Targeting the ruling BJP government in Haryana state on the stage during ‘Jan Aakrosh Rally’ at Beri in Jhajjar district, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh former Chief Minister in the state Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday termed Nayab Singh Saini a merely a “dummy CM”, saying there is nothing in his hands and he replaced Manohar Lal Khattar in a swift change claiming that the state had falled behind on various developmental parameters, per capita income during the last nearly 10 years rule in the state. Hooda said, “Nayab Singh toh naam ka mukhya mantri hai, ye toh dummy mukhya mantri hai. Iske bus ka kuchh nahi hai (Nayab Saini is a dummy chief minister. There is nothing in his hand).” Reminding past, Hooda said, “Earlier too, such an experiment took place when Ch. Om Prakash (Chautala) had made Master Hukam Singh chief minister in 1990-91), Similarly, Saini) has been made the CM”, he said while addressing the rally.
Former CM appealed to the electorate of Beri to ensure that this time his son Deepender Hooda wins by a margin of more than one lakh votes from the Rohtak seat. Deepender Hooda, a Congress Rajya Sabha member, had failed to retain the Rohtak seat in the 2019 general elections and lost to BJP’s Arvind Sharma, and made an appeal for Deepender victory by a margin of more than one lakh votes since both Beri and Kiloi assembly segments are part of the Rohtak parliamentary constituency in which polling for the Lok Sabha seats will be held in sixth phase of the seven phase general elections on May 25. Hooda said that in 2014, Haryana, which was number one in per capita income, per capita investment, in giving jobs to unemployed, in-spite of the fact two lakh government jobs are lying vacant in the state, on the law and order front, the situation is bad, in sports but has fallen behind during the last 10 years, Hooda said making an attacking the BJP, ” today. Haryana is number one in unemployment, in inflation and in crime,” the former chief minister said. that the BJP assured of doubling farmers’ income by 2022, that did not happen, but input costs of agriculture have doubled due to diesel and fertilizer prices as well as the labor cost has been drastically rising. Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, the situation of crime today has become bad to worst, the ransom demand calls to traders and businessmen have become common, smuggling of drugs in the state fast increasing, an atmosphere of fear prevails and it appears that the government does not exist in the state.
Bhupinder Hooda reiterated that if the Congress forms government in Haryana, old age pension will be given at the rate of Rs 6,000 a month as against Rs 3,000 at present, price of cooking gas cylinder will not be more than Rs 500, two lakh government job vacancies will be filled immediately after coming to power and legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops will be given.to farmers
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hit the Lok Sabha election campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur and Ghaziabad, and Rajasthan’s Ajmer on Saturday.
PM Modi will reach Saharanpur at around 11:30 a.m. to address a public meeting, which will be also attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, state BJP President Bhupendra Chaudhary, and RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary.
After the Saharanpur meeting, the PM will take a special flight to Ajmer district. His plane will land at Kishangarh airport, from where he will leave for Pushkar in a helicopter.
At around 2:30 p.m., PM Modi will address a public meeting at Pushkar Mela Ground in support of the BJP candidate from the Ajmer Lok Sabha seat.
From there, PM Modi will return to Uttar Pradesh to hold a roadshow in Ghaziabad at around 5:15 p.m.
Major political events that will unfold across the country today:
* Congress will hold “mega rallies” in Jaipur and Hyderabad on Saturday. The Jaipur rally, which will primarily focus on the party’s manifesto, will be addressed by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The Congress leaders will also launch a copy of its Lok Sabha poll manifesto — “Nyaya Patra” during the rally.
In Hyderabad, Rahul Gandhi will shed light on Congress’ poll promises during a public meeting. The party has claimed that more than 10 lakh people are expected to attend the public meeting.
* The BJP will celebrate its 45th foundation day on Saturday. For this, the party has made special preparations across the country. It will hold special programmes at more than 10 lakh booths across the country.
* Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will address a public meeting in Nagina in support of BJP candidate Om Kumar.
* BRS MLA Tellam Venkata Rao will join the Congress on Saturday.
* Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will hold roadshows in Pandhurna and Sausar on Saturday.
* Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will hold a public outreach programme in Alwar’s Mundawar assembly constituency on Saturday in support of BJP candidate Bhupendra Yadav.
* BSP will start its Lok Sabha poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. The responsibility for campaigning has been entrusted to BSP supremo Mayawati’s nephew Akash Anand. He will hold a rally in Nagina on Saturday. Mayawati may also join him there.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has indicated the potential withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the Kashmir valley, although emphasizing that the final decision rests with the Union Home Ministry.
In an interview with Network 18, Singh said: “This law can be removed but the decision lies with the Union Home Ministry. Once reports reach the concerned ministry, the decision will be made accordingly.”
AFSPA, which grants extensive powers to armed forces personnel in troubled areas, including the authority to search, arrest, and use force for maintaining public order, was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s.
Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also hinted at the possibility of revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir in recent statements.
The Act was implemented in response to perceived disturbances in various parts of the state, allowing defense forces to contribute to peacekeeping efforts.
New Delhi :Delhi minister and senior AAP leader Atishi lashed out at the Election Commission (EC) after she was served a show cause notice on Friday, asking if it was a “subsidiary organisation” of the BJP.
The notice was issued to her over her remarks that the BJP had approached her to either join the party or be prepared to be nabbed by the Enforcement Directorate within a month.
At a press conference, Atishi alleged that the notice was leaked to the media by the BJP an hour before the EC sent it to her through email.
She asked why the Election Commission did not issue notices to the Central agencies concerned after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested and bank accounts of the Congress were frozen ahead of elections.
She asked if the Election Commission is a “subsidiary organisation” of the BJP.
She said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wrote multiple letters to the poll panel over the BJP’s “objectionable” hoardings and posters, but no action was taken on them.
Atishi said she will reply to the notice and remind the Election Commission of the neutrality and non-partisanship expected of it in conducting free and fair elections in the country.
In its notice, the poll panel asked Atishi to back with facts her statement that the BJP approached her to join the party.
The BJP moved the poll commission a day back against Atishi’s claim made on April 2.
New Delhi : Jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday moved a city court urging it to allow him to spend more time with his lawyer in order to prepare for cases pending against him in several parts of the country.
Kejriwal moved the application claiming that two meetings every week with his lawyer, as permitted by the court, were not sufficient since he was facing multiple cases in various states and needed more time for consultation.
The AAP leader urged the court to increase the number of meetings to five per week.
The application is likely to come up for hearing before special judge for ED cases Kaveri Baweja on Friday.
The court had on April 1 sent Kejriwal to judicial custody till April 15 in the money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam.
NEW DELHI : The Congress today released the ‘Nyay Patra’, the party manifesto, for the 2024 General Elections, promising ‘Paanch Nyay’, five pillars of justices with 25 guarantees, which include, ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Naari Nyay’, ‘Kisaan Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay’.
The Nyaya Patra was released at the AICC headquarters by the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi, former president Rahul Gandhi, Manifesto Committee Chairman P. Chidambaram and General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal.
The main guarantees include caste census, legal guarantee on MSP, removing the fifty percent cap on reservation of SCs, STs and OBCs, providing 50 percent reservation to women in central government jobs, waiving of all educational loans up to March 15, 2024, filling the 30 lakh vacancies pending in various central government departments at the earliest, raising the minimum daily wage to Rs 400 and introducing the Rajasthan Model of universal healthcare with insurance cover up to Rs 25 lakhs for everyone.
The party also promised to scrap the Agnipath scheme of recruitment in Armed Forces and restore the earlier system.
The party announced that it will provide legal guarantee for the MSP of various crops which will be fixed on the basis of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.
As promised repeatedly by the former party president Rahul Gandhi, the Congress guaranteed that it will conduct a nationwide socio-economic and caste Census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions.
The party said, it will scrap the fifty percent cap on reservations of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and Other Backward Castes, through a constitutional amendment.
The Congress ‘Nyay Patra’ promised to abolish application fees of examinations for recruitment in various government departments.
Besides, the party will also provide one time relief for students and will write off all the student and educational loans, due up to March 15, 2024 and the banks will be compensated for it by the government.
