Won’t discuss cabinet reshuffle in public: K’taka CM

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Won’t discuss cabinet reshuffle in public: K’taka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday said that he won’t discuss the issue of a cabinet reshuffle in public, indicating the pressure he is facing over the issue.

Answering a question to reporters whether the issue of cabinet reshuffle would be taken up during his New Delhi visit post the union budget, Bommai curtly said the issue can’t be discussed in public. “I don’t want to have any open discussion on the matter,” he said.

Ruling BJP legislators in Karnataka have raised their voice for the sacking of sitting ministers who are not responsive and providing them an opportunity to serve as ministers in the interest of the party ahead of the 2023 assembly elections.

Though the High Command is occupied with elections of five states, senior BJP legislators like Tippa Reddy, Abhay Patil, Basavanagouda Patil Yatnal and M.P. Renukacharya have demanded immediate cabinet expansion and have also stated that if it is not done in two months, then it is not required.

Bommai is in a fix over the issue as cabinet rejig will have direct consequences on the elections. To his comfort, senior cabinet minister K.S. Eshwarappa and Bhyrathi Basavaraj has said that they are ready to step down if the party asks them. However, sources in the party say that it is going to be a roller coaster ride for CM Bommai as well as the party.

CM Bommai was supposed to go to New Delhi on Thursday and has stated that at the request of MPs, he is taking a trip to the national capital on coming Monday. Four posts in the cabinet have been kept vacant and senior leaders are aiming for them. Some of the legislators are demanding the Gujarat model of cabinet reshuffle of resting old horses and providing opportunities to young faces.

Knowing well about the consequences, Bommai had earlier stated that the matter is seized with the high command and they are aware of the demands by legislators. Whenever he is being called to discuss it, he will convey the concerns of the BJP leaders.

Mamata Banerjee directed to appear before Mumbai court

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Mamata Banerjee directed to appear before Mumbai court

A Mumbai court on Wednesday directed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to appear before it on March 2 in connection with a case lodged against her by a Bharatiya Janata Party functionary.

BJP Mumbai secretary Adv Vivekanand Gupta had filed a complaint with the Magistrate Court, Mazagaon, seeking a first information report against Banerjee for allegedly disrespecting the National Anthem.

“In a public event, on Dec 21, 2021, Banerjee sang the first two verses of the National Anthem sitting, and later stood up and sang the rest. Thus she committed an offense under Prevention of Insult to National Honours Act, 1971, Section 3 and Home Ministry orders of 2015,” Gupta told in an interview.

Following his complaint, Metropolitan Magistrate P.I. Mokashi issued the process against the West Bengal Chief Minister and asked her to appear before the court on March 2, he added.

The alleged incident happened at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai where Banerjee was seen sitting and singing the National Anthem, then stood up to sing the remaining verses and abruptly stopped singing.

Gupta said he had lodged a complaint with the Cuffe Parade Police Station but since no cognizance was taken, he moved to the Magistrate Court.

“It is a prima facie evidence from the complaint, verification of statement of the complainant, video clip in the DVD and video clips on YouTube links, that the accused (Mamata Banerjee) sang the national anthem and stopped abruptly and left the Dias which prima facie proof that the accused has committed an offense under section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971,” said Magistrate Mokashi’s order issuing the process.

Budget will make India modern, self reliant, strong: Fadnavis

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Budget will make India modern, self reliant, strong: Fadnavis

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday that the new Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lay the foundation for a modern, self-reliant, and strong India.

Speaking to reporters in Panaji, Fadnavis also said that the budget would put India on the global digital map with its strong initiatives in the digital currency sector and use of improved technology for governance and popular benefit

“The budget is aimed at making India a modern, self-reliant and strong country,” said Fadnavis, who is the Goa in charge of the February 14 Assembly polls.

“It is an inclusive budget and one which will take the country on the path of development. The most important thing is that even after the pandemic, the budget has estimated a growth of 9.2 percent, which shows that India can become the fastest growing economy. This is proof of a self-reliant and strong India.”

The Budget has given a boost to the digital ecosystem. India will be formally issuing its first digital currency.

“The business done through cryptocurrency will now be conducted with a digital rupee, which will put an end to underhand dealings. The concept of the digital university will help a lot of people,” Fadnavis said.

The senior BJP leader also said that the introduction of a 5G technology will reduce the geographical location difference between Indian villages and cities.

“The biggest advantage is that with this technology, is that the present 4G technology lag will be wiped out. The government will be able to provide healthcare to ensure that such facilities could reach the last person. The most important announcement is digital gateways will be available in cities as well as villages.”

He also underlined the announcement of the allocation of Rs. 2.37 lakh crore to the farming sector as the biggest yet in the country’s history.

“Rs 2.37 lakh crore has been earmarked for the farming sector. It is the biggest allocation in history. The budget has created a record with 1 lakh metric tons of paddy procurement. This budget is dedicated to farmers,” the former Chief Minister said, lauding the Budget for the use of technology for crop mapping and efforts to make farming self-sustainable.

“Farmers should get market access and get the right price without any middleman. The budget has focussed on Agri start-ups and increased investment in the farming sector, especially in irrigation, micro-irrigation, agricultural implements.”

Fadnavis also said that the budget laid a lot of stress on indigenous production of defense equipment manufacture, which he said would result in job creation and saving of precious foreign exchange.

“The making of an Atmanirbhar Bharat is reflected in the defense sector, which otherwise relies on 80 to 90 percent imports. Not only has the defense-related spending been increased, but 68 percent of spending has been allotted for domestic manufacturing. This will lead to new jobs, we will save foreign exchange too while supplying defense equipment to the world.”

Mamata blocks Guv Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Twitter account

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Mamata blocks Guv Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Twitter account

A day when Trinamool Congress leader in the Parliament formally told President Ram Nath Kovind to remove West Bengal Governor, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told in a press conference that she has blocked Dhankhar’s Twitter account making it clear that the ruling party will not leave any stones unturned in their battle against the Governor.

“I apologize for it in advance. He (Jagdeep Dhankhar) tweets something every day abusing me or my officers. Unconstitutional, unethical things, he says. He instructs and advises. The elected government has become bonded labor. That’s why I have blocked him from my Twitter account. I was getting irritated every day,” Mamata Banerjee said at a press conference on Monday.

Alleging that the governor has been sitting on files and continuously threatening his officers, the Chief Minister said, “I have written several letters to the PM about him. That he [Governor] is not listening and he is threatening everyone. I have even been to him and spoke with him. We have been patiently suffering for the past years. He has not cleared several files. He is keeping every file pending. How can he speak about policy decisions”?

Accusing the governor of tapping phones, the Chief Minister said, “Why has the PM not removed him [Governor]? Pegasus is running from Governor house. He is tapping phones,” she added.

Minutes after the Chief Minister announced to block the Governor’s Twitter account, Dhankhar from his Twitter handle wrote: “Mandated under Article 159 of the Constitution to ensure none in the state ‘blocks’ Constitutional Norms and Rules of Law and those in authority bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.”

The decision to block Dhankhar’s Twitter account comes just a day after the governor appealed to the Chief Minister to forget her ego and come for discussion. “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should work according to the constitution. I shall request the Chief Minister to take out her time and sit for discussion. There is no place for conflict in democracy. In a democracy, people who are sitting on the top should work in tandem so that it can help the people in general. There is no place for arrogance in democracy. The way the Chief Minister makes comments on the governor is not correct. We should sit for discussion and find a solution to it,” Dhnakhar had said.

The governor also said that the chief minister is “constitutionally ordained to discharge a duty under Article 167 of the constitution to impart information on Pandemic Purchase Scam and other issues”.

“It is obligatory for the [West Bengal] Government to impart full details of ‘Maa’ scheme that came to be launched mid-Feb 2021 though it could be operationalized only from April 1, 2021. Such diversion of funds from consolidated funds of the state is a serious matter,” he had said.

K’taka CM for extending ‘Grama One’ across state by Feb-end

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K’taka CM for extending ‘Grama One’ across state by Feb-end

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has instructed the officials to take all necessary measures to extend his ambitious program ‘Grama One’ all over the state before the end of February, officials said on Saturday.

The program was launched by Bommai on January 26.

The Chief Minister has written to officials of e-governance, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department and Revenue departments, and Deputy Commissioners of all the districts in this regard.

Bommai said he would hold weekly meetings to review the progress of implementation of ‘Grama One’ with Grama One Operators, Tahsildars and Deputy Commissioners.

The Chief Minister has instructed for speedy disposal of petitions received at ‘Grama One’, the officials would have to mention the reasons for rejecting the petitions submitted by the citizens, the Deputy Commissioners and senior officials of the concerned departments should review the petitions rejected and disciplinary action should be taken against those who reject the petitions erroneously.

The Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure that a code of conduct for ‘Grama One’ operators is issued from the e-governance department and it is compulsorily followed by the Operators.

Training should be imparted for ‘Grama One’ operators on technical, administrative, and legal issues that are involved. Then only the operators could function effectively and make ‘Grama One’ a success, Bommai has said.

The Chief Minister has also instructed for periodic training for the Grama One operators to examine and upgrade their skills. Cancellation of a license of incompetent Operators.

Additional Chief Secretary of e-governance department has been instructed to ensure convening weekly meetings on ‘Grama One’ for the next two months.

Kejriwal lays down 10-point agenda to beautify Punjab cities

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Kejriwal lays down 10-point agenda to beautify Punjab cities

Ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday presented a 10-point agenda to improve and beautify the cities of the state.

Accompanying the party’s chief ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal, while making this announcement here, said currently two kinds of politics are going on in the state.

“One filled with corruption by involving the mafia, and on the other side there is the Aam Aadmi Party which is presenting the agenda of development and progress of Punjab in front of the people,” the Delhi Chief Minister said.

Kejriwal presented 10 agendas to beautify the cities of Punjab, stating that AAP doesn’t indulge in corruption or abusive verbal exchanges.

“We have proven our credentials by working for the people in Delhi. We have provided good education, medical and other facilities to the people of the national capital. In order to solve the problems of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann and I met people from all sections, including traders, businessmen, farmers and employees, in order to understand their problems and we have announced different guarantees accordingly,” Kejriwal said.

“All our guarantees have been highly appreciated and supported by the people of Punjab. But the urban people said that you made promises for everyone, but did not announce guarantees for the cities. That’s why we have come up with guarantees for the cities now.

“We will make the cities of Punjab number one in the country and make all of the beautiful and clean by making advanced arrangements for cleanliness,” promised Kejriwal.

Appealing to the people to vote for AAP, Kejriwal said, “You gave 19 years to the Badal family and 26 years to the Congress. For the traditional parties, power is like a business. Corruption and mafia are part of their politics. So, electing them (Akali-Congress) will not change anything. When they have done nothing for so long, they won’t start now either.”

“AAP is comparatively new in politics. We have new people, new energy, and new plans. Just give us five years and if we did not do a good job, I will not come asking for your votes next time,” Kejriwal said.

About 2 crore voters of Punjab had voted the Congress, led by Amarinder Singh, to a landslide victory in the 2017 Assembly elections, giving the party 77 seats in the 117-member Vidhan Sabha.

It later won three more seats in the bypolls held in October 2019, taking its strength to 80.

Assembly elections in Punjab will be held on February 20 and the counting of votes will be taken up on March 10.

Stalin wishes Anantha Nageswaran on appointment as CEA

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Stalin wishes Anantha Nageswaran on appointment as CEA

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday wished Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran on his appointment as the Chief Economic Advisor.

In a statement issued here, Stalin said: “I join my fellow Tamils in sending our warm wishes to Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran the new Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) in the Ministry of Finance, who will be joining an illustrious list of other Tamils managing the economy of our country.”

The Central government on Friday appointed Nageswaran as the CEA.

Nageswaran graduated from American College, Madurai in Tamil Nadu in 1983 and followed it up with Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Prior to this assignment, Nageswaran has worked as a writer, author, teacher, and consultant.

He has taught at several business schools and institutes of management in India and in Singapore and has published extensively.

He was also a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India from 2019 to 2021.

He was the Dean of the IFMR Graduate School of Business from October 2018 to December 2019 and a distinguished Visiting Professor of Economics at Krea University.

Between 1994 and 2004, he worked for the Union Bank of Switzerland (now UBS) and for Credit Suisse in Switzerland and in Singapore.

In July 2006, he joined Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. in Singapore as the Head of Research for Asia. In March 2009, he was appointed as the Chief Investment Officer for the bank and has been consulting, writing, and teaching since July 2011.

Nageswaran has been an adjunct faculty with the Singapore Management University and with the Wealth Management Institute at the Nanyang Technological University and is a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of NPS International School, Singapore.

He is a member of the Board of Directors of several companies in India, including TVS Logistics and Aparajitha Corporate Services (P) Limited.

In October 2019, he was appointed as a part-time member to the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister of India for a period of two years.

He helped co-found Aavishkaar Venture Capital (Venture Capital Investor in Social Enterprises) and the Takshashila Institution (a public policy think-tank cum teaching institute). His co-authored books, ‘Economics of Derivatives and ‘Derivatives’ were published by the Cambridge University Press in March 2015 and October 2017 respectively. Another co-authored work, ‘Can India grow?’ has been published by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in November 2016.

His recent book, “The Rise of Finance: Causes, Consequences, and Cures” has been published in 2019 by Cambridge University Press.

Nation needs contribution of girls & women in defence: Modi

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Nation needs contribution of girls & women in defence: Modi

Appreciating the steps being taken to open the doors of the defense establishments for girls and women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday said India needs their contribution.

The Prime Minister said there are ample opportunities for women, highlighting that they are taking admission in Sainik Schools, and are getting major responsibilities in the army.

“The daughters of the country are flying fighter planes in the Air Force,” said the Prime Minister during his address at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Rally at the Cariappa Ground in the national capital.

The Prime Minister also said it should be the government’s endeavor to include “more and more daughters” in the NCC.

The Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Honour, reviewed March Past by NCC contingents, and also witnessed the NCC cadets displaying their skills in army action, slithering, microlight flying, parasailing as well as cultural programs.

The best cadets also received medals and batons from the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister noted a different level of enthusiasm in the celebrations as the country is marking the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

He remembered with pride his NCC connection and credited his training as an NCC cadet for giving him the strength to carry out his responsibilities towards the nation.

He also paid tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa for their contribution to nation-building. “Both the brave sons of India have their Jayanti today.”

Modi talked about the steps being taken to strengthen the NCC in the country in a period when the country is moving forward with new resolutions. For this, a high-level review committee has been set up in the country. In the last two years, 1 lakh new cadets have been created in the border areas of the country, he said.

He elaborated on the steps being taken to open the doors of the defense establishments for girls and women.

He noted the presence of a large number of the girl cadets and termed it to be a symbol of changing attitude of the nation.

Noting the young profile of the cadets, who are mostly born in this century, the Prime Minister underlined their role in taking the country towards 2047.

“Your efforts and resolve and the fulfillment of those resolutions will be the achievement and success of India,” he said.

He said no power of the world can stop the country whose youth starts moving ahead with the thinking of nation first. India’s success in the playfield and the startup ecosphere exemplify this very clearly, the Prime Minister said. In the Amrit Kaal i.e. from today to the next 25 years, the Prime Minister urged the cadets to combine their aspirations and actions with the development and expectations of the country.

Modi also underlined the major role that today’s youngsters can play in the ‘vocal for local’ campaign. “If today’s youth resolves to use only those goods that have been created with the labor and sweat of an Indian, India’s destiny can be transformed,” he emphasized.

He remarked, “today, on the one hand, there are good possibilities related to digital technology and information, on the other hand, there are dangers of misinformation”.

He stressed that it is also necessary that the common man of our country not fall prey to any rumor. He proposed that NCC cadets run an awareness campaign for this.

He further said that drugs should not reach the school/college where there is NCC or NSS. He advised the cadets to be free from drugs, and at the same time keep their campus free from drugs. “Help the friends who are not in NCC-NSS to give up this bad habit too,” he stressed.

Modi calls up Yediyurappa, condoles death of his grand-daughter

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Modi calls up Yediyurappa, condoles death of his grand-daughter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and consoled him over the death of his granddaughter on Friday.

Dr. Soundarya (30), the granddaughter of Yediyurappa, committed suicide by hanging at her flat in Bengaluru.

Family sources said that the PM consoled Yediyurappa on his loss and asked him not to lose strength at this difficult hour.

The High Ground police have registered a case of unnatural death following a complaint by her husband. The police have taken possession of the veil used in the hanging.

Khwaja Hussain, the staff manager, said that the couple had lived in the flat for two years.

The couple were cordial and shared a harmonious bond. After the birth of their child, Soundarya did not come to the flat and her husband Dr. Neeraj lived alone. There were two workers at home.

Soundarya came back home on Thursday. We knew she was the granddaughter of Yediyurappa. She had given the baby to the nanny before ending her life, Hussain stated.

Family sources said that Soundarya’s final rites would be performed at her husband’s farmhouse later on Friday.

Kejriwal remembers Lala Lajpat Rai on 157th birth anniversary

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Kejriwal remembers Lala Lajpat Rai on 157th birth anniversary

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday paid tributes to the revolutionary author and politician Lala Lajpat Rai on his 157th birth anniversary.

“Tribute to the country’s immortal revolutionary Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai ji on his birth anniversary. Lalaji’s thoughts and his dedication towards the country still inspire us all,” he posted on Twitter.

Early this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and said Rai’s courage, struggle, and dedication in the freedom movement will always be remembered.

“Tributes to ‘Punjab Kesari’ Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary. The story of his courage, struggle, and dedication in the freedom movement will always be remembered by citizens of the country,” Modi’s tweet, roughly translated from Hindi, read.

Born in 1865, Rai is popularly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ and was one of the three in the famous – ‘Lal Bal Pal’ trio. The others being Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal.

He played a crucial role in the formation of the Punjab National Bank. From studying in Lahore to being a pillar of nationalism in India, Rai donned several hats. He was a veteran leader in the Indian Nationalist Movement, the Indian independence movement led by the Indian National Congress, Hindu Mahasabha, Hindu reform movements, and Arya Samaj.

He also founded organizations like Hisar congress, Hisar Arya Samaj, Hisar Bar Council, National DAV managing Committee, and headed the “Lakshmi Insurance Company,” and commissioned the Lakshmi Building in Karachi.

He breathed his last on November 17 — a few weeks after suffering severe injuries during a peaceful protest march against the all-British Simon Commission in 1928.

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