Himachal Pradesh BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur met the state chief electoral officer along with other party MLAs on Tuesday and urged him to take cognisance of a complaint about alleged violation of the model code of conduct by the Congress government and initiate appropriate action, reported news wire PTI. As per the report, lashing out at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, he alleged that the Congress made "false promises to befool women". Thakur, who is the leader of opposition in the state assembly, said that no provision has been made in the budget for giving Rs 1500 per month to women in the age group of 18 to 59 but still the CM announced at a press conference that the eligible women would start getting Rs 1500 per month from April, knowing well that code of conduct would come into force and even the first instalment would not be disbursed. Distributing forms with photographs of former prime minister Indira Gandhi and Sukhu for applying for pension is a blatant violation of the election code of conduct, Thakur told reporters. He claimed the Congress was repeating the strategy it used in the run-up to Assembly elections in 2022 when women were made to fill forms for getting a pension of Rs 1500 per month, but the party did not implement the poll promise after winning the election. "Who stopped the government from paying Rs 1500 per month to women and why did the government announce the implementation of the poll promise on the eve of Lok Sabha polls, without making any budgetary provision," Thakur said. Thakur said that the Sukhu government has lost majority in the House. Thakur added that the BJP has already decided its candidates for the Shimla (SC) and Hamirpur seats and the names for the two remaining seats would be announced soon. (With PTI inputs)
19 March,2024 03:57 PM IST | Shimla | mid-day online correspondentFamine looms large over northern Gaza, where more than 1 million people are on the brink of starvation, warned a recent UN-backed report, CNN reported.The dire situation, exacerbated by acute hunger affecting 70 per cent of the population, paints a grim picture of imminent catastrophe. With half of Gaza's 2.2 million inhabitants facing severe food shortages, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) projects famine could strike the north between mid-March and May 2024.The crisis has already surpassed the threshold for famine, with reports of starvation-related deaths, including children and infants, reaching alarming numbers. Desperate measures such as scavenging for food, consuming grass and animal feed, and drinking contaminated water have become distressingly common. Mothers, unable to produce sufficient milk, struggle to nourish their babies, while overwhelmed health facilities grapple with the demand for infant formula, according to CNN.United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern, labelling the situation as the worst-ever recorded in terms of catastrophic hunger.The toll of preventable suffering underscores the urgent need for intervention. Yet, the European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, accuses Israel of exacerbating the crisis by impeding humanitarian aid, effectively weaponising starvation.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refutes these claims, asserting Israel's commitment to facilitating humanitarian assistance.However, aid agencies dispute this assertion, citing ongoing obstacles to aid delivery imposed by Israeli authorities. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), responsible for access to Gaza, faces accusations of imposing arbitrary and contradictory criteria, hindering relief efforts, as reported by CNN.The consequences of this man-made crisis extend beyond immediate hunger, with long-term repercussions on children's health and well-being. Malnutrition rates among children under two years old are alarming, indicating the severity of the humanitarian emergency. In the south, governorates such as Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah also face escalating food insecurity, with the risk of famine looming through July 2024.Scarce supplies and disrupted livelihoods exacerbate the suffering, with households resorting to drastic measures to cope with food shortages. Adults sacrifice their own meals to ensure their children eat, while many households report skipping meals altogether. The looming specter of famine underscores the urgent need for unrestricted access to Gaza to deliver essential supplies and avert further catastrophe.Despite international concerns and calls for a ceasefire, Israeli plans for a ground offensive in Rafah persist, raising fears of heightened violence and civilian casualties. US President Joe Biden has voiced deep apprehension over the situation, emphasizing the need to prioritize the protection of Palestinian civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance.As the humanitarian crisis worsens, urgent action is imperative to prevent further suffering and loss of life. Ceasing hostilities and ensuring unimpeded access for aid organizations are critical steps toward mitigating the crisis. The international community must unite in efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza, according to CNN.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not only a matter of immediate concern but also a long-term challenge that requires sustained attention and action. While emergency relief efforts are essential to address the immediate needs of the population, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying factors contributing to food insecurity and poverty in the region.One of the key factors exacerbating the crisis in Gaza is the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel, which restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of the territory. The blockade has severely limited access to essential goods and services, including food, medicine, and fuel, and has crippled Gaza's economy, leaving many residents unemployed and unable to afford basic necessities.In addition to the blockade, Gaza has also been plagued by decades of conflict and political instability, which have further undermined the region's ability to address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity. The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militant groups has only exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread destruction and displacement and further straining already limited humanitarian resources.Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will require a coordinated and sustained effort by the international community, including governments, humanitarian organizations, and civil society groups. This effort must include not only emergency relief assistance but also long-term development programs aimed at addressing the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity in the region, CNN reported. 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.
