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Fri, 24 March 2023
Karnataka cancels 4% minorities quota
Timeline Refresh
Eric Garcetti
23:55 Garcetti sworn in as US ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris
Eric Garcetti, the former Mayor of Los Angeles, was officially sworn in as the US ambassador to India on Friday by Vice President Kamala Harris during a ceremonial event in Washington, DC.
Earlier this month, the US Senate confirmed Garcetti's nomination, ending a protracted hiatus of over two years to fill the key diplomatic position.
"I can't wait to serve," Garcetti said, when asked about his new diplomatic assignment. The ceremony was attended by his close family members, including wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland. -- PTI
Sonu Nigam
23:38 Driver held for Rs 72 lakh theft in singer Sonu Nigam's father's home
The driver of renowned singer Sonu Nigam's father was arrested for allegedly stealing Rs 72 lakh, a Mumbai police official said on Friday.
The theft came to light at the Oshiwara residence of Agamkumar Nigam, the singer's father, on Wednesday, after which police teams began a probe, he said.
The accused was held on Thursday evening, and his interrogation led to the recovery of Rs 70.70 lakh of the looted amount from Kolhapur, the official added.
During the examination of CCTV footage of the society, the driver was seen entering the housing complex with a bag, and he was named in the complaint filed by the singer's sister Nikita, as per police. -- PTI
23:20 Karnataka cancels 4% minorities quota
The Karnataka government on Friday announced its decision to scrap the four per cent quota for minorities and add it to the existing quota of two dominant communities of the poll-bound state.
The 4 per cent reservation given to Muslims under 2B classification of the OBC category will now be divided into two equal parts and added to the existing quota of Vokkaligas and Lingayats for whom two new reservation categories of 2C and 2D were created during the Belagavi assembly session last year.
The cabinet decided to bring the religious minorities under the EWS category.
The decision comes ahead of the assembly elections. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the religious minorities quota would be done away with and brought under the 10 percent pool of the EWS category without any change of condition.
"The four per cent (reservation for minorities) will be divided into two between 2C and 2D. The four per cent reservation for the Vokkaligas and others will be enhanced to six per cent and Veerashaiva Panchamasali and others (Lingayats), who are getting five per cent reservation will now get seven per cent," the CM explained.
The Cabinet had abolished 3A and 3B categories of reservation for Vokkaligas and Lingayats respectively and replaced them with two new categories of 2C and 2D last December. -- PTI
Amritpal Singh
23:04 Amritpal case: Punjab police release 44 from preventive custody
The Punjab police on Friday said they have released 44 people taken into preventive custody during a crackdown on pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh and handed them over to their family.
"In the larger interest of the public and keeping in view that youngsters should not suffer, Punjab Police have decided to release those persons who have a minimum role or were just following Amritpal Singh on religious sentiments only," said additional director general of police (law and order) Arpit Shukla.
Shukla said in a statement that 44 people, who were under preventive custody, were released and handed over to their family members on Friday following a promise of good conduct in future.
On Thursday, inspector general of police (headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said that the Punjab police might release 177 people from preventive custody.
A total of 207 people were taken into custody for allegedly disturbing peace and harmony.
Of them, 30 have been found involved in major criminal activities and remaining were under preventive custody, police said.
Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann has given clear instructions to police to not harass innocent people during the crackdown on Amritpal Singh and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De', according to an official statement. -- PTI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
22:52 Youth Cong, BJYM men clash in Raipur over Rahul
Activists of the Indian Youth Congress and the BJP's youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha on Friday clashed in Raipur following protests over Rahul Gandhi losing his Lok Sabha membership.
Activists from both sides as well as some police personnel got injured as there was stone pelting, a police official said.
Following the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha member, Youth Congress workers allegedly blackened the posters of BJP leaders at the saffron party's office in Ekatma Parisar on Friday evening, he said.
The police reached the spot soon and stopped the Youth Congress workers, he said.
Following this, BJP workers reached the Congress party headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, where activists of both IYC and BJYM pelted stones at each other, he said.
Activists from both sides and a few police personnel were injured, he added.
Both sides lodged complaints against each other and probe was on, the official said.
State BJP president Arun Sao said Youth Congress workers, intoxicated by power, attacked his party's office.
They were trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Chhattisgarh by taking law into their own hands, he added. -- PTI
22:08 Niramala Sitharaman to meet bank chiefs tomorrow
Finance minister Niramala Sitharaman will meet managing directors of public sector banks on Saturday to review performance against the backdrop of the failure of a few banks in the US and the liquidity crisis faced by Credit Suisse.
The meeting is going to take stock of the progress made by banks in achieving targets set for the various government schemes, including Kisan Credit Card, Stand-Up India, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and emergency credit line guarantee scheme to help businesses affected by COVID-19, according to sources.
This is the first full review meeting after the presentation of Budget 2023-24 and banks would be asked to focus on the areas highlighted by the Budget, including credit flow to productive sectors.
The finance minister will review financial inclusion, credit growth, asset quality, and capital raising and business growth plan of banks for the next financial year, the sources said, adding non-performing assets of Rs 100 crore and the recovery status would also be discussed.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of global concern over the failure of banks due to aggressive monetary tightening.
The US Fed on Wednesday hiked interest rates by 25 basis points to tame high inflation despite the banking crisis.
To fight the persistent hot inflation, the Fed has so far increased rates from zero to 4.75 to 5 per cent, all in just one year.
Taking a cue, both, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank have also raised their benchmark interest rates. -- PTI
21:50 3 high courts get new chief justices
The high courts of Allahabad, Chhattisgarh and Patna got new chief justices on Friday.
Justice Pritinker Diwaker, a judge of the Allahabad high court, was appointed as its new chief justice.
Justice Ramesh Sinha, another judge of the Allahabad high court, was appointed as the chief justice of the Chhattisgarh HC, and Justice K Vinod Chandran of the Kerala high court was appointed as the chief justice of the Patna HC.
Law Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted about the fresh appointments.
Representational image
21:23 Missile misfired during army exercise in Rajasthan
A missile was misfired during a firing exercise by the army in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer.
