Wednesday, May 15, 2024

BJD leader Pandian accuses BJP of hatching plans to break party after polls

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Tehelka WebDesk
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Bhuabneswar: V.K. Pandian, the bureaucrat-turned-politician and close aide of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, alleged on Wednesday that the BJP is planning to break the BJD after the Assembly elections to be held alongside the Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Interacting with mediapersons at Gopalpur in Ganjam district on Wednesday, the BJD leader said, “They (BJP) raised a slogan of winning 120 Assembly seats in 2014, but failed. I do not know what their target was in 2019. But, they have perhaps fixed a target to win 50 to 60 seats this time, and aim to break the BJD after the elections. This is their poll strategy. They aren’t fighting the elections to form the government.”

He also claimed that the BJD will get a three-fourth majority in Odisha in the ensuing Assembly elections to be held in four phases between May 13 and June 1.

“Unlike other parties’ manifestos, the BJD manifesto, which will be released soon, will be taken seriously by everyone. Naveen Patnaik’s guarantees always work, as he fulfills more than he commits. The BJP and Congress prepared their manifestos eying to win the elections, but Naveen Patnaik will prepare the manifesto for development and to win the hearts of the people of Odisha, ” Pandian claimed.

He also claimed that the state government’s flagship programme, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), is far better than the Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Central government. Speaking further, the bureaucrat-turned-politician accused the Centre of not spending a single rupee for the development of Odia language while spending crores on the promotion of other classical languages such as Tamil and Sanskrit.

‘Right to campaign not fundamental’, ED files affidavit in SC

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Tehelka WebDesk
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New Delhi : A day before the Supreme Court is set to pronounce its order on the interim bail plea moved by incarcerated Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the grant of interim relief saying that a politician can claim no “special status” higher than that of an ordinary citizen and is as much liable to be arrested and detained for committing offences as any other citizen.

The affidavit filed by ED’s Deputy Director stated that there is no principle that justifies giving differential treatment to a politician for campaigning over a farmer or a businessman who wishes to pursue his vocation.

“If the right to campaign is treated as a basis for grant of interim bail, it would breach the principles of Article 14 for the reason that harvesting for a farmer would be an equally important factor for seeking interim bail as would a board meeting or an annual general meeting for a director of a company who commits a crime, as these are their respective vocations or professions, ” read the affidavit.

The agency said that the right to campaign for elections is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right.

No political leader has been granted interim bail for campaigning even though Kejriwal is not the contesting candidate, said the affidavit, adding that even a contesting candidate is not granted interim bail for his own campaigning if he is in custody.

Further, the ED contended that around 123 elections have taken place in the last five years and if interim bail is to be granted for campaigning, no politician can be arrested or sent to judicial custody since elections are all year-round phenomena.

“In a federal structure, no set of election is more significant than another and therefore, every politician at every level would argue that if he is not let out on interim bail, he would suffer irreversible consequences, ” read the affidavit.

On Wednesday, a bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that it will deliver its decision on the question of granting interim bail to Kejriwal on May 10.

Earlier, the bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, indicated that it may consider granting interim bail to the AAP leader in view of the ongoing general elections. It said this is an extraordinary situation and it is not that CM Kejriwal is a habitual offender.

The federal probe agency opposed the grant of interim relief, saying that it would set a wrong precedent and that politicians have no special rights as compared to normal citizens.

Kejriwal had moved the apex court against the Delhi High Court’s April 10 judgment, which dismissed his plea challenging the ED arrest.

The AAP chief was arrested on March 21 and has been in custody since then.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody till May 20 on the expiry of his previously granted 14-day judicial remand.

Amit Shah slams Akhilesh Yadav for calling Jinnah ‘great’

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Tehelka WebDesk
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Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh): Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Wednesday, slammed Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav for having called Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah a ‘great’ leader in the past.

Addressing a rally in Hardoi, HM Shah recalled that, in 2021, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister had said during the unveiling ceremony of the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that Jinnah was a ‘great leader’.

