Revenue collection in Punjab up by Rs 10,382 crore in 2020-21

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Revenue collection in Punjab up by Rs 10,382 crore in 2020-21

The revenue collection in Punjab has witnessed an upward trend during 2020-2021 to the tune of Rs 10,382.08 crore in comparison to the corresponding period of last fiscal due to the efficacious fiscal consolidation measures, said Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s office said during 2020-21 the total revenue collection was Rs 42,918.34 crore reflecting a hike of 31.91 percent as compared to Rs 32,536.26 crore collected during FY 2019-20.

Pertinently, the collection from VAT and CST amounted to Rs 6,113.54 crore during 2020-21 while the last year’s figures stood at Rs 5,408.12 crore thus showing an increase of Rs 705.42 crore (13.04 percent).

Similarly, the excise collection pegged at Rs 6,091.21 crore during the last fiscal showing an increase of Rs 1,068.35 crore (21.27 percent) over the collection of Rs 5,022.86 crore during the corresponding period for 2019-20.

Meanwhile, the GST collection and compensation cess during 2019-20 was Rs 22,105.28 crore while the corresponding figure during 2020-21 stood at Rs 30,713.59 crore which shows a surge of Rs 8,608.31 crore (38.94 percent).

The state government through fiscal consolidation coupled with economic prudence and budget management has led to the marked improvement in excise collection.

Modi slams both Left and Congress, seeks vote for BJP

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Modi slams both Left and Congress, seeks vote for BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took on both the ruling Left and the Congress-led opposition in Kerala and said enough is enough with both the outfits ruling the state and its against this that the BJP is putting forward a development agenda for the state.

He said like what happened in the country during the emergency under Jayaprakash Narayan, a similar situation is now being seen in Kerala.

“People have started to speak against misgovernance and tyranny and a message is being sent out to those in power. Kerala is now seeing the presence of a large number of respected professionals coming to the BJP just like Metroman Sreedharan and this time it’s going to be the BJP-led NDA,” Modi said.

Modi arrived at Konni near here and was greeted by a mammoth gathering of BJP supporters.

Slamming the traditional rival fronts, Modi said over the years these fronts have committed seven sins.

“The sins include false pride and arrogance and they feel they can never be defeated and hence they behave with arrogance. The second sin is both are greedy and we have seen solar, dollar, gold, land, and bar scams and over the years both these fronts have looted the state,” Modi added.

“I fail to understand which government will use lathis against devotees and this shows their anger towards their own people. The rival fronts have envy and are jealous of one another and they suffer from competitive corruption. Each of them is trying to beat the other in corruption and wants to make money. Then they have a lust for power and for that they will have an alliance with communal and criminal forces,” Modi further said.

“The next sin is, both promote dynastic politics. Everybody knows what a Left leader’s son is doing, but I am not naming as all know who it is. Then there is laziness in work but when it comes to making money, there are no issues and as a result, governance is paralyzed in Kerala,” said Modi.

He said the BJP-led NDA government has always been considerate to Kerala and in the latest Union Budget an extensive highway plan worth Rs 65,000 crore for 1100 km of road, besides Phase 2 of Kochi Metro and a fishing harbor at Kochi, has also been announced.

“I am sad to say that while access to drinking water under the PM Jalyojana scheme in the country has covered 20 percent, in Kerala it stands at just 4.5 percent. This is because of the poor attitude of the state government. In order to deny credit to Modi, they deny water to the people. Please take the credit but don’t make people suffer,” said Modi.

Modi said the BJP-led NDA has worked for a FAST development program for Kerala and to implement that, all should vote for the BJP, this time.

He left Konni to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and would come to Thiruvananthapuram for his last election rally in Kerala, which goes to the polls on April 6 to elect 140 legislators.

People of Assam showed red card to Cong: PM

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People of Assam showed red card to Cong: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the people of Assam showed the “red card” to the Congress-led grand alliance during the first phase of the Assembly polls on March 27 and gave their approval stamp to the state’s incumbent “double-engine government”.

Addressing an election rally in Kokrajhar, Modi, without naming the Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), said the Congress must be punished for forging an alliance with an inimical force.

“People of Assam in the first phase of elections like in a football match showed the ‘red card’ to the Congress-led ‘Mahajot’ (grand alliance) and gave their ‘mohar’ (stamp) for the double engine government for a second time.”

“The prospects in today’s election scenario were also very encouraging,” he said while referring to the ongoing polling in the second phase of the elections for 39 seats on Thursday.

Terming the 10-party ‘Mahajot’ as ‘Mahajhooth’ (grand lie), Modi said the Congress has betrayed all ethnic communities in Assam and during their rule, “bomb, bandook (guns) and blockade raj” was the order of the day.

“We would never allow them to loot the hard-earned peace in Assam. Congress has joined a party that is certain to destroy Assam’s identity,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that after a long time, peace has been restored in Assam and development was underway at a rapid speed.

