NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar criticized PM Modi’s claim that Congress wanted to keep 15 per cent of the budget for Muslims calling it “foolish.” He further stressed that allocation based on caste and religion can never happen. Talking to reporters in Nashik, Pawar said the central government budget is about the country not of any caste or religion. PM Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Congress during its previous rule wanted to allocate 15 per cent of the central government budget for Muslims and vowed not to allow splitting of budget or reservation in jobs and education on the basis of religion. Pawar said such a claim is "foolish" adding, “Budget allocation on the basis of caste and religion can never happen.” Asked about PM Modi's “vote jihad” remark, Pawar said, “There is not even one per cent truth in what Modi speaks these days. He has lost confidence.” Pawar said when Modi was the chief minister (of Gujarat) he was interested in development in agriculture, but now he speaks only of politics. The 83-year-old politician also responded to a question about his recent remark that several regional parties could merge with the Congress in the near future. “If ideology is the same, then a merger of parties should happen. Why is Modi so troubled by my comment? I did not speak about Uddhav Thackeray's party... Is that a small party? It got more seats (than us) in the last assembly elections,” he said. Referring to PM Modi's events in Mumbai on Wednesday, Pawar said holding roadshows in cities like Mumbai is not a good idea. “Where Modi went yesterday was essentially a Gujarati-dominated area. He was focusing on a particular community,” he said Ahead of the May 20 polling for the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai and seven others in Maharashtra, Modi held a mega roadshow in the Ghatkopar area on Wednesday evening to campaign for the candidates of the BJP and its allies Shiv Sena and NCP. Asked about his predictions for the Lok Sabha polls, the NCP (SP) chief asserted that change is evident. He said, “People want a change but I can't say who will win how many seats.” (With inputs from PTI)
16 May,2024 03:56 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that this Lok Sabha election is an opportunity for the country to choose a leader who can run a strong government which "makes the world aware of India's strength,” reported PTI. Modi was addressing an election rally organised at a college ground in Jaunpur in support of BJP candidates Kripashankar Singh from the Jaunpur parliamentary constituency and sitting MP BP Saroj from the Machhlishahr (reserved) seat. "This election is an opportunity to choose the prime minister of the country. Such a prime minister who runs a strong government which cannot be dominated by the world but which makes the world aware of India's strength," he said. "Therefore, when you vote for our Kripashankar ji from Jaunpur, BP Saroj ji from Machhlishahr, your vote forms a strong government. The votes given to them will go directly into Modi's account," the prime minister said. Amid slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Har Har Modi', Modi said, "Your enthusiasm shows that you have made it difficult for the INDI alliance to win even a single seat in Uttar Pradesh." Speaking on the development in Kashi-Ayodhya, he said, "You have seen in Kashi how a strong government works. We are seeing it happen in Ayodhya." "Earlier when people used to talk about development, sometimes the discussion was about Delhi, sometimes about Mumbai. Now, the country and the world also talks about Kashi-Ayodhya," Modi added. "It is my pledge to make a developed India and the growth engine of developed India will be Purvanchal. Modi and Yogi are going to change the picture and fate of Purvanchal in the next five years," he said. Voting will be held in Jaunpur and Machhlishahr on May 25. In the 2019 polls, BSP’s Shyam Singh Yadav had won the Jaunpur constituency defeating BJP’s Krishna Pratap Singh. The sitting MP has been given a ticket this election as well from the same constituency. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had earlier named MP Dhananjay Singh’s wife Shrikala Dhananjay Singh before changing it to Yadav on May 6. (With inputs from PTI)
16 May,2024 03:04 PM IST | Jaunpur | mid-day online correspondentExuding confidence in winning the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024, Congress leader Sachin Pilot has said that people want change now, and INDIA bloc candidates will win all seven seats in the National Capital. Pilot, who campaigned for Congress candidate from northeast Delhi, Kanhaiya Kumar, on Wednesday, said that the wind of change is now becoming stronger in the country. "Our party's young candidate from North East Delhi is Kanhaiya Kumar, and he will win. I have no hesitation in saying that on this seat and the other 6 seats, INDIA alliance candidates are leading and will win. The party has made Kanhaiya its candidate after careful consideration, and Congress and the alliance will benefit from it. The wind of change is now becoming stronger in the country. Earlier, they (BJP) used to talk of crossing 400, but now they are targeting us, our manifesto," Pilot said. Further, on the BJP's allegation on the INDIA bloc for not declaring their PM face, Sachin Pilot said that it is not right to discuss any position today. "We have no dearth of policies and leaders, and it is not right to discuss any position today. This is a parliamentary system. After getting the majority, we will decide within a day who will be given the responsibility. We have prepared the manifesto keeping every section in mind. In whatever state I am going to campaign in, it is evident that people's attention towards Congress is increasing. People want change now," he added. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday held a rally in the national capital in support of the Congress candidate from North West Delhi Udit Raj and the Congress candidate from North East Delhi Kanhaiya Kumar. The Congress and AAP are contesting the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi in a seat-sharing arrangement in which AAP is contesting four seats, whereas the Congress party is contesting three seats. Notably, Congress' Kanhaiya Kumar is in the electoral fray against BJP's sitting MP Manoj Tiwari in the northeast Delhi Lok Sabha seat. Voting in all seven seats in the National Capital will be done on May 25 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. (With inputs from ANI)
16 May,2024 02:55 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAt an important moment on Thursday, the Supreme Court stated outright that it has not granted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal any sort of special permission to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections and that any form of "critical analysis of the judgement is welcome". According to a PTI report, a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta refused to consider any claims and counters of both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Kejriwal's lawyer on statements made related to the interim bail to the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor. The bench declared that "we have not made any exception for anybody, we said in our order what we felt was justified" and that it was "welcome" that the judgment's criticisms be given due consideration. Appearing for the ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has vehemently objected to Kejriwal's speeches in poll rallies that if people voted for AAP, he would not be required to go back to prison on June 2."It is his assumption, that we cannot say anything," the bench told Mehta. A statement made by a senior Union minister, who was not named during the proceedings, was pointed out by advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who was appearing for Kejriwal. The main argument Kejriwal made to avoid his imminent arrest was based on a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scheme. It is noteworthy that Kejriwal was given interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10, giving him a little breathing room till June 2, when he was scheduled to return to jail. When Kejriwal was taken into custody on March 21, it caused a stir in the legal system and disrupted the AAP's electoral plans. As it goes on, the Supreme Court is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the values of equality before the law and a fair and open legal system. (With Inputs from PTI)
16 May,2024 02:55 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAhead of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's visit to Punjab for campaigning in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024, Congress candidate from Jalandhar parliamentary seat, Charanjit Singh Channi, said on Wednesday that CM Kejriwal can't be trusted and that he should be opposed, reported news agency ANI. "Kejriwal, who is involved in a liquor scam and is out of jail for only 15 days, can't be trusted. A big liquor scam happened in Delhi and the same happened in Punjab as well. We demand an inquiry into it. Instead of being welcomed, he should be opposed," Channi said, reported ANI. Charanjit Singh Channi is contesting against AAP's Pawan Kumar Tinu and SAD candidate Mohinder Singh Kaypee in Jalandhar. All 13 Lok Sabha seats, including Jalandhar, in Punjab will go to the polls in a single phase on June 1. According to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sources, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is slated to visit Punjab on Thursday. Party sources mentioned that a mega roadshow will be held in Amritsar on Thursday to mark the start of the AAP national convener's campaign for Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will also be part of the roadshow that will kick off at 6 pm on Thursday, they said, reported ANI. Following the roadshow, Kejriwal will be paying obeisance to Shri Harminder Saheb, they added, reported ANI. Notably, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party mutually decided to go solo in Punjab for the Lok Sabha elections but are a part of INDIA bloc in Delhi, reported ANI. Congress and AAP are in a 3:4 seat-sharing agreement in Delhi. According to the seat-sharing agreement for Lok Sabha elections 2024 between the INDIA bloc members in Delhi, AAP is contesting four seats while Congress has fielded candidates in three constituencies. (With inputs from ANI)
16 May,2024 02:52 PM IST | Punjab | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Wednesday, saying that the PM will enable the citizens of the country to get their identity. Taking to his official X handle, Anurag Thakur posted, "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian sisters and brothers who came to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan due to religious persecution have started getting Indian citizenship from today under the CAA law." He added further, "This historic decision under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will enable crores of people suffering in the country for decades to get their identity. Modi's guarantee means the fulfilment of the guarantee." After Anurag Thakur's post, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal also took to his official X handle and posted, "Under the sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from today, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian brothers and sisters who came to India after being persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have started getting the right to citizenship under CAA." Goyal added further, "On behalf of all refugee brothers, I wholeheartedly congratulate Modi Ji and assure him that every guarantee given by Modi Ji will continue to be fulfilled in this manner." Central Government handed over the first set of citizenship certificates on Wednesday, over two months after notifying the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants. The Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted the salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, as per an official statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The certificates were physically handed over to 14 applicants seeking citizenship, and digitally signed certificates have been issued to many other applicants through email. The rules envisage manner of application form, procedure for processing applications by District Level Committee (DLC) and scrutiny and grant of citizenship by State Level Empowered Committee (EC), stated an official release. In pursuance of these rules, applications have been received from persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have entered into India up to 31.12.2014 on account of persecution on grounds of religion or fear of such persecution. On March 11, the Union Home Ministry notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants--including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians--who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. (With inputs from Agencies)
16 May,2024 02:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid the ongoing row over reservation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday accused the opposition of instilling fear in minorities that reservation will be taken back if the BJP retains power, reported news agency ANI. He said that under any circumstances, the BJP will never end reservation. Addressing an election rally in Lucknow on Wednesday, Rajnath Singh said, "Efforts are being made to create various misconceptions about our government. It is being said that if the BJP government is formed, then reservation will be abolished." "I want to say that our party will form the government, and we will not end reservation under any circumstances. They are trying to defame us by saying that if we come back to power, reservations will be given based on religion. Our constitution does not allow this," the Defence Minister said, reported ANI. Slamming the opposition, Singh said, "Those who did reservations on the basis of religion were these people. They (Opposition) tried to bring reservation in Jamia Millia University and Aligarh University, which was abated by the Supreme Court. They just want to instill fear among the minorities," reported ANI. Singh's clarification comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that if the BJP comes to power, "it will increase the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC and will end the Muslim reservation." "Congress wants to fight elections by speaking lies. They say that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes, he will finish the reservation. Prime Minister Modi has been leading this country unanimously for the last 10 years, but he did not end the reservation. However, the Congress party has robbed the reservations of SC, ST and OBC by giving 4 per cent reservation to Muslims," Shah had said while addressing a public rally in Telangana's Bhongir on May 9, reported ANI. Earlier in an interview with Times Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the poor in the country include all Hindus, Christians, and Parsis and all should get the benefits of reservations. "I have never said that Muslims won't get reservations. All I'm saying is that religion cannot be the base of providing reservation. Poor in the country include all Hindus, Christians, and Parsis; all should get the benefits of reservations. Dalits and Tribals for long have faced injustice for thousands of years, and there is a special reason that the makers of our constitution have taken the right decision, and we are grateful for that. No political party opposes this," the PM said, reported ANI. When asked about the dangers associated with when it comes to allowing reservations based on religion to Muslims, PM Modi said that the maker of the Constitution, after a lengthy discussion during its drafting, decided that reservation based on religion would be detrimental to society and would not be good for the long term. (With inputs from ANI)
16 May,2024 02:42 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentFour children died from drowning when they went to swim in a lake in their village on Thursday, police said. According to police, the tragedy occurred in Mutthige village at Aalur Taluk in Hassan district. The four children, who had a holiday from school, had gone to swim in the lake, when the tragedy occurred. Further details are unavailable. The deceased have been identified as Sathvik (13), Jeevan (13) Vishwa (12) and Pruthvi (12). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 May,2024 02:30 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIShiromani Akali Dal leader Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon joined the BJP on Thursday, a day after he was expelled by his former party. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday expelled Kahlon from the primary membership of the SAD for "anti-party" activities and "backstabbing" the party Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar and party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa extended a welcome to Kahlon into the party. Kahlon had unsuccessfully contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls from the Dera Baba Nanak seat. Kahlon is the son of former Punjab Assembly speaker and rural development and panchayat minister Nirmal Singh Kahlon. (With inputs from PTI) Expelled Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam set to join Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Earlier this month expelled Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam joined Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Sanjay Nirupam joined his 'alma mater' Shiv Sena, now headed by Eknath Shinde, nearly two decades after he quit the undivided party which was his political launchpad in Mumbai. Sanjay Nirupam had joined Congress in 2005 and was appointed as general secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. He won the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat in the 2009 elections, defeating BJP veteran Ram Naik by a narrow margin in a keenly fought contest. According to the PTI, the Congress expelled Sanjay Nirupam last month for six years for "indiscipline and anti-party statements", days after he gave a 'one-week ultimatum' to the party over the Mumbai North-West seat, which he was eyeing.
16 May,2024 01:39 PM IST | Chandigarh | mid-day online correspondentAmid the current Lok Sabha elections 2024 in the country, on Thursday, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said that if the INDIA alliance government is formed, it will work for the empowerment of women. "Our sisters across the country are ready to form the INDIA Alliance government with enthusiasm. From July, Rs 8500 deposited in women's accounts every month, i.e., Rs 1 lakh annually, will change the financial condition of every family," she said. She also highlighted that having a portion of government jobs will increase women's authority, according to an ANI report. "The Centre's contribution to the honorarium of the Asha, Anganwadi and Cook sisters will be doubled. An insurance scheme of Rs 25 lakh will take you out of the quagmire of medical expenses. The situation will change," she assured. Earlier on Wednesday, while campaigning for her brother and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka accused the BJP of being unable to mitigate high inflation. "Women across the country are saying the same thing that inflation has made life difficult. It is difficult to run the household. Every household item has become out of reach. A cylinder that cost Rs. 400 is now available for Rs. 1200. Oil, pulses, flour, sugar, rice, vegetables--everything is extremely expensive," she said. He responded, saying, "Today, the public is demanding accountability and instead of answering, the Prime Minister is trying to divert attention by talking about irrelevant things, but the countrymen have understood everything." She continued by saying that it is getting harder to pay for children's medical care and education. The same wooden pot doesn't keep boiling. This time, the people will have a say in how their challenges are resolved and a government that represents all citizens, not just billionaires, will be formed." Priyanka Gandhi also launched a scathing critique at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, "For the last ten years, the Prime Minister has been governing based on religion. Now he says he never did it. So what have you been doing for the last ten years? The whole country is watching what you are doing. The Prime Minister only spreads lies." On May 3, the Congress announced Rahul Gandhi as a candidate from Raebareli and loyalist KL Sharma from Amethi. In Wayanad, Kerala, Rahul Gandhi is the current Member of Parliament and is running for reelection with Rae Bareli. Rahul was Amethi's representative from 2004 to 2019. In Raebareli, he will take on three-time MLC Dinesh Pratap Singh of the BJP, a Congress defector. Raebareli constituency goes to the polls on May 20 in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi won the constituency, bagging 5,34,918 votes. Her closest rival, Dinesh Pratap Singh, put up a formidable challenge, gathering 3,67,740 votes. (With inputs from ANI)
16 May,2024 01:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shooting attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, calling it a "cowardly and dastardly act". PM Modi further wished the Slovak PM a speedy recovery. Moroever, he expressed support for the people of Slovakia. Taking on social media X, PM Modi stated, "Deeply shocked at the news of the shooting at Slovakia's Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Robert Fico. I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic." Deeply shocked at the news of the shooting at Slovakia’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Robert Fico. I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2024 Robert Fico, who is a four-time Prime Minister of Slovakia, was wounded in a shooting incident on Wednesday (local time) in Handlova, reported the local newspaper, The Slovak Spectator. He was hospitalised following the attack. Several shots were fired at the scene when the PM came out to meet the people. The alleged shooter was arrested on-site and the area was evacuated. According to witnesses, shots were heard when the PM came out to meet the people who welcomed him. Fico was then seen on the ground with blood stains. The incident took place after a government meeting in Handlova, following which the PM was hospitalised. Yesterday, reactions poured in from across the globe condemning the shooting attack on Slovak PM Robert Fico and wishing for his speedy recovery. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he was "shocked" to hear about the incident. In a post on social media platform X, Sunak wrote, "Shocked to hear this awful news. All our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the act of violence against Slovakia's head of state. "The attack on Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico is appalling. We strongly condemn this act of violence against our neighbouring partner state's head of government," Zelenskyy wrote on X. (With inputs from Agencies)
16 May,2024 01:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
