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About 50 out of 71 candidates on the BJP's initial list for Bihar were repeat candidates; senior ministers and deputy chief ministers
For the Bihar Assembly elections next month, the BJP on Tuesday unveiled its initial list of 71 candidates, keeping a number of its current ministers and MLAs but adding fresh names in a few constituencies.About half of the 71 names are repeat candidates who ran in the 2020 elections, such as Vinod Narayan Jha (Benipatti), Pawan Jaiswal (Dhaka), Rana Randhir Singh (Madhuban), Awadhesh Singh (Hajipur), and Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga).Outgoing deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha will run in the next Bihar assembly election from the Tarapur and Lakhisarai assembly constituencies, respectively, according to the Bharatiya Janata Party's first list of candidates released on Tuesday. Election results for the 243-seat Bihar legislature will be revealed on November 14 after two phases of voting on November 6 and 11.The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-United (JDU) are running for 101 seats apiece, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, is running for 29 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finalized their seat-sharing formula for the Bihar assembly elections on Sunday. Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), also known as HAM(S), and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will compete for six seats each.As the party ran for 115 seats in the 2020 Bihar assembly election, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) saw a decline in the final seat-sharing results. Additionally, the BJP lost 110 seats from the previous election to 101.Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote on X to announce the completion of the seat-sharing arrangement, saying, "The NDA allies have finished the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere." This is greatly appreciated by all NDA party leaders and employees. Bihar is prepared, and an NDA government will be established once more.
Published 14 Oct 2025 09:07 PM
No Aadhaar, no school Pakistani refugee children's education in Delhi is in a state of uncertainty
Five years have passed since Daulatram's family departed Sindh, Pakistan, in search of a brighter future for his kids. However, his children's education and that of other residents of the hamlet close to Delhi's Signature Bridge are in a state of uncertainty. Most children have been forced to quit out after fifth grade due to a lack of documentation.Only one of Mr. Daulatram's five children, who owns a roadside stand, attends a primary school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) close to Majnu ka Tilla. Sandhya, his daughter, is in fifth grade and will have to leave school the next year. "We invested a lot of money and our hearts here. We are merely getting by, we don't see any progress, and we don't have a suitable location," he remarked.Children of refugees living in a camp close to Delhi's Signature Bridge Picture: Unique Arrangement Five years have passed since Daulatram's family departed Sindh, Pakistan, in search of a brighter future for his kids. However, his children's education and that of other residents of the hamlet close to Delhi's Signature Bridge are in a state of uncertainty. Most children have been forced to quit out after fifth grade due to a lack of documentation. Only one of Mr. Daulatram's five children, who owns a roadside stand, attends a primary school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) close to Majnu ka Tilla. Sandhya, his daughter, is in fifth grade and will have to leave school the next year. "We invested a lot of money and our hearts here.
Published 13 Oct 2025 05:29 PM
In the push for OBC quota, BJP MP government aligns its argument with Congress's 'jitni abaadi, utna haq' pitch
The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, led by Mohan Yadav, is advocating in the Supreme Court for an increase in the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 14% to 27%. This initiative would violate the top court's quota ceiling of 50%. It appears to resonate with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's call for “jitni abaadi, utna haq (representation proportional to population).”In an affidavit submitted on September 23 before the Supreme Court proceedings that commenced Wednesday, the Madhya Pradesh government referenced 2011 Census data, stating that disadvantaged groups including Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 15.6% of the population, Scheduled Tribes (STs) at 21.1%, and OBCs at over 51% together constitute over 87% of the state's population. On Sunday, veteran Congress politician Kamal Nath charged that the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh was perpetrating a “drama” under the pretext of providing a 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He claimed that the ruling party aimed to deny this community its rights. The OBC quota was raised from 14% to 27% by an ordinance under Nath's Congress government in 2019, but litigation prevented its implementation.Nath asserted in an X post that the Mohan Yadav government was using court procedures and legal advice as a repeated excuse to protect itself.
