Citing ‘privileges’, Kerala govt moves SC to drop suits against Left leaders

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Citing ‘privileges’, Kerala govt moves SC to drop suits against Left leaders

The Pinarayi Vijayan government has moved the Supreme Court seeking its nod to withdraw cases against CPI(M) leaders, including Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, for vandalism inside Assembly in 2015, when the current regime was not in power.

The Kerala High Court, in an order passed on March 12, had refused to give its nod to the same saying that the elected representatives were expected to uphold the prestige of the House or face consequences.

The MLAs had vandalized the Speaker’s dais, uprooted his chair, pulled out the mike system, computer, etc.

The special leave petition filed by the state government said: “When Article 105(3), 194(3) of the Constitution of India confers certain privileges and immunities to the members of the Parliament and State Legislature, is it proper for the Secretary of Legislative Assembly to file cases against the MLAs with regard to an incident that happened on the floor of the House during the protest made by the opposition members, that too without the consent of the Speaker of the Assembly?”

The state government contended that the high court failed to appreciate the fact that the alleged offenses under Section 447 and 427 of IPC and Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, happened on the floor of the Legislative Assembly during the Budget Session of the legislature as a part of the protest by opposition members against the budget presentation by the then Finance Minister due to the then prevailing political reason.

“The FIR registered by the Secretary Legislative Assembly without the consent of the Speaker is wrong and therefore the application filed under section 321 Cr.P.C. is liable to be allowed.

“The act of the accused persons being in relation to their function to protest as members of the legislative assembly the MLAs who are accused in this FIR, entitled to get protection under the Constitution,” argued the state government.

The Kerala High Court had dismissed the state’s petition against an order of rejection by the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Thiruvananthapuram, seeking permission to withdraw prosecution against accused, including sitting ministers.

The government argued that Article 105(3), 194(3) of the Constitution confers certain privileges and immunities to the members of the Parliament and state Legislature.

“Therefore, it is not proper for the Secretary of Legislative Assembly to file cases against the MLAs with regard to an incident happened on the floor of the House during the protest made by the opposition members, that too without the consent of the Speaker of the Assembly,” added the plea, seeking stay on the high court order.

India to have 257 crore vaccine doses by December: Nadda

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India to have 257 crore vaccine doses by December: Nadda

Bharatiya Janata Party national president J.P. Nadda has said that by December, India will have about 257 crore vaccine doses. The country is fully prepared to provide both doses of the vaccine to everyone, he said.

Nadda said every BJP worker will participate in this mega vaccination campaign with full vigor and will make India Covid-free.

Attacking the opposition, Nadda said that some political leaders are seen only on Twitter nowadays, some are seen in press conferences, some only give press handouts. “All political leaders have gone into quarantine during the pandemic, but BJP workers are risking their lives to serve the people,” he said.

Nadda added: “The leaders who had earlier expressed doubts about the vaccine are getting the vaccine now. I want to ask whether they changed their mind, changed their hearts, or changed their souls. They did not even spare this holy work for doing politics. There has been a lot of politics on the vaccine. The opposition leaders had earlier expressed doubts on the vaccine. An attempt was made to obstruct this great campaign by making false statements. Despite this, 130 crore people of the country have come forward for vaccination on the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Sasikala is a burden on the AIADMK: Former minister

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Sasikala is a burden on the AIADMK: Former minister

Senior AIADMK leader and former minister, Natham R Viswanathan has said that the party’s ex- interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala was a burden on the party.

A statement released on Sunday after a resolution against Sasikala was adopted at the Dindugal district committee meeting of the AIADMK, said that neither the party cadres nor the people of Tamil Nadu wanted her back in the party.

The Dindigul meeting also decided to expel those cadres or middle-level functionaries who have any truck with Sasikala. Rebuking the former interim general secretary, he said Sasikala is telling the cadres that a mother (Sasikala) cannot be separated from the child (Cadre); in fact, she is not a mother, she is something else.

The AIADMK leadership has passed similar resolutions in all districts against Sasikala but the stoic silence of O Panneerselvam and his home district unit of Theni not passing a resolution has raised eyebrows. Both Sasikala and Panneerselvam are from the powerful Thevar community which has a sizeable presence in South Tamil Nadu.

However, Sasikala again reached out to party cadres on Sunday and said, “Amma (Jayalalithaa) also faced a similar situation after the death of MGR and she was rebuked and ridiculed by the party leaders but later things turned around and she took control of the party and a similar situation will happen here also.”

She said that the senior leaders of the party are fearing her entry into the party as they know that the cadres and lower-level leaders are in favor of her entry.

AIADMK Chief Whip, S. P. Velumani conducted a meeting of his Coimbatore district unit on Sunday and passed resolutions of her sparking casteist feelings among the party cadres. The party resolution said, “The AIADMK will not surrender to the whims and fancies of one family and that the party has no connection with Sasikala or her extended family.”

AIADMK politics of Tamil Nadu is in for a churn and Sasikala is allegedly trying to make use of the opportunity for an entry into the party and later take control of it with the support of her nephew TTV Dhinakaran who is presently heading the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK).

