News Analysis India

Tag: BJP

  • Mission 2024: Shah, Nadda meet BJP leaders to discuss roadmap for 144 ‘weak’ LS seats

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: BJP chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a brainstorming session on Tuesday with key party leaders tasked with boosting its prospects in 144 Lok Sabha seats, considered difficult for it, in the 2024 polls.

    Over 25 Union ministers, including Bhupender Yadav, Giriraj Singh, Smriti Irani, Parshottam Rupala and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, were among those who attended the meeting with Nadda and Shah.

    Sources said reports were presented about the work undertaken by various ministers, who have been assigned three to four such Lok Sabha seats, besides other leaders.

    The party has been working to amp up its booth-level presence and reach out to various communities with an eye on the beneficiaries of several central government schemes.

    Party leaders said they will continue to work on these lines in addition to the directives made by the leadership.

    Most of these 144 constituencies include those the party had lost in the 2019 polls, but a few winning seats are also part of the list due to difficult demographic and regional factors, the sources said.

    The BJP won 303 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party has divided the 144 seats into clusters and appointed one Union minister as their in-charge.

    Another set of ministers was sent to assess the political situation by visiting all assembly segments within these constituencies, including in the states of West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

    The sources said the ministers have visited most of these constituencies and gathered electorally crucial details.

    The ministers have done a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the BJP’s position in these constituencies and identified steps to be taken to ensure its victory in the 2024 elections, the sources said.

    The party has also drawn a detailed blueprint on these constituencies which includes information on religion, caste, geography, the inclination of voters and the reasons behind it, they added.

    NEW DELHI: BJP chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a brainstorming session on Tuesday with key party leaders tasked with boosting its prospects in 144 Lok Sabha seats, considered difficult for it, in the 2024 polls.

    Over 25 Union ministers, including Bhupender Yadav, Giriraj Singh, Smriti Irani, Parshottam Rupala and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, were among those who attended the meeting with Nadda and Shah.

    Sources said reports were presented about the work undertaken by various ministers, who have been assigned three to four such Lok Sabha seats, besides other leaders.

    The party has been working to amp up its booth-level presence and reach out to various communities with an eye on the beneficiaries of several central government schemes.

    Party leaders said they will continue to work on these lines in addition to the directives made by the leadership.

    Most of these 144 constituencies include those the party had lost in the 2019 polls, but a few winning seats are also part of the list due to difficult demographic and regional factors, the sources said.

    The BJP won 303 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party has divided the 144 seats into clusters and appointed one Union minister as their in-charge.

    Another set of ministers was sent to assess the political situation by visiting all assembly segments within these constituencies, including in the states of West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

    The sources said the ministers have visited most of these constituencies and gathered electorally crucial details.

    The ministers have done a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the BJP’s position in these constituencies and identified steps to be taken to ensure its victory in the 2024 elections, the sources said.

    The party has also drawn a detailed blueprint on these constituencies which includes information on religion, caste, geography, the inclination of voters and the reasons behind it, they added.

  • Priyanka Gandhi slams state govt over recruitment scams; BJP MLA also expressed displeasure

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Allegations and counter-allegations continue in the state over recruitment scams.

    Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attacked the state government, calling it a fraud on the unemployed, while the ruling party’s BJP MLA Mahant Dilip Rawat also advised that the conduct of public representatives should be “to serve the people and not to loot them”.

    Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the Dhami government of indulging in rampant corruption in appointments, this has exposed the intention of the government. “The state government is cheating the unemployed by playing with their sentiments,” Gandhi told in her post on social media.

    Sharing her concern on social media, Priyanka said, “Such rampant corruption in government recruitments has proved that be it the government of U’khand, Uttar Pradesh or the Centre, all are playing with the future of the youth across the country. The constant scams have put the future of deserving and educated youth in the dark.”

