Priyanka to take stock of poll debacle in UP

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Priyanka to take stock of poll debacle in UP

Amid a call for leadership change in the party, Congress General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called a meeting of party leaders on Tuesday to find out the reasons for the defeat.

The Congress could only get just over 2 percent votes and two seats in the Uttar Pradesh polls.

The meeting has been called in Delhi which will be attended by the office-bearers and important leaders of the party.

Congress has faced a massive loss in all the five states though Priyanka tried hard to make the party relevant but could not get the support of the people.

The Congress Working Committee on Sunday reposed faith in interim party chief Sonia Gandhi after its marathon meeting to discuss the outcome of the Assembly polls and authorised her to undertake “necessary and comprehensive” organizational changes.

Party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the CWC endorsed the holding of a ‘Chintan Shivir’ (brainstorming session).

“The recent Assembly election results of five states are a cause of serious concern for the Indian National Congress. The party accepts that due to shortcomings in our strategy, we could not effectively expose the misrule of the BJP state governments in four states and overcome the anti-incumbency in the state of Punjab in the short time after effecting a change of leadership,” said the CWC resolution.

It said that the Congress “represents the hopes of millions of Indians against political authoritarianism prevailing in the country today and the party is fully conscious of its immense responsibility.”

The resolution said that “humbly accepting the electoral verdict of the latest round of Assembly elections, the Congress party assures its workers and the people of India that it will continue to remain a vigilant and vibrant opposition. The Congress Party will be fully prepared to face the electoral challenges in the election-going states in 2022 and 2023 as well as in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

“The CWC unanimously reaffirms its faith in the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and requests the Congress President to lead from the front, address the organizational weaknesses, effect necessary and comprehensive organizational changes in order to take on the political challenges.”

K-Rail: Vijayan dodges points raised by Opposition

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K-Rail: Vijayan dodges points raised by Opposition

The Kerala Assembly on Monday witnessed a debate on the pet project of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan – the K-Rail. As expected the treasury benches batted for it, while the Congress-led opposition termed it as an ecological, environmental and economic disaster if it becomes a reality. At the end of it, the treasury benches said come what may they will go ahead with it and the opposition walked out expressing their displeasure.

If completed, the project will see a 529.45 km corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod and a high-speed train will cover this distance in around four hours. It will cost Rs 63,940 crores. NITI Ayog says it might cost Rs 1.24 lakh crores and is expected to be completed in 2025 according to the detailed project report.

When the opposition sought leave to discuss this project, much to their surprise, Vijayan who last month shot it down, on Monday agreed to hold a two-hour discussion on it.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan pointed out various discrepancies in the project in its preliminary feasibility report, the final feasibility report, and what Vijayan said about this project on the floor of the assembly.

“He (Vijayan) says they have had discussions with the people, but that discussion was a monologue where things were told, what should have been done was a dialogue.”

“the ridership in the first report says they expect 40,000 passengers daily and two months later in the final report says the ridership expected is over 80,000. With regard to the embankment needed to build this in the first report, it says it’s 89 km, in the second report it becomes 236 km and in the detailed project report, it says 384 km. This is nothing but data fudging, which is a criminal offense,” said Satheesan.

He pointed out that the Vizhinjam container port terminal work is stuck because of the nonavailability of limestones.

“The fact of the matter is K-Rail will need more limestones even if the entire Western Ghats is demolished and used. This project has come at a time when the whole world is conscious of the climate change phenomenon and this project of the CPI-M is 60 years old and we will not allow this project at all,” added Satheesan.

Vijayan however failed to answer any of the points raised by Satheesan and instead just said that the project is environmentally and economically viable and is meant for our future generations.

“We held discussions with lots of people across the state and we did not get a negative response at all and the general impression was everyone wanted it to be finished at the earliest. The ongoing protests against this project have caused a lot of damage and numerous police and revenue officials have been attacked. Come what may, we will go ahead with this project as this is one which is much needed for the development of the state,” said Vijayan.

