Modi to respond to Oppn’s allegations in 2nd week of Budget Session

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Modi to respond to Oppn’s allegations in 2nd week of Budget Session

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hit back to the allegations and issues raised by the Opposition leaders including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in the second week of the Parliament’s Budget Session, in Rajya Sabha as well as in Lok Sabha.

A discussion was underway in both the houses on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address and during this, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and many MPs of opposition parties have criticized the Narendra Modi-led Central government fiercely on the floor of the House.

Starting the discussion on behalf of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha on February 2, Rahul Gandhi had fiercely targeted the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress leader has accused the Modi government of ending employment opportunities in the country, eliminating small and medium industries, increasing the inequality gap between the poor and the rich, posing a serious threat to national security due to “wrong policies” on China and Pakistan border.

Besides making allegations, questions were also raised on the economic, industrial, strategic, foreign, internal, and external security policies of the government.

Rahul Gandhi had also made a scathing attack on the Prime Minister over the issues related to federalism and constitutional institutions.

Slamming the government, he also said that the UPA government had brought 27 crores, people, out of poverty during its 10-year tenure while the NDA government pushed 23 crore people back into poverty.

In the Rajya Sabha too, MPs of all opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress, NCP, RJD had targeted the policies of the Modi government in the first week of the budget session.

In the second week of the budget session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to respond to the leaders of all Opposition parties including Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi might reply to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks at the President’s address in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

During his speech, PM Modi, referring to the history of the tenure of the Congress-led government, will make a sharp counterattack on the allegations of Rahul Gandhi, as well as respond to the allegations of MPs of other opposition parties.

Referring to the achievements of his government on all fronts including economic, strategic, foreign, security, and industrial policy, PM Modi might answer each and every charge of the opposition parties.

On Tuesday, the very next day after his speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Modi may also reply to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.

He will also be seen trying to deliver a political message to the voters of the five poll-bound states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa.

President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the joint session of both the Houses of Parliament on January 31, the first day of the budget session.

Battleground Uttarakhand: BJP banking on ‘Brand Modi’

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Battleground Uttarakhand: BJP banking on ‘Brand Modi’

In the run-up to the Assembly elections in Uttarakhand scheduled on February 14, the BJP is banking heavily on ‘Brand Modi.

The saffron party is prominently using Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image in several publicity videos, theme songs,s, and hoardings across the state, projecting him and his government’s achievements.

Modi and the images of his visit to Uttarakhand are prominently displayed in all the campaign videos, including the theme song for the Assembly polls.

The party is highlighting the Central government’s development and welfare initiatives taken under the leadership of Modi, such as ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi’ and several other schemes.

The BJP is also reminding the people that it was the government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee that ensured the formation of the state.

At the start of one video, the Prime Minister could be heard mentioning how Vajpayee ensured the formation of Uttarakhand.

The BJP is also highlighting the redevelopment of Kedarnath, showing images of the Prime Minister’s several visits to the holy shrines of the state.

On November 5 last year, the Prime Minister had inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple key infrastructure projects in Kedarnath.

Uttarakhand BJP spokesperson Ravinder Jugran told in an interview that Modi is a ‘brand’ of trust in today’s politics.

“People believe that the BJP and ‘Brand Modi’ are delivering and will continue to deliver. The Prime Minister has built this trust by continuously serving the people for over two decades. He is also the most popular leader in the country. So there is nothing wrong in using Prime Minister Modi’s images or words because he is the most popular leader and the lead campaigner of the BJP,” Jagran said.

Another party leader said that people easily connect with Modi and ‘Kamal’ (Lotus, BJP symbol).

“The Prime Minister is more popular than any of the candidates fielded by the party. And the party is using this popularity of the Prime Minister to come out trumps in the polls,” a party insider said.