    Before Priyanka, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the BJP’s continuance in power over recruitment scams. This is the second major attack by the Gandhi family in a week. Recently, Rahul Gandhi had also demanded strict action in recruitment scams against the culprits who grabbed the rights of eligible unemployed youth in the state.

    After the revelation of irregularities in recruitments, there is anger among the public against both BJP and Congress and now the ruling party MLAs are also feeling cheated and are not missing out on advising their party leaders.

    Earlier, former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat and BJP MLA from Dharampur Vinod Chamoli had also advised leaders involved in corruption, while today BJP MLA from Lansdowne Mahant Dilip Rawat candidly said, “People have chosen us to serve in the Assembly, not for dacoity.”

    BJP MLA, Mahant further told, “People believe in us, only then they choose us, so we should also take care of morality and conduct while working with dedication for people and not violate their rights”.

    DEHRADUN: Allegations and counter-allegations continue in the state over recruitment scams.

    Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attacked the state government, calling it a fraud on the unemployed, while the ruling party’s BJP MLA Mahant Dilip Rawat also advised that the conduct of public representatives should be “to serve the people and not to loot them”.

    Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the Dhami government of indulging in rampant corruption in appointments, this has exposed the intention of the government. “The state government is cheating the unemployed by playing with their sentiments,” Gandhi told in her post on social media.

    Sharing her concern on social media, Priyanka said, “Such rampant corruption in government recruitments has proved that be it the government of U’khand, Uttar Pradesh or the Centre, all are playing with the future of the youth across the country. The constant scams have put the future of deserving and educated youth in the dark.”

    Before Priyanka, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the BJP’s continuance in power over recruitment scams. This is the second major attack by the Gandhi family in a week. Recently, Rahul Gandhi had also demanded strict action in recruitment scams against the culprits who grabbed the rights of eligible unemployed youth in the state.

    After the revelation of irregularities in recruitments, there is anger among the public against both BJP and Congress and now the ruling party MLAs are also feeling cheated and are not missing out on advising their party leaders.

    Earlier, former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat and BJP MLA from Dharampur Vinod Chamoli had also advised leaders involved in corruption, while today BJP MLA from Lansdowne Mahant Dilip Rawat candidly said, “People have chosen us to serve in the Assembly, not for dacoity.”

    BJP MLA, Mahant further told, “People believe in us, only then they choose us, so we should also take care of morality and conduct while working with dedication for people and not violate their rights”.

  • BJP says inflation under control due to PM’s policies, slams Congress

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Hitting back at the Congress for its criticism on the issue of price rise, the BJP on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought the inflation rate under control despite adverse circumstances which is being “appreciated” by citizens but the Congress party is not able to see it.

    BJP national general secretary and in-charge for Rajasthan, Arun Singh, said the inflation rate in other countries has gone up to 20-25 per cent but it is the vision and policies of the prime minister that inflation is under control in India.

    “Inflation is not going to be an issue here because the prime minister has controlled the inflation,” Singh told reporters when asked about the issue of inflation being raised by Congress.

    Singh was in Jaipur to take a meeting of the party leaders. “Look at the neighbouring countries of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, even you go and see in the UK or US. Way inflation has increased in the countries of the world, 10 per cent, 15 per cent and up to 20-25 per cent, but in India, it is the vision and policies of PM Narendra Modi that inflation is under control despite adverse circumstances,” he said.

    “The Congress is not able to see the ground reality, and, therefore they keep on making allegations,” he said. The Congress is holding a rally in Delhi on Sunday over the issue of a price rise.

    ALSO READ | BJP-Sangh leaders creating fear and hatred, dividing country: Rahul at ‘Mehngai par halla bol’ rally

    The BJP leader, while referring to a report on the economy, said India’s economy stands at the fifth position in the world, which was at 10th place in 2014.

    “We are moving towards becoming the third largest economy by 2027. The entire world is appreciating India. The GDP growth is almost 8 per cent and that too despite adverse circumstances. Covid came and then the Russia-Ukraine war happened. The way the PM has tackled inflation; is being appreciated by the country. Congress should see this,” he said.