He later invited the opposition legislators to come and watch a presentation on K-Rail where all their doubts will be answered on Tuesday.

Satheesan later told the media outside the assembly that they are certain that this project will be one that will finish off Kerala and they will go ahead with their already announced protests from Saturday with more than 1,000 rallies across the state.

Nitish Kumar rebukes speaker Vijay Sinha in Bihar Assembly

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Nitish Kumar rebukes speaker Vijay Sinha in Bihar Assembly

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday pulled up Assembly Speaker Vijay Sinha after BJP MLA Sanjay Sarawgi pointed out an issue of Lakhisarai in the house.

Vijay Sinha had recently brought a breach of privilege motion in the house after two SHOs and a DSP rank officer allegedly misbehaved with him in his home district Lakhisarai on February 9.

Under the special privilege motion, he asked the chief secretary and DGP of Bihar to take action in this matter. Unfortunately, no action has been taken against alleged SHOs and DSP.

Sanjay Sarawgi, a BJP leader took up the issue during the Question hour of Vidhan Sabha and asked the minister to inform the house about the action taken report.

As the chief minister is also holding the home minister portfolio, he got upset. He stood from the seat and directly told the speaker that the house cannot run like this. “This is my fourth stint as chief minister and have never come across any situation like this where a question is repeatedly asked in the Assembly. The House cannot run like this. You (Speaker) cannot interfere in every matter. The investigation is currently underway. We neither frame nor save anyone. Who are you to adjourn the house over a question of a particular place?” Kumar asked.

“I will ask the department concerned to provide the status of the investigation. If anyone has any doubt, I will hold a meeting on this matter today,” Kumar said.

Replying to the chief minister, Speaker Sinha said: “The members of the entire house including you (Chief Minister) elected me as the speaker. I am a custodian of the house and it is my duty to strengthen the voice of every public representative of the house. This issue has been pointed out thrice in the house and legislators of ruling and opposition parties have the same stand. Despite this, the issue was not addressed by the home department. The situation is as such that despite sitting on the chair of the speaker, I am unable to raise issues of my areas (My district),” Sinha said.

“When I visit my constituency, people ask me that I am sitting on such a big post but unable to address the issues of my areas. Why has the state government not taken action against two SHOs and a DSP?” Sinha said.

“When it comes to the constitution, people like me are always eager to learn from you (Chief Minister) and other senior members of the house. You are more knowledgeable than me but please don’t disrespect the Speaker’s chair,” Sinha said.

Yogi Adityanath meets President Kovind

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Yogi Adityanath meets President Kovind

Caretaker Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath on Monday called on President Ram Nath Kovind.

This is the first meeting of Adityanath with President Kovind after the party’s historic victory in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and sources said that it was a courtesy meeting.

Earlier today, Adityanath also met Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. After the meeting, Gadkari tweeted: “Met Yogi Adityanath ji today at Delhi residence. This year’s Uttar Pradesh election was historic, people have put their stamp on the development in Uttar Pradesh under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the leadership of Yogi Ji.

“I am sure that the double engine government of Uttar Pradesh will stand the test of the people. Congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh and all the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party on the victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Gadkari said.

After the meeting, Adityanath tweeted: “Your (Gadkari) special support is being received in realizing the concept of ‘New Uttar Pradesh’.”

On Sunday, the chief minister paid a courtesy visit to Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu. He had also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP chief J.P. Nadda to discuss the formation of a new cabinet in Uttar Pradesh.

As per the sources, Yogi Adityanath has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.

He had also met BJP national general secretary (organization) B.L. Santhosh and discussed cabinet formation.

Yogi meets Governor, submits resignation

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Yogi meets Governor, submits resignation

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday evening, met Governor Anandiben Patel and handed over his resignation.

The Governor has asked him to continue working till the formation of the new government.

Earlier, the Chief Minister held a cabinet meeting where he thanked his colleagues for working to fulfill the aspirations of the people which led to the BJP winning the election with a good majority.

The Chief Minister’s resignation has paved the way for the process of installation of the new government. Sources said that the new government was likely to be sworn in next week, before Holi.

Vice Chancellors have a duty to inculcate scientific temperament: Stalin

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Vice Chancellors have a duty to inculcate scientific temperament: Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin on Friday told the Vice-Chancellors of universities in the state that they have a duty to inculcate scientific temperament in students.

In his address at the inauguration of the Association of Indian Universities — South Zone Vice Chancellors’ meet held at the Bharathiar University in Coimbatore district, he said: “As Vice-Chancellors, you play an important role in shaping the functioning and quality of universities. You should discharge your duties in such a way to promote scientific temperament among students.”

Lashing out against the Union government, he said: “The Centre making use of education coming under concurrent list and using its powers to introduce regressive ideas in the syllabus is worrisome.”

He said the best solution to this issue was to place education in the State List in the Constitution.

Stalin told the Vice Chancellors that they should function keeping in mind the people’s wish that the universities must follow the state’s education policy.

He also exhorted them to remember they have a duty to impart an education that makes the students ready.

The Chief Minister said the enrollment rate of Tamil Nadu students in higher educational institutions was 57.4 percent, far ahead of the country’s 27.1 percent.

He added that 19 colleges and 33 universities in the state are ranked among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking framework.

Telangana CM KCR indisposed

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Telangana CM KCR indisposed

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was slightly indisposed on Friday.

He visited Yashoda Hospital for a check-up. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), doctors were conducting heart-related angiogram tests.

KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known, was accompanied by his wife Shobha Rao, daughter and legislator K. Kavitha and other family members.

Following the indisposition, KCR canceled his visit to Yadadri temple. He was scheduled to participate in some rituals at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.

The chief minister had also planned a meeting to review the arrangements for the reopening of the temple for devotees after the renovation later this month.

PM Modi’s 2-day Gujarat visit begins on Friday

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PM Modi’s 2-day Gujarat visit begins on Friday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Gujarat begins on Friday, during which he is scheduled to address the ‘Gujarat Panchayat Mahasammelan’.

The sammelan will be attended by over 1 lakh Panchayati raj representatives from the state. Before leaving for Gujarat, Modi tweeted, “Leaving for Gujarat, where I will be attending various programs today and tomorrow. At 4 PM today will address a Panchayat Mahasammelan, where several representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions will attend.”

The Prime Minister will dedicate the building of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to the nation on March 12. He will also deliver the first Convocation address of the RRU as the Chief Guest and in the evening, the Prime Minister will declare open the 11th ‘Khel Mahakumbh’, and deliver an address on the occasion.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said: “Gujarat has three-tier Panchayati Raj structure, with 33 district panchayats, 248 taluka panchayats, and over 14,500-gram panchayats. ‘Gujarat Panchayat Mahasammelan: Aapnu Gaam, Aapnu Gaurav’ will witness the participation of more than 1 lakh representatives from the three tiers of the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state.”

The RRU, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations on October 1, 2020. “The University will develop synergies with the private sector by leveraging knowledge and resources from the industry and would also set up Centres of Excellence in various fields relating to police and security,” the PMO said.

Andhra Pradesh presents Rs 2.56 lakh crore budget

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Andhra Pradesh presents Rs 2.56 lakh crore budget

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendernath on Friday presented the budget for the year 2022-23, with an outlay of Rs 2,56,257 crore, an increase of 11.50 percent over the previous year.

The revenue expenditure has been pegged at Rs 2,08,261 crore, while the capital expenditure is estimated at Rs 47,996 crore.

The estimated revenue deficit is around Rs 17,036 crore up from Rs 5,000 crore the previous year, while the fiscal deficit is estimated at around Rs 48,724 crore, up from Rs 37,030 crore.

Presenting his fourth consecutive budget, the finance minister allocated the lion’s share for social welfare, in tune with the policies and priorities of the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.

Agriculture has been allocated Rs 11,387 crore, medical and health Rs 15,384 crore up from Rs 13,830 crore for FY 2021-22.

