News Analysis India

Tag: Chief Minister

  • Modi made ‘reluctant’ Nitish CM for 2024 win: Prashant Kishor

    By Express News Service

    PATNA: Poll strategist Prashant Kishor has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of assigning the post of the chief minister to JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar as he was apprehensive of not being able to repeat BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election without a strong foothold in the state.

    “Nitish was reluctant to become the chief minister after his party was relegated to the third position in 2020 Bihar assembly election but BJP insisted on it as it was apprehensive of not repeating its performance in 2024 Lok Sabha election without giving the CM post to him,” said Kishor.

    “BJP had a chance to make a leader from its own party, instead it gave it to Nitish,” he said while addressing a meeting held during his ongoing state-wide ‘Jansuraj Yatra’ in East Champaran district.He accused the PM of leaving Bihar in a shadow of backwardness when he had a chance to pull it out from there.

    PATNA: Poll strategist Prashant Kishor has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of assigning the post of the chief minister to JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar as he was apprehensive of not being able to repeat BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election without a strong foothold in the state.

    “Nitish was reluctant to become the chief minister after his party was relegated to the third position in 2020 Bihar assembly election but BJP insisted on it as it was apprehensive of not repeating its performance in 2024 Lok Sabha election without giving the CM post to him,” said Kishor.

    “BJP had a chance to make a leader from its own party, instead it gave it to Nitish,” he said while addressing a meeting held during his ongoing state-wide ‘Jansuraj Yatra’ in East Champaran district.
    He accused the PM of leaving Bihar in a shadow of backwardness when he had a chance to pull it out from there.

  • Man arrested for running fake Twitter account of Bihar CMO 

    By PTI

    PATNA: A man was arrested for operating a fake Twitter account of the Bihar Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), police said on Thursday.

    The accused, identified as Arman Basher of East Champaran district, also used the official logo of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in the account, they said.

    “Basher was arrested on Tuesday on the charges of running a fake twitter handle in the name of the office of chief minister of Bihar,” the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the state police said.

    “The EOU registered an FIR in February this year after it came to the knowledge of the police that a fake twitter handle was being run in the name of CMO’s office,” it said.

    PATNA: A man was arrested for operating a fake Twitter account of the Bihar Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), police said on Thursday.

    The accused, identified as Arman Basher of East Champaran district, also used the official logo of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in the account, they said.

    “Basher was arrested on Tuesday on the charges of running a fake twitter handle in the name of the office of chief minister of Bihar,” the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the state police said.

    “The EOU registered an FIR in February this year after it came to the knowledge of the police that a fake twitter handle was being run in the name of CMO’s office,” it said.

  • ‘Biggest proof of honesty’, says Kejriwal after CAG report shows revenue surplus during AAP regime

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI” Citing a CAG report which said the Delhi government was running in profit, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the numbers were the “biggest proof of its honesty”. AAP’s honesty has deprived the opponents of their sleep, he said.

    The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in the Assembly on Tuesday said the Delhi government has had a revenue surplus from 2015-16 to 2019-20.

    It, however, mentioned that the Delhi government was able to maintain the revenue surplus largely because the pension liabilities of its employees were being borne by the central government and the Delhi Police’s expenditure was borne by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

    “This is the CAG report. It says the Delhi government is running in profit since AAP came to power. This is the biggest proof of the honesty of AAP. This honesty has deprived our opponents of their sleep,” Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

    The revenue surplus of the Delhi government in 2019-20 was Rs 7,499 crore, indicating that its revenue receipts were sufficient to meet the revenue expenditure, the report said.

    The CAG report, 2021, on state finances for the year ended March 2020 was presented in the Assembly session by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

    The audit report on state finances provides an analytical review of the annual accounts of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the functioning of the Public Sector Undertakings for the year ended March 31, 2020.

  • Will guarantee jobs to ‘Agniveers’ from Haryana post 4 year stint: Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

    By PTI

    CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government will provide “guaranteed” employment to ‘Agniveers’ after their four year stint in the armed forces, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Tuesday.

