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Thu, 23 May 2024
Vote for those who can defeat BJP nominees: Tikait
Timeline Refresh
23:52 Varun addresses his first poll rally in Sultanpur, mother Maneka's battlefield
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Varun Gandhi on Thursday addressed his first rally in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in support of Maneka Gandhi, and said his mother has a close connection with the people of her Sultanpur constituency.
"Elections are going on everywhere in the country...but there is only one region in the country where people don't call their MP, Sansad ji, Mantri ji, or by her name, but call her mata ji," the Pilibhit MP said here amid applause from the public.
"I am confident that this time you people are going to break all the records. I have no enmity with anyone. When I came to Sultanpur for the first time, I felt the 'Khusbhu' (fragrance) of my father here, but today I feel proud to say that I have come to my motherland," he said.
This is the first time Varun Gandhi has addressed a rally this election season.
He has remained out of the public space ever since he was replaced by the BJP with Jitin Prasada from Pilibhit, which went to polls in the first phase of the elections.
At the rally, Varun Gandhi said that if a crisis befalls any family of Sultanpur, they should not consider themselves alone.
"I am giving you my phone number." "When Sultanpur's name is taken in the country, the name of Maneka Gandhi also comes. I promise that no person in Sultanpur will ever remain alone. Just like everyone in Pilibhit has Varun Gandhi's number, similarly in Sultanpur I have seen my mother answering anyone's call and try to solve problems," he added. -- PTI
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait
23:35 Vote for those candidates who can defeat BJP nominees: Tikait
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait appealed to people on Thursday to vote for those candidates who are capable of defeating the ruling BJP's nominees in the two final phases of the Lok Sabha polls on May 25 and June 1.
The national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, which is part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmer unions, also alleged that it is not the Bharatiya Janata Party that is contesting the ongoing election, but "a gang of capitalists" that has captured the country.
Five phases of the parliamentary polls, which started on April 19, have been completed.
More than 100 constituencies across 10 states and Union territories -- Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chandigarh -- will go to polls on May 25 and June 1.
"Two phases of polling are left. The SKM clearly says that you should vote for a candidate who can defeat the BJP. This is not the BJP's government, but the government of a gang of capitalists. This gang has captured the country and is fighting the election. Nobody is supporting them," Tikait said in a social media post.
"This is a direct election between India's public and this gang. The public is fighting this election. There is no need to worry. Whichever candidate you think can defeat the BJP in your area, vote for that candidate," the farmer leader said.
He noted that there have been instances of "misleading" voters through phone calls in which election-related discussions have been held about some candidates wrongly. -- PTI
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23:19 In two MP towns, authorities raze 'illegal' houses of two rape accused
Local authorities on Thursday pulled down the house of a man, accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in Sendhwa town of Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district, after they found that it was built on encroached land, an official said.
In a similar action in Burhanpur, located around 170 km from Sendhwa, the authorities pulled down the illegally built portion of the house of a man accused of raping and killing a six-year-old girl, another official said.
The accused in the Sendhwa case, a 35-year-old autorickshaw driver, allegedly raped the girl on Tuesday night, following which he was arrested.
"The kutcha house of the accused that was built on encroached land was demolished this evening," Sendhwa chief municipality officer Madhu Choudhary told reporters.
The incident of rape had triggered protests with people demanding strict action against the accused. Some organisations also held protests at a local police station on Wednesday demanding that the house of the accused be pulled down as a mark of punishment to him, and the authorities had assured the protesters of strict action against him.
Following the demands, a team of the local municipality took measurements of the house of the accused for further action, he said.
"In Burhanpur, the illegally-built portion of the house of the man accused of rape was razed in a joint operation by the administration, the local civic body and the police by using bulldozer," additional superintendent of police Antarsingh Kanesh said.
Local people expressed happiness over the bulldozer action against the accused, eyewitnesses said. -- PTI
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23:00 Air India hikes staffers' pay, announces target performance bonus for pilots
Air India on Thursday announced annual salary increments for its staff, and also introduced an annual target performance bonus for pilots, according to sources.
This is the first appraisal process after Tata Group took over the loss-making airline a little over two years ago.
On Thursday, Air India CHRO Ravindra Kumar GP announced salary increments for employees, with effect from April 1, 2024, as well as performance bonus payouts for FY 2023-24 based on company and individual performance, sources said.
They said that Air India, which is in the process of revamping itself under a five-year transformation plan, is providing competitive salary increments to attract and retain talent as part of larger efforts to have a performance-driven and meritocratic culture among the employees.
Air India has around 18,000 employees.
The airline has rolled out annual appraisals for all employees, who joined before December 31, 2023, including ground staff, cabin crew and pilots.
The appraisals are based on the new Performance Management System (Rise.AI). -- PTI
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22:30 Google to make Pixel smartphones at Foxconn plant in TN
Internet major Google will partner with Foxconn to produce its ultra-premium Pixel smartphones for the first time in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Thursday.
According to sources, Google's partnership with Foxconn is in addition to its plan to make Pixel smartphones at Dixon facility.
"As a result of the negotiations, Google will partner with Foxconn in Tamil Nadu to produce the Pixel cell phones and has offered to set up a factory," Stalin said in a statement.
According to the sources, Google will also export smartphones from India.
"Dixon will also make Pixel smartphones under an arrangement with Compal Electronics which makes Google's devices," a source said on condition of anonymity.
The production will start from September and the export will begin once the production stabilises, another source said.
Emails seeking comments from Google and Foxconn in this regard did not elicit any immediate response.
The company had announced plans to make Pixel smartphones in India in October.
Counterpoint Research estimated Google Pixel's share in the Indian smartphone market at 0.04 percent during the March 2024 quarter.
"Google is estimated to register healthy growth of 30 per cent annually in 2024 owing to two reasons -- Google has started manufacturing it entire series domestically, which will help it save in import duties and sell cost effectively. -- PTI
22:03 SRK returns to Mumbai with family
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, along with his wife Gauri Khan and kids Suhana and AbRam, returned to Mumbai on Thursday after being discharged from Ahmedabad's KD Hospital.
Earlier in the day, his manager Pooja Dadlani shared a post on her X account giving health updates to Shah Rukh Khan fans.
She wrote, "To all of Mr Khan's fans and well-wishers - he is doing well. Thank you for your love, prayers and concern."
21:34 Police quiz granddad in Pune Porsche crash case
The Pune police on Thursday questioned the grandfather of a 17-year-old boy who allegedly crashed his high-end car into a motorbike killing two persons earlier this week.
The accused teenager's friend and a driver who were accompanying him in the car during Sunday's fatal accident in Kalyani Nagar area here were also questioned by the police.
The teenager was remanded to the observation home by the Juvenile Justice Board on Wednesday.
His grandfather was summoned by the police on Thursday in connection with an offence registered against the juvenile's father and staff members and the owner of two liquor-serving establishments in Mundhwa area, a crime branch official said.
The senior citizen was confronted with his son, real estate developer Vishal Agarwal who has already been arrested, for the corroboration of certain facts, the official said.
While the minor's grandfather was being taken to face his son at the police commissioner's office, some reporters tried to ask him questions, following which a man accompanying him heckled and obstructed them.
It led to a heated exchange before the police intervened. -- PTI
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
21:27 Komagata Maru incident a 'dark chapter' in Canada's history: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday termed the tragic Komagata Maru incident as a "dark chapter' in the country's history and asked Canadians to work together to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive country for everyone.
"One hundred and ten years ago, the steamship Komagata Maru docked in Vancouver's harbour after a long journey across the Pacific Ocean. Aboard the ship, 376 people --Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus of Punjabi origin -- were ready to start a new life in Canada. But instead of being welcomed as newcomers, they were refused entry by Canada," Trudeau said in a statement.
Recalling their ordeal, the prime minister said that passengers of Komagata Maru, a Japanese steamship, were detained for two harrowing months in 1914 without food, water, or medical care.
Ultimately, the Komagata Maru was forced to return to India where many of its passengers were killed or imprisoned.
"This tragic incident is a dark chapter in our country's history," said Trudeau, who had apologised on behalf of the Government of Canada eight years ago for what happened to the passengers of the Komagata Maru.
He said that the deplorable treatment of those on board was reflected in Canada's racist and discriminatory laws of the time and "we must never allow this event to repeat itself.' -- PTI
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20:47 In Bihar, Yogi's helicopter loses its way, rally delayed
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday claimed to have been taken for a ride, by his helicopter, while campaigning in adjoining Bihar.
The Bharatiya Janata Party strongman addressed two back-to-back rallies in two constituencies of Bihar on the final day of campaign for sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls.
He winded up his tour of the state with a rally in Purbi Champaran, with just a few minutes to go before the campaign came to a close at 6 in the evening.
"I have been addressing rally after rally today. I started with one at Puri in Odisha, followed by another election meeting in that state," the UP chief minister said.
"In Bihar, I was supposed to be amidst you first, but I was flown by the helicopter to another seat," said Adityanath.
According to his travel schedule released by Bihar BJP, the UP CM was supposed to wind up his tour with a rally in Pashchim Champaran where former state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal is running for a fourth consecutive term.
But he ended up reaching there first.
The goof up caused the rally at Purbi Champaran to be delayed by more than an hour and a half, though Adityanath seemed glad that the crowds waited for him. -- PTI
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Abhishek Ghosalkar (right)
20:33 Sena leader's murder: Bodyguard seeks bail, says chargesheet silent on his role
A bodyguard whose pistol was allegedly used in the murder of Shiv Sena-UBT leader Abhishek Ghosalkar has again sought bail from a sessions court in Mumbai, contending that the chargesheet filed in the case doesn't say that he hatched any conspiracy.
This is the second bail attempt by Amarendra Mishra, the bodyguard of the alleged killer Mauris Noronha.
The court had rejected his earlier plea in March.
Mishra approached the court with a fresh application after the police recently filed the chargesheet in the case.
In his plea, Mishra claimed that the chargesheet doesn't say that he hatched any conspiracy to kill Ghosalkar.
The entire chargesheet does not disclose any offence committed by the applicant (Mishra), it said.
The plea claimed that Mishra had been behind bars for the last 3 months and since the investigation is over, no purpose would be served by keeping him in jail.
Noronha, a local businessman and social worker, shot dead Ghosalkar during a Facebook Live programme in suburban Borivali (West) in February this year before taking his own life. -- PTI
Music director Ilaiyaraaja
20:08 Ilaiyaraaja hits Manjummel Boys with legal notice
Malayalam hit Manjummel Boys is the latest to receive a legal notice by legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja for unauthorised use of his hit song, Kanmani Anbodu from the film Gunaa.
A sleeper hit, Manjummel Boys, produced by Soubin and Babu Shahir, and Shawn Anthony under Parava Films, is based on a true incident that occurred in the Gunaa caves in Kodaikanal in 2006.
It has been received exceptionally well in Tamil Nadu, as well as globally.
Originally called The Devil's Kitchen, the caves were notorious for many accidents that led to the disappearance of people with no trace.
After the release of Gunaa, the Tamil film featuring Kamal Haasan in 1991, which was shot there, the caves were referred to as Gunaa caves and became more popular among tourists.
Manjummel Boys traces the story of one such bunch of inebriated tourists from Kochi, fans of the film Gunaa.
Their holiday turns nightmarish when one of the boys falls into the cave.
The film ends with the song, Kanmani Anbodu, in what is referred to by many as a tribute to the cult status of the song and the film.
"Whether it is a tribute or not, when a song by someone is used in another film, it has to follow legal procedures and permission must be sought," said Illaiyaraaja's legal counsel Saravanan Annadurai. -- PTI
19:35 Actor Shah Rukh Khan discharged from Ahmedabad hospital
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad after suffering from a heat stroke, was discharged from the facility on Thursday evening, a police official said.
"Khan has been discharged from the hospital this evening. He left for the airport from the hospital," said Ahmedabad (Rural) superintendent of police Om Prakash Jat.
The actor was admitted to the multi-speciality KD Hospital in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
The private hospital has not yet issued any statement on Khan's health condition.
The actor was in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to attend an Indian Premier League match of his Kolkata Knight Riders team at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Several parts of Gujarat have been reeling under a severe heatwave for the last couple of days.
As per a report by the India meteorological department, Ahmedabad city was under 'heatwave' on Tuesday and Wednesday when it recorded a maximum temperature of 45.2 and 45.9 degrees Celsius, respectively. -- PTI
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19:18 Bengaluru rave party: 86 including Telugu actress test positive for narcotics
The blood samples collected from those who attended the rave party at a farmhouse in Bengaluru recently have revealed that 86 people, including a Telugu film actress, tested positive for narcotics, police sources said on Thursday.