In a major step towards providing equality to women, the party promised it will reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting in 2025.
Promising to launch the Mahalakshmi scheme, the party said it will provide ₹1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family as an unconditional cash transfer. The poor will be identified among the families in the bottom of the income pyramid, the party added.
To achieve transparency and ensure credibility of the electoral process, the ‘Nyay Patra’ said, the Congress government will amend the election laws to combine the efficiency of the electronic voting machine (EVM) and the transparency of the ballot paper. “Voting will be through the EVM but the voter will be able to hold and deposit the machine-generated voting slip into the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) unit”, it said, adding, “the electronic vote tally will be matched against the VVPAT slip tally”.
The Congress promised to replace the existing GST regime saying it will replace the GST laws enacted by the BJP/NDA government with GST 2.0. “The new GST regime will be based on the universally accepted principle that GST shall be a single, moderate rate (with a few exceptions) that will not burden the poor”, the manifesto added.
The party also promised to double the GDP in next ten years, saying, “the Congress is committed to rapid growth and generation of wealth…we have set a target of doubling the GDP in the next 10 years’.
On the border issue with China, the party said, it will work to restore the status quo ante on borders with China and to ensure that areas, where both armies patrolled in the past, are again accessible to our soldiers. “We will take the necessary steps to adjust our policy towards China until this is achieved”, it added.
The party said it will repair relations with the Maldives also.
In order to curb the menace of paid and fake news, the party said it will amend the Press Council of India Act, 1978 to empower the Council to deal with the menace of fake news and paid news.
To discourage defections, the party promised to amend the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and make defection (leaving the original party on which the MLA or MP was elected) an automatic disqualification of the membership in the Assembly or Parliament.
The party promised to raise the pensions for senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities under the National Social Assistance Programme to Rs 1,000 per month against the current pitiful amount between 200-500.
In order to streamline the functioning of sporting bodies and federations, Congress promised to enact a separate legislation for the registration of sports federations/bodies/associations which will ensure full compliance with the Olympic Charter, allow for autonomy and full accountability, and provide recourse for members and sportspersons against discrimination, bias, sexual harassment, abuse, wrongful termination, etc.
The Congress government will provide sports scholarships of ₹10,000 per month to talented and budding sports persons below the age of 21.
The party also promised not to interfere with personal choices of food and dress, to love and marry, and to travel and reside in any part of India. “All laws and rules that interfere unreasonably with personal freedoms will be repealed”, the party said.
It will also encourage state governments to establish “school fee regulation committees”.
It will ensure to provide mobile phones for all students from classes IX to XII for equitable access to learning.
It promised to double the number of Anganwadi workers and create 14 lakh more jobs.
The Congress will Immediately restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
It will also amend the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to include tribal areas of Ladakh
The party promised to give Special Category status to Andhra Pradesh.
The party will amend the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 so that the LG shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers of NCT, Delhi except on 3 reserved subjects. Party has also promised to grant full statehood to Puducherry.
The Congress promised to remove the present state government of Manipur and heal the wounds between communities.
It will appoint a Reconciliation Commission for political and administrative settlement in Manipur and ensure appropriate compensation and redressal for victims and survivors of conflict in Manipur.
The party promised to have a final solution and agreement with the Naga groups.
Priyanka Gandhi, Ajay Maken, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, Pawan Khera and many other leaders were present on the occasion.
With the elections looming large in Manipur, the political landscape is bustling with campaign activities. The upcoming polls for the Inner Manipur seat are scheduled for April 19, while the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency will witness elections on April 26. R.K. Somendro, popularly known as Kaiku, is gearing up as an independent candidate backed by the Manipur People’s Party. He faces a formidable lineup in the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency, competing against BJP’s Thounaojam Basantakumar, Congress’s Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Maheshwar Thounaojam from the Republican Party of India (Athawale), and two other Independent candidates – Moirangthem Tomtomsana Nongshaba and Haorungbam Sarat.
Having earned acclaim as an actor in Manipuri films, RK Somendro recently sat down for an interview with Tehelka.com. In this interview, he sheds light on his vision for Manipur, the driving force behind his entry into politics, his recent departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party, and his contributions to society.