The annual exercise of a unit was going on at the Pokran field firing range when the incident occurred.
However, no loss of life or property was reported.
"A case of Missile misfire was reported while a unit was undertaking its annual field firing today," a defence spokesperson said.
He said the missile detonated safely. However, the debris fell in the adjoining fields.
"No damage rendered to any personnel and property. Issue is being investigated," he added. -- PTI
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
21:08 Son of a martyred PM called 'Mir Jafar,' but Rahul won't bow down: Priyanka
In a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said Rahul Gandhi, the son of a martyred prime minister, was called 'Mir Jafar' and insults were hurled at his family but he would not bow down as he belongs to a family whose members have nurtured democracy by its blood.
Her attack came after the former Congress president and her brother was disqualified from Lok Sabha, a day after he was convicted by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case Thursday.
In a series of tweets, Priyanka Gandhi launched an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying in a tweet in Hindi, "Narendra Modi ji, your sycophants called the son of a martyred prime Minister a traitor, Mir Jafar. One of your Chief Minister raised questions as to who is the father of Rahul Gandhi? Following the custom of Kashmiri Pandits, a son wears 'pagdi' after his father's death, maintaining his family's tradition."
"Insulting the whole family and the Kashmiri Pandit community, you asked in Parliament why we don't keep the name Nehru. But no judge gave you a sentence of two years. Did not disqualify you from the Parliament," she said.
Stepping up its attack on Rahul Gandhi over his democracy in danger remark in London, the BJP had on Tuesday dubbed him as the "present-day Mir Jafar of Indian polity" who went overseas seeking help from foreign forces to become a 'nawab' in India. -- PTI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a tractor rally in Wayanad/File image/PTI
20:43 Rahul's Wayanad Lok Sabha seat declared vacant
The Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala was declared vacant on Friday after its MP Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from Parliament after he was sentenced to a two-year jail term in a criminal defamation case.
The Lok Sabha secretariat issued a notification disqualifying Gandhi as a member of the Lower House of Parliament following his conviction by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case.
The Lok Sabha website now shows three vacant seats -- Jalandhar, Lakshadweep and Wayanad.
The Jalandhar seat fell vacant after the demise of Congress member Santokh Singh Chaudhary.
The Lakshadweep seat fell vacant after the disqualification of NCP member Mohammad Faizal P P after his conviction in an attempt to murder case in which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Gandhi represented the Amethi parliamentary seat in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2019.
BJP leader Smriti Irani defeated Gandhi in Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. -- PTI
20:29 Vocalist Bombay Jayashri stable after health setback in UK
Well-known Carnatic musician Bombay Jayashri Ramnath suffered a "health setback" while touring the United Kingdom, her spokesperson said on Friday.
According to the statement posted on the renowned singer's Instagram Stories, Jayashri Ramnath, who is in the UK for a music tour, received "timely medical intervention" from the National Health Service and is currently "stable".
"Bombay Jayashri had a health setback in the United Kingdom where she is currently touring for her concerts. She received timely medical intervention thanks to the capable staff at the NHS and her accompanying artistes."
"She is currently stable and recovering well, she requires rest for a couple of days," the statement read. The Padma Shri-awardee's family requested privacy and urged her fans to ignore the "messages circulating on social media platforms".
Sources close to her family said Jayashri Ramnath, who is currently in her 50s, underwent a surgical procedure for an aneurysm, which occurs when an artery's wall weakens and causes an abnormally large bulge.
Jayashri Ramnath is known for singing songs in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.
Some of her most memorable songs include "Partha Mudhal" from 2006 Tamil movie Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, Yaaro Manathile from 2008's Dhaam Dhoom, Zara Zara Behakta Hain from the movie Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein" and Pi's Lullaby from Ang Lee's film Life of Pi. -- PTI
File image/ANI
19:59 Avalanche warning issued in several districts of J-K
An avalanche, of low-danger level, is likely to occur above 2,800 to 3,000 meters above sea level over several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority warned on Friday.
The avalanche is likely to occur above seal level over Baramulla, Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kupwara, Kupwara, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, Anantnag, and Kulgam.
The authority advised the people living in these areas to take precautions and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas till further orders.
Earlier in February, two foreigners were killed in an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg.
As many as 19 stranded tourists from overseas and 2 local guides were rescued.
Baramulla police informed through a statement that three teams, comprising twenty-one foreigners and two local guides, went to Affarwat Gulmarg for skiing.
The skiing teams were trapped in Hapatkhud Kangdori, situated in Gulmarg, where they went skiing. -- ANI
19:43 Congress top brass meets after Rahul Gandhi's disqualification
The Congress' top brass, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former AICC chief Sonia Gandhi, met on Friday to deliberate on the party's strategy going forward after Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha.
A meeting was already scheduled for Friday evening but after Rahul Gandhi's conviction, top leaders assembled at 6 pm at the party headquarters with his disqualification being top of the agenda.
Besides Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Rajiv Shukla and Tariq Anwar, senior leaders P Chidambaram, Anand Sharma, Ambika Soni, Mukul Wasnik, Salman Khurshid and Pawan Kumar Bansal, among others, were also present at the meeting.
Sources said Rahul Gandhi's disqualification and party's strategy and plans for agitations were top of the agenda at the meeting.
Rahul Gandhi was on Friday disqualified from Lok Sabha following his conviction by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case, an action the party termed an attempt to "silence" his voice as it vowed to fight the battle legally and politically. -- PTI
19:15 FCRA licence validity of NGOs extended till Sep 30
The Centre on Friday extended the validity of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act registration of non-governmental organisations, the renewal applications of which are pending, till September 30.
In a public notice, the ministry of home affairs said the validity of the registration of those FCRA entities whose validity had been extended till March 31, 2023 and whose renewal application is pending, will stand extended up to September 30, 2023 or till the date of disposal of renewal application, whichever is earlier.
It also said that the validity of those entities which were registered under the FCRA and whose five year validity period is expiring during April 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, but have applied for will apply for renewal before expiry of the five year validity period, will stand extended up to September 30, 2023 or till the disposal of the renewal application -- whichever is earlier.