The 70-member Uttarakhand Assembly will go to the polls on February 14, while the counting of votes will be taken up on March 10

PM Modi reaches Hyderabad, Telangana CM stays away

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PM Modi reaches Hyderabad, Telangana CM stays away

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Saturday on a six-hour visit but Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao stayed away from welcoming him.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, union minister for tourism and culture G. Kishan Reddy, and state minister for animal husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav received the Prime Minister at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, Director General of Police M. Mahender Reddy, and other top officials welcomed Modi.

Chandrasekhar Rao, who has been openly attacking the Prime Minister, stayed away from receiving him.

Rao had nominated minister Srinivas Yadav as the Minister-in-Waiting to receive and see off the Prime Minister.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is also not likely to share the stage with Modi when the latter will unveil the 216-feet-high Statue of Equality at Muchintal near Shamshabad in the evening.

After landing at the airport, the Prime Minister left for Patancheru in a helicopter.

He will inaugurate the golden jubilee celebrations of the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). He will also launch ICRISAT’s Climate Change Research Facility on Plant Protection and Rapid Generation Advancement Facility and unveil a specially designed logo and a commemorative postal stamp.

After the program at ICRISAT, Modi will arrive at the airport at 4.50 p.m. and leave for Chinna Jeer Swamy’s ashram at Muchintal by road. He will spend three hours there to participate in pooja and dedicate the statue of Saint Ramanujacharya.

Modi calls J&K L-G after quake

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Modi calls J&K L-G after quake

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday to inquire about the situation following the earthquake that hit the Union Territory earlier in the day.

Officials said the Prime Minister called Sinha immediately after the moderate intensity earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale jolted Jammu and Kashmir.

Information collection on any casualty or damage to property that might have occurred due to the temblor, is still going on by the officials.

The quake also led to the tilting of the minaret of the famous Sufi Shrine at Chrar-e-Sharief town in Budgam district.

Telangana CM not likely to receive PM on Hyderabad visit

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Telangana CM not likely to receive PM on Hyderabad visit

In what is being seen as a politically significant move, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is not likely to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latter’s visit to Hyderabad on Saturday.

The Chief Minister has nominated Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development, and Cinematography Minister T. Srinivas Yadav to receive and see off the Prime Minister during his visit.

According to a communication from the Chief Minister’s office to the Principal Secretary, General Administration Department (Political), the Chief Minister has agreed to the proposal for nominating Srinivas Yadav to be the minister-in-waiting to receive and see off the Prime Minister on arrival and departure.

This may be the first time since he became Chief Minister in 2014 that KCR will not be receiving the Prime Minister on his visit to Hyderabad.

The last time Modi had visited Hyderabad was on November 28, 2020, when he went to Bharat Biotech, the pharma company that developed India’s first Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin. However, at that time the Chief Minister was informed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that he need not come to the airport to receive the PM.

The Telangana Chief Secretary, the DGP, and a couple of other officials had received the Prime Minister. The visit had come amid the elections for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) which saw a bitter war of words between BJP and TRS leaders.

Modi is visiting Hyderabad on Saturday to attend two programs, both on the outskirts of the city. He will visit the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) campus in Patancheru to launch its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Later, he will dedicate to the nation the ‘Statue of Equality at a ceremony to be held at Ramanujacharya Ashram at Muchintal. The 216-feet tall statue commemorates the 11th-century Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya.

The Chief Minister is also not likely to share a dais with the Prime Minister at the ashram. Dropping hints to this effect, he visited the ashram on Thursday to participate in Ramanuja Sahasrabdi Samaroh celebrations and went around the giant statue.

KCR’s move not to receive the Prime Minister is significant in view of his scathing attack on the latter after the presentation of Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament on Monday.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief went ballistic while lashing out at the Centre for ignoring all the demands of the state and termed the budget “golmal” and “useless”.

At the same news conference when KCR was asked whether he would receive the Prime Minister, he remarked “it’s automatic. It goes without saying”.