    Targeting the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, he charged that law and order has deteriorated and crimes are increasing. He said the Congress will not only face a defeat in the 2023 Assembly election in the state but the number of seats it will get will also be very less.

    Singh held a meeting of the party’s state office bearers and held discussions on various issues.

    Later in the day, the BJP’s state core committee meeting was held at the party office in which the organisational and political issues were discussed.

    State president Satish Poonia chaired the committee meeting which was attended by the members of the core committee including state general secretary (organisation) Chandrashekhar, Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Kailash Chaudhary and national secretary Alka Gurjar etc.

    Prior to the core committee meeting, several leaders including former minister Laxminarayan Dave, who turned rebel in 2018 assembly elections, joined the BJP. Some of them include those who had contested the assembly elections as independent candidates.

    JAIPUR: Hitting back at the Congress for its criticism on the issue of price rise, the BJP on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought the inflation rate under control despite adverse circumstances which is being “appreciated” by citizens but the Congress party is not able to see it.

    BJP national general secretary and in-charge for Rajasthan, Arun Singh, said the inflation rate in other countries has gone up to 20-25 per cent but it is the vision and policies of the prime minister that inflation is under control in India.

    “Inflation is not going to be an issue here because the prime minister has controlled the inflation,” Singh told reporters when asked about the issue of inflation being raised by Congress.

    Singh was in Jaipur to take a meeting of the party leaders. “Look at the neighbouring countries of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, even you go and see in the UK or US. Way inflation has increased in the countries of the world, 10 per cent, 15 per cent and up to 20-25 per cent, but in India, it is the vision and policies of PM Narendra Modi that inflation is under control despite adverse circumstances,” he said.

    “The Congress is not able to see the ground reality, and, therefore they keep on making allegations,” he said. The Congress is holding a rally in Delhi on Sunday over the issue of a price rise.

    ALSO READ | BJP-Sangh leaders creating fear and hatred, dividing country: Rahul at ‘Mehngai par halla bol’ rally

    The BJP leader, while referring to a report on the economy, said India’s economy stands at the fifth position in the world, which was at 10th place in 2014.

    “We are moving towards becoming the third largest economy by 2027. The entire world is appreciating India. The GDP growth is almost 8 per cent and that too despite adverse circumstances. Covid came and then the Russia-Ukraine war happened. The way the PM has tackled inflation; is being appreciated by the country. Congress should see this,” he said.

    Targeting the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, he charged that law and order has deteriorated and crimes are increasing. He said the Congress will not only face a defeat in the 2023 Assembly election in the state but the number of seats it will get will also be very less.

    Singh held a meeting of the party’s state office bearers and held discussions on various issues.

    Later in the day, the BJP’s state core committee meeting was held at the party office in which the organisational and political issues were discussed.

    State president Satish Poonia chaired the committee meeting which was attended by the members of the core committee including state general secretary (organisation) Chandrashekhar, Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Kailash Chaudhary and national secretary Alka Gurjar etc.

    Prior to the core committee meeting, several leaders including former minister Laxminarayan Dave, who turned rebel in 2018 assembly elections, joined the BJP. Some of them include those who had contested the assembly elections as independent candidates.

  • ‘Elections not held in BJP, its leaders only wear mask of democracy’: Gehlot

    Gehlot, who is in the national capital for the 'Mehngai par halla bol' rally at the Ramlila Maidan here on Sunday, also called on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

  • FIR against Gujarat AAP chief for ‘defaming’ BJP leader Paatil and state minister Sanghavi

    By PTI

    SURAT: A case was registered in Surat against Aam Aadmi Party’s Gujarat unit chief Gopal Italia for allegedly defaming his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) counterpart CR Paatil and state minister Harsh Sanghavi, police said on Saturday.

    Italia is also accused of hurting the reputation of the BJP by saying that its “goons” were behind the attack on AAP leader Manoj Sorathiya in Surat city recently.

    Italia was accused of using defamatory words against state BJP president Paatil and Minister of State for Home Sanghvi, as per the FIR registered at Umara police station on the complaint of BJP worker Pratap Chodwadia.

    The FIR was registered under sections 500 (defamation), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (1)(b) (offending act inducing person to commit an offence against state or public tranquillity), and 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation) of the Indian Penal Code.

    After Sorathiya was attacked on August 31, Italia posted a video message in which he allegedly made defamatory remarks.

    The AAP had accused the role of BJP workers of attacking Sorathiya, who had to be admitted to a Surat hospital for head injuries.

    Umara police station inspector AH Rajput said the city crime branch is investigating the attack case.

    In the video message, Italia said 100 “goons” of BJP” had attacked Sorathiya.

    The complainant stated that Italia resorted to attacking the BJP without any proof of the ruling party’s role in the Sorathiya case.

    In his speech, Italia purportedly said the BJP can do whatever it wants till the (Assembly) elections are over (in December).

    “After the elections, AAP will avenge every drop of blood”.

    The FIR stated Italia defamed politically respectful people and also provoked people to gather outside Kapodra police station in Surat to lodge FIRs against BJP workers for the attack on Sorathiya, despite knowing that such an act will affect public peace.

    SURAT: A case was registered in Surat against Aam Aadmi Party’s Gujarat unit chief Gopal Italia for allegedly defaming his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) counterpart CR Paatil and state minister Harsh Sanghavi, police said on Saturday.

    Italia is also accused of hurting the reputation of the BJP by saying that its “goons” were behind the attack on AAP leader Manoj Sorathiya in Surat city recently.

    Italia was accused of using defamatory words against state BJP president Paatil and Minister of State for Home Sanghvi, as per the FIR registered at Umara police station on the complaint of BJP worker Pratap Chodwadia.

    The FIR was registered under sections 500 (defamation), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (1)(b) (offending act inducing person to commit an offence against state or public tranquillity), and 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation) of the Indian Penal Code.

    After Sorathiya was attacked on August 31, Italia posted a video message in which he allegedly made defamatory remarks.

    The AAP had accused the role of BJP workers of attacking Sorathiya, who had to be admitted to a Surat hospital for head injuries.

    Umara police station inspector AH Rajput said the city crime branch is investigating the attack case.

    In the video message, Italia said 100 “goons” of BJP” had attacked Sorathiya.

    The complainant stated that Italia resorted to attacking the BJP without any proof of the ruling party’s role in the Sorathiya case.

    In his speech, Italia purportedly said the BJP can do whatever it wants till the (Assembly) elections are over (in December).

    “After the elections, AAP will avenge every drop of blood”.

    The FIR stated Italia defamed politically respectful people and also provoked people to gather outside Kapodra police station in Surat to lodge FIRs against BJP workers for the attack on Sorathiya, despite knowing that such an act will affect public peace.

  • BJP targets Congress over National Herald case, citing late UP CM’s biography

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday launched a fresh attack on the Congress and its first family over the National Herald issue, citing the biography of its late leader Chandra Bhanu Gupta.

    The BJP also dubbed the Congress’ proposed ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ as the “Save Gandhi Family Andolan”.

    Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, citing Gupta’s biography, said the late Congress leader had raised questions on the funding of the National Herald newspaper and its purpose.

    “Chandra Bhanu Gupta of Congress, who was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and a prominent leader, wrote his biography. It was recently published. In his book, he raised many questions regarding the funding of the newspaper. He stated that glorifying Indira Gandhi and (Jawaharlal) Nehru was its main purpose,” Patra said.

    In the book, Gupta clearly stated that the National Herald was not meant for the Congress but only to glorify one family, the BJP spokesperson said.

    Patra alleged Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former president Rahul Gandhi have inherited corruption.

    “He (Gupta) suggested at that time there would be a big expose if an investigation was conducted into the funding of National Herald,” Patra said.