“Akhilesh Yadav should read history because it was Jinnah who was responsible for the division of India. Akhilesh is making such statements only because of vote bank politics. Should you vote for such people?” the Home Minister wondered.

He also slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for taking a break every summer and going abroad.

“Rahul Baba goes to Thailand when temperatures increase here but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not taken a break in 23 years. The total scam value of INDIA bloc members is Rs 12 lakh crore whereas no one can blame PM Modi for even any small corruption in 23 years. A personal secretary of a Jharkhand minister stashed Rs 30 crore in his house, a Congress MP has Rs 350 crore and a (former) minister in the Mamata Banerjee government had Rs 50 crore, ” HM Amit Shah said.

The Union Minister further said: “Rahul Baba went to Wayanad from Amethi and then came to Raebareli. From Raebareli, he will go straight to Italy.”

HM Amit Shah also asked the people to reach Delhi on June 4 with the famous ‘laddoos’ from Sandila as the NDA has already crossed 190 seats in the first three phases of Lok Sabha polls.

Stating that the Samajwadi Party and the Congress would be swept away completely in these elections, HM Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of furthering the agenda of Pakistan which is why the leaders of neighbouring nation have been praising him.

Excise policy case: SC to deliver its order on Kejriwal’s interim release on Friday

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court said it will pronounce its order on Friday on the interim bail plea of incarcerated Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case.

On Wednesday, a bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, said in open court that it will deliver its decision on May 10 on the question of granting interim bail to Kejriwal.

A day prior, the bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, indicated that it may consider granting interim bail to the AAP leader in view of the ongoing general elections. It said that this is an extraordinary situation and that it is not like CM Kejriwal is a habitual offender.

The federal probe agency opposed the grant of interim relief, saying that it would set a wrong precedent and that politicians have no special rights as compared to normal citizens.

Kejriwal had moved the apex court against the Delhi High Court’s April 10 judgement, which dismissed his plea challenging the ED arrest. The AAP chief was arrested on March 21 and has been in custody since then.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody till May 20 on the expiry of his previously granted 14-day judicial custody.

Priyanka Gandhi- Fiery Star campaigner of the Congress

By
Kavita
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New Delhi : Congress general Secretary Priyanka Gandhi may not be contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections in 2024, but emerges to be the best star campaigner of the party. She is campaigning across the country. Her fiery speeches in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala , Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra and vigorous campaigns are extensively discussed in the political circles. She is applauded by the top leaders of the party for single handedly replying to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegations, mainly Mangalsutra issue and “Shehzada” remark on Rahul Gandhi. She took potshots at Narendra Modi and called him” Shehanshah” who lives in palaces.  

 After congress party announced the candidature of Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Kishori lal Sharma from Amethi, Congress general Secretary Priyanka has decided to spearhead both the constituencies. Amethi and Rae Bareli are going for polls in fifth phase, and it is a big challenge for the party to regain Amethi from the BJP. Both seats are valuable for the party, and it will be the first time that a non-Gandhi will contest from Amethi seat. KL Sharma, a congress loyalist has been working in Amethi from 30 years and is the reason why he has been chosen by the party.

With only two weeks left for the Election on both the seats, the party has prepared the blueprint for the campaign. According to the sources, Congress general Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi will stay in the guest house at Rae Bareli and will campaign for both seats.  She will stay here for next ten days during which she will also hold meetings, door to door campaigns and nukkad meetings. Also meet locals, women and children. Priyanka Gandhi will lead the campaign and will be supported by Bhupesh Baghel in Raebareli and Ashok Gehlot in Amethi. It is a personal pride for her and the congress party to win the Elections and mainly to keep the principles of democracy alive.     Though it was speculated that Rahul Gandhi would contest from Amethi and Priyanka will contest from Rae bareli , a constituency which was hold by her mother Sonia Gandhi, But Priyanka Gandhi chose to campaign for the party. Congress faced a setback in 2019 when Rahul Gandhi lost Amethi to BJP’s Smriti Irani. Though Priyanka has campaigned in 2019 loksabha election also but this time her speeches, her language and confidence is on the another level. Both Rahul and Priyanka have been appealing to vote to save democracy, save constitution.