According to sources, a total of 103 people had participated in the party, which was organised under the pretext of a birthday party.
The participants included 73 men and 30 women.
The police seized MDMA (Ecstacy) pills, MDMA crystals, hydro cannabis, cocaine, high end cars, DJ equipment, including sound and lighting worth Rs 1.5 crore during the raid at the farmhouse near Electronic City in the wee hours of May 19.
After the raid, police collected the blood samples of the participants in a private hospital, which revealed that 59 men and 27 women tested positive for narcotics.
"Most of the people who attended the party were consuming drugs. The Central Crime Branch will issue notices to those who tested positive," a police source said. -- PTI
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee greets during an election campaign, at Dum Dum/ANI Photo
18:51 Mamata walks in roadshow in Dumdum LS seat
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday walked for over 2 km in a colourful roadshow in support of Trinamool Congress candidate for Dumdum Lok Sabha seat, Saugata Roy.
Banerjee, who was accompanied by Roy, the sitting Dumdum MP, and state minister Sujit Bose, waved at crowds as thousands walked along with her holding party flags and tricolour balloons with the party symbol printed on those.
The roadshow started around 3.30 pm from Belgharia Rathtala Crossing and ended at Sinthir More after around an hour, covering Kamarhati and Baranagar assembly segments along BT Road.
Loudspeakers blared TMC's theme song for the Lok Sabha elections, 'Janagoner gorjon, Bangla birodhider bisarjan', while participants raised slogans hailing the party and denouncing the BJP.
Elections will be held in the Dumdum Lok Sabha seat, which covers the northern fringes of Kolkata, in the last phase on June 1. -- PTI
Security personnel in an anti-Maoist operation/File image
18:40 7 Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh
Seven Maoists were killed in an encounter with security personnel in a forest along Narayanpur-Bijapur inter-district border in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, the police said.
The gunfight broke out around 11 am when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Maoist operation and the intermittent firing was still underway, Narayanpur superintendent of police Prabhat Kumar said.
Seven Maoists in 'Maoist uniform' have been gunned down in the exchange of fire so far, said the SP.
The operation, involving personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard from Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bastar districts, Bastar Fighters and Special Task Force -- all units of state police -- was launched based on inputs about the presence of cadres from Maoists' Indravati Area Committee and Platoon No. 16, he said.
Altogether seven firearms have been recovered from the encounter site, he said. -- PTI
BJP MP Jayant Sinha/ANI Photo
18:07 Unjustly targeted, demoralising: BJP's Jayant Sinha
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jayant Sinha, who was asked by the party to show cause for not taking part in campaigning, on Thursday said he was being "unjustly targeted" and the public notice amounted to demoralising dedicated workers like him.
Replying to the showcause notice, Sinha said it was issued to him though he had on March 2 communicated to BJP president JP Nadda that he would not be able to shoulder electoral responsibilities as he would focus on combating issues arising from global climate change.
The Hazaribagh MP also said that it was wrong for the party to allege that he did not cast his vote on May 20, since he had exercised his franchise through postal ballot and was not in the country on the polling day.
"Given my contributions to the party and the circumstances, the public issuance of your letter is unseemly. Your approach demoralizes dedicated party workers and undermines the party's collective efforts. Additionally, despite my loyalty and hard work for the party, it appears that I am being unjustly targeted," the former Union minister replied on the show cause notice via a post on X.
The BJP on Monday had slapped the notice on Sinha for not taking part in campaigning after Manish Jaiswal was declared candidate from the Hazaribag Lok Sabha seat, thereby "maligning" the party's image. -- PTI
17:49 Pune car crash: Police question grandfather of minor accused
The Pune police are on Thursday questioning the grandfather of the 17-year-old boy, who allegedly crashed his high-end car into a motorbike killing two persons in the city, an official said.
The boy's grandfather was summoned by the police in connection with an offence registered against the juvenile's father, the staff members and the owner of two liquor serving establishments in Mundhwa area, a crime branch official said.
"The minor's grandfather is currently being grilled by the sleuths of crime branch at the Pune police commissionerate," he said.
A Porsche car, allegedly driven by the 17-year-old, who the police claim was drunk at the time, fatally knocked down two motorbike-borne software engineers at Kalyani Nagar in the city in the early hours of Sunday.
The boy's father, Vishal Agarwal (50) has already been arrested under the Juvenile Justice Act and remanded in police custody for handing over his car to his underage son, and thus exposing him to danger. -- PTI
17:44 Five of a family die by suicide in TN
Five members of a family allegedly died by suicide in Thiruthangal near Sivakasi in the district on Thursday reportedly over huge debts, the police said.
Their neighbours became suspicious when the family members did not step out of the house for a long time, and informed the police who rushed to the house only to find the family members dead.
The deceased have been identified as Lingam, a teacher at a panchayat union primary school, his wife Pazhaniammal, also a teacher, their son, daughter and an infant.
The family reportedly consumed poison over huge debts, police claimed.
A case has been registered. -- PTI
Ex-prime minister HD Deve Gowda/File image
17:29 Now Deve Gowda warns Prajwal to return, face law
After uncle HD Kumaraswamy, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda has warned grandson and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna to return to India and face probe over sexual abuse allegations.
"Prajwal should be given harshest punishment under law if found guilty,' said Deve Gowda.
"I will ensure there will be no interference in enquiry against Prajwal from me or my family members," he said. -- PTI
17:09 Shah Rukh's manager shares his health update: He is doing well
Shah Rukh Khan is doing well, his manager Pooja Dadlani said on Thursday, a day after the Bollywood superstar was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad due to a heat stroke.
Shah Rukh was on Wednesday admitted to multi-speciality KD Hospital in Ahmedabad, where he had attended the Indian Premier League match between his team Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
"To all of Mr Khan's fans and well wishers - he is doing well. Thank you for your love, prayers and concern," Dadlani posted on her Instagram Stories.
Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 45.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
It rose to 45.9 degrees on Wednesday. KKR entered their fourth IPL final with a thumping eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad.
Videos shared by the official X account of KKR showed Khan celebrating his team's triumph with a lap of honour, with his children Suhana Khan and AbRam Khan accompanying him. Khan also greeted fans and players at the stadium. -- PTI
17:01 3 killed in blast at chemical factory in Dombivli near Mumbai
At least three persons died after an explosion took place at a chemical factory in Maharashtra's Thane district on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
A major fire broke out after a boiler exploded at Amudan Chemical Company located in Phase 2 of Dombivli MIDC area, near Mumbai, around 1.40 pm.
