Top Trending Politics News & Highlights
Bengal Migrant Workers Detained in Odisha Without Cause, Says Trinamool
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several migrant workers from West Bengal have been illegally detained in Odisha, raising serious concerns about the treatment of laborers working outside their home state. According to the TMC, a group of workers from East Midnapore had travelled to Odisha for construction jobs. Party leaders claim the workers were detained without formal charges and have been missing for several days. “These are poor laborers who went to earn a living. We are deeply concerned for their safety,” said TMC MP Saugata Roy at a press conference in Kolkata. “We urge the West Bengal government to step in and ensure their safe return.” Relatives of the missing workers say they have not heard from their loved ones since early last week. Rina Das, the mother of one of the workers, said, “My son went there to work, not to disappear. We just want to know where he is.” The Trinamool Congress announced it will send a team to Odisha to gather information and assist the families. The party has also written to state authorities demanding an explanation. As of now, Odisha police have not issued an official statement. Sources suggest the matter is being reviewed. This incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety and legal rights of interstate migrant workers in India.
Published 10 Jul 2025 05:57 PM
PM Modi to Visit 5 Countries in 8 Days, Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil
The PM’s eight-day tour from July 2 to July 9 would cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his longest international trip in ten years, starting Wednesday, July 2. The eight-day journey will cover five countries—Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia—and conclude on July 9. Modi’s visit is expected to boost India’s ties with emerging economies across Africa and Latin America. The tour will begin in Ghana, where discussions will likely center around trade, development, and cultural exchange. In Trinidad and Tobago, Modi will connect with the Indian diaspora and explore bilateral cooperation. The Prime Minister will then head to Argentina to focus on areas such as agriculture, energy, and digital innovation. A key part of the trip will be his participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil, where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will meet to discuss global economic challenges and cooperation among developing nations. Modi will wrap up the tour with a historic visit to Namibia—the first by an Indian Prime Minister. Talks there are expected to explore opportunities in sectors like mining, green energy, and education. This trip reflects India’s growing diplomatic outreach to the Global South, aiming to strengthen strategic, economic, and people-to-people partnerships.
Published 01 Jul 2025 08:30 AM
To accelerate development, PM Modi calls on states to cooperate with the center.
Punjab laments "step motherly treatment," T.N. demands a larger portion of Central tax income, and the PM encourages States to create world-class tourism destinations and incorporate women into the workforce at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting.Some States, including Tamil Nadu and Punjab, complained to the Center while others offered proposals to accelerate their growth, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the States to unite with the Center to accelerate national development.Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for cooperative federalism on Saturday, emphasizing the value of coordinated action between the federal government and the states. He said that no goal is impossible when India works as "Team India." The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th meeting of Niti Aayog's Governing Council, emphasized the importance of accelerating development efforts in order to achieve a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The purpose of the gathering, which had as its topic "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," was to synchronize national and state developmental goals. "Every Indian aspires to Viksit Bharat. Bharat will be Viksit once all the states are Viksit. Prime Minister Modi stated, "This is what its 140 crore citizens want."The chief ministers of every state, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and a number of Union ministers make up the Governing Council, the highest authority within Niti Aayog. The Prime Minister promoted a bottom-up approach to development while serving as the council's head. "Our goal should be to make every state, city, Nagar Palika, and hamlet viksit. We won't have to wait till 2047 to achieve Viksit Bharat if we continue along these lines," he continued.He suggested that every state choose and create at least one internationally renowned tourism destination with all the amenities and infrastructure of today. "One State: One Worldwide Location." The Prime Minister pointed out that it will also result in the growth of nearby cities as tourism destinations.He called for an emphasis on creating "future-ready cities" with development driven by growth, innovation, and sustainability, acknowledging the rapid rate of urbanization in India. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of boosting women's employment. He stated that in order for them to be politely included into the labor, rules and procedures must be created.
Published 28 May 2025 07:55 PM
Bangladesh in Turmoil : Sheikh Hasina Resigns as Prime Minister
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns from the office and lands at Hindon Air force Station near Delhi, at 5:36 pm on August 5, 2024. The move came as a result of series of protests happening in the country, in which around 300 people have already lost their lives. After Sheikh Hasina left the country with her sister, protestors stormed inside the Prime Minister House. Amidst the turmoil Bangladesh Army Chief, Waker Uz Zaman has said that an interim government will be formed and the injustices will be addressed. As a neighboring country, India is also going to face challenges because of the sudden turn of events. In the border areas which are already facing heavy unemployment and corruption, these events could pose even more challenges. West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee has urged the people to maintain peace. The turmoil has halted travel between India and Bangladesh. Air India has cancelled all the scheduled flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. It’s time for India to look towards this pressing issue in our neighboring country.
Published 05 Aug 2024 07:38 PM
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BJP was better than Congress but...: Shashi Tharoor predicts ruling partys downward slide in 2024 Lok Sabha polls
Ahead the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor explained where the Congress falls behind the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at ABP Network's Ideas of India' Summit 3.0, he said on Friday the BJP has been better than the Congress "at the last mile of reaching every voter and knocking on doors, their panna prabhari system, etc. He said politics is about ideas, policies, and issues on one hand, and delivering them to the electorate in a way that gets out the results. "I agree that in the last couple of elections, the BJP has been better than Congress at the last mile of reaching every voter and knocking on doors, their panna prabhari system, etc. They have also been far better funded," he added. Speaking about the BJP, Tharoor said it would be difficult for the BJP to repeat its electoral performance of 2019. He said the BJP's performance peaked in 2019, in many states, and there would be only a "downward slide" in the coming elections. "The 'complacency' of the BJP is the opposition's strength," Shashi Tharoor was quoted by PTI as saying while speaking on 'Collaborative Federalism: View of the States'. Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who was part of the panel, said the target for his party in the coming Lok Sabha polls was 370 seats. Tharoor responded by saying, ""They seem to think it is already a done deal and it isn't." He added that there was a great deal of scepticism about whether the BJP would be able to come anywhere close to what it was projecting. Tharoor further explained why he has doubts about the BJP achieving the 300+ target and said that in the 2019 elections, the BJP did "too well" across the Hindi heartland where it is strong. He said after the "wave of enthusiasm after the Ram mandir and so", the BJP's "percentage of votes may go up but there are no seats left to win at any of these places, and the story will vary from state to state". He noted that the BJP won every seat in Haryana, Rajasthan, all but one seat in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, and a large number of seats in West Bengal, Maharashtra and Bihar, Tharoor said. "The percentage of the BJP's votes may rise, but even if there is enthusiasm after the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya, there are no more seats left to win in any of these places, and the story will vary from state to state," he said. "All of them is not possible this time, because it's impossible for them to repeat those numbers. I think they peaked in 2019. We are going to see nothing but a downward slide. How much downhill that is going to be depends on how effective the opposition campaign is, which is just picking up," the Congress leader said. The BJP's tally in the Lok Sabha rose to 303 in 2019. "All of this is not going to happen this time because it is impossible for them to repeat those numbers," Tharoor claimed. "The election hasn't been called yet so we don't know how much time the Opposition has... Don't give up on the Opposition as it could be your next government," Tharoor said. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
Political Parties Should Find Solutions to Kashi, Mathura Outside Courts
Ajmer Dargah chief Syed Zainul Abedin said political parties should try to find solutions to disputes such as in Mathura and Kashi outside the courts. Any dispute that is resolved by mutual consent will win the hearts and trust of communities, he said.The Ajmer Dargah chief was addressing a conference titled “Paigam-e-Mohabbat Hum Sab Ka Bharat” organised by the Rajasthan unit of All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council in which heads of almost all the dargahs of Rajasthan were present. Abedin said that India was playing a positive role in restoring peace in the world by following the civilization of Vasudhaiva Kutambakam, a statement issued here said.India is playing its role in world peace, so efforts should be made to resolve the internal issues of our country peacefully outside the courts All that is needed is a strong initiative,” he said. On the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Ajmer Dargah chief also said that in the last few years, Muslims have been misled about the CAA law.
Congress Has Completed AAP-Seat Share Speed Run Agreement
According to sources who spoke to NDTV on Friday afternoon, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, who this week produced the INDIA bloc's first electoral victory in the Chandigarh mayoral election, have finalized seat-share agreements for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, Gujarat, Goa, and Haryana. The specifics will be disclosed during a press conference later today, but it is believed that the members of the INDIA bloc have decided to divide Delhi's seven seats four ways to three. According to sources, the AAP will run candidates in East, West, and South Delhi in addition to New Delhi, while the Congress will run candidates in Chandi Chowk, North West, and North East Delhi.A deal for Goa, Chandigarh, Gujarat, and Haryana was also reportedly reached, according to reports that NDTV received hours later. Two seats in Gujarat and one each in Chandigarh and Haryana are reportedly included in the agreement.As of right now, the AAP was expected to run for two seats in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; the Congress was expected to win Chandigarh's lone Lok Sabha seat as well as the seat in South Goa; and the AAP was expected to win at least one seat in Haryana. In the most recent election, the BJP won every one of these, taking all 26 seats in Gujarat and all 10 in Haryana. With just two Lok Sabha seats in Goa, the BJP gained
Courts Cannot Order States To Adopt Specific Plans
The Supreme Court has ruled that courts cannot order the States to adopt a specific policy or plan on the grounds that a "better, fairer, or wiser" option is available. As a result, the scope of judicial review in examining government policy matters is extremely limited. When a PIL asking for the creation of a plan to establish community kitchens in order to fight hunger and malnutrition was being dismissed, the observation was made. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare programs are being implemented by the federal government and individual states, the top court noted, declining to issue any directives in the matter.The legality of the policy—rather than its wisdom or soundness—would be the focus of judicial review, according to a bench of Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal. It is commonly known that the judicial review process has a very narrow scope when it comes to policy matters. The courts are not and cannot assess whether a policy is right, appropriate, or suitable. Neither are they the executive's advisers on matters of policy that the executive has the authority to create. Because there may be a better, more equitable, or more sensible option available, the courts cannot order the States to adopt a specific program or policy," the bench stated."We do not propose to give any further direction in that regard when the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which uses a "right based approach" to provide food and nutritional security, is in effect and other welfare schemes under the said Act have also been framed and implemented by the Union of India and the States to ensure access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity."We have not examined whether the concept of community kitchens is a better or wiser alternative available to the States to achieve the object of NFSA, rather we would prefer to leave it open to the States/UTs to explore such alternative welfare schemes as may be permissible under the NFSA," the court stated. The top court's decision was based on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that was filed by social activists Anun Dhawan, Ishann Singh, and Kunajan Singh. The PIL sought orders for all states and union territories to create a plan for community kitchens in order to fight malnutrition and hunger.
Russia Is A Power With A Vast Statecraft Tradition
Speaking on Friday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed current geopolitical developments and their implications. He said that Russia is a power with a rich tradition of statecraft and is turning more towards Asia or non-West parts of the world. Responding to a query regarding Moscow's increasing closeness to Beijing during an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue, S. Jaishankar stated that it makes sense to offer Russia a variety of options and that pressuring it into choosing one and criticizing it for it would be akin to a self-fulfilling prophecy."I believe that offering Russia a variety of options makes sense. "You are creating a self-fulfilling prophecy if we force Russia into a single option and declare that's really bad because that's the outcome," the speaker stated.These days, it's critical that other nations, particularly those in Asia, communicate with Russia," Mr. Jaishankar stated. "Russia is a powerful nation with a long history of statecraft. Such powers would never enter into a monogamous relationship of that kind. It would not align with their beliefs," he remarked. he external affairs minister was asked to comment on intensification of ties between Russia and China and whether India was uncomfortable with it.The minister of external affairs proposed that Russia and China are becoming closer due to Western policies. "It's kind of funny -- on the one hand you have people who set policies (and) bring the two together and then you say beware of them coming together," he stated. Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Australian Lowy Institute, posed the query. Days prior, Mr. Jaishankar claimed that Moscow had never harmed New Delhi's interests and that India and Russia had a "stable" and "very friendly" relationship.
SP-Congress deal sealed in UP: What next for INDIA bloc as clock ticks down to Lok Sabha elections 2024
The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress party have finally agreed on a seat-sharing arrangement for contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as part of the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress will contest 17 seats while the SP and other parties of the alliance will field its candidates in 63 of the 80 parliamentary seats in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh. Also, the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP will contest Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat and will in return support the Congress in the rest of the state’s 29 seats in the state, as part of the deal. The announcement on February 21 is the first seat-sharing agreement of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), an amalgamation of leading opposition parties who have resolved to fight together in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The inaugural meeting of the Opposition coalition was held in Patna on June 23. Eight months since, the alliance has faced many setbacks. The biggest, of course, is from Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, who has now switched his party Janata Dal's (United) allegiance to the NDA. Kumar, who holds a record of sorts for his nine oaths as Bihar CM, was considered the architect of the INDIA bloc.Other blows to the opposition alliance were Jayant Chaudhary's RLD deciding to leave it and Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress refusing to enter into an alliance with the Congress in West Bengal.
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...