"All FCRA registered associations are therefore, advised to take note that in case of refusal of the application for renewal of certificate of registration, the validity of the certificate shall be deemed to have expired on the date of refusal of the application of renewal and the association shall not be eligible either to receive the foreign contribution or utilise the foreign contribution received," the MHA said.
Those non-governmental organisations which receive foreign contribution must be registered under the FCRA. -- PTI
18:57 Uber driver speeds away while college student tries to disembark, held
A 22-year-old college student was injured after her cab driver drove off while she was disembarking following an argument over changing her destination, the police said on Friday.
The accused Uber driver Pawan (32) has been arrested, they said.
In its response to PTI, an Uber spokesperson called the incident "unfortunate" and said the company had removed the driver's access to the app.
The incident took place around 4 pm on Wednesday.
The victim had booked the cab via Uber from Majnu Ka Tilla to Ashok Vihar.
After boarding the cab, she received a call following which she changed her destination to Dilshad Garden.
However, an argument broke out between the victim and the driver over changing the destination.
"The driver asked her to get down in the middle of the way but the woman kept arguing and refused to cancel the trip or take another vehicle. This annoyed the driver even more," a senior police official said.
"When they reached a traffic signal near a college, he sped away with her belongings while the victim was trying to alight the vehicle. The driver's carelessness led to the woman falling off," the official said.
The victim suffered injuries and was admitted to a hospital from where information of a road accident was reported to officers at the Civil Lines police station in north Delhi, he said.
"After collecting the medico-legal case, the injured woman's statement was recorded. In her complaint, she stated that the driver got annoyed by the change in destination and sped away with her belongings while carelessly injuring her," the official added. -- PTI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
18:33 BJP sees Cong plot in not challenging Rahul verdict
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday suggested that a conspiracy within the Congress might have played a role in its leaders not approaching a higher court for relief for Rahul Gandhi after his conviction as it had done so in the case of Pawan Khera within hours of the Assam police arresting him.
Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Anurag Thakur also hit out at the Congress over its criticism of the court judgment convicting Gandhi and said the Nehru-Gandhi family suffers from "feudal mindset" and a "sense of entitlement" as its members believed in a separate set of laws and democratic system for themselves.
"Law is equal for everyone," Pradhan told reporters at a press conference, accusing Gandhi of "abusing" backward castes with his "thieves" jibe aimed at "Modi surname".
Hitting back at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his claim that Gandhi has been punished for speaking the truth on the Adani-Hindenburg issue, he asked if abusing deprived and backward communities means speaking the truth.
Both the BJP leaders asserted that Gandhi's disqualification was a natural outcome of the law as the Supreme Court has made it clear that a lawmaker stands disqualified from the time of his conviction.
The Lok Sabha speaker has only confirmed this legal position, they said.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat disqualified Gandhi as MP from Wayanad in Kerala a day after a Surat court convicted him in a 2019 criminal defamation case for his remark "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" -- PTI
18:30 Gainers and losers in the Sensex pack
In a volatile trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex on Friday declined 398.18 points or 0.69 per cent to finish at 57,527.10, with 24 of its constituents posting losses.
During the day, the index witnessed a high of 58,066.40 and a low of 57,422.98.
The broader NSE Nifty fell 131.85 points or 0.77 per cent to slip below the psychological level of 17,000.
The index settled at 16,945.05, with 41 of its scrips ending in the red.
On a weekly basis, the BSE benchmark fell 462.8 points or 0.79 per cent, while the Nifty slipped 155 points or 0.90 per cent.
Bajaj Finserv was the biggest loser among the Sensex constituents, sliding 3.81 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, RIL, HCL Tech, SBI, Larsen & Toubro and Mahindra & Mahindra, Axis Bank and Titan.
Falling for the second day in a row, index major Reliance Industries witnessed an intense sell-off and declined 1.96 per cent.
On the other hand, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Power Grid, Asian Paints and Wipro were the gainers.
18:16 India's forex kitty jumps by $12.8 bn to $572.8 bn
India's forex kitty rose by $12.798 billion to $572.801 billion in the week ended March 17, the Reserve Bank said on Friday.
In the previous reporting week, the reserves had dropped by $2.39 billion to a three-month low of $560.003 billion.
It can be noted that in October 2021, the country's forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $645 billion.
The reserves have been declining as the central bank deploys the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments.
For the week ended March 17, the foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by $10.485 billion to $505.348 billion, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement released by the RBI on Friday.
Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. Gold reserves jumped by $2.187 billion to $44.109 billion, the RBI said.
The special drawing rights were up by $98 million to $18.219 billion, the apex bank said.
The country's reserve position with the IMF was also up by $29 million to $5.125 billion in the reporting week, the apex bank showed. -- PTI
17:53 I am fighting for the voice of India: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said he is fighting for the voice of India and is ready to pay any price, hours after he was disqualified from Lok Sabha.
In a tweet in Hindi, the 52-year-old former Congress president said, "I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any price."
Announcing his disqualification, the Lok Sabha Secretariat in a notification said it was effective from March 23, the day of his conviction.
On Thursday, a court in Surat sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail in a defamation case, filed on a complaint by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi for his remark, "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?" -- PTI
Ajith Kumar
17:24 Actor Ajith Kumar's father PS Mani passes away
South cinema star Ajith Kumar's father PS Mani has died, the actor said on Friday.
In a statement, posted on Twitter by his manager Suresh Chandra, the actor and his two brothers, Anup and Anil, said their father passed away in his sleep on Friday morning.
He was 85.
"We are grateful for the care and support provided to him and our family by a number of medical professionals, especially following his debilitating stroke of four years ago," a statement said.
"We are comforted, at this time of grief, that he lived a good life and knew the undying love of our mother, his partner of nearly six decades. We appreciate the kind, comforting messages and condolences that have been coming in and ask for your understanding if we may not be able to take calls or respond to messages in a timely manner," the statement read.
The family said they would like to grieve privately.