19 March,2024 03:09 PM IST | Gaza border | ANIDelhi's Rouse Avenue court extended the judicial custody of Manish Sisodia till April 6, the next date of hearing in the Delhi Excise Policy case. AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia reached Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court for a hearing in the Delhi Excise Policy case today. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday opposed the bail plea of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a Delhi court and said that some high-profile people may be arrested. The CBI said that an investigation is underway in the Delhi Excise policy case and the accused may hamper it. The other accused was given bail on the basis of my judgement (Sisodia), however ironic it may be, Senior advocate Mathur submitted. He also submitted that the SC gave him the liberty only because the ASG had said that he would conclude the investigation within 6-8 months. He further submitted that "aside from that, the fact is that there is no loss to the exchequer, but profit to the exchequer. No loss to even any private person or any consumer. No money was paid by him and vice versa." On the other hand, the bail plea was opposed by APP Pankaj Gupta. "There was no delay from our side. The trial starts after the arguments on charge. We're trying to start that. The accused are delaying the trial," the Additional Public Prosecutor submitted. APP Pankaj Gupta also submitted that some high-profile people may be arrested. "An investigation is going on and this accused may influence the witnesses, and hamper the investigation," APP said before the court. The application should be dismissed, Pankaj Gupta submitted. On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate claimed that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha allegedly conspired with the top leaders of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia to get favours in the Delhi Excise policy formulation and implementation, and she was involved in paying Rs 100 crore to the AAP leaders in exchange for these favours. 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
19 March,2024 02:41 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIJMM legislator Sita Soren, the sister-in-law of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, joined the BJP on Tuesday. She quit the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) hours before joining the BJP, claiming that she was being neglected and isolated in the state's ruling party. Soren joined the BJP in the presence of its national general secretary Vinod Tawde and Jharkhand poll in-charge Laxmikant Bajpai at its headquarters. The three-term MLA's decision to join the BJP is a shot in the arm for the party's efforts to boost its connect with the Scheduled Tribes, a community which has been the main vote base of the JMM. 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
19 March,2024 02:33 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Uttar Pradesh police on Tuesday arrested a head constable who had allegedly shot dead a teacher here following an altercation, officials said. The incident that took place in the Civil Lines area here on Sunday night triggered protests and criticism from opposition leaders. District magistrate Arvind Mallappa Bangari on Tuesday said the state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the family of the deceased-- Dharmendra Kumar. Kumar was part of a team of the education department from Varanasi that had brought UP Board exam answer sheets to the SD Inter College here, according to the police. The group included another teacher and two class-four employees and was accompanied by a police team from Varanasi. They all were waiting in a vehicle for the college gate to open when the incident took place, he said. Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh said the accused, Head Constable Chander Prakash, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and was asking others for tobacco, disturbing the group of teachers and employees by not letting them sleep. When Kumar objected to Prakash's demands, an argument broke out between them. In a fit of rage, the constable shot dead Kumar with his service carbine, the SSP said. The victim was rushed to a district hospital where he was declared brought dead, he said. The body has been sent for post mortem and the murder weapon has been seized, the officer said. Based on the complaint filed by the family members of the deceased, the police had lodged an FIR under the Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) and the SC/ST Act on Monday, the SSP added. 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
19 March,2024 02:13 PM IST | Muzaffarnagar | PTIWater has been released from Jayakwadi dam for uninterrupted operations at the Parli thermal power station in Maharashtra's Beed district, an official said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The power plant authorities had written to the state irrigation department last week stating that the operations may stop due to water shortage in the region, the official said, according to the PTI. The irrigation department started discharging water from Jayakwadi dam on Monday evening, and the discharged water is stored in the Khadka barrage, from where it is lifted for power generation, he said, as per the PTI. The discharge is at 100 cusecs now, but the flow will be increased if needed, he said. According to the irrigation department, the water stock at Jayakwadi dam was 527 MCM till March 15, which was 24 per cent of its overall capacity. The dam supplies water for agriculture in Jalna, Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani districts, and domestic purposes to the cities of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna, the news agency reported. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai announced a 15 per cent water cut in Mumbai on Tuesday due to lack of water in a dam following repair works, reported the PTI. In an official statement issued on Monday evening, the BMC said that the 15 per cent water cut for the 24-hour period is in addition to the 5 per cent water cut in force till April 24 due to pre-monsoon maintenance work at the Bhandup complex, according to the PTI. The release said that there is inadequate water stock in the dam in Pise in Thane district, some 60 kilometres from the metropolis. As per the release, the water supply to the city will be restored once the Pise dam receives water from Bhatsa reservoir 48 kilometres away. "A rubber bladder of one of the 32 gates of the Pise dam malfunctioned, resulting in water leakage from it on December 16. To repair the bladder, the dam's water level had to be brought down to 31 metres, for which water supply from Bhatsa reservoir was regulated," it said, according to the PTI. "The rubber bladder has been repaired, but the dam level is not adequate for pumping of water to Mumbai via the treatment plant in Panjarpole. Water from Bhatsa reservoir has been released, but as it is 48 kilometres away from the (Pise) dam, it is expected to take time for the water to reach and bring it to adequate levels," the release added, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
19 March,2024 01:52 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Minister Atishi on Tuesday accused the Enforcement Directorate of becoming a "political weapon" and claimed the agency's assertion that BRS leader K Kavitha was involved in paying Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders for favours in the now-scrapped excise policy has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Addressing a press conference, she alleged the federal probe agency's action was aimed at stopping Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls. Kavitha, the MLC daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) agency last week from her Hyderabad home and she is in the federal probe agency's custody till March 23. In a statement on Monday, the ED claimed Kavitha along with others "conspired with the top leaders of AAP, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, for getting favours in the Delhi excise policy formulation and implementation". "In exchange for these favours, she was involved in paying Rs 100 crore to the leaders of AAP," the agency said. Dismissing the allegation, Atishi said, "Political parties issue press releases. Why did the ED issue a political press release? This means that ED has become a political weapon. The BJP is scared of only one political leader -- Arvind Kejriwal. They want to stop him from campaigning in Lok Sabha polls." "Yesterday, the ED issued a press release saying that Rs 100 crore bribe was given to AAP leaders. This assertion was dismissed by the Supreme Court last year while hearing the bail plea of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia," she alleged. In another press conference, her cabinet colleague Saurabh Bharadwaj echoed similar views and said that Kejriwal posing questions to the BJP makes them uncomfortable. "Our key leaders are in jail. They are trying to put our top leader in jail," he alleged. He also reiterated that no money trail has been found and no recovery has been made by the ED in its probe in the excise policy case. The agency said it has conducted searches at 245 locations across the country since the registration of a case in 2022 and has arrested 15 persons, including AAP leaders Sisodia and Sanjay Singh and some liquor businessmen. It has filed a total of six charge sheets in this case till now and has attached assets worth over Rs 128 crore. The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge strongly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequently scrapped and Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe into the irregularities in its formulation and implementation. Later, the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. 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.
19 March,2024 01:52 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIUnion Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras resigned on Tuesday as he accused the BJP of doing "injustice" with his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party by excluding it from the seat-sharing deal with allies for the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar. Paras's announcement came at a press conference a day after the BJP-led NDA announced its seat-sharing pact and gave five seats to the Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas), ignoring his faction's claims. Paras made brief remarks at the press conference about his resignation and did not elaborate about his future plans. The only ally in the Union Cabinet headed by Modi, he called the prime minister a big leader. The RLJP president said he was thankful to Modi before expressing his displeasure over the treatment meted out to him. Paras said he had served the National Democratic Alliance with honesty and loyalty but received injustice. "Injustice has been meted out to my party and especially me," he said. His party's spokesperson Shravan Agarwal said its leaders will meet soon to decide its next course of action but made it clear that Paras will contest elections. Though Paras enjoyed the support of five of the six Lok Sabha MPs of the LJP until sometime back, none of them accompanied him at the press conference. Some of them, sources said, are on a hunt for striking deals with other parties, including the one headed by his estranged nephew Chirag Paswan, to contest the upcoming polls. Paras may explore the possibility of joining hands with the opposition alliance led by Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar to fight against his nephew in the Hajipur seat. He represents Hajipur in the outgoing Lok Sabha and Paswan has also indicated that he will be contesting from the seat, considered a pocket borough of his late father Ram Vilas Paswan. 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.
19 March,2024 01:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday in an indication that the BJP is looking to ally with him for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 to boost its alliance in the western state, reported news agency PTI. Thackeray, who reached Delhi on Monday, was joined by BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde when he met Amit Shah. If the alliance is sealed, the MNS may be given one seat to contest from Mumbai, the Maharashtra capital where his cousin Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction enjoys some influence. Raj Thackeray had parted ways with the Shiv Sena, when it was undivided and led by his cousin. However, his MNS could not make much impact even though he is seen as a powerful orator and enjoys a certain following. His controversial comments against north Indians in the past had drawn sharp criticism from leaders from various political parties, including the BJP. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray reached Delhi late at night on Monday. As per sources, Raj Thackeray may join the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti alliance. According to sources, the MNS chief may be alloted two Lok Sabha seats, reported ANI. Raj Thackeray said,"I don't know what my schedule is yet. I was just told to come to Delhi. Let's see," reported ANI. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday convened core committee meetings at the party headquarters to deliberate on potential candidates for various states for the Lok Sabha polls. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana, Odisha, Sikkim, Maharashtra and Gujarat were discussed in the meeting. BJP National President JP Nadda chaired the meeting, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party National General Secretary BL Santosh were present in the meeting. Core committee meetings were also held for Sikkim, Odisha, and Maharashtra, respectively, with Odisha BJP president Man Mohan Samal and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan leading discussions for Odisha. Voting for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be held in seven phases beginning April 19 and ending June 1. The counting of polls will be held on June 4. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
19 March,2024 01:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAs India gears up for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), stands at a crucial juncture in its political journey. With a history deeply rooted in the country's socialist and communist movements, the CPI(M) continues to advocate for leftist principles and policies, aiming to provide an alternative to mainstream politics dominated by centrist and right-wing parties. Founded in 1964, the CPI(M) emerged from a split within the Communist Party of India (CPI) over ideological differences, particularly regarding the party's approach towards parliamentary democracy and armed struggle. Since then, the CPI(M) has positioned itself as the vanguard of the Indian working class, championing the cause of socialism, secularism, and social justice. The CPI(M) has consistently advocated for policies aimed at addressing socio-economic inequalities, promoting rural development, and protecting the rights of workers and marginalized communities. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the party is expected to focus on issues such as agrarian reform, job creation, healthcare, and education. Also Read: AAP Candidate List 2024: Check state-wise candidate name and constituency As the Communist Party of India (Marxist) prepares for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, it faces both challenges and opportunities. With its steadfast commitment to leftist ideology and social justice, the CPI(M) seeks to carve out a space for itself in India's diverse political landscape. The party's ability to mobilize support, articulate a compelling vision for the future, and forge strategic alliances will be crucial in determining its electoral prospects. Whether the CPI(M) can emerge as a significant force in the upcoming elections remains to be seen, but its presence and influence in Indian politics continue to be felt, shaping debates and policies on issues of critical importance to the nation. Voting for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be held in seven phases beginning April 19 and ending June 1. The counting of polls will be held on June 4. Sr. No. Candidate Name Constituency State West Bengal 1. Debraj Burman Jalpaiguri 2. SM Sadhi Krishnanagar 3. Sujan Chakraborty Dumdum 4. Srijan Bhattacharya Jadavpur 5. Saira Shah Halim Kolkata South 6. Sabyasachi Chatterjee Howrah 7. Dipsita Dhar Sreerampur 8. Manodeep Ghosh Hoogly 9. Sayan Banerjee Tamluk 10. Nilanjan Dasgupta Bankura 11. Shital Kaiborto Bishnupur 12. Nirab Khan Bardhaman Purba 13. Jahanara Khan Asansol State Kerala 1. AM Ariff Alappuzha 2. K Radhakrishnan Alathur 3. V Joy Attingal 4. Prof. C Raveendranath Chalakudy 5. KJ Shine Ernakulam 6. Joyce George Idukki 7. MV Jayarajan Kannur 8. MV Balakrishnan Kasaragod 9. M Mukesh Kollam 10. Elamaram Kareem Kozhikode 11. VA Vaseef Malappuram 12. A Vijayaraghavan Palakkad 13. Dr. TM Thomas Isaac Pathanamthitta 14. KS Hamsa Ponnani 15. KK Shailaja Vadakara State Tripura 1. Rajendra Reang East Tripura State Manipur 1. Laishram Sotinkumar Singh Inner Manipur State Assam 1. Manoranjan Talukdar Barpeta
19 March,2024 11:39 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress Working Committee, the party's top decision-making body, held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss and approve the party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi attended the meeting. Other senior leaders, including Ambika Soni, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, P Chidambaram, Digvijaya Singh, Ajay Maken and Kumari Selja were also present. The manifesto committee of the party has already sent the draft document to the Congress Working Committee (CWC) for its nod. The CWC would grant its approval and give a final shape to the draft manifesto which carries the five 'guarantees' for justice. The party is fighting the elections on the issue of 'five nyay' (justices) -- 'Bhagidari Nyay', 'Kisan Nyay', 'Nari Nyay', 'Shramik Nyay' and 'Yuva Nyay' -- giving 25 guarantees, five for each nyay, which have been announced by the Congress president Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Sources said the party's Central Election Committee (CEC), chaired by Kharge, would discuss and finalise its candidates for remaining seats in the evening. The Congress has so far announced 82 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls beginning April 19. 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.
19 March,2024 11:12 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT