats, Independents 131, Aam Aadi Party seven, Gondwana Ganatantra Party (GGP) six and Bahujan Samaj Party three seats in the polls to 46 local bodies, an official said.

    As many as 3,397 candidates were in the fray in the elections to 17 nagar palikas and 29 nagar parishads.

    Voter turnout of 72.60 per cent was recorded in the polls held across 18 districts. At least 25 corporators were elected unopposed.

    Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath congratulated Congress candidates on their performance and alleged that the BJP misused the official machinery to contest the elections.

    Congress candidates were harassed by the administration at the BJP’s behest, he alleged, adding that the results showed that “the truth can be harassed, but it can’t be defeated.”

    Claiming that a large number of Congress-supported candidates won the polls, Nath said the party will return to power in the state in the next 12 months (after Assembly polls) as people have supported it.

    State BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said that out of 46 local bodies, the party secured majority in 38.

    The BJP emerged victorious in all seats in Khurai and Garhakota local bodies in Sagar district, while the party’s performance was also good in Chhindwara, Nath’s bastion, he said.

    “He (Nath) should tell why the Congress lost in his stronghold,” Chaturvedi said. The BJP spokesperson also claimed that the party had won many seats in the tribal areas too.

    BHOPAL: The ruling BJP on Friday won 417 out of 814 seats in local body elections in Madhya Pradesh and claimed to have secured majority in 38 out of 46 local bodies. The elections had been held on Tuesday.

    The main opposition Congress won 250 seats, Independents 131, Aam Aadi Party seven, Gondwana Ganatantra Party (GGP) six and Bahujan Samaj Party three seats in the polls to 46 local bodies, an official said.

    As many as 3,397 candidates were in the fray in the elections to 17 nagar palikas and 29 nagar parishads.

    Voter turnout of 72.60 per cent was recorded in the polls held across 18 districts. At least 25 corporators were elected unopposed.

    Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath congratulated Congress candidates on their performance and alleged that the BJP misused the official machinery to contest the elections.

    Congress candidates were harassed by the administration at the BJP’s behest, he alleged, adding that the results showed that “the truth can be harassed, but it can’t be defeated.”

    Claiming that a large number of Congress-supported candidates won the polls, Nath said the party will return to power in the state in the next 12 months (after Assembly polls) as people have supported it.

    State BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said that out of 46 local bodies, the party secured majority in 38.

    The BJP emerged victorious in all seats in Khurai and Garhakota local bodies in Sagar district, while the party’s performance was also good in Chhindwara, Nath’s bastion, he said.

    “He (Nath) should tell why the Congress lost in his stronghold,” Chaturvedi said. The BJP spokesperson also claimed that the party had won many seats in the tribal areas too.

  • Shinde’s fiat to ministers: ‘No one should speak to media unless told’

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: In view of negative publicity, Maharashtra Chief  Minister Eknath Shinde reprimanded his minister and asked them not to make any controversial statements. Maharashtra CM had a meeting with his faction’s ministers and MLAs where he told them to not skirt any controversy.

    “I am chief minister of Maharashtra still I am not making any statements on sensitive issues. But you people are making all sorts of statements that are creating negative perceptions about our factions among people. Unless I say, no one should speak with the media. You should avoid speaking with the media about every issue,” Shinde told his ministers.

    Shinde further told his ministers that they are fighting the long legal battle against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and their one statement can change the scenario. “Shinde wants to win the perception battle against Uddhav Thackeray. At present, there is a lot of public sympathy towards Uddhav Thackeray, and Shinde has been perceived as the villain who snatched the chair of Thackeray. Shinde wants to change this perception by winning many hearts and close associates of Uddhav Thackeray, but his ministers are continuously stoking the controversy and diverting the agenda,” said a senior leader close to Shinde. 

    Tanaji Sawant, the health minister who belongs to Shinde camp apologized for his objectionable comment against the Maratha community. Sawant during his speech said that the Maratha community had developed an “itch” for reservations. Earlier also, he made several controversies. The Opposition demanded sacking of Sawant for his controversial remarks against the Maratha community.