Speaking to reporters in Dombivli, about 40 km from Mumbai, Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant said so far three bodies had been recovered from the site.
"The injured persons have been taken to nearby hospitals. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that their medical expenses will be borne by the government. The exact number of injured persons has not been yet ascertained," he added.
The blast was so loud that it was heard a kilometre away, an eyewitness said.
Glass windows of adjoining buildings cracked while many houses in the vicinity were damaged.
Yasin Tadvi, chief of the disaster management cell of the Thane civic body, said the explosion took place around 1.40 pm.
The blaze that followed spread to three adjoining factories, he added. -- PTI
16:34 LS polls: Phase 5 turnout is 62.2%
The voter turnout in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls held on May 20 has now climbed to 62.2 per cent, the Election Commission said on Thursday with women outnumbering men.
According to an EC statement, 61.48 per cent of the registered male voters turned up at the polling stations as compared to 63 per cent of female electors.
In phase V, 49 seats across six states and two union territories went for polling where over 8.95 crore people, including 4.69 crore men, 4.26 crore women and 5409 third gender were eligible to vote.
The participation of women in voting was higher as compared to men in Bihar, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The male-female turnout gap was wide in Bihar and Jharkhand. While in Bihar, the male turnout was 52.42 per cent, the female turnout was 61.58 per cent. Similarly, in Jharkhand, the male turnout was registered at 58.08 per cent, while the female turnout was 68.65 per cent.
A maximum of 38.22 per cent of voters registered in the third gender category turned out to vote in West Bengal. EC noted that repolls at two polling stations in the Kandhamal parliamentary constituency in Odisha will be concluded on Thursday and the figures "may" change accordingly, once the data is updated for post-repoll.
In the corresponding phase in the 2019 polls, the turnout was registered at 64.16 per cent when 51 seats across seven states went to polls.
16:09 Kejriwal was home when I was beaten: Maliwal
Recounting her ordeal of May 13, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Thursday said that she was assaulted by Bibhav Kumar, personal aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal adding that she is not giving "clean-chit" to anyone.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, AAP Rajya Sabha MP recounted the entire incident of May 13 at Arvind Kejriwal's residence.
"On May 13 at around 9 am in the morning, I went to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence. The staff asked me to sit in the drawing room and told me that Arvind Kejriwal ji was at home and he was coming here to meet me. After that the PA of Arvind Kejriwal ji Bibhav Kumar came in a state of aggression and I asked 'Kya Hua Kejriwalji aa rahe hai. Kya hogya?' I said this much, after which he slapped me.
"He (Bibhav Kumar) slapped me 7 to 8 times. When I tried to push him, he held my legs and mujhe ghaseet diya. Ensuring that my head bumped into the center table. I fell to the floor and he (Bibhav) started beating me with his legs. I was screaming and begging for help but no one came there," Maliwal said.
She further said that she is not aware whether she was beaten on the instructions of anyone or by himself or of his own accord and that this is all a matter of investigation.
"Everything is a matter of investigation. I am very cooperative with the Delhi Police. I am not giving anyone the clean chit. Because the fact is I was in the drawing room and Arvind Kejriwal was at home and I was beaten up very badly. I was literally screaming very badly but no one came to help to out. I never thought what will happen to me and my career. What will they do with me?
"I just thought that 'Jo cheez maine saari mahilao ko bola hai ki hamesha sach ke saath khade raho, aap sachi sachi complain karo and jo bhi aapke sath kuch galat hua hai toh uske liye jarur lado, toh aaj mai kaise nhi ladh sakti," she said with tears in her eyes. -- ANI
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16:02 No water in Marathwada: Maha asks EC for MCC relaxation
Highlighting the dire situation in drought-affected regions, the Maharashtra Government has written a letter to the Election Commission requesting a relaxation in the code of conduct applied in the state during the Lok Sabha elections.
Notably, this request for drought mitigation comes after the Lok Sabha elections have concluded in the state, to provide immediate relief and relief plans, including relaxation in the code of conduct imposed in the state due to the Lok Sabha elections.
Marathwada faces a severe water crisis, with many villages experiencing water shortages and residents having to travel to find drinking water. The situation in Maharashtra is so dire, that people of the region are not getting enough water, even after waiting for more than 10 days.
The government in the letter urged the EC to relax the code of conduct and initiate immediate relief measures, including the provision of drinking water and fodder to citizens and animals in affected regions.
Elections in Maharashtra have been held in the last five phases between 19 April and 20 May 2024. The state, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh known for its political diversity and significant electoral influence, Maharashtra plays a crucial role in shaping national politics. -- ANI
15:35 I urge you... Sonia's message to Delhi ahead of vote
Two days before polling in Delhi, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi Thursday said these are very important elections to save democracy and the Constitution, and urged the people here to play their part in this fight and make INDIA bloc candidates victorious on all seven seats.
In a video statement, the Congress parliamentary party chief also asserted this Lok Sabha election is being fought on issues such as unemployment, inflation and attack on constitutional institutions.
"This is a very important election. This election is an election to save the democracy and Constitution of the country. This election is being fought on issues like unemployment, inflation and attack on constitutional institutions. You have to play your part in this fight," Gandhi told the people of Delhi in her message.
Thursday is the last day of campaigning in the city. Delhi will go to polls on May 25 and the results will be announced on June 4.
"Your every vote will create employment, reduce inflation, empower women and create an India of equality with a bright future. I appeal to you to make the candidates of Congress and INDIA coalition victorious on all the seven seats of Delhi with a big margin," she said. PTI
15:15 Rahul baba, India is not a grocery store: Shah
Sharpening his attack on the opposition's INDIA bloc, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday questioned the alliance's choice for Prime Minister if they succeed in getting a majority in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a public meeting in Domariaganj Lok Sabha constituency today, Shah said, "This opposition has moved ahead by forming a 'Ghamandiya' alliance. Today I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, if you get the majority then who will be your Prime Minister? Can Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadav, or Uddhav Thackeray become the PM? Can Rahul Gandhi become the PM?"
"When a journalist asked them who would be their Prime Minister, one of their leaders said that they would become Prime Minister in turns for five years. Rahul Baba, this is not a grocery store, it is a great country of 140 crore people," the Home Minister said.
Reiterating that there could be no reservation based on religion, the Union Home Minister said that the INDIA Alliance intends to rob the reservation of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Castes.