Published 09 Oct 2025 04:19 PM
Could BJP nominate Maithili Thakur to resonate well in Mithilanchal? Celebration, young folk music performer – let out a few suggestions
As reported by The Indian Express, 25-year-old folk singer Maithili Thakur may run for the Benipatti or Alinagar seat in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections in Mithilanchal. At the age of 12, Maithili first rose to fame by launching a YouTube channel where she sang Maithili and Bhojpuri songs. She currently boasts more than 5.1 million YouTube subscribers and 6.3 million Instagram followers.Thakur's recent meetings with Vinod Tawde, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Bihar organisation in-charge, as well as with Union minister Nityanand Rai, have led to speculation regarding her candidacy in the elections. During her visit to Jabalpur for a performance at the Narmada Mahotsav, the folk singer informed journalists that she feels a special bond with her hometown and believes beginning her political career there would provide her with valuable lessons.Bihar's assembly elections will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14. When asked about her preferred assembly constituency, Maithili responded, "There hasn't been any official announcement yet, but I would like to go to my village area because I have a special connection with it." Beginning there will provide me with an opportunity to learn as well. By meeting people and talking to them, I will gain more understanding if I start from my village," she added.In response to a question concerning the Bihar assembly elections, the 25-year-old singer expressed her willingness to help with the country's development in any way she can. Thakur mentioned that she and Tawde and Rai talked about various aspects of Bihar's future during her meeting with them. Thakur, who was born in Madhubani district of Bihar at Benipatti to a father who was a Maithili musician, made his musical mark in 2011 at the age of 11 and has remained active in the field since then. Vinod Narayan Jha, a BJP leader and ex-minister, is the current representative of Benipatti in the Bihar assembly. In this constituency, which is dominated by Brahmins, the BJP leader (aged 68) triumphed over Bhavana Jha of Congress in 2020, winning by over 30,000 votes.
Published 07 Oct 2025 09:03 PM
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In boost to BJP in Odisha, former Naveen aide joins party
The BJP’s Odisha unit got a shot in the arm ahead of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls after expelled BJD leader and Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy joined the party on Wednesday. The three-time MLA, once considered to be the blue-eyed boy of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was expelled from the BJD for “anti-people” activities in November 2020. Since then, he has been facing multiple cases of alleged corruption and cheating. BJP state president Manmohan Samal claimed Panigrahy has been a “victim of various political situations”, alleging vendetta politics. Welcoming the 60-year-old to the party, Samal said Panigrahy’s entry will strengthen the BJP in the Ganjam district, a BJD stronghold and bastion of CM Patnaik. Ganjam, within which Panigrahy’s Gopalpur seat falls, is the state’s most populous district, with 2 Lok Sabha and 13 Assembly seats. The BJP is yet to announce which seat Panigrahy will contest from, whether in the Lok Sabha or Assembly polls. Panigrahy’s induction into the BJP comes a day before Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address a rally in the Gopalpur constituency. The Gopalpur MLA, who has been targeting Patnaik and his close aide V K Pandian since he was dismissed from the BJD, mounted a fresh attack immediately after joining the BJP. “A lot of development has taken place in the country under the leadership of PM Modi. The world is today looking at India because of Modiji’s leadership. Time has come for a change in Odisha and to throw away the corrupt government. We will work with the ‘Odia first’ approach,” Panigrahy told reporters.
UP Establishes Committee To Examine Noida Farmers Concerns
According to officials, Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, ordered the creation of a committee on Wednesday to investigate the problems raised by farmers in Gautam Buddh Nagar who are staging protests against the Noida and Greater Noida government. Following an unsuccessful attempt to travel to Delhi on February 8, local farmers' groups have threatened to march on the capital city in the middle of the night in order to demand their demands. The farmer groups are requesting better pay and developed plots in place of the land that the NTPC and local government previously took from them.District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma stated that the committee, which will be led by the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Council, will deliberate on the problems pertaining to the farmers' demonstrations against the local government before presenting its findings to the government.According to an official statement, the committee will be comprised of the divisional commissioner and the district magistrate, with support from the Chief Executive Officers of the Noida Authority and the Greater Noida Authority as needed."The report will have to be presented to the state government within the time limit set by the committee, formed on the instructions of the chief minister to resolve the problems of farmers," said the statement. A high-level committee of NTPC will speak with the affected farmers and interested parties to ensure a solution, according to the district magistrate, in order to address the demands of the farmers impacted by the NTPC, Dadri project. He said that DK Patel, Director (HR), NTPC, New Delhi, will lead this committee.