    Earlier, a photo of CM Shinde’s son Shreekant Shinde sitting in the chief minister’s chair had gone viral. Later, Shreekant Shinde clarified that it was not the CM chair, but their office chair where the chief minister board was by mistakenly kept in the background.  

    Tanaji trolledMeanwhile, Tanaji Sawant was trolled on social media for his alleged goof-ups in his meeting schedule. Sawant became the subject of various memes as the schedule only mentioned his travel from his private office to his home and back. 

    The document went viral and became the topic of jokes, after which Sawant’s office revised the schedule. 

    Rashmi Thackeray visits Shinde’s stronghold in ThaneThe wife of Uddhav Thackeray, Rashmi Thackeray, visited Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s stronghold Thane on Thursday. Rashmi visited the Tembhi Naka Navratri Mandal in Thane. Rashmi was accompanied by Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP Rajan Vichare and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar among others. Earlier, Shiv Sena shared an image of Rashmi  congratulating the party workers after Bombay High court granted permission to Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to hold its annual Dusshera rally at Shivaji Park. Sources in Shiv Sena said that Rashmi has always been the tacit support to Uddhav, but of late she has been more vocal and visible within the Sena circle and telling her party workers that she is very much there even though it is a long political battle against Maharashtra CM and the BJP in Maharashtra. ENS

    MUMBAI: In view of negative publicity, Maharashtra Chief  Minister Eknath Shinde reprimanded his minister and asked them not to make any controversial statements. Maharashtra CM had a meeting with his faction’s ministers and MLAs where he told them to not skirt any controversy.

    “I am chief minister of Maharashtra still I am not making any statements on sensitive issues. But you people are making all sorts of statements that are creating negative perceptions about our factions among people. Unless I say, no one should speak with the media. You should avoid speaking with the media about every issue,” Shinde told his ministers.

    Shinde further told his ministers that they are fighting the long legal battle against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and their one statement can change the scenario. “Shinde wants to win the perception battle against Uddhav Thackeray. At present, there is a lot of public sympathy towards Uddhav Thackeray, and Shinde has been perceived as the villain who snatched the chair of Thackeray. Shinde wants to change this perception by winning many hearts and close associates of Uddhav Thackeray, but his ministers are continuously stoking the controversy and diverting the agenda,” said a senior leader close to Shinde. 

    Tanaji Sawant, the health minister who belongs to Shinde camp apologized for his objectionable comment against the Maratha community. Sawant during his speech said that the Maratha community had developed an “itch” for reservations. Earlier also, he made several controversies. The Opposition demanded sacking of Sawant for his controversial remarks against the Maratha community.

    Earlier, a photo of CM Shinde’s son Shreekant Shinde sitting in the chief minister’s chair had gone viral. Later, Shreekant Shinde clarified that it was not the CM chair, but their office chair where the chief minister board was by mistakenly kept in the background.  

    Tanaji trolled
    Meanwhile, Tanaji Sawant was trolled on social media for his alleged goof-ups in his meeting schedule. Sawant became the subject of various memes as the schedule only mentioned his travel from his private 
    office to his home and back. 

    The document went viral and became the topic of jokes, after which Sawant’s office revised the schedule. 

    Rashmi Thackeray visits Shinde’s stronghold in Thane
    The wife of Uddhav Thackeray, Rashmi Thackeray, visited Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s stronghold Thane on Thursday. Rashmi visited the Tembhi Naka Navratri Mandal in Thane. Rashmi was accompanied by Shiv Sena Lok Sabha MP Rajan Vichare and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar among others. Earlier, Shiv Sena shared an image of Rashmi  congratulating the party workers after Bombay High court granted permission to Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to hold its annual Dusshera rally at Shivaji Park. Sources in Shiv Sena said that Rashmi has always been the tacit support to Uddhav, but of late she has been more vocal and visible within the Sena circle and telling her party workers that she is very much there even though it is a long political battle against Maharashtra CM and the BJP in Maharashtra. ENS

  • UPA wasn’t concerned about Gujarat, says PM Modi

    Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD:  In his two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday indirectly blamed the previous UPA government in the Centre for the “lack of concern” for the state’s development.Citing his personal experience, the PM said when he was the Gujarat CM, he felt frustrated in repeatedly explaining the need for an airport in Surat to the then UPA government.