The sub-plan for Scheduled Castes (SCs) has been fixed at Rs 18,518 crore, for Scheduled Tribes (STs) Rs 6,145 crore, for Backward Classes (BCs) Rs 29,143.65 crore and for minorities Rs 3,532 crore. The allocation for minorities has come down from Rs 3,841 crore in the previous fiscal. For the welfare of Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), the government allocated Rs 6,693 crore, up from Rs 5,478 crore in 2021-22.

The finance minister allocated Rs 22,706 crore for secondary education and Rs 2,104 crore for higher education.

The health sector has been allocated Rs 15,384 crore which includes Rs 2,000 for YSR Aarogyasri (free health insurance for poor), Rs 500 Nadu Nedu hospitals, Rs 2,462 crore for National Health Mission, Rs 753 crore for medical colleges, Rs 300 crore for YSR Arogya Asra and Rs 170 crore for hospitals in tribal areas.

On the development and infrastructure front, Rs 2,755 crore was allocated for industrial development. Rs 1,142 crore for infrastructure, roads, and buildings Rs 8,581 crore allocated for transport, roads and buildings department and Rs 10,281 crore for the energy sector.

The finance minister has also made a provision of Rs 236 crore for the Visakhapatnam-Chennai industrial corridor.

Shah thanks voters for reposing faith in BJP and PM Modi’s leadership

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Shah thanks voters for reposing faith in BJP and PM Modi’s leadership

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday thanked the voters of four states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa — for reposing faith in the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

In a series of tweets, Shah said, “The BJP’s grand victory in Uttar Pradesh is the victory of the unshakeable faith of village, the poor and farmers in Prime Minister Modi’s welfare for the poor. Voters have re-affirmed in Yogi Adityanath’s government’s fearless and corruption-free governance. I thank people from the bottom of my heart for this massive victory.”

Shah also congratulated Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh and party workers for the grand victory and said, “BJP is committed to fulfilling the expectation and aspiration of people of Uttar Pradesh.”

He also thanked the people of Uttar Pradesh for reposing faith in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in 2014, 2017, 2019 and now in 2022.

Shah assured voters of Goa that the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their aspirations. “Grateful to the people of Goa for reposing their faith in the BJP. BJP under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the aspirations of our sisters & brothers of Goa. Congratulations to @DrPramodPSawant, @ShetSadanand & our karyakartas,” Shah tweeted.

Thanking voters in Manipur, Shah said, “Thank you, Manipur. PM @narendramodi Ji’s resolve for a prosperous North-East has earned him a special place in the hearts of the people of our NE region, this victory is a testament to the same. Congratulations to CM@NBirenSingh Ji, @AShardaDevi Ji and our karyakartas.”

He also thanked the people of Uttarakhand for giving BJP an opportunity to serve again. “Devbhoomi has reposed its faith in developmental and public welfare works under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi-led BJP government,” Shah said.

K’taka BJP, Cong leaders competing in Goa power race

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K’taka BJP, Cong leaders competing in Goa power race

Leaders from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress in Karnataka have been toiling hard since the Goa Assembly election campaign began to help their parties form the government.

Both the parties are now focusing on the post-poll scenario as the state seems headed for a hung assembly.

The BJP has made staunch Hindutva leader C.T. Ravi the party’s National General Secretary in-charge of Goa while the Congress has made party loyalist Dinesh Gundu Rao the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Goa in charge.

Most of the prominent north Karnataka leaders, especially from Belagavi and surrounding regions, camped in the coastal state for campaigning.

Though the BJP seems likely to form the government in Goa as it is leading in the most number of seats (20), the Congress has still not given up hope of forming the government as it leads in 12 seats.

Karnataka Congress leaders have the experience of wresting power from the BJP and formed the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in 2019 and countered the BJP’s strategy to poach opposition party MLAs.

BJP leaders have first-hand experience of carrying out ‘Operation Lotus’ to bring the party to power twice in Karnataka.

In the Goa elections, the AICC has sent Karnataka party President D.K. Shivakumar, the party’s troubleshooter, to Goa.