    And, as the investigation agencies are now trying to investigate the National Herald case, the Congress tried to be destructive, he claimed.

    ALSO READ | Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders probe into commercial use of National Herald property in Bhopal

    “Congress tried to put pressure on the investigation agencies and the party created mayhem,” the BJP spokesperson said.

    Meanwhile, former Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar on Saturday targeted the Congress, saying the dynasty politics by it has caused a great loss to the country.

    In an apparent reference to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, he said both mother-son duo has been running the party.

    “Have there been elections held,” he asked raising a question over the selection of the party president.

    “Look at our party, be it PM Modi and other leaders Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, J P Nadda or Amit Shah, from where did they come,” he asked at a programme here.

    “They came from ordinary families with no political background, muscle or money power,” he added.

    Javadekar also hit back at former Rajasthan deputy CM and Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who recently raised a question of the election of the BJP chief.

    The dynasty politics of the Congress has caused a great loss to the country, he said.

    “This cannot happen anywhere else,” he added attacking the Congress, which is set to elect its new president in October this year.

    Javadekar also claimed that the BJP will win the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023 and the general election in 2024.

    ALSO READ | Not afraid of Modi, will not be intimidated: Rahul Gandhi on ED action in National Herald case

    The former Union minister said there have been no allegations of corruption against any of the central ministers in the past eight years.

    “The opposition has not been able to level corruption charges against any of the central ministers. This is not a general thing,” he said crediting PM Narendra Modi with eradicating corruption.

    The BJP leader was speaking on the book, ‘Modi@20’, at the auditorium of a private university here.

    Appreciating the works of state BJP president Satish Poonia, Javadekar said, “Poonia has said that he will not wear a ‘safa’ till the party comes to power in the state. The BJP will form the government in Rajasthan with a strong mandate and I will make him wear the ‘safa’.”

    NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday launched a fresh attack on the Congress and its first family over the National Herald issue, citing the biography of its late leader Chandra Bhanu Gupta.

    The BJP also dubbed the Congress’ proposed ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ as the “Save Gandhi Family Andolan”.

    Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, citing Gupta’s biography, said the late Congress leader had raised questions on the funding of the National Herald newspaper and its purpose.

    “Chandra Bhanu Gupta of Congress, who was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and a prominent leader, wrote his biography. It was recently published. In his book, he raised many questions regarding the funding of the newspaper. He stated that glorifying Indira Gandhi and (Jawaharlal) Nehru was its main purpose,” Patra said.

    In the book, Gupta clearly stated that the National Herald was not meant for the Congress but only to glorify one family, the BJP spokesperson said.

    Patra alleged Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former president Rahul Gandhi have inherited corruption.

    “He (Gupta) suggested at that time there would be a big expose if an investigation was conducted into the funding of National Herald,” Patra said.

    And, as the investigation agencies are now trying to investigate the National Herald case, the Congress tried to be destructive, he claimed.

    ALSO READ | Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders probe into commercial use of National Herald property in Bhopal

    “Congress tried to put pressure on the investigation agencies and the party created mayhem,” the BJP spokesperson said.

    Meanwhile, former Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar on Saturday targeted the Congress, saying the dynasty politics by it has caused a great loss to the country.

    In an apparent reference to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, he said both mother-son duo has been running the party.

    “Have there been elections held,” he asked raising a question over the selection of the party president.

    “Look at our party, be it PM Modi and other leaders Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, J P Nadda or Amit Shah, from where did they come,” he asked at a programme here.

    “They came from ordinary families with no political background, muscle or money power,” he added.

    Javadekar also hit back at former Rajasthan deputy CM and Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who recently raised a question of the election of the BJP chief.

    The dynasty politics of the Congress has caused a great loss to the country, he said.

    “This cannot happen anywhere else,” he added attacking the Congress, which is set to elect its new president in October this year.

    Javadekar also claimed that the BJP will win the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023 and the general election in 2024.

