LIVE
Thu, 23 February 2023
TMC must stop poaching leaders if...: Cong
Timeline Refresh
23:32 ICC Match Referee gives 'average' rating to Jamtha and Kotla tracks
The ICC match referee has given "average" rating to both pitches in Nagpur and Delhi, respectively, where India thrashed Australia inside three days to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The ratings will be uploaded on the ICC website but PTI can confirm that match referee Andy Pycroft hasn't given any adverse report about the two tracks.
While the Australian media went paranoid about the nature of the Nagpur track where the visitors scored 177 and 91 in both innings, India were able to score 400 in their only innings.
In Delhi, Australian batters couldn't adjust to the up and down nature of the track on the third day and lost last nine second innings wickets for 52 runs.
While Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja ruled the roost during the two games, an "Average" rating means that no demerit points are awarded to the venue.
There are six distinct classifications -- Very Good, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor and Unfit.
Only when a pitch is rated below average, poor or unfit does, it attracts demerit points.
The Nagpur venue had once earlier been suspended when an India versus South Africa match ended in two days with ball turning square from first hour.
23:20 TMC must stop poaching leaders if...: Cong
A day after Rahul Gandhi's scathing criticism of the Trinamool Congress, the Congress launched another attack on Thursday, saying if the Mamata Banerjee-led party is so serious about working together then it must stop poaching leaders.
The Congress also asserted that for forming an Opposition alliance, it is imperative that all constituent parties clearly raise their voice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions and policies without any fear, compromise or hesitation.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the Congress' 85th plenary session, general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Congress is the only party that is strongly raising the voice against the prime minister and his government.
Responding to a question on the Trinamool Congress' attack on the Congress following Gandhi's remarks, Ramesh rejected the claims and said the Congress is fighting the BJP strongly in Tripura.
He said the BJP is the main enemy for the Congress-Left alliance in Tripura.
"On the contrary, it is the TMC that has given every indication of being soft towards the BJP. I hope you know what has happened in the last 24 hours in a bye-election in West Bengal, systematic efforts have been made by the ruling government in West Bengal to discredit and get the Congress candidate disqualified because he is in a very strong winning position," Ramesh claimed.
"To say that we are playing with the BJP in Tripura is absolutely (wrong). I would like to ask which is the only political party which opposed having a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani matter. All political parties were united in the matter but which was the only political party which did not want a JPC. That should tell you everything," he said in response to a question.
Asked about the TMC questioning the Congress' ability to defeat the BJP, Ramesh said his party is fighting the TMC in Tripura as well as in Meghalaya.
"Although the TMC in Meghalaya is nothing but people who have left the Congress and joined the TMC. So, if the TMC is so serious about working with the Congress it should stop poaching on the Congress," he said.
The TMC tried to do it in Goa but failed miserably and will always fail in attempts to poach going forward, Ramesh said.
Talking about opposition unity, he Ramesh said it would be strengthened when the Congress becomes strong.
He said for an alliance for 2024 there was a need for a positive common programme.
"Alliance cannot be formed over negative agenda. There must be a common programme and more discussions are required," the Congress leader said.
He however, said the focus was on assembly polls in states such as Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Karnataka where the Congress is in direct fight with the BJP and the 2024 contest will come after that.
23:05 Banga will be transformative World Bank Prez: Kamala Harris
Indian-American business leader Ajay Banga, who has been nominated by United States President to lead the World Bank, will be a transformative President of the international financial institution, Vice President Kamala Harris said here on Thursday.
Banga, 63, currently serves as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic. Previously, he was President and CEO of Mastercard, leading the company through a strategic, technological and cultural transformation. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.
"Ajay Banga will be a transformative World Bank President as the institution works to deliver on its core development goals and address pressing global challenges, including climate change," Harris said in a statement after Biden announced that he nominated Banga for the top World Bank position.
If confirmed by the World Bank Board of Directors, Banga would be the first-ever Indian-American and Sikh-American to head either of the two top international financial institutions: the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
"Since I was elected Vice President, Ajay and I have worked closely together on a new model of a public-private partnership designed to address the root causes of migration in Northern Central America," Harris said.
Through that partnership, nearly 50 businesses and organisations have mobilised to generate more than USD 4.2 billion in commitments that will create opportunity and hope for people in the region, she said.
"Ajay has brought great insight, energy, and persistence to the challenges of promoting economic development and tackling the root causes of migration as the institution works to deliver on its core development goals and address pressing global challenges, including climate change," Harris said.
In a separate statement, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen applauded Biden for nominating Banga for this position.
"I applaud President Biden's decision to nominate Ajay Banga to lead the World Bank. He has the right leadership and management skills, experiences living and working in emerging markets, and financial expertise to lead the World Bank at a critical moment in its history, deliver on its core development goals and evolve the Bank to meet global challenges like climate change," Yellen said.
"As a renowned executive, Banga has led a global organisation with nearly 20,000 employees, advocated for diversity and inclusion, and delivered results. His efforts have helped bring 500 million unbanked people into the digital economy, deploy private capital into climate solutions, and expand economic opportunity through the Partnership for Central America," she said.
This experience will help him achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and expanding shared prosperity while pursuing the changes needed to effectively evolve the institution to be fit for purpose for the world being faced today.
22:21 2 held for theft in deserted Joshimath house
Two men of Nepalese origin were held on Thursday for committing theft in a house vacated by its owners in subsidence-hit Joshimath.
Rekam Bahadur Joshi and Dipak Giri were arrested for the burglary and all the stolen goods including an LED TV were recovered from them, Chamoli SP Pramendra Dobhal said.
Owners of two houses had filed separate complaints on Wednesday saying that water faucets, two geysers, electric wires, switch boards, an LED TV and two petromax cylinders had been stolen from their deserted homes.
The thieves had broken into their homes, Dobhal said. -- PTI
22:17 Has India become a banana republic, asks Cong
Terming the arrest and deplaning of his colleague Pawan Khera from a Raipur flight condemnable, Congress leader K C Venugopal on Thursday accused the BJP of attempting to "derail" the party's plenary session and asked if India has become a banana republic.
Khera was detained by the Delhi Police and subsequently arrested by the Assam Police in connection with his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a senior police officer said.
The action against the Congress' media department head began with him being deplaned from a New Delhi-Raipur flight, leading to extraordinary scenes of protest at the tarmac by Congress leaders.
"It is totally condemnable the way they are doing these things. We are all going to Raipur for the plenary session, Pawan Khera was also travelling with us, suddenly they deplaned Pawan Khera without any valid reason," Venugopal told PTI at the tarmac.
"After half an hour, Delhi Police comes and says they have to hand him (Khera) over to Assam Police. We asked if there is an FIR, arrest warrant or any document, but nothing is there, only oral orders," the Congress' general secretary in-charge organisation said.
How can this happen, has India become a "banana republic", he asked.