"We trust that all who have known loss will respect our wish to grieve privately and deal with his passing with as much equanimity and dignity as possible," the statement concluded.
The actor's fans as well as colleagues from the film industry condoled the death of his father on social media.
"My heartfelt condolences to Ajith, his mother and family. The loss of one's dad .. especially someone as caring and sweet as Subramaniam uncle can never be compensated. May his soul rest in peace. Stay strong Ajith," Chiyaan Vikram tweeted. -- PTI
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal/File image/PTI
16:52 Central govt scared of Rahul Gandhi: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and said under his leadership, an attempt is being made to destroy the country.
In a speech in the Delhi assembly, he also accused Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena of obstructing the work of the Aam Aadmi Party government.
"I want to tell BJP people that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, an attempt is being made to destroy the country. Those who want to destroy the country should be in BJP and those who want to save the country should leave BJP," he said.
There was an uproar in the assembly when Kejriwal spoke about the prime minister.
Referring to the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha, Kejriwal targeted the central government and said "they are scared". Gandhi was disqualification from the Lok Sabha upon his conviction and sentencing in a criminal defamation case.
Kejriwal asked LG Saxena to work together with the government for the development of Delhi.
"I want to tell LG sahab, 'You have come from Gujarat. You are our guest'. I don't think he would be knowing even the names of Delhi roads. But we don't want fights. We want to work together. What will future generations say? They were fighting. We have to take sewer connections to every household, buy new buses, improve traffic situation...let's do it together."
"We will work with you. It is not India-Pakistan war. When CM and LG start working together, it will actually be a double engine government," he said. -- PTI
Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy/File image
16:41 Rahul's disqualification 'death blow' to democracy: Telangana Cong chief
Taking strong exception to the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha, the Telangana Congress president, Revanth Reddy on Friday claimed that senior party leader's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and his demand for a JPC probe into the Adani issue are giving sleepless nights to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a tweet in Telugu, the Lok Sabha MP termed Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as a "death blow" to democracy and freedom of expression.
The TPCC president claimed that Rahul Gandhi undertaking 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' to safeguard democracy and fighting on the floor of Parliament for a JPC probe into the Adani issue are giving sleepless nights to Modi.
He asserted that the Congress would defeat the "conspiracy" through a legal battle.
Affirming that the country would stand with Rahul Gandhi, Revanth Reddy told reporters in Hyderabad that he and other party men would hit the streets against such "wicked decisions".
Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from Lok Sabha on Friday, a day after he was convicted by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case. -- PTI
Pic: KBK Graphics
16:23 Active Covid cases in country rise to 7,927
India logged 1,249 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases have increased to 7,927, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll has increased to 5,30,818 with one death each reported by Karnataka and Gujarat, the data updated at 8 am stated.
16:11 Uddhav warns BJP: Beginning of end of dictatorship
Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, on Friday dubbed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as murder" of democracy and said this is the beginning of the end of "dictatorship.
In a statement, Thackeray said it has become a crime to call a thief a thief, while those looting the country are out. "This is the beginning of the end of the dictatorship...the battle only needs a direction (now), "Thackeray said.
Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said Gandhi has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court convicted him in a 2019 criminal defamation case. Announcing his disqualification, the Lok Sabha Secretariat in a notification said that it was effective from March 23, the day of his conviction. Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat...Rahul Gandhi, Member of Lok Sabha representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction i.e. 23 March, 2023, the notification read. -- PTI
15:51 Rahul's disqualification not a political call: BJP
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as an MP by the Lok Sabha Secretariat is a result of a court order and not a political call, BJP leaders said Friday, stating that everyone is equal before the law.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice SPS Baghel termed the disqualification "lawful" and asserted that everyone is equal before the law. He noted that a BJP MLA was recently disqualified in Uttar Pradesh following his conviction in a criminal case.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the decision was a legal one and alleged the Congress was questioning the judiciary.
"It was a legal decision and not a call taken by the political party. It was taken by a court. The Congress should clarify who they are protesting against," he said.
Senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav said Gandhi had got enough opportunities to explain himself, provide evidence and all rules have been followed leading to his disqualification.
"When the order has come now the Congress is protesting against the order. They are abusing the legal system. In this country, the system runs according to the law and prior to this similar action has been taken against other public representatives.
"Not just Gandhi, but the Congress party should apologise for insulting the OBC community. They should work towards the development of the country instead of defaming the country's democracy in London," he said.
BJP MP from Kaushambi, Vinod Kumar Sonkar said Gandhi had insulted an entire community and he should be punished. "This is a decision of the court and the way he defamed a community he should be punished. This disqualification is a good message that no one is above the law," he said.
15:30 In solidarity Maha Cong walks out of Assembly
The Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Friday staged a walkout to protest the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Lok Sabha.
Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said Gandhi has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court convicted him in a 2019 criminal defamation case. "We condemn the decision to disqualify Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Lok Sabha. We decided to walk out in protest," said senior Congress leader Nana Patole.
The Opposition members, including MLAs from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), then protested on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan.
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar said the law under which a member stands disqualified after a conviction was enacted by the erstwhile Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government and the Centre has implemented it. "The Congress MLAs staging a walkout is laughable," he said.
A court in Surat sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail in a defamation case on Thursday.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
14:48 Indian democracy Om Shanti: Cong reacts
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, the Congress said it will fight the battle both "legally and politically". "We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy."
Defending Gandhi's disqualification, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel termed it as "lawful" and asserted that "everyone is equal before law". He also noted that a BJP MLA was also recently disqualified in Uttar Pradesh following his conviction in a criminal case. PTI
14:38 What the Lok Sabha notice says...
The Lok Sabha Secretariat's notification the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a Lok Sabha MP.
14:34 Stunned by speed of disqualification: Tharoor
"I'm stunned by this action and by its rapidity, within 24 hours of the court verdict and while an appeal was known to be in process. This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Parliament.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said on Friday. His disqualification as Wayanad MP is effective from March 23, the day of his conviction, the secretariat said in its notification. A court in Surat sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail in a defamation case on Thursday, filed on a complaint by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi for his remark on the Modi surname.