Mohan Yadav of the BJP amid Kamal Nath rumors
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Congress veteran Kamal Nath's next political move, a number of local leaders from his constituency of Chhindwara district became members of the BJP on Wednesday. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav greeted them with cryptic remarks, saying that many people are feeling uneasy and that they will eventually join the BJP in the upcoming days. In Mr. Yadav's presence, a number of Congressmen, including workers, council members, sarpanches, state Congress general secretary Ujjwal Singh Chauhan, and janpad members, defected to the BJP.A representative for Congress stated that deserters have no effect on the party. "A lot of people experience anxiety. They will become a part of the BJP family, if not today, then tomorrow. The chief minister stated at a public meeting that "nobody in the world will be able to prevent this from happening." In addition, he urged the populace to guarantee the BJP's win in the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat. Currently held by Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, Chhindwara was previously represented by Kamal Nath for nine terms. In the 2019 Madhya Pradesh elections, when the BJP won 28 out of 29 seats, this is the only constituency that the Congress was able to seize from the BJP. 1,500 Congressmen, the district BJP president of Chhindwara claimed, Sandeep Ghatode, the chairman of Pandhurna Nagar Palika, 16 sarpanchs, council members from Nagar Palika, and others are among the new members of the BJP. One of the seven assembly segments that make up the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency is Pandhurna. "I came to Chhindwara today to thank the people of Madhya Pradesh for electing the BJP to power with a mandate of 163 seats (in assembly elections)," said Mr. Yadav. In addition, the chief minister dedicated and laid the cornerstone for a number of 104 crore rupee development projects.Under PM Modi's direction, Madhya Pradesh would grow and no force on earth could stop it. The BJP government led by Narendra Modi is in power at this time. It's the poor people's government. Only because of PM Modi, more than 25 crore people nationwide—including 2.5 crore in MP—could escape poverty, he claimed. Additionally, Mr. Yadav organized a "Jan Abhar Yatra" from the Imlikheda airstrip to the public meeting location. Anand Bakshi, a spokesperson for the Congress, stated that if some employees defect to other parties, it won't have an impact on the party or the organization.Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, the general secretary of the Congress, stated on Tuesday that there is no truth to the rumors that Mr. Nath is joining the BJP, claiming that the media and the ruling party at the Center are the ones generating these discussions. According to a party leader, Mr. Nath will take part in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi once it enters Madhya Pradesh on March 2.
Rahul Gandhi is depicted as Lord Krishna on posters.
Congress leader Sandeep Shukla on Wednesday erected hoardings featuring Rahul Gandhi as Lord Krishna and state party chief Ajay Rai as Arjun from the epic "Mahabharat" in anticipation of the arrival of the Congress's ongoing "Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra" in Kanpur. On Wednesday, hoardings were erected throughout the city. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shukla expressed his belief that Rahul Gandhi represents Lord Krishna in the modern era."Like when Lord Krishna stopped the Kauravas' animosity toward the Pandavas during the Dwaparyug, his goal is evident. Lord Krishna seemed to be spreading love at the time. In a similar vein, this Kalyug, our leader Rahul Gandhi has made it his mission to promote love and brotherhood. He is traveling to Kanpur today with the intention of bringing unity and love to all. He reminds me of Lord Krishna, in my opinion," Mr. Shukla had earlier in the day stated.With the honorable Ajay Rat-ji at his side, ready to battle the BJP as Arjun. Posters portray him as such," he continued. All the preparations were made for the procession, which will pass through the city's Ghantaghar intersection in the interim. Congressmen Rahul and Sonia Gandhi's posters and banners were all over the place. Jairam Ramesh, the general secretary of the Congress party, had earlier announced that the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' would be put on hold from February 26 to March 1 due to election-related meetings in Delhi. There will be a break from February 26 to March 1 because Rahul Gandhi must be present at several crucial meetings in Delhi related to the elections, Mr. Ramesh told ANI in Lucknow on Wednesday. He told them that on March 2, the Yatra will start up again.
Amid BJP Switch Speculation, Congress Says This About Nakul Naths Candidature from Chhindwara
Amid speculations that Congress veteran Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Kamal Nath might join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections, Congress made a big announcement about Nakul Nath’s candidature from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara.Congress general secretary Jitendra Singh, who is touring Madhya Pradesh to understand the mood of party workers, said Nakul Nath is a strong candidate. Singh also hinted that the Chhindwara MP could be the party’s candidate in this election as well. “He is a strong candidate from there (Chhindwara) and will definitely contest the elections,” Singh told ANI.However, rumours are strife that Nakul Nath might join the saffron camp soon as he dropped a major hint of a possible political switch after he removed the party name and symbol from his social media bio last week. About the reports that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and one of Congress’s senior-most leaders Kamal Nath might leave the party, Singh said those were just rumours being spread by the BJP.“There is nothing like this. All these rumours (of Kamal Nath leaving Congress) have been spread by the BJP. He is our senior leader and he will attend the meeting today regarding the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,” Jitendra Singh added. Meanwhile, suspense over Kamal Nath’s possible BJP switch continues as the leader, according to sources, is likely to join the saffron camp soon. The move, if happens, would turn out to be a massive blow to the already shaky INDIA bloc and Congress party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Former Punjab PM Amarinder Singh meets PM Modi, discusses farmers issues
Former Punjab chief minister and BJP leader Amarinder Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed a host of issues related to farmers, he said on Tuesday.Singh said in a post on X, "Had a detailed meeting with Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji on wide-ranging issues related to Punjab, including the issues concerning the farmers. The meeting comes amid the ongoing protest by farmers, mostly from Punjab, who on Monday rejected the Centre's proposal to procure pulses, maize and cotton at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) by government agencies for five years and reiterated their call to march to the national capital, seeking a legal guarantee for the MSP regime, among other demands. Addressing reporters in Udupi, she said the M S Swaminathan committee had given 207 recommendations in its report, which was kept in "deep cold storage" by the UPA government. She claimed that all the recommendations were addressed by the Narendra Modi government alone, and minimum support price (MSP) was one among them.
Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP Ceased to Visit Sandeshkhali in Bengal
Following their refusal to visit the island this morning, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and CPM leader Brinda Karat are expected to engage in yet another political showdown in West Bengal over the Sandeshkhali issue. Due to the BJP's accusations of sexual violence by Trinamool leaders and numerous reports from women alleging harassment and extortion, the Sandeshkhali island in the North 24 Parganas district has gained media attention. The Bengal Assembly's Leader of Opposition, Mr. Adhikari, was prevented from boarding a ferry to transport him and his supporters to the island at Dhamakhali. This is his third trip to Sandeshkhali following the political uproar caused by the accusations made against Trinamool leaders.By the way, yesterday's Calcutta High Court decision permitted Mr. Adhikari to travel to Sandeshkhali. It requested that the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party submit an oath promising that neither he nor his allies would take part in any actions that could worsen the state of law and order. However, barricades were seen being erected this morning at Dhamakhali by police and members of the riot control force in an attempt to stop the BJP leader and his supporters. Furthermore, prohibitory orders were enforced by the local government in Sandeshkhali, prohibiting public gatherings on the island.Before Ms. Karat could travel to the island, she was also stopped at Dhamakhali. Supporters of the BJP and CPM are currently demonstrating in Dhamakhali. The BJP has claimed that supporters of local Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan harassed women sexually, putting the island at the center of a heated political dispute. Reports from the ground by NDTV exposed claims of extortion and land grabs, with locals accusing Shahjahan's aides of stealing money they were given through federal and state government welfare programs.Since a mob attacked an Enforcement Directorate team conducting raids against Mr. Shahjahan in a corruption case, Mr. Shahjahan has been evading capture for the past month. Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra, two of his assistants, have been taken into custody. According to state police, 17 people have been taken into custody, and camps have been established in Sandeshkhali to document locals' complaints. With party leader Mamata Banerjee claiming that Sandeshkhali has a "RSS base" and alluding to the organization's involvement in the disturbances, the ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of causing unrest on the island.