Encounter begins in Jammu and Kashmir between security forces and terrorists

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Tehelka WebDesk
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An encounter between terrorists and security forces erupted early Tuesday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The operation was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the Redwani area of Kulgam district. Security forces moved in to flush out the terrorists from their hideout, leading to the ongoing encounter.

According to police sources, as the security forces closed in on the hiding terrorists, they opened fire, resulting in the encounter.

The incident follows the recent Poonch terror attack, in which one air warrior was killed and four others were injured.

The encounter in Kulgam comes amidst ongoing Lok Sabha election campaigns in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, of which Kulgam is a part.

Lok Sabha-Polls : PM Modi casts vote in Ahmedabad

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Tehelka WebDesk
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Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi exercised his franchise in Ahmedabad soon after voting across 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat began on Tuesday morning.

Donning a saffron jacket over a white kurta, the Prime Minister cast his vote at Nishan Vidhyala in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

“I appeal to people to vote. I am in Gujarat and have to go to Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. I congratulate the Election Commission for the successful first two election phases. Earlier, there used to be violence during voting, but now it’s not the case. The process is election-friendly. This is an example for all democracies of the world. This is a case study.” he said.

As the Prime Minister arrived at the polling booth, the air resonated with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ He was welcomed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who presented him with a saffron khes. Local residents also displayed enthusiasm, welcoming Prime Minister Modi with traditional dhol-nagara beats.

Before casting his vote, Prime Minister Modi gave autographs to the locals gathered at the polling station.

Later in the day, Home Minister Shah is scheduled to cast his vote at 9:15 a.m. at Naranpura.

The electoral landscape in Gujarat is marked by intense competition, with 266 candidates representing various political ideologies and parties like BJP, Congress, and others in the fray.

Notably, 247 male candidates are contesting against 19 female candidates, underscoring the diversity of voices in this electoral fray. It’s worth mentioning that BJP secured victories in all 26 seats in Gujarat in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The constituencies include Kachchh, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad.

Important candidates in the electoral fray include Home Minister Shah contesting from Gandhinagar, Union Minister and former Gujarat Minister Parshottam Rupala from Rajkot, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya from Porbandar, and state BJP chief C.R. Paatil from Navsari.

HM Amit Shah casts vote, urges people to ‘accept voting as duty’

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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Ahmedabad:  Union Home Minister and BJP candidate from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, Amit Shah cast his vote on Tuesday and appealed to voters to “accept voting as a duty towards contributing to nation-building”.

He was accompanied by his son, Jay Shah, who is the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other family members

Before casting his vote, Home Minister Amit Shah paid a visit to the Kameshwar Mahadev temple in Ahmedabad.

Earlier, in the morning, the Home Minister posted in several languages, urging people to vote. He said, “In the third phase of the Lok Sabha Election, I appeal to all the voters who are going to cast their votes today to accept voting as a duty towards contributing to nation-building. Once again, vote for a corruption-free, caste-free, and dynasticism-free system. Elect a government that has experience in public welfare and a blueprint for a developed India. Your vote will lay the foundation of good fortune for not only you but also for the entire nation for decades to come.”

Several prominent figures have already exercised their voting rights, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer IAS P. Bharati, AAP candidate and tribal leader Chaitar Vasava, Congress candidate Geniben Thakor from Banaskantha, AAP candidate Anant Patel from Valsad, BJP leader Arjun Modhwadia, and BJP MLA Rivaba Jadeja from Jamnagar.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “I hope there is a huge voter turnout for our Home Minister Amit Shah’s constituency in Gandhinagar.” CM Patel voted at booth 99 in Shilaj Primary School, Ahmedabad, representing the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat.