Leaders across party line greet Rahul Gandhi on birthday

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Leaders across party line greet Rahul Gandhi on birthday

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday, turned 51 with several political leaders across the party line wishing him on his birthday, which he has decided not to celebrate in view of the Covid pandemic.

Rahul Gandhi was born on June 19, 1970, to Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in Delhi.

Several party leaders across the party line greeted the Congress leader on his birthday. National Students Union of India (NSUI) celebrated his birthday as ‘Sewa Diwas’ by arranging free Covid-19 vaccination camps, while Indian Youth Congress and the Delhi Congress distributed medicines, cash, ration kits to people in need.

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal in a tweet said, “It’s been a difficult year and you’ve continued to lead our people with love and sincerity. Best wishes for your birthday, Rahul Gandhi. Wishing you good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors.”

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that he was proud of the Congress leader’s hard work and his abiding commitment to serve the people of the country.

Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin also greeted the Congress leader and in a tweet said, “Wishing my beloved brother Rahul Gandhi on his birthday and I join others in praising his selfless, untiring work to establish an egalitarian India in every aspect. His commitment to the ethos of the Congress Party has been exemplary.”

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “To a true leader, who battles the challenges with truth, honesty, compassion, and courage. To a leader for whom righteous means are as important as the goal. Wishing Rahul Gandhi Ji more power to keep fighting the good fight.”

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah wished Rahul Gandhi his birthday, good health, and many years ahead in the service of the nation.

The former prime minister and JD(S) president H.D. Deve Gowda took to Twitter and said, “I wish him well, and sincerely pray that his view of the world and his compassion defeats the narrowness that surrounds us.”

Among others to wish Rahul Gandhi on his birthday were union minister Nitin Gadkari, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and several others.

Punjab CM announces Milkha Singh Chair in Patiala sports varsity

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Punjab CM announces Milkha Singh Chair in Patiala sports varsity

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced a Milkha Singh Chair at the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University in Patiala in memory of the legendary athlete who passed away on Friday night due to Covid complications at the age of 91.

The Chief Minister, who visited the ‘Flying Sikh’s’ residence in Chandigarh to pay his last respects, said the Punjab government will ensure that Milkha Singh’s memory continues to inspire the younger generations.

Amarinder Singh, who earlier announced a state funeral for Milkha Singh, besides announcing a state holiday as a mark of respect to the former Olympian, said the legacy of the great Indian sprinter would continue to live on in the hearts of the people.

Milkha Singh’s death is a mammoth loss to the entire nation and a sad moment for all, he added.

Recalling the declaration of a national holiday by then Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru after Milkha Singh defeated champion Pakistan sprinter Abdul Khaliq in Lahore in 1960, the Chief Minister said that he wished he could have also declared a national holiday today.

But Punjab would mourn the legend with a state holiday, with flags flying at half-mast, he added.

The 1960 win in Lahore was a momentous occasion for Milkha Singh, who had lost his family in Pakistan at the time of Partition.

It was after that victory that then Pakistan President General Ayub Khan had nicknamed Milkha Singh as ‘Flying Sikh’, said Amarinder Singh while interacting informally with the media outside the athlete’s house in Sector 8 here.

Andhra CM condoles Milkha Singh’s demise

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Andhra CM condoles Milkha Singh’s demise

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy on Saturday expressed his grief over the demise of Milkha Singh, former Indian track and field sprinter.

“Milkha Singh has been an inspiration to many young athletes and will continue to remain so,” said Reddy about Singh, who was popularly known as the ‘Flying Sikh’.

The Chief Minister recalled that Singh took India to Olympic glory with his achievements as a track and field star.

Reddy conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.

Amit Shah reviews development programmes for J&K

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Amit Shah reviews development programmes for J&K

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on Friday virtually reviewed the various development projects for Jammu and Kashmir with the motto ‘Development with Transparency’ as enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah said that the all-round development and welfare of the people of J&P are the top priorities of the Modi government.

The Home Minister appreciated the 90 percent reach of the Central government’s schemes in J&K. Simultaneously, he congratulated J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his team for the ongoing Covid vaccination drive in the Union Territory.

At the meeting, Shah directed the concerned officials to ensure that the benefits of the refugee package reach all the refugees from PoJK, West Pakistan, and those who had to migrate from Kashmir to Jammu at the earliest.

The Home Minister urged for the completion of many other development schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Development Package, and industrial development projects at a fast pace. He also directed the official to start the 3,000 MW Pakal Dul and Keeru hydroelectric projects and fast-tracking other 3,300 MW projects.

For strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions and the urban local bodies, Shah directed the officials to immediately organize training programs for the members, and provide equipment and other resources to the concerned people for the smooth functioning of these bodies.

He also directed the panchayat members to visit various parts of the country, so that they can get information about the functioning of the developed panchayats.

The Home Minister stressed increasing the scope of MGNREGA to provide employment to more and more people. At the same time, he spoke about the use of modern techniques in agriculture to increase the income of the farmers and to set up at least one agro-based industry in each district.

He also said that work should be done to increase the quality and density of apple production in Jammu and Kashmir so that the apple growers receive the maximum price for their crop.