The drama in Goa politics is likely to continue for some more time, even as the BJP is staking a claim and is confident of mustering the required strength of 21 seats.

Sources from both the BJP and the Congress claim that Goa is going to witness the drama of resort politics with ‘Operation Lotus’ as well as ‘Operation Hasth’.

Both parties have asked their top leaders from Karnataka to chalk out the strategy to form the government in Goa.

Though Congress had emerged as the largest party in the 2017 Assembly elections by winning 17 seats, the BJP seized the opportunity and manipulated to form the government in Goa.

AAP sweeps Punjab, BJP to retain power in UP, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur

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AAP sweeps Punjab, BJP to retain power in UP, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur

The latest counting trend shows that the Aam Aadmi Party is heading for a landslide victory in Punjab assembly elections while the BJP is to retain power in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Manipur with a comfortable margin, according to the Election Commission’s latest update at 5 p.m.

The AAP has won 73 seats and is leading in 19 others with a 42 percent vote share in Punjab, while the Congress has won 13 seats and is leading in five others with 22.92 percent votes. The BJP has won two seats with a vote percentage of 6.6. The Shiromani Akali Dal has won two seats and is leading in one with 18.4 percent votes. The Bahujan Samaj Party has won one seat with 1.78 percent while one independent candidate has also won the election in Punjab.

In Uttar Pradesh, the ruling BJP has won 25 seats in UP and is leading in 277 others with a 41.8 percent vote share whereas the Samajwadi Party has not won any seat so far but is leading in 115 seats with a 31.8 percent vote share.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal is leading only in seven seats with 3.14 percent votes whereas the BSP has won one seat and was leading in five others with 12.9 percent votes.

Till 5 p.m. in Uttarakhand, the BJP won 15 seats and is leading in 32 others with 44.3 percent vote share while the principal opposition party Congress has won four seats and is leading in only in 15 others with 37.97 percent vote share. The BSP is leading in two seats with a 4.86 percent vote share while two independents are also leading with a 3.51 percent vote share.

In Goa, the BJP has won 20 seats with 33.3 percent vote share, the Congress nine seats and is leading in two others with 23.49 percent vote share, Goa Forward Party won one seat with 1.84 percent votes, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) won two seats with 7.60 percent vote share and the independents have won three seats.

Similarly in Manipur, the BJP has won 15 seats and is leading in 14 others and is likely to retain power in the state whereas the Congress has won three seats and is leading in one. Janata Dal (U) has won five seats and leading in two others with 10.85 percent votes, the Kuki People’s Alliance has won one seat and is leading in one constituency, the Naga Peoples Front has won three seats and is leading now in two seats. The National People’s Party has won two seats and is leading in five others while the independents have won two seats and are leading in one constituency.

Chief ministerial candidates of all parties face defeat in Uttarakhand

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Chief ministerial candidates of all parties face defeat in Uttarakhand

The chief ministerial candidates of the BJP, Congress, and AAP faced defeat in the Uttarakhand Assembly polls.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lost to Congress candidate Bhuvan Chand Kapri in the Khatima constituency.

Kapdi bagged 52 percent (44,479) votes while Dhami secured 37,425 votes.

In the Lalkuan constituency, former chief minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat lost to BJP’s Mohan Singh Bisht by 14,000 votes.

Bisht won 53 percent votes securing 44,851 against Harish Rawat’s 28,251.

Congress rebel candidate Sandhya Dalakoti is said to be one of the reasons for Harish Rawat’s defeat. Earlier, the grand old party had given the ticket to Sandhya Dalakoti from Lalkuan but later fielded Harish Rawat from the seat. Annoyed over the change, Sandhya Dalakoti contested as an independent candidate. The rebel Congress candidate dented Harish Rawat’s poll prospects.

This is a second big defeat for Harish Rawat. In the earlier polls, Harish Rawat had contested from Haridwar and Kichha and lost both the seats.

In the Gangotri seat, AAP chief ministerial candidate Ajay Kothiyal got 5,998 votes and lost to the BJP’s Suresh Chandra Chauhan who secured 28,667 votes.

Voting for the 70-member Uttarakhand Assembly was held on February 14.

Results of 5 states will have positive impact in K’taka: Bommai

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Results of 5 states will have positive impact in K’taka: Bommai

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said the election results in the five states will have a positive impact in Karnataka.

Bommai added that he is also confident of continuing the poll performance of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka as well by ensuring victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media, he said the poll victory in four states will inspire and empower BJP workers with more vigor.

“Our (BJP) government will now focus on implementing programs given in the Budget and win the confidence of people to register a resounding victory in the state,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Karnataka in April and he will be launching all the state programmes for the people, Bommai said.

The election results have given positive feedback to the people and the party, the Chief Minister added.

The BJP has won the mandate in four states to form the government, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where the people have voted for a double-engine government, he said.

“I congratulate the people of all five states. I also congratulate our leaders — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers of the concerned states,” he added.

“The policy and programs of Modi are in favor of the poor, farmers and women. The people have appreciated the management of Covid-19 and the empowerment of the economy. The opposition has been left decimated.”

“Our party leaders have pledged to be involved in more development work. The results have shown that Modi is the only leader with a connection with the people throughout the country,” Bommai said.

Humbly accept people’s verdict: Rahul

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Humbly accept people’s verdict: Rahul

After the Congress’ dismal performance in the Assembly elections in five states, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he accepted the people’s verdict and congratulated the winning parties.

Rahul Gandhi tweeted in the afternoon: “Humbly accept the people’s verdict. Best wishes to those who have won the mandate. My gratitude to all Congress workers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. We will learn from this and keep working for the interests of the people of India.”

Despite Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi putting in their best efforts, the Congress was wiped out in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, failed to wrest power in Uttarakhand, Goa, and Manipur. The party failed to beat the BJP, which retained power despite the anti-incumbency factor.

The Congress headquarters wore a deserted look as celebrations erupted at the BJP headquarters in the national capital after the trends indicated a thumping victory for the saffron party in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

BJP’s party activists could be seen dancing, bursting crackers, and congratulating each other.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP national president J.P. Nadda are likely to reach the party headquarters late in the evening and thank the people.

Stalin urges Jaishankar to secure release of Indian fishermen

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Stalin urges Jaishankar to secure release of Indian fishermen

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday sought External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s personal intervention to secure the release of Indian fishermen arrested by the Indonesian and Seychelles authorities.

Stalin in a letter to Jaishankar citing reports said five fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu and Kerala were apprehended by the Indonesian air and sea police for allegedly entering Indonesian waters and were taken to Ditpolairud Pier, Aceh, Indonesia, for legal proceedings.

The fishermen had gone fishing on February 17 in an Andaman registered fishing vessel.

Stalin said that according to fishermen associations, 33 fishermen and three mechanized fishing boats had left from Cochin harbor on February 22.

On March 7, the fishermen were apprehended by the Seychelles authorities for allegedly entering Seychelles waters.

As Akhilesh fails again, criticism likely to mount against his team

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As Akhilesh fails again, criticism likely to mount against his team

As the incumbent BJP was moving towards a thumping majority in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party even though managing to better its tally from the previous election, has failed to reach the magic mark. The failure could bring focus upon the team on which Akhilesh Yadav was relying for feedback and action.

Criticism will mount on the Akhilesh team comprising leaders like Udayveer Singh, Rajendra Chaudhary, Abhishek Mishra, Naresh Uttam Patel, and others for giving wrong ground reports. It was based on these reports that tickets were distributed. After the failure, it is likely to be said that the party distributed the wrong tickets which led to the defeat of many seats which the SP could have won. On some seats, the SP leader fielded new candidates and the old-timers either worked against the party candidate or contested from other parties which led to the defeat of the official nominee.

For having a wide and effective media coverage, the team led by Ashish Yadav was deciding on the coverage. It, however, relied on National News Channels and in those interviews Akhilesh Yadav was asked hard questions, which led to a dent in his image. The media narrative could not be set up in favor of the Samajwadi Party despite drawing huge crowds in elections. The media narrative could have been built up in favor if a good media strategy was drawn, and better preparation during the interviews could have led to good perceptions.

The party insiders blame the wrong strategy, ticket distribution, and last-minute entrants from the BJP for the loss in the elections.

The former Chief Minister over-relied on its non-political team and ignored the party leaders in the ticket distribution in the state. He could not match Mulayam Singh Yadav’s strategy and could not establish a team of second-rung leaders like his father did with Janeshwar Mishra, Reoti Raman Singh, Mata Prasad Pandey, Beni Prasad Verma, and Mohan Singh.

In the three elections, which Akhilesh Yadav fought in 2017, 2019, and 2022 he experimented and failed. In 2017, he allied with the Congress and was reduced to less than 50 seats, then in 2019 his alliance with the BSP failed, and in 2022 inducting BJP rebels and giving tickets to the new leaders have not paid well, said sources.

Bypoll trend: BJP leads in Assam’s Majuli

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Bypoll trend: BJP leads in Assam’s Majuli

The Bharatiya Janata Party is leading in the early trends of the bypoll results in Assam’s Majuli Assembly constituency.

The bypoll at this constituency was necessitated after former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tendered his resignation from the Assembly.

As per the Election Commission update around 10.00 a.m., BJP’s candidate Bhuban Gam had secured 9,173 votes while Assam Jatiya Parishad’s Chittaranjan Basumatary was trailing with 2,515 votes.

Socialist Unity Centre of India’s (Communist) Bhaity Richong had so far secured 180 votes while 192 of the voters chose not to vote for anyone and cast NOTA.

Was shot at in Nandigram during campaigning, says Mamta in Assembly

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Was shot at in Nandigram during campaigning, says Mamta in Assembly

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, alleged that she was shot at in Nandigram during the Assembly polls last year.

Banerjee, who contested from Nandigram in East Midnapore, lost to the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari.

“I was not allowed to campaign. I was shot at in Nandigram. There was ‘adjustment to defeat her there’. Those who conspired against me should now apologize to the people!” the Chief Minister said in her reply to the debate on the Governor’s Address, but did not elaborate about the nature of “adjustment” and the people involved in the conspiracy.

In the Nandigram constituency, Banerjee lost to Adhikari by mere 1,956 votes. The Trinamool Congress has approached the court challenging the result, and the case is still pending. Meanwhile, she contested from the Bhabanipur constituency in the by-election and won by a record margin.

In her reply to the debate on the Governor’s address, she alleged that all arrangements were made to assassinate her at Nandigram.

The Governor’s Budget speech saw a lot of controversies after BJP MLAs demonstrated in the Assembly following which the Governor failed to complete his speech.

BJP MLAs Mihir Goswami and Sudip Mukherjee were suspended from the Assembly session on charges of disrupting the Governor’s speech.

Though the BJP didn’t raise any protest during the Chief Minister’s speech in the Assembly but later in the day, Adhikari, who is the Leader of Opposition, responded to the allegations outside the house. “Actually, the Chief Minister cannot forget the pain of losing in Nandigram! That is why she is saying this again and again out of frustration. If she has any complaints then the government should investigate. After all, she only runs the administration!” he said.

Haryana CM presents budget of Rs 177,256 crore, announces Sushma Swaraj Award

TB Team
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Haryana CM presents budget of Rs 177,256 crore, announces Sushma Swaraj Award

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who also holds the finance portfolio, on Tuesday, proposed a populist budget of Rs 177,256 crore for 2022-23, an increase of 15.6 percent over this fiscal of Rs 153,384 crore.

He also announced a ‘Sushma Swaraj Award’ for women for their significant contributions or achievements in different walks of life.

The budget outlay comprises 34.4 percent as capital expenditure of Rs 61,057.36 crore, while 65.6 percent as revenue expenditure of Rs 1,6,198.63 crore.