Q: You achieved fame and success as a renowned Manipuri film actor in the past. What motivated you to transition into the realm of politics?
A: If I hadn’t pursued acting, I doubt I would have ventured into politics. My inclination towards public service stems from my experiences as an actor. Travelling extensively across Manipur and its hill regions for filming exposed me to the harsh realities faced by many. I witnessed firsthand the struggles of hill-dwellers, especially children, who endure immense hardships just to obtain water. Trekking rugged terrains from 11 am to 4 pm with bamboo baskets to fetch water, only to discover their toil when we casually used it for bathing, was eye-opening. This wasn’t isolated; it mirrored the broader challenges faced by villagers throughout Manipur.
Despite governmental claims of welfare initiatives in newspapers and on TV, these benefits often failed to reach those most in need. The marginalized, uneducated, and fearful of authority suffered silently. It’s these very people who contributed to my journey as an actor. In return, I feel compelled to give back, prompting my decision to enter politics.
Unlike wealthier actors like Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan, I lack the financial means to provide widespread assistance without entering politics. Manipuri actors like myself lack such vast resources. Therefore, I see politics as a platform to ensure justice by ensuring that government schemes and aid genuinely reach the people. My aim is to advocate for the neglected hill and valley communities, driving my choice to step into politics.
Q: Having been a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) previously and now vying to contest the Lok Sabha Election 2024 from the Manipur People’s Party (MPP), and currently as an independent candidate, the question arises: Is there a pressing need for a regional party in Manipur?
A: After initially aligning myself with the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) led by Ram Vilas Paswan, I found myself at a crossroads during the election period. While I was an active participant in LJP’s campaign efforts for the previous general election, the party’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) brought about unexpected challenges. As election time approached, indications surfaced that the LJP preferred that I refrain from contesting.
Though they didn’t explicitly instruct me, I gathered information suggesting they wouldn’t support my candidacy under the LJP banner. Despite tempting offers, I chose to decline and remain committed to my principles. At that critical moment, my dedication to serving the public prompted me to declare my candidacy independently, knowing that stepping back would have sent the wrong message to my supporters.
Although victory wasn’t secured in that election, I received significant support and garnered numerous votes without resorting to buying votes or distributing money. Challenges like the absence of adequate campaign infrastructure limited my vote count to around 82,000, yet the overwhelming support I received reinforced my belief in prioritizing public service over political affiliations.
I feel compelled to be candid about my political journey. Subsequently, I received an invitation to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and observed several commendable initiatives undertaken by the party. Numerous central leaders demonstrated genuine concern for Manipur, instilling in me the belief that joining the BJP would enable me to contribute meaningfully to my dream for Manipur’s development.
However, the unfolding unrest in Manipur since May 2023 shattered my initial optimism. Despite anticipating a swift resolution, the situation persisted for months without adequate attention or action from BJP leaders. This disappointment eroded my trust in the party, leading me to resign and commit myself to independent public service.
As the Lok Sabha 2024 election approached, I received several offers from national parties. Yet, I recognized a crucial need for the people of Manipur to reclaim agency and address their own challenges. It dawned on me that excessive reliance on national parties had contributed to Manipur’s current crisis. This realization underscored the necessity for a strong regional party. Given its longstanding presence, I opted to align with the Manipur People’s Party (MPP), the second oldest regional party in India.
Unfortunately, delays in the Election Commission of India uploading the MPP’s documents prevented me from contesting on their ticket. Nonetheless, I am grateful for their support and will proceed as an independent candidate, driven by a steadfast commitment to serve the people of Manipur.
Q: The film and entertainment industry in Manipur has been profoundly impacted by the ongoing unrest. Actors, singers, and performers, including those involved in Sumang Leela, are facing immense challenges in earning a livelihood due to the prevailing circumstances. What are your thoughts on this concerning situation?
A: It’s not just limited to the film and entertainment sectors; many sportspeople in Manipur are also facing significant struggles. The government and its dedicated departments have often fallen short in providing support to these athletes during their times of need. It’s disheartening to see that support is often only extended when they achieve notable feats, such as winning gold medals, while they receive minimal assistance during their periods of struggle and training. Consequently, numerous talented individuals find themselves unable to participate actively in their sports.
