Take action if you have info: BJP to Telangana CM

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Take action if you have info: BJP to Telangana CM

BJP’s Telangana unit president Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday asked Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao if he has information about some people conspiring to create communal clashes then he should not wait, but take action against them.

He alleged that by issuing a statement, the chief minister is trying to stall elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) by creating a situation where people can’t cast their votes in a free and fair manner.

Sanjay, who is also a member of Parliament from Karimnagar, said the chief minister was making such statements as the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) was afraid of losing the elections.

He was reacting to the chief minister’s direction to the police to deal with an iron hand some anarchic forces conspiring to create communal tensions and clashes to draw political mileage in GHMC elections.

The BJP leader said CM’s statement itself could create law and order problems. “He himself appears to be hatching a conspiracy as TRS is losing and BJP is winning GHMC polls.”

He wondered why the chief minister failed to take action when he had definite information. “If you have definite information, will you tell this to media or take action,” he asked and demanded that the government book cases and arrest them irrespective of the party they belong to, so that the elections can be held in a peaceful atmosphere.

Sanjay said a similar claim was made before by-elections to Dubbak Assembly seat but people gave a befitting reply to TRS. He claimed that there will be a similar outcome in GHMC polls.

The BJP leader was talking to media after a visit to ghats of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. T. Rama Rao on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake. His visit came a day after Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Akabruddin Owaisi challenged the government to demolish the samadhis of two leaders if it was sincere in removing encroachments on lakes in the city.

Sanjay demanded that a criminal case be booked against Akbaruddin Owaisi and he is arrested for threatening to demolish the samadhis of the two great personalities. Terming the MIM leader’s comments as ‘anti-national’, he questioned the silence of the chief minister on the issue.

The BJP leader claimed that MIM leader threatened to demolish samadhis as N.T. Rama Rao used to wear the saffron dress when he was chief minister while Narasimha Rao played an ‘inspiring’ role in the Ayodhya issue.

The MP said KCR’s respect for Narasimha Rao is confined to lip sympathy and celebrating his birth anniversary. “He is not even opening his mouth to condemn the insult of NTR under whom he started his political career,” Sanjay said.

Stating that BJP will protect the samadhis of the two leaders, he reiterated that if MIM demolishes them, his party workers will pull down MIM office ‘Darussalam’.

Desist from strong-arm tactics against farmers: Punjab CM

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Desist from strong-arm tactics against farmers: Punjab CM

Adopting a tough stand in support of the protesting farmers against the three Farm Laws, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged the BJP-led central leadership to direct saffron states’ administrations not to indulge in strong-arm tactics against the “angry” agri community.

“It’s a sad irony that on Constitution Day2020 the constitutional right of farmers is being oppressed in this manner. Let them pass (Haryana Chief Minister) Manohar Lal Khattar, don’t push them to the brink. Let them take their voice to Delhi peacefully,” a tweet quoting the Chief Minister said.

In another tweet supporting the cause of the farmers, he said the hands that feed the nation deserve to be held, not pushed aside. Congress leader Amarinder Singh said for nearly two months the farmers have been protesting peacefully in Punjab without any problem.

“Why is the Haryana government provoking them by resorting to force? Don’t the farmers have the right to pass peacefully through a public highway?” he asked.

The series of a tweet from Chief Minister’s Media Adviser Raveen Thukral’s handle came when tens of thousands of farmers, despite braving tear-gas shells and water cannons from Haryana Police, managed to broke police barricades ahead of the Punjab-Haryana border in Shambhu near Ambala with several of them, both protesters and the policemen were injured. The farmers broke barricades threw them down the bridge.

According to the All India Kisan Sabha, there are over 50,000 farmers at the spot. Bracing overnight rains and chilly winds, thousands of protesting farmers assembled at various places along the Haryana borders in Punjab amid mounting tension.

They have been stopped by the Haryana Police while heading towards the national capital for their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest against the three Central farm laws.

A huge contingent of police comprising the Rapid Action Force has been deployed to deal with any untoward situation. They tried to evict farmers gathered since Wednesday evening.

Ahmed Patel laid to rest in native village, Rahul at funeral

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Ahmed Patel laid to rest in native village, Rahul at funeral

Amid thousands of well-wishers, the Congress veteran and party’s ace troubleshooter Ahmed Patel’s mortal remains were laid to rest in his native village in Gujarat’s Bharuch district, following the Covid-19 guidelines.

Many top national leaders of the party, including Rahul Gandhi, were present during the funeral to pay their last respects.

The last rites were carried out at the Sunni Vohra Muslim Jamaat graveyard in the Piraman village, Patel’s ancestral village. As per his wish, his dead body was buried beside his parents’ graves and due Covid-19 guidelines and protocols were followed during the funeral.

Ahmed Patel passed away on Wednesday morning due to post-Covid issues, according to his son Faisal. He was admitted in the Medanta hospital in Gurugram from where his body was flown to Vadodara and from there to Ankleshwar hospital, where it was kept till Thursday morning. After a brief 10-minute stop at his residence, his mortal remains were brought to the graveyard.

After performing the final Namaz for the deceased, Ahmed Patel’s dead body was buried by his family members, relatives, and friends, most of them attired in Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Thousands thronged at the graveyard, trying to catch the last glimpse of their leader. The police were seen requesting them to follow the Covid-19 guidelines and at one point at a place, the police had to use mild force to control them.

Many of the top national Congress leaders remained present during the funeral, including Rahul Gandhi, who had flown to Surat airport Thursday morning. Besides him, the party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the Gujarat in-charge Rajiv Satav, senior leader Madhusudan Mistry, Rajya Sabha member Shaktisinh Gohil, were also at the funeral.

The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Chavda, the leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Gujarat state Assembly Paresh Dhanani, Siddharth Patel, Arjun Modhwadia, the working GPCC president Hardik Patel were present at the funeral besides hundreds of party workers. The former Gujarat CM Shankersinh Vaghela was also present and the lone independent legislator in the state Assembly, Jignesh Mevani was also there at the graveyard to bid farewell to the leader.

Rahul Gandhi, after arriving was constantly seen comforting Patel’s son Faisal and his daughter Mumtaz. After the funeral, Gandhi returned to Delhi. Paying their respects to the Congress leader, the town of Bharuch observed a day’s mourning on Thursday and kept it shut.

The Gujarat Congress organized prayer meetings at regional headquarters across the state in respect of the deceased Congress leader. Live transmission of the funeral was made available at these places.

PM Modi to visit Varanasi on ‘Dev Deepawali’

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PM Modi to visit Varanasi on ‘Dev Deepawali’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit his constituency Varanasi on November 30 for ‘Dev Deepawali’.

He will be lighting the first earthen lamp at Rajghat in Varanasi to start illumination of all 80 Ghats with over 10 lakh lamps on the occasion.

The Prime minister will also take stock of the progress in the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project and witness the sound and light show before leaving the city after a six-hour stay.

According to District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma, “We have received initial intimation regarding the possible visit of the Prime Minister on the occasion of Dev Deepawali, after which finalization of the events in which he will participate and other preparations have been started accordingly.”

As per the proposal being prepared for the Prime Minister’s participation, the tourism department will host a function where he will light the first lamp of Dev Deepawali at Rajghat to mark the beginning of the festival which is observed on the day of Kartik Purnima.

It will be followed by cultural events at the same venue for about 45 minutes. After earthen lamps are lighted at all the ghats, the Prime Minister will take a boat ride to view the beauty of illuminating Ghats along the river Ganga. This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to his constituency during the pandemic.

Bengal is second Kashmir: Dilip Ghosh

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Bengal is second Kashmir: Dilip Ghosh

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday triggered a fresh controversy by calling Bengal “the second Kashmir”.

Ghosh was addressing a ‘Cha-Chakra’ (a candid chatting session over a cup of tea) program in Birbhum district’s Suri

“Bengal has turned into a second Kashmir. Everyday terrorists are being arrested from various districts. Illegal bomb-making factories are being unearthed every next day. The only factory that is working here is the bomb-making factory,” when the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said.

Veteran Trinamool Congress leader Sougata Roy said: “The state BJP president has gone mad. He is making baseless and irresponsible statements as the election is approaching.”

Senior Congress leader and the party’s Rajya Sabha member Pradip Bhattacharya also rubbished Ghosh’s claim. He said: “It is true that violent clashes are taking place in various parts but it would be unjustifiable to call Bengal the second Kashmir. I don’t subscribe to it at all.”

While addressing a mass rally in Murshidabad district in the latter half of the day, the BJP state unit chief said that false cases were being filed against BJP workers across the state.

“There is a speed-breaker government in Bengal. Whatever funds are coming from the Centre are getting stuck.

“People at the grassroots are not getting its benefit. Random loots are going on by Didi’s brothers. Many development projects are getting stalled because of the state government,” said Ghosh.

He reminded that the Narendra Modi-led government is ruling at the Centre and if it were to come to power in Bengal all developmental projects would be fast-tracked.

“Didi is talking about development. Her leaders say unnoyon (development) is standing in the road. You cannot see development anywhere but if you visit Trinamool Congress leaders’ residences, you will see the real development in their lifestyle,” the BJP president said, adding that the people of Bengal are aware of everything.

Congress to observe 3-day mourning following Ahmed Patel’s death

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Congress to observe 3-day mourning following Ahmed Patel’s death

The Congress on Wednesday declared three-day mourning following the demise of its veteran leader Ahmed Patel. The party leaders and workers in all the states and districts will hold condolence meetings.

K.C. Venugopal, party General Secretary, said, “As a mark of respect to Shri Ahmed Patelji, the Congress party flag will fly at half-mast for the next three days.”

The party in a statement said Congress workers across the country were deeply pained and shocked by the passing away of senior leader Ahmed Patel, and have come together to express their heartfelt condolences.

“We deeply mourn his loss and pray to the Almighty to give strength to the family, his loved ones and his supporters to bear the loss”.

His colleague in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said, “Ahmad Bhai has left us. Deeply shocked and saddened to lose a friend and comrade who was a pillar of strength for the Congress. Words fail me as the mind is flooded with emotions and memories. He leaves a void, an irreparable loss for the country. Will miss him always.”

Party leader Kapil Sibal too remembered him. He said, “I am personally aggrieved because of our long and steadfast friendship. He was central to the functioning of the Congress party. His seminal contribution to its well-being will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.”

Alvida Ahmedbhai: Sibal pens poem for Cong stalwart

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Alvida Ahmedbhai: Sibal pens poem for Cong stalwart

Congress leader Kapil Sibal has penned a poem in the memory of Congress stalwart Ahmed Patel, who passed away early on Wednesday morning.

He wrote:

“I never thought
you’ll go so soon
will feel the loss
for long

Congress has lost
it’s Northern Star
who guided it
for long

dotted the i’s
untied the knots
when Congress
needed help

for you the Party
was your first love
you never thought
of self

Alvida Ahmadbhai.”

As condolences pour in, his body will be flown to Gujarat to his native place and the last rites will be performed there.

Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Patel’s family and said: “Ahmed Ji epitomized courage and loyalty in public life. He stood by the Congress party through its most difficult times. I will miss his wisdom, his intellect, and his unwavering commitment to the Congress party. He will continue to guide us and inspire every Congress worker to carry forward our mission. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your family in this difficult time.”

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, “I am saddened to hear the shocking news of the untimely death of Shri Ahmed Patel Ji. Shri Ahmed Patel ji was one of the most trusted leaders of the Congress Party and a great friend of mine. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the Congress Party.”

Telangana ready to administer Covid vaccine: KCR to PM

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Telangana ready to administer Covid vaccine: KCR to PM

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced that the state government is ready to administer the “scientifically approved vaccine” for Covid-19 to the people.

He felt that it should be verified whether the vaccine has any side effects before its administration. Rao expressed the opinion during a videoconference meet which Prime Minister Narendra Modi held with all the Chief Ministers to discuss the method pertaining to distribution and administering of the vaccine to people.

“People are eagerly waiting for the vaccine. A scientifically approved vaccine is the need of the hour. The Telangana state government is ready to distribute and administer the vaccine to people on a priority basis. Accordingly, we have drawn an action plan. However, one has to take into consideration whether the vaccine has any side effects,” said KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known.

“There are different weather and climatic conditions in the country. Coronavirus also did not affect the country in a uniform manner. Vaccine too may give different side effects in different regions,” he said.

KCR suggested that initially a batch of vaccine doses be sent to the states, which can be administered to some people. “Let us assess the situation after administering vaccine on these people and then administer it to the rest,” he added.

After the videoconference, he held a meeting with the officials and directed them to prepare an action plan to administer the vaccine in the State and also instructed them to create the required infrastructure facilities.

KCR also instructed the officials to put in place a cold chain all over the state. He said committees should be formed at the state, district, and Mandal levels to conduct the vaccination program.

He said the vaccine should be given first to the Covid warriors and frontline workers like the police and other departments, people above 60 years of age, and those people suffering from acute diseases. He asked them to prepare a list.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, CMO, S Narsing Rao, Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Murtuza Rizvi, Medical Health Director Srinivas Rao, Medical Education Director Ramesh Reddy, Health University VC Karunakar Reddy, Covid Experts Committee member Gangadhar and others participated.

Karnataka well prepared for Covid-19 vaccine delivery: Minister

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Karnataka well prepared for Covid-19 vaccine delivery: Minister

Karnataka has identified 29,451 vaccination sites and 10,008 vaccinators as per the norms of the Universal Immunization Programme, Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister K Sudhakar said here on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the Karnataka Task Force members’ meeting on the state’s preparedness here, the minister said that the state had already initiated the necessary action for Covid-19 vaccine delivery, distribution, and administration as per the union government’s advice.

“Health Care Workers data has already been compiled for all the government facilities. 80% of the private health facilities have also shared their data. Compilation of data for the remaining 20% private facilities is likely to be completed in a week’s time,” he informed.

The minister that Karnataka has around 2855 cold chain points for storage and distribution of vaccines. The state government had also proposed setting up three new regional vaccine stores — Bengaluru Urban, Shivamogga, and Bellary, he added.

These newly proposed regional vaccine stores will also require additional walk-in-coolers and walk-in-freezers.

“Karnataka already has 10 walk-in-coolers and four walk-in-freezers. Besides this, the union government is going to supply three walk-in-coolers and two walk-in-freezers for which necessary civil works are being initiated,” the minister said.

He added that Karnataka had sought exact information about the total storage capacity required for the vaccines. “We have already requested the union government to provide information to have an exact assessment of the cold storage capacity required for Covid-19 vaccine programme, the number of doses in each vial, the volume of a vial, etc,” he said.

The union government also helped Karnataka to get a dry storage facility space assessment for the vaccine programme. “Union government has already allocated certain deep freezers and ice-lined refrigerators as per the Universal Immunization Programme norms,” he said.

BJP leaders are cousin brothers of Goebbels claims KTR

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BJP leaders are cousin brothers of Goebbels claims KTR

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday described BJP leaders as cousin brothers of Goebbels.

Launching a scathing attack on BJP leaders for their false propaganda against the TRS government in Telangana, he also said that if the saffron party is voted to power in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) it will even sell away Charminar, Golconda, and GHMC in the name of disinvestment.

Addressing a news conference, he slammed the BJP for releasing the charge sheet against TRS. “How many charge sheets people of this country will have to present against BJP,” he asked referring to the party’s unfulfilled promises of Rs.15 lakh in the bank account of every citizen.

Reacting to the release of the charge sheet by central minister Prakash Javadekar, Rama Rao said as a central minister he should at least check what he is releasing. “It is full of half-truths, lies, and utter lies,” he said.

KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, ridiculed BJP for calling the TRS government TRS-MIM government. “Since the formation of Telangana state, it’s only the TRS which is in power. No other party is sharing power,” he said alleging that this shows the BJP’s bias and hatred against Muslims.

“It was you who formed a government with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. You shared power with separatists,” said KTR, who is also the minister for municipal administration, urban development, industry, and information technology.

The TRS leader said it was ironic that the ministry of the central government praised Telangana for its success in ensuring drinking water supply but the same party which is in power at the center is releasing a charge sheet.

KTR remarked that the same party had no shame in copying the schemes of Telangana like Rythu Bandhu and give it the name of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

The TRS leader reminded BJP of its unfulfilled promise of creating two crore jobs every year. “For this 12 crore charge sheets should be presented against you,” he said.

He also slammed the BJP government for canceling the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) project for Telangana which deprives job opportunities to lakhs of youth.

KTR also came down heavily on BJP for demonetization and unplanned lockdown saying this rendered lakhs of people jobless.

“Your inefficient and bankrupt economic policies led to eight consecutive quarters of slowdown. From slowdown, the economy was thrown into lockdown and from lockdown to the recession. It was your inefficiency and you blame God for this by calling it an act of god,” he said.

KTR claimed that India is lagging behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in GDP growth. He also flayed the BJP government for disinvestment in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and the move to privatize even railways.

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