Venugopal said the whole episode was "very unfortunate" and alleged that it was aimed at the party's plenary session in the Chhattisgarh capital.
"Three-four days back, they carried out raids in Chhattisgarh now this," he said.
Later after reaching Raipur for the three-day plenary, starting Friday, Venugopal issued a statement and said Khera was arrested on totally "baseless charges, which were only trumped up because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared of being questioned on his relationship with Gautam Adani".
He thanked the Supreme Court for being the voice of reason in these testing times.
The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered grant of interim bail to Khera till February 28 in the case.
"This charade is not going to deter us from raising questions about the manner in which the Modi government has systematically favoured the Adani group and is conspicuously silent on allegations of stock rigging, over valuation and benami money being pushed through a web of shell companies against the Adani Group of companies," he alleged. -- PTI
21:31 Students rescued from Ukraine move to Russia
From being a student in a country which is bearing the wrath of a brutal war to studying in another that is responsible for this mayhem, Jisna Jiji (25), a final-year medical student who was among thousands evacuated from Ukraine nearly a year ago, has ended up in Russia to complete her education.
"Russia has been very welcoming to us. It did not impose any extra charges. We were allowed to continue our studies and our hard work has not been wasted," Jiji told PTI over the phone. Hailing from Kerala, Jiji is pursuing her MBBS from the Northern State Medical University in Russia's Arkhangelsk.
Exactly a year ago, Jiji, who was in her fifth year at a university in Sumy in Ukraine, was looking forward to completing her studies in Ukraine and had no inkling that 2022 would be so tumultuous for her and the country in which she was studying.
The war waged by Russia took everyone by surprise. Jiji along with several hundred students took an excruciating journey from Sumy to western borders after the war broke out in Ukraine.
The students were evacuated to India through 'Operation Ganga' conducted by the Indian government.
More than 17,000 Indians, mostly students, were evacuated from the war-hit Ukraine under the mission.
Several Indian medical students were left with no choice after their evacuation from Ukraine and have taken transfers to universities in other countries to continue their studies.
Many have gone to Russia, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and other European countries.
"The period after coming to India was very uncertain. We thought the war would end soon and we will be able to return. However, months passed and our student coordinator was also not giving straight answers," said Jiji.
Students have taken transfers to other universities through the academic mobility programme.
Last year in September, the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Medical Council (NMC) issued a notice through which the NMC would accept completion of their remaining courses in other countries (with the approval of the parent university/institution in Ukraine).
21:06 'Enron moment': Larry Summers on Adani crisis
India is possibly facing an Enron moment, former United States treasury secretary and former Harvard University president Larry Summers said likening the crisis in Adani group to the accounting scandal that exposed the US energy major in 2001.
"We haven't talked about it on the show, but there's been a kind of possible Enron moment in India," he said during Bloomberg's Wall Street Week last week.
Though he did not name Adani, he was referring to the crisis that the apples-to-airport conglomerate is facing following an explosive report by US short seller Hindenburg Research. Adani has denied all allegations.
"And I imagine with India emerging as the world's largest country, and the (G20) meeting taking place in India, there's going to be a lot of curiosity from all present, about how that's gonna to play through and what if any larger systemic implications that's gonna have for India," Summers said.
The comparison was to Enron Corporation shares plummeting in 2001 following revelation that the company inflated revenues and hid trading losses.
Adani group companies too have seen a rout in value totalling over Rs 11 lakh crore since Hindenburg released a report on January 24.
Hindenburg accused Adani Group of "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud" and using a number of offshore shell companies to inflate stock prices.
The group has denied allegations, calling them "malicious", "baseless" and a "calculated attack on India".
Its founder chairman Gautam Adani, a first-generation entrepreneur, has lost nearly USD 78 billion in net worth and slipped to 29th rank on the world billionaire index from being Asia's richest and the world's third most wealthy businessman, in less than a month. His wealth has shrunk from about USD 120 billion to USD 42.7 billion.
20:57 Biden nominates Ajay Banga as World Bank head
President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that the US is nominating Indian-American business leader Ajay Banga to lead the World Bank.
"Ajay is uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history," President Biden said in a statement.
Banga, 63, currently serves as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic. Previously, he was President and CEO of Mastercard, leading the company through a strategic, technological and cultural transformation.
"He has spent more than three decades building and managing successful, global companies that create jobs and bring investment to developing economies, and guiding organisations through periods of fundamental change.
"He has a proven track record managing people and systems, and partnering with global leaders around the world to deliver results," Biden said. Banga was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.
20:34 All parties must congratulate Javed Akhtar for speaking against Pak: Raut
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said all political leaders must congratulate noted lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar for criticising Pakistan on its own soil for its role in fomenting terror activities in India.
Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said what Akhtar has done requires immense courage.
The perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks are still roaming freely in Pakistan and Pakistanis should not feel offended when India talks about the 2008 carnage, Akhtar recently said in Lahore.
"PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat need to congratulate Akhtar for his brave stand," Raut said.
After the surgical strike, India's 2016 operation against terror launch pads across the Line of Control, BJP leaders burst crackers as if Pakistan was wiped out from the world map, Raut charged.
"Our party has congratulated Akhtar for his stand. The entire country needs to congratulate him. It is another thing to threaten Pakistan sitting here," he said.
The candid remarks by Akhtar at the Lahore event in memory of celebrated Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz came in response to a member of the audience who told the film personality to take with him a message of peace and tell Indians that Pakistan is "a positive, friendly and loving country".
"We should not blame each other. It will solve nothing. The atmosphere is tense, that should be doused," the 78-year-old lyricist said.
"We are people from Mumbai, we have seen the attack on our city. They (attackers) did not come from Norway or Egypt. They are still roaming freely in your country. So if there is a grievance in the heart of a Hindustani, you should not feel offended," Akhtar said.
Akhtar also told the gathering that even though Pakistani artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan have been warmly welcomed in India, Pakistan has never held a single show of Lata Mangeshkar.
20:16 India Inc should also share blame for trade imbalance with China: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the responsibility for the trade imbalance with China rests squarely on businesses as well, blaming Indian corporates for not developing the right sourcing arrangements.
Speaking at the Asia Economic Dialogue here, Jaishankar said the government is doing its bit by bringing in policies like the thrust on Atmanirbhar Bharat and made it clear that the "massive external exposure" puts national security at threat.
Terming the challenge posed by the trade imbalance with China as very serious and formidable, the career bureaucrat turned politician said the responsibility here is not just of the government, but it is an equal responsibility of businesses as well.
"Indian corporates have not developed the kind of backwards (integration), vendor supplies, components and parts, ingredients and intermediates that should be supporting us," he said.
With lots of people, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, asking India to focus on services, Jaishankar warned that those who "do down" manufacturing are "actually damaging India's strategic future". -- PTI
Representational image
19:39 Maharashtra IAS officer dies after eating dinner at hotel
A 57-year-old Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) officer posted as secretary in the Maharashtra public works department (PWD) died just after finishing his dinner at a hotel in south Mumbai, the police said on Thursday.