Turning back to the film and entertainment industry, Manipuri films have made remarkable strides and contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Manipur. Art and culture are integral to the identity of Manipur, and these films often achieve impressive results despite modest budgets. In fact, many filmmakers from outside the state have studied Manipuri films to understand their innovative production techniques on a limited budget.
Even when filmmakers from Mumbai visited Manipur and witnessed film shootings, they were astonished by the quality of output achieved with limited resources. While the public enjoys these artistic products, there seems to be a disparity in the recognition and respect accorded to entertainers and artists. It’s essential to remember that respecting art and culture is a reflection of how we value ourselves as a society. I hope that people continue to acknowledge and appreciate the immense contributions made by the film and cultural sectors in Manipur.
Q: What were your experiences while visiting various locations across the state during the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, and do you see any prospects for reconciliation and revival?
A: During my visits to various places, I witnessed numerous heart-wrenching incidents and the dire conditions faced by many people. There were moments when I nearly fainted from the overwhelming emotions. In the early stages of the violence in Manipur, I encountered many individuals, especially children, in relief camps who lacked basic necessities like footwear and adequate clothing. The harsh winter added to their suffering, as they slept on the cold ground or on straw-filled mattresses. Even in our own homes, the bitter cold made it challenging to find comfort, yet many elders like my parents endured sleeping without proper bedding in relief camps.
However, what struck me the most was the resilience and solidarity of the people of Manipur. Despite their own hardships, everyone came together to support each other with monetary contributions or essential supplies for those displaced by the violence, particularly in the relief camps. While the government also provided assistance, I must commend the people for their immense efforts during these trying times. Their collective contributions far surpassed what the government could offer.
Additionally, numerous young people volunteered as village defense volunteers to safeguard Manipur, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience against the elements for many months. This volunteerism wasn’t restricted to the youth; even the elderly joined in, enduring harsh weather conditions to protect lives and properties. Witnessing their dedication, I couldn’t help but wonder how long this collective effort could be sustained. In response, I personally visited various locations and contributed whatever assistance I could.
However, I faced criticism from some quarters, with accusations that my contributions were solely motivated by the upcoming election. This unjust criticism deeply disheartened me, especially considering that earlier, these very individuals had praised my efforts. Despite representing the inner Manipur parliamentary constituency, I extended my support to areas like Sugnu and Kakching, which aren’t directly under my electoral jurisdiction. This, I believe, demonstrates my genuine concern for the welfare of all Manipuris, not just those within my constituency.
I want to clarify that during times of conflict, campaigning for votes was not even a consideration. My actions were driven purely by a desire to help people in need. It’s disheartening to see that some candidates may not feel the need to understand ground realities and instead opt for superficial actions during election periods. I firmly believe that a candidate’s duty is to comprehend the actual challenges faced by the people and work tirelessly to address them, ultimately contributing to the development and prosperity of the state.
Q. Do you believe that the prolonged conflict situation in Manipur has prompted the people to prioritize voting for the right candidate over succumbing to cash or alcohol for votes? Has this ongoing issue served as a wake-up call for the people of Manipur?
A: I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the current issue has completely awakened the people of Manipur, but it certainly should have prompted awakening. With elections approaching, there seems to be a temporary calm, and many seem to have forgotten the immense suffering endured over the last ten months. Only those residing in relief camps or mourning the loss of loved ones continue to bear the weight of this tragedy.
Unfortunately, the election fervor has overshadowed the gravity of what transpired, with many appearing to brush aside the pain and trauma as if it never happened. This reality pains me to admit, and as a politician, it may cost me votes, but I refuse to compromise the truth. I cherish the people of Manipur deeply, and it’s crucial to convey the reality, regardless of the consequences.
If we fail to act decisively now, future generations will inherit our mistakes. Our ancestors’ failures led us to this plight, and it’s imperative that we think and act with clarity. I am driven by a sincere desire to effect positive change, even though the current political landscape often seems mired in deception and neglect of those advocating for real change. Politics, at its core, is meant to serve and uplift people, and it’s vital for the public to comprehend the gravity of the situation and respond accordingly.