“Whenever the Prime Minister is there in any state, the Chief Minister goes and welcomes. It’s a routine thing. It’s a protocol requirement. Nothing special about it,” he had said.

KCR, however, was evasive when asked if he would be sharing the dais with the PM. The TRS leader had defended his attack on PM. “This is my policy. Even while sitting along with Mr. Narendra Modi in his helicopter, I will say the same thing,” he said.

At his two-and-half hour-long news conference, KCR had made a bitter attack on Modi, mocking his ‘Gujarat Model’ and the different outfits he chose for elections in different states.

The TRS chief has also announced that he would play a role in national politics to bring a qualitative change in the country as both Congress and BJP have failed to meet the aspirations of people.

Bengal transport dept to acquire all truck terminals along state’s borders

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Bengal transport dept to acquire all truck terminals along state’s borders

In an effort to increase the revenues of the state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state transport department will acquire all the truck terminals functioning along the borders.

The Chief Minister alleged that some people were taking money from the truck terminals functioning along the borders. She added that the takeover of all the truck terminals will be completed before February 7.

“I shall not allow this to continue,” the chief minister said at an administrative meeting. “The District Magistrates and the Superintendents of Police should know this. The money from the truck terminals is going to some local people. There are some political parties and some government officers who are involved in the whole process. So we have decided to hand over all the truck terminals functioning along the border to the transport department,” she added.

“There will be nothing private. It should be fully owned and controlled by the state government. We want the revenue to go to the government coffers and not distributed among some individuals,” Banerjee said. She asked Chief Secretary H K Diwedi to explain the whole plan to the DMs and SPs of the concerned districts.

“Recently I had a meeting with the DMs and SPs of the seven bordering districts. It is a fact that the money from these truck terminals is not adding up to the government revenue. There are two truck terminals at Bongaon in North 24 Parganas and there are four in other districts as well. It is true that the local municipalities get some money from these places but the state government gets nothing. The entire money is locally distributed. It is not helping the government,” Diwedi informed the chief minister.

The chief secretary said the Bongaon municipality has already given a NoC (No Objection Certificate) to the state government but it is not written properly. We need to get another NoC from the municipality.

Minister of State for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Chandrima Bhattacharya said, “It is written in a poor and faulty language. This is not an NoC at all”.

The chief minister then asked Bhattacharyay to arrange for NoCs from the concerned municipalities. “Tell them what to write. If they refuse to give the NoC you know what to do,” she said. Banerjee asked all the concerned departments to complete the whole process within 72 hours and hand over the terminals to the transport department. “There should be an advertisement on the 8th of this month,” the chief minister told state transport minister Firhad Hakim.

“We need a lot of money and it will come from the bordering areas. This will increase the revenue of the state government. There are projects like Lakshmi Bhandar and Students Credit Card where we need money. Where will the money come from? We need to run these projects. We will have to be proactive,” she said.

Modi govt did not create even a single PSU but privatised 23: Congress

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Modi govt did not create even a single PSU but privatised 23: Congress

The Congress on Thursday attacked the Narendra Modi government on its economic record, saying that it had not created even a single Public Sector Unit (PSU) but it has privatized 23 of them.

Participating in the debate in the Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks on the President’ Address, Congress member Ripun Bora said: ” (Prime Minister) Rajiv Gandhi created 16 PSUs, no privatization, (Prime Minister Atal Bihari) Vajpayee created 17 PSUs, (Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh created 23 PSUS, only three privatized, but the Modi government did not create a single PSU and he privatized 23 PSUs so far.”

Noting that the economy was badly devastated by the pandemic, he said that nearly 84 crore people’s income has come down drastically during it but the President’s address did not mention anything about it. Under the UPA government, 27 crore people were pulled out of poverty, he added.

Claiming that around five crores more people have been pushed below the poverty line recently, he said the President’s speech did not mention a single word on how to tackle price rise which has led to individual consumption drastically declining.