“For those extremists who have shunned the path of violence and surrendered, the government would do everything as promised. Congress’ misgovernance led to the violence and unrest besides backwardness in the Bodoland areas.”

Detailing the Bharatiya Janata Party led government’s developmental initiatives in Assam, the Prime Minister said: “A medical college, university, engineering institutes, and various other establishments are being set up in Kokrajhar. A package of Rs 1,500 crore has also been provided for development.

“Besides giving “pattas” (land rights) to over 3.25 lakh families, increase of the rates of daily wages of the tea garden workers, setting up of educational institutions for all class and communities including women, changing the lives of all people very fast.

“With the mantra of peace, progress, and protection for Bodoland areas, the NDA government is working h for your welfare.”

The Prime Minister also announced that the Bodo language is being included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution ensuring its further development.

The Prime Minister, who addressed many election gatherings in the past one month, is likely to visit Assam once again before the third and final phase of the Assembly elections on April 6.

UP Cong team gets 69 new members

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UP Cong team gets 69 new members

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday approved the expansion of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee by adding 69 new members.

Sonia Gandhi has named Vishwa Vijay Singh, Ghyasuddin Anuragi, and Deepak Kumar as vice presidents.

The party president has also named 13 new general secretaries and 53 secretaries.

All veterans and senior leaders have failed to find a place in the new expansion and the party had inducted young blood into the organization.

This is the second expansion of the state Congress committee and is crucial since it comes on the eve of the Panchayat elections in the state.

Pawan Kalyan 100% CM candidate in next polls: Janasena

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Pawan Kalyan 100% CM candidate in next polls: Janasena

Following the statement by Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party chief Somu Veerraju that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘likes’ Pawan Kalyan, and called the party cadre to ‘revere’ him, Janasena leaders have started claiming that the actor-politician is a 100 percent chief ministerial candidate in the next Assembly elections.

“Kalyan is 100 percent the chief minister candidate, the national party BJP’s state president has said it. We hail the statement of Veerraju and welcome it,” said Janasena leader P. Hari Prasad.

He claimed that the state ‘needs’ the actor’s leadership who can work with dedication for the people with honesty.

“All of you must work hard in that direction to bring change to the people. For that, just writing posts on social media is not enough. All you shall come out and reach every house,” Prasad addressed Janasena party cadres.

The Janasena founder, however, continues to act in movies, dividing his time between politics and acting.

Veerraju and Janasena leaders’ statements assume significance because several party members wanted a Janasena candidate to contest the Tirupati bypoll but a candidate chosen by the BJP, Ratna Prabha, and not associated with Janasena hitherto filed the nomination.

Similar was the case with the party’s plans in Hyderabad civic body polls recently.

Meanwhile, Nadendla Manohar, Janasena second-in-command said that Kalyan has agreed to hold a victory roadshow for the BJP-Janasena candidate Ratna Prabha after the Tirupati Lok Sabha bypoll.

“A public meeting would be organized after the roadshow and all the active members of the party should take responsibility and make it a success,” said Manohar.

He spoke at a meeting of the party’s Tirupati constituency’s active members and doled them out membership kits with insurance certificates.

According to Prasad, Kalyan spoke to insurance companies and arranged health policies worth Rs 50,000 and accident insurance worth Rs 5 lakh through the membership, which will help them if they meet with minor accidents during rallies.

“All of you must use the facility. Your family will have assurance with this policy,” he claimed.

Reaching out to Balija caste members, Prasad told them not to lose courage and claimed that people are vexed with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government.

“Say it to all Balija brothers. Let’s instill courage among them. The people’s representatives are directly swinging into action and threatening them,” he claimed.

He claimed that there is no need for them to fear as Janasena founder and actor-politician Kalyan will personally come for their rescue and stay in their support.

Tirupati LS bypoll: BJP, YSRCP candidates to file nominations

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Tirupati LS bypoll: BJP, YSRCP candidates to file nominations

The candidates of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- Janasena are expected to file nominations for the forthcoming Tirupati bypoll on Monday.

“With the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara and support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire BJP-JSP family, I am going to file my nomination on Monday.,” said Ratna Prabha, the BJP candidate.

Before her nomination, she visited the Tirupati temple early on Monday morning to seek the deity’s blessings.

On Saturday, the former Karnataka chief secretary met with actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and invited him to canvass for her in the run up to the big bypoll scheduled on April 17.

“Met Kalyan and invited him to canvass at Tirupati. His instant positive response makes our campaign stronger and closer to victory,” claimed Prabha.

She also discussed the election road map with BJP national secretary and Anchra BJP co-incharge Sunil Deodhar, party state president Somu Veerraju, Purandeswari, and Madhukar.

