Shravan Kumar took the burden of his blind parents on his shoulders and took them on a trip. However, now if parents have to be taken on a pilgrimage, the burden may not fall on their shoulders but on their pockets. There are many pilgrimage sites in the country, which extend from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. It is easy to go on a trip to these pilgrimage sites but due to the possibility of high expenses, the plan keeps getting postponed. IRCTC comes up with many tour packages from time to time, which let you tour the country and the world on a budget. IRCTC also takes you on temple tours. During this summer holidays, you can take your parents to visit the seven Jyotirlingas. IRCTC is coming up with the best tour packages to visit the seven Jyotirlingas. Let us know the complete information about the tour package to visit Jyotirlingas. Where will the journey start Jyotirlinga darshan by IRCTC will start from Yoganagari Rishikesh railway station. Bharat Gaurav will be taken to visit 7 Jyotirlingas on a tourist train. Passengers can join the yatra from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Orai, Veerangana Laxmibai, Lalitpur. Which Jyotirlingas will we get darshan of? During the yatra, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, Bhent Dwarka, Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Ghrishneshwar and Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga will be visited. Facility This tour package includes 2 AC, 3 AC, and Sleeper class travel, breakfast and vegetarian lunch and dinner, and AC/non-AC buses to local places. When does the journey start? The tour package will commence from 22nd May 2024 to 2nd June 2024. The tour package will be of 11 nights and 12 days, in which you will be taken from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand to Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra to visit the Jyotirlingas. Pilgrimage expenses The ticket price for sleeper class during the journey will cost Rs 22150 per person and a child (5 to 11 years) staying with one/two or three persons will cost Rs 20800. For 3 AC passengers, you may have to spend Rs 36700 per person and for 2 AC passengers, you may have to spend Rs 48600 per person. If you want, you can pay the ticket expense of the tour package in EMI. EMI facility of Rs 1074 per month is also available. (PC: ISTOCK)
If you are planning to visit some good place during summer season. In such a situation, IRCTC has brought a very wonderful tour package for you. Under this package, you are getting a chance to visit the famous places of South India. South India has a special importance in Indian cultural history. There are many world famous temples in South India, where every year a large number of devotees come to visit. Apart from this, the dance, art, music and food here are also discussed a lot all over the world. In such a situation, you should not miss this tour package to visit South India. You are also getting many great facilities in this tour package of IRCTC. Let us know about it in detail in this episode - The name of this tour package of IRCTC is DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA. Under this tour package, you will be made to travel for a total of 11 nights and 12 days. This tour package is starting on May 3, 2024. Under this package you can start your journey from Ajmer / Bhilwara / Chittorgarh / Jaipur / Udaipur. Under this tour package you will be taken to Kanyakumari / Madurai / Mallikarjun / Rameshwaram / Tirupati / Trivandrum. This is a train tour package of IRCTC. Under this tour package, hotel arrangements will be made for your food and stay. Under this tour package of IRCTC, if you travel in comfort class with two or three people. In this case, the fare per person is Rs 35,860. Whereas if you are traveling in standard class with two or three people. In such a situation, the fare per person is Rs 30,550. (PC: Istock)
Greaves launches e-scooter at Rs 1.10 lakh with top speed of 93 kmph and 136 km range
Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited (GEMPL), the e-mobility arm of Greaves Cotton Limited, on Tuesday launched its first high-performance family electric scooter, the Ampere Nexus, at a starting introductory price of Rs 1,09,900 (ex-showroom).The Nexus is available in two variants the base EX (Rs 1.10 lakh) and the top-spec ST (Rs 1.20 lakh). These prices will rise by Rs 10,000 once the introductory offer period ends. Greaves Cotton claims that the Nexus is entirely designed, developed and manufactured in India, featuring multiple first-ever innovations and class-leading specifications.In the given price range, Nexus will compete against the likes of Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta and the Ola S1 Air. Greaves Cotton will be pinning hopes on the Nexus to boost its e-2Wheeler sales which took a hit after the government made changes in its subsidy scheme. K. Vijaya Kumar, Executive Director & CEO of Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited, said, This transition from leisurely to urban to high-speed models signifies a pivotal moment in our journey. With each stride forward in democratising e-mobility, we progress toward a more inclusive, sustainable future. Shares of Greaves Cotton closed 4.3% higher on Tuesday at Rs 141.90 apiece on the NSE. The e-scooter is powered by a 3 kWh battery and delivers a 4 kW peak motor power.It can do a top speed of 93 kmph and has five riding modes. It has a 136 km certified range. The company claims that the EVs battery has the safest LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry with 1.3 times more cycle life and fastest charging time of 3hr 22mins. The Ampere Nexus comes in four colours: Zanskar Aqua, Indian Red, Lunar White and Steel Grey. With five riding modes, front disc brakes and an IP67 rating, riders can navigate all terrains and climates, including flooded conditions, validated by this scooter's pre-launch ride covering 10,000 km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the electric vehicle maker said.
Three-year-old boy killed in road accident near Meilam in TN; hunt on for lorry driver
VILLUPURAM/KALLKURICHI: Three-year-old son of a farmer was killed in a road accident near Mailam on Saturday. While descending from an overhead bridge in Kooteripattu, the tractor the boy was travelling on collided with a lorry near the weekly market. Police said that the farmer, Siva (45) from Edapalayam, was transporting hollow bricks on his tractor to deliver them to his elder sister in Chengalpattu. Accompanying him were his three children, including his second child, S Devaviruthan (3). The collision with the lorry sent the tractor speeding across the road, and only after crossing a short distance from the site of the accident Siva noticed his second son was missing. He immediately rushed back to the spot and found his son under the lorry with severe injuries. The boy was taken to the Government Hospital in Tindivanam, where the doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The Mailam police registered a case and are on the lookout for the lorry driver who fled the scene. Bus overturns on highway, 9 passengers injured In a separate incident near Asanur in Ulundurpet, a private bus transporting 27 passengers from Nagercoil to Chennai overturned on the Tiruchy-Chennai National Highway during the wee hours of Saturday. The driver and the cleaner -- A Hariharan (56) from Ammapuram near Tiruchendur and S Sabarinathan (26) from Tanjore -- and seven passengers from Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Chennai, and Tuticorin districts suffered severe injuries. The Edaikkal Police said that the accident happened as the bus hit a roadside safety wall while attempting to overtake a lorry. The injured were transported to the Government Hospital in Ulundurpet. The traffic along the highway was affected for an hour as the police cleared the vehicle from the accident site.
This Elections is to Save Democracy, Says Rahul
New Delhi : A day before the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged people to support his party and asserted this is an election to save democracy and the Constitution which he alleged the BJP-RSS are trying to destroy. Gandhi, who is seeking a second-straight term from Wayanad in Kerala, in a video appeal said this election is to save democracy and the Constitution. On one hand there is the BJP and the RSS that are trying to finish democracy and destroying the Constitution and on the other hand there is the Congress and the INDIA alliance that is saving democracy and the Constitution, the former Congress chief said. We walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir for over 4,000 km, we traversed from Manipur to Maharashtra and after speaking with you and listening to your issues we prepared our revolutionary manifesto. This is your manifesto. It is prepared by the Congress but this is your voice, Gandhi said in his appeal to the people. Support the Congress, save the Constitution and press the hand button, he said in the appeal. In a post on X in Hindi along with the video appeal, Gandhi said, In this election to protect the Constitution and democracy, to form the government of Indians, coming.
Karnataka: Congress leader part of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, joins BJP
In a surprising political development, Dr Shushrutha Gowda, who recently walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir alongside Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, announced his departure from the Congress party.
Voter Turnout App figures are right: CEO
Chennai: Amidst persistent criticism over the repeated changes in the voting percentage put out by the Election Commission of India, the States Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sathyabrata Sahoo clarified the reason behind the faux pas and said that Voter Turnout App gave the right figures. Since the media was always in a hurry to publish the voting percentage and the details were obtained over telephone in haste from the various Returning Officers (RO) and Assistant Returning Officers (ARO) in the field and passed on there was bound to be some error in the immediate tabulation, Sahoo told media persons in Chennai on Monday. However, only when the details were submitted in writing by the ROs and AROs they became the final figure and that too was passed on to themedia, he said. The Voter Turnout App figures were accurate, he said. Asked about the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct after the completion of polls in the State on Friday, Sahoo said that it would be in force in 12 districts that shared a border with other States where polling had not been completed. So, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Salem, Erode, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi ad Tirupattur districts would continue to enforce the MCC till the elections in the neighbouring States were completed, he said. He said the polled EVMs hadbeen stored in the strong rooms of 39 Counting Centres (43 buildings) for the 39 Parliamentary Constituencies after the conclusion of poll on Friday. The ECI had allotted 190 companies of CAPF/SAP toTamil Nadu for elections and 15 companies had been retained after the polling process was over, for guarding the strong rooms. Adequate security was being provided to all the counting centers as per ECI guidelines. The strong roomswere secured with a double lock system and three layers of security cover were being provided to each of the counting centers, he said. The inner perimeter of the counting center is under the direct control of CAPF personnel, the second security layer is manned by State Armed Police Force. The third layer of security is provided by the State Police. The entire Counting centre is under CCTV surveillance andthe ROs visit the strong rooms daily to check the security of the strong room, he said. As per the direction of ECI, Flying SquadTeams and Static Surveillance Teams were being deployed at the districtssharing borders with neighbouring States and at strategic locations till the counting day, he added.
LS polls: Final polling percentage stands at 69.72 per cent in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: The final polling percentage in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha elections stands at 69.72 per cent, according to an announcement made by Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, on Sunday. Of the total number of voters - 6,23,33,925 in Tamil Nadu, 4,34,58,875 have polled their votes for the Lok Sabha elections. Women voters have outnumbered the men in the electoral rolls. In exercising their franchise too, they are ahead of men. Of the 3,17,19,665 women voters, 2,21,58,256 have turned up at the polling booths on April 19. Similarly, of the 3,06,05,793 men voters, 2,12,97,903 voters have exercised their franchise. According to the final voting percentages, Dharmapuri constituency polled the highest: 81.20 per cent, while Chennai Central constituenced polled the least: 53.96 per cent. Polling percentages in all 39 constituenies are as follows: Thiruvallur (SC) - 68.59% Chennai North - 60.11% Chennai South - 54.17% Chennai Central - 53.96% Sriperumbudur - 60.25% Kancheepuram (SC) - 71.68% Arakkonam - 74.19% Vellore - 73.53% Krishnagiri - 71.50% Dharmapuri - 81.20% Tiruvannamalai - 74.24% Arani - 75.76% Villpuram (SC) - 76.52% Kallakurichi - 79.21% Salem - 78.16% Namakkal - 78.21% Erode - 70.59% Tirupur - 70.62% The Nilgiris - 70.95% Coimbatore - 64.89% Pollachi - 70.41% Dindigul - 71.14% Karur - 78.70% Trichy -67.51% Perambalur - 77.43% Cuddalore - 72.57% Chidambaram (SC) - 76.37% Mayiladuthurai - 70.09% Nagapattinam (SC) - 71.94% Thanjavur - 68.27% Sivaganga - 64.26% Madurai - 62.04% Theni - 69.84% Virudhunagar - 70.22% Ramanathapuram - 68.19% Thoothukudi - 66.88% Tenkasi (SC) - 67.65% Tirunelveli - 64.10% Kanyakumari - 65.44%
Thiruvananthapuram's tumultuous tides: Residents' fight for recognition amid political promises
G. Sundari Born : 16-05-1907 Dead : 08-05-2008 A six-feet grave positioned precariously along the curvy slope next to the reservoir remains a mute spectator as Mallika unfolds her tale of woes with a resigned look, eerily similar to the seemingly quiet yet deeply turbulent waters swirling a mere couple of metres away. Pointing to the tomb, the 62-year-old narrates how the family was left with no choice but to bury her 101-year-old mother on the tiny piece of land that could get submerged anytime the water rises. Many families have moved away as living here has become a difficult affair. We seem to be trapped in red tapism, Mallika says, referring to the stringent regulations enforced by the tourism, forest and irrigation departments that make it difficult for about 25 families residing along the Neyyar dam reservoir to get title deeds for their land. All of them promise to give us title deeds. Weve tried out both fronts (referring to LDF and UDF). Why should we be reluctant to try BJP out too? asks Sulochana, 56, who has been running a shop near the dam for the past 15 years, as her husband Nadimuthu, 60, watches on. L Esther, running a petty shop for over three decades, has lost count of the money she has had to borrow from the blade mafia. The residents here are evidently an ignored lot. Despite possessing sarkari documents like voters ID and ration card, title deeds have somehow eluded them till date. Lacking permission, they are unable to carry out maintenance work either. Mallika next to her mothers grave near Neyyar Dam. Staying in my house would have been nice had there been no monkeys, rues Rajamma, 80, who sleeps at her daughters house for fear of both animal attacks and the looming threat of rising waters. Similar complaints are shared by several residents of the fourth ward at Kallikkad, one of the border panchayats between Kattakkada and Parassala, under the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency. Of its seven assembly segments, six stand with the LDF five having CPM MLAs. Ironically, this coastal belt could prove the most crucial support base for UDF candidate and incumbent MP Shashi Tharoor to retain his seat. The state capital, witnessing a three-cornered fight, holds a special place in the saffron partys wish list as the BJP hopes to open its account this time around through Rajeev Chandrasekhar. On the other hand, the LDF has veteran CPI leader Pannian Raveendran contesting to win back not just the seat but its lost honour too. The constituency comprises about a lakh-strong techie population, in addition to about 20% of Tamil-origin populace and a miniscule north Indian community that have made Kerala their home. Contrary to the general feeling, techies are actually keen observers of political developments, opines Rajeev Krishnan, ex-president of Prathidhwani, an outfit of IT employees. As a community, techies are politically aware. The fourth phase development of Technopark is crucial, he feels. Florence, a fisherwoman at Poovar junction. Upper class and upper caste urban voters, youth, techies, and the coastal community remain the deciding factors in any election in Thiruvananthapuram. And the tribals? The drive from Kallikkadu to Amboori, a pristine border village surrounded by hills and forests, clearly reveal why development remains a distant dream in this faraway land located in the foothills of Agastyaarkoodam. Construction for a bridge at Kumbichal Kadav has been moving at a snails pace while those going to Puravimala turn to their very own boatman, Thankappan, in times of crisis. The Puravimala tribal settlement consists of about 100 families, mostly Kani tribes from Puravimala, Thenmala, Kunnathumala, Kannamamodu, Karikkuzhi and Chakkappara. Led by their chief, Maniyan Kani, the families here primarily depend on agriculture, but the wildlife makes life difficult for them. Wild boars, monkeys, bisons and squirrels make sure we dont get anything to eat. Ive rubber tapping work too. At times, we depend on private financiers. But Im able to look after my family, says 67-year-old Nangeli, beaming with pride. At Karakkonam, a good 17km away from Amboori, Keralas Thiruvananthapuram and TNs Kanyakumari constituencies curiously share the same street. In the middle of the small town, an LDF campaign vehicle has been blaring relentlessly the virtues of voting for the Left. At the local library at Desasevini, a bunch of youngsters are busy chatting. Are you first-time voters? Why do you want to know? I think, I could be. Anyway, Im not going to vote, answers a youngster after much persuasion. Catching up with a bunch of elderly fisherfolk at Poovar junction, one cannot but help admire their socially aware electoral stance. Florence, 52, apprises you of how erosion has been playing havoc on the Kerala coast, especially after the Vizhinjam port construction began. Water enters our houses every time the sea gets rough. Some of those who lost houses were given flats. Its also a fact that we were given 3.5 cents and `10 lakh, she admits ruefully. The resentment over the Vizhinjam project is sure to affect the prospects of all three fronts in different ways. As you enter the coastal belt of Pozhiyoor and move along to Karimkulam and Vizhinjam, you come across ardent party supporters. While they are keen to make you politically wiser, the wait continues for their dreams to finally materialise.