Shah directed the J&K administration to ensure that all farmers are provided the benefits of the schemes being implemented for them, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card Yojna, among others.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials of the Central government and the J&K administration attended the meeting.

Reassign petition against Suvendu to another judge, Mamata writes to HC

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Reassign petition against Suvendu to another judge, Mamata writes to HC

In a surprise development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Calcutta High Court, urging that her petition challenging the election of BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram be re-assigned to a different judge. The petition is presently assigned to Justice Kausik Chanda.

In a letter written on behalf of the Chief Minister by her advocate, and delivered to the Chief Justice of the high court on June 16, Banerjee outlined two reasons for the request.

“My client has filed the election petition challenging the election of Suvendu Adhikari, a member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The adjudication of the election petition shall also have political ramifications. My client has been made aware that Hon’ble Justice Kaushik Chanda was an active member of the BJP. Thus, in the event the Hon’ble Judge takes up the election petition, there will be reasonable apprehension in my client’s mind of bias on the part of the Hon’ble Judge in favor of the respondent and/or against my client,” the letter read.

“In any event, in view of the fact that the respondent in the election petition is a member of the BJP and the Hon’ble Judge was an active member of the BJP, it will lead to a situation and perception whereby the Hon’ble Judge, in adjudicating the matter, may be said to be ‘judge in his own cause’. Justice must not only be done; it must also be seen to be done,” the letter added.

The letter further said, “Sometime in April 2021, my client had received a letter from the Hon’ble Chief Justice of this Hon’ble court for confirmation of Hon’ble Justice Kausik Chanda as a permanent judge of this court. My client had objected to the confirmation of the judge as a permanent judge of the High Court at Calcutta.

“Further, the Hon’ble Justice Kausik Chanda is yet to be confirmed as a permanent judge of this court. As stated above, my client’s views were sought by the Chief Justice on the confirmation of Justice Kausik Chanda as a permanent judge of the High Court at Calcutta. My client had conveyed her objections and reservations to any such confirmation. My client apprehends that the judge is aware of her objections and as such my client reasonably apprehends that there is a likelihood of bias on the part of the Hon’ble judge.”

“In the aforesaid circumstance, in order to sustain the confidence of the public in the judiciary, the aforesaid election petition ought to be reassigned. Hence, I on behalf of my client, humbly beseech you to forthwith place this letter before the Chief Justice (Acting) for necessary re-assignment of the election petition so as to avoid any prejudice and/or presumption of prejudice against my client,” the letter said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh suggested that Justice Chanda “may likely have a soft spot for (the BJP) unconsciously” and “perhaps he should leave this case”.

Banerjee has filed an election petition against her one-time aide-turned-BJP leader of the opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, in the Calcutta High Court challenging his poll victory from Nandigram, praying to the court to declare the election null and void.

Banerjee had contested and lost the elections from Nandigram against Adhikari. The petition was briefly heard On Friday morning by Justice Chanda before it was adjourned to June 24.

Tamil Nadu CM announces scheme for kuruvai cultivation

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Tamil Nadu CM announces scheme for kuruvai cultivation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a scheme for kuruvai cultivation. In a statement on Thursday, the Chief Minister’s Office said that the scheme aims to provide equipment subsidies and inputs to the farmers for kuruvai cultivation in the Cauvery delta region.

The state government is announcing this package after a gap of three years and the scheme costing Rs 61.09 crore will be beneficial to the 2.07 lakh farmers involved in kuruvai (short-term) cultivation in the Cauvery delta.

Fifty crore rupees are earmarked for providing farm equipment to farmers on subsidy and Rs 11.09 crore will be used for the effective use of water from farm ponds.

The statement from the CMO said that this would be implemented in Myladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and Tiruvarur districts in full and partly in Cuddalore, Ariyalur, and Trichy.

Generally, kuruvai cultivation is done over 3.2 lakh acres in the delta districts. The agricultural department will ensure that there are sufficient paddy seeds, biofertilizers, and other items.

Water from Stanley reservoir in Mettur was released on June 12 and water from Kallanai was released on June 16 for irrigation of farmlands in the Cauvery delta region.

Release Rs 4K cr pending dues to farmers: TDP

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Release Rs 4K cr pending dues to farmers: TDP

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday wrote to chief minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, demanding the immediate release of dues to farmers, amounting to as much as Rs 4,000 crore.

“Pending dues to farmers are as much as Rs 4,000 crore. Despite most of the farmers selling their food grains in the Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam districts, money hasn’t been credited to them,” wrote Naidu.

According to the TDP chief, pending dues to farmers in East and West Godavari districts alone amount to Rs 2,500 crore.

He said the state government has procured only 27.87 lakh MT of food grains until now, though it had promised to buy 45 lakh MT of food grains.

“Following a series of natural calamities, farmers are severely suffering and the pending dues are further troubling them,” said the southern state’s principal opposition leader.

Naidu alleged that the state government failed to pay crop insurance, release pending dues, and buying food grains at the minimum support price.

He claimed that during the TDP government, farmers used to get paid within 48 hours and alleged that the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government has extended the due date to 21 days.

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