Presenting the budget, Khattar said the state has laid special emphasis on increasing capital infrastructure investment to boost demand, which holds a key role in speedy economic revival with a multiplier effect.

He announced tablets for all students from class 10 to 12, a scheme to provide soft loans to women entrepreneurs, and set up three dedicated funds to accelerate growth in various sectors.

A climate and sustainable development fund to achieve green development objectives, research, and innovation fund to promote scientific activity, besides scholarships in universities and educational institutions, and a venture capital fund to promote entrepreneurship was also announced.

According to the budget, the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from Rs 370,535 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 588,771 crore in 2021-22, at an annual increase of 6.5 percent.

The budget’s outlay includes revenue expenditure of Rs 61,057.35 crore and Rs 116,198.63 crore, which is 34.4 percent and 65.6 percent, respectively.

The total revenue receipts in the budget estimate for 2022-23 are projected at Rs 106,424.70 crore, which comprises tax revenue of Rs 73,727.50 crore, non-tax revenue of Rs 12,205.36 crore, the share of Central taxes at Rs 8,925.98 crore, and grants-in-aid of Rs 11,565.86 crore.

Besides, the capital receipts are projected to be Rs 5,393.89 crore.

This budget allocation has been aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Out of the total budget of Rs 177,255.99 crore, Rs 114,444.77 crore has been allocated for SDG-related schemes.

Haryana has remained successful in keeping the fiscal deficit within the percentage of GSDP as recommended by the 15th Central Finance Commission for the year 2021-22, said the Chief Minister.

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, about Rs, 30,820 crores have been borrowed from the market, while the permissible borrowing limit of the 15th Finance Commission was Rs 40,872 crore.

The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 2.99 percent of GSDP in 2021-22.

For 2022-23, it is estimated to reduce to 2.98 percent of GSDP. “This is within the limit of 3.5 percent as fixed by the 15th Finance Commission for 2022-23,” Khattar said.

The revenue deficit is also decreasing continuously. This revised estimate is estimated at 1.40 percent in 2021-22. It has been projected to further decrease to 0.98 percent of the GSDP in budget estimates of 2022-23.

The debt liability has also been successfully included.

The ratio of debt to GSDP in the Revised Estimates 2021-22 is estimated at 24.98 percent, while the stipulated limit recommended by the 15th Finance Commission is 32.6 percent of GSDP.

For budget estimates, the debt stock is expected to be 24.52 percent of GSDP, below the stipulated limit of 33.3 percent of GSDP recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.

Capital expenditure has a direct impact on economic development. The government is committed to enhancing the proportion of capital expenditure in the total expenditure, said the Chief Minister in his third consecutive budget speech in the House as the Finance Minister.

The capital share in the total expenditure has increased to 31.5 percent with Rs 48,265.49 crore in 2021-22.

It is proposed to increase the capital expenditure by 34.4 percent with Rs 61,057.35 crore in 2022-23.

In addition to the budgetary allocation for capital expenditure, Public Sector Undertakings are also investing substantial capital for the creation and strengthening of capital infrastructure in the state.

Dedicating the budget to women, Khattar announced many significant gifts for them on International Women’s Day.

He announced to start an award of Rs 5 lakh in the name of former Union minister Sushma Swaraj, who belonged to the state.

Noting that without women, society cannot even be imagined, he said that the women of Haryana have made their mark in many fields at the national and international level.

In his speech, he mentioned the first woman state Speaker, Shanno Devi, and the first woman Deputy Speaker, Lekhvati Jain.

The Chief Minister also announced to increase the participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions to 50 percent seats from 33 percent.

In addition, to attract women towards entrepreneurship, a new scheme, Haryana Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana, has been announced. For this, assuming the annual income of the woman and her family members is less than Rs 5 lakh on the basis of the data of the Parivar Pehchan Patra, financial assistance of up to Rs 3 lakh will be given to the self-help group in the form of a loan.

Under this scheme, the Haryana Women Development Corporation will give a rebate of up to 7 percent in interest for three years.

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