"The Indi Alliance intends to rob the reservation of SC-ST-OBC. A decision from the Bengal High Court has come just yesterday. The Bengal government had included 180 Muslim castes in the OBC list and gave the reservation rights of our backward classes to the Muslims.
"Our Constitution does not provide reservations based on religion. Therefore, yesterday, the High Court rejected all the OBC reservations given to Muslim castes by the Bengal government between 2010 and 2024," he said.
14:37 Sensex soars after PM predicts 'historic' BJP win
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted a historic win for the BJP in the upcoming election and forecasted record highs for the stock markets on June 4, the benchmark Nifty index crossed the 22,800 mark for the first time during Thursday's session.
The Nifty index reached a new high of 22,852, while the Sensex surged to 74,917, slightly below its all-time high of 75,124.PM Modi said in an interview, "Wait and watch on June 4; the programmers behind the stock market will get tired of the action."
He indicated that the financial markets would set new records after June 4, the day the Election Commission will count the votes of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.
On Thursday, both indices surged to record highs after a flat opening. The Nifty index started at 22,614 points, and the Sensex began at 74,253 points. All indices in the broader market opened in green with marginal gains.
14:19 Severe cyclone likely to hit Bengal on Sunday
A cyclonic storm developing in the Bay of Bengal is likely to reach near the coasts of West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh on May 26 as a severe cyclone, the Met department said on Thursday.
In its wake, light to moderate rain in many areas with heavy rain at isolated places is likely to occur in West Bengal's coastal districts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur.
A well-marked low-pressure system existing in the Bay of Bengal is likely to concentrate into a depression on Friday and thereafter into a cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal the next day, the weather office said. Subsequently, it would reach near Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by Sunday evening as a severe cyclonic storm, the Met said.
The weather office warned fishermen not to venture into the north Bay of Bengal till Sunday. PTI
14:04 Looters of people's treasury: Smriti slams AAP
Union Minister and BJP candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha seat Smriti Irani launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following recent revelations in the Delhi High Court regarding corruption allegations against Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail petitions moved by Manish Sisodia, Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi in liquor policy cases, saying the prosecution has made out a "prima facie case" of money laundering against the former deputy CM.
Addressing a Press conference, Irani highlighted the court's observations, stating, "A judgment yesterday regarding Manish Sisodia became public.
The Delhi High Court prima facie finds a case of corruption against Manish Sisodia. The court accepts that corruption to the tune of Rs. 100 crores have been committed by Manish Sisodia and all accused in this case."
She further noted that the court acknowledged Sisodia's alleged attempts to destroy evidence and intimidate potential witnesses, particularly those willing to testify against the AAP."
The observations of the Delhi High Court are now in the public domain," Irani emphasized.
"My appeal to citizens is to read these substantial observations about the corruption of Manish Sisodia and the AAP. These so-called political activists entered the corridors of power with a promise of change but ended up becoming nothing but looters of the people's treasury," she said.
Addressing the issue involving Swati Maliwal and her allegations of assault against Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar, Smriti Irani remarked, "The very fact that Arvind Kejriwal goes on campaign with an assaulter is an indication to you as to where his loyalties lie. With the assaulter in the company of Arvind Kejriwal, can you honestly expect him to do justice to anybody? The question is, while a lady was being assaulted in his house, who was present? What was done by Arvind Kejriwal?... AAP is not only corrupt, but its women workers are not safe in their own CM's house." -- ANI
13:03 Varun says people call Amethi, Rae Bareli 'vibrant'
BJP leader Varun Gandhi lent his support to his mother and party candidate, Maneka Gandhi, in the Sultanpur constituency, and spoke of the unique bond between the representative and the electorate.
"In our country, elections are being held in 543 constituencies. In many places, experienced and influential people are contesting, but there is one area in our country where no one calls the Member of Parliament (MP) by their official title instead, everyone calls them 'Mother'," Varun Gandhi said.
Gandhi expressed reverence for the role of a mother, equating it to divine power, and emphasizing its universal attributes of protection, impartiality, assistance in times of need, and boundless love.
"A mother is considered to be a divine power, equivalent to God. Because when the whole world may or may not stand by you, a mother never leaves your side. Today, I am not here just to show support for my mother, but I am here to show support for the mother of Sultanpur. The definition of a mother is that she is a power that protects everyone, does not discriminate, helps in times of trouble, and always keeps love in her heart for everyone. A mother's scolding is also a blessing," Gandhi said.
"When we first came to Sultanpur 10 years ago to contest elections, people said, 'Sir, the vibrancy that exists in Amethi, the vibrancy that exists in Raebareli, we want the same vibrancy in Sultanpur too.' Today, it brings me great joy to say that when Sultanpur's name is mentioned in the country, it is mentioned in the first line of the mainstream," he added.
12:55 Kejriwals await police
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal posts this image writing, "I am waiting for the police with my parents and wife. Yesterday, the police called my parents and asked for time for interrogation. But they have not given any information yet whether they will come or not."
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal with his parents in 2021
12:34 Violence being inflicted on Kejriwal's parents: AAP
AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi raised concerns over the scheduled questioning of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's parents by the Delhi Police on Thursday, in connection with the Swati Maliwal assault case and questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "stooped so low" as to persecute elderly and ill parents.
"Has our PM stooped so low as to persecute elderly and ill parents? I don't think politics in the country has ever sunk this low," Atishi said while addressing the media.
Speaking out against what she perceives as an egregious overstep in political manoeuvring, Atishi highlighted the delicate health condition of CM Kejriwal's parents.
"Today, when violence is being inflicted upon the parents of Arvind Kejriwal, and Delhi Police are being called to interrogate his elderly and ailing parents, I believe that all limits have been crossed. CM Arvind Kejriwal's mother is 76 years old and she has been in the hospital for a long time. Her condition is such that she can hardly walk and cannot leave her room. His father is 85 years old, unable to walk without support, with impaired vision and hearing. Arvind Kejriwal is a person who himself, as a son, considered every elder in Delhi as his parents, took them on pilgrimages like Shravan Kumar," said Atishi.
The AAP leader called upon the people of Delhi to respond to what she views as the unjust persecution of CM Kejriwal and his family through their votes.
"I have full confidence that the people of Delhi will respond to this persecution of Arvind Kejriwal and his elderly and sick parents with their votes," Atishi said.