BJP Porbandar candidate Arjun Modhwadia, who recently switched from Congress to BJP said, “This is the first time I see huge queues in the morning, as early as 7 a.m. I see a lot of hope in this election. We are building a bright future.”

Gujarat cabinet minister Kanu Desai said, “Today I see a lot of women at the booth. This is a win for women’s power in the State. Women using their right to vote indicates a developed society.”

In Gujarat, a substantial electorate of 4.97 crore voters, comprising 2.56 crore males, 2.41 crore females, and 1, 534 individuals from the third gender, are engaging in the democratic exercise across 50, 788 polling booths.

The constituencies include Kachchh, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad.

Important candidates in this electoral fray include Union Home Minister Amit Shah contesting from Gandhinagar, Union Minister and former Gujarat Minister Parshottam Rupala from Rajkot, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya from Porbandar, State BJP Chief CR Paatil from Navsari, and a significant battle between BJP’s Mansukhbhai Vasava and AAP’s Chaitra Vasava in Bharuch.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam terms Farooq Abdullah ‘deshbhakt’, Channi an ‘eve-teaser’

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Tehelka WebDesk
-

New Delhi : Acharya Pramod Krishnam, former Congress leader and Kalki Dham Peethadhishwar, spoke to media on a host of issues including the Poonch terror attack and former Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi, calling it a BJP’s stunt and also on NC leader Farooq Abdullah’s ‘pro-Pak’ statement.

Pramod Krishnam said that Farooq Abdullah’s ‘Pakistan not wearing bangles’ statement was unfortunate and deplorable and added that he must have refrained from making such ‘casual’ remarks.

Describing Farooq Abdullah as ‘deshbhakt’, Krishnam said that he has known him for long and added that he always stood up for national interests.

“It’s probably the effect of his association with the anti-nationals that he has taken this line and is making unwarranted statements, ” Krishnam said further.

In reply to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks that ‘PoK will be merged with India’, the NC leader Farooq Abdullah had said on Sunday “Pakistan is not wearing bangles and it also has atom bombs that may fall on us.”

Pramod Krishnam further said that many Congress leaders questioned Pulwama and Balakot strikes and insulted the martyrdom of jawans.

“In their hatred for PM Modi, they have gone haywire and it has now led to hatred against the nation, ” he told to media.

Reacting to former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi’s distasteful remarks on the Poonch terror strike, he said, “Not much can be expected from an eve-teaser.”

“It’s unfortunate that the Congress party had picked a person for the CM post, who was accused of abusing and molesting women IAS officers of his department. Today, he is insulting the martyrdom of our soldiers, ” Krishnam said, bristling over his remarks.

Notably, Charanjit Singh Channi had called the terror attack on the IAF convoy in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch, ‘a pre-poll stunt by the BJP’ for alleged political gains.

When questioned on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s description of Jammu and Kashmir as ‘India-administered Kashmir’, in a foreign publication The Daily Star, he lashed out at Rahul Gandhi and said, “Whosoever remains in his company will be prompted to make such statements.”

“It’s fortunate that Tharoor hasn’t written Kerala as India-administered Kerala, ” he said taking a caustic jibe at the senior Congress leader.

PoK is integral part of India:  S Jaishankar

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Tehelka WebDesk
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday reiterated India’s stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), affirming that it is an integral part of India. 

Speaking at an interactive session in Cuttack, Jaishankar pointed out that the Indian Parliament has passed a resolution stating PoK’s status as part of India.

Jaishankar highlighted that despite efforts to sideline the issue, PoK remains a significant concern for India. 

“PoK has never been out of this country. It is part of this country,” he said.  Addressing the history of PoK’s control by Pakistan, Jaishankar compared it to an irresponsible custodian allowing someone else to steal. He emphasized the need to address the issue and reiterated India’s commitment to reclaiming PoK

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