The senior bureaucrat, Prashant Dattatray Navghare, started feeling uneasy soon after finishing his meal and suddenly collapsed at the hotel on Wednesday evening.
The IAS officer was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared brought dead, an official said. The cause was not immediately known.
Navghare had come to the hotel in the Kala Ghoda area with two colleagues, who are also secretary-rank officers, he said.
A post-mortem on the body was later conducted at state-run J J Hospital, the official said.
The exact cause of the death was yet to be ascertained and his viscera (internal organs) has been preserved for analysis, he said.
Reports of histopathology (study of tissue to look for disease) and other medical tests were awaited, he said.
An accidental death report (ADR) has been registered at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station and further probe was underway, the official said.
19:38 Khera's arrest example of PM's...: Jairam Ramesh
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Thursday called police action against party spokesperson Pawan Khera a new example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's politics of "vendetta, harassment and intimidation."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was worried due to Congress's successful Bharat Jodo Yatra, and now it is scared of the 85th plenary session of the Grand Old Party which will start from Friday, he told reporters here.
The BJP also tried to detail the plenary session, he alleged, referring to the Enforcement Directorate's recent raids on Congress leaders in Raipur, and Khera's detention on Thursday.
Freedom of speech is under threat, but more importantly freedom after speech is also under threat, Ramesh quipped.
Talking about opposition unity, Ramesh said it would be strengthened when the Congress becomes strong.
Khera was on Thursday arrested by the Assam Police at the Delhi airport after he was deplaned from a Delhi-Raipur flight in connection with alleged derogatory remarks against the prime minister.
Khera had recently called him "Narendra Gautamdas Modi", in an apparent swipe at the prime minister over the row involving business tycoon Gautam Adani.
The prime minister's full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi, with the middle name standing for his father's name.
The BJP accused the Congress spokesperson of insulting the prime minister. -- PTI
19:09 Gainers and losers in Sensex pack
In a highly volatile trade amid monthly derivatives expiry, the BSE Sensex on Thursday declined 139.18 points or 0.23 per cent to settle at 59,605.80.
During the day, it hit a high of 59,960.04 and a low of 59,406.31.
The NSE Nifty slipped 43.05 points or 0.25 per cent to end at 17,511.25.
In the Sensex pack, Asian Paints, Larsen & Toubro, Titan, IndusInd Bank, Bharti Airtel, Power Grid, Bajaj Finserv, Infosys, HDFC Bank and HDFC were the major laggards.
On the other hand, Axis Bank, Tata Motors, ITC, State Bank of India, Tata Steel and Sun Pharma were among the gainers.
19:01 Delhi court grants interim bail to Pawan Khera
A Delhi court on Thursday granted interim bail till February 28 to Congress leader Pawan Khera, arrested by the Assam Police in a case related to his alleged objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Archana Beniwal granted interim bail to Khera, who was produced before the court, on a bail bond of Rs 30,000 and one surety of the like amount.
The magistrate passed the order around 6.10 pm after receiving a copy of the apex court's order for Khera's release.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had earlier in the day ordered grant of interim bail to Khera till February 28 in the case lodged in Assam.
The apex court had said Khera will be produced before the competent magistrate in Delhi and released on interim bail. -- PTI
Representative image
18:22 5 killed, 48 missing in China mine collapse
The death toll from the collapse of an open-pit coal mine in Alxa League in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has risen to five, with 48 people still missing, state-run China Media Group reported on Thursday.
The search and rescue operation resumed after they were interrupted by a massive landslide at the rescue site on Wednesday.
So far, five people have been confirmed dead, and 48 others remained missing, the report said. Six people who were injured in the incident have been taken to the hospital.
Rescue personnel from nearby areas have also been dispatched to support the ongoing efforts to find the missing men.
Mine accidents in China continue to take place despite efforts to improve the safety measures by the government in recent years.
Last year 518 people died in 367 mine accidents, according to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. -- PTI
18:18 Only recognise Shinde's Sena: Maha assembly speaker
Days ahead of the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature, Speaker Rahul Narvekar said on Thursday that he has not got representation from any group claiming to be a separate party in the House.
His remarks come against the backdrop of the Election Commission recognising the group led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the real Shiv Sena and allowing it to use the 'bow and arrow' symbol in elections, dealing a big blow to the Uddhav Thackeray faction.
Narvekar told PTI that only one party with 55 Shiv Sena MLAs led by CM Shinde and its chief whip Bharat Gogawale are recognised. The budget session of the state legislature will be held from February 27 to March 25, while the budget presentation is scheduled for March 9.
"I haven't got any representation so far that there is a split in the party (Shiv Sena). If I get a letter, a decision will be taken as per rules of the tenth schedule of the Constitution (which deals with defection), said Narvekar, who belongs to the BJP.
In the 2019 assembly elections, 56 MLAs were elected on the Shiv Sena symbol. The death of one of them, Ramesh Latke, necessitated a bypoll last year in which his widow Rutuja Latke won as a candidate of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), which was given the 'flaming torch' poll symbol.
The EC has allowed the Sena (UBT) to keep the flaming torch symbol till the conclusion of the Kasba Peth and Chinchwad Assembly bypolls in Pune district scheduled for February 26.
In another jolt to the Thackeray camp, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay last week's EC order recognising the Shinde-led bloc as the real Shiv Sena and alloting the bow and arrow' poll symbol to it.
A delegation of Samata Party from Bihar met Shinde on Wednesday and sought his help in getting back its mashaal' (flaming torch) election symbol that has been allotted to the Thackeray faction.
17:50 No change of guard ceremony this Saturday: Rashtrapati Bhavan
There will be no change of guard ceremony this Saturday due to an official programme, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Thursday.
The change of guard ceremony is a military tradition that is held every week to enable a fresh group of the President's Bodyguards to take charge.
"The change of guard ceremony will not take place this Saturday (February 25, 2023) due to the guard of honour for the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany scheduled at 1000 hrs at forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan," it said in a statement. -- PTI
17:37 Will bring out whole truth: Fadnavis on 2019 fiasco
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said he would bring to light the whole truth about his formation of a short-lived government with Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar in November 2019.
The developments that led to Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar taking oath as chief minister and deputy CM on November 23, 2019, are once again in focus after Fadnavis claimed that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar was in the loop all through.
"All the details will surface gradually, and you all will learn about them. What is in the public domain is only half the truth. I will bring out all the details," Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai, responding to questions.
"The moment I say something, more information comes out from the other side. I am the one who will bring out everything," he added.
Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday cryptically that President's rule in Maharashtra was lifted only after Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government was formed.
Uddhav Thackeray would not have become CM until President's rule was lifted, he said.
Fadnavis joining hands with Ajit Pawar had taken the state by surprise even as the BJP and Shiv Sena had fallen out after the 2019 sssembly elections.
But the Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government lasted for only three days as they did not have the numbers, and it was followed by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress 'Maha Vikas Aghadi' government.
17:12 If you spit towards sun...: Baghel on Khera arrest
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government after his party colleague Pawan Khera was deplaned and detained at Delhi airport and called it a conspiracy to disturb the 85th plenary session of the Congress starting in Raipur.
Khera, who was held by Assam Police after being deplaned from a Delhi-Raipur flight in connection with his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was on his way to Raipur for the Congress plenary session, which will start on Friday.
"The BJP-led Centre has been trying to disturb us to ensure the plenary session is not held successfully. Therefore, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at premises of our party leaders (in Raipur on Monday). Yesterday too raids were held at offices of three departments in bid to disturb the state government," Baghel said.
"Now, our guests are being stopped (from coming to Raipur). Khera ji is our spokesperson and an eminent personality. He is not a criminal. De-boarding him from the flight clearly shows the Bharatiya Janata Party is very scared of the plenary session and is, therefore, trying to disturb it by any means," the CM asserted.
He said the Congress was united at this juncture and would ensure the plenary session is a grand success.
Queried about the alleged remarks that got Khera in trouble, Baghel said BJP leaders too have used objectionable words and statements against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as well as former prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Baghel said former CM and senior BJP leader Raman Singh had called him a demon once but no action was taken.
"The prime minister and Union minister Amit Shah have said so many things against our leaders in Parliament and outside. When you spit towards the sun (sky) it will fall on your own face. If you point a finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you," Baghel said.
"The action against him (Khera) could have been taken later. The action clearly shows this is all part of a conspiracy to disturb the Congress plenary session," Baghel said and asserted his party was not afraid of the British and, therefore, the question of fearing the BJP did not arise.
The three day plenary session of the Congress will be held between February 24 and 26 in Rajyotsava Sthal Nava Raipur. -- PTI
16:45 Trust Modi, Yediyurappa: Amit Shah in Karnataka
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asked the people of Karnataka to repose faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and said the Bharatiya Janata Party would give such a government that it would rid the state of corruption and make Karnataka number one in South India within five years.
Addressing a public meeting at Sandur, a Congress stronghold, in this district, Shah also took potshots at the M Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit and the Janata Dal-Secular, saying they were dynastic parties which cannot do good to the people.
"On one hand there is PM Modi-led BJP strengthening India, and on the other there is Rahul Gandhi-led Congress linked with 'Tukde-Tukde' gang", he said.
"Trust PM Modi and Yediyurappa once, and we (the BJP) will give such a government that it will rid Karnataka of corruption and make it a number one state in South India," Shah said.
Assembly elections are due in Karnataka by May. -- PTI
16:15 Bjorn Borg leaves Bengaluru event after Bommai arrives late
Tennis legend Bjorn Borg had to walk away from a ceremony to honour him in Bengaluru after Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai turned up almost two hours late. The programme was scheduled for 9.30am but Bommai arrived at 11.15am. Read more here.
16:03 Congress leaders not above the law: BJP
The BJP on Thursday hit back at the Congress for protesting police action against its spokesperson Pawan Khera, saying the opposition party's leaders should not live in this "misconception" that they are above the law and criticised them for their agitation on the Delhi airport tarmac.
"Whatever is done is done lawfully. Congress leaders should not live under this misconception that they are above the law," BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters.
He said the Congress is playing the "victim card" after using derogatory words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family members.
The BJP leader said Congress leaders "flouted law" by starting protests on Delhi airport tarmac and endangered the lives of fellow passengers. People were inconvenienced by the Congress' protests, he said.
"Modi enjoys the blessings of more than 140 crore people of the country and abusing him is like digging a hole in which the Congress will fall," Bhatia said. "People will teach the Congress a lesson," he said.
Congress leader Khera was Thursday arrested by the Assam Police at the airport here after being deplaned from a Delhi-Raipur flight in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks against the prime minister.
Khera had recently called him "Narendra Gautamdas Modi", in an apparent swipe at the prime minister over the row involving business tycoon Gautam Adani. His full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi.
The BJP has targeted Khera for using the businessman's name as Modi's middle name and accused him of insulting the prime minister. PTI
15:44 Pawan Khera to be released on bail: SC
The Supreme Court hearing the bail petition of Pawan Khera says in order to protect the petitioner, and until he applies for regular bail, before the jurisdictional court, the apex court has ordered he be released on bail.
The petitioner shall be released on bail by the Delhi court this evening, the SC said.
The Supreme Court also issues a notice to Assam Police and UP Police on Congress leader Pawan Khera's plea seeking clubbing of FIRs. The SC says, "till the next date of hearing, the petitioner will be released on interim bail by the Dwarka court." SC directs Dwarka court to grant interim relief to Khera.
The Congress Twitter posted this image on the PM's silence on China incursions
15:38 Kharge calls Khera's arrest as Hitlershahi
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday came down heavily on the BJP government at the Centre after party leader Pawan Khera was arrested in Delhi, and alleged that the Narendra Modi government has turned "India's democracy into a Hitlershahi".
"Notice is given if the opposition raises issues in Parliament. ED raids are conducted on our leaders of Chhattisgarh before the plenary session. Today the media chairman was forcibly taken off the plane and arrested. The Modi government has turned India's democracy into a Hitlership. We strongly condemn this dictatorship," Kharge tweeted in Hindi.
This comes after Khera was arrested by Assam Police on Thursday in Delhi.He was earlier deboarded from a flight while en route to Raipur to attend Congress Plenary Session.
15:22 Multiple FIRs against Khera in different states
To bring you up to speed on what's happening in the Supreme Court: Pawan Khera was arrested on Thursday at the Delhi airport after being deplaned from a flight to Raipur in connection with his alleged remarks against Modi at the request of Assam Police.
While he was still under detention at the airport, his lawyer approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection from arrest.
Senior counsel Mohit Mathur, representing the leader, mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma in the post lunch session. The high court bench, also comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad, directed that Khera's plea be listed for hearing today itself.
"I am a senior functionary of the Congress party. There are FIRs registered for one of my speeches. I was on a flight and I am deplaned," Mathur said.
Singhvi earlier told the apex court bench that multiple FIRs have been lodged against Khera over his alleged remarks against the prime minister.
"He (Khera) has made statements in a press conference. He has made certain statements which I cannot say in the court but I personally would not have made them," Singhvi said.
He said due to the statements, multiple FIRs have been lodged against Khera in different states and, currently, Assam Police are at the airport here to take him into custody.
15:16 Khera apologised for slip of tongue: Cong to SC
Supreme Court begins hearing the plea related to the arrest of Congress leader Pawan Khera.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi seeks interim relief for Khera and consolidation of FIR since several are being registered across the country.
Singhvi, representing Congress leader Pawan Khera, tells Supreme Court that Khera apologised and said that it was a mistake, a slip of tongue.
The lawyer appearing for Assam Police tells Supreme Court that he (Pawan Khera) has been arrested and will be presented before the court for transit remand.
15:09 Gehlot on Khera arrest: Worse than Emergency
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday lashed out at the Centre over the arrest of Congress leader Pawan Khera alleging that the situation in the country is "worse than Emergency".
He said that there is an "Emergency-like situation" in the country without declaration.
"Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency. There is an emergency-like situation in the country without declaring it. His arrest has defamed our country all over the world. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say democracy is in danger and the Constitution is being torn to shreds. This pride of theirs will not work, the public will destroy their pride," he said.
Earlier today, Congress leader Pawan Khera said that he is "ready to fight the long battle" soon after Assam Police arrested him in the national capital.
Khera will be presented in a Delhi court and will be taken to Assam on transit remand.
"We will see (in which case they are taking me). It's a long battle and I'm ready to fight," said Khera as Delhi Police took him after he was deboarded from an aircraft at Delhi airport.
It is pertinent to mention that earlier today Pawan Khera was stopped from boarding a plane at Delhi airport after a request was received from the Assam Police to stop him," Delhi Police said on Thursday.
14:55 Khera held for remarks against Modi
A case has been registered at Haflong police station in Assam against Pawan Khera under various sections of the IPC, including 153 B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national interest), 500 (punishment for defamation) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), for his alleged remarks against the prime minister.
14:45 SC to hear plea today against Khera's arrest
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on the arrest of Congress leader Pawan Khera in the national capital on Thursday. The SC will hear the plea at 3 pm today.
Senior Advocate AM Singhvi mentioned a plea apprising the court about the arrest of Pawan Khera.
Singhvi sought interim relief for Khera and consolidation of FIR since several are being registered across the country.
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday said that he is "ready to fight the long battle" soon after Assam Police arrested him in the national capital. Khera will be presented in a Delhi court and will be taken to Assam on transit remand.
"We will see (in which case they are taking me). It's a long battle and I'm ready to fight," said Khera as Delhi Police took him after he was deplaned from an aircraft at Delhi airport.
The Delhi Police said that a request was received from the Assam Police for assistance in the arrest of accused Pawan Khera in case FIR No. 19/2023, PS Dima Hasao, District Haflong, Assam.
"Based upon the same, requisite local assistance was provided and upon the requisition of Assam Police, accused Shri Pawan Khera was detained from Terminal 1 of IGI Airport and has been subsequently arrested by the IO concerned of Assam Police," a Delhi Police official told ANI.
"Necessary legal action shall follow," they added. It is pertinent to mention that earlier today Pawan Khera was stopped from boarding a plane at Delhi airport after a request was received from the Assam Police to stop him," Delhi Police said on Thursday.
14:40 Police detain Pawan Khera at airport
Congress leader Pawan Khera was detained by police on Thursday after being deplaned from a flight to Raipur in connection with his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party said.
Khera, against whom a case has been registered in Assam, was asked by the Delhi Police to deplane.
Congress leaders sat on dharna at the tarmac in protest and did not allow him to be taken away without an arrest warrant.
Senior Delhi Police officials later handed over a document from Assam Police seeking their help in the detention of Khera.
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala accompanied Khera to a police station at the airport where there was a huge deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
A case has been registered at Haflong police station in Assam against Khera under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for his alleged remarks against the prime minister.
Earlier several party leaders got off the plane after Khera was deboarded and staged a dharna on the tarmac.
Khera was on his way to Raipur for the Congress plenary.
As drama escalated at terminal one of the domestic airport in New Delhi, flight staff told Congress leaders there was confusion with Khera's bags.
They said police was on its way and would explain the reason to him.
'We are all on the @IndiGo6E flight 6E 204 to Raipur and all of a sudden my colleague @Pawankhera has been asked to deplane,' Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, who was also on the flight, said on Twitter.
'What sort of high handedness is this? Is there any rule of law? On what grounds is this being done and under whose order?' she said.
The flight was delayed. -- PTI
14:27 Harmanpreet doubtful for T20 WC semifinal against Australia
India skipper and batting mainstay Harmanpreet Kaur is racing against time to recover from high fever ahead of team's T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia while all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been ruled out of the crucial game because of upper respiratory tract infection.
Harmanpreet, Vastrakar and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav had visited a local hospital on Wednesday for a thorough check-up, according to team sources.
The medical team is currently monitoring the situation and there is no clarity whether the Indian skipper will be fit enough for a high-pressure match, starting in abut four hours.
Meanwhile, the Event Technical Committee of the tournament has approved Sneh Rana as a replacement for Vastrakar in the Indian squad.
Rana, who is a spin bowling all-rounder, has played 47 international matches including 24 T20Is. -- PTI
13:43 Assam police to take remand of Pawan Khera
A case has been registered against Congress leader Pawan Khera at Haflong police station in Assam's Dima Hasao district.
A team of Assam police left for Delhi to take remand of Pawan Khera in connection with the case, says Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan, IGP L&O and Spox of Assam police to ANI.
"We have requested Delhi police to arrest him (Pawan Khera). We will bring him to Assam after taking permission from a local court," Bhuyan, said.
Pawan Khera was deplaned from a flight to Raipur, where he was going to attend the party's plenary session. Several party leaders got off the plane after Khera was deboarded and staged a dharna on the tarmac.
As drama escalated at terminal one of the domestic airport in Delhi, flight staff told Congress leaders there was confusion with Khera's bags.
"Today we were going for the Congress Plenary Sessoin to Raipur, and our colleague Pawan Khera was told that he left his luggage but he was not carrying any luggage. Then the Police came and said Assam Police has registered an FIR," Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
Pawan Khera speaks to police at the tarmac
13:30 Pax on Pawan Khera's Indigo flight also deplaned
Passengers on the Delhi-Raipur flight that was carrying several Congress leaders to the Chhattisgarh capital were asked to deboard by the Indigo staff on Thursday, with the airline saying they will be put on another flight.
This came after the Congress claimed its leader Pawan Khera was deplaned from the flight to Raipur, where he was going to attend the party's plenary session. Several party leaders got off the plane after Khera was deboarded and staged a dharna on the tarmac.
As drama escalated at terminal one of the domestic airport here, flight staff told Congress leaders there was confusion with Khera's bags. They said police was on its way and would explain the reason to him. The flight was delayed. PTI
13:28 Don't know why I was stopped: Pawan Khera
Congress leader Pawan Khera: "I was told they wanted to see my luggage. I said I don't have anything except a handbag. When I came down from the aircraft, I was told I can't go and DCP will come. I don't know why I am being stopped."
The Congress on Thursday claimed Pawan Khera was deplaned from a flight to Raipur, where he was going to attend the party's plenary session. Several party leaders got off the plane after Khera was deboarded and staged a dharna on the tarmac.
As drama escalated at terminal one of the domestic airport here, flight staff told Congress leaders there was confusion with Khera's bags.