14:19 Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday disqualified Rahul Gandhi as an MP, following his conviction in a defamation case by a Surat court on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi's disqualification is effective from the date of his conviction, March 23, says the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
14:11 More trouble for Rahul in rape victim's ID reveal
The Delhi High Court Friday sought the national child rights panel's response to a plea seeking the registration of an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly revealing a Dalit girl's identity, who was raped and killed in 2021, by posting on Twitter a photo with her parents.
A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sachin Datta issued notice to National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCOCR) and granted it four weeks to file a counter-affidavit in response to the petition. The court listed the matter for further hearing on July 27.
At the outset, the counsel for NCPCR submitted that a formal notice has not been issued to them and urged the court to issue a notice to the child rights body on the petition to enable it to file an affidavit.
NCPCR had earlier told the court that despite Twitter's claim about taking down Gandhi's alleged tweet, the offence of making such disclosure survives.
Makarand Suresh Mhadlekar, a social activist, moved the high court in 2021 claiming that by posting the photo with the parents of the child victim, Gandhi violated the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which prohibit the disclosure of the identity of minor victims of sexual offences. Twitter had submitted that "nothing survived" in the petition as the tweet in question has been "geo-blocked" and was not available in India.
Its counsel had also informed that initially Gandhi's entire account was suspended by the social media platform but it was later restored.
A nine-year-old Dalit girl died under suspicious circumstances on August 1, 2021, with her parents alleging that she was raped, murdered and cremated by a crematorium's priest in southwest Delhi's Old Nangal village. On October 5, 2021, a bench headed by then Chief Justice DN Patel issued notice to Twitter on the petition which alleged that Gandhi was "attempting to take political mileage out of the unfortunate incident".
The court had then refused to issue notice to Gandhi, the Delhi Police and NCPCR on the public interest litigation (PIL) at that stage. The plea has also sought initiation of appropriate legal action against Gandhi by NCPCR.
14:06 Oppn holds 'democracy in danger' march
Several opposition parties on Friday held a protest march from Parliament, alleging that "democracy is in danger" and demanding a JPC probe into the Adani issue.
Addressing the media at Vijay Chowk, several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, also raised the issue of Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case by a Surat court and alleged that the government was targeting the opposition with cases to suppress their voices.
After a protest inside the Parliament House complex, a host of Opposition leaders from parties such as the CPI, CPI(M), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), JD(U) and Aam Aadmi Party, marched to Vijay Chowk, holding placards like 'We demand JPC' and 'Save LIC' and a huge banner in front of them with 'Democracy in Danger' written on it.
"We're fighting for JPC into Adani issue for months. They have a majority but the BJP is scared as there's something fishy. We'll keep fighting unitedly for it," Kharge said. He also hit out at BJP chief J P Nadda over his allegation that Rahul Gandhi compared OBC communities to thieves and accused the BJP of indulging in "caste politics". AAP's Sanjay Singh said Gandhi's conviction shows that the government wants to finish off the opposition by slapping cases on them. PTI
Pic courtesy: @INC
13:13 Ek toh chori ... phir rajneeti: Cong slams Nadda
The Congress on Friday refuted BJP chief J P Nadda's allegation that Rahul Gandhi compared OBC communities to thieves and accused the ruling party of defending the likes of fugitives Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, and indulging in "caste politics".
Amid a political fight between the BJP and Congress following Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case over the "Modi surname" remarks, Nadda alleged that "lies, personal slander and negative politics is integral" to his politics.
"By comparing OBC communities to thieves, Rahul Gandhi has shown a pathetic and casteist mindset. However, his latest tirade is not surprising. For the last many years, he has always reduced levels of political discourse," Nadda said.
Hitting back, Kharge, in a tweet in Hindi, said, "Modi government cannot escape from JPC! Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, and Mehul Choksi fled with the money of PNB and the public. OBCs did not do so, then how were they insulted?"
"SBI/LIC suffered losses due to your 'best friend'!" he said slamming the government. "Ek toh chori mein sahyog phir jatigat rajneeti ka prayog' (First providing help in stealing then applying caste politics)," Kharge said and termed it "shameful".
Later, interacting with reporters, the Congress president said his party is seeking answers as to who ran away with people's money, while the BJP is trying to distract from the main issue. "They are talking of insult to backward classes. The Congress has always stood with and fought for the backward classes, scheduled castes and minorities. These people who believe in Manu, talk of backward classes," Kharge said.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also lashed out at Nadda, saying he was distorting facts and indulging in "politics of defamation". "By doing he is defending Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. This truth had to come out and now it has come out. Thank you Nadda ji for your honesty. Now please show some honesty on Adani too," Ramesh said in a tweet in Hindi.
He also hit out at Union Minister Bhupender Yadav who attacked the Congress for raising questions on the Gujarat court convicting Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case. "Bhupendra Yadav should spend more time implementing environment and forest laws without fear or favour. Instead, he is busy defending Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. These two have stolen thousands of crores of public money and are fugitives running from justice in India," Ramesh said in a tweet in Hindi.
Gandhi was on Thursday sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his "why all thieves have Modi surname" remarks.
The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate H H Varma, which held 52-year-old Gandhi guilty under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500, also granted him bail and suspended the sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court. Gandhi can escape immediate disqualification as a member of parliament if the appellate court suspends the conviction as well as the two-year jail term. PTI
12:43 5 Indian seafarers in jail in Iran to return to India today
Five Indian seafarers who were kept under judicial custody at Chabahar Central Jail in Iran for 403 days are set to return to India on Friday.
According to sources, the 5 Indian seafarers will reportedly arrive in Mumbai from Tehran via an Iran Air flight. According to the President of the Indian World Forum, Puneet Singh Chandok, the repatriation of seafarers is facilitated by the Indian World Forum and is being borne by the Indian government.
The Embassy of India, Tehran after the direction of Delhi High Court to the Centre provided boarding and lodging to the seafarers and prior to that they were at the mercy of local Samaritans.
A screen grab of Rahul Gandhi with Mallikarjun Kharge when he made the comment
12:35 Rahul's 'wiping my nose on Kharge' dig at BJP
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds on to his sense of humour amid the crisis over his conviction. After meeting Congress MPs in Parliament, a meeting headed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi helped Kharge down a few stairs. He then quipped with a smile on his face, "If I touch you now, they say I'm wiping my nose on your back. Utter nonsense. Have you seen that? That I am helping you over there, they're saying that I'm wiping my nose on you."
It may be recollected that BJP IT-Cell chief Amit Malviya had claimed that former Union minister Jitendra Singh Alwar had tied Rahul's shoelaces during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Alwar clarified that he was tying his own shoelaces, and not Rahul Gandhi's and also threatened threatened to take legal action against Malviya.
File pic
11:59 LS adjourned seconds after Rahul attends
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi attended Lok Sabha proceedings on Friday, a day after he was convicted in a 2019 criminal defamation case by a Surat court.
Rahul Gandhi attended a meeting of party MPs before the start of the House proceedings. Congress Parliamentary Party Chief Sonia Gandhi was also present during the meeting.
The House was adjourned seconds after convening amid ruckus over various issues, and Rahul Gandhi left Parliament soon after that.
The court in Gujarat sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail in the case, filed on a complaint by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi for his alleged remark, "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?"
The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Varma, which held 52-year-old Gandhi guilty under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500, also granted him bail and suspended the sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court. Gandhi can escape immediate disqualification as a member of parliament if the appellate court suspends the conviction as well as the two-year jail term. PTI
11:50 SC directs all convicts, undertrials released during pandemic to surrender in 15 days
The Supreme Court on Friday directed that all convicts and undertrial prisoners, who were released during the COVID-19 pandemic in a move to decongest jails, to surrender within 15 days.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar said undertrial prisoners, who were released on emergency bail during the pandemic, can move for regular bail before competent courts after their surrender.
"All the convicts who were released during COVID-19 pandemic after their surrender can move competent courts for suspension of their sentence", the bench said.
Several convicts and undertrial prisoners, mostly those who were booked for non-heinous offences, were released during the pandemic in various states on the recommendations of high-powered committee set up in pursuant to directions of the apex court. PTI
File pic of Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra
11:48 Aware of reports on Rahul's conviction: UN
The United Nations is aware of the reports about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's two-year jail sentence and that his party plans to appeal the verdict, a spokesperson for the UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.
Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, was responding to a question at a press briefing at the United Nations on Thursday on whether Guterres was worried about democracy in India.
"I can say that we're aware of the reports regarding the case of Rahul Gandhi. We understand that his party does plan to appeal the decision. That's as much as I can say on that at this stage," Haq said.
Gandhi was sentenced to two years in jail on Thursday by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname remark, in a setback to the Lok Sabha MP who faces the risk of disqualification.
The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Varma, which held 52-year-old Gandhi guilty under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500, also granted him bail and suspended the sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court.
Gandhi took to Twitter to give his initial reaction by quoting Mahatma Gandhi in Hindi. "My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God, non-violence, the means to get it. - Mahatma Gandhi," he tweeted. PTI
Rahul Gandhi attends the Congress MPs meet this morning
11:29 Congress calls urgent meeting this evening
The Congress has called for an urgent meeting of its steering committee members, PCC presidents, CLP leaders and frontal organisation chiefs at the party headquarters in the national capital.
Party president Kharge will preside over the meeting.
A day after its MP Rahul Gandhi was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail, the Congress party has today planned a massive agitation. It has planned a protest at the Vijay Chowk here today. The party said it also plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu with other parties over the issue.
Congress is also expected to raise the issue in Parliament during the ongoing second leg of the Budget Session.Heavy security was seen deployed at Vijay Chowk after the Congress call for a protest march against the verdict sentencing party MP Rahul Gandhi.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday convened a meeting of senior party leaders and MPs at his residence where it was decided that a protest would be staged at Vijay Chowk.
"They (BJP) are doing this to sidestep the main issue. Congress has always stood by OBC, SC, ST, Backward class and minorities and fought for them," Kharge said on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi.
11:11 SC to hear on misuse of agencies on April 5
Update: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to list for hearing on April 5 a plea by 14 opposition parties, led by the Congress, alleging arbitrary use of central probe agencies against political opponents.
A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the opposition parties such as the DMK, RJD, Bharat Rashtra Samiti and the Trinamool Congress, and said the plea would be taken up for hearing on April 5.
The parties are seeking pre- and post-arrest guidelines to be followed by the central probe agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.
"Ninety five per cent cases are against opposition leaders. We are asking for pre-arrest guidelines and post-arrest guidelines," Singhvi said. "We will list it on April 5," said the bench also comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala. PTI
10:55 14 political parties move SC over use of agencies
Fourteen political parties led by Congress move the Supreme Court against 'arbitrary' use of central probe agencies against opposition leaders.
10:24 Lies, slander part of Rahul's politics: Nadda
BJP president J P Nadda Friday claimed that Rahul Gandhi has a habit of levelling fabricated allegations having no connection with facts while alleging the Congress leader has a "huge arrogance but little understanding".
In a series of tweets amid a political fight between the BJP and the Congress following Gandhi's conviction in a defamation case over the "Modi surname" remarks, Nadda alleged that "lies, personal slander and negative politics is integral" to his politics. People's "punishment" to him will be more severe in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls than in 2019 when he lost in Amethi and the Congress was routed nationally, the BJP leader said.
He said, "By comparing OBC communities to thieves, Rahul Gandhi has shown a pathetic and casteist mindset. However, his latest tirade is not surprising. For the last many years, he has always reduced levels of political discourse."
Nadda said he repeatedly ignored suggestions from the court and the community to tender an apology for his comments. The entire Other Backward Classes will avenge this insult in a democratic manner, the BJP president said.
"He repeatedly hurt the sentiments of the OBCs. The Surat court has convicted him for his objectionable comments against the community. But Rahul Gandhi and the Congress stuck to those remarks due to their arrogance," Nadda said.