    While addressing a gathering in Bhavnagar, he said Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country, but due to the lack of focus, the state’s coastal development remained a big challenge during the post-independence decades. The PM laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore.

    “We were tired of telling the then Central government of the importance of an airport for Surat. Today, you know how many flights operate from there, how many people land there every day, and how it has helped the city’s development. This is the benefit of the double-engine government,” he said.

    He inaugurated Phase-I of road infrastructure works and the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City. The PM said Surat would emerge as the safest and most convenient diamond trading hub in the world.

    The PM noted Surat’s textile and diamond business, which sustains the lives of thousands of families across the country. On the National Logistics Policy, the Prime Minister said work was underway on multi-modal connectivity in the state. Giving an example of linking Surat to Kashi and eastern 

    Uttar Pradesh, the PM said truckloads of goods are transported daily, and now the railways and coastal departments have come up with unique innovations to boost the number of shipments. “The railways has changed the design of its coaches in such a way that cargo can easily fit in them. After the initial success, an attempt is being made to run a new train from Surat to Kashi for commercial and passenger services,” the PM added.

    “In the coming years, Surat will also be known for electric vehicles. Today 25 charging stations have been inaugurated in Surat city and the foundation stone for the same number of stations has been laid. This is a big step towards setting up 500 charging stations across Surat. We shall continue the pace of development,” he said.

    The PM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar. Among the projects is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar.

    Bhavnagar gets projects worth Rs 5,200 crore

    PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore in Bhavnagar in south Gujarat’s Saurashtra region
    Among projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar
    The PM also inaugurated phase-I  of road infrastructure works and as well as work on the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City 

    AHMEDABAD:  In his two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday indirectly blamed the previous UPA government in the Centre for the “lack of concern” for the state’s development.
    Citing his personal experience, the PM said when he was the Gujarat CM, he felt frustrated in repeatedly explaining the need for an airport in Surat to the then UPA government.

    While addressing a gathering in Bhavnagar, he said Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country, but due to the lack of focus, the state’s coastal development remained a big challenge during the post-independence decades. The PM laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore.

    “We were tired of telling the then Central government of the importance of an airport for Surat. Today, you know how many flights operate from there, how many people land there every day, and how it has helped the city’s development. This is the benefit of the double-engine government,” he said.

    He inaugurated Phase-I of road infrastructure works and the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City. The PM said Surat would emerge as the safest and most convenient diamond trading hub in the world.

    The PM noted Surat’s textile and diamond business, which sustains the lives of thousands of families across the country. On the National Logistics Policy, the Prime Minister said work was underway on multi-modal connectivity in the state. Giving an example of linking Surat to Kashi and eastern 

    Uttar Pradesh, the PM said truckloads of goods are transported daily, and now the railways and coastal departments have come up with unique innovations to boost the number of shipments. “The railways has changed the design of its coaches in such a way that cargo can easily fit in them. After the initial success, an attempt is being made to run a new train from Surat to Kashi for commercial and passenger services,” the PM added.

    “In the coming years, Surat will also be known for electric vehicles. Today 25 charging stations have been inaugurated in Surat city and the foundation stone for the same number of stations has been laid. This is a big step towards setting up 500 charging stations across Surat. We shall continue the pace of development,” he said.

    The PM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar. Among the projects is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar.

    Bhavnagar gets projects worth Rs 5,200 crore

    PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore in Bhavnagar in south Gujarat’s Saurashtra region
    Among projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar
    The PM also inaugurated phase-I  of road infrastructure works and as well as work on the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City 

  • BJP treats women as second-class citizens: Rahul Gandhi

    By Express News Service

    MALAPPURAM: The BJP is treating women as second-class citizens, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said. He was speaking at a public meeting held as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra at Pandikkad in Malappuram on Tuesday. He criticised the BJP citing the murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand. He said the only reason the teen had to die was that she had refused to be a prostitute.

    “A BJP leader runs a hotel. His son asks a receptionist at that hotel to become a prostitute. There are messages on her WhatsApp in which she refuses to become a prostitute. They offered Rs 10,000 to Rs 15000 to become a prostitute. When she refused to become a prostitute, she was found dead in a lake. This is the way the BJP treats women in the country.

    The chief minister of that state destroyed the evidence in the case. They destroyed the hotel so that nobody could ever find out what happened. This is the ideology of the BJP. Women are second-class citizens for them,” Rahul Gandhi said.

    HC DISMISSES PLEA AGAINST BHARAT JODO YATRAKOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking a directive to the state police chief to regulate the Bharat Jodo Yatra by permitting party workers to occupy only half of the road and leave the other portion for the free movement of vehicles and the public. When the petition filed by K Vijayan of Kollam came up before the bench, government pleader submitted that the journey was passing peacefully through the roads in the state.

    MALAPPURAM: The BJP is treating women as second-class citizens, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said. He was speaking at a public meeting held as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra at Pandikkad in Malappuram on Tuesday. He criticised the BJP citing the murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand. He said the only reason the teen had to die was that she had refused to be a prostitute.

    “A BJP leader runs a hotel. His son asks a receptionist at that hotel to become a prostitute. There are messages on her WhatsApp in which she refuses to become a prostitute. They offered Rs 10,000 to Rs 15000 to become a prostitute. When she refused to become a prostitute, she was found dead in a lake. This is the way the BJP treats women in the country.

    The chief minister of that state destroyed the evidence in the case. They destroyed the hotel so that nobody could ever find out what happened. This is the ideology of the BJP. Women are second-class citizens for them,” Rahul Gandhi said.

    HC DISMISSES PLEA AGAINST BHARAT JODO YATRA
    KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking a directive to the state police chief to regulate the Bharat Jodo Yatra by permitting party workers to occupy only half of the road and leave the other portion for the free movement of vehicles and the public. When the petition filed by K Vijayan of Kollam came up before the bench, government pleader submitted that the journey was passing peacefully through the roads in the state.

  • BJP seeks dismissal of Punjab govt for bringing confidence motion in Assembly

    By PTI

    CHANDIGARH:  The BJP on Tuesday sought from Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to dismiss the AAP government for “betraying” him with a confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the state Assembly on Tuesday.

    The party also held a mock session of the state Assembly near its office here and moved a “no-confidence motion” against the government.

    Mann on Tuesday tabled the confidence motion in the state Assembly as he targeted the BJP over its alleged “operation lotus” and the Congress for being hand-in glove with the party.

    The session of the Vidhan Sabha was convened after Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Sunday gave his nod to summon the House on September 27 after days of squabble between the Raj Bhavan and AAP government over it.

    Earlier, the Governor had withdrawn the permission to hold a special session on September 22 when the AAP government wanted to bring a confidence motion only.

    Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma sought from the Governor to dismiss the state government for moving the motion in the Assembly.

    He accused Mann of violating the Constitution and breaking the trust of people by acting at the behest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP MP Raghav Chadha.

    He said the session was summoned to discuss stubble burning, GST and electricity supply but the AAP government did not hold any discussion on these issues.

    The BJP also held a mock session near a cinema close to the party office in Sector 37 here. In the mock session, party leader Sunil Jakhar even moved the “no-confidence” motion against the AAP government.

    “It is a no-confidence motion passed by people of Punjab against this AAP government,” Jakhar said.

    About AAP’s confidence motion in the Assembly, Jakhar said, “It is a fraud on the Constitution. The government took permission (from the Governor) for something else and did something else”.

    At the BJP’s “Janta di Vidhan Sabha”, six resolutions were taken up, including those related to drugs, the plight of farmers, law and order and non-fulfilment of AAP’s promise of giving Rs 1,000 per month to women.

    Many BJP leaders who took part in the mock session claimed AAP was only doing a drama of bringing confidence motion and levelling baseless allegations.

    The BJP leaders asked the AAP government why the burning issues of the state were not being resolved.

    Ajaib Singh Bhatti was made the “Speaker” of the mock session. A “resolution” was also brought to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for naming the Chandigarh airport after freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

    CHANDIGARH:  The BJP on Tuesday sought from Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to dismiss the AAP government for “betraying” him with a confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the state Assembly on Tuesday.

    The party also held a mock session of the state Assembly near its office here and moved a “no-confidence motion” against the government.

    Mann on Tuesday tabled the confidence motion in the state Assembly as he targeted the BJP over its alleged “operation lotus” and the Congress for being hand-in glove with the party.

    The session of the Vidhan Sabha was convened after Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Sunday gave his nod to summon the House on September 27 after days of squabble between the Raj Bhavan and AAP government over it.

    Earlier, the Governor had withdrawn the permission to hold a special session on September 22 when the AAP government wanted to bring a confidence motion only.

    Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma sought from the Governor to dismiss the state government for moving the motion in the Assembly.

    He accused Mann of violating the Constitution and breaking the trust of people by acting at the behest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP MP Raghav Chadha.

    He said the session was summoned to discuss stubble burning, GST and electricity supply but the AAP government did not hold any discussion on these issues.

    The BJP also held a mock session near a cinema close to the party office in Sector 37 here. In the mock session, party leader Sunil Jakhar even moved the “no-confidence” motion against the AAP government.

    “It is a no-confidence motion passed by people of Punjab against this AAP government,” Jakhar said.

    About AAP’s confidence motion in the Assembly, Jakhar said, “It is a fraud on the Constitution. The government took permission (from the Governor) for something else and did something else”.

    At the BJP’s “Janta di Vidhan Sabha”, six resolutions were taken up, including those related to drugs, the plight of farmers, law and order and non-fulfilment of AAP’s promise of giving Rs 1,000 per month to women.

    Many BJP leaders who took part in the mock session claimed AAP was only doing a drama of bringing confidence motion and levelling baseless allegations.

    The BJP leaders asked the AAP government why the burning issues of the state were not being resolved.

    Ajaib Singh Bhatti was made the “Speaker” of the mock session. A “resolution” was also brought to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for naming the Chandigarh airport after freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

  • Kejriwal says people will give an answer to BJP, Congress in Assembly polls

    Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday targeted the ruling BJP as well as the Congress in Gujarat, where Assembly elections are due to be held in December this year. Kejriwal was addressing a gathering of youth in Ahmedabad, where he was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

    The Delhi Chief Minister told the attendees, “I saw a message shared in a WhatsApp group that said, ‘If you vote for Congress, then Sonia Gandhi’s son will prosper. If you vote for BJP, Amit Shah’s son will prosper. If you vote for AAP, then every single child of Gujarat will prosper.”

    He added: “They compare me with a terrorist. Our events got cancelled at the last moment at 12 places. For this hooliganism, people of Gujarat will give an answer.” He hit out at the Opposition, calling the Congress “even worse”, and presenting the AAP as an alternative. He said: “Leaders of both the BJP and Congress have stolen so much public money that if their properties are sold, the entire debt of Gujarat can be paid.”

    Mann also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said, “We do not just speak but listen to others as well, whereas the BJP just talks. They should listen to the public’s ‘mann ki baat’. But they have no habit of listening.” Kejriwal promised 10 lakh government jobs by filling teachers’ posts in schools, besides opening of new colleges and mohalla clinics, and providing more doctors and healthcare staff in hospitals, among others. He added that if the AAP comes to power in Gujarat, it will curb corruption.

    AHMEDABAD: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday targeted the ruling BJP as well as the Congress in Gujarat, where Assembly elections are due to be held in December this year. Kejriwal was addressing a gathering of youth in Ahmedabad, where he was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

    The Delhi Chief Minister told the attendees, “I saw a message shared in a WhatsApp group that said, ‘If you vote for Congress, then Sonia Gandhi’s son will prosper. If you vote for BJP, Amit Shah’s son will prosper. If you vote for AAP, then every single child of Gujarat will prosper.”

    He added: “They compare me with a terrorist. Our events got cancelled at the last moment at 12 places. For this hooliganism, people of Gujarat will give an answer.” He hit out at the Opposition, calling the Congress “even worse”, and presenting the AAP as an alternative. He said: “Leaders of both the BJP and Congress have stolen so much public money that if their properties are sold, the entire debt of Gujarat can be paid.”

    Mann also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said, “We do not just speak but listen to others as well, whereas the BJP just talks. They should listen to the public’s ‘mann ki baat’. But they have no habit of listening.” Kejriwal promised 10 lakh government jobs by filling teachers’ posts in schools, besides opening of new colleges and mohalla clinics, and providing more doctors and healthcare staff in hospitals, among others. He added that if the AAP comes to power in Gujarat, it will curb corruption.

  • Under fire, government hands over rural security to civil cops

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN:  Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state’s chief minister, has announced that the revenue police will no longer be in charge of maintaining law and order in the state’s 1,500 villages. The revenue police have been at the centre of a scandal over how they handled the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The government’s decision follows widespread protest over Ankita’s death, during which the revenue police’s shortcomings were exposed.

    Relatives of the 19-year-old receptionist allegedly murdered by a BJP leader’s son cremated her on Sunday. Ankita had been missing since September 18, but after much uproar, her abductors and murderers were found and arrested five days later. After their arrest on September 23, the three suspects—Pulkit Arya, Saurabh, and manager Ankit—admitted to their crime. All of this was the consequence of the revenue police’s mistakes, for which the area’s revenue officer was suspended. 

    Although she had been missing for five days, the police didn’t start looking for her until the girl’s relatives reported her missing and expressed concern for her safety. Even though accusations against the resort owner and other suspects had been made far earlier, it took police five days to act and arrest them. In total, the state has 16793 villages, and more than half of them are concentrated in just four districts: Almora, Chamoli, Garhwal, and Tehri Garhwal. 

    The revenue patwari police have been in charge of maintaining law and order in these villages since the British rule. However, there are 405 villages with a population of fewer than 10 persons and 1053 settlements that are empty. In order to reduce costs, the British administration established the Patwari police system in 1861. Revenue officers are given the same privileges and responsibilities as police officers.

    Only in Uttarakhand have tax collection personnel been given responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state’s hilly regions. The Supreme Court emphasised the necessity for regular police to replace the system in 2010, but nothing came of it. Despite claims, no activity is evident on the ground despite the hilly areas’ residents’ repeated calls for regular policing against this system. 

    Ironically, no government has expressed a desire to change the framework that controls policing in over half of the state. There is a widespread belief and widespread observation that people frequently do not take revenue policeman seriously. Additionally, the required uniform is not worn by revenue police. 

    DEHRADUN:  Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state’s chief minister, has announced that the revenue police will no longer be in charge of maintaining law and order in the state’s 1,500 villages. The revenue police have been at the centre of a scandal over how they handled the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The government’s decision follows widespread protest over Ankita’s death, during which the revenue police’s shortcomings were exposed.

    Relatives of the 19-year-old receptionist allegedly murdered by a BJP leader’s son cremated her on Sunday. Ankita had been missing since September 18, but after much uproar, her abductors and murderers were found and arrested five days later. After their arrest on September 23, the three suspects—Pulkit Arya, Saurabh, and manager Ankit—admitted to their crime. All of this was the consequence of the revenue police’s mistakes, for which the area’s revenue officer was suspended. 

    Although she had been missing for five days, the police didn’t start looking for her until the girl’s relatives reported her missing and expressed concern for her safety. Even though accusations against the resort owner and other suspects had been made far earlier, it took police five days to act and arrest them. In total, the state has 16793 villages, and more than half of them are concentrated in just four districts: Almora, Chamoli, Garhwal, and Tehri Garhwal. 

    The revenue patwari police have been in charge of maintaining law and order in these villages since the British rule. However, there are 405 villages with a population of fewer than 10 persons and 1053 settlements that are empty. In order to reduce costs, the British administration established the Patwari police system in 1861. Revenue officers are given the same privileges and responsibilities as police officers.

    Only in Uttarakhand have tax collection personnel been given responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state’s hilly regions. The Supreme Court emphasised the necessity for regular police to replace the system in 2010, but nothing came of it. Despite claims, no activity is evident on the ground despite the hilly areas’ residents’ repeated calls for regular policing against this system. 

    Ironically, no government has expressed a desire to change the framework that controls policing in over half of the state. There is a widespread belief and widespread observation that people frequently do not take revenue policeman seriously. Additionally, the required uniform is not worn by revenue police.
     

  • JD(U) lost in 2020 because it sought votes in name of Nitish: BJP

    By PTI

    PATNA: The BJP in Bihar on Sunday claimed that the JD(U) had suffered a debacle in the last assembly polls because Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had “lost his popularity” but candidates kept invoking his name besides that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    State BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal made a statement to this effect at a press conference here that he had called to declare that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day tour of the Seemanchal region in Bihar was a “historic success”.

    “Nitish Kumar has been rejected by the people of Bihar. What else went wrong in 2020 when we contested together? Our (BJP) candidates sought votes in the name of PM Modi and 74 of them got elected. JD(U) candidates committed the mistake of always conflating Modi’s name with that of Nitish Kumar,” Jaiswal said. 

    The JD(U) won 43 assembly seats in the 2020 polls. Jaiswal’s claim was ridiculed by the chief minister’s party which underscored that the BJP was “brought to its knees” in the 2015 assembly polls, which were held a year after the massive victory of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

    “Again in 2019, the NDA won 39 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Which factor worked in favour of the BJP-led alliance? Obviously, it was the return of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to power (in the state),” said JD(U) national secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad.

    The BJP should “seriously worry” about the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he said.

    “In Bihar, they (BJP) have lost Nitish Kumar in whose support the multi-party Mahagathbandhan has come out. So they can imagine what they would be up against,” Prasad pointed out.

    The JD(U) leader also said, “The events of Bihar have wider ramifications. Nitish Kumar’s exit (from NDA) has led to a galvanisation of forces against the use of central probe agencies for political vendetta and horse-trading, which was witnessed in Maharashtra and attempted in Bihar. The BJP, which gloats over its majority in the Lok Sabha, faces serious trouble in 2024.”

    Notably, the JD(U) had been the BJP’s senior ally in Bihar till they first broke up in 2013, after nearly two decades of partnership.

    PATNA: The BJP in Bihar on Sunday claimed that the JD(U) had suffered a debacle in the last assembly polls because Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had “lost his popularity” but candidates kept invoking his name besides that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    State BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal made a statement to this effect at a press conference here that he had called to declare that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day tour of the Seemanchal region in Bihar was a “historic success”.

    “Nitish Kumar has been rejected by the people of Bihar. What else went wrong in 2020 when we contested together? Our (BJP) candidates sought votes in the name of PM Modi and 74 of them got elected. JD(U) candidates committed the mistake of always conflating Modi’s name with that of Nitish Kumar,” Jaiswal said. 

    The JD(U) won 43 assembly seats in the 2020 polls. Jaiswal’s claim was ridiculed by the chief minister’s party which underscored that the BJP was “brought to its knees” in the 2015 assembly polls, which were held a year after the massive victory of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

    “Again in 2019, the NDA won 39 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Which factor worked in favour of the BJP-led alliance? Obviously, it was the return of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to power (in the state),” said JD(U) national secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad.

    The BJP should “seriously worry” about the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he said.

    “In Bihar, they (BJP) have lost Nitish Kumar in whose support the multi-party Mahagathbandhan has come out. So they can imagine what they would be up against,” Prasad pointed out.

    The JD(U) leader also said, “The events of Bihar have wider ramifications. Nitish Kumar’s exit (from NDA) has led to a galvanisation of forces against the use of central probe agencies for political vendetta and horse-trading, which was witnessed in Maharashtra and attempted in Bihar. The BJP, which gloats over its majority in the Lok Sabha, faces serious trouble in 2024.”

    Notably, the JD(U) had been the BJP’s senior ally in Bihar till they first broke up in 2013, after nearly two decades of partnership.