They said police was on its way and would explain the reason to him. Several Congress leaders raised slogans against the government while on the tarmac.
"We are all on the @IndiGo6E flight 6E 204 to Raipur and all of a sudden my colleague @Pawankhera has been asked to deplane," Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, who was also on the flight, said on Twitter.
"What sort of high handedness is this? Is there any rule of law? On what grounds is this being done and under whose order?" she said. The flight was delayed.
Congress leaders at Delhi airport
12:47 Dictatorship won't be tolerated: Congress
"First Enforcement Directorate was sent to Chhattisgarh. Now, Pawan Khera who was going to attend the Congress session was stopped from boarding the flight. This dictatorship will not be tolerated at all. We will fight and win," tweets Congress Party.
Congress leader Pawan Khera was stopped from boarding a plane at Delhi airport after a request was received from the Assam police to stop him, the Delhi Police says.
Congress leaders at the tarmac
12:43 Pawan Khera deplaned, says Congress
Congress leader Pawan Khera was reportedly stopped from flying from Delhi to Chhattisgarh capital Raipur this morning, after which party leaders protested at the airport.
The Congress alleged an attempt to detain Pawan Khera at the Delhi airport and protested on the tarmac.
IndiGo Airlines has said there are instructions not to fly Pawan Khera to Raipur.
The BJP has demanded Khera's arrest for allegedly insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At a recent press conference, Khera flubbed PM Modi's name. "If Narasimha Rao could form a JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee), if Atal Bihari Vajpayee could form a JPC, then what problem does Narendra Gautam Das - sorry, Damodardas - Modi have?" he had said.
12:06 Sirf PM Modi chahiye...Pakistani's desperate plea
In a viral video posted by Pakistani Youtuber Sana Amjad, a fellow Pakistani is heard ranting against the Shehbaz Sharif government over the prevailing state of affairs in the country and saying that they would also have been able to buy goods at reasonable prices had Prime Minister Narendra Modi been ruling Pakistan.
A former journalist, Sana Amjad had stints with several Pakistani media houses.
In the viral video, she is heard asking a local why the slogan 'Pakistan se zinda bhago chahe India chale jaao' (Run for your life away from Pakistan, even if it means taking shelter in India) was being raised on the streets, he responds saying he wishes he wasn't born in Pakistan.
The local said he wishes that the Partition hadn't happened as he, and his fellow countrymen, could then have been able to purchase essential items at reasonable prices and feed their children every night.
"I wish Pakistan wasn't separated from India. We would then be purchasing tomatoes at PKR 20/kg, chicken for PKR 150/kg, and petrol at PKR 50 per litre," he said in the viral video."It is unfortunate that we got an Islamist nation but we could not establish Islam here," he added. -- ANI
11:49 AIADMK cheers SC order on EPS as gen secy
Celebrations broke out at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai on Thursday soon after the Supreme Court allowed K Palaniswami to continue as interim general secretary of AIADMK.
The July 11, 2022 party general council elected K Palaniswami as its single leader, while expelling his rival O Panneerselvam and some of his aides.
The Salem strongman's supporters welcomed the apex court verdict with jubilation. Amid increased police presence at the MGR Maaligai, the AIADMK hq, supporters of EPS, as Palaniswami is known, burst crackers and poured milk on a cutout of the AIADMK interim general secretary as elated party leaders welcomed the SC ruling.
Senior AIADMK leader and former minister D Jayakumar said that in the battle between the 'Pandavas' and 'Kauravas', it is the former who win in an apparent reference to the Mahabharatha epic.
He also termed the SC ruling as a historic verdict. Asked what Paneerselvam's political future would be, Jayakumar gestured a 'zero.'
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the order of the Madras High Court which allowed Palaniswami to continue as the interim general secretary of the AIADMK, founded by the late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran.
A bench of Justices Dinesh Maheswari and Hrishikesh Roy had reserved judgment on the matter on January 12. The top court dismissed the petitions filed by Paneerselvam. The judgement came on batch of pleas concerning amendments made to the party bylaws during the July 11, 2022 general council meeting. PTI
11:36 Cong demanded proof of Balakot: Kesavan
Update: CR Kesavan on his resignation from the Congress party: "A senior Congress leader demanded proof of the surgical strike, it is disheartening. I realized that my way of doing politics is not in line with the party, so I did not even join 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. I felt I didn't belong here anymore.
"I have been a member of the Congress party for last 22 years, but unfortunately over a period of time, I feel in INC, the attitude and approach were neither constructive nor concrete. The values which I worked for, had changed."
CR Kesavan is the great-grandson of India's first Indian Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari. He resigned from the Congress party today.
In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Kesavan shared his resignation letter on Twitter and said that he can no longer concur with "what the party symbolizes, stands for nor seeks to propagate".
Representational image
11:24 Maha: Sand mafia attack tehsilar in Jalna
A tehsilar (revenue official) in Maharashtra's Jalna district has been allegedly attacked by sand mafia over action against the latter for illegal extraction of sand and its transportation, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday at the office of Ambad tehsildar, who had seized three vehicles of the accused for carrying sand extracted illegally on Tuesday, they said.
The accused allegedly barged into the office of the tehsildar and beat him up, an official from Ambad police station said.
The other staff present there tried to stop the accused, but he threatened them with dire consequences and ran away, he said.
After being alerted, police rushed to the spot and took the tehsilar's statement and also retrieved the CCTV footage, the official said. A case was registered against the accused under relevant provisions, the police said, adding that search was on for him. -- PTI
11:10 There's a gold mine in India, invest here: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought investments in green energy sector saying that the country's potential in renewable energy is no less than a "goldmine".
Addressing a webinar on various announcements made in the Union Budget 2023-24 on green growth, Modi said, "India will play an important role in green energy, I invite all stakeholders to invest in India."
He stated that the potential of renewable energy like solar, wind energy and biogas in India is not less than a goldmine, he said.
He stated that the government is very focussed on bio-fuel and it will bring a lot of opportunity for investors.
He referred to India achieving 10 per cent ethanol blending target five months ahead of schedule. He also talked about meeting the target of 40 per cent non-fossil fuel capacity nine year ahead of schedule. He stated that Budgets since 2014 have not just addressed present challenges but have furthered new-age reforms.
India targeting production of 5 million tons per annum of green hydrogen and provided Rs 19,000 cr incentive for private sector under National Hydrogen Mission.
He also talked about Rs 3,000 crore provision in the Budget for vehicle scrapping and about 3 lakh government vehicles that are older than 15 years to be scrapped. He stated that India has to increase battery storage capacity to 125 giga-watts hour. India has set an ambitious target of having 500GW of renewable energy by 2030. PTI
10:57 Woman locks herself, son for 3 yrs to escape Covid; rescued
In a shocking case of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, a woman in Gurugram, locked herself and her son in an apartment for three years due to the fear of the virus, both of whom have been rescued, informed the police on Wednesday.