    His statement comes even as the state, like several other parts of the country, is witnessing massive protests over the Centre’s Agnipath scheme to recruit soldiers into the army, navy and the air force followed by compulsory retirement for most without gratuity and pension benefits.

    Addressing a state-level International Yoga Day function at Bhiwani, Khattar said, “I announce that anyone (the Agniveers) who wants to join Haryana government services, they will be given a guaranteed job, no one will go without a job. We take guarantee for this.” The chief minister said the ‘Agniveers’ will be absorbed in the state’s Group C services and in the police force.

    The Centre had last Tuesday unveiled the Agnipath scheme under which youths between 17-and-a-half and 21 years will be inducted in the three services for a four-year tenure. Twenty-five per cent of the recruits will be retained for regular service.

    The government projected this scheme as a major overhaul of the decades-old selection process to enhance the youthful profile of the services.

    On Thursday, it relaxed the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment this year as protests against the scheme intensified.

  • Jharkhand HC reserves order on maintainability of PIL seeking probe against CM Hemant Soren

    Express News Service

    RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court kept its order reserved on the maintainability of PIL seeking investigation against Chief Minister Hemant Soren for alleged irregularities in the grant of mining leases and also on transactions of some shell companies purportedly operated by his family members and associates.

    Disposing of a special leave petition filed by the Jharkhand Government on May 24, the Supreme Court had directed Jharkhand High Court to first decide on the maintainability of the PIL before proceeding further as per law.

    According to the PIL filed by an RTI activist Shiv Shankar Sharma, CM Soren and his brother Basant Soren invested black money through businessmen Ravi Kejriwal, Ramesh Kejriwal, Amit Agrawal and several others in 28 small companies to get them converted into white money. Sharma in his PIL also demanded probe by the CBI and ED into the shell companies which are being run in other states including Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal.

    “After hearing all sides on the issue of maintainability of the PIL and kept its order reserved till June 3,” said petitioner’s Counsel Rajeev Kumar. As soon as the hearing started, senior counsel Kapil Sibal appearing on behalf of the Jharkhand Government demanded dismissal of the petition saying that the petition was motivated and has been filed with ulterior motives by the petitioner.

    Petitioner’s lawyer Rajiv Kumar said that other than the chief minister, a mining lease was issued in the favour of his brother and MLA Basant Soren and many persons close to him. The court asked Mukul Rohtagi to explain whether or not mining leases were issued to the CM, Basant Soren and others.

    Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate, however, stressed on CBI inquiry based on the facts found by the central agency during the raids conducted by it in Jharkhand in connection with MNREGA scam.

    The material collected shows involvement of people sitting on the top positions and the state government agencies won’t be able to conduct an inquiry, he said. 

    Mehta was also of the view that the credentials of a petitioner could be challenged, but a petition can’t be dismissed just because of certain limitations on technicalities and PIL rules. Mehta said the High court has enough power under Article 226 of the Constitution to even take suo moto cognisance and order inquiry to ensure justice, even if the petition is not as per rules.

    Senior counsel Mukul Rohtagi, appearing on behalf of Hemant Soren, also questioned the credentials of the petitioner and informed the court about the previous involvement of his father in a case related to Shibu Soren.

    “Soren’s Counsel informed the court that the petition has been filed with ulterior motive and the petitioner is targeting the chief minister due to personal enmity with his family,” said Amritansh Vats, who is assisting Rohtagi in the case.

  • Chhattisgarh minister seeks action to check collector’s alleged corrupt practices

    By Express News Service

    RAIPUR: As the Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel not hesitating to take prompt strict action on complaints received against corrupt-negligent officers during his ongoing statewide “Bhet-Mulakat” tour, his cabinet colleague has levelled serious charges against the collector of Korba, one of the highest contributor districts of DMF fund, citing her as “corrupt officer, grossly misusing the public fund”.State Revenue, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation minister Jaisingh Agrawal in his complaint had claimed the Korba collector Ranu Sahu as involved in massive corruption through her unilateral non-transparent decisions leading to embezzlement of public (DMF) funds.