Bora also brought up the issue of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) and the killings of civilians in Nagaland’s Mon killings. “Normally the military is used against foreign aggression, but our military has killed our own people.”

He also said that Naga peace talks have also been derailed.

Congress member Digvijaya Singh said that after ‘Suit Boot Sarkaar’, came, the direct tax decreased from 55.39 percent to 46.43 percent while the indirect tax increased from 44.61 percent to 53.57 percent, indicating that the government is taxing the rich less and the poor more.

“In this Budget, the Modi government has reduced subsidies by 27 percent, why do not you increase taxation on the super-rich?” he asked, terming the government of “being against the poor and the farmers of this country”.

“This government is antipoor and anti-farmer. The first ordinance they brought was the Land Acquisition Act. “They ignore the strength and unity of farmers,” he said.

Referring to the Dharma Sansad which was held at Haridwar recently, Digvijaya Singh said that calls were given for genocide and no one from the government said anything about this hate speech. “During Amrit Mahotsav, you have never mentioned those who took part in the freedom struggle. You may not like Congress leaders like Nehru, Patel, but you could have mentioned Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad,” he added.

Taking a dig at the treasury benches, Singh also said that when Article 370 was included in the Constitution, Syama Prasad Mookerjee was part of the Cabinet, @but you mislead that he opposed it”. “In Bhima Koregaon case, it was alleged that there was a conspiracy to kill PM Modi, but it has been more than three years and no charge-sheet has been filed.

TRS MP K. Keshava Rao, quoting a media report, says there was an increase in hate speech and there is an urgent need to bring a special law to deal with the same.

He also alleged that the southern states were being ignored and the distribution of funds to states by the BJP-led government fails to provide an incentive.

TN police start probe after arrest of BJP leader, two cops in idols theft case

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TN police start probe after arrest of BJP leader, two cops in idols theft case

Tamil Nadu Police has started a detailed probe into the source of seven idols that were recovered from a group of people on Wednesday in Madurai.

The Idol theft squad of the police have already arrested a BJP minority wing leader T. Alexandar and two cops – head constable Ilankumaran (44) of Jokilpatti police station in Aruppukottai and constable Nagendran (38) of Armed Reserve police from Dindigul.

Another person, P. Karuppusami (36) of Kooraikundu in Virudhunagar was also arrested. However, two other persons, Rajesh of Ramanathapuram and Ganeshan of Virudhunagar are on the run.

The idol theft squad on receiving a tip-off apprehended Alexandar from whom idols were recovered. A senior police officer told the interview that it has to be ascertained whether the idol is panchaloha or not.

The seven idols that were recovered from Alexandar include, Natarajar (2 ft), Natarajar (1.25 ft), Nagakanni (1.5 ft), Kaali (1 ft), Murugan(0.75 ft), Vinayagar (0.5 ft) and Nagadevathai (0.5 ft). The idols, according to police were recovered from a water body in Koorisathanar Ayyanar temple, Ramanathapuram.

Alexander on interrogation told the investigating officers that the idols were given to him by Ilankumaran and Karuppasamy. The duo informed the role of Nagendran and Ganeshan in the case.

Idol theft squad officers said that the four had threatened a group of smugglers a few years ago stating that they were from the Idol theft squad and took in possession the seven idols that were later concealed in the water body.

Police said that the four of them were trying to sell the idols for an amount of Rs 5 crore when the Idol theft squad got a tip-off and arrested all the four accused. The Idol theft squad officers told in an interview that an investigation is on to ascertain from where these smugglers had got the idols and if these idols were stolen from some temples.

A senior officer of the idol theft squad told in an interview, “We have already arrested four people and identified two more in the gang who had concealed the idols in a water body at Ramanathapuram. However, we have to get the details of the origin of these idols and to ascertain whether these idols were stolen or whether they were replicas of some idols.”