BJP puts up an extraordinary fight this election
Chennai : For the first time in its electoral history, Tamil Nadu witnessed the BJP putting up an aggressive fight in the present Lok Sabha elections by going for the jugular of the ruling DMK and trying to win over the people of the State by bringing in all the top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for campaign. While the BJP had been fighting elections in the State since its inception, it had managed to win a seat in Lok Sabha on its own only once when Pon Radhakrishnan won the 2014 polls from his Kanyakumari constituency. All the other electoral victories of the BJP had come only in league with one of the Dravidian majors. So, it was a surprise that the party had been hitherto content with the also ran tag by giving the major slice of the triumphs in both Assembly and Parliamentary elections to its domineering allies, wanting to lead an alliance in the State. Though it faced the problem of finding allies, the PMK finally latched onto it, enabling it to head the third alliance in the State. But more than that, what distinguished its campaign this time was the scathing direct attack on the States ruling party, the DMK, which has found a major role to play in the national INDIA coalition that is projecting itself as the potential alternative to the BJP at the all-India level. By engaging the DMK in a direct fight, the BJP also raked up a wide range of issues that had a distinct Tamil sentimental flavour. For example by bringing out facts from old records to prove that the late M Karunanidhi was privy to the decision of the Congress government in the handing over of the Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka way back in 1974, it tried to portray the DMK as a party that had betrayed the interests of Tamil people. The narrative that it tried to set was that one of the present day problems of fishermen from Tamil Nadu, the regular arrests on the high seas by the Sri Lankan Navy that also seized their fishing boats, was all because of the DMK governments apathy. It was also driven home by the Prime Minister, who made about 10 visits to the State just ahead of the April 19 election. It was also the first time that a Prime Minister held roadshows in the State to whip up support for the BJP that had no base in most parts of the State and tried to impress upon the people through his quintessential Tamil attire and praise of Tamil language and cuisine. That his practice of delivering speeches in Hindi might not go well with the people of the State who are used to listening to past Prime Ministers speaking in English when they visit the State was never a deterrent to the BJPs bid to win at least a couple of seats. Even other BJP leaders took a strident stand against the DMKs campaign for State Rights that included exemption for the State from NEET. State President K Annamalai, a candidate from Coimbatore constituency, openly supported NEET even at the height of the campaign. To put it otherwise, the BJP, without compromising on its principles, made an effective attempt to capture the imagination of the Tamil people by offering it as an alternative to the DMK. Whether the BJP succeeds in the game plan or not, it fought the good fight, finishing the race.
Lok Sabha Elections: Coastal politics heat up in India's 'unique' southern tip - Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, a unique constituency in Tamil Nadu, boasts a diverse demographic composition with Christians, Hindus, and Muslims coexisting. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections witness a heated battle between incumbent MP Vijay Vasanth and BJP's Pon Radhakrishnan, with critical issues like infrastructure projects and fisher community concerns taking center stage. The electoral landscape further evolves with other candidates entering the fray, promising to address pressing issues and secure support from the coastal community. As the electorate eagerly awaits the outcome, the future trajectory of Kanyakumari hangs in the balance.
6.23 crore voters set to vote in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: In the first phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections on Friday, 6.23 crore voters - 3.06 crore men, 3.17 crore women and 8,467 members of the third gender - will exercise their franchise to elect 39 MPs from Tamil Nadu from among the 950 contestants, 76 of them women, in the fray with about 1.3 lakh police personnel, including 190 companies of the Central Armed Police Force, keeping a close watch on the entire electoral proceedings. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo said on Thursday that the Election Commission was fully prepared to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner. For the first time free transport would be provided to people with disabilities (PwD) and those aged above 85 if they booked for the facility through Saksham App or call 1950. While PwD comprises 4.61 lakh of the total electorate, 6.14 lakh are aged 85 years and above, the CEO said, adding that first time voters (18 -19 years) alone account for 10.92 lakh. Polling will start at 7 am and go on till 6 pm in 68,321 polling stations. Tokens would be issued from the last voter standing in the queue at 6 pm and facilitate them to exercise their franchise, Sahoo said. The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4 at 39 counting centres in the State. Arrangements have been to webcast polling from 44,801 (65 percent) stations. A total of 3.32 lakh polling personnel have been involved in the exercise and 15 companies of CRPF would be deployed at counting centres in addition to the local police personnel, Sahoo said. About 8,050 vulnerable polling stations and 181 critical polling stations have been identified and an additional 3,500 personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Armed Police force and 4,500 persons from the Home Guards of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would be deployed in those booths. On the number of the EVMs used for the polls, he said the Election Commission had moved 1,58,568 Ballot Units, 81,157 Control Units and 86,858 VVPATs. Of them about 325 Ballot Units, 326 Control Units and 346 VVPATs would be used for the by-election in the Vilavancode assembly constituency in Kanyakumari district. Voters could locate their polling stations on https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/pollingstation All eligible voters whose names figure in the electoral rolls should carry any one of the following documents: Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, Unique Disability ID, Service Identity Card, Passbook Issued by Bank, MGNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance, Driving Licence, Passport, Smart Card, Pension Document and Official Identity Card. Till Thursday,election officials had seized cash worth Rs 173.85 crore, liquor valued at Rs 6.67 crore, drugs/narcotics worth Rs 1.13 crore, precious metal: Rs 1,083.77 crore and other items/freebies for Rs 35.78 crore, thus totally to Rs 1,301.22 crore, he said. A total of 3,32,233 polling personnel had already been given three levels of training for the job and 39 general observers, 20 police observers and 58 expenditure observers had been deployed, he said. Through C-Vigil the facility started to enable citizens lodge complaints of Model Code of Conduct violations, 4,861 complaints were received and 3,855 of them were found to be valid. Talking about MCC violations, he said 3,71,129 cases had been recorded and 3,41,711 defacement public walls had been removed. Defacements of private walls that were removed amounted to 1,29,005. Sahoo hoped that the polling percentage on Friday would go up as a sustained campaign was carried out by the Election Commission. Sahoo himself sang a song for a video, urging the youth to cast their votes.
Tamil Nadu All Set to Vote Today
Chennai: All the 39 constituencies of the State, along with the lone seat in neighbouring Puducherry, are going to polls on Friday in the first phase of the nation-wide Lok Sabha elections that for the first time saw the ruling DMK in the State, particularly Chief Minister M K Stalin, spearheading a campaign to bring about a change at the national level, thus lending an acrimonious hue to it in its last stages. In a break from the electoral traditions of the State, the BJP headed a third front to fight the usual alliances headed by the DMK and AIADMK, turning the three week campaign into an acerbic exchange of words, ideas and ideologies and displaying an unusual desperation to find a toe hold in the State, where it had won seats in the past only by riding piggyback on either of the Dravidian majors other than in 2014 when Pon Radhakrishnan romped home in Kanyakumari. The BJPs highly charged campaign brought the top brass of the party - Prime Minister Narendra Modi alone made nine visits to campaign for candidates of its alliance and launched a strident attack on the DMK and its leaders, both past and present to the State. Modi also made a bid to appropriate the legacy of AIADMK icons M G Ramchandran and J Jayalalithaa by showering praises on their memory. While the DMK managed to retain almost all its allies of the coalition that won 38 of the 39 seats in 2019 and also became a part of the national opposition coalition, INDIA, and ensured that its campaigners reached every nook and cranny of the State with Stalin himself visiting all the constituencies apart from his son and State Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the main rival AIADMK was struggling to find allies. The AIADMK that broke its ties with the BJP in September, 2023, finally could get only the DMDK, founded by the late Vijayakanth, as a major ally, though its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami went on a whirlwind tour of the State as perhaps the lone star campaigner of the party. The Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), the only major party to field candidates in all the constituencies 50 per cent of them women also made its presence felt on the campaign scene, with its chief coordinator Seeman addressing meetings all over the State in support of his candidates. The NTK overcame an initial setback that came in the form of his old symbol being allotted to some other party. Then it was give the microphone symbol, over which too there were minor issues. Otherwise, 950 candidates are in the fray and the over 6.23 crore voters would exercise their franchise at nearly 68,000 polling stations from 7 am on Friday though the counting of votes would happen only on June 4 after all the seven phases of polling were completed. Among the constituencies that gained some significance in the run up to the polls were Coimbatore, from where BJP State President is contesting. It also came into limelight following Rahul Gandhi visit to the constituency that saw him jump over a median to buy sweets for his brother Stalin from a shop. With the DMKs IT wing publicizing the video that went viral, Rahul Gandhis singular visit to the State earned more prominence than all the campaigns undertaken by a slew of national leaders of the BJP, Modi, Amit Shah, J P Nadda, Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman. The campaign in general saw the raking up of ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974, parties like BJP, AIADMK, PMK and NTK taking about a rise in drug usage in the State with a vow to eliminate it if they were voted in. The PMK is focusing on Dharmapuri, where Sowmiya Anbumani is in the fray, while the DMK, AIADMK and Congress have fielded many old hands DMK's Dayanidhi Maran (Central Chennai), A Raja (Nilgiris), Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi), BJP's L Murugan (Nilgiris), Tamilisai Soundararajan (South Chennai), former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (Ramanathapuram), Congress party's Karti Chidambaram (Sivaganga) and AIADMK's J Jayavardhan (South Chennai) and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran are among the popular faces in the fray. While the crux of BJPs campaign was aimed at unseating the DMK by accusing it of corruption and practicing dynasty, the DMK had said that the election was about not who should win but about who should not by pointing to the alleged corruption and failures of the BJP government in the past 10 years. Stalin had also been repeatedly highlighting the BJPs neglect of Tamil Nadu and winning over the States rights.
Elections 2024: BJP, Dravidian giants pull out all stops as battleground Tamil Nadu braces to vote
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu was marked by fierce campaigns and acrimonious debates, and a never-before-seen kind of spirited fight put up by the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to gain a foothold in the Dravidian land in 2024 was a striking feature. Elections to 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state will be held on Friday and the fate of 950 candidates will be decided by about 6.23 crore voters who are set to exercise their franchise in nearly 68,000 polling stations. The election mood set in pretty early in the state, in January, with the commencement of repeated visits by Modi, who combined development and honour for Tamil language and culture as his main election plank, which also had the key element of denouncing DMK-Congress over alleged corruption and 'parivarvad' politics. The state witnessed intense campaigning for nearly a month, starting in March. Coimbatore, the hub of western Tamil Nadu, is the most keenly watched constituency in the state and the BJP's K Annamalai is slogging to emerge victorious, battling against Dravidian giants the DMK and AIADMK. He also faces a challenge from the Tamil nationalist Naam Tamilar Katchi in the four-way contest with anti-DMK-Congress votes split into three. The lone joint rally of Congress' Rahul Gandhi and DMK President MK Stalin in Coimbatore is a pointer to the focus on the constituency . Arguably, the 2024 LS polls is the only one in recent history in which the BJP set the tone for campaign discourse by mounting attacks rather than being in defence by coming up with disclosures on the Katchatheevu issue , besides vehemently taking up other matters. The Katchatheevu issue led to a slanging match between the Saffron party, led by a fierce Annamalai and the DMK-Congress combine. While the BJP alleged betrayal by the DMK-Congress, the Dravidian and grand old party posed questions on Chinese incursions. Modi's campaign also saw the Katchatheevu issue gain prominence to a great degree and he sought to pin down the DMK-Congress, saying fishermen now pay the price for their betrayal. The PM also dwelt on the drug menace, following the arrest of expelled DMK office-bearer Jaffer Sadiq by the NCB and the threat to eradicate Sanatana Dharma. In effect, Modi's campaign was exhaustive in Tamil Nadu and he has addressed rallies in constituencies including Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore and Tirunelveli. A PM visiting Tamil Nadu nine times before a LS election is undoubtedly a first in the state's history. It demonstrated the BJP's resolve to break the electoral jinx it faces in the Dravidian land, almost on its own, with the support of only a few allies, whose influence is confined to select regions. The Pattali Makkal Katchi, the BJP's key ally, has focused its energies in Dharmapuri, where Sowmiya Anbumani is in the fray. DMK's Dayanidhi Maran (Central Chennai), A Raja (Nilgiris), Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi), BJP's L Murugan (Nilgiris), Tamilisai Soundararajan (South Chennai), former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (Ramanathapuram), Congress Party's Karti Chidambaram (Sivaganga), AIADMK's J Jayavardhan (South Chennai) and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran are among the prominent candidates. Barring the 2014 victory of Pon Radhakrishnan from the Kanyakumari segment, the Saffron party, since 1998, has won in Tamil Nadu only when it aligned with either the AIADMK or DMK, the Dravidian twins. South Chennai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and Vellore are the seats where the BJP nominees have gone the extra mile to convince voters. DMK president and Chief Minister Stalin, the star campaigner of his party, led the campaign on the themes of social justice , his regime's welfare measures and the dangers the nation faced due to the BJP, which have wrecked fiscal federalism. He often described the polls as the second independence movement to free the nation from the BJP's divisive politics and repeated the electoral bond scam to claim that it has unmasked the corrupt face of the BJP. The Saffron party will do away with reservation and change the Constitution and that it is allergic to social justice were among the allegations he made in his campaigns. EXCLUSIVE | BJP still not able to understand the political climate of Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin On expected lines, DMK vows to act against NEET, CAA, UCC in its manifesto A key focus of the DMK's campaign was its attle to get funds from the Centre, including for flood relief . Stalin and his party leaders said not a rupee was given by the Centre and Nirmala Sitharaman's claim of Rs 5,000 crore in central assistance to tackle the situation arising out of floods was actually the state's own borrowing from banks merely channelled through the Union government. Stalin, throughout his campaign, did not spare the main opposition, the AIADMK. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of CM Stalin and a minister, crisscrossed the state, held roadshows and targeted the BJP on a slew of issues, including the Madurai AIIMS being a non-starter. When Udhayanidhi repeatedly attacked PM as 29 paisa Modi as the Centre returned only 29 paisa out of every one rupee paid as tax to the Union government by the state, Annamalai countered, saying no other state received as much funds as Tamil Nadu from the Centre and if he did not stop the 29 paisa jibe, his party will refer to him as Ganja Udhayanidhi as the contraband is available widely in the state. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was among the early birds on the poll landscape and he addressed a rally of ally SDPI in January and said there is no need to project a 'PM face' to seek votes. The main opposition party's campaign was steered by Palaniswami, the former CM and leader of the opposition, who took on the ruling DMK over every single issue that mattered, including the alleged collapse of law and order and the drug menace. Towards the end of the campaign, he fiercely attacked the BJP for being discriminatory on the basis of caste and religion. When Annamalai claimed AIADMK would disappear following polls, without losing cool, Palaniswami, in a repartee, said voters will teach them a lesson and no force could touch the party that has stormed several struggles. Identical manifestos: Rivals DMK & AIADMK on same page Battle between ideas of Periyar, social justice and that of RSS, PM Modi: Rahul in TN poll rally AIADMK not worried about opinion poll predictions: EPS
Kishan Reddy asserts Modis widespread popularity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Hyderabad: Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy emphasized that discussions about Prime Minister Modis re-election are resonating across the nation, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Addressing the media on the occasion of Uppal BRS former MLA Beti Subhash Reddy and his wife, former corporator Beti Swapna, joining the BJP, Reddy highlighted the receipt []
Tamil Nadu gearing up for LS polls, with BJP working hard to secure victory