    ALSO READ | Not afraid of Modi, will not be intimidated: Rahul Gandhi on ED action in National Herald case

    The former Union minister said there have been no allegations of corruption against any of the central ministers in the past eight years.

    “The opposition has not been able to level corruption charges against any of the central ministers. This is not a general thing,” he said crediting PM Narendra Modi with eradicating corruption.

    The BJP leader was speaking on the book, ‘Modi@20’, at the auditorium of a private university here.

    Appreciating the works of state BJP president Satish Poonia, Javadekar said, “Poonia has said that he will not wear a ‘safa’ till the party comes to power in the state. The BJP will form the government in Rajasthan with a strong mandate and I will make him wear the ‘safa’.”

  • Uttarakhand: Panel to probe recruitment at Assembly Secretariat since creation of state

    By PTI

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Speaker Ritu Khanduri on Saturday constituted a three-member committee to probe alleged irregularities in the recruitment to the state Assembly Secretariat since the creation of the state in 2000.

    The development comes amid demand by the opposition Congress for a CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal appointment of people linked to BJP leaders.

    Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is grappling with allegations of irregularities in recruitment by various departments, had requested Khanduri to consider ordering a probe into the issue.

    The Speaker said Vidhan Sabha Secretary Mukesh Singhal has been asked to go on leave with immediate effect and remain on leave till further orders Singhal’s office was also sealed later in the presence of the Speaker.

    The Speaker asserted that the committee’s recommendations would be strictly implemented in a transparent manner, while announcing the probe that will cover not just the period when the BJP has been at the helm but also the Congress rule.

    The state was created in the year 2000 and the recruitments took place under the tenure of both the BJP and Congress governments.

    There have been allegations that relatives and acquaintances of politically influential people were recruited through the backdoor.

    Addressing a press conference here, Khanduri said the panel has been directed to submit its report within a month.

    The panel will be headed by former secretary (personnel) Dilip Kumar Kotiya.

    The other two members – Surendra Singh Rawat and Avananedra Singh Naya – are also former secretaries of the Personnel Department.

    “The investigation will be carried out in two phases into recruitments from 2000 to 2011 when we were following the set of rules adopted from Uttar Pradesh and the ones from 2012 to 2022 in which our own set of rules was followed,” Khanduri said.

    “We would like to conduct the probe first into recruitments made between 2012-2022 and then recruitments made between 2000 to 2011 will also be probed,” she said.

    Singhal has been asked to cooperate in the investigations and present himself before the panel whenever required, she said.

    Khanduri said the decision was taken in public interest, adding, “No irregularity or indiscipline is acceptable to me as the Speaker. I can take any number of reformative steps and harsh decisions to maintain the sanctity of the House.”

    “As the Speaker, it is not just my responsibility but also my foremost duty to maintain the sanctity of the Vidhan Sabha, which is the apex constitutional office in the state,” she said.

    Khanduri said she had entered public life after being impressed by the personality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had once said that he won’t let anyone indulge in corruption.

    “I want to assure the youth that justice will be done to all and no one will be left disappointed,” she added.

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Speaker Ritu Khanduri on Saturday constituted a three-member committee to probe alleged irregularities in the recruitment to the state Assembly Secretariat since the creation of the state in 2000.

    The development comes amid demand by the opposition Congress for a CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal appointment of people linked to BJP leaders.

    Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is grappling with allegations of irregularities in recruitment by various departments, had requested Khanduri to consider ordering a probe into the issue.

    The Speaker said Vidhan Sabha Secretary Mukesh Singhal has been asked to go on leave with immediate effect and remain on leave till further orders Singhal’s office was also sealed later in the presence of the Speaker.

    The Speaker asserted that the committee’s recommendations would be strictly implemented in a transparent manner, while announcing the probe that will cover not just the period when the BJP has been at the helm but also the Congress rule.

    The state was created in the year 2000 and the recruitments took place under the tenure of both the BJP and Congress governments.