India Fails As Mehbooba Mufti Gets Ready
The People's Democratic Party of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has stated that it is getting ready to fight the general election, which is only a few weeks away, on its own. This could put the INDIA bloc in yet another crisis, adding to the drama in Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Nitish Kumar's walkout in Bihar. The six Lok Sabha seats in the union territory are divided between the National Conference of Farooq Abdullah, a former chief minister, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is in control of the center. Ms. Mufti's PDP said that its parliamentary board will choose candidates for these seats soon.We will talk about it because they (the National Conference) have already made a decision. Suhail Bukhari of the PDP stated, "There will be discussions and a future course of action will be decided (soon)."The PDP's statement regarding going it alone was made a few days after similar statements were made by Farooq Abdullah, a member of INDIA whose National Conference is also a member. Nevertheless, shortly after the senior leader's statements, Omar Abdullah, his son, emphasized that the NC "was part of INDIA and still is..."Even more oddly, the PDP has maintained that it is "firm in our commitment to unity and our alliance..." "Ignore fake reports that the PDP is severing its ties to the INDIA alliance. We remain steadfast in our dedication to our alliance and unity. The party said on X, "Don't let malicious misinformation fool you.According to sources, the party could win at least three seats on its own, according to an internal assessment that served as the basis for this call. According to sources, this has led to the NC's reluctance to cede seats to the Congress or the PDP, highlighting the difficulties INDIA bloc members face in negotiating seat-sharing agreements. The remarks raised eyebrows because INDIA is fighting for its life after being rejected by Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of Bengal, and the Aam Aadmi Party, as well as abandoned by its founder, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar. Additionally, the Samajwadi Party of Akhilesh Yadav
Former Minister Mahendrajeet Malviya of Rajasthan Joins the BJP
Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, a former minister and four-time MLA, joined the BJP on Monday, which dealt a blow to the Congress in Rajasthan. Malviya, the Banswara district MLA from Bagidora, claimed that he joined the BJP in order to further the development of the Vagad area. South Rajasthan's Vagad tribal region includes the districts of Banswara and Dungarpur. Malviya, a former MP as well, arrived at the BJP office in Jaipur and was greeted by Arun Singh, the party's in-charge of Rajasthan, CP Joshi, the head of the state unit, and other leaders. The lawmaker claimed to have met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leader JP Nadda on Sunday in Delhi, and he also mentioned being swayed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the party's national convention. Malviya, taking aim at the Congress, expressed his hurt at the party's refusal to come to the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.I am joining the BJP with all of my devotion," he declared during a press conference held at the party headquarters. "There is no one else who can work in the tribal area except the BJP and Modi," he stated. Joshi claimed that Malviya was inspired by the actions and policies of the Modi administration and made the decision to join the BJP.
After Chandigarh Mayor Resigns, Arvind Kejriwal Says
Today, Arvind Kejriwal declared that Manoj Sonkar, the leader of the BJP, had resigned, proving that the elections had been rigged. "It is evident from the mayor's resignation that election manipulation occurred. "Our councilors are being bought and broken if the election is not won," Mr. Kejriwal declared. His words are made one day after Mr. Sonkar resigned from his position in anticipation of the Supreme Court hearing a case alleging manipulation of the mayoral elections.In the much anticipated election on January 30, Mr. Sonkar triumphed over Kuldeep Kumar of the Aam Aadmi Party. In the election, Mr. Sonkar received sixteen votes as opposed to the AAP candidate's twelve. Eight votes were deemed invalid, which threw doubt on the BJP's victory and prompted harsh criticism and charges from the opposition. Three AAP council members—Poonam Devi, Neha, and Gurcharan Kala—decayed to the BJP on the same day, compounding the party's problems.The BJP now has 17 members out of the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation as a result of this development. The BJP now has 19 members in total thanks to the support of one Shiromani Akali Dal councilor and Kirron Kher, the MP for Chandigarh, who is an ex-officio member and may vote. With just 10 council members remaining, the AAP and its ally Congress, which has seven, are in a difficult position. Chaos has surrounded the election aftermath, with claims of electoral irregularities and cheating. The opposition, comprising the AAP and Congress council members, charged that the BJP had not followed the correct electoral procedures, pointing out that in a video that was sent to the Supreme Court, the presiding officer, Anil Masih, was seen "tampering" with voting papers.
Congress Is Offered 15 UP Seats By Akhilesh Yadav, With A Yatra Requirement
In order to oppose the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a number of opposition parties banded together last year. However, the Congress and its alliance partners have not succeeded in moving forward with seat-sharing negotiations, and it is still unclear whether the INDA bloc will run jointly in the 2024 elections. The Samajwadi Party has delivered the Congress yet another blow by posing a demanding demand for the party's support in Uttar Pradesh. Sources claim that Samajwadi has stated that it is only willing to allow the Congress party to run for 15 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. The Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with very few of those victories occurring in the Hindi belt or the northeast. Raebareli was the only seat it won in Uttar Pradesh, as Rahul Gandhi was defeated by Smriti Irani in Amethi. In courtesy to the Congress, Samajwadi had withdrawn from the 2019 elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli. This time, though, the party has adopted a strong stance, offering the Congress 15 seats and insisting that the Congress cannot contest any additional seats as long as the alliance remains in place. Congress now has the ball in their court, and we are waiting for a response. The Congress president Rahul Gandhi's current Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is being led by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav; Yadav's decision to join is also pending the Congress's acceptance of the invitation. "We've exchanged numerous lists and held multiple rounds of discussions. The Samajwadi Party will take part in their Nyay yatra after seat-sharing is completed, Mr. Yadav declared.As it enters its 37th day, the opposition has used the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as a focal point to criticize the BJP, which is currently in power. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, two prominent members of the Congress, are expected to speak at a public gathering in Babuganj. Regarding Akhilesh Yadav's involvement in the Yatra, Congress General Secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh had voiced optimism.Regarding seat sharing, the AAP's Bhagwant Mann in Punjab and Mamata Banerjee in Bengal have both rejected the Congress. NItish Kumar, who deviated and took the oath of office as the ninth Chief Minister of Bihar last month to lead an alliance government with the BJP, has betrayed the entire Opposition.It is important that Congress maintain the Samajwadi Party's support in light of these setbacks. Samajwadi sources have stated that if Congress requests more seats than the 15 allotted, the party may split from the INDIA bloc.
Bank account freeze case: Why accounts of Congress were under I-T depts scanner | Explained
The Congress' main bank accounts were frozen on Friday over an income tax demand of ₹210 crore but an I-T appellate tribunal later allowed it to operate them pending a further hearing next week, a huge relief for the party which said the move had impacted all political activity.ITAT (Income Tax Appellate Tribunal) will hear the matter on February 21, sources told ANI, adding that the current due of Congress to the Tax Department totals ₹115 crores.No bank operations have been seized or stopped in the Congress bank account freeze case, the sources informed further. "The Congress' tax due pertains to FY 17-18, AY 18-19. The initial due to the Tax Dept was ₹103 crores and ₹32 crores in interest accrued on late payment. The claims were for not filing the returns on time. The tax due was reassessed at ₹105 crores on 6th July 2021. Post this, the INC appealed before Commissioner Appeals but did not pay the mandatory 20 per cent of the tax as they had filed a plea by then," a source said. "INC paid only ₹78 lakh, prompting CIT (Appeal) to dismiss their plea. Again, on May 2023, the INC went for 2nd appeal at ITAT. The Congress did not apply for any stay on the tax demand at ITAT. In October 2023, the INC paid ₹1.72 crore. No orders were passed by ITAT today. Nowhere in their appeal has the Congress disputed the tax-due amount. No bank account operation has been stopped by the Income Tax department," the source told ANI. “You are hereby required under Section 226(3) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, to pay to me forthwith any amount due from you to or, held by you, for or on account of Bank Account No. 062304xxxxx and any other bank account/fixed deposit with your bank in the name of Indian National Congress upto the amount of arrears shown above" All Our bankers are being sent this...
57% vs 10%: BJP vs Congress share in electoral bond funds
In the six years since the electoral bonds scheme was introduced, more than half, or 57%, of the funds extended through bonds have gone to the BJP. The party, as per its declarations to the Election Commission, received Rs 5,271.97 crore via bonds between 2017-2022. The Congress was a distant second at Rs 952.29 crore. The EC is yet to publish the annual reports of parties for the financial year 2022-2023. The Supreme Court on Thursday held the changes made in the law to introduce the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional, in a unanimous verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the legal validity of the Centre’s scheme which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties. A five-judge Constitution Bench presided by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud also directed that “the issuing bank shall herewith stop the issuance of electoral bonds” and asked the State Bank of India (SBI) to “submit details of the electoral bonds purchased since the interim order of the court dated April 12, 2019, till date to the Election Commission of India (ECI)”. The bench, also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said, “The deletion of the proviso to Section 182(1) of the Companies Act, permitting unlimited corporate funding to political parties is arbitrary and violative of Article 14”. Under the scheme, notified by the Narendra Modi government on January 2, 2018, electoral bonds could be purchased by any citizen of India or entity incorporated or established in India. An individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. It was pitched as an alternative to cash donations and as a way to increase transparency in political funding. In the period between 2017-2018 and 2021-2022, electoral bonds worth Rs 9,208.23 crore were sold, according to State Bank of India data obtained by The Indian Express through RTI.An analysis of the annual audited account statements submitted by the parties to the EC puts the worth of the contributions via bonds to the BJP at Rs 5,271.97 crore, from 2017-2018 till 2021-2022.
After Swami Maurya, SP’s Apna Dal ally speaks out over ‘sidelining’ of backwards
There is trouble brewing within the Samajwadi Party (SP), with dissenters using the latest round of rolling Rajya Sabha polls, due on February 27, as a platform to voice their disagreements with the party leadership. At least two prominent leaders of the party have questioned the SP’s “treatment” of backward leaders, with questions raised on why it had not stood by its own Lok Sabha poll promises regarding, what it calls, the PDA (Pichda, Dalit and Alpasankhyak) groups, while naming its Rajya Sabha candidates. The first was party national general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya, who resigned from his post on Tuesday, claiming that he was being undermined within the party by other leaders who described his statements as his “personal views”. Now Pallavi Patel, who won the Assembly seat from Sirathu in 2022 on the SP symbol, with her party Apna Dal (Kamervadi) as SP’s ally, has said she won’t cast her vote for the Rajya Sabha polls. The vote of the lone Apna Dal (K) leader could become crucial for the SP in getting all three of its nominees elected to the Rajya Sabha. Patel has objected to the fact that two of the three candidates nominated by the SP are not from PDA communities, and she suggested Wednesday that it was not certain that her party would continue as an SP ally. SP sources claimed her real grievance was that her mother Krishna Patel wasn’t nominated. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, still recovering from the exit of ally RLD, asserted that there was no cause for worry. The SP, which can win 3 of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh that are falling vacant, has nominated former chief secretary Alok Ranjan, actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan — both Kayasths — and Ramji Lal Suman, a Dalit. Other party leaders too said on Wednesday that there was a difference between what SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is preaching and what he does. “To vindicate his PDA pitch, he should have sent three PDA people to the Rajya Sabha. He has sent Jaya Bachchan ji, who is a reliable leader for the SP. But was it the right choice in an election year? The second choice — Alok Ranjan — has raised more eyebrows within the party. He is from an upper caste, has no grounding in politics. The party leadership could have chosen a woman from a marginalised community. Maybe a Muslim woman and a backward class leader…,” a Lucknow-based SP leader said. Another SP leader said: “Look at what the BJP is doing. They have given Bharat Ratna to a farmer leader (Chaudhary Charan Singh) and a backward leader (Karpoori Thakur). This is all a part of their election strategy. Akhileshji and the top leadership could have also made the nominations a tactical move. The Muslims are a main vote bank for the SP now, but it seems they have no standing within the party.”
Farmers protest: Congress promises MSP for various crops if INDIA bloc wins Lok Sabha elections
The Congress has promised to implement MSP for various crops if INDIA bloc wins the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The development came even as members of over 200 farmer unions began a Delhi Chalo agitation to press their demands. The protesters have called for several changes including the enactment of a law guaranteeing minimum support price for crops. “Farmer brothers, today is a historic day! Congress has decided to give legal guarantee of MSP to every farmer on crops as per Swaminathan Commission. This step will change the lives of 15 crore farmer families by ensuring their prosperity. This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice," tweeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the "dictatorial Modi government" for being “hell-bent on curbing the voice of farmers!". The Congress party, he assured, would provide full support to the farmers' movement. Barbed wire, tear gas from drones, nails and guns... everything is arranged. The dictatorial Modi government is trying to curb the voice of farmers! Do you remember that farmers were called "agitators" and "parasites"? In 10 years, the Modi government has broken three promises made to the food providers of the country -Farmers' income to double by 2022, according to Swaminathan report, implementation of Input Cost 50 per cent MSP and legal status to MSP," he said. The remarks however sparked censure in the BJP ranks with lawmakers noting that the other party had previously failed to implement its guarantees. “Congress failed not once but many times and the guarantees of Congress also failed...In Himachal Pradesh too, they had given a guarantee of ₹1500 to every woman per month...but all their guarantees have failed...we increased the prices of MSP and also increased the procurement and Congress spent ₹5.5 lakh crore. While the Modi government spent ₹18.49 lakh crore... the Modi government has done many times more work for the agriculture sector and the welfare of farmers and will continue to do so in future also…" Union Minister Anurag Thakur told ANI.