"We are waiting for the police to arrive. This is also a matter of concern for us because if elderly and sick parents are being called for interrogation, mentally harassing them, then this is a matter of concern for us as well," she added.
Sources have however confirmed that the questioning of the Delhi CM's parents and the recording of their statements will not happen on Thursday.
Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar
12:21 B'desh MP's friend was paid Rs 5 cr for murder: Cops
The initial probe into the murder of Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar revealed that one of his friends had paid around Rs 5 crore to kill the neighbouring country's parliamentarian, a senior police officer said on Thursday.
Anar, who went missing in Kolkata since May 13, was found murdered and three people have been arrested, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan had said on Wednesday.
The West Bengal Police had said investigation of the case has been taken up by the state CID. It was a well-planned murder.
A huge amount of money, around Rs 5 crore was paid by an old friend of the MP to kill him, the officer told PTI.
The Awami League MP's friend is a US national and owns a flat in Kolkata, he said.
Akhilesh Chaturvedi, IG, CID, had Wednesday said police had reliable inputs that Anar may have been murdered, but his body was yet to be recovered.
Asked whether the police found blood stains in the apartment of a luxury condominium in New Town in Kolkata's outskirts, where the MP's whereabouts were last traced on May 13, Chaturvedi said, "Our forensic team is examining the suspected crime scene. It's too early to speak about that."
The search for the missing MP, who reportedly arrived in Kolkata on May 12 to undergo medical treatment, began six days later after Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar in north Kolkata and an acquaintance of the Bangladeshi politician, filed a complaint with the local police on May 18.
Anar had stayed at Biswas's house upon arrival. In his complaint, Biswas stated that Anar left his Baranagar residence for a doctor's appointment in the afternoon of May 13, while stating that he would be back home for dinner. Biswas claimed that the Bangladesh MP went incommunicado since May 17, which prompted him to file a missing complaint a day later. -- PTI
11:53 What Maneka said about Rahul, Priyanka, Varun...
BJP Candidate and sitting MP from Sultanpur Maneka Gandhi voiced her desire to see her son, Feroze Varun Gandhi, happy amidst political upheavals.
On being asked about the speculation surrounding Varun Gandhi's anti-BJP stance since 2019 and his exclusion from the BJP ticket list for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Maneka Gandhi emphasized her primary concern for her son's well-being.
"I just want to see him (Varun Gandhi) happy, and what more can one ask from life," she said.
Regarding Varun Gandhi's absence from the Pilibhit constituency race, where he served as MP three times, Maneka Gandhi explained his readiness to support her campaign in Sultanpur.
"When I asked Varun to campaign for me, he agreed to campaign for me. He has come to Sultanpur for this. Whatever has happened is done, now we should talk further," Maneka said.
"Opportunity comes from ability and it is a misconception in every party that only the MPs run the party. There are more than one crore members in the BJP. There are around 300-400 MPs, so are there no other leaders apart from them in the party? If you have the capability, a way will definitely be made," she added.
Varun Gandhi was denied a BJP ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on March 24, with the BJP selecting UP public works minister Jitin Prasada for the Pilibhit seat instead.
Addressing concerns about the potential negative impacts of Varun Gandhi's involvement in her campaign, Maneka Gandhi expressed confidence in the electorate's judgment. She affirmed that Varun's participation, which was at her request, would not affect the outcome in Sultanpur.
When asked about Rahul Gandhi and Varun Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi responded, "Everyone has his way and luck. I never speak about anyone's ability. Everyone has their destiny."
Maneka Gandhi also mentioned the upcoming voting in Sultanpur on May 25, expressing confidence in a BJP victory.
Prajwal Revanna fled to Germany in April
11:24 Sidda writes to PM again to cancel Prajwal passport
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to cancel the Diplomatic Passport of JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna who is facing an SIT probe over the allegation of sexual harassment "along with prompt and concerted actions to secure his return to India."
Siddaramaiah in his letter to the Prime Minister said that it is shameful that Prajwal Revanna fled the country on April 27, 2024, to Germany using his diplomatic passport shortly after news of his heinous actions emerged and just a few hours before the first FIR was filed against him.
"I write to you once again to draw attention to the grave series of incidents that Prajwal Revanna has been accused of committing. These incidents have not only shocked the conscience of the people of the State of Karnataka but have also caused a nationwide concern," he said.
"It is shameful that Prajwal Revanna, a Member of Parliament from Hassan constituency, who is also contesting for re-election in the present general election, and who is the grandson of a former Prime Minister, fled the country on the 27th of April 2024 to Germany using his diplomatic passport bearing number 11135500 shortly after news of his heinous actions emerged and just a few hours before the first FIR was filed against him. He has abused his diplomatic privileges to flee the country and to escape criminal proceedings," the Karnataka CM added.
Siddaramaiah expressed his concern that despite the issue of a Look Out Circular, a Blue Corner Notice, and two notices by the Investigating Officer, Prajwal Revanna has managed to remain in hiding to this day.
SRK at the KKR match in Ahmedabad
10:55 SRK likely to be discharged from hospital today
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad after suffering from a heat stroke, is likely to be discharged today, a police official said.
The private hospital has not yet issued any statement on Khan's health condition. The actor was admitted to the multi-speciality K D Hospital on Wednesday. He was in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to attend an Indian Premier League (IPL) match of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
"Khan is still undergoing treatment at the hospital. It is possible that he may get discharged today," Ahmedabad (Rural) Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat said.
Several parts of Gujarat have been reeling under severe heatwave for the last couple of days. As per a report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ahmedabad city was under "heatwave" on Tuesday and Wednesday when it recorded a maximum temperature of 45.2 and 45.9 degrees Celsius, respectively.
KKR entered their fourth IPL final with a thumping eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 here on Tuesday.
Videos shared by the official X account of KKR had showed Khan celebrating his team's triumph with a lap of honour, with his children Suhana Khan and AbRam Khan accompanying him. Khan had also greeted fans and players at the stadium. KKR will play the final in Chennai on Sunday. PTI
The PM campaigning for Prajwal Revanna
10:26 MEA processing cancellation of Prajwal's passport
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is processing a request of the Karnataka government seeking cancellation of the diplomatic passport of suspended Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is accused of sexually harassing several women.
Official sources said that the MEA has received a letter from the Karnataka government seeking revocation of Revanna's diplomatic passport. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, is at the centre of a sexual abuse case and the Hassan MP is said to have left India late last month, a day after voting for the Lok Sabha elections took place in his constituency.
"The MEA has received a letter from the Karnataka government for cancellation of diplomatic passport in respect of MP Prajwal Revanna. This is being processed," a source said. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said the Centre has not responded to the request for cancellation of Revanna's diplomatic passport on the basis of an arrest warrant issued against the JD(S) leader.
A Special Court for Elected Representatives issued an arrest warrant on Saturday against Prajwal following an application moved by the SIT. Earlier this month, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Revanna travelled to Germany on a diplomatic passport and did not seek political clearance for the trip.
"No political clearance was either sought from or issued by MEA in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany," Jaiswal had said. PTI
Crowds at rally by PM Modi in Delhi
10:21 50k security forces, 51 para units for Delhi polls
Election cell of Delhi Police, Sanjay Sehrawat on Thursday said that 33,000 policemen of Delhi Police, 51 paramilitary companies, and 17,500 Home Guards who have come from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh will be deployed in the national capital in view of the Lok Sabha polls to be conducted on May 25 in the sixth phase.
Sehrawat also informed that they have hired drones in very sensitive areas to monitor any illegal activities.
"Delhi Police has completed its preparations for the elections to be held on May 25. There are 2628 voting centres out of which 429 are highly sensitive. 33,000 policemen of Delhi Police will be deployed at the polling booth and apart from this, 51 paramilitary companies will also be deployed for security and 17,500 Home Guards who have come from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and MP will also be deployed," DCP Sehrawat said.
"We have hired drones in very sensitive areas to monitor any illegal activities," he added.
Sehrawat further informed that a large number of CCTV cameras have been installed on the interstate borders as elections in Delhi and Haryana on the same day. -- ANI
The Goa airport
09:47 6 flights diverted after Goa airport runway hit by lightning
Six flights have been diverted after lightning struck the Manohar International Airport (MIA) in Goa and caused damage to the runway edge lights, an official said. Lightning struck the airport, located at Mopa in North Goa, at around 5.15 pm on Wednesday, a spokesperson of the MIA said in a statement.
"MIA took NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) up to 8 pm by which time the damaged lights were rectified to bring the airport operations to normalcy," he said. During NOTAM, six flights were diverted to nearby destinations, the official said.
"Inconvenience caused to the passengers is sincerely regretted. Such natural calamities are beyond human control," he added. Apart from the MIA, the coastal state has another airport at Dabolim in South Goa. PTI
09:24 'Everyone is absolutely terrified'
Inside a US ally's secret war on its American critics. A foreign government is trying to silence US critics of its authoritarian turn -- and it's succeeding. Read more here.
09:21 Rahul fulfilling duty of ending Cong: Acharya Pramod
Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, former party leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam called him a "Mahapurush" and said that the former is finishing off Congress and fulfilling his responsibility.
Krishnam said that the Congress will win the least number of seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
"Rahul Gandhi is a 'Mahapurush', he can say anything. Mahatma Gandhi saw a dream of the end of Congress and nobody could do it, not even BJP, but now Rahul Gandhi himself is doing it. Rahul Gandhi is finishing off Congress and fulfilling his responsibility. Not just me but crores of Congress workers across the country are aware of this fact. After June 4, Congress will be the party to win the least number of seats, till now," the former party leader said on Wednesday. -- ANI
File pic of the farmers at the Shambhu border
09:01 100 days of 'Chalo Delhi' stir, farmers at Shambhu
Farmers have assembled at Shambhu and other border points to mark the completion of 100 days of the ongoing protest to press the Centre to accept their demands, which includes a legal guarantee of MSP for crops.
The farmers are camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 when their 'Delhi Chalo' march was stopped by security forces. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers gathered at Shambhu, Khanauri and Dabwali border points for the occasion.
Pandher accused the BJP-led central government of preventing them from heading towards Delhi to continue their protests and condemned the deployment of heavy police force at the border points between Punjab and Haryana.
The KMM leader said that the farmers wanted to pose questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Patiala visit on Thursday and if they are not given access, they will hold a dharna. Modi will start his poll campaign in the state by holding his first rally in Patiala on May 23.
Polling for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will be held on June 1. BJP candidates in Punjab are facing protests from farmers during poll campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls. As part of the protests, farmers ask questions to BJP leaders and show them black flags for not agreeing to their demands.
Farmers owing allegiance to various farm outfits are upset with the Centre for not accepting their demands, including a law on minimum support price.
They were also upset over not being allowed to head towards Delhi, forcing them to camp at Shambhu and Khanauri border points of Punjab and Haryana.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government on their demands which includes that the Centre should give a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. PTI
File pic
08:58 Boy drowns in swimming pool in Delhi, family say foul play
An 11-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool run by the wives of two police officers in outer-north Delhi's Alipur area, police have said. Family members of the boy alleged foul play in the incident and held a protest outside Alipur Police Station on Wednesday, police said.
Investigations so far have not suggested any foul play but investigations are underway, they said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer-north) Ravi Singh said a case under section 304A (death by negligence) has been registered.
According to another officer, the incident took place on May 14 when the boy, his father and other teenagers were swimming in the pool. His father came out to attend an emergency phone call but when he returned, spotted his son was in the deep end of the pool and motionless, the officer said.
The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead, he said. The officer said family members of the victim held a protest outside Alipur Police Station, saying there was foul play in the boy's death. He said that no foul play has been found so far in the probe, but added that the pool being run in an "unauthorised manner".
It has been found that the pool was being run in a joint venture by the wives of an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) and a sub-inspector (SI) of Delhi Police, he said. PTI
Ripudaman Singh Malik
08:55 Canada police warns son of Air India bombing suspect of life threat
The Royal Canadian Mount Police (RCMP) has issued a warning to Hardeep Malik, the son of Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in connection with the Air India bombing of 1985.
Hardeep Malik, a Surrey-based businessman, received an official letter cautioning him about potential threats to his life. This comes in the wake of Ripudaman Singh Malik's murder in 2022, for which two individuals have been charged, CBC News reported. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the CBC News report claims that RCMP investigators are exploring the possibility of the Indian government's alleged involvement in Ripudaman Singh Malik's assassination, similar to their alleged role in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar the previous year.
The warning issued to Hardeep Malik falls under the "Duty to Warn" protocol, a measure taken by authorities in British Columbia to alert individuals when their safety is at risk. The RCMP underscored that the threat must be considered likely to materialise. -- ANI
08:29 Jayant Sinha responds to BJP's 'didn't vote' notice
Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jayant Sinha on Wednesday said that he was "surprised" to receive the BJP's show cause notice asking him why he didn't vote in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and did not take part in election campaigning.
In response to BJP's Jharkhand general secretary Aditya Sahu's letter, Sinha said that he voted through the postal ballot process as he was overseas for "personal commitments".
"I was very surprised to receive your letter and discover that you have released it to the media as well," Sinha, who is the sitting MP from the Hazaribagh seat in Jharkhand, said in a two-page letter to Mr Sahu.
Responding to Sahu's charge that he has not been taking part in "organisational work and election campaigning" ever since Manish Jaiswal was declared a candidate from the Hazaribagh Lok Sabha seat, Sinha said that he was not invited for "any party events, rallies or organizational meetings".
"The party announced Shri Manish Jaiswal ji as its candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. My endorsement was evident when I congratulated Shri Jaiswal ji on 8 March 2024, an event that was well-documented on social media and demonstrated my unwavering support for the party's choice," he said.
"If the party had wanted me to participate in any election activities, you could surely have contacted me. However, not a single senior party official or MP/MLA from Jharkhand reached out to me post my announcement on 2 March. I was not invited for any party events, rallies, or organizational meetings," he said.
"I withdrew from the Lok Sabha elections on 2 March 2024. After consulting with Shri Nadda ji and getting his explicit approval, I made it clear publicly that I was not going to be involved in these elections. I am happy to support the party on economic and governance policies and have continued to do so," the two-term MP said.
08:18 Ex-rival Nikki Haley says she will vote for Trump
Former Republican Party presidential candidate Nikki Haley said on Wednesday she will vote for former United States President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden in November.
In her remarks at the Hudson Institute, Haley stated she prioritises a president who will hold enemies to account, secures the border and back"capitalism and freedom."
She noted that while "Trump has not been perfect on these policies", however, "Biden has been a catastrophe."
"As a voter, I put my priorities on a president who's going to have the backs of our allies and hold our enemies to account, who would secure the border, no more excuses." Haley said, "A president who would support capitalism and freedom, a president who understands we need less debt not more debt," she said.
"Trump has not been perfect on these policies. I've made that clear, many, many times. But Biden has been a catastrophe. So, I will be voting for Trump," Nikki Haley added, according to The Hill report.
Earlier, in March, Haley dropped out of the GOP presidential candidate contest. She had said, "The time has now come to suspend my campaign. I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard. I have done that. I have no regrets."
She said, "Having said, "I stand by what I said in my suspension speech. Trump would be smart to reach out to the millions of people who voted for me and continue to support me, and not assume that they're just going to be with him", adding, "And I genuinely hope he does that."
Haley's remarks at the institute come at a time when she continues to hold a significant presence in Republican presidential primary results, despite her exit from the race, as some in the GOP express their frustration with Donald Trump through protest votes.
Kanhaiya Kumar
01:17 Kanhaiya Kumar assault case: Court grants bail to accused
A court in Delhi has granted bail to the 41-year-old man arrested for allegedly assaulting and splashing Congress Lok Sabha candidate Kanhaiya Kumar with ink, saying it has to balance the state's interest of maintaining public order with the accused's right to personal liberty.
On May 17, when Kumar, the Congress candidate for the North East Delhi seat, was coming out of ally Aam Aadmi Party office in New Usmanpur after a meeting with local Councillor Chhaya Sharma, a group of people attacked him.
The Delhi police arrested one of the accused, Ajay Kumar, on Tuesday morning.
Metropolitan Magistrate Arushi Parwal heard the city police's application seeking Ajay Kumar's judicial custody for 14 days on Tuesday.
The investigating officer said it was necessary to prevent him from committing similar offences.
Ajay Kumar's counsel, however, vehemently opposed the plea and sought bail for his client.
The magistrate noted that the offences alleged included criminal intimidation, assaulting a woman with the intent of outraging her modesty and causing hurt, all of which carried the maximum punishment of up to seven years imprisonment. -- PTI
File image
01:07 Day after post-poll violence, police carry out flag marches in Bihar's Saran
A day after a person was killed and two others were injured in post-poll violence in Bihar's Saran district, the police on Wednesday conducted flag marches in several areas of the district to maintain law and order.
Speaking to PTI on Wednesday, Saran DM Aman Samir said, "Security personnel are closely monitoring the Bada Telpa area near Bhikhari Thakur Chowk where the incident took place. Flag marches were conducted in several areas of the city."
As a precautionary measure, the Bihar School Examination Board has cancelled the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test 2024 (first) examination, which was scheduled for May 22 and May 23 at four centres in Saran.
The board said new dates for the exams at Saran centres will be announced soon.
The district police has transferred Ashwani Kumar Tiwari, in-charge of city police station, to a non-sensitive post for "dereliction of duty" following Tuesday's incident.
According to police, "An altercation broke out on Tuesday between BJP and RJD supporters over allegations of irregularities during polling a day earlier in the area, during which shots were fired. One Chandan Kumar was killed on the spot and two others were injured. The condition of the injured are reported to be stable." -- PTI
File image
00:44 Imagine Dragons ready to set stage on fire at IPL 2024 final
As cricket fans are eagerly waiting to witness the thrilling finale of Indian Premier League 2024 adding to the excitement and musical touch renowned international music band Imagine Dragons are all ready to set the stage on fire with their electrifying performances.
Dan Reynolds and his band are going to visit India again for the IPL final. Taking to Instagram, Star Sports Official X handle shared this exciting news along with a video.
In the video, Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, says, "This the stage where we come along. The moment is here. Virat the GOAT, he's the God of all fans."
On his visit to India, Reynolds states, "Visiting India was highlight of my entire career."
Last year, Imagine Dragons headlined the inaugural edition of the music festival Lollapalooza India, as per Variety report.
The international music festival held at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse from January 28 to January 29, 2023. -- ANI
File image
00:27 4 dead in heavy rains in Kerala, red alert in 5 districts
Four people were killed as torrential rains lashed several parts of Kerala, with the India meteorological department on Wednesday sounding a red alert in five districts that were likely to receive heavy rainfall.
According to the weather department, the red alert was issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
As per the latest reports, four deaths have been reported from across the state in various rain-related incidents, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said.
Though Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam were earlier placed under an orange alert, the IMD later upgraded the warning, predicting extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places there.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad continue to be on orange alert, while Kannur and Kasaragod remain on yellow alert, the IMD said. -- PTI
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