The Congress on Saturday accused the Narendra Modi government of "callously neglecting" Maharashtra's onion farmers reeling due to the ban on onion exports and said its manifesto promises a predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posed questions to Prime Minister Modi ahead of his rally in Kolhapur. "Why has the Modi Sarkar jeopardised Rs. 50,000 crores of investment in Kolhapur? Why have "red category" Modani projects been approved in ecologically sensitive areas? Why has the export ban only been lifted on Gujarat's white onions?" Ramesh said on X. The Modi government's decision to prohibit ethanol production from sugarcane juice and syrup is likely to jeopardise Rs. 50,000 crores worth of investments in Kolhapur's sugar industry, he said. "In the Maharashtra assembly, the BJP's own alliance partner Ajit Pawar highlighted that 'The industries have taken 95% loan after encouragement from the central government to achieve 20% ethanol blending'. The industry is going to face 'unimaginable losses' due to this prohibition," Ramesh said. He said this ad-hoc decision will not only hurt sugar mills but sugarcane farmers as well, who were receiving an additional Rs 100-150 per tonne from ethanol production. "The sudden implementation of this new rule is therefore causing massive disruptions throughout the sugar industry in Kolhapur. Why has the PM dealt this sudden blow to sugarcane farmers and mills? What is his vision to help them recover from it?" Ramesh said. He further said that in November 2023, a major advisor to Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) was appointed to one of the Modi government's Expert Appraisal Committees (EAC), which approves proposals for hydroelectricity projects, like those made by AGEL. Soon after, in December 2023, residents of more than a hundred villages in Kolhapur rose up in protest against AGEL's 7,000 crore Patgaon Pumped Storage Project, he said. Since Kolhapur had been struggling with low rainfall and limited availability of water and no public meetings had been held before the project was granted permission, locals were concerned about the impact the project would have on the worsening water situation, he said. "Worryingly, this is just one of three Adani projects that have received approval in ecologically sensitive areas of the Western ghats. According to experts, environment ministry officials have 'selectively interpreted the law' to allow these 'red category' projects in sensitive areas," Ramesh said. "Adani's own environmental evaluations warned of significant damage to forests during construction but the projects were approved anyway. The BJP's brazen manipulation of the legal process clearly has severe repercussions for local communities and the local environment," he said. Why has the PM again put his corporate cronies' interests ahead of the wellbeing of India's people and forests, Ramesh asked. "Since December 2023, Maharashtra's onion farmers have been reeling from the Modi Sarkar's ban on onion exports. During the cultivation season, the state was hit with unsatisfactory rainfall and water crises, and most farmers were only able to produce 50% of their usual crop," he said. When onions were finally harvested, farmers were faced with an arbitrary export ban which led to devastatingly low sale prices, Ramesh pointed out. "As a result, farmers have racked up significant losses in the last five months. To add insult to injury, yesterday, the Modi Sarkar allowed the export of white onions which are primarily grown in Gujarat. Maharashtrian farmers, who primarily grow red onions, have been left out," he said. "Can PM Modi explain why his government is playing favourites? Why have they so callously neglected Maharashtra's onion farmers? he said. The Congress Nyay Patra promises a stable, predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers, he said. "What is the Modi Sarkar's vision to assure farmers of policy stability?" he said and asked the prime minister to break his silence on these issues.
27 April,2024 10:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attacking her party over inheritance tax and wealth redistribution and asserted these assumptions were illogical, reported news agency PTI. Addressing a Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally at Udgir in Latur district, she claimed unemployment was at its highest in 45 years and 70 crore people were without jobs, despite which 30 lakh posts lying vacant in the Central government have not been filled in the last ten years, reported PTI. "If the BJP claims nothing happened in the past 70 years (under previous dispensations) then let us believe that IITs, AIIMS, big industries etc were all built now," she said, adding that the ruling party was "ranting" all the time about the Congress being at fault, reported PTI. Hitting out at the NDA government, she said there is an uncle in every wedding who gripes about everything and gives sermons. "Now, if this uncle says there is a political party that will bring an X-ray machine into your house, scan all your savings, mangalsutras and gold, which will be taken and the wealth redistributed, you would say he has lost it," Gandhi said, reported PTI. But these are the same things Modi is putting forward by using his position, she claimed. Earlier this week, Congress Rahul Gandhi had said those who call themselves "deshbhakt" were afraid of the "X-ray of caste census". Taking off on the medical term, PM Modi had said the Congress wants to confiscate people's jewellery and small savings by conducting X-ray of their properties and valuables, reported PTI. "Listen with your ears wide open about the sins that the Congress has committed. I want to put forth an interesting fact. When sister Indira Gandhi passed away, there was a law by virtue of which half portion of the wealth used to go to the government. There was a talk then that Indiraji willed her wealth in her son Rajiv Gandhi's name," the prime minister had said, reported PTI. Speaking in Latur at a Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally, Priyanka Gandhi said the country had seen great prime ministers from the Congress fold as well as from other parties, like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but "he (Modi) has brought down the stature of the prime minister this low". "Instead of seeking votes for the work done in the last 10 years, he is resorting to illogical talks about a political party wanting to steal your ornaments using an X-ray machine," she claimed, reported PTI. Hitting out at the BJP over the electoral bonds scheme, Gandhi alleged those who donated money to the ruling party were first raided by central probe agencies, reported PTI. These raids stopped after funds came in from these companies in the form of electoral bonds, Gandhi further alleged. The AICC general secretary also said GST (Goods and Services Tax) has been imposed on every (piece of) agricultural equipment and promised to abolish it after Congress comes to power. Gandhi alleged democracy was being weakened while in Maharashtra, legislators were bought, governments toppled, and parties were being split, reported PTI. "There is no bigger crime than what is happening to democracy," she added. Congress has fielded eye surgeon Shivaji Kalge in Latur (SC) Lok Sabha constituency against BJP's sitting MP Sudhakar Shrangare. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2024 10:30 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he will ensure democratic protests in every taluka of Maharashtra if his party's candidate from Satara, Shashikant Shinde, was arrested, reported news agency PTI. Speaking at a Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally in Satara, Pawar said a case was registered against Shinde in the "APMC FSI matter" on Friday night. "Attempt is being made to bar him from contesting elections. If that happens and he is arrested, I will ensure that each and every taluka (tehsil) protests in a democratic manner," the veteran politician said, reported PTI. People needed to be alert and effect a change in the government through the ballot box as democracy was under threat, he further said. Shinde, in his speech, said no matter how many cases were registered against him, he would never leave Sharad Pawar, reported PTI. The BJP has fielded Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, from this western Maharashtra constituency. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed for disregarding the principles of Bal Thackeray and having to vote for the Congress. The Congress has fielded Varsha Gaikwad from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, from where Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is a voter. Gaikwad had met Thackeray on Friday and the latter had assured her of victory. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which also has the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP).Speaking at a massive Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally in Kolhapur which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde said the move was a diversion from Bal Thackeray's resolve of not allowing the (undivided) Shiv Sena to become like the Congress. "The Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed of itself," the Maharashtra CM asserted. Speaking at the rally, Shinde said the PM had selflessly dedicated himself in the service of the nation whereas the opposition lacked any kind of leadership. Slamming Rahul Gandhi and the state of the Congress, he said the grand old party was like a seed that was sprouting discord. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2024 10:22 PM IST | Satara | mid-day online correspondentIndians are alive today because Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated the manufacture and administration of COVID vaccine during the pandemic, said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The BJP leader said nearly 100 countries today credit Modi for providing vaccine doses to them and protecting their citizens from the onslaught of the coronavirus, referring to the Centre's 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative. Recalling the COVID-19 outbreak, Fadnavis said many people lost their loved ones to the virus and the future appeared bleak amid prediction that 40 to 50 crore people in the country would perish as no one would come to India's aid, reported PTI. "Only a few countries had invented the vaccine. They believed that India would come seeking assistance (from them) in the form of COVID vaccines," Fadnavis said, addressing a rally in Sangli in western Maharashtra in support of BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Sanjay Kaka Patil, reported PTI. Fadnavis said the world did not know then that a stalwart was at the helm of India's leadership who knew how to protect his people. "Modiji brought scientists together, provided them with the necessary resources, and facilitated the manufacturing of a COVID vaccine in the country," he said, adding that the vaccine was administered twice to 140 crore people, reported PTI. "Today, we are alive because Modi gave us the vaccine. Had we not taken the vaccine, we wouldn't be here today to witness this rally. It was Modi who protected our lives," the BJP leader said, reported PTI. Fadnavis said that during a recent visit to Mauritius, the country's president requested him to convey his gratitude to Modi for providing vaccine doses during the pandemic and saving the lives of the island nation's citizens. "Today, 100 countries acknowledge that their citizens are alive because of Modi. I would say set aside development because 'jaan hai toh jahan hai' (life is paramount). We are alive because of Modi, and for this reason alone, we can express our gratitude by blessing (voting for) him," he said. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has fielded Chandrahar Patil of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Sangli Lok Sabha constituency, which goes to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 7. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 to the 48 seats in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held in five phases between April 19 and May 20. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2024 10:14 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the Congress-led INDIA alliance, saying it is mulling to have five prime ministers in five years if voted to power, reported news agency PTI. Addressing a Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally at Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, PM Modi said the opposition bloc cannot even reach a three-digit figure or "at the doorstep of forming a government, but has plans to have one prime minister every year if they get a chance", reported PTI. "In Karnataka, Congress has planned to rotate the post of the chief minister by handing it to the deputy chief minister after 2.5 years. They had this arrangement in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as well," he said. PM Modi said the Congress wants to extend the "Karnataka model wherein Muslims were inducted in the 27 per cent quota for OBCs", in the entire country, reported PTI. "The Congress-led alliance has vowed to murder social justice," he said and accused the Congress of stooping low for appeasement and vote bank politics, reported PTI. "Congress wants to change the Constitution and rob Dalits, OBCs of quota benefits for religion-based reservation," he said. PM Modi said the Congress had not only opposed the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya but also declined the invitation for its consecration, reported PTI. Targeting Rahul Gandhi over wealth distribution, PM Modi said, "The Congress shehzade wants to search your wealth and distribute it to those who the party had said to have the first right on the country's resources". "The Congress wanted to impose inheritance tax and rob people of their inheritance. Such people shouldn't get even a slight chance of coming to power," he added. He said the NDA is leading 2-0 in the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections 2024. "Kolhapur is known as a football hub. With the second phase of polling completed, I will say the NDA is leading 2-0 while the Congress alliance engaged in anti-India policies and politics of hate has scored two self-goals," he added, reported PTI. I am sure voters will score such a 'goal' in the third phase that the INDIA alliance will be vanquished, PM Modi said, adding that in the subsequent phases, the INDIA bloc should be handed a resounding defeat, reported PTI. "The Congress manifesto says Article 370 will be restored and CAA will be repealed. Can anyone change Modi's decisions? And if they do so, do they know what will be the repercussions?" he asked. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2024 10:01 PM IST | Kolhapur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed for disregarding the principles of Bal Thackeray and having to vote for the Congress. The Congress has fielded Varsha Gaikwad from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, from where Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is a voter. Gaikwad had met Thackeray on Friday and the latter had assured her of victory. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which also has the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP). Speaking at a massive Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally in Kolhapur which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde said the move was a diversion from Bal Thackeray's resolve of not allowing the (undivided) Shiv Sena to become like the Congress. "The Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed of itself," the Maharashtra CM asserted. Speaking at the rally, Shinde said the PM had selflessly dedicated himself in the service of the nation whereas the opposition lacked any kind of leadership. Slamming Rahul Gandhi and the state of the Congress, he said the grand old party was like a seed that was sprouting discord. "Maharashtra resonates with the PM Modi's vision of progress and development. He was born for national politics. The country needs a prime minister who forgets the sorrow of his mother's death and serves selflessly. Rahul Gandhi wants to be PM by clinging onto his mother," Shinde said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the Congress-led INDIA alliance, saying it is mulling to have five prime ministers in five years if voted to power. Addressing a Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally at Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, PM Modi said the opposition bloc cannot even reach a three-digit figure or "at the doorstep of forming a government, but has plans to have one prime minister every year if they get a chance". "In Karnataka, Congress has planned to rotate the post of the chief minister by handing it to the deputy chief minister after 2.5 years. They had this arrangement in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as well," he said. PM Modi said the Congress wants to extend the "Karnataka model wherein Muslims were inducted in the 27 per cent quota for OBCs", in the entire country. "The Congress-led alliance has vowed to murder social justice," he said and accused the Congress of stooping low for appeasement and vote bank politics. "Congress wants to change the Constitution and rob Dalits, OBCs of quota benefits for religion-based reservation," he said. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2024 09:50 PM IST | Kolhapur | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) acted in a "most highhanded manner" in a money-laundering investigation involving the purported excise policy fraud. In a reaction to the ED's reply affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Kejriwal claimed that he has always cooperated with the inquiry. Kejriwal's reaction comes after the ED said one of the reasons for his detention was his failure to appear before the investigating officer (IO) after receiving nine summons. He criticised the ED's approach, alleging a disregard for due process, reported PTI. According to the report, the Chief Minister maintained that each summons was properly responded to, with the relevant information provided. He questioned the need for physical presence, arguing that virtual channels of communication may have been used instead. "The aforementioned tenor, text and contents of the reply leave no manner of doubt that the ED has acted in a most highhanded manner in a gross affront to the due process of law," he said. "What was the requirement in not calling the petitioner (Kejriwal) either through an authorised agent or seeking information or documents from him in writing or through a virtual mode and insisting on his presence physically in person, is not forthcoming," he said. Kejriwal denied the ED's description of him as the "kingpin and key conspirator" of the excise policy scheme, claiming that the allegations were without basis. He claimed that his arrest was unjustified and advocated for his release, the PTI report added. However, the ED claims that Kejriwal conspired with his ministers and party members, alleging kickbacks in exchange for policy favours. It supported Kejriwal's arrest, claiming it was based on substantive evidence. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 after the Delhi High Court refused to protect him from coercive action by the ED. He is currently in judicial detention at the Tihar Jail. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the ED requesting a response to Kejriwal's suit challenging his arrest.
27 April,2024 05:35 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDuring a rally in Baramati, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 holds the power to shape the nation's destiny. His statements came as his wife, Sunetra Pawar, is running as the ruling alliance's candidate against three-time MP Supriya Sule, who is her sister-in-law and the daughter of Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar told a crowd in Ambegaon, including supporters from the Bhor and Velha assembly seats, that the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is about more than local concerns or family ties. Instead, he emphasised its importance in shaping the course of the entire country, reported PTI. The Pawar promised to build sports complexes on open land and support a ropeway system at Raigad Fort. He also highlighted his efforts to meet the needs of the Maratha community. "This election is not about a village or about (familial) relations. This election will decide the future of the country," he said at a rally organised for Sunetra Pawar, reported PTI. "Show me open land and I will get a sports complex constructed there. Funds will be granted for the ropeway facility at Raigad Fort. The demand to rename Vekha taluka as Raigad was fulfilled. I have worked hard for the Maratha community," the Deputy CM further added. Referring to the changing political landscape, Pawar stated that candidates who had previously allied with the unified NCP symbol, the 'clock', have now switched allegiance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PTI report stated. According to the report, the transition comes after the NCP split last year, with Ajit Pawar's branch retaining the party name and symbol, while the opposition section, led by Sharad Pawar, operates under the banner of NCP(SP) and the symbol of 'man blowing turha'. Encouraging voters to reflect on past performance, Pawar urged them to consider the accomplishments of candidates over the last 15 years before casting their votes, in an apparent reference to Sule's tenure as the MP from Baramati since 2009.
27 April,2024 04:44 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentA case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against two district collectors of Dudu, Rajasthan, for demanding a bribe of Rs 25 lakh in lieu of changing land-use patterns. The action of booking the two directors under the Prevention of Corruption Act was only taken after instructions from the Anti Corruption Bureau. The names of the two district directors are Hanuman Mal Dhaka and Hansraj Halkar Patwari. Following the case, the searches were held at their home, post office and tehsil office. Also Read: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says army called to extinguish fire The searches were conducted under the leadership of Surendra Singh who is the Additional Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Anti Corruption Bureau, Dr. Ravi. The DIG, Anti-Corruption Bureau, was quoted as saying in the statement that the searches were carried out on a complaint where the complainant said he approached the two officials, seeking conversion of 203 bighas registered in the name of his firm, on account of them falling in the Khasre Pond/Pal area. Also Read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Entire country wants me to get into active politics, says Robert Vadra According to the complainant, his family was harassed by the collectors and was demanded Rs. 25 lakh in lieu of the conversation. Later, the deal was locked at Rs. 21 lakh. According to the complainant, the deal was locked at Rs. 15 lakh out of which only Rs 7.5 lakh was to be paid to one of the directors. The complainant added that he had a record of the conversation with the collector. During the investigation, the Anti Corruption Bureau found out that the collectors Hanuman Mal Dhaka and Patwari Shri Hansraj demanded bribes and accordingly they were booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. (With ANI Inputs)
27 April,2024 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan in connection with the Enforcement Directorate's recent complaint filed against him for alleged non-attendance of the summons in Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case, reported news agency ANI. Amanatullah Khan appeared before the court following summons issued to him by the court. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM), Divya Malhotra, noted his presence, granting him bail on a personal bond of Rs 15,000 and one surety of like amount, reported ANI. ED recently had moved a complaint against him for not appearing before the agency and not joining the probe in the case related to the alleged irregularities in appointment in Delhi Waqf Board and leasing of its properties. ED's complaint was moved under section 174 of the IPC, 1860, read with section 63 (4) of PMLA, 2002 for non-attendance in compliance of Section 50, PMLA, 2002, reported ANI. Special public prosecutor (SPP) Simon Benjamin appeared for the Enforcement Directorate in the matter, reported ANI. The federal probe agency has alleged that Amanatullah Kham has elevated his role from witness to accused by filing an anticipatory bail plea and running away from the investigation. ED's lawyer further stated that they were never able to conclude the probe against him because he was not presenting himself before the agency. All the other people are the aides of this particular person. His role is much larger than that of the other accused persons who have already been arrested and charge-sheeted, Advocate Simon Benjamin added, reported ANI. The Rouse Avenue court on March 1 dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan. This case is related to the purchase of a property worth Rs 36 crore in the Okhla area at the alleged behest of Amanatullah Khan, who is also the sitting MLA from that area, reported ANI. A charge sheet has already been filed against four accused persons and one firm. It has been alleged that Rs 100 crore Waqf Properties were given on lease illegally. It is also alleged that 32 contractual employees were appointed in the Delhi Waqf Board during the chairmanship of Amanatullah Khan, who flouted the rules. (With inputs from ANI)
27 April,2024 02:08 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the Nainital forest fire which burnt several hectares of green cover, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Indian Army and Air Force helicopters have extended their support in controlling the forest fires. Dhami said today that the fire poses a substantial challenge and that all necessary resources are being mobilized to address the situation. On Friday, a massive fire broke out in the Ladiyakata area of the Nainital Air Force Centre. The fire has been burning for over 36 hours and has moved through the dense forest. The district administration has also deployed helicopters in the fire-fighting operations. Also Read: A man accused in a Harvard bomb threat and extortion plot is sentenced to 3 years probation "The forest fires are a challenge for us. This is a big fire. We are working for all the essential needs. We have asked for help from the Army. Army helicopters are also spraying water in the affected area," Dhami told ANI. "I am going to conduct a meeting in Haldwani today. We have conducted a meeting in Dehradun also regarding this. We will try to control the fire as soon as possible," he added. The Indian Air Force has provided M-17 helicopters in an attempt to stop the fire. These helicopters are pulling the water from the lake to saturate the flames in the Nainital forest fire. The boating activities in the lake have been halted for a specific period. The Executive Officer of the Nainital Municipal Corporation, Rahul Anand has explained that safety precautions were taken to collect the water from the lake. "We received information of IAF helicopters seeking permission to take water from Nainital to douse the fire. To make arrangements, we closed boating in the lake for the day. Fire is reported in Nainital in many places, including very close to the Air Force Station in the district," Anand said. "The main purpose of bringing in helicopters to douse the fire was to keep the Air Force Station safe. The situation is under control now. Efforts are continuing," he said. According to the officials, the IAF choppers are collecting the water from Bhimtal Lake and are spraying it in the area in order to stop the furious Nainital forest fire. Earlier, Rahul Anand said that after an aerial inspection, MI-17 choppers are jet-spraying the affected areas amid the raging forest fire. "I carried out an aerial inspection and can confirm IAF choppers have been involved in firefighting operations in the affected forests since this morning," Anand said. The blaze has already consumed several hectares of the forested terrain, with the leaping flames yet to be brought under complete control. According to the official, the IAF choppers conducted aerial surveys over the Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes, identifying suitable locations from where it could lift water for the dousing operation. The choppers, with sacks and buckets hanging by a rope from them, were spraying water over the affected forests surrounding Nainital, till last reports. (With ANI Inputs)
27 April,2024 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