As the "newly minted" Congress president, Gandhi's core issue for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls was the "cooked-up Rafale scam", he said. "His negative politics and cooked-up Rafale scam faced a setback in the court of law. Our highest court of the land, the Honourable Supreme Court gave a very clear verdict on the Rafale issue and did not believe the corruption bogey Gandhi raised," he added.
10:10 Amritpal's last location mapped to Haryana
In a major breakthrough in the ongoing manhunt for fugitive pro-Khalistan leader and radical preacher Amritpal Singh, Punjab's Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, on Thursday revealed that the Waris Punjab De chief's last location was in Haryana.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, the IGP said, "We are still actively searching for Amritpal Singh and have come to know that its last location was in Haryana. We have taken a woman named Baljeet Kaur into custody. Amritpal stayed at this woman's house in Kurukshetra (Haryana) and the Waris Punjab De chief and his close aide had been in touch with her for the last two-and-a-half years."
The IGP said Baljeet Kaur disclosed during questioning that both Amritpal and his key aide, Papalpreet Singh, had stayed at her house on the night of March 19.
"We arrested Baljeet Kaur with the help of Haryana Police. She disclosed during interrogation that on the night of March 19, both Papalpreet Singh and Amritpal had put up at her place. She said she had Papalpreet for more than the last couple of years and he had stayed at her house on several occasions," the IGP said.
"After staying the night, they moved out of there (her house) the next day. We are examining the CCTV footage and are hopeful of arresting Amritpal soon," he added.
The Punjab IGP informed further that Amritpal and his aide changed their two-wheeler near a gurdwara at Sehowal village in Jalandhar and tried to get a boat to get across a river.
"Our team continues to be in his trail. We are examining CCTV footage retrieved from several locations in a bid to trace his whereabouts. They changed their two-wheeler at a gurdwara at Sehowal village and tried to get a boat to cross the river. However, they failed to get one and eventually used an overbridge to get across the river," the IGP added.
"After roaming around in another two-wheeler, they hired an auto-rickshaw. After this, they were located at Kurukshetra. Gurpej (one of the four men arrested for allegedly helping Amritpal escape), who is currently in our custody, told us about another woman, apart from Baljeet Kaur, who he may turn to for refuge," the IGP added. -- ANI
09:42 Renuka Chowdhary to file defamation case against PM
Congress leader Renuka Chowdhary will file a defamation case against PM Narendra Modi for the alleged 'Surpnakha' comment made in parliament in 2018. "Let's see how fast the court acts now, " Renuka Chowdhary wrote in a tweet.
Renuka shared an old video of a parliamentary session, where PM Modi compared her laugh to 'Ramayana' serial's character 'Surpanakha' - infamous for her laughter, without naming her. "This classless megalomaniac referred to me as Surpanakha on the floor of the house. I will file a defamation case against him. Let's see how fast courts will act now..." the Congress leader tweeted.
A court in Surat convicted Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 criminal defamation case filed by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi. The Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad during an election campaign for the 2019 general elections had said 'how come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname'.
09:31 Alert issued in Uttarakhand against Amritpal Singh
An alert has been issued in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udhamsinghnagar districts of the Uttarakhand as a precaution in view of the possibility of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh entering the state, the state's Director General of Police Ashok Kumar has said.
"An alert has been issued in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udhamsinghnagar districts of the state as a precaution in view of the possibility of pro-Khalisthan Amritpal Singh entering the state," the DGP told ANI.
He said that the police conducting intensive checking on the borders of all three districts and in other areas.
Significantly, all three districts of the State have been affected by terrorism in the 90s, he added.
On Thursday, Punjab's Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill said that a total of 207 persons have been arrested for disturbing peace and harmony in the state, of which, 30 have been found in substantive criminal activities, while, remaining are under preventive arrest.
"Police teams are doing a thorough screening of all the arrested persons and soon they will be released from police custody," he said.
The IGP said that this operation was carried out on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with an aim to save the innocent youth of Punjab from playing into the hands of Anti-National Forces. -- ANI
09:15 Modi also commented on Nehru surname: AAP
AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj hit out at the Centre over the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case, saying while the Congress leader's remark using the 'Modi' surname was wrong, it was unfair to single him out as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also commented on the Nehru surname.
On Thursday, the Surat district court sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years of imprisonment in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his alleged remark using the Modi surname at a campaign meeting in Karnataka for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The court later approved Rahul's bail on a surety of Rs 15,000 while suspending his sentence for a period of 30 days during which he can challenge his conviction in a higher court.
Weighing in on Rahul's conviction and sentence, the AAP MLA said, "We have serious political differences with Rahul Gandhi and his party and they will remain going forward. However, we do oppose the way Opposition leaders are being implicated in false cases. The message that's going out loud and clear is that anyone questioning this government will be implicated in false cases."
"Defamation laws have been in vogue for years but weren't misused by previous governments to target Opposition leaders. They are not letting Opposition leaders speak. Their sole objective is to crush anyone who questions the central government. This can't be tolerated in a democracy. The divergence of voices is the cornerstone of democracy and one of the thumb rules of a democratic setup like ours is that the Opposition will raise questions. If the government of the day resorts to splitting hairs and filing a defamation suit in every case, that's not fair. The CBI and the ED are being used to get back at the Opposition. What we are seeing now is very similar to what happened during the Emergency," Bhardwaj said.
"What Rahul-ji said using the Modi surname was wrong. But it's not fair to single him out as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also made a comment using the Nehru surname. He mocked the country's first Prime Minister. If two leaders make fun of each other's surnames and only one is punished, then that's not fair. I believe our political class should be more tolerant. It's not right for leaders to be jailed for minor offences," the AAP leader added.
"The BJP is setting the wrong precedent. If Opposition-ruled states, too, catch this trend, the BJP leaders would find it difficult to open their mouths. The BJP may be in power at the Centre today but tomorrow, it could be someone else," the AAP leader said.