Kamal Haasan seeks donations for his political party

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Kamal Haasan seeks donations for his political party

Superstar turned politician, Kamal Haasan has announced that he would seek donations from the public for his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM).

The actor-turned-politician in a statement said that he was seeking donations for changing the lives of people. He said that he was not seeking money not only for the well-being of people but also to ensure good livelihood for the next generation.

Kamal Haasan said that donations are being sought from the public for maintaining politics honestly. He said that he was pumping in his earnings after tax into the political party, but that was not enough to challenge the ‘corrupt rats’ in politics.

He said that many in the film industry used to address him as a prophet, but added that he doesn’t believe in prophecies but in convictions and work.

The MNM has already fielded candidates in most of the Corporations and municipalities and is expected to win a few seats in the Urban body polls, but the party has not yet got as many candidates to contest in town Panchayat seats.

The decision of Kamal Haasan to seek donations was earlier not welcomed by the general public and his own party men, but the superstar is pitching in for money from the public to carry forward the political party and its activities.

Congress, BJP condemn KCR’s call for new Constitution

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Congress, BJP condemn KCR’s call for new Constitution

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s call for rewriting the Constitution has evoked strong reactions from both Congress and BJP, which called for protests against his remarks.

A day after the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) mooted the idea of a new Constitution to bring a qualitative change in the country, both the opposition parties expressed their strong displeasure and alleged that he insulted the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

State Congress chief A. Revanth Reddy announced a 48-hour protest program from February 3 and called upon the party cadre to participate in it in large numbers.

Revanth Reddy, who is also an MP, said the demonstrations would include the burning of the CM’s effigy in front of Ambedkar’s statues across the state.

The Congress leader alleged that KCR spoke the language of BJP as the saffron party has the plans to bring a new Constitution to deprive Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of reservations. Revanth Reddy also demanded that the Chief Minister should apologize for his remarks.

The Congress leader also questioned KCR’s backing of AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi for fielding his party candidates in Uttar Pradesh elections. He alleged that the TRS leader has brokered a deal for ensuring the BJP’s win in UP.

Meanwhile, BJP state chief and MP Bandi Sanjay alleged that KCR insulted the Constitution and announced that he will sit on a protest at the BJP state office in Hyderabad on Thursday.

He alleged KCR’s talk of the new Constitution is a ploy to deny reservations for SCs and STs. “BJP abides by Dr.B.R Ambedkar’s Constitution and will never allow it to become vulnerable to the machinations of megalomaniacs like KCR,” Sanjay said.

“KCR’s behavior is bordering on insanity. In his frustration, which has reached a peak, he even insulted Dr.B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution,” the BJP leader said.

He also strongly condemned the abusive language allegedly used by KCR against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has also slammed KCR for using objectionable language against the PM. He said the Chief Minister’s remarks show that he was feeling insecure ever since the defeat of TRS in by-elections to the Huzurabad Assembly seat.

The BJP leaders reminded KCR that he and his party are enjoying power due to the vision of Ambedkar who incorporated the right for the creation of smaller states in the Constitution.

They said even after seven years KCR has not fulfilled its promise to install a 125-feet statue of Ambedkar in Hyderabad.

“Telangana CM is anti-Dalit as he has not made a Dalit the Chief Minister has promised, denied them three acres of land, removed a Dalit Deputy CM, and has deceived them further with his non-starter Dalit Bandhu scheme. Even boycotting the President’s address to both houses of Parliament is showing disrespect to the first citizen of the country who is a Dalit,” he said.

Meanwhile, TRS leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari lashed out at BJP leaders calling them successors of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi.

He said the successors of Godse had no right to talk about Dr. Ambedkar. He said KCR called for rewriting the Constitution to meet the aspirations of people and to ensure that the country develops at a rapid pace and emerges as a superpower.

Srihari said there should be a nationwide debate on the need for a new Constitution and pointed out that many countries rewrote their Constitutions in tune with the changing times and needs.

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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