“Suddenly a big challenge before me. Gearing up to be a passionate Parliamentarian touching the heart of every voter and reaching out to the last mile of my constituency. God give me strength and stamina,” the former IAS officer said.

Prabha said that she was flooded with phone calls and messages on being selected as the BJP candidate and observed that there is so much of expectation from her.

“Will work day and night with the people of the constituency and never let them down,” she added.

Despite being retired, Prabha has been active in public life in Karnataka, keeping herself busy with several programmes aimed at empowering women, promoting skills and others.

Likewise, YSRCP candidate M. Gurumoorthy is also scheduled to file his nomination on Monday.

Several top leaders and ministers were expected to accompany Gurumoorthy while filing his nomination.

Rahul Gandhi extends Holi greetings to the nation

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Rahul Gandhi extends Holi greetings to the nation

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted people on the occasion of Holi on Monday and urged the nation to adhere to the Covid norms.

Rahul tweeted: “Our country is full of festivals and best wishes for Holi to each one of you. Follow the Covid-19 guidelines and be safe.”

Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, who had posted a video of him celebrating Holi with his family, tweeted: “Laughter, joy, colors – festival of Holi teaches us about the importance of most vital elements of life. Play a “Covid safe” Holi with your loved ones.”

Congress General Secretary Organisation tweeted: “Let the colors of Holi bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Wishing you all a Happy Holi!”

The whole nation is celebrating Holi with Covid guidelines being enforced at various places in the country.

President Ram Nath Kovind referred to AIIMS

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President Ram Nath Kovind referred to AIIMS

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has been shifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday for further treatment. His condition is stated to be “stable”.

“He is being referred to AIIMS, Delhi for further investigation,” Indian Army’s Research and Referral Hospital said in a statement.

He was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi on Friday morning after a chest discomfort.

The 75-year-old President had complained of chest discomfort in the morning and thereafter he was rushed to the military hospital.

The President, who underwent routine tests and was put under observation, is now in a stable condition, the hospital said.

In a statement, the hospital authorities said: “He is undergoing routine check-up and is under observation. His condition is stable.”

Modi offers prayers at Kali temple in B’desh

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Modi offers prayers at Kali temple in B’desh

Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari temple dedicated to Goddess Kali in Bangladesh’s Satkhira district.

The temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyamnagar Upazila.

According to Hindu mythology, the Jeshoreshwari temple is one of the 51 ‘Shakti Peeths’ scattered across India and the neighboring countries.

Modi, the first foreign head of state to visit the temple, was received by devotees with conch shells.

The Prime Minister offered a gold crown and a red Banarasi saree to the deity.

After this, Modi, who arrived in Bangladesh on a two-day visit on Friday, will head to the Orlandi temple in Gopalganj district, where he will also pay tributes at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara.

Orakandi is the holiest place for more than five crore people of the Matua community living in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.

Meanwhile in Tungipara, the birthplace of Rahman, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

This is Modi’s first foreign visit after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic earlier last year.

On Friday, he participated in the celebrations of the country’s 50th year of liberation from Pakistan.

Modi and Hasina enjoyed the music of legendary classical vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakravarty at the National Parade Square in Dhaka, along with President Abdul Hamid, and others.

Why is Cong jittery about probe against ED: Vijayan

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Why is Cong jittery about probe against ED: Vijayan

A day after Kerala Chief Minister decided to order a judicial probe against the Enforcement Directorate following a complaint, Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday wanted to know why the Congress and its Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala have been acting “jittery”.

The chief minister’s decision of the probe came after complaints by two policewomen that they overheard ED officers pressuring prime accused, Swapna Suresh, in the gold smuggling case, asking her loaded questions to name Vijayan.

“We had taken sound legal advice on this and the government will never do anything like this if we did not get the advice of going forward to launch a judicial probe. What I fail to understand is why is Chennithala jittery over this,” asked Vijayan.

This new judicial probe will be headed by Justice (rtd) V.K. Mohan and the terms of reference also have been given.

“This judicial probe is not against anyone, it’s meant to find out the truth.

“Certain central agencies’ officials have been pressuring certain accused to say certain things and there were complaints about this from more than one place. What they did is against the Constitution and also a challenge to the legal system,” added Vijayan.

Incidentally, this probe will become a reality only if the Election Commission gives the green signal, for which the Vijayan government has sought their clearance.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan described Vijayan’s move as “the biggest joke of the century”.

Former state BJP president and candidate in the April 6 assembly polls, P.K. Krishnadas said this is against the basic tenants of the Constitution and has no legal standing and never heard of in the history of our country.

The Congress-led UDF leaders also have expressed surprise at this move and have described it as “nothing but a gimmick” by Vijayan to delay any move by the central agencies in the gold and dollar smuggling cases in which Vijayan’s name has figured.

Also Read: 2.1 million Covid vaccines to arrive in Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan

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