Tamil Nadu gearing up for LS polls, with BJP working hard to secure victory Tamil Nadu is all set to vote on April 19 for the Lok Sabha polls, that was marked by fierce campaigns and acrimonious debates, and a never seen before kind of spirited fight put up by the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to gain a foothold in the Dravidian land in 2024 was a striking feature. Elections to 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state will be held on Friday and the fate of 950 candidates will be decided by about 6.23 crore voters who are set to exercise their franchise in nearly 68,000 polling stations. The election mood set in pretty early in the state, in January, with the commencement of repeated visits by Modi who combined development and honour for Tamil language and culture as his main election plank that also had the key element of denouncing DMK-Congress over alleged corruption and 'parivarvad' politics. The state witnessed intense campaigning for nearly a month starting from March. Coimbatore, the hub of western Tamil Nadu is the most keenly watched constituency in the state and BJP's K Annamalai is slogging to emerge victorious battling against Dravidian giants the DMK and AIADMK. He also faces challenge from the Tamil nationalist, Naam Tamilar Katchi in the four-way contest with anti-DMK-Congress votes split into three. In his electoral parting shot Annamalai asserted ''Dravidian politics'' is not needed anymore in Tamil Nadu and described himself as a son and younger brother of people. Arguably, the 2024 LS polls is the only one in recent history in which the BJP set the tone for campaign discourse by mounting attacks rather than being in defence by coming up with disclosures on Katchatheevu issue besides vehemently taking up other matters. Katchatheevu issue led to a slanging match between the Saffron party, led by a fierce Annamalai and the DMK-Congress combine. While the BJP alleged betrayal by the DMK-Congress, the Dravidian and grand old party posed questions on ''Chinese incursions.'' Modi's campaign also saw Katchatheevu issue getting prominence to a great degree and he sought to pin down the DMK-Congress saying fishermen now pay the price for their betrayal. The PM also dwelt on the drug menace, following the arrest of expelled office-bearer of the DMK, Jaffer Sadiq by the NCB and the threat to ''eradicate Sanatana Dharma.'' In effect, Modi's campaign was exhaustive in Tamil Nadu and he has addressed rallies in constituencies including Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore and Tirunelveli. A PM visiting TN nine times before a LS election is undoubtedly a first in the state's history. It demonstrated the BJP's resolve to break the electoral jinx it faces in the Dravidian land, almost on its own, with the support of only fewer allies, whose influence is confined to select regions. The Pattali Makkal Katchi, the BJP's key ally has focused its energies in Dharmapuri, where Sowmiya Anbumani is in the fray. DMK's Dayanidhi Maran (Central Chennai), A Raja (Nilgiris), Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi), BJP's L Murugan (Nilgiris), Tamilisai Soundararajan (South Chennai), former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (Ramanathapuram), Congress party's Karti Chidambaram (Sivaganga) and AIADMK's J Jayavardhan (South Chennai) and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran are among the prominent candidates. Barring the 2014 victory of BJP veteran Pon Radhakrishnan from Kanyakumari segment, the Saffron party won in Tamil Nadu, since 1998, only when it aligned with either the AIADMK or DMK, the Dravidian twins. South Chennai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and Vellore are the seats where the BJP nominees have gone the extra mile to convince voters. DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin, the star campaigner of his party, led the campaign on the themes of social justice, his regime's welfare measures and ''dangers'' the nation faced due to the BJP, which has wrecked fiscal federalism. He often described the polls as the second independence movement to free the nation from the BJP's ''divisive politics'' and repeated the ''electoral bond scam'' to claim that it has unmasked the corrupt face of the BJP. The Saffron party will do away with reservation and change the Constitution and it is allergic to social justice were among the allegations he made in his campaigns. A key focus of the DMK's campaign was on its ''battle'' to get funds from Centre including for flood relief. Stalin and his party leaders said not a rupee was given by the Centre and Nirmala Sitharaman's claim of Rs 5,000 crore central assistance to tackle the situation arising out of floods was actually the state's own borrowing from banks merely channelled through the Union government. Stalin throughout his campaign did not spare the main opposition AIADMK. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of CM Stalin and a Minister crisscrossed the state, held roadshows and targeted the BJP on a slew of issues including the ''Madurai AIIMS being a non-starter.'' When Udhayanidhi repeatedly attacked PM as ''29 paisa Modi'' as the Centre returned only ''29 paisa out of every one rupee paid as tax'' to the Union government by the state, Annamalai countered saying no other state received as much funds as Tamil Nadu from the Centre and if he did not stop the 29 paisa jibe, his party will refer to him as 'Ganja Udhayanidhi'' as the contraband is ''available widely'' in the state. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was among the early birds on poll landscape and he addressed a rally of ally SDPI in January and said there is no need to project a 'PM face' to seek votes. The main opposition party's campaign was steered by Palaniswami, former CM and leader of opposition who took on the ruling DMK over every single issue that mattered, including alleged collapse of law and order and drug menace. Towards the end of the campaign, he fiercely attacked the BJP for being discriminatory on the basis of ''caste and religion.'' When Annamalai claimed AIADMK would disappear following polls, without losing cool, Palaniswami in a repartee said voters will teach them a lesson and no force could touch the party that has stormed several struggles.
Nainar Nagenthran has an edge over opponents in Tirunelveli
In southern TN, it is eyeing Lok Sabha constituencies such as Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi Virudhunagar, Theni and Ramanathapuram
Southern Railway Rolls Out Special Trains For Voters Heading Home Ahead Of LS Elections
Kanyakumari superfast special is scheduled to depart from Tambaram at 4:45 PM on April 18 and 20.
Jammu-Srinagar Rail Link to Bridge Connectivity Gap by June: Officials
SRINAGAR: Railway authorities have announced that the ambitious railway line connecting Katra to Sangaldan is set to be completed by June this year, with rapid progress being made on the project. Presently, trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, while services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. The impending [] The post Jammu-Srinagar Rail Link to Bridge Connectivity Gap by June: Officials appeared first on Kashmir Life .
283 students graduate at St Johns convocation
BENGALURU: As many as 283 students, including 148 MBBS students, 109 postgraduates, 24 super specialty postgraduates and two PhD scholars, received their degrees during the 57th Annual Convocation and College Day of St Johns Medical College on Tuesday. Sixteen postgraduate students came in the top 5 university ranking in Karnataka. Three of them received the university gold medal Dr Jeganish in Community Medicine, Dr Shawn Serrao in Psychiatry and Dr Arkaja Tripathy in Radiation Oncology. Ten of the 24 super speciality PG students secured the top 5 university ranks in the state. Four of them also secured the university first rank Dr Priyanka J in Critical Care, Dr Anjali S Raj in Neonatology, Dr Dyan DSouza in Pediatric Surgery and Dr Devamish GN in Gastroenterology. Tessy Thomas, former director general of Aeronautical Systems, DRDO, also known as the The Missile Woman of India and currently Vice-Chancellor of NICHE University, Kanyakumari, was the chief guest.
In southern Tamil Nadu, Congress & ADMK on guard against BJP's caste mix
Parts of southern Tamil Nadu, which host Congress' sitting constituencies such as Kanyakumari, Sivaganga and Virudhunagar, besides Tirunelveli where it is in the fray, are witnessing interesting contests with the Congress leaning a lot on the DMK, while its traditional rival here, the AIADMK, banking on the hope of its core vote base remaining intact in the absence of a charismatic leader even as the BJP is trying to make inroads by attempting a caste concoction.
People have clearly understood that Modi needs to go: Kanyakumari MP
Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth opens up on anti-incumbency, criticism, projects and challenges
Jammu- Srinagar Rail Link Ready by June this Year
The ambitious railway line linking Katra to Sangaldan is on track to be finalized by June this year, railway authorities have announced, with work progressing rapidly. Presently, trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, while services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. The impending connection between Katra and Sangaldan []
Kanyakumari. Tehri Garhwal. Mithila. Seemanchal.
Indian Rail Transport Day 2024: Know These Lesser-known facts about Indian Railways
Indian Rail Transport Day 2024:As the sun rises on April 16, 2024, India marks yet another milestone in its rich railway history - Indian Rail Transport Day. This auspicious occasion commemorates the inauguration of the first-ever passenger train journey on April 16, 1853, from Bori Bunder to Thane, covering a distance of 34 km. Over the years, Indian Railways has evolved into one of the world's busiest and most intricate networks, connecting the nation's vast expanse and facilitating the movement of billions of passengers and goods annually. While many are familiar with the extensive reach and operational prowess of Indian Railways, there are several lesser-known facts that add layers of fascination to this colossal transportation system. India's Fastest Train: Tearing through the tracks at a breathtaking speed of 180 kmph, the Vande Bharat Express stands as a testament to India's engineering prowess. In stark contrast, the Mettupalayam-Ooty Nilgiri passenger train chugs along at a leisurely pace of 10 kmph, offering passengers a scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of southern India. Train with the Longest Route: Embarking on an epic journey spanning 4286 km, the Vivek Express traverses the length of the Indian subcontinent, connecting the northeastern town of Dibrugarh to the southern tip of Kanyakumari. Clocking in around 82 hours and 30 minutes, this transcontinental voyage is not just the longest in India but also holds its place as one of the most remarkable train journeys in the world. Longest Railway Platform in India: Stretching over a staggering 1366 meters, the platform at Gorakhpur Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh stands as a colossal testament to Indian Railways' engineering marvels. Surpassing the previous record held by Kharagpur station, this mammoth platform offers a glimpse into the grandeur and scale of India's railway infrastructure. First Electric Train in India: Rewinding to the annals of history, the first sparks of electrification in Indian Railways ignited on February 3, 1925. The inaugural run of the electric train between Bombay Victoria Terminal and Kurla Harbour heralded a new era of modernization in India's transportation sector, paving the way for future advancements and expansions. First Bullet Train in India: Anticipation mounts as India gears up to embrace the future of high-speed rail travel with the impending launch of its first bullet train. Set to debut in 2027, the Mumbai to Ahmedabad bullet train promises to revolutionize intercity connectivity, reducing travel times and ushering in a new era of efficiency and comfort. As we celebrate Indian Rail Transport Day 2024, let us not only reflect on the rich tapestry of achievements woven by Indian Railways but also look forward to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. From the thundering locomotives traversing the length and breadth of the nation to the silent whispers of progress echoed through electrification and high-speed rail, Indian Railways continues to remain the lifeline of a nation in motion. World Voice Day: What Is the Quest for Vocal Wellness?
A Day On The Campaign Trail With BJP's Pon Radhakrishnan In Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari
World Designing Forum to set up handloom cluster and apparel designing hub in Agra
The World Designing Forum announces India's inaugural Handloom Cluster and Apparel Designing Park in Agra, targeting fashion innovation and tourism. Situated at the I Love Agra Selfie Point, the park showcases handloom creations, a joint venture of RVA and the Forum. Plans include a World Couture League promoting handloom internationally and expanding similar parks to Jaipur, Goa, and Kanyakumari. CEO Ankush Anami aims to blend culture and design for tourists' enrichment.
These places in India are best for honeymoon, spend quality time with your partner
Planning your honeymoon is an exciting endeavor, as it marks the beginning of your journey together as a married couple. India, with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and romantic settings, offers an array of options for couples seeking a memorable honeymoon experience. Whether you're looking for serene beaches, picturesque hill stations, or historical landmarks, India has something to offer for every couple. Here are some of the best honeymoon destinations in India where you can spend quality time with your partner: 1. Shimla: Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Shimla is a charming hill station that exudes old-world charm. Take a romantic stroll along the Mall Road, explore the lush greenery of the surrounding hills, or enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. 2. Goa: Famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, Goa is a favorite destination for honeymooners. Relax on the sun-kissed beaches, indulge in water sports, or explore the quaint churches and forts dotting the landscape. 3. Kerala: Known as God's Own Country, Kerala is blessed with natural beauty and tranquility. Cruise along the backwaters in a traditional houseboat, witness the mesmerizing sunset at Kovalam Beach, or rejuvenate with Ayurvedic spa treatments. 4. Udaipur: Dubbed as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is a city of lakes and palaces that exudes romance at every corner. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, visit the majestic City Palace, or enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the shimmering waters. 5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: For couples seeking seclusion and adventure, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Snorkel or scuba dive together to explore the underwater world, or simply unwind on the secluded beaches. 6. Agra: Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is synonymous with love and romance. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece at sunrise or sunset, explore the majestic Agra Fort, or take a romantic walk in the lush gardens surrounding the monument. 7. Darjeeling: Surrounded by tea plantations and towering mountains, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in West Bengal. Enjoy a scenic ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit the colorful monasteries, or trek to Tiger Hill for a breathtaking sunrise view. 8. Ranthambore: For wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Ranthambore National Park offers a unique honeymoon experience. Embark on thrilling wildlife safaris to spot majestic tigers and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. 9. Jaipur: Immerse yourself in the royal heritage of Jaipur, the Pink City of India. Explore the magnificent Amber Fort, stroll through the bustling bazaars, or enjoy a romantic dinner at a heritage hotel overlooking the cityscape. 10. Ladakh: For couples who crave adventure and breathtaking landscapes, Ladakh is a dream destination. Explore the dramatic terrain on a road trip, camp under the starlit sky, or embark on a trek to remote Himalayan villages. 11. Munnar: Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar is renowned for its tea plantations, misty hills, and colonial charm. Take a romantic walk amidst the lush tea gardens, visit the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, or trek to the stunning Echo Point. 12. Puducherry: Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is a quaint coastal town with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Explore the colonial architecture of the French Quarter, relax on the serene beaches, or indulge in yoga and meditation retreats. 13. Rishikesh: Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a spiritual hub known for its yoga and meditation centers. Embark on an adventurous river rafting expedition, visit the ancient temples, or meditate by the banks of the sacred Ganges River. 14. Ooty: Popularly known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is a charming destination nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Take a romantic boat ride on Ooty Lake, explore the lush botanical gardens, or ride the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway. 15. Manali: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, Manali is a paradise for honeymooners seeking adventure and romance. Enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding and skiing, visit the ancient Hadimba Temple, or soak in the natural hot springs of Vashisht. 16. Jaisalmer: Experience the magic of the desert in Jaisalmer, a golden city in the heart of the Thar Desert. Explore the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, take a camel safari into the sand dunes, or camp under the starlit sky for a truly unforgettable experience. 17. Mahabaleshwar: Perched atop the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is a serene hill station known for its lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and strawberry farms. Take a romantic horse ride to the scenic viewpoints, savor fresh strawberries and cream, or simply enjoy the cool mountain breeze. 18. Mussoorie: Known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is a charming hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Take a romantic cable car ride to Gun Hill, stroll along the Mall Road, or visit the serene Kempty Falls for a refreshing dip. 19. Kanyakumari: Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views over the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, explore the colorful markets, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. 20. Coorg: Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is a picturesque hill station in Karnataka known for its lush coffee plantations, mist-covered hills, and serene waterfalls. Trek to the scenic viewpoints, visit the ancient temples, or indulge in birdwatching amidst the verdant forests. Embark on a romantic journey to one of these enchanting destinations in India and create memories that will last a lifetime. 5 Weirdest Things in the World That Will Blow Your Mind From Fried Stones to Fish Eyes: Unveiling the 7 Weirdest Breakfasts Around the World
DMK has hurt people's sentiments by insulting Sanatan Dharma, says Amit Shah
Senior BJP leader Amit Shah accused the DMK of insulting 'Sanatan Dharma' and called for the people to reject the Dravidian party in the April 19 Lok Sabha election. Shah urged people to vote for the BJP candidate Pon Radhakrishnan in the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency, chanting Modi again, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, and Ponnar again.
LS polls: Amit Shah holds mega roadshow in TNs Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), Apr 13 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held a mega roadshow here in support of the BJP candidate and former Union Minister Pon.Radhakrishnan , who is contesting from Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency and also partys Vilavancode Assembly by-election candidate VS.Nandhini. Shah, accompanied by senior BJP leaders and Pon Radhakrishnan... The post LS polls: Amit Shah holds mega roadshow in TNs Kanyakumari first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Amit Shah holds mega road show in Kanyakumari, seek votes for party's candidate, Pon Radhakrishnan
Home Minister Amit Shah holds roadshow in Kanyakumari
NAGARKOVIL: Senior BJP leader Amit Shah held a roadshow in Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday in support of the party candidate Pon Radhakrishnan for the April 19 parliamentary election. Hundreds of party cadres, invigorated by his visit, joined Shah in the road show from Mettukadai Junction, Thuckalay, to the Old Bus Stand in Kanyakumari. Shah greeted the cadres from his specially-designed vehicle and flashed the party's Lotus symbol throughout the stretch, as party members chanted Modi again, Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Ponnar again. Senior BJP leader Amit Shah held a roadshow in Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency. Radhakrishnan, a former union minister, is fondly addressed as Ponnar by supporters. In his address, Shah said Modi was taking the country on the path of progress. People in Tamil Nadu were chanting the chaar sau par (over 400 seats), he said, alluding to the BJP's target of achieving the said number of constituencies. Shah also sought the people to vote for the party's candidate for the Vilavankode bypoll, V S Nandini, and ensure her victory.
Rahul Gandhi not swayed from decisions by any adversity: A K Antony
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rahul Gandhi is a determined and courageous leader who is not swayed from his decisions by any adversity that comes his way, veteran Congress leader A K Antony said here on Friday. Antony said Rahul Gandhi, who had no interest in politics just like his father Rajiv Gandhi, was now fighting against the BJP not to become the PM, but to safeguard the basic structure of the Indian Constitution. He is turning into the most trustworthy and credible leader in India, he said. The Congress stalwart was speaking at the release of a book on Rahul Gandhi by veteran mediaperson N Asokan. Speaking at the event, which was held at Indira Bhavan here, Antony fondly recalled the initial days of his political life, how he became close to the Nehru family and his memories about a young Rahul Gandhi whom he first saw at 'Shakti Sthal' memorial at Raj Ghat in Delhi paying respects to Indira Gandhi after her assassination. Antony said the Nehru family is known for sacrificing their lives for the nation and both Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv were examples of it. He said Indira Gandhi refused to remove her Sikh bodyguards despite being told that they posed a threat to her life. She gambled with her life to protect the secularism of our nation, Antony said. He further said Rajiv Gandhi was repeatedly asked by his wife Sonia Gandhi not to enter political life and take up the mantle of Congress leadership, but he did and later he too died tragically. I was AICC general secretary when I saw Rahul and Priyanka for the first time when they were paying respects at their grandmother's memorial. I saw them again, slightly more grown up, when they were paying respects to their father at his memorial, Antony said. He said that from a child, who lived like a bird in a cage surrounded by security personnel and experienced the grief of the untimely deaths of his grandmother and father, Rahul has grown into the man he is now -- determined and courageous. Antony said Rahul's determination was evident from how he took moral responsibility for the party's loss in 2019 and resigned as Congress president, refusing to return to that position despite entreaties from everyone including his mother. It was also seen when he walked over 3,000 km from Kanyakumari to Srinagar as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra and when he refused to return from Manipur without meeting the affected people and visiting violence-hit areas, the Congress stalwart said. Whatever be the adversity, once he takes a decision, he is not swayed from it. It is his determination that brought together 28 parties under the INDIA bloc. The Congress decided to contest only from 300 seats in the LS polls as he was of the view that it was more important to defeat BJP than winning more seats, Antony added. He urged everyone to buy the book and read it.
NIA Court Sentences 4 Maoists to RI for Assaulting and Threatening Kerala Police
New Delhi: The NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, on Friday sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) the four cadres of CPI (Maoist), who were convicted on April 9, 2024, in connection with a 2014 case relating to assault, threat and arson etc. against a Senior Civil Police Officer of Kerala Police. Accused Roopesh has been sentenced to 10 years RI, along with Rs. 2.35 lakh in fine, while accused Kanyakumari has been sent to six years of RI with Rs. 1.05 lakh fine. Both of them were convicted under various Sections of IPC and UA(P) Act. The accused Anoop, who was convicted only under UA(P) Act will undergo eight years of RI, with fine of Rs. 60,000, and accused Ibrahim has also been punished for offences under UA(P) Act to six years of RI besides fine of Rs. 40,000. The case was originally registered by Vellamunda police, and re-registered by NIA on January 2, 2016 as RC-01/2016/NIA/KOC ((Vellamunda Maoist case). Eight accused were identified, of whom one, Ajitha alias Anu, was subsequently killed in an exchange of fire, while two others, Mahesh alias Jayanna and Sundari, are absconding. A reward of Rs. 10 lakh has been declared against each of the absconders. The incident had occurred on April 24, 2014, at about 10.30 PM, when, in pursuance of the conspiracy hatched by eight persons, including five activists of CPI (Maoist), had formed an unlawful assembly with deadly weapons, including AK-47 rifle. They had trespassed into the house of A. B. Pramod, Senior Civil Police Officer of Kerala Police. They trained guns at him, threatened to kill him if he helped police in anti-Maoist operations and asked him to resign from his job. They committed mischief by setting his motorcycle on fire and also pasted pamphlets of proscribed terrorist organisation CPI (Maoist) in his house, calling for armed revolution against the Government of India. The first charge sheet was filed against three accused, including Roopesh who had led the assailants. They were charged under various sections of IPC and UA(P) Act besides the Arms Act. On January 30, 2018, a supplementary charge sheet was filed against the trio, in addition to other co accused, under relevant sections of IPC and UA(P) Act.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: Names and locations of 52 Shaktipeeths, which one is closest for darshan
Chaitra Navratri has started from 9th April. You can visit goddess temples during the nine-day holy festival of Navratri. There are many ancient and miraculous Goddess Mata temples in India. Apart from this, there are 52 Shaktipeeths. According to the legend, Mother Sati had reached the yagya organized by her father King Prajapati Daksh without invitation. There her husband Lord Shiva was ridiculed and abused. Saddened by the insult she and her husband faced at home, Mother Sati sacrificed her life by jumping into the fire pit. When Lord Shiva came to know about this, he picked up the mortal remains of Goddess Sati and started wandering here and there. Due to his anger, destruction started coming into the world. Lord Vishnu cut the body of Mata Sati with Sudarshan Chakra to prevent the cataclysm. When 52 pieces of Mata Sati's body and jewelry fell at various places, they were called 52 Shaktipeeths. Let us know what are the names of the 52 Shaktipeeths and in which cities they are located. Mother's Shaktipeeth Shaktipeeth in Uttar Pradesh 1. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Manikarnika of Mata Sati had fallen here. Here Vishalakshi and Manikarni forms of Mother are worshipped. 2. Mata Lalita Devi Shaktipeeth, Prayagraj - The finger of Mata Sati's hand had fallen at this place in Allahabad. Here the mother is known as Lalita. 3. The right breast of Mata Sati had fallen in Ramgiri, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. At this place, she is revered as Mother Shivani. 4. Uma Shaktipeeth is located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Katyayani Shaktipeeth. Mother's hair bunch and Chudamani had fallen here. 5. Mata's left shoulder had fallen in Devi Patan Temple, Balrampur. In this Shaktipeeth, Mata is present in the form of Mateshwari. Shaktipeeth of Madhya Pradesh 6. Harsiddhi Devi Shaktipeeth- There are two Shaktipeeths of Goddess in Madhya Pradesh. One of these is Harsiddhi Devi Shaktipeeth, where the elbow of Mata Sati had fallen. It is situated on the western bank of Rudra Sagar Pond. 7. Shondev Narmata Shaktipeeth- Mother's Daya Nitamp had fallen in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Due to the origin of the Narmada river here, Mother Goddess is worshiped here in the form of Narmada. Shaktipeeth of North India 8. Naina Devi Temple- The eye of Goddess Sati had fallen on Shivalik mountain in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Her mother goddess is called Mahisha Mardini. 9. Jwala Ji Shaktipeeth- The tongue of the goddess had fallen in Kangra, Himachal, hence it was named Siddhida or Ambika. 10. Mahamaya Shaktipeeth, Pahalgaon of Amarnath, where the neck of Mata Sati had fallen, Mahamaya is worshiped here. Punjab and Haryana Shaktipeeth 11. Tripuramalini Mata Shaktipeeth- The left level of Mata had fallen near Cantonment Station in Jalandhar, Punjab. 12. Shaktipeeth of Mata Savitri, the heel of Mata's feet had fallen in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Shaktipeeth of Mata Savitri is situated here. 13. Mother Bhadrakali's right ankle had fallen in Devikup Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana. Here the form of Mother Bhadrakali is worshipped. Shaktipeeth of Rajasthan 14. Manibandh Shaktipeeth- Two anklets of Mata Sati had fallen on Gayatri mountain in Pushkar, Ajmer. Here the Gayatri form of Mother is worshipped. 15. Shaktipeeth of Mata Ambika- There is a temple of Mata Ambika in Birat, Rajasthan. The toes of Mata Sati's left foot had fallen here. 16. Matabadi mountain peak Shaktipeeth- is in Radhakishorpur village of Udarpur in Tripura. Mother's right foot had fallen at this place. Here the mother goddess is called Tripura Sundari. Shaktipeeth in Gujarat 17. Ambaji Temple Shaktipeeth- There is a temple of Mata Ambaji in Gujarat. It is believed that the mother's heart had fallen here. 18. Mother Chandrabhaga Shaktipeeth, Junagadh, The stomach of Goddess Sati had fallen in Junagadh, Gujarat. Here the mother is known as Chandrabhaga. Shaktipeeth of Maharashtra 19. Mata's chin had fallen at the Shaktipeeth of Bhramari form of Mata, Janasthan in Maharashtra. After that, the Bhramari form of the goddess started being worshiped here. Shaktipeeth in Bengal 20. Temple of Goddess Kapalini- Bengal has the highest number of Shaktipeeths of Mata. There is a temple of Goddess Kapalini in Vibhash located in Tamluk of Purba Medinipur district. Mother's left heel had fallen here. 21. Mata Devi Kumari Shaktipeeth- The right shoulder of Mata Sati had fallen in Ratnavali in Hooghly, Bengal. In this temple, the mother is called by the name Devi Kumari. 22. Shaktipeeth of Mata Vimala The crown of Goddess Sati had fallen in Kiritkon village of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Here there is Shaktipeeth of Mata and the Vimala form of Mata is worshipped. 23. Bhramari Devi Shaktipeeth- Mata's left leg had fallen in Salbarhi village in Boda mandal of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. The form of Mother Goddess Bhramari Devi is worshiped at this place. 24. Bahula Devi Shaktipeeth- Vardhaman The left hand of Mata Sati had fallen in the Ketugram area of the district. 25. Mangal Chandrika Mata Shaktipeeth - Mata's Shaktipeeth is in Ujjani of Vardhaman district. Mother's right wrist had fallen here. 26. Shaktipeeth of Maa Mahishmardini Goddess Sati's eyebrow had fallen in Vakreshwar, West Bengal. At this place, the mother is called Mahishamardini. 27. Nalhati Shaktipeeth- The bone of the mother's leg had fallen in Nalhati, Birbhum. 28. Phullara Devi Shaktipeeth- The lips of Mata Sati had fallen in Attahas, West Bengal. Here the mother is called Fullara Devi. 29. Nandipur Shaktipeeth- The necklace of Mata Sati had fallen in West Bengal. Mother Nandani is worshiped here. 30. Yugadha Shaktipeeth- The thumb of Mata's right hand fell in Ksheergram of Vardhaman district. Shaktipeeth of Mata was built at this place, where she is called Goddess Jugadya. 31. Kalika Devi Shaktipeeth- According to beliefs, the toe of the right foot of the mother had fallen in Kalighat. She is known here by the name of Maa Kalika. 32. Kanchi Devgarbha Shaktipeeth- The bones of the goddess had fallen in Kanchi, West Bengal. Here Mata Dev is established in the form of Garbha. Shaktipeeth in South India 33. Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth- Now if we talk about the Shaktipeeths located in South India, then Mata's back had fallen in Tamil Nadu. Mata's Kanyashram, Bhadrakali Temple, and Kumari Temple are situated in this place. She is called by the name Shravani. 34. Shuchi Shaktipeeth- Shuchi Theertham Shiva temple is located near Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Here also there is Shaktipeeth of Mata, where her upper molar had fallen. Mother has got the name Narayani here. 35. Vimala Devi Shaktipeeth- The navel of the goddess had fallen in Utkal, Orissa. Here Mata is known by the name Vimala. 36. Sarvasail Ramhendri Shaktipeeth- There are two Shaktipeeths in Andhra Pradesh. A Sarvashail Ramhendri Shaktipeeth, where the mother's cheeks had fallen. At this place, devotees worship Rakini and Vishweshwari forms of Mother Goddess. 37. Srisailam Shaktipeeth- The second Shaktipeeth in Andhra is in Coornoor district. The anklet of the right foot of Mata Sati had fallen in Srisailam Shaktipeeth. Here, it is installed in the nose of Mata Shri Sundari. 38. Karnataka Shaktipeeth- Both the ears of Goddess Sati had fallen in Karnataka. Jai Durga form of Mother is worshiped at this place. 39. Kamakhya Shaktipeeth- Among the famous Shaktipeeths is Kamakhya ji situated on Neelantal mountain in Guwahati. Mother's vagina had fallen in Kamakhya. Here the Kamakhya form of Mother is worshipped. Shaktipeeth in foreign countries 40. Chattal Bhawani Shaktipeeth- Chattal Bhawani Shaktipeeth is on Chandranath mountain in the Chittagong district of Bangladesh. Here the right arm of Mata Sati had fallen. 41. Sugandha Shaktipeeth- Mata's nose had fallen 20 km away from Shikarpur, Bangladesh. In this Shaktipeeth, the mother is called Sugandha. Another name for this Shaktipeeth is Ugratara Shaktipeeth. 42. Jayanti Shaktipeeth- Mata's left thigh fell in Jayantiya Pargana in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Mata Devi is established here by the name Jayanti. 43. Srishail Mahalakshmi- Mother Sati was strangled in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Mahalakshmi form is worshiped in this Shaktipeeth. 44. Yashoreshwari Mata Shaktipeeth- There is a place named Yashore in the Khulna district of Bangladesh, where the left palm of Mother Sati fell. 45. Indrakshi Shaktipeeth- The anklets of the goddess fell in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This Shaktipeeth is called Indrakshi. 46. Guheshwari Shaktipeeth- This Shaktipeeth is on the banks of the Bagmati river, at some distance from Pashupatinath temple in Nepal. Here both the knees of Mother Sati had fallen. Mahamaya or Mahashira form of Shakti is worshiped here. 47. Aadya Shaktipeeth- There is Aadya Shaktipeeth near Gandak river in Nepal. It is believed that the left cheek of Mother Sati had fallen at this place. Here the Gandaki Chandi form of Mata is worshipped. 48. Dantakali Shaktipeeth- Teeth of Mother Sati had fallen in Bijayapur village of Nepal. For this reason, this Shaktipeeth is known as Dantkali Shaktipeeth. 49. Mansa Shaktipeeth- The right palm of Mata Sati had fallen near the Mansarovar river in Tibet. Here she is called Mata Dakshayani. Mata is established here in the form of a rock. 50. Mithila Shaktipeeth- The left shoulder of Mata Sati had fallen on the India-Nepal border. Her mother is called Devi Um. 51. Hingula Shaktipeeth- Hingula Shaktipeeth of Goddess is in Balochistan, Pakistan. In this Shaktipeeth, the mother is known as Hinglaj Devi. There is a religious belief that the head of Mother Sati had fallen here. (PC: PTI, Social media)
INTERVIEW | Opposition doesnt have any reliable data on joblessness: Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman has not had an easy time as Indias finance minister six months into her stint, the COVID pandemic hit India and the world. Two full financial years thereafter went in keeping the economy out of the negative in the face of a global recessionary crisis. Sitharamans hand was at the wheel all during the grim battle that kept Indias macro-economy above troubled waters and then into a rebound, with the GDP coming out one of the most creditable among major economies. But the strain of uneven, jobless growth was being felt down the line and has become the prime focus of the Oppositions 2024 election campaign. In an interaction with TNIE Editor Santwana Bhattacharya and Business Editor Dipak Mondal , Sitharaman takes all the hard questions on the economy, responds with her usual panache on the controversies, and discusses the BJPs prospects in southern India. Excerpts: Economic issues usually do not have much resonance in elections, unless cast in simplified relatable terms. Its the emotive issues which connect and rouse people to vote. This time, the opposition is focusing on issues like unemployment and inflation. Do you think it will get traction? I think the opposition is just using those issues to get some talking points. Strictly speaking, this government, since 2014, has constantly kept inflation within the RBI range. Only once or twice, it might have crossed that. So, the data does not support the opposition claims. The mechanisms are all there for you to see. The supply side problems were addressed by a group of ministers who constantly made sure, in advance, that the commodities we dont produce were imported -- edible oil is a classic case, also the various pulses. Some agricultural exports were giving great income for the farmer -- whether it was onion, or even rice and barley, wheat and sugar. But when needed, we took the decision to ban exports. But the opposition has raised the issue of unemployment in a very consistent manner Yes, but what the opposition fails to understand is that there is a complete reset in our labour market. Work has been going on to expand the areas from where data on jobs can be collected. It is a fact that in India we do not have data which is reflective adequately of the labour situation on the ground. We collect data on formal employment, but formal employment doesnt constitute a large chunk of all employment in the country. The informal sector is today widening its base, and more and more new jobs are coming there. The gig economy is one of the biggest in-your-face examples of a sector which has grown exponentially, but on which data is not adequately catching up. There are some areas where (this new) data is being captured. An e-shram portal has been launched, where people can register with a trade specified. Another example of data coming through a different source on the informal sector is where we have launched schemes, giving money through banks for beneficiaries to expand their business or put some investment into the business. Under PMs Swanidhi, you get data of people in the urban informal sector people who are vendors in the streets. Similarly, we look at where the GST returns are coming from, whether it is to track demand for a particular product, or the MSMEs that are supplying them. Data is also coming from the GeM portal the number of informal or small MSMEs who are getting registered in the GEM portal. So, it is one thing for us to look at the same set of numbers coming from the same set of sources and say jobs are not growing. On jobs, I dont think the opposition has got any data which is reliable. I am quite happy the opposition is raising the issue, and I am quite willing to give an answer. The BJP has been strongly focusing on electoral success in the South. It has a history of being largely thwarted in the region, barring Karnataka. Is that changing this time? Dont accuse me of doing whataboutery, but I will start with a whataboutery. You keep asking us why the BJP never intends to solve that issue of there being just the one fortress that we have in Karnataka. Tell me one place where Congress can enter now, anywhere in this country. I come from Tamil Nadu, I am married in Andhra Pradesh. Where is Congress there? If I remember correctly, it was 1964 when Kamaraj was the last of Tamil Nadus Congress CMs. After that a national party like the Congress, even under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, could not set foot in Tamil Nadu. They played second fiddle to the DMK or once with the AIADMK. Even today, their candidates cannot even function without DMK support. Would you ask the Congress why they could not set foot in Tamil Nadu? You ask this question to the BJP, which is definitely showing signs of gradually expanding into all areas. Is the Congress there in Andhra? Has Congress formed the government in Odisha? It is a very important question for our democracy to ask why a national party like the Congress today is only a second fiddle to state parties. India needs a good, solid national party as opposition and the Congress is failing this country on that. The Congress is in power in Karnataka and Telangana.. You can always offer this kind of piecemeal logic. We were also in power in Karnataka. And then we also had some MPs from Tamil Nadu...you can always do this balancing act. I have asked you a question which is more pertinent to our democracy than your enthusiasm to prove the BJP is getting rejected in Tamil Nadu. No state rejects any party. From the Jan Sangh days, there have been (our) people in Tamil Nadu. Pon Radhakrishnan was elected from Kanyakumari, no less. And he was a minister under Vajpayee and again under Modi from 2014 to 2019. So let us not revel in this idea about the BJP getting rejected somewhere. Pound the Congress if you have the courage, they are losing one after the other in states. It is becoming a fringe party, going along with people who shout separatist slogans, and theyre happy to be there. What a shame for a party which claims to have fought for independence. So, among the southern states, where do you think is the fight heating up most? I think each of the states presents a different challenge to the BJP somewhere youre just entering, somewhere else youre trying to reclaim what political presence we have or had. The big thing about the BJP is that it tries newer ways -- either offering a different set of candidates, or using old stalwarts, and making sure that we articulate the discourse which we are likely to take forward in that state. So, whether it is Andhra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu or Kerala, you have every possible option. The contest between Rajeev Chandrashekhar and Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram is a very interesting fight. Similarly, Suresh Gopi, who lost in 2019 (from Thrissur) but kept doing his work on the ground, without any noise. Sobha Surendran (Alappuzha) is another one of our really committed hardcore workers. Anil Antonys candidature (Pathanamthitta), I think, has so much potential. And again, K. Surendran in Wayanad, a veteran BJP leader. Kerala has gone to the court on the issue of State-Centre relations, so has Karnataka. The opposition has been saying that the Centre is showing a stepmotherly attitude towards states run by the opposition. What is your view on this? First of all, I cannot say that states should not go to the Supreme Court, they are well within their rights to go to the SC, and I am happy to provide any data that they want from the finance ministry. And this, I am sure, is true for any department in this government because we are led by a prime minister whos been a chief minister, and who during UPA had seen what stepmotherly treatment is. With that experience, Mr Modi, being in the Centre now as PM, knows that unless states get money in time, Indias development will be affected. You may have political differences, fight it out during polls, but theres no business for any government to curtail the development of any state. I had said this at a public meeting in Kerala much before Kerala went to court that I will put all the data out right there in the public meeting, which is what I did, and said I will equally be happy and ready to put the data before the Supreme Court, if they choose to go. We were happy to show the records. And the court has not told us we are wrong in the Kerala case. The court didnt say we have to give an interim relief. The court has of course referred it to a constitutional bench to see about borrowing etc. One other thing about Kerala every state is allowed, according to the FRBM Act, to borrow to the level of 3% of the GSDP without any conditions. This is applicable to all states. What happened about the borrowings they did outside the budget is that CAG came down heavily not just on Kerala, there were other states, too. The treatment offered to Kerala was the treatment offered to all those on which CAG had come down heavily saying that you borrowed from outside the budget, and that has to be reconciled. In the reconciliation process, they were given four years to return that money back to the system. In fact, much before Kerala went to court, I myself called the finance minister of Kerala and told him if in that particular year they are really in a difficult position, we could extend the reconciliation by another year. Not a special favour to Kerala, but offered to all such similarly placed states. The court took cognizance of that as well. Coming to Karnataka, I would like to point out two-three things before I get to this particular point. There has been some totally baseless commentary by the ruling dispensation to the effect that Karnataka was better off prior to GST, in that their indirect tax collection was growing at 15%. Data shows that pre-GST revenue growth for Karnataka was around 11.60% CAGR and post-GST revenue growth is similar at 11.35% despite COVID, which affected two financial years (2020-21 & 2021-22). So the Karnataka government is completely misleading the people with false data. The second allegation is that compensation cess dues of Karnataka were not being given. There are no unpaid compensation dues to Karnataka, Rs 1.06 lakh has been given to the state between July 2017 and June 2022. On their grievance that Karnataka pays one rupee, but gets only 29 paise...so I asked this question in reverse in Karnataka. The highest taxes in Karnataka are paid by the Bengaluru city. Can Bengaluru say we pay this much, give me the total money and leave Chitradurga, Bellary, etc without any money. So these are misleading, separatist kinds of arguments. The last grievance is that the Centre is collecting cess and surcharges and that should also be put into the divisible pool. Cess and surcharges are collected as per the Constitution, over and above the tax collected. And that money also goes to states. So this is a vicious way of misinforming the people. As for the recent case in the Supreme Court which, if I understand correctly, is about NDRF funds which have to come to the drought-hit areas of the state. The matter has been sent to the Election Commission. If they clear it, the high-level committee will meet and the money will be released. There is concern in the South that they are going to get penalised for performing better, being more industrialised, for progressing better than other states. How do you address this concern? These are very legitimate concerns. I have no differences here. I also know that some distinct progress has been made in some areas, and I agree they should not get disincentivised for that. But thats not the business of the central government, thats the business of the Finance Commission. If the Finance Commission gives me a recommendation, its my duty to obey. So voice those concerns, I repeat, legitimate concerns, with the Finance Commission, rather than politicising the issue. Whats your view on the Congress manifesto, especially the parts about the economy? They are talking about a single-slab GST, which is present in some other countries. Is that implementable here? I am really amused that they want to suggest improvements in the GST. People who were calling it Gabbar Singh Tax, and saying they would throw it out when they come to power, are now saying they will have to amend it and calling it GST 2.0. On the issue of single (GST) rates, Arun Jaitley Ji, finance minister at the time of introduction of GST, had openly said that in a country like India, with so many differences in levels of economic well-being, a single rate may not be fair. I am not arguing against it at the moment. But very clearly, what Jaitley ji said then holds true even now. On the economy, I am not sure that they have taken a complete picture to be commenting on it. They are fiscally flamboyant and saying they will pay Rs 1 lakh to every (poor) family, they should explain where they are going to get the money from. Their approach to the economy is more knee-jerk, not well-thought through. You mention economic disparities in the country. Recently, the Inequality Lab report termed the last 10 years as Billionaire Raj, and said that inequality is at the peak in India. It is one thing to take a foreign study and say look at what is happening in India. I have my own doubts on some of these foreign studies. We are providing 80 crore people free foodgrains for the last five years, and that is continuing for the next five years, yet on the Hunger index, India is ranked below some of our neighbours -- where people who are standing in queues to get even rotis are said to be better off than us. On income disparity, the way in which we have attended to providing basic amenities, houses for all, toilets for all, safe drinking water, Swachhata Abhiyan, they have made an impact. The World Bank study says that on multi-dimensional poverty, which is what NITI Aayog assessment results also show, extreme poverty has been brought down drastically in India. Its one thing to say poverty exists while people are accumulating wealth, but we are also lifting people out of poverty. Electoral bonds have been creating headlines. How do we create transparency in electoral funding and, after the Supreme Court order, what is the plan for political funding? The Supreme Court, in its wisdom, has rejected electoral bonds. We respect it and we will have to follow the order. But electoral bonds were one step better than what went before. Earlier, there was no framework under which you were to function. At least here you purchase and redeem the bonds through a bank account. Of course, given the banking laws, and also given the way in which funding during elections happened in pre-electoral bond days, donors wanted to have confidentiality, and that was part of the law. Now, after the Supreme Court order, even those who benefited from the bonds are calling it a scam. How much of a chameleon can you be? But irrespective of which party was taking donations, there is this question of actual quid pro quo. How do you address this allegation? As far as quid pro quo is concerned, you are putting two and two together and saying this is a quid pro quo. These are monies coming from bank account to bank account. Our attempt was to clean up electoral financing. Thats why we moved to bonds, which was discussed in and approved by Parliament. Electoral funding will have to go through a lot more transparency, and on that BJP is committed. Let us come to the other very political allegation against the BJP: that it is using ED, CBI etc against members of other political parties and forcing them to join the BJP. And once they join your party, they are kind of free of those charges... People have moved from one party to another, gone back to the original party, come back to the second party they left and so on. Clean chits are not given by political parties, clean chits are given by the courts. Some parties are unable to retain their own flock, because members see no hope in their respective parties performance. They see a prime minister whos working non-stop 24/7 and a party which is energised by that kind of leadership, they think they are in the wrong place, they move out. People are getting out of family- and caste-driven parties. They see hope in the BJP because it showed how people who were pasting wall posters or working at the booth level are rising to become somebody. But what about allegations of high-handedness in dealing with the opposition bank accounts are being frozen just before the election, sitting CMs are being arrested... The first tax notice (to Congress) was sent in 2021. They did not respond, they hadnt even filed the assessment paper. All that a political party needs to do to remain out of the tax net is to file an assessment. And then you are taken to courts, everywhere people pay up, you did not pay. And accounts were not frozen, there is a lien put on the money you owe the Income Tax department to the extent that to use that money; you will have to seek the courts permission. You have not followed the rule of law or the law of the land, and you expect to be treated differently. On the question of chief ministers being arrested, eight summons were sent and yet you did not appear (before ED). Didnt the Prime Minister, then the Chief Minister, appear before the CBI just before the Gujarat elections? He went and answered all the questions. But now this has become a big deal. I think it has become a business in this country to create that kind of sympathy, victimhood and then say this government is awful. Of late there has been some criticism about Indias official data. The previous household consumption survey was not published, apparently, because data was not favourable. The census itself was not conducted. How do you do your planning and economic focusing if you dont have these basic data points? Theres no denying that data is important -- particularly that data which only the government collects, and when government collects, it collects from a large canvas, and therefore, it is necessary for policy planning, it is necessary for people to do further research on the economy. An immense amount of work is going towards building proper teams which can do this work, statistically sound work, and therefore, I expect that should be ready as soon as the new government comes into place. And I certainly reject this observation that the last consumption survey was not published because it didnt go in our favour. Thats absolutely not right. There were methodological problems. And as a result, they had to hold it.
Travel tips: Names and locations of 52 Shaktipeeths, which one is closest for darshan
Chaitra Navratri is starting from 9th April. You can visit goddess temples during the nine-day holy festival of Navratri. There are many ancient and miraculous Goddess Mata temples in India. Apart from this there are 52 Shaktipeeths. According to the legend, Mother Sati had reached the yagya organized by her father King Prajapati Daksh without invitation. There her husband Lord Shiva was ridiculed and abused. Saddened by the insult she and her husband faced at home, Mother Sati sacrificed her life by jumping into the fire pit. When Lord Shiva came to know about this, he picked up the mortal remains of Goddess Sati and started wandering here and there. Due to his anger, destruction started coming in the world. Lord Vishnu cut the body of Mata Sati with Sudarshan Chakra to prevent the cataclysm. When 52 pieces of Mata Sati's body and jewelery fell at various places, they were called 52 Shaktipeeths. Let us know what are the names of 52 Shaktipeeths and in which cities they are located. Mother's Shaktipeeth Shaktipeeth in Uttar Pradesh 1. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Manikarnika of Mata Sati had fallen here. Here Vishalakshi and Manikarni forms of Mother are worshipped. 2. Mata Lalita Devi Shaktipeeth, Prayagraj - The finger of Mata Sati's hand had fallen at this place in Allahabad. Here the mother is known as Lalita. 3. The right breast of Mata Sati had fallen in Ramgiri, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. At this place, she is revered as Mother Shivani. 4. Uma Shaktipeeth is located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Katyayani Shaktipeeth. Mother's hair bunch and Chudamani had fallen here. 5. Mata's left shoulder had fallen in Devi Patan Temple, Balrampur. In this Shaktipeeth, Mata is present in the form of Mateshwari. Shaktipeeth of Madhya Pradesh 6. Harsiddhi Devi Shaktipeeth- There are two Shaktipeeths of Goddess in Madhya Pradesh. One of these is Harsiddhi Devi Shaktipeeth, where the elbow of Mata Sati had fallen. It is situated on the western bank of Rudra Sagar pond. 7. Shondev Narmata Shaktipeeth- Mother's Daya Nitamp had fallen in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Due to the origin of Narmada river here, Mother Goddess is worshiped here in the form of Narmata. Shaktipeeth of North India 8. Naina Devi Temple- The eye of Goddess Sati had fallen on Shivalik mountain in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Here mother goddess is called Mahisha Mardini. 9. Jwala Ji Shaktipeeth- The tongue of the goddess had fallen in Kangra, Himachal, hence it was named Siddhida or Ambika. 10. Mahamaya Shaktipeeth, Pahalgaon of Amarnath, where the neck of Mata Sati had fallen, Mahamaya is worshiped here. Punjab and Haryana Shaktipeeth 11. Tripuramalini Mata Shaktipeeth- The left level of Mata had fallen near Cantonment Station in Jalandhar, Punjab. 12. Shaktipeeth of Mata Savitri, the heel of Mata's feet had fallen in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Shaktipeeth of Mata Savitri is situated here. 13. Mother Bhadrakali's right ankle had fallen in Devikup Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana. Here the form of Mother Bhadrakali is worshipped. Shaktipeeth of Rajasthan 14. Manibandh Shaktipeeth- Two anklets of Mata Sati had fallen on Gayatri mountain in Pushkar, Ajmer. Here the Gayatri form of Mother is worshipped. 15. Shaktipeeth of Mata Ambika- There is a temple of Mata Ambika in Birat, Rajasthan. The toes of Mata Sati's left foot had fallen here. 16. Matabadi mountain peak Shaktipeeth- is in Radhakishorpur village of Udarpur in Tripura. Mother's right foot had fallen at this place. Here the mother goddess is called Tripura Sundari. Shaktipeeth in Gujarat 17. Ambaji Temple Shaktipeeth- There is a temple of Mata Ambaji in Gujarat. It is believed that the mother's heart had fallen here. 18. Mother Chandrabhaga Shaktipeeth, Junagadh, The stomach of Goddess Sati had fallen in Junagadh, Gujarat. Here the mother is known as Chandrabhaga. Shaktipeeth of Maharashtra 19. Mata's chin had fallen at the Shaktipeeth of Bhramari form of Mata, Janasthan in Maharashtra. After that the Bhramari form of the goddess started being worshiped here. Shaktipeeth in Bengal 20. Temple of Goddess Kapalini- Bengal has the highest number of Shaktipeeths of Mata. There is a temple of Goddess Kapalini in Vibhash located in Tamluk of Purba Medinipur district. Mother's left heel had fallen here. 21. Mata Devi Kumari Shaktipeeth- The right shoulder of Mata Sati had fallen in Ratnavali in Hooghly, Bengal. In this temple the mother is called by the name Devi Kumari. 22. Shaktipeeth of Mata Vimala The crown of Goddess Sati had fallen in Kiritkon village of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Here there is Shaktipeeth of Mata and Vimala form of Mata is worshipped. 23. Bhramari Devi Shaktipeeth- Mata's left leg had fallen in Salbarhi village in Boda mandal of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. The form of Mother Goddess Bhramari Devi is worshiped at this place. 24. Bahula Devi Shaktipeeth- Ket of Bardhaman district The left hand of Mata Sati had fallen in Ugram area. 25. Mangal Chandrika Mata Shaktipeeth - Mata's Shaktipeeth is in Ujjani of Vardhaman district. Mother's right wrist had fallen here. 26. Shaktipeeth of Maa Mahishmardini Goddess Sati's eyebrow had fallen in Vakreshwar, West Bengal. At this place the mother is called Mahishamardini. 27. Nalhati Shaktipeeth- The bone of the mother's leg had fallen in Nalhati, Birbhum. 28. Phullara Devi Shaktipeeth- The lips of Mata Sati had fallen in Attahas, West Bengal. Here the mother is called Fullara Devi. 29. Nandipur Shaktipeeth- The necklace of Mata Sati had fallen in West Bengal. Mother Nandani is worshiped here. 30. Yugadha Shaktipeeth- The thumb of Mata's right hand fell in Ksheergram of Vardhaman district. Shaktipeeth of Mata was built at this place, where she is called as Goddess Jugadya. 31. Kalika Devi Shaktipeeth- According to beliefs, the toe of the right foot of the mother had fallen in Kalighat. She is known here by the name of Maa Kalika. 32. Kanchi Devgarbha Shaktipeeth- The bones of the goddess had fallen in Kanchi, West Bengal. Here Mata Dev is established in the form of Garbha. Shaktipeeth in South India 33. Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth- Now if we talk about the Shaktipeeths located in South India, then Mata's back had fallen in Tamil Nadu. Mata's Kanyashram, Bhadrakali Temple and Kumari Temple are situated at this place. She is called by the name Shravani. 34. Shuchi Shaktipeeth- Shuchi Theertham Shiva temple is located near Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Here also there is Shaktipeeth of Mata, where her upper molar had fallen. Mother has got the name Narayani here. 35. Vimala Devi Shaktipeeth- The navel of the goddess had fallen in Utkal, Orissa. Here Mata is known by the name Vimala. 36. Sarvasail Ramhendri Shaktipeeth- There are two Shaktipeeths in Andhra Pradesh. A Sarvashail Ramhendri Shaktipeeth, where the mother's cheeks had fallen. At this place devotees worship Rakini and Vishweshwari forms of Mother Goddess. 37. Srisailam Shaktipeeth- The second Shaktipeeth in Andhra is in Coornoor district. The anklet of the right foot of Mata Sati had fallen in Srisailam Shaktipeeth. Here, it is installed in the nose of Mata Shri Sundari. 38. Karnataka Shaktipeeth- Both the ears of Goddess Sati had fallen in Karnataka. Jai Durga form of Mother is worshiped at this place. 39. Kamakhya Shaktipeeth- Among the famous Shaktipeeths is Kamakhya ji situated on Neelantal mountain of Guwahati. Mother's vagina had fallen in Kamakhya. Here the Kamakhya form of Mother is worshipped. Shaktipeeth in foreign countries 40. Chattal Bhawani Shaktipeeth- Chattal Bhawani Shaktipeeth is on Chandranath mountain in Chittagong district of Bangladesh. Here the right arm of Mata Sati had fallen. 41. Sugandha Shaktipeeth- Mata's nose had fallen 20 km away from Shikarpur, Bangladesh. In this Shaktipeeth, mother is called Sugandha. Another name of this Shaktipeeth is Ugratara Shaktipeeth. 42. Jayanti Shaktipeeth- Mata's left thigh had fallen in Jayantiya Pargana in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Mata Devi is established here by the name Jayanti. 43. Srishail Mahalakshmi- Mother Sati was strangled in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Mahalakshmi form is worshiped in this Shaktipeeth. 44. Yashoreshwari Mata Shaktipeeth- There is a place named Yashore in Khulna district of Bangladesh, where the left palm of Mother Sati had fallen. 45. Indrakshi Shaktipeeth- The anklets of the goddess fell in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This Shaktipeeth is called Indrakshi. 46. Guheshwari Shaktipeeth- This Shaktipeeth is on the banks of Bagmati river, at some distance from Pashupatinath temple in Nepal. Here both the knees of Mother Sati had fallen. Mahamaya or Mahashira form of Shakti is worshiped here. 47. Aadya Shaktipeeth- There is Aadya Shaktipeeth near Gandak river in Nepal. It is believed that the left cheek of Mother Sati had fallen at this place. Here the Gandaki Chandi form of Mata is worshipped. 48. Dantakali Shaktipeeth- Teeth of Mother Sati had fallen in Bijayapur village of Nepal. For this reason this Shaktipeeth is known as Dantkali Shaktipeeth. 49. Mansa Shaktipeeth- The right palm of Mata Sati had fallen near the Mansarovar river in Tibet. Here she is called Mata Dakshayani. Mata is established here in the form of a rock. 50. Mithila Shaktipeeth- The left shoulder of Mata Sati had fallen on the India-Nepal border. Here mother is called Devi Um. 51. Hingula Shaktipeeth- Hingula Shaktipeeth of Goddess is in Balochistan, Pakistan. In this Shaktipeeth, the mother is known as Hinglaj Devi. There is a religious belief that the head of Mother Sati had fallen here. (PC: Soical media)
Vivekananda Memorial Rock To Thiruvalluvar Statue, Top Places To Visit In Kanyakumari
Padmanabhapuram Palace tells the story of the great historical Travancore era, which is believed to be the oldest palace in India.
Video: Man Travels From Manali To Kanyakumari On Skateboard, Internet Amazed
Professional skateboarder Ritik Kratzel was on a mission with his skateboard and one tiny backpack in India. He began his journey on his skateboard from Manali and went all the way to Kanyakumari.
TN: Rahul, CM Stalin to frontline INDIA rally in Coimbatore on April 12
TN: Rahul, CM Stalin to frontline INDIA rally in Coimbatore on April 12 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will headline an INDIA bloc rally in Coimbatore, the prized Lok Sabha seat that is to be contested by BJP heavyweight and the party's state president K Annamalai, on April 12. The DMK, which is the senior partner in the ruling alliance in the state, which also features the Congress and other parties, confirmed the date for the joint rally featuring the two heavyweights. According to an official release from the DMK, Rahul and CM Stalin will be at the forefront of the rally where they will seek electoral support for candidates representing the Opposition bloc in the battle for the Lok Sabha. The public meeting will be held in Coimbatore's Chettypalayam area, according to the DMK release. Tamil Nadu will poll for the Lower House in a single phase, on April 19, in the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. Aiming to make deeper electoral inroads south of the Vindhyas, which has remained a virtually impregnable fortress for the Opposition, barring Karnataka, where the BJP been the ruling party, and Kanyakumari in 2014, the ruling party at the Centre unleashed top gun in the Lok Sabha battle this time, fielding state chief Annamalai from Coimbatore. However, the DMK, which remains a preeminent force in the state, is expected to profit from the split in the principal opposition player in the state--the AIADMK. In 2019, the DMK-led secular alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in the state, winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state. The DMK, which is contesting 22 seats, leads an eight-party alliance that includes the Congress, which is contesting 9 seats; the CPI(M) and the CPI that are contesting 2 seats each; the Indian Muslim League, which has fielded a lone candidate; the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which is contesting 2 seats, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which has fielded a lone candidate; and the Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK), whose candidate will contest on the DMK symbol. The AIADMK, which is leading an alliance of four parties in the Lok Sabha, will contest 34 seats while itrs partners Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam will contest 5, the Puthiya Tamilagam and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) one each. However, the latter two parties will contest the polls on the AIADMK symbol. The BJP, which is contesting 23 seats, will go into the polls with nine other partners; including the Pattali Makkal Katchi on 10 seats), the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) on 3 seats, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader O Pannerselvam, who is contesting as an Independent; Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMU), headed by TTV Dhinakaran, on 2 seats, and the Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, Puthiya Needhi Katchi and Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam on one seat each. However, the latter three parties are contesting on the BJP's 'lotus' symbol. The DMK last won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in 1980 and 1996. The party lost the seat in the 1998 and 2014 general elections. While the CPM won the prized seat in 2019, the DMK kept Coimbatore to itself this time, fielding Ganapathi P. Rajkumar. In 2014, the AIADMK won Coimbatore by a margin of 42,016 votes while the DMK dropped to third in the tally behind CP Radhakrishnan of the BJP. The BJP now boasts of a sizeable vote bank in the constituency, which it had been cultivating since 1996. (ANI)
'No ground' for Indian request for return of Kachchatheevu: Lanka Minister
'No ground' for Indian request for return of Kachchatheevu: Lanka Minister The statements coming out of India on ''reclaiming'' Kachchatheevu island from Sri Lanka have ''no ground'', the Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda has said. The senior Sri Lankan Tamil politician's comments came days after the Narendra Modi government targeted the Congress Party and its ally the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu accusing them of overlooking national interests in the ceding of Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974. The BJP has also been targeting the two parties for not ensuring the rights of the fishermen wanting to fish in waters around the Katchatheevu island. It is the election time in India, it is not unusual to hear such noises of claims and counterclaims about Kachchatheevu,'' Devananda told reporters in Jaffna on Thursday. I think India is acting on its interests to secure this place to ensure Sri Lankan fishermen would not have any access to that area and that Sri Lanka should not claim any rights in that resourceful area, Devananda said. The statements on ''reclaiming'' Kachchatheevu from Sri Lankas hold has ''no ground,'' Devananda has said. The Sri Lankan minister said according to the 1974 agreement fishermen from both sides could do fishing in the territorial waters of both countries. But it was later reviewed and amended in 1976. Accordingly, fishermen from both countries were banned from fishing in neighbouring waters. Devananda stressed, There claims to be a place called West Bank which is located below Kanyakumari - it is a much bigger area with extensive sea resources - it is 80 times bigger than Kachchatheevu, India secured it at the 1976 review agreement.'' Devananda as the fisheries minister has faced pressure from the local fishermen in recent months. The local fishermen have led widespread protests to stop illegal fishing by their Indian counterparts in the Sri Lankan waters. They say the bottom trawling by the Indians is harmful to Sri Lankan fishing community interests. So far this year, at least 178 Indian fishermen and 23 trawlers have been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy. Devananda, an ex-Tamil militant who now leads the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party, was named a proclaimed offender by a court in Chennai in 1994. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) steered clear of the row surrounding Katchatheevu island. To a volley of questions on the Katchatheevu issue, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent comments on the matter. ''I would like to tell you that on the issues that have been raised, the external affairs minister has spoken to the press here in Delhi and also in Gujarat clarifying all the issues,'' he said. ''I would refer that you please look at his press engagements. You will get your answers there,'' Jaiswal said in New Delhi.
Election Commission Shifts to Overdrive
Chennai : with just two weeks left for polling in the State for the Lok Sabha elections, officials involved in the conduct of the elections are leaving no stone unturned to make the process incident free and have identified 181 critical polling stations all over the State that might need the deployment of more security forces. Besides the 181 polling stations identified as critical, the election commission has also found 8050 polling stations to be vulnerable and have initiated measures to prevent any untoward incidents in those places, too. Those constituencies that have no critical booth are South Chennai, Central Chennai, Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Trichy, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Theni, Virudhunagar and Kanyakumari, while Dindigul tops the list with 39 booths. The highest number of vulnerable booths are in Madurai constituency (511) and the least number of vulnerable booths are in Perambalur (55). Already 39 general observers, 20 police observers, and 58 expenditure observers are in the field, monitoring the campaigns and other work carried out by the political parties, while the State would have 190 companies of the Central Armed Police Force in total. Complaints on Model Code of Conduct violations, received through the C Vigil app are processed immediately and appropriate action taken. Till April 3, the number of complaints received stood at 2337. Of them only 11 are pending as 219 were dropped and 1827 of them were disposed of by the officials. Meanwhile, the government declared a holiday on April 19, the day of polling in the State, under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Already the government has urged the private sector to declare a holiday on that day to enable their employees to exercise their franchise.
Lok Sabha elections: BJP chief Nadda attends Vijay Sankalp Rally in Uttarakhand's Almora
Lok Sabha elections: BJP chief Nadda attends Vijay Sankalp Rally in Uttarakhand's Almora Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 'Vijay Sankalp Rally' organized at Pithoragarh of Almora Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday. During the public meeting held at Dev Singh Maidan, BJP National President JP Nadda said that he got the privilege of coming to Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi Uttarakhand. In this land, we worship the gods, every person here is like a god. This land has always been ready to protect the country. Justice has been done by the Prime Minister by implementing One Rank One Pension with the heroes and soldiers. The Prime Minister has called the third decade of the century the decade of Uttarakhand. As per his words, today it is visible on the ground and a new Ganga of development is flowing from Uttarakhand, Nadda said. The BJP chief said that on one hand there is our government which understood the pain of Uttarakhand, left no stone unturned in the development of the state, fulfilled the aspirations of the youth and empowered women, and worked to bring the state into the mainstream. On the other hand, there is the opposition party which betrayed Uttarakhand for decades. Scams were done, and the state was destroyed instead of being developed. He said that Congress has done a coal scam, Bofors scam, submarine scam, Agusta Westland scam, 2G, 3G scam, and Commonwealth Games scam. Nadda said that in 2014 and 2019, Uttarakhand state gave all five Lok Sabha seats to BJP, as a result of which India has become the fifth largest economy in the world by defeating Britain even after a pandemic like Coronavirus, Ukraine-Russia war. He said that if Ajay Tamta and BJP candidates are elected from all five seats for the third time, then India will become the third-largest economy in 2028. He said that India has progressed 6 times in the expertise of electronic goods. Today, the mobile in everyone's hand will have Made in India written on it, this is an example of self-reliant India. 97 per cent of mobiles are being manufactured in India. Nadda further said that today India is second in the world in steel production. India has left Japan behind in the manufacturing and marketing of vehicles. India has become the third-largest market in the world for automobiles. Today, Indian industrialists are making the cheapest and most effective medicines. He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 4 crore houses have been given to the poor. Out of which, about one lakh houses have been given in Uttarakhand and 11 thousand houses have been built in Pithoragarh district. Under the Ujjwala Yojana, 11 crore gas connections have been given in the country and 1 lakh connections in Uttarakhand. Tap water has been supplied to every household of 11 crore 30 lakh people in the country. Tap water has been supplied to every household in 12 lakh houses in Uttarakhand and 2 lakh 40 thousand houses in Pithoragarh. 11 crore Izzat Ghar has been built in the country. Out of which 5 lakh 30 thousand Izzat Ghar have been built in Uttarakhand. Today, under the Ayushman Yojana, 55 crore poor people in the country are being provided health insurance of Rs 5 lakh per year. Every poor person is getting treatment. The budget of the health sector has increased from 250 crores to 500 crores. Medical colleges are being opened in Pithoragarh, Almora. 1200 crores is being spent on drinking water. Chief Minister Dhami welcomed JP Nadda on his arrival in Pithoragarh on behalf of the entire people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and said that under the leadership of Nadda, BJP has expanded its reach and organization from Attock to Cuttack and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Indian politics cannot be imagined without the BJP. He said that the bugle for the Lok Sabha elections has been blown. The Prime Minister and Party President Nadda have given the slogan of reaching 400 plus on June 4 to prove the resolve of developed Uttarakhand and developed India. He said that this slogan of 400 plus is Modi ji's guarantee and the key to development. The Chief Minister said that the target of crossing 400 is to make a developed India, the third largest economic superpower of the world. With the blessings of the people, we will work to prove the resolution of the respected Prime Minister by ensuring a landslide victory for the BJP in the Almora-Pithoragarh Lok Sabha seat as well as in all the five seats of Uttarakhand. He said that other parties are nowhere to be seen in the fray. The opposition is well aware of the results that come with the blessings of the people. Therefore, the opposition parties are not even able to find anyone to take the ticket this time. The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister and the BJP National President have a special relationship with Uttarakhand, so now it is the responsibility of all the people of Uttarakhand to ensure victory for Ajay Tamta from Almora Lok Sabha and the BJP candidates from all the Lok Sabha seats of the state with a huge margin. (ANI)
Campaign Picks Momentum, PM to be in Tamil Nadu for 4 Days
Chennai: With just a fortnight left for the April 19 Lok Sabha elections in the State, campaign picks up momentum with candidates going around their constituencies despite the blazing summer heat Chennai recorded a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday even as the State units of national parties like the BJP and Congress geared up to host major events with their top leaders in various places. The revised schedule of Prime Minister Narendra Modis events reveal a plan for an aggressive continued four day campaign packed with back to back public meetings, introduction of candidates to voters and road shows on April 9, 10, 13 and 14 in diverse places like Vellore, Chennai, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Perambalur and Virudhunagar, covering the entire State. Ahead of Modis visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be in the State from Thursday for two days before going to Kerala for campaigning. Shah will land in Madurai and go to Theni to campaign for the BJPs alliance candidate T T V Dinakaran of AMMK. He would return to Madurai worship at the Meenakshi Amman temple to start his campaign the next day, visiting Sivaganga, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari constituencies. Since the BJP is desperate to prove its popularity in the State by ensuring that candidates of its coalition fared well in the polls, Modi will concentrate more on the State that is going to polls on the first phase of the elections. So he will be arriving at 4 pm on April 9 to hold a road show at Vellore, where he will also address a public meeting to introduce candidates of Vellore (A C Shanmugham), Dharmapuri (Sowmiya Ramadoss), Krishnagiri, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Chidambaram and Cuddalore (Thangar Bacchan). Later on, he will be at T Nagar for the roadshow and meeting, where he would introduce candidates of Chennai and its surroundings like Tamilisai Soundararajan (South Chennai), Vinoj P Selvam (Central Chennai), R C Paul Kanagaraj (North Chennai), Pon Balaganapathy (Tiruvallur), Venugopal (Sriperumbudur), Jothi Venkatraman (Kanchipuram) and K Balu (Arakonnam). The next day, on April 10, Modi will be at the Nilgiris, canvassing for L Murugan and taking part in a roadshow at 11 am before reaching Coimbatore at 1 pm for addressing a public meeting and introducing the candidates of Coimbatore ( K Annamalai), Pollachi, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem and Namakkal. Again he will be at Perambalur for a public meeting on April 13. Candidates of Trichy, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Villupuram will be introduced then. The next day, on April 14, he will be introducing Radhika Sarathkumar, the BJP candidate from Virudhunagar, and those fielded by the coalition from Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi. The public meetings assume importance in the backdrop of the BJP adopting a strategy to vociferously attack the ruling DMK and its ally the Congress by raking in issues like the ceding of the Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. By blaming the DMK and the Congress for handing over the islet in the Palk Straits, the BJP hopes to win over the hearts of the people of the State and might hence turn aggressive on it. Launching a strident counter to the BJPs claims, the TNCC president K Selvaperunthogai on Wednesday accused Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman of putting the livelihood of 35 lakh Tamil people in Sri Lanka in jeopardy by making irresponsible statements on the Katchatheevu issue. Selvaperunthogai referred to the editorial in a Sri Lankan newspaper suggesting that such irresponsible statements of people in power and authority could push the nation into the hands of other countries like China. As part of the BJP's intense campaign in the State, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth is also expected to campaign in the State. As per the tentative programme, Adityantha will visit Tiruvannamalai and canvass votes for the BJP candidate, Yaswathraman.
Amit Shah to campaign in five TN LS constituencies on Thursday
Chennai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be in Tamil Nadu on Thursday to campaign for five NDA candidates. He will reach Tamil Nadu in the afternoon and attend four roadshows in four Lok Sabha constituencies Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and Theni. He will attend a rally at Anna Nagar in Madurai Lok Sabha seat Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Chennai : The BJP, as part of its election campaign, has decided to organize a massive roadshow in Chennai with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the centre of attraction on April 9 when the candidates of the three constituencies in the city Chennai North, Chennai Central and Chennai South would be formally introduced to the people. Planned in a grand manner, the BJP feels that the road show would be a historic occasion and is desperate to hold it in Pondy Bazaar in T Nagar. In the event of the police denying permission for the road show that would be held during day time when the locality would see heavy movement of vehicular traffic, the BJP has decided to take the matter to court. With courts permission the show would go on in the heart of Chennai, after which Modi would fly down to Trichy and then visit Vellore and Perambalur, addressing election meetings, BJP sources said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah would also visit the State on April 4, 5 and 6 addressing meetings in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari and making stopovers in between to meet voters and seek their votes for the BJP candidates. When Modi lands in Chennai for the roadshow that would be his sixth visit to the State after the Palladam meeting, marking the conclusion of State President K Aannamalais En Mann, En Makkal yatra in February end. Since then Modi has addressed meetings in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Salem and so on. It was at the Palladam meeting that Modi spoke in praise of AIADMK icons M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, hoping to win over the support of the cadre of AIADMK that had broken away from the NDA in September, 2023. The BJP that has fielded 23 of its own candidates in various constituencies across the State has allotted the rest of the seats to its various allies for the April 19 elections to the Lok Sabha. The party has taken the elections seriously by campaigning vigorously. Targeting the ruling DMK in the State, the BJP has been raking up several issues, the latest one being the controversy over the ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lankan in 1974 by the Congress government. In a bid to change the enduring narrative that the DMK, which was in power in the State at that time, was not taken into confidence before handing over the islet in Palk Straits to the neighbouring country, the BJP came out with evidence, obtained through RTI, that the then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi did know about it. Since the BJPs bid is to at least come second the elections and emerge as the main opposition party in the State that has been consistently cold shouldering it whenever it went to the polls on its own without an alliance with the AIADMK or the DMK, it is leaving no stone unturned in giving a good fight. Even on Tuesday, the BJP State headquarters saw a mass defection to its ranks from many other parties. The BJP functionaries are also active on social media and in television debates popularizing the partys views and ideologies in the run up to the elections, besides holding campaign meetings.
India is a famous republic for tourism, which is famous for its diversity, historical heritage, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and religious places. Tourism in India is famous for various natural attractions, historical sites, religious tours, cultural festivals, and diversity. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, India has various natural beauty spots and national parks, such as Gulmarg in Kashmir, Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Nainital in Uttarakhand and Munnar in Kerala. Indian historical sites such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Khajuraho Temples, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and Humayun's Tomb also attract tourists from all over the world. Religious pilgrimages such as Char Dham Yatra, Vaishno Devi, Kumbh Mela on the banks of river Ganga, and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi inspire tourists to visit India. Holi, Diwali, Navratri, and Pushkar Fair are particularly popular among Indian cultural festivals and fairs. India provides comfortable and safe stays to its tourists through tourism organizations, good hotels, and special schemes. For this, India's tourism industry is famous all over the world and attracts millions of tourists every year. Some of the most expensive hotels in India are: Raj Palace, Jaipur: Raj Palace is a luxurious hotel in Jaipur which was earlier the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The hotel has 394 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 14 lakh. Oberoi Amarvilla, Agra: Oberoi Amarvilla is a luxury hotel in Agra that offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel has 102 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 80,000. The Oberoi, Mumbai: The Oberoi is a luxurious hotel in Mumbai located on Marine Drive. The hotel has 287 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 70,000. The Leela Palace, New Delhi: The Leela Palace is a luxury hotel in New Delhi located in Chanakyapuri. The hotel has 254 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 60,000. Taj Falknum Palace, Hyderabad: Taj Falknum Palace is a luxurious hotel in Hyderabad which was earlier the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The hotel has 60 rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants, bars, and a spa. A night's stay can cost up to 50,000. These are some of the many expensive hotels in India. These hotels offer superb facilities and services and are perfect for guests looking for a unique and memorable experience. (PC: Google)
LS polls: With factors in favor, BJP eyes TNs Tirunelveli
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP has zeroed in on four Lok Sabha seats which it feels it can win, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, and Madurai. In Tirunelveli, the party has fielded the sitting MLA from the Tirunelveli Assembly constituency, Nainar Nagendran, whos a name to reckon with in the region. Nagendran is presently Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
DMKs T R Baalu has assets worth Rs 17.40 cr
Chennai, Mar 26 (PTI) DMK treasurer and Parliamentarian T R Baalu, the senior most among the candidates entering the fray for the April 19 Lok Sabha poll has declared total assets at Rs 17.40 crore, according to his election affidavit. The Dravidian majors political warhorse stated that his source of income was salary as MP besides interest on income and agriculture lands. Baalu, 82, seeking re-election from the Sriperumbudur constituency near here, has Rs 1,20,000 cash in hand. His movable assets are worth Rs 1,08,79,989.19 while the market value of his immovable property is worth Rs 16,31,36,000. He has a net liability of Rs 1,46,00,000, his affidavit said. Former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan contesting from the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency, south of Tamil Nadu, has Rs 55,000 cash in hand and has movable assets worth Rs 64,03,778.36 while his immovable assets, including inherited property, accounts to Rs 6,99,40,155. The 72-year-old leader, an advocate by profession, has no liabilities, Radhakrishnan declared in his affidavit. Union Minister of State for Fisheries L Murugan contesting from the Nilgiris (SC) constituency stated that he has 23 criminal cases and a defamation case pending against him, mostly related to violations of the laws during public protests. However, no chargesheet has been filed and that he was not convicted for any criminal offence. His assets are worth Rs 1,72,45,396 including immovable property valued at Rs 69,50,000. Murugan (46) has Rs 50,000 cash in hand and his total liabilities are Rs. 20,00,000, his affidavit stated. Former Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, 62, who has filed her nomination for the Chennai South constituency has Rs 50,000 cash in hand, and Rs 2.17 crore worth assets including Rs 1,57,40,286 movable assets. A medical doctor by profession, Tamilisai has a net liability of Rs 58,54,789. PTI JSP COR ROH
Election Fever Catches Up in TN
Chennai: With just two more days left to file nominations for the Lok Sabha elections, Monday saw a mad scramble for presenting the papers at the designated offices that witnessed scuffles and scenes of bonhomie between rivals though the Congress party alone could not name its nominees for the Mayiladuthurai and Tirunelveli constituencies and for the by-election to Vilavancode Assembly seat till closing time. In the announcement that came later, the Congress high command nominated C Robert Bruce for Tirunelveli and Tharahai Cuthbert for Vilavancode but was unable to decide on the candidate for Mayiladuthurai, over which there was reportedly a tug of war between Praveen Chakravorthy and S Thiurnavukarasar. Even the Tirunelveli candidate was named because Chief Minister M K Stalin was addressing a campaign meeting at Nanguneri to introduce the coalitions nominees for Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari constituencies in the evening. Since it would be pointless to seek votes for an unknown candidate of the Congress by the Chief Minister, the announcement for Tirunelveli was made in a hurry, party sources said. Earlier in the day, three other Congress nominees, M K Vishnu Prasad, Jothimani and Sasikanth Senthil, called on Stalin at his residence, along with TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai, while two of the three DMK candidates for the Chennai constituencies filed their nominations. The visit of North Chennai DMK candidate Kalanidhi Veerasamy, along with an entourage, to the polling office in Royapuram created a flutter. The AIADMK candidate Royapuram Mano had arrived at the office ahead of the DMK members and had obtained token number 7. Though the DMK workers came late, the leader of the group, Minister S K Sekarbabu, barged in and took a seat opposite the officer, prompting the AIADMK members, led by former Minister D Jayakumar, to raise an objection, triggering an angry exchange of words. Even as the argument was on, with the police personnel keeping a close watch, BJP candidate for the constituency R C Paul Kanagaraj landed at the spot but had to wait for the two parties to sort out the difference and also filed their nominations. With the presiding officer making it clear that Token No 7 will be given precedence over Token 8, the dispute was sorted out. DMK candidate for South Chennai, Tamilachi Thangapandian, was just completing the formalities before the presiding officer when BJP candidate Tamilisai Sounararajan arrived at the office. Both the candidates hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries, besides greeting each other. AIADMK nominee Jayavardhan. For Chennai constituency, the DMK candidate Dayanidhi Maran did not file the nominations while AIADMK alliance candidate Parthasarathy of DMDK and BJPs Vinoj P Selvam presented their papers. Maran is expected to file nomination on Wednesday, the last day. In the neighbouring Sriperumbudur constituency, DMK candidate T R Baalu also filed his papers. More than 75 per cent of the candidates all over the State chose Monday to file nominations as it was considered an auspicious day. Once the filing was done, the candidates and their followers started their campaign work by calling party cadre and booth committee members for introductory meeting and kick starting the electioneering for the April 19 polling. The States polling machinery was also activated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as officials and flying squads buzzed past the roads, keeping a vigil. At the MTH Road, near the Padi over bridge in Chennai, officials stopped a container trucker after it was found to be carrying sacks of BJP flags, caps and such material. The truck was coming from Haryana and was supposed to deliver the goods at the BJP office. But the officials wanted the way bills and such papers to be produced and drove it out to a police station as huge crowds gathered on the roads, suspecting the goods carried by it to be cash bundles. The Chief Electoral Officer Sathyabrata Sahoo, who met media persons, said that it had received 3,05,000 complaints of defacement of public walls and 1,00,800 complaints of unauthorized painting on private walls. He said 1,403 complaints of Model Code of Conduct violations and 178 FIRs had been filed.
BJP Names Annamalai, Murugan for Lok Sabha Polls from TN
Chennai: Former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, BJP State President K Annamalai, and Union Minister of State L Murugan were among the nine candidates for Tamil Nadu announced by the BJP on Thursday when the AIADMK also came out with its second list of 17 nominees that included Shimla Muthuchozhan, who joined the party just recently after a long association with DMK that saw her pitted against J Jayalalithaa in Kolathur Assembly constituency once. A meeting of BJP leaders was held at the State headquarters in Chennai to finalize the list of 20 BJP members and four leaders of friendly parties contesting on the Lotus symbol for the Lok Sabha polls on April 19 before Annamalai and other leaders left for Delhi, from where the latest list was released in the evening. Tamilisai Soundararjan is fielded against DMKs sitting MP Tamilachi Thangapandian in South Chennai while Murugan, who was very recently nominated for the Rajya Sabha, will face DMK MP A Raja and AIADMK nominee D Logesh Tamilselvan in Nilgiris and K Annamalai has been pitted against Ganapathy P Rajkumar of DMK and Singai G Ramachandran of AIADMK in Coimbatore. Sitting BJP MLA Nainar Nagendran will be fighting Shimla Muthuchozan in Tirunelveli, which has been allotted to the Congress by the DMK-led alliance, while former BJP Minister of State Pon Radhakrishnan has been fielded in his traditional constituency of Kanyakumari that has also been allotted to the Congress. AIADMK general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, who announced the names of 16 candidates of his party on Wednesday, named 17 more candidates on Thursday. The party has allocated five seats to DMDK, the party founded by Vijayakanth, and Palaniswami also visited their office to firm up the alliance. The others in the BJP's first list for the State are Vinoj P Selvam (Central Chennai), A C Shanmugham (Vellore), C Narasimhan (Krishnagiri), and T R Paarivendhar (Perambalur). The BJP has to come up with the names of 15 more candidates, both its members and those allies contesting under the Lotus symbol. Annamalai had already signed an agreement with AMMK founder T T V Dinakaran for the latter to contest from two seats, while the BJP agreed for three seats to Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC, led by G K Vasan, while O Panneerselvam, leading a splinter group of the AIADMK, is expected to extend support to the NDA from outside without fielding any candidates. In the AIADMK camp, the final picture of the alliance has emerged with the DMDK, the SDPI, and Puthiya Tamilagam joining hands, and Palaniswami is all set to embark on a whirlwind campaign from Trichy on Sunday when DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth is expected to share the stage with him. The first phase of the tour will conclude on March 31 at Tiruvarur after going through Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar, Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur, Puducherry and Cuddalore. The second phase of the tour will start on April 1 at Arakkonam and end on April 15 in Chennai. In between he will be campaigning at various places that include Vellore, Karur, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Sivagangai, Madurai, Dindigul, Pollachi, Tiruppur, Salem, Erode, Chidambaram and Perambalur. The AIADMK also announced U Rani as its candidate for the Vilavancode Assembly seat, where byelections are to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls. The Congress, whose constituency it was, and the BJP are yet to name their candidates.
PCJ introduces Women of My Billion
Actor-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas has unveiled Women of My Billion, a documentary on a womans journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, which her Purple Pebble Pictures is producing. The story includes narratives of women who have faced violence. The movie directed by Ajitesh Sharma will be released on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run. I have had a long relationship with Prime Video. Our association has been almost four years long. They have always championed the work that I have done. And this movie is one of them, said Priyanka, who also introduced the director and cast. The actors mother, Madhu Chopra, speaking to DC, said, I had an opportunity through Priyanka to learn production, though she took care of everything. We have made two successful films, and now Purple Pebbles has gone international. We have been co-producing films through studios, but we are trying to make our own products. Presently, Priyanka is planning international stuff.
India is a vast country where roads and railways have been built to connect villages and cities. The journey of the railways connecting various parts of Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from North-East India to the coast of Gujarat passes through various Indian territories. For this, bridges or bridges are also constructed which are used in rail transport. To cross the obstacles, inaccessible valleys, river areas, and other natural obstacles in the way of railways, railway bridges have been constructed in various parts. When bridges built over water come in the middle of our journey, there is excitement and a strange feeling in the mind. In such a situation, if you get a window seat during the journey, then the fun of the journey increases further. So let us know about some famous railway bridges of India... Pamban Railway Bridge, Tamil Nadu When it comes to the most beautiful and charming bridge in India, the name Pamban Railway Bridge is definitely taken first. This approximately 2.6-kilometer-long railway bridge is in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This beautiful railway bridge was built over the Indian Ocean and was constructed during the colonial period. This beautiful bridge connects Rameshwaram Island to the land. When the train passes through this bridge, only blue-colored water is visible around. Vembanad Railway Bridge, Kerala Vembanad Railway Bridge, located in Kochi city of Kerala state of India, is the longest railway bridge in India. This bridge is 4.62 kilometers long. Let us tell you that the construction work of this bridge was started in the year 2011 and this bridge was completely completed on 31 March 2010. At that time it was the second longest railway bridge in India, after the Vembanad Bridge was inaugurated on 11 February 2011, after which, after a disuse period of about 9 years, this railway bridge was restarted for freight traffic in January 2020 At present, it is the longest railway bridge in India. This bridge connects Edappally and Vallarpadam cities of Kochi city. The biggest feature of the Vembanad Railway Bridge is that even big sea vessels can pass under this railway bridge and at present this bridge is being completely used for freight transportation. New Jubilee Bridge The New Jubilee Bridge has been built in place of the old historical Jubilee Bridge. The old Jubilee Bridge built on the Hooghly River in 1885 is now the most prominent and famous in India. The newly constructed Jubilee Bridge connects Naihati and Bandel located in West Bengal. It is a cantilever truss bridge made exclusively by riveting. No nuts or bolts have been used in its construction. The Jubilee Bridge was used by the Indian Railways for 129 years before being decommissioned on 17 April 2016. Teesta Torsha Express was the last train that passed through it. Konkan Railway Bridge, Maharashtra Konkan Railway Bridge, also known as Zuari Bridge, is located over the Zuari River in Goa. The bridge is 1,321 meters long and is the longest railway line in the Konkan Rail network. Konkan Rail Network is considered to be one of the most attractive rail routes connecting the states of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. At a height of 60 meters, the Konkan Bridge is the highest railway bridge in India and one of the highest bridges in Asia. The viaduct is erected on ridges and hollows, with octagonal pylons constructed employing the strong slip-form technique of continuous construction. This is the first bridge to use this technology in India. Bogibeel Bridge, Assam Bogibeel Bridge is a rail-cum-road bridge built over the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam, the construction of which was started in the year 2002. After a long time, its construction work was completed in the year 2018 and it was opened for traffic on 25 December 2018. Bogibeel Bridge is a welded steel-concrete bridge specially designed to withstand severe earthquakes. Nehru Setu Rail Bridge If the name of the most famous and beautiful railway bridge present in Bihar is taken, then its name is Nehru Setu Rail Bridge. This beautiful railway bridge is built on the Son River of Bihar and thousands of trains pass through it every day. A wonderful view of the Son River is visible from this amazing bridge. Let us tell you that the length of this beautiful bridge is 3.5 km. It is also included in the 10 longest rail bridges in India. Havelock Bridge, Andhra Pradesh Havelock Bridge, which is also called the Old Godavari Bridge, this rail bridge built on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the oldest railway bridges in India. This rail bridge is 2.7 kilometers long. The construction of this bridge was started on 11 November 1897. Later, this bridge was opened for traffic on 30 August 1900, at that time this bridge was named after the then Governor of Madras, Sir Arthur Elephant Havelock. This railway bridge was decommissioned in the year 1997 and at present it is a decommissioned railway bridge of India. This railway bridge, which started in 1900, provided service between Howrah and Madras. Sharavati River Bridge, Karnataka The Sharavati Bridge, which was completed in 1984, is located south of Honnavar in the state of Karnataka. It is used by the Konkan Railway to cross the Sharavati River. This 2,060-meter-long bridge is the longest railway bridge and also the longest bridge in the state. The total length of the bridge is 1047.65 meters and has 34 spans. Over time the bridge suffered deterioration and was rehabilitated by strengthening the hammerheads and piers through external prestressing of the main girders. Additional steel brackets were also used for the procedure. A load test was later conducted to ensure the effectiveness of these measures. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas visits Ayodhya along with husband Nick Jonas and daughter Maltie
Priyanka Chopra Jonas also unveiled Women of My Billion, a documentary chronicling Srishti Bakshi's 3,800 km journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, shedding light on women's resilience amid adversity. Produced by Purple Pebble Pictures, the film features real-life tales of survivors, including Pragya Prasun. Set for release on Prime Video post-theatrical run, the documentary aims to inspire with stories of courage and empowerment across India.
Modi Calls Congress, DMK Two Sides of the Same Coin
Salem: Accusing the constituents of the INDIA coalition of continuously insulting Hinduism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said more crimes were committed against women in Tamil Nadu and that the DMK and Congress were like two sides of the same coin. On one side of the coin was corruption and the other side was family rule, Modi said, addressing an election meeting in Salem on Tuesday, adding that the DMK regime was equipped with 5G technology. That meant that the 5th generation of their family would come back to power, he said. BJP was eager to provide lakhs of crores of rupees for the development of Tamil Nadu but the DMK was waiting to look for ways to loot it, he said, accusing the INDIA coalition of treating women shabbily. Tamil Nadu was a witness to the way they treated women like J Jayalalithaa and the way they opposed the Womens Reservation Bill. Bowing to Goddess Mariamman, the local deity, before starting his speech, Modi said that at the rally of the INDIA coalition in Mumbai, they said that they wanted to destroy Shakti, the power that Hindus believed in, and warned that they would be destroyed in the process. People of Tamil Nadu worship Maha Mariamman as Om Shakti and there were Shakti Peethas like Kanchi Kamatshi, Madurai Meenakshi, Kanyakumariamman, Samayapuram Mariamman as they worshipped Shakti in female form, he said and wanted the people of the State to ensure, on April 19, that those who wanted to destroy the symbol of Shakti were severely punished. He said he had been a protective shield for women having a solution to every problem they faced. To prevent women from suffering in the kitchen, he came up with schemes like cooking gas connection in the Ujjwala scheme, to protect their health, the Ayushman scheme and Jal Jeevan to solve the problem of drinking water. A large number of women had benefited from the Mudra scheme in Tamil Nadu and in the next five years women would get more facilities, he said. The BJP would win more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections as people had decided to vote for Modi again to see India becoming self-sufficient and strong and for Tamil Nadu to progress. For farmers to benefit, for the infrastructure of the country to develop, and for India to grow as the 3rd largest economy in the world, the BJP needed to win more than 400 seats, he said. He welcomed the PMK into the NDA fold and said the experience of PMK founder S Ramadoss and the talent of Anbumani Ramadoss would help the development of Tamil Nadu. The NDA had set big goals for the development of the country like the setting up of more than 20 AIIMS hospitals, dozens of medical colleges, IITs, and new industries. Of the 2 Military Logistics Industrial Corridors being set up, one of them was in Tamil Nadu so is one of the 7 textile industrial parks.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas unveils new production venture Women of My Billion
Priyanka Chopra Jonas unveils new production venture Women of My Billion Actor-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Tuesday introduced Women of My Billion, an upcoming documentary narrating the true story of a woman's journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to meet women who have faced violence. Chopra Jonas and production banner Purple Pebble Pictures have produced the movie, which will be released on Prime Video after its theatrical run. The documentary is directed by Ajitesh Sharma. ''I've had a really long relationship with Prime Video, now almost going on for four years, and they have always been champions of the work that I have done. And this movie was one of them, Chopra Jonas said at the Prime Video Presents event as she introduced the film's director and cast. ''Women of My Billion'' or ''WOMB'' is about Srishti Bakshi, the UN Women Champion of Change, who embarks on a monumental journey, walking 3,800 km over