Ashok Chavan to join BJP today, calls it ‘a new beginning’
Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan on Tuesday morning announced that he would be formally joining the BJP today.Ashok Chavan resigned from the primary membership of the Congress party on Monday. Sources close to the party further revealed some MLAs and office bearers of the Congress party are also likely to follow him. After submitting his resignation to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole, he told reporters on Monday, "I have resigned from the Assembly membership as an MLA. I have given my resignation to the Speaker. I have resigned from the Congress Working Committee and the Congress primary membership." Ashok Chavan served in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for three terms from 1999 to May 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from December 8, 2008, to November 9, 2010, when he was forced to resign due to corruption allegations linked to the Adarsh Housing Society scam. Meanwhile, several Congress leaders condemned the move, calling it a 'dirty political' game. Party leader Prithviraj Chavhan said, "Our senior colleague Ashok Chavan has resigned from the party and also as the MLA. It's a sad decision. This had been talked about for a long time. We didn't think he would make this decision. He was made the state CM on two occasions. What went wrong, who was he upset about--only he will tell about this. This is very tragic. All members of the Congress Legislative Party are together. BJP leaders are spreading rumours that some people are in touch with them," Chavan said while addressing the media. "It is really surprising. This hasn't happened in Maharashtra before. It is totally a dirty political game by the Bharatiya
Donald Trump Raises Funds for His Campaign With A Valentines Day Letter To Melania
In an email intended to raise money, former US President Donald Trump requested donations from supporters using a Valentine's Day love letter to his wife, Melania. ''I love you, Melania!'' was the subject line of a campaign email that Trump offered to write on Wednesday morning. He thanked his wife in the letter for standing by him despite numerous civil and criminal charges. The Republican presidential nominee is indicted on four federal and state counts totaling ninety-one felonies, which is noteworthy. The words in the letter are, "Dear Melania, I LOVE YOU!" You never left my side, not even after all of the accusations, arrests, and witch hunts combined. You've always helped me out no matter what. Without your advice, warmth, and kindness, I would not be the man I am today. Melania, you will always be my everything! From your husband, Donald J. Trump, with love.In addition, the email has three "SEND YOUR LOVE" buttons that, when clicked, take supporters to a donation page with the same Valentine's Day greeting, "If you love Melania, I humbly ask you for you to leave her some kind words below!" The website recommends a $20.24 minimum gift. But individuals who believe he is the greatest president of all time can give any amount—$47, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $3,300, or more.Since the passing of her mother Amalija Knavs last month, Melania Trump has not been sighted in public. On Saturday night, though, she and her spouse attended a gala at Mar-a-Lago. In January 2005, Donald and Melania Trump tied the knot in a lavish ceremony held at his exclusive Mar-a-Lago club. They had become engaged in 2004. In 2006, they welcomed Barron, their only child together. Nikki Haley, Trump's primary Republican opponent, sent the former president a Valentine's Day message of her own.
Pakistani government drags on, Imran Khans party names its PM candidate
Imran Khan's jailed leader has nominated Omar Ayub Khan as a candidate in a parliamentary vote to choose a new prime minister after last week's national elections, according to a senior aide to the former prime minister of Pakistan. Although no candidate emerged with a clear majority from the polls, Khan's independent candidates secured 92 of the 264 seats, making them the largest group. As a result of Khan ruling out coalitions with the three biggest parties, his candidate does not currently have enough support to form a government.After meeting with the former prime minister in jail, Asad Qaiser, a senior leader of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, informed reporters, "Omar Ayub will be our candidate for the prime minister election; he has been nominated by Imran Khan. Qaiser stated that PTI would talk to other parties about endorsing Ayub's candidacy. A coalition to establish a minority government has already been announced by Khan's opponents. Because they were technically prohibited by the election commission from participating in the polls under the electoral symbol of Khan's party, Khan's supporters filed as independents.Millions of Khan's fans turned out to vote for him in spite of the ban and his incarceration for convictions stemming from charges of corruption to state secrets leakage. Khan is prohibited from serving in any government while he is incarcerated. Ayub is presently in hiding and is wanted by law enforcement for a number of reasons, including possible involvement in the rioting that followed Imran Khan's arrest. Despite not participating in the campaign, he ran for office and was elected. He had previously belonged to both the ruling party of Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the former head of the military, and the party of Khan's principal opponent, Nawaz Sharif. The first military dictator of Pakistan, Ayub Khan, is the grandson of Ayub.