    There have been allegations that relatives and acquaintances of politically influential people were recruited through the backdoor.

    Addressing a press conference here, Khanduri said the panel has been directed to submit its report within a month.

    The panel will be headed by former secretary (personnel) Dilip Kumar Kotiya.

    The other two members – Surendra Singh Rawat and Avananedra Singh Naya – are also former secretaries of the Personnel Department.

    “The investigation will be carried out in two phases into recruitments from 2000 to 2011 when we were following the set of rules adopted from Uttar Pradesh and the ones from 2012 to 2022 in which our own set of rules was followed,” Khanduri said.

    “We would like to conduct the probe first into recruitments made between 2012-2022 and then recruitments made between 2000 to 2011 will also be probed,” she said.

    Singhal has been asked to cooperate in the investigations and present himself before the panel whenever required, she said.

    Khanduri said the decision was taken in public interest, adding, “No irregularity or indiscipline is acceptable to me as the Speaker. I can take any number of reformative steps and harsh decisions to maintain the sanctity of the House.”

    “As the Speaker, it is not just my responsibility but also my foremost duty to maintain the sanctity of the Vidhan Sabha, which is the apex constitutional office in the state,” she said.

    Khanduri said she had entered public life after being impressed by the personality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had once said that he won’t let anyone indulge in corruption.

    “I want to assure the youth that justice will be done to all and no one will be left disappointed,” she added.

  • Gujarat: ‘Abusive’ social media posts against Porbandar BJP MLA, ex-serviceman held

    By PTI

    PORBANDAR: An ex-Army jawan was arrested for allegedly abusing and threatening a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA in Gujarat on social media, police said on Saturday.

    Based on a complaint filed by MLA Babubhai Bokhiria, the former minister of agriculture and fisheries, one Lakhanashi Odedara was arrested on Friday, a Kamla Baug police station official said.

    Odedara, a former Army personnel, hails from a nearby Shishali village.

    “Odedara was arrested after some persons pointed out to Porbandar MLA Bokhiria that he had used abusive language against him on Facebook,” the official said.

    A case was registered under sections 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) and 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

    PORBANDAR: An ex-Army jawan was arrested for allegedly abusing and threatening a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA in Gujarat on social media, police said on Saturday.

    Based on a complaint filed by MLA Babubhai Bokhiria, the former minister of agriculture and fisheries, one Lakhanashi Odedara was arrested on Friday, a Kamla Baug police station official said.

    Odedara, a former Army personnel, hails from a nearby Shishali village.

    “Odedara was arrested after some persons pointed out to Porbandar MLA Bokhiria that he had used abusive language against him on Facebook,” the official said.

    A case was registered under sections 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) and 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

  • BJP’s OBC outreach for six poll-bound states

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  With an eye on garnering the support of OBCs in six states where assembly elections will be held over the next year and the Lok Sabha polls in 2024, the BJP will deliberate on electoral strategies at its two-day National Working Committee (NWC) beginning September 9 at Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

    The BJP’s national office bearers will hold intensive discussions with the heads of the party’s OBC front in these states, including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, during the Jodhpur conclave. The objective would be to hold elaborate and threadbare discussions on ways to bring the OBCs into the BJP’s mainstream politics.

    This would be the second such meeting after the BJP’s National Executive Committee of all party fronts held recently in Patna. Union Home Minister and the BJP’s principal election strategist Amit Shah will attend the party’s OBC Morcha NWC on September 10. He will also address a separate conference of OBC booth-level committees following the NWC meeting.

    Since the Mandal Commission recommendations, OBCs constitute 54% of the Indian population and play a decisive role in elections. Since assuming power at the Centre in 2014, the BJP has inducted 27 ministers belonging to different castes within the OBC category.

    A day before the NWC kicks off on September 9, all party office bearers and senior leaders associated with the front will meet a cross-section of OBCs in different parts of Jodhpur and take stock of the problems they face and invite feedback. BJP OBC Morcha National General Secretary Dr Nikhil Anand said, “the front takes pride that PM Modi has emerged as a champion of OBCs after granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Castes”.