Q. Did a specific incident during this conflict deeply resonate with you and compel you to intensify your dedication and efforts to work for the people of Manipur more passionately than ever before?
A: There were several incidents that deeply affected me during this conflict. One such incident involved the members of Arambai Tenggol, whose capture and subsequent killing struck me emotionally. However, the incident that ultimately led me to part ways with the BJP was the tragic fate of Linthoingambi and Hemanjit. Both of them were like family to me, akin to my own son and daughter.
The sight of Linthoingambi, wearing a mask and looking into the camera with masked eyes, was profoundly emotional. On the day of this incident, I was scheduled to deliver a speech at a meeting, but I found myself unable to speak as I was overwhelmed with grief. As a father of four daughters, I couldn’t help but imagine what I would do if a similar tragedy befell one of my own children. Should I remain silent simply because the incident didn’t directly affect my family?
This realization prompted me to take a decisive stand. I couldn’t ignore the suffering of others simply because it didn’t touch my immediate circle. The ordeal faced by Linthoingambi and Hemanjit could happen to anyone, and this realization fueled my decision to leave the BJP and work independently, focusing on providing assistance and support to the people in need.
Q: As a candidate in the upcoming 2024 election, what vision and plans do you have in store for the people of Manipur?
A: I believe in speaking only the truth, even if it means being straightforward and practical about our challenges. Many political parties release elaborate manifestos during elections, and candidates make numerous promises. However, how many of these promises actually materialize? It’s concerning that the public rarely holds politicians accountable for unfulfilled promises.
The core issue lies in the fact that there’s a lot of talk during elections, but once the voting is done, everything seems to quiet down. I refuse to engage in this cycle of making false promises to garner votes. If elected, I will do my utmost to deliver on what I can realistically achieve.
Let’s face reality: can I, as an MP, single-handedly resolve the ongoing issues in Manipur? Can any MP do so? The reality is that such complex issues require the attention and action of central leaders. Unfortunately, our voices as Manipur MPs often go unheard in parliament. While leaders from other states and parties have raised these issues both nationally and internationally, the impact has been limited.
Bringing Scheduled Tribe status to Manipur is another critical issue that cannot be tackled by an MP alone. It involves a systematic process that begins with recommendations from the state assembly. All communities in Manipur must come together, like brothers and sisters, to address misunderstandings and resolve the issue collectively. It’s essential to recognize that communities in Manipur share mutual respect and love, and by working together, we can pave the way for meaningful change, including the passage of the ST bill.
In essence, my approach is grounded in practicality and honesty. I won’t promise what I can’t deliver, and I believe in working collaboratively with all stakeholders to address our challenges effectively.
Q: How would you articulate your appeal to the people of Manipur regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha election?
A: My appeal to the public as a candidate is rooted in my past experiences. During my last election, I had the privilege of meeting women and elders from various parts of Manipur. However, due to current circumstances, I have not been able to conduct an extensive campaign to urge people to vote for me. I humbly request everyone not to harbor any ill will because of my inability to personally visit your homes and engage in discussions.
Everything I have done over the years has been for the betterment of our motherland and its people. I have always acted in the best interests of the public and have never misled anyone. I ask for your support and the opportunity to serve as a Member of Parliament.
Beyond the election, safeguarding Manipur is a collective responsibility that falls on every citizen of our state. It is imperative for all communities to come together and engage in dialogue to address our shared challenges. The suffering extends across all communities – Meitei, Kuki, Naga, Meitei Pangal, and others. This is our Manipur, and it is our duty to protect it. Let us unite to preserve the beauty and integrity of our beloved state.
New Delhi : A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order on framing of charges against BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in an alleged sexual harassment case by six women wrestlers, for April 18.
In February, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had sought to be discharged in the case, citing delay in reporting the alleged offence and contradictions in the complainants’ statements.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Priyanka Rajpoot, of Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday heard the arguments presented by the complainants, Delhi Police, and the accused, including Vinod Tomar, former Assistant Secretary of WFI.
Earlier during the proceedings, the complainants and police had said that there was ample evidence to proceed with the trial against the accused individuals.