Claiming that the Congress never stood up for the AAP when its leaders were targeted by the Centre, Bhardwaj said, "Rising above political differences, Arvind Kejriwal is standing in support of Rahul Gandhi today. I am happy that Kejriwal-ji is doing what Rahul-ji never did."
Taking to Twitter earlier on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted, "There is a conspiracy to eliminate non-BJP leaders and parties by prosecuting them. We have differences with Congress, but it is not right to implicate Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case like this. It is the job of the public and the opposition to ask questions. We respect the court but disagree with the decision." -- ANI
09:05 Filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar dies
Filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar died at the age of 67. Taking to Twitter on Friday morning, Hansal Mehta shared a picture of Pradeep. He wrote, "Pradeep Sarkar. Dada. RIP."
Sarkar made his directorial debut with Parineeta in 2005. He also directed Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007), Lafangey Parindey (2010), Mardaani (2014) and Helicopter Eela (2018).
Mallikarjun Kharge met senior party leaders yesterday
08:49 Cong plans mass agitation, to meet Prez Murmu
The Congress has decided to take to the streets to protest Rahul Gandhi's conviction and will meet President Droupadi Murmu along with other parties.
The main opposition party announced a mass agitation on Thursday immediately after Rahul Gandhi was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case and said it will not just fight the case legally but also politically.
Following the court verdict, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting of senior party leaders and MPs at his residence where it was decided that a protest would be staged at Vijay Chowk on Friday. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party will hold a meeting with other opposition leaders in the morning and would stage a protest march from the Parliament House to Vijay Chowk.
The opposition parties have also sought time from President Droupadi Murmu on Friday afternoon to raise the matter with her.
Ramesh said the meeting at Kharge's residence lasted around two hours and it was decided that the party president would hold a meeting with all state unit chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders and plan agitations in states.
"We will hold protests across Delhi and in other states on Monday on this issue," Ramesh said. It is just not a legal issue, but also a serious political matter linked with the future of democracy in the country," he said.
"This is another major example of the Modi government's politics of vendetta, threat and intimidation. We will fight it legally as well as politically. We will not bow down or be intimidated by such politics and will turn this into a major political issue," Ramesh said. PTI
08:38 Ajay Banga, scheduled to meet Modi, tests Covid +ve
World Bank presidential nominee Ajay Banga has tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing in New Delhi where he was travelling on the last leg of his world tour, and is currently quarantining in isolation, the Department of Treasury said Thursday.
India is witnessing a spike in influenza and coronavirus cases in the past two weeks. The country has recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.
Banga's New Delhi visit (March 23 and March 24) is the final stop on his three-week global tour that began in Africa before progressing to Europe, Latin America and Asia.
"During routine testing, Ajay Banga tested positive for COVID-19 but remains asymptomatic. In adherence with local guidelines, he is quarantining in isolation," the Department of Treasury said Thursday afternoon.
While in India, 63-year-old Banga was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Treasury said in a previous statement.
India endorsed Banga's candidacy soon after his nomination was announced.
Since then, a diverse coalition of governments has expressed their support for Banga, including Bangladesh, Cte d'Ivoire, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom.
During his global listening tour, Banga met with senior government officials, stakeholders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society.
Along the way, he has built continuous momentum for his candidacy, gaining the support of advocates, academics, development experts, executives, Nobel Laureates, and former government officials.
If elected to serve, Banga will draw from his experience living and working in emerging markets and his expertise in forging public-private partnerships to mobilise investments and action to confront longstanding challenges.
That includes his efforts at Mastercard to successfully bring 500 million previously unbanked people into the digital economy, as well as its support for 50 million small businesses.
New Delhi logged 84 coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 5.08 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the health department.
The city has seen an increase in the number of fresh Covid infections over the last few days, amid a sharp rise in H3N2 influenza cases in the country. -- PTI
01:17 Parl resumes access to Central Hall for Governors, chief ministers, ex-MPs
The Lok Sabha secretariat on Thursday issued revised guidelines for entry to Central Hall of Parliament, saying it has been decided that the entry of Governors, chief ministers and former MPs has been permitted to the Central Hall of Parliament in view of the reduction in COVID-19 cases in the country.
"In view of the reduction in COVID-19 cases in the country and consequent relaxations in access to various public facilities, it has been decided that the entry of Governors, chief ministers, ministers of state governments and Ex-MPs is permitted to the Central Hall, Parliament House," said a bulletin issued on Thursday.
It said the entry in Parliament House and Central Hall is regulated according to Rules and Directions issued by the Lok Sabha Speaker from time to time.
No person without a valid pass is allowed to gain entry even when accompanied by the Members of Parliament.
The access to the public viewing gallery continues to be according to the norms specified earlier.
After Parliament resumed its work following Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, the entry norms were revised in accordance with the guidelines issued of the Union Health Ministry. -- ANI
Gautam Adani
00:26 Uddhav Sena, Adani co duel over Ratnagiri plot
Lok Sabha MP Vinayak Raut on Thursday alleged that 123 hectares of land in Maharashtra's coastal Ratnagiri district was illegally transferred to Adani Transmission Ltd between 2015 to 2018.
The company, however, denied that it had purchased any land as claimed by the MP.
Speaking at a press conference, Raut, who represents Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency and owes allegiance to Uddhav Thackeray, said Raipur Rajnandangaon Warora Transmission Company Ltd was handed over to ATL in July 2015.
The company had acquired forest land in four districts of Vidarbha (eastern Maharashtra) to lay power lines, and intended to hand over the land acquired in Ratnagiri to the forest department as compensation, the MP claimed.
According to Raut, the company needed 284.24 hectares of forest land in Chandrapur, Wardha, Gadchiroli and Gondia districts of eastern Maharashtra, and was supposed to hand over an equal area of land to the forest department.
"From 2015 to 2018, land was illegally acquired from farmers from Mauje Nigduwadi and Kundi villages in Sangmeshwar (in Ratnagiri district), Raut alleged.
In a statement late in the evening, the ATL spokesperson said the allegations were not based on "factual understanding" of the transmission business, and "no company needs such a huge land parcel to transmit electricity." -- PTI
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