Talking to the media, Child Welfare Committee Member, Gurugram, Usha Solanki said, "A resident of Chakkarpur, Gurugram informed the police that his wife and child are locked in a flat for the last 3 years. His wife neither lets him enter the apartment nor sends their son outside." She said that the woman had asked her husband to get another flat for work.
"The Police were instructed to file a complaint and teams were sent to the flat. The woman locked herself and her son due to the fear of covid. She asked the husband to get another flat as he went outside for work. He used to send her the money and got them groceries," she further said.
Usha Solanki also said that the women's mental condition would also be examined "Both the woman and her son have been rescued and taken to the hospital. Her son is now 11 years old. The woman's mental condition will also be examined," she added. -- ANI
10:47 PM lists three pillars for green energy
PM Narendra Modi at the first post-budget webinar on Green Growth:
"For green growth and energy transition, India has set 3 pillars that include increasing renewable energy production, reducing the use of fossil fuels & moving forward with a gas-based economy.
"This budget will establish India as a leading player in the global green energy market. I invite all the stakeholders associated with energy world to invest in India.
"Many decisions have been taken in the direction of green growth that includes ethanol blending, PM KUSUM scheme, incentivizing solar manufacturing, rooftop solar scheme, coal gasification, EV battery storage.
"The provisions that have been made in this year's budget regarding Green Growth are in a way the foundation stone for the bright future of our future generations. Since 2014, India has been the fastest in renewable capacity addition."
10:20 MCD House adjourned without electing committee
The MCD House was adjourned for the day on Thursday as ruckus and sloganeering continued over the election of six standing commitee members.
The House met at 8.30 am on Thursday but was adjourned for an hour amid sloganeering. The House reconvened at 9.30 am but was adjourned till 10 am on Friday shortly afterwards. Several members of the BJP and AAP had on Wednesday night exchanged blows and hurled plastic bottles at each other in the chamber of the MCD House, on a day the city got its new mayor. PTI
At least 43,000 people have died in the Turkey quake
10:00 Pak govt officers face 50% pay cut for Turkey fund
Without any formal orders by the Pakistan government or the provincial governments, officers of the Balochistan government have found a fifty per cent cut in their salaries this month on the grounds that they are required to contribute to the Turkey relief aid, as per the report by the Asian Lite.
This comes at a time when the Pakistan government is witnessing a severe economic crisis amid allegations of corruption and coercion of being rampant in the country.
The Asia Lite reported that Grade 19 to 21 officers in Balochistan have protested the unilateral salary cut, saying that they were already facing problems feeding their families, faced by a 33 per cent rise in prices of essential commodities. These salaries were their only source of income.
They could not be deprived of their legitimate earnings without any consultation.
A Daily Intekhab report has said the officers have asked if other officers of other grades and provinces were also asked to contribute, or if this was a Balochistan Government diktat.
They plan to appeal to the federal government with the suggestion that they could pay one or two days' salaries, and be spared from the steep 50 per cent salary cut.
Despite severe economic stress, the Shehbaz Sharif Government is trying hard to return the gesture Turkey had made last year when Pakistan experienced nationwide floods.
Nine aircraft sorties have been undertaken and 16 containers carrying 162 tonnes of relief material have been rushed so far. This gesture is not without its political sting, which shows Pakistan in poor light, the Pakistan-based publication reported. -- ANI
09:27 He must be stopped from being PM: Shatrughan
It is pointless to fret over who would be the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition, since what matters is clarity as to who must be stopped from returning as PM, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha said.
The Trinamool Congress MP also called his party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a "tried and tested" leader who would be a "game-changer" in next year's Lok Sabha polls.
"It appears achche din' (good days) of my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are over," said the Bihari Babu', who quit the BJP four years ago, famously saying that the party had become a "one man show, two man army".
"We have been hearing this talk of who will be the leader since long. People used to ask the same question till Nehru was around. It is pointless for the opposition to occupy itself with this thought. The important part is, there is clarity with regard to who must be stopped from returning as PM," the former Union minister told reporters on Wednesday night.
Sinha, who had contested as a Congress candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls but failed to do a hat-trick in Patna Sahib, also said he viewed Rahul Gandhi as a "capable" (kaabil') leader, but sought to steer clear of the debate around the party "leading" the united opposition.
The TMC leader also said he had high regard for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the latter's efforts to forge opposition unity, but pointed out "he has ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership".
About the buzz around Tejashwi Yadav becoming the CM of Bihar in future, the stylish actor of yore popularly known as shotgun' by virtue of his gift of the gab, backed the young RJD leader with trademark irreverence.
"If Narendra Modi can become the prime minister of the country, what is the problem with poor Tejashwi? Anybody who enjoys popular support can rise in politics," the Asansol MP said.
On the Shiv Sena imbroglio, Sinha said "I think the game has just begun and Supreme Court will do justice", while tending to agree with NCP chief Sharad Pawar's outbursts against the Election Commission of India.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction has approached the top court, challenging the decision of the Election Commission recognising the Eknath Shinde-led bloc as the real Shiv Sena and allotting the 'bow and arrow' poll symbol to it. -- PTI
C Rajagopalachari (centre)
09:07 C Rajagopalachari's great-grandson quits Congress
CR Kesavan, great-grandson of India's first Indian Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, resigns from the Congress party.
In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, CR Kesavan writes that he quit a successful career abroad to join the Congress party in 2001. He said he served in various positions in the Congress party and thanked Sonia Gandhi for the responsibilities entrusted to him.
But, says, Kesavan, "I am truly sad that for a while now I have not seen any vestiges of the values that made me work for the party with dedication for over two decades. I can no longer in good conscience say that I concur with what the party presently symbolises, stands for nor seeks to propogate."
He said that is the reason why he declined organisational responsibility at the national and refrained from participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
He added that he resigned from the primary membership of the Congress party with immediate effect.
He said he has not spoken to anyone nor does know what will unfold next. He however says that he will endeavour to "serve the country through a political platform which will be one where he can continue to steadfastly uphold the integrity and ideals of public life instilled and defended by the founding fathers and mothers of our great nation and my great grandfather C Rajagopalachari."
08:54 Kumar Vishwas apologises for calling RSS illiterate
Former AAP leader and poet Kumar Vishwas on Wednesday, apologised for his remark on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and said that he did not have the intention to hurt anyone's feeling.
Addressing the Day-2 of the Vikramotsav event in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on Wednesday, Kumar Vishwas said, "I had just told the child that it would not happen just by speaking son, you will have to study, you do not study."
"Some friends found that thing bad. If any friend felt that I had said such a thing, then I apologize," said the former AAP leader in Ujjain on Wednesday night.
"I told the organisers that if anyone has objections, I will not come from tomorrow. But, people from Delhi to Bhopal said that I should definitely come and express my views," said Vishwas.
He further added saying, "Even my 87-year-old father keeps on telling me that I have not studied properly, but that's good because as long as he keeps on telling me that, I will keep on studying and learning."
