Union minister Ramdas Athawale-led Republican Party of India (Athawale) have planned to contest the Haryana Assembly Elections on 8-10 seats and will support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the remaining seats, RPI (A)'s Haryana unit President Ravi Sonu Kundli said, reported news agency ANI. While addressing a press conference on Monday, Kundli said that they are demanding two seats in Haryana from the BJP, and if no agreement is reached then they will field their candidates on 8-10 seats. "We are planning to contest on 8-10 seats. If we form an alliance with the BJP at the state level, then we are demanding 2 seats in it. If no agreement is reached with the BJP, then we will field candidates on 8 to 10 seats and will support BJP candidates on the remaining 80 seats," Kundli said, reported ANI. Party leader Manju Chibbar said that the two seats that they are demanding from the BJP are reserved seats, including Mullana in Ambala and Nilokheri in Karnal. "If BJP gives us to two seats in the alliance then on the rest 8 seats we will support the BJP. The Two seats that we are demanding include Mullana in Ambala and Nilokheri in Karnal. Republic Party request the BJP for these two seats. We've been with the BJP and will always be. But if it doesn't suit the BJP to give us the seat then we will have to contest independently in Haryana to keep the morale of the party," she said, reported ANI. Highlighting the issues on which RPI (A) is contesting the Haryana Assembly elections, Chibbar said, "We are demanding proper living place for slum dwellers. We are working against women exploitation in the country. The party also aims to address and reduce drug abuse in the region," reported ANI. Voting is to be held in Haryana on October 5 and the last date for nomination to contest elections in the state is September 12. Earlier, a meeting was called in the national capital under the chairmanship of BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda to discuss the list of candidates in depth for the Haryana Assembly elections. During the meeting held at the BJP HQ Extension office on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with several veteran leaders of Haryana were present. However, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini was not present at the meeting, reported ANI. Contemplation has been going on in the BJP regarding the names of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections. The first list of the candidates will be released soon by BJP. Earlier, in a meeting held on August 29 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the chairmanship of BJP National President JP Nadda, names of more than 50 candidates from Haryana were approved, reported ANI. However, it is being said that due to the rapidly changing political conditions in Haryana and the continuous joining of members in the party, the party has to reconsider many of these seats. Along with Haryana, the counting of votes in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on October 8. (With inputs from ANI)
28 October,2024 04:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe National Conference will prioritise the lifting of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir and put an end to the "unjust harassment faced by Kashmiri youth" if it is voted to power, party vice-president Omar Abdullah said on Saturday. Abdullah had pitched for the revocation of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in 2012 when he was chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. He had even announced that AFSPA would be revoked during his tenure but the proposal faced strong opposition from the Army. "The party (National Conference) reiterates its unwavering dedication to fulfilling the promises outlined in our manifesto. Once in power, the National Conference-led government will prioritise the lifting of AFSPA, putting an end to the unjust harassment faced by our youth," Abdullah said as he welcomed prominent political activists into the party. The National Conference leader said his party was committed to streamlining the passport verification process, creating job opportunities for the unemployed, and ensuring that every household had access to essential resources, increased ration and reliable utility services without putting a burden on their finances. Highlighting the significance of the party's manifesto, Abdullah said it truly reflected the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "This is precisely why it was rejected by the BJP," he said and warned that "every vote cast in favour of parties other than the National Conference and its allies will only serve to strengthen the BJP, regardless of the party chosen". Abdullah, who is contesting the assembly polls from the Ganderbal seat, said the National Conference is not interested in winning the elections through fear tactics against the BJP. "Instead, the party has developed a comprehensive manifesto that addresses the concerns of artisans, unemployed youngsters, agriculturalists, transporters, hoteliers, traders, and more. The manifesto not only identifies the issues but also presents a clear roadmap to tackle them effectively," he added. Elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1 and the results declared on October 8. The National Conference and the Congress have finalised a seat-share formula, with the parties contesting 51 and 32 seats, respectively. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 October,2024 04:00 PM IST | Srinagar | PTINational Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the BJP has "struck a deal" with some regional parties and some independent candidates to be part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI. Referring to remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Jammu, Abdullah said he was "silent" about Apni Party and People's Conference during his speech at the BJP's manifesto launch on Friday, reported PTI. "...those who have struck a deal with Delhi will not fulfill your demands. If you need evidence for this, just look at the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah in Jammu yesterday," the NC vice president said, reported PTI. "The home minister listed the parties with which the BJP will not form the government. He was, however, silent about the independents because they are hand in glove (with them). He was silent about Apni Party and People's Conference," he said, reported PTI. Addressing an Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections rally in Ganderbal assembly segment, Abdullah added, "I thought he would at least name the party of Engineer Rashid (Awami Ittehad Party) but he did not." While releasing the party manifesto in Jammu on Friday, Shah expressed confidence of forming the government in J-K. "There will be no government by the PDP, NC, and Congress ruled by dynasties. Rest possibilities, BJP will explore," Shah said. Abdullah is contesting polls from Ganderbal and Budgam assembly segments which will go to polls in the second phase of voting on September 25. Abdullah reiterated his claim that people who are in jails are specifically contesting against him and cited the names of Awami Ittehad Party's Sheikh Abdul Rashid -- who defeated him in the Lok Sabha polls -- and separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati who is pitted against the NC leader in the upcoming assembly polls, reported PTI. "I wonder why people in jail are after me and want to contest elections against me. What is the reason?" he asked. He had earlier suggested that Barkati, who was from Zainapora, Shopian, was contesting against him as part of "a conspiracy from Delhi", hinting again at the central government, reported PTI. Abdullah said it was not a coincidence that these jailed people are contesting polls against him. "They want to target only one person -- the National Conference candidate from Ganderbal," he said. In the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Barkati is also seeking election from the Beerwah seat, which was represented by Abdullah from 2014 to 2018. Barkati was a prominent face at the protest rallies in the south Kashmir districts of Shopian and Kulgam after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016. Barkati was first arrested in 2016 and booked under the Public Safety Act. He was again arrested last year and is facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reported PTI. The former chief minister said if the only criticism against him is that he does not live in Ganderbal, then it would be injustice against the people of the constituency. Candidates who have nothing to talk about raise issues like "local versus outsider", he said, reported PTI. "Wherever I may come from, I have worked in Ganderbal. I was MLA for six years from here and the MP three times. Leave aside that my grandfather was MLA from here, my grandmother was MP and my father was both MLA and MP for this segment, reported PTI. "My request to my detractors is to put forth what they have done for Ganderbal and I'll list my works here... Do you have anything to compare with the district hospital, the central university, the roads, physical education college and new administrative units? If you have done something to match these works of mine, I bear witness before God that I will leave the contest," he added. (With inputs from PTI)
28 October,2024 04:00 PM IST | Jammu and Kashmir | mid-day online correspondentAs the deadline for filing of nominations for the Haryana Assembly polls nears the prospective alliance between the Congress and the AAP is yet to reach a conclusion. On Monday AAP Haryana President Sushil Gupta said that the party would release the list of 90 candidates if no deal is struck by the end of the day. The statement was reiterated by Party RS MP Sanjay Singh who further said that the party has completed all the processes of selecting candidates for all legislative assembly seats in Haryana. On the speculations of the AAP-Congress alliance, Sanjay Singh said, “Sandeep Pathak has already given a statement on this issue and Sushil Gupta has also clarified the stand that we are fully prepared and we have completed the process of selecting candidates for all seats. As soon as they receive permission from the party or national president Arvind Kejriwal, they will announce the list and move forward with the elections. AAP is a national party and we have a strong organisation in Haryana. Our leaders Sandeep Pathak and Sushil Gupta have already given statements, as soon as they will receive directions from the party and Kejriwal Ji, we will move forward with whatever they have said (Sandeep Pathak and Sushil Gupta). Speaking to reporters, Singh said, “If you are talking about Sushil Gupta’s statements, then his statement is valid as well as right as the last date for nominations is September 12. The people who are working on the ground for the party will discuss it with the party’s president Arvind Kejriwal and take decisions to move forward unitedly, as we have less time.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 October,2024 03:59 PM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to ensure that the general elections to constitute the Panchayat Samiti, Shrirampur in Ahmednagar district, are conducted in "right earnest" and in accordance with the triple test laid down by it. A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari was hearing an appeal filed against the Bombay High Court order which declined to interfere in the petition challenging the election of a man as Chairperson of the Panchayat Samiti as reserved OBC category candidate despite the decision of this Court in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali case. The apex court said that as the term of the Panchayat Samiti is only up to February 23, 2022, it does not wish to precipitate the matter any further and accept the explanation offered by the Collector as a plausible error committed by him. "However, while disposing of this petition, we direct continuance of the interim order to the effect that the respondent No.7, who has been elected as Chairperson of the Panchayat Samiti, Shrirampur, shall not take any policy decision in connection with the Panchayat Samiti, until the general body elections of the said Samiti are conducted and the newly constituted Samiti takes over its affairs," the bench said. The apex court said it was not approving the action of the Collector, but it does not wish to issue directions to unseat respondent No. 7 owing to the short tenure left for conduct of general election for constitution of the Panchayat Samiti. "We direct the Maharashtra State Election Commission to ensure that the general elections to constitute the Panchayat Samiti, Shrirampur, are conducted in right earnest to ensure that the newly elected body takes over around the same time when the term of the incumbent Samiti expires. "Needless to observe that the general elections will be conducted strictly as per the decision of this Court in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali (supra)," the bench said. In March last year, a three-judge bench of the apex court had said the reservation in favour of the OBCs in the local bodies in Maharashtra cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total seats reserved for the SCs, STs and OBCs taken together. The top court on December 17, 2021 had directed the state election commissions of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to re-notify the seats reserved for the OBCs in the local bodies under the general category. The order referred to the Constitution bench verdict of 2010 that had mentioned three conditions, including the setting up of a dedicated commission to conduct a contemporaneous rigorous empirical inquiry into the nature and implications of the backwardness qua the local bodies in the states, which are required to be followed before provisioning such reservation for the OBC category. It had referred to the three conditions noted in the constitution bench verdict of 2010. The conditions included specifying the proportion of reservation required to be provisioned local body-wise in light of the recommendations of the commission so as not to fall foul of overbreadth and in any case, such reservation shall not exceed an aggregate of 50 per cent of the total seats reserved in favour of the SCs, STs and OBCs taken together. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 October,2024 11:29 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe election results in Karnataka will not have any impact on the outcome of the next year's Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said here on Saturday. Speaking to reporters about the Congress's victory in the southern state, Shinde said the BJP had earlier won elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland, and the issues in each of these three states were different. "Thus, the results in Karnataka will affect neither Lok Sabha elections nor the (Assembly) elections in Maharashtra," he said. One cannot forecast anything from election results of a single state, he added. Also Read: Victory of politics that unites country: Priyanka Gandhi on Karnataka results Shinde, who split the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in June 2022 and went on to become chief minister by joining hands with the BJP, also said that one must accept that the BJP had won the 2019 Assembly elections in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra (subsequently) witnessed a government in a coma," he said, in a veiled reference to the Thackeray-led government of the Sena, NCP and Congress. "People in Maharashtra want a government that will work for them. They are intelligent enough to understand the situation," Shinde added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 11:28 AM IST | Satara | PTIThe Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said it would start preparations for the Maharashtra elections even before the Lok Sabha elections get over. Addressing a press conference, its state unit president Sunil Tatkare said the party is taking steps to strengthen the organisation and make it more robust across the state by conducting district-wise reviews. He also claimed that several leaders from other parties will join the NCP on Monday. The NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in the state along with BJP and Shiv Sena. "The party has decided to work on the principle of 'Ekach Laksh, Vidhansabha Shetra'. Therefore, without waiting for the results of the Lok Sabha elections on June 4, the NCP is taking steps to strengthen the organization and make it more robust across the state by conducting district-wise reviews," Tatkare said. "An important meeting of NCP will be held at Garware Club House on May 27 from 11 am to 1 pm. The meeting will be attended by national leader Ajit Pawar, national working president MP Praful Patel, senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, ministers, MLAs, Lok Sabha candidates of the party and all district presidents," he added. Tatkare mentioned that while there is a review meeting scheduled for May 27, they will be introducing various programs to the organisation. He also noted that June 10 marks the foundation day of the party, and a discussion will be held within the core committee to prepare and plan programs in Mumbai and Delhi. "In this meeting, many leaders from both Maharashtra and other states will publicly join the Nationalist Congress Party. The leader joining the NCP will significantly alter the political landscape of the country and the state," said Tatkare. He further said that a meeting of the coordination committee of the Mahayuti will be convened soon after discussing with the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. "With the Maharashtra elections in mind and to facilitate further planning, the NCP is aiming to be more proactive, working from the village level to the state level. The party will be strengthened both at the state and national levels after the leaders join on Monday, which will significantly impact the upcoming elections," said Tatkare. He said that the state recorded an average voter turnout of 60 percent. "Voters enthusiastically came out to cast their votes even in the scorching sun. The Mahayuti coalition aimed to highlight national issues and present a national perspective for the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union leaders and state leaders of the alliance, held campaign meetings across the state. We emphasized that this election was crucial for the Parliament of the country and discussed national issues that determine the future of the nation. In contrast, the opposition resorted to low-level politics, focusing on local issues. Overall, the language used by the opposition during the campaign did not align with Maharashtra's culture and ideology," he added. Tatkare expressed confidence that the Mahayuti will achieve significant success in the Lok Sabha elections in the state. "The election battles were fierce, but the final victory will be ours. I attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings in Kalyan and Mumbai, which received an overwhelming response from the people. Now, everyone's eyes are on the results on June 4. The only discussion across the state is about what will happen in the country, the state, and specifically in the Marathwada, Vidarbha, West Maharashtra, Mumbai, and Konkan assembly constituencies. On this occasion, Sunil Tatkare expressed his belief that the Mahayuti will earn the people's votes," he said. Asked about the demand of the rival NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) for a reelection in Beed Lok Sabha constituency, Tatkare said the demand was being raised two weeks after the polling was held. "The opposition is alleging that our defeat in the elections is imminent, but these are baseless claims and an indirect admission of their declining voter base. Therefore, I don't think we need to take what the opposition says very seriously. Recently, people with little else to do have been recording and broadcasting videos from anywhere, creating the false impression that they understand the real situation. It's been a fortnight since polls were held in Beed, yet a re-poll is being demanded. We are in a democracy, and anyone can make demands, but there is no basis for this one. When elections are conducted democratically, any demand for a re-poll should be made immediately—on the evening of the election or the next day—not weeks later," he said. "They are calling for a re-poll after 15-20 days. This is because they know they are going to be defeated," Tatkare said.
17 October,2024 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarA 46-year-old woman was killed after getting caught in a clash between two armed groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, police said on Tuesday. The incident happened in the remote Thangbuh village on Sunday night, they said. A few houses in the village were also torched, forcing the locals to flee to nearby forests, they added. The deceased woman was identified as Nemjakhol Lhungdim. Her body was handed over to her family after a post-mortem examination at the Churachandpur district hospital, police said. A significant number of powerful bombs were discharged during the clash between the two sides, they said. Later that night, an exchange of fire was also reported between CRPF personnel stationed at a nearby school and militants, police said. No casualty was reported in that gunfight, they said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 September,2024 05:05 PM IST | Imphal | PTIAgitating junior doctors in West Bengal said they would continue their 'cease work’ to demand justice for the RG Kar hospital medic who was raped and murdered, despite Supreme Court directions to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday. Demanding the resignation of the state’s health secretary and director of health education (DHE), the protesting medics said that they would also take out a rally to 'Swasthya Bhavan' – the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake – on Tuesday noon. "Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We will continue our agitation as well as the ‘cease work’. We want the health secretary and DHE to resign. Tomorrow noon, we will hold a rally to the Swasthya Bhavan," one of the protesting doctors told PTI on Monday evening after a meeting of their governing body here. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found with injury marks in a seminar room of state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. She was allegedly raped and killed while on duty. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and protests. The junior doctors have been observing 'cease work' at state-run hospitals for about a month now. The Supreme Court on Monday directed the protesting medics to resume their duties by 5 pm on Tuesday to avoid adverse action by the state government. The court passed the direction after the West Bengal government assured it that no action, including punitive transfers, would be taken against the protesting doctors if they resumed work. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 09:58 AM IST | Kolkata | PTICongress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be no retirement age in politics, and those with ideological conviction and a will to serve the people and the country should do so till their last breath. The 82-year-old leader was speaking here on Monday at the launch of Congress veteran Sushil Kumar Shinde's memoir "Five Decades in Politics", written with journalist-author Rasheed Kidwai. Kharge said that Shinde shouldn't see himself a retired man at 83 as he still has a crucial role to play in strengthening the Congress party and spreading its ideology further among the masses. "You are 82-83 only.. Look at Morarji Desai. I believe no one should retire in politics. Those who have faith in their ideology, want to serve the nation, want to serve their community, then you have to work till your last breath and awaken the people of your country," Kharge said. Morarji Desai became India's oldest prime minister at the age of 81 in 1977. Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, clarified that none of it should be done seeking a ministry or other plush positions but as a "return gift" to the people of the country and the political party that has nurtured the person. "Whatever one has learnt in his life or whatever one has achieved, eventually you have to return it to the people," he added, hoping that Shinde will continue to work for the party where he achieved so much in his five-decades-long illustrious career. Apart from being the chief minister of Maharashtra from 2003 to 2004, Shinde has held some of the highest offices in the country, including the Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 2004-2006 and the Union home minister from 2012-2014. He was also UPA's vice-presidential candidate in 2002, and in the party he served as All India Congress Committee general secretary. Kharge also praised Shinde for his positive demeanour, saying he went about his business with an ever-present smile on his face, and did his work quietly without tom tomming about it. He argued that this quality of Shinde is rather rare in today's time when some people, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are all talk and no action. "He (Shinde) has amazing patience. I, frankly speaking, get angry very easily, and can't stop myself when I see injustice happening anywhere. But not him, Shinde ji is ever smiling. "To have that kind of attitude for 50 years is very difficult and he managed to do that. Not for nothing, he became chief minister, home minister, governor and achieved so much in his life," he added. Sushil Kumar Shinde, on the occasion, thanked the Congress party and especially the late former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for mentoring and guiding him all the way. "I have no words to thank Sonia Gandhi for what all she did for me. Because to take the decision of appointing a scheduled caste as the chief minister in Maharashtra was not an easy thing to do, and only someone like Sonia ji can do that... There is just so much that the party did for me," he noted, adding that he hopes the book will work as an inspiration to others. The book launch was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. The book, priced at Rs 599, is published by HarperCollins India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 08:53 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIForest General Manager Sanjay Pathak, has voiced disapproval over and rumours concerning the recent wolf attacks. Pathak criticised certain media outlets for misidentifying jackals as wolves, said, “Many media persons are running news without confirmation and calling jackals wolves.” Pathak added that such misinformation disrupts operations and confuses the team. Despite installing snap cameras using thermal technology to track wolves, no wolves have been detected so far. Pathak explained that the normalising river water levels and dried-up banks might have led the wolves to return to their natural habitat, which could explain the absence of wolf attacks in the past six to seven days. He warned that while they are currently issuing warnings to those spreading rumours, further action may be needed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:20 AM IST | Bahraich | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