    NEW DELHI:  With an eye on garnering the support of OBCs in six states where assembly elections will be held over the next year and the Lok Sabha polls in 2024, the BJP will deliberate on electoral strategies at its two-day National Working Committee (NWC) beginning September 9 at Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

    The BJP’s national office bearers will hold intensive discussions with the heads of the party’s OBC front in these states, including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, during the Jodhpur conclave. The objective would be to hold elaborate and threadbare discussions on ways to bring the OBCs into the BJP’s mainstream politics.

    This would be the second such meeting after the BJP’s National Executive Committee of all party fronts held recently in Patna. Union Home Minister and the BJP’s principal election strategist Amit Shah will attend the party’s OBC Morcha NWC on September 10. He will also address a separate conference of OBC booth-level committees following the NWC meeting.

    Since the Mandal Commission recommendations, OBCs constitute 54% of the Indian population and play a decisive role in elections. Since assuming power at the Centre in 2014, the BJP has inducted 27 ministers belonging to different castes within the OBC category.

    A day before the NWC kicks off on September 9, all party office bearers and senior leaders associated with the front will meet a cross-section of OBCs in different parts of Jodhpur and take stock of the problems they face and invite feedback. BJP OBC Morcha National General Secretary Dr Nikhil Anand said, “the front takes pride that PM Modi has emerged as a champion of OBCs after granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Castes”.

  • Court closes case against Vijayvargiya as MP government remains undecided on sanction for prosecution

    By PTI

    INDORE: A special court here has closed a case against BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya in an alleged ‘pension scam’ at the Indore Municipal Corporation as the Madhya Pradesh government did not give sanction to prosecute him and others for 17 years.

    Complainant K K Mishra — chairman of the MP Congress’s media department — has now moved the High Court against the delay in the grant of sanction.

    Judge Mukesh Nath for a special court for cases against MPs and MLAs ordered closure of the proceedings against Vijayvargiya and others on Monday citing the lack of sanction for prosecution.

    But the complainant can move the court afresh if the government granted sanction, the judge added.

    The complaint before the court alleged that when Vijayvargiya was Indore Mayor from 2000 to 2005, the IMC paid pension to the destitute, widows and disabled persons through co-operative institutes instead of national banks and post offices as required by rules.

    Persons who were ineligible or deceased or even non-existing persons got a pension, causing a loss of Rs 33 crore to the government, it alleged.

    “By not sanctioning prosecution for 17 years, the state government has shown that it wants to save corrupt people,” Mishra told PTI on Friday.

    His lawyer Vibhor Khandelwal said they have filed a petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench against the non-grant of sanction.

    INDORE: A special court here has closed a case against BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya in an alleged ‘pension scam’ at the Indore Municipal Corporation as the Madhya Pradesh government did not give sanction to prosecute him and others for 17 years.

    Complainant K K Mishra — chairman of the MP Congress’s media department — has now moved the High Court against the delay in the grant of sanction.

    Judge Mukesh Nath for a special court for cases against MPs and MLAs ordered closure of the proceedings against Vijayvargiya and others on Monday citing the lack of sanction for prosecution.

    But the complainant can move the court afresh if the government granted sanction, the judge added.

    The complaint before the court alleged that when Vijayvargiya was Indore Mayor from 2000 to 2005, the IMC paid pension to the destitute, widows and disabled persons through co-operative institutes instead of national banks and post offices as required by rules.

    Persons who were ineligible or deceased or even non-existing persons got a pension, causing a loss of Rs 33 crore to the government, it alleged.

    “By not sanctioning prosecution for 17 years, the state government has shown that it wants to save corrupt people,” Mishra told PTI on Friday.

    His lawyer Vibhor Khandelwal said they have filed a petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench against the non-grant of sanction.