Earlier on Tuesday, Vishwas during the Vikramotsav event in Ujjain recalled an incident and said, "A boy who works with the RSS asked me how the budget should be. I said, you have voted the government for Ram Rajya, so the budget should also be like that."
"There was no Budget in Ram Rajya, said the boy, to which I said this was your problem. While you are illiterate, communists are ill-informed," Vishwas had added.
His comment on the RSS went viral on social media, drawing strong criticism from the right wing. -- ANI
08:26 No restriction in Meghalaya, I eat beef: BJP leader
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief Ernest Mawrie said that there is "no restriction on beef eating" in Meghalaya and that he too consumes beef.
While talking to ANI, Ernest Mawrie said, "I cannot make a statement on the resolution adopted by other states. We are in Meghalaya, everybody eats beef, and there is no restriction. Yes, I eat beef too. There is no ban in Meghalaya. It is the lifestyle of the people, no one can stop it. There is no such rule in India also. Some states have passed some acts. In Meghalaya, we have a slaughterhouse, everybody takes a cow or pig and brings it to the market. It could be a hygienic one. So the people they have the habit."
At a time when BJP-ruled states like Assam had passed a bill to regulate cattle slaughter, transport and sale of beef and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma who is the face of BJP in North Eastern region has been appealing to the people to restrict beef eating in the Hindu inhabited areas.
Refuting the allegations made by some political parties that BJP is an anti-Christian party, the Meghalaya BJP Chief said that it is just "political propaganda."
He said, "Now the nine years of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is running in the country and not even any church has been attacked or targeted in the country. Opposition political party's allegation that BJP is an anti-Christian party, is just election propaganda. We are in Meghalaya - a Christian-dominated state, and everybody goes to Church."
"Goa is also ruled by BJP and not a single Church has been targeted. Same with Nagaland also. It is just political propaganda made by some political parties especially Congress, TMC, and even some ally parties in the state. It is not true. I am also a Christian and they never tell me not to go to Church," Ernest Mawrie added. He further said that BJP will form the next government in Meghalaya. -- ANI
Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar
02:13 Former RS member Bhalchandra Mungekar demands SIT probe into IIT student's suicide
Former Rajya Sabha member and ex-vice chancellor of Mumbai University Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar on Wednesday demanded that a special investigation team be set up to probe the alleged suicide of a Dalit IIT-Bombay student.
He was speaking to reporters here. "Darshan Solanki's family members have already alleged that he faced caste discrimination during his first semester.
"It should be probed thoroughly," Mungekar said.
"Various like minded organisations will gather at Azad Maidan here in Mumbai on March 4 and protest in support of an SIT and action against those involved in his death," he said.
Darshan's father is also going to participate in the March 4 protest, Mungekar added.
"The police carried out post mortem without any permission from his parents and they even did it before they arrived here in Mumbai. The entire case is being suppressed when there is enough evidence that Darshan faced caste-based discrimination," he said.
"It is not an accidental case, but institutional murder. The FIR should be filed with sections from SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,' the former RS member demanded. -- PTI
02:02 Police job aspirant dies at Mumbai hotel
A 24-year-old aspirant for a police constable's job died at a hotel in Mumbai due to suspected heart attack, an official said on Wednesday.
Amar Ashok Solanke, resident of Maharashtra's Amaravati district, had come to Mumbai for a police recruitment test, the police official said.
He returned to his hotel in Fort area after his ground tests on Tuesday.
After taking a bath, he suddenly collapsed.
He was rushed to a state-run hospital but was declared dead before admission, the official added.
Preliminary reports indicated that Solanke died due to a heart attack, he said.
An accidental death report was registered at Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station. -- PTI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
01:08 In slip of tongue, CM Shinde says he has informed 'EC' about MPSC students' demand
In a mix-up that perhaps showed what is on his mind, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said his government had asked the "Election Commission" to defer the implementation of the new exam pattern of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission.
He, obviously, meant to say that the government had written about the students' demand to the MPSC which conducts competitive exams for various government posts.
A section of students has been demanding that the MPSC should implement its new exam pattern from 2025 and not this year.
"We agree with the demands of students aspiring to appear for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission examinations," Shinde told reporters.
But then he said that the government had conveyed this stand "to the election commission" and "a positive decision is expected from the election commission."
The EC recently recognised the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena and allotted it the party's bow and arrow symbol in a setback to the Uddhav Thackeray group.
The Supreme Court is also hearing various petitions related to the tussle between the Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray factions of the party. -- PTI
Three Pakistani fishermen held by BSF/BSF Gujarat/Twitter
01:04 BSF nabs three Pakistani fishermen from creek area off Kutch
The Border Security Force on Wednesday apprehended three Pakistani fishermen from a creek area near the India-Pakistan border off the Kutch district coast in Gujarat and seized their boat.
The fishermen were inside the Indian territory of Sir Creek, the BSF said in a statement.
They were identified as Sayed Gulam Murtaja (65), Bashir Zavad (60) and Akbar Ali Abdul Gani (54), all residents of Karachi.
They told BSF officials that they inadvertently entered Indian side of the Sir Creek as the engine of their boat malfunctioned and due to high tide and heavy winds the boat drifted, the statement said. Nothing suspicious was recovered from their boat or from their possession, it added. -- PTI
Representational image
00:26 Premature baby on critical support in LNJP Hospital dies
The newborn baby, who was "declared dead" soon after birth at the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital and was later found alive, died on Wednesday in the hospital, sources said.
The premature baby, born when her mother was 23 weeks pregnant and weighing only 490 grams, was found alive Sunday when the family was making plans for her burial.
She was brought back to the hospital and was on ventilator support since.
She died on Wednesday, sources said.
Doctors had earlier said that in medical terms, such babies are considered "non-viable."
The hospital had earlier constituted a three-member panel to probe the incident and a report was submitted on Wednesday, a source said.
The source said the panel has spoken to doctors who were on duty that day to ascertain the sequence of events.
The family of the baby said they were informed around 4 pm that the baby was no more.
"We have been informed about her demise. The hospital wants to conduct a post mortem before handing over the baby but we don't want it. She was only three days old and we don't want her to go through it. We want to give her a respectful burial," Mohammed Salman, the baby's uncle, said over phone. -- PTI
Sanjay Raut/ANI
00:19 Raut booked for 'supari' charge against Shinde's son
Thane city police on late Wednesday night registered a first information report for defamation against Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut for his claim that there was a threat to his life from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde.
A case was registered under IPC Sections 153 (A) (promoting disharmony between different groups, religions, etc), 500 (defamation) and other relevant sections at Kapurbawdi police station, said an official.
The FIR was based on a complaint filed by former mayor Meenakshi Shinde, he said.
"Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde has given a 'supari' (contract) to kill me to a Thane-based criminal Raja Thakur," Raut had said in a letter to the Mumbai police commissioner. -- PTI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances