President Droupadi Murmu Approves Women’s Reservation Bill:
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the women’s reservation bill, which mandates 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The law ministry issued a notification on Friday, stating that the president granted her approval on Thursday.
It will now be officially referred to as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act. According to its provisions, “It will take effect on a date specified by the central government through an official notification in the Gazette.”
President President Droupadi Murmu Approves Women’s Reservation Bill
In a special session of Parliament earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the law as the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”
Mahbubnagar Police Enforces Drone Flying Ban Ahead of PM’s Visit:
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s scheduled visit to Mahbubnagar on October 1, the local police have implemented a series of prohibitory orders on Friday.
Mahabubnagar’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Narasimha, announced that these restrictions are in place across the entire district to ensure security during the Prime Minister’s visit. Among the measures taken, authorities have prohibited the use of drones, releasing balloons, and setting off fireworks. Additionally, police have made it clear that no rallies, protests, hunger strikes, or demonstrations of any kind will be allowed.
SP Narasimha emphasized that legal actions will be taken against those who disregard these restrictions. To further bolster security, special checkpoints have been established throughout the district, vehicles are being inspected and individuals are being frisked as precautionary measures.
Mahbubnagar Police Enforces Drone Flying Ban Ahead of PM’s Visit
In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public meeting in Mahbubnagar on October 1, D K Aruna, the BJP National Vice President, conducted a review of the arrangements for the event. During her visit to the public meeting site, she assessed the preparations and urged the public to participate enthusiastically to make the meeting a resounding success.
Thousands Attempt to Siege Manipur Chief Minister’s Residence, Additional Troops Mobilized to Ensure Order
The northeastern state of Manipur has witnessed over 150 fatalities since violent confrontations erupted in May between the primarily Hindu Meitei population and the predominantly Christian Kuki community.
Recent images of two missing Meitei students who were found murdered have incensed the Meitei populace. Despite stringent security measures and curfews in the state capital Imphal, residents rallied near Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s residence to voice their protest.
A senior official in the chief minister’s office informed AFP that “thousands of individuals” attempted to breach the residence but were deterred by police employing force.
The official, who spoke anonymously, could not confirm any casualties as firing was still ongoing.
The chief minister’s office had requested military reinforcements to manage the mob approaching from various directions.
Demonstrators also directed their actions toward the residence of the region’s representative in the upper house of parliament.
Electricity was intentionally disconnected in the area to limit visibility for the protesters, and according to NDTV, security forces discharged multiple rounds of tear gas.
The Manipur police stated that there was sufficient security in place.
N Biren Singh belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced criticism for his government’s inability to quell the unrest in the state.
Authorities implemented a curfew in Imphal earlier this week following incidents where numerous students sustained injuries in confrontations with security personnel.
Although a nearly five-month-long internet ban was recently lifted, it was reinstated on Tuesday.
Human Rights Watch has alleged that the Manipur government has contributed to the conflict by implementing “policies that promote Hindu majoritarianism,” according to the organization.
Harish Rao Expresses Doubt in Congress and BJP’s Trustworthiness:
On Thursday, Health Minister T. Harish Rao issued a warning, stating that if the Congress were to regain power in Telangana, the state would revert to its previous state of affairs. This would entail providing farmers with only three hours of daily power supply, witnessing the burning of agricultural pumps, and experiencing shortages of fertilizers.
Harish advised the public to remain cautious about promises made by the BJP, which had failed to deliver on its commitments under the AP Reorganisation Act, such as establishing a steel factory in Bayyaram and a railway coach factory in Kazipet.
While addressing a gathering during the foundation stone laying ceremony for a ₹36-crore 100-bed hospital in Maripeda, Mahabubabad district, Harish credited Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for ensuring 24-hour power supply and efficient irrigation, as evidenced by the flowing water in the SRSP canal.
Harish Expresses Doubt in Congress and BJP
He also criticized the Congress for making claims about transforming “thandas” into gram panchayats, a feat already accomplished by KCR. Harish Rao emphasized that KCR was the leader who genuinely cared about the welfare of farmers, in stark contrast to others like Revanth Reddy who advocated for only three hours of power for farmers.
On Friday, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will transfer Rs 275.93 crore to the accounts of 2,75,931 beneficiaries as part of Phase 5 of the YSR Vahana Mitra scheme, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 10,000. During this event, the CM will also deliver a public address at 10:15 a.m. in Vidyadharapuram, Vijayawada.
The government is offering an annual financial aid of Rs 10,000 to owners of autorickshaws, taxis, maxi cabs, and mobile dispensing units to assist them in obtaining insurance coverage, fitness certificates, and more. This scheme is applicable to individuals who own their vehicles.
Jagan’s Rs 275.93 Crore YSR Vahana Mitra Plan
To date, the government has provided financial aid amounting to Rs 1,301.89 crore, which includes the disbursement of Rs 275.93 crore on Friday through the YSR Vahana Mitra scheme. During the last 50 months of the YSRC rule, each driver has received a total benefit of Rs 50,000.
The primary goal of the YSRC government in introducing the YSR Vahana Mitra scheme is to support drivers in maintaining their vehicles in optimal condition by facilitating regular maintenance and necessary repair work.
Tourism Minister R.K. Roja accused N. Chandrababu Naidu of being implicated in multiple scams and alleged the involvement of his wife, Bhuvaneswari, and daughter-in-law, Brahmani, in concealing stolen money.
Roja claimed that Nara Lokesh, whom she referred to as a “small thief,” was attempting to save the “big thief,” Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu, by visiting the national capital, Delhi. She pointed out that the father-son duo had never met the President in the past to promote the welfare of Andhra Pradesh or its people.
Speaking to the media on the Assembly premises, She questioned how Lokesh and other Telugu Desam leaders could act as if Naidu were above the law. She emphasized that Naidu had allegedly plundered the state’s wealth, and the law would take its course.
Roja listed four scams in which Naidu was accused: the skill development scam, Inner Ring road alignment scam, Fibrenet scam, and Assigned land scam. She also noted that Lokesh himself faced accusations in the Amaravati inner ring road alignment scam. Roja suggested that Lokesh was hesitant to return to Andhra Pradesh due to the fear of arrest.
Regarding a recent claim by Nara Bhuvaneswari that selling 2 percent of their business shares would yield ₹400 crore, Roja called for a deep investigation by the CID into this assertion and subsequent action. She highlighted the significant increase in Naidu’s assets, which were allegedly worth ₹2 lakh crore based on his wife’s statement, compared to his initial 2 acres of land when he entered politics.
Roja asserted that the funds allegedly misappropriated by Naidu and Lokesh were effectively managed by Bhuvaneswari and Brahmini. She criticized their attempts to portray themselves as innocent to the public.
Shah and Nadda Discuss Rajasthan Assembly Polls with BJP Leaders:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda engaged in extended discussions with the party’s Rajasthan leadership regarding various issues related to the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting, which commenced at a hotel late on Wednesday evening, lasted until 2 a.m. on Thursday.
Speculation had arisen that two central ministers might be asked to contest in the upcoming polls, prompted by the BJP’s recent decision to include three Union ministers and four MPs in its second list of candidates for the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh elections.
Following the discussions, both Shah and Nadda departed for Delhi on Thursday. It was noted that they did not hold a meeting with local RSS leaders.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed reporters that the meeting had focused on election strategy. Shah and Nadda had arrived in Jaipur on a special plane and began with a 15-minute meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, followed by discussions with senior leaders regarding the party’s election strategy. Feedback from the four ‘Parivartan Yatras’ recently conducted by the BJP was also part of the conversation.
Key figures present at the meeting included Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, co-incharge Nitin Patel, BJP’s in-charge for Rajasthan Arun Singh, State Unit President C P Joshi, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh, Arjun Meghwal, Kailash Chaudhary, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Rajendra Rathore, Deputy Leader of Opposition Satish Poonia, and other leaders.
The discussions spanned approximately three hours, with Poonia and MP Rajyavardhan Rathore leaving the venue first. Subsequently, Nadda and Shah held another round of meetings with BJP’s National General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santosh, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Nitin Patel, Arun Singh, Kuldeep Vishnoi, and Vijaya Rahatkar, among others.
The leaders deliberated on assembly constituencies and strategized on how to secure the maximum number of seats in various regions during the assembly and Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Mewar, Vagad, Shekhawati, Hadauti, Marwar, and eastern Rajasthan. A clear message emphasized the supremacy of the party organization and the need for unified efforts to ensure electoral success.
Shah and Nadda Discuss Rajasthan Assembly Polls with BJP Leaders
Although ticket distribution and other election-related topics were discussed during the meeting, party leaders refrained from divulging specific details to the media. Narayan Panchariya, Convener of the Election Management Committee, indicated that an authorized party representative would provide information to the media.
Speculation suggests that Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal may contest in the assembly polls, alongside several other MPs. Additionally, there is anticipation regarding the involvement of senior RSS pracharak Prakash Chand in the upcoming Assembly election.
Protest in Karnataka Tomorrow Against Cauvery Water Release to Tamil Nadu:
Pro-Kannada associations, including various factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS), have been preparing for a Karnataka bandh scheduled for tomorrow, lasting from 6 am to 6 pm. The purpose of this bandh is to voice their opposition to the release of water to Tamil Nadu. However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appealed to the leaders of these associations, stating that permission would not be granted for the bandh. Instead, the associations are encouraged to conduct peaceful protests.
Tomorrow, protesters plan to organize a rally from the Town Hall premises to Freedom Park. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar emphasized that guidelines issued by both the High Court and Supreme Court must be adhered to. He called for protests but discouraged the observation of a statewide bandh.
Regarding Tamil Nadu’s demand for water release, they have requested 11,000 cusecs of water. Karnataka officials have been instructed to attend the Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting in person. Shivakumar expressed confidence that these officials would effectively present Karnataka’s perspective during the meeting.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has previously mandated the release of 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Future actions will be decided after the upcoming CWMA meeting.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP voiced his party’s support for the Karnataka bandh. Additionally, the Karnataka State Hotels Association held a meeting in Bengaluru and passed a resolution to support the bandh. Narayan Gowda, the president of the Mysore Hotel Association, announced that various establishments, including hotels, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, fast food outlets, tea/coffee shops, and chat centers, will remain closed from 6 a.m. to 6 pm on Friday as a sign of solidarity with the pro-Kannada associations.
Gowda added that members of the Hotels Association will assemble at Kote Anjaneya Temple in the Mysore Palace premises and organize a rally to submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. State-owned buses and Metro services will operate as usual.
Supreme Court Scheduled to Hear Naidu’s SLP Regarding FIR on October 3:
The Supreme Court is set to consider the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by N. Chandrababu Naidu, the president of the Telugu Desam Party, seeking the cancellation of the FIR lodged against him in connection with the skill development scam. This hearing is scheduled for October 3.
Naidu initiated this legal action after the Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected his plea to quash the FIR related to the skill development scam. Initially, the Supreme Court was expected to conduct the hearing on the case on a Wednesday, following a request made by Babu’s counsel, Siddartha Luthra, who met with Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud on Tuesday and urged for an expedited hearing.
However, Justice S.V.N. Bhatti, a judge of the Supreme Court, recused himself from the case, citing his Andhra Pradesh background. Initially, when the petition was slated for a hearing before a two-member bench consisting of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and S.V.N. Bhatti, Justice Khanna informed Naidu’s counsel, Harish Salve, that his colleague had reservations about hearing the matter.
Salve responded, “We can say nothing about that. Please list it as early as possible.” Subsequently, Justice Khanna directed that the case be assigned to a different bench without SVN Bhatti.
Another of Babu’s legal representatives, Siddarth Luthra, brought the matter before the Chief Justice for urgent listing, and the Chief Justice agreed to schedule the hearing for October 3. However, the Chief Justice declined the request to restrain the trial court judge (ACB court) from handling the AP-CID’s plea for Naidu’s five-day custody.
Later in the proceedings, Luthra argued that the FIR filed against Babu by the CID was legally unsustainable since no prior sanction under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act had been obtained from the Governor. He alleged that the CID custody and subsequent FIRs against Naidu were politically motivated by the state government to gain an advantage in the upcoming elections.
Supreme Court Scheduled to Hear Naidu’s SLP Regarding FIR on October 3
Luthra contended that Section 17-A mandated that a police officer must obtain prior approval from the competent authority before investigating any offense committed by a public servant. However, senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, countered that the skill development scam occurred before an amendment was made to Section 17-A of the PC Act in 2018, suggesting that prior permission from the Governor was unnecessary.
Naidu was arrested by the AP-CID on September 9 in Nandyal and has been in judicial remand since that date.
BRS working president and Minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), during a public gathering in Sircilla where he inaugurated 369 2BHK houses in four villages of Gambhiraopet Mandal, expressed skepticism regarding the Congress’s pledges for the state should they come into power. He described the Congress as a “party that lacks a track record of fulfilling promises while attempting to provide reassurances.” Rama Rao went on to say that the Congress’s six guarantees should be disregarded.
He pointed out that during their 65-year rule, the party had failed to deliver essential services such as drinking water, electricity, pensions, and assistance to the underprivileged. According to him, if the Congress were to assume power, several negative consequences would follow: farmers would face electricity supply issues, people would struggle for access to clean drinking water, farmers would endure long queues for fertilizers, the state would witness frequent changes in Chief Ministers, Gram Panchayats would remain underdeveloped, and the populace would be deprived of quality education and healthcare.
KTR Ridicules Congress’ Vows in Scathing Remarks
He further highlighted that the Congress had failed to provide a Rs 4,000 pension in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, but was promising it in Telangana. Rama Rao asserted that the Congress’s commitments were solely aimed at securing votes. He advised the audience that if leaders from the BJP and Congress offered money, they should accept it but cast their votes exclusively for the BRS party.