    Agrawal has shot a letter highlighting his objections to the Secretary and Nodal officer of the state mining department and DMF seeking his urgent intervention in postponing the upcoming DMF committee meeting called by the collector and “stop further misuse of public money”.

    Korba, supplying 16 percent of the total coal production of the country and more than the Jharkhand state, is the largest contributor to the DMF kitty with several hundred crores annually.

    “The collector is sanctioning works from the DMF fund as per her own wishes that doesn’t serve the public interest. Prevent the misuse of public money and initiate appropriate action. There is no transparency regarding the information that needed to be shared on the public domain regarding the approved works allotted by the DMF committee in Korba”, alleged Agrawal.The minister categorically asserted that the lack of any action by the Secretary will equally suggest his silent consent to the squandering of crores of rupees to the state through embezzlement in the allotted works under the DMF scheme.The collector couldn’t be reached despite repeated attempts nor did she respond to the message texted to her seeking the reaction.The opposition BJP nevertheless grasped the minister’s complaint to target the state government. “We have brought the issue of massive irregularities in utilisation of DMF funds in Korba district to the knowledge of the Prime Minister Office, home minister and DoPT urging them to intervene for putting things right. It’s shocking to find the state minister had not just exposed the dishonest practices of the collector but also how corruption ruled the roost in bureaucracy”, said Naresh Gupta, BJP legal cell in charge.

  • Akali Dal chief Badal demands CBI probe into Patiala violence, seeks release of Sikh prisoners

    Express News Service

    CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Patiala violence besides appealing to all panthic organisations to unite on a common platform to create a movement to ensure the release of ‘bandi-Sikhs’ (Sikh prisoners) who have been languishing in jail even after expiry of their life sentences.

    SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed grave concern at the manner in which attempts were being made to vitiate communal harmony through irresponsible statements by AAP leaders. He said immediately after the flare-up in Patiala, AAP MP Raghav Chadha claimed that it was the result of a clash between the BJP and the SAD. “The same statement was corroborated by Kejriwal and later by the Chief Minister. This has undermined the authority of the Chief Minister and makes it clear that the Punjab government is being run from Delhi.”

    Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, Badal said the truth was that the Chief Minister had been informed about efforts to spoil the peace in the state four days in advance but did not act on it. He said even after the clashdespite the fact that Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla was identified as the main conspirator by his own party as well as Hindu organisations, the government declared Baljinder Singh Parwana as the chief conspirator. Terming this adventurism a dangerous trend,  Badal said the AAP should not try to inflame communal sentiments in Punjab and the Chief Minister should ensure the rule of law is maintained in the state. He also reaffirmed that the SAD would continue to do its utmost for the cause of peace and communal harmony in the state.

    Badal appealed to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami to take the lead and call a meeting of panthic organizations to devise a joint strategy to fulfill the demand of Punjabis worldwide to free the Sikh prisoners on humanitarian grounds. “We may have individual and political differences, but let us shed them aside for the cause of the bandi-Sikhs,” he said in an impassioned appeal here.

    Asserting that the coordinated approach would be adopted in consultation with all panthic organizations and parties as well as Singh Sabhas and the Sant Samaj,  Badal when questioned said this could include leading a delegation to the Prime Minister to ensure the speedy release of the Sikh prisoners. He also thanked Akal Takth Jathedar (High Priest) Giani Harpreet Singh for taking the lead in this direction by setting the tone for panthic unity on this crucial issue which concerned the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide.

    Asserting that the release of the ‘bandi-Sikhs’ was a long pending issue and that the entire Khalsa panth as well as Punjabis in general were pained at the delay being shown in releasing them, Badal said it was most unfortunate that the release was not taking place despite a national commitment made by the Union government in this regard by approving the release of Sikh prisoners on the occasion of the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev in October 2019. He said around fifty Sikh prisoners were incarcerated in various jails across the country and they should all be released immediately.

    Badal said the way had also been cleared for the release of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana whose death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment by the Union government in 2019 even as the Supreme Court had commuted Prof Bhullar’s death sentence to life on the grounds of inordinate delay in deciding his mercy petition. He said it was unfortunate that Bhai Rajoana was not being released even while the Supreme Court had directed the central government to take a decision on his mercy petition. “Similarly the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of Delhi is blocking the release of Prof Bhullar with the government’s Sentence Review Board not taking a decision in the matter. AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann owe an explanation on this count to the Sikh community,” he added.

    Badal also detailed how the SAD had always taken the lead by relentlessly advocating the cause of the release of the Sikh prisoners. “Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal not only expressed his strong resistance against the judicial orders to hang Bhai Rajoana but even refused to carry out these orders.” He said the SAD had also submitted a resolution to the Union government to request for commuting Bhai Rajoana’s death sentence to life term and later for his release.

  • CM Patel launches new IT policy as Gujarat prepares for technological revolution

    AHMEDABAD: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a new Gujarat IT and ITeS policy today to promote rapid and inclusive growth in the IT sector in the state. This new policy will be in force for five years i.e. from 2022 to 2027.

     “I strongly believe that this policy will help us contribute significantly to one of the eight dreams of Prime Minister, Narendrabhai Modi – Berozgari semukt, Rozgari se yukt,” the Chief Minister said.  He stated that this policy is also aimed at realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the Information Technology sector.

    This IT / ITeS policy (2022-27) is envisioned to transform the state’s information technology landscape in the IT ecosystem of Gujarat. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Gujarat would become a “Destination of Choice” for the IT ecosystem by strengthening various aspects to make Gujarat one of theleading states in the field of information technology.

    The Chief Minister said that the Indian IT sector under the enterprising leadership of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has steered our nation to a leadership position in the global IT landscape in terms of employment and economic value creation.

    He further said that the state government has envisaged the creation of a conducive business ecosystem by formulating a robust policy framework and introducing simplified procedural requirements for setting up IT operations in the State.

    Explaining the objectives of Gujarat IT/ITes Policy in detail, the Chief Minister said that the objectives are to create high skilled, industry-ready IT talent pool; provide a state-of-the-art IT Infrastructure; develop a unique and simplified incentive scheme; establish a robust cloud ecosystem in the State and foster research & development in new and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum computing, Blockchain, etc.

    He further said that the new policy also aims to increase Gujarat’s annual exports in the IT sector from Rs.3,000 crore to Rs.25,000 crore and create more than 1 lakh new employments in the IT and ITeS sector.

    The Chief Minister also added that Gujarat is striving to get a place in the top five states of the country in the field of IT. He said that the new policy aims to make Gujarat a leader in world-class IT infrastructure, data centers, and the availability of innovation centers in emerging technology.

    With Chief Minister representatives of 9 nationally and internationally renowned IT organizations were also present on the occasion.

  • Chief Minister pays homage to Rani Durgavati on her sacrifice day

    Bhupesh Baghel has paid homage to Queen Durgavati of the Gondwana kingdom on her sacrifice day on June 24. Shri Baghel has said that Rani Durgavati is one of those brave women of India, who wrote a new story of bravery with her valor and courage. After the death of her husband, she not only took care of the Gondwana Empire but also made it prosperous with her skill. Rani Durgavati did not bow down before anyone and gave up her life to protect the motherland and self-respect. His courage and sacrifice will always continue to inspire the countrymen.

  • Chief Minister congratulates on Kabir Jayanti

    Bhupesh Baghel has greeted the people of the state on the occasion of June 24, the birth anniversary of Sant Kabir. In his congratulatory message, Shri Baghel has said that the life philosophy of Sant Kabir Saheb is relevant in every era. He could easily say deep things in common colloquial language. His words, simply said directly, used to make their inroads in the hearts of the people. In Chhattisgarh too, the life philosophy of Sant Kabir has had a profound effect on the lives of the people.
    Shri Baghel has said that Sant Kabir has given the message of brotherhood, love, goodwill and social equality through his couplets. He strongly opposed the ostentation and casteism spread in the society. Through his couplets, he attacked the social evils harshly. He inspired people to adopt human values ​​like truth, non-violence, kindness, compassion, benevolence. Shri Baghel said that the teachings of Sant Kabir will always show us the right path.