The Delhi Police had refuted the argument of the accused that certain incidents occurred overseas and thus fell outside the jurisdiction of Delhi courts, contending that the alleged acts of sexual harassment, attributed to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, both abroad and in India, including Delhi, constituted part of the same offence.
His counsel had told the court that the incidents were said to have occurred in 2012 but were only reported to the police in 2023.
In addition, he had contended discrepancies in the timing and locations of the alleged incidents, asserting no clear link between them.
The defence had pointed out contradictions between the complainants’ affidavits and statements.
The Delhi Police had concluded its arguments last month. It was contended that incidents of alleged sexual harassment, whether occurring overseas or within the country, were interconnected and part of the same transaction.
Hence, the police had said that the court had jurisdiction to hear the case.
The BJP MP had earlier questioned the jurisdiction of the Delhi court claiming that there was no action or consequence which happened in India.
Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava, representing the Delhi Police, had argued that under Section 354 of the IPC, the case is not time-barred, as it carries a maximum punishment of five years.
Addressing the issue of delay in filing complaints, Srivastava had brought up the issue of fear among the women wrestlers, saying that wrestling held immense significance in their lives, and they were hesitant to come forward due to concerns about jeopardising their careers.
The prosecution had argued that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s defence, claiming his actions were fatherly, demonstrated awareness of his acts.
The BJP MP’s justification that he was checking breathing patterns had contradicted the victims’ statements about inappropriate touching.
The police had claimed that there was sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed with trial against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Tomar.
The prosecution had earlier said that the act of sexual harassment of the victims was a continuing offence, as it did not stop at any particular time.
Delhi Police had also told the court that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh never missed an opportunity to “sexually harass” women wrestlers, adding that there is sufficient evidence to frame charges against him and proceed with the trial.
Patna: Launching the NDA’s campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar at a mega rally in Jamui district on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the RJD and the Congress responsible for the Maoist trouble and ‘Jungle Raj’ in the state during their tenure.
“Everyone knows the kind of identity that was created for Bihar during the RJD and Congress rule when the state witnessed Maoist attacks and Jungle Raj. Maoists didn’t allow the construction of roads in places like Jamui, which adversely affected the farmers, labourers and poor people of the region.
“Now, Maoism is finished in Bihar with many radical operatives joining the mainstream after surrendering. Their children are going to schools now, ” PM Modi said in Jamui.
The Prime Minister also pointed at the IRCTC land-for-job scam, without naming RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, one of the prime accused in the case.
“They grabbed lands of the poor people to give jobs in the Railways. Such people can never do any good. Nitish Kumar was also the Railway Minister of the country, but there were no complaints against him. The condition of trains was poor during the Congress rule, but now trains like Vande Bharat Express are running across the country.
“We also want to make the railway stations in Bihar world-class. The facilities at the railway stations will be similar to those seen at the airports. We are building highways and expressways in Bihar with the help of Nitish Kumar, ” The Prime Minister said.
Stating that the coming elections are decisive for the development of the country as well as Bihar, PM Modi said, “Ten years back, the world looked at India as a poor country. Smaller nations used to carry out terror attacks in the country, but the Congress leaders only complained about such incidents in the world fora.
“But now we launch strikes against such elements by entering their country. People of the world are looking up to India now. Our country is the fifth largest economy in the world today. India held the G-20 Summit in Delhi and the entire world paid attention to it. The credit for all these goes to the common people of the country.”
The Prime Minister also said that all the corrupt forces have now teamed up against his government.
“We constructed the Ram Temple in Ayodhya despite the Congress and the RJD trying their best to ensure that it was not built. They also insulted (former Bihar Chief Minister) late Karpoori Thakur, but we have conferred him with the Bharat Ratna, ” PM Modi said.
He also remembered his ‘old friend’ late Ram Vilas Paswan at the rally. “Today I am missing my old friend Ram Vilas Paswan who is not with us. But his son Chirag Paswan is promoting his ideology in Bihar. I want to appeal to the people of Jamui to vote for NDA nominee Arun Bharti, which will please Ram Vilas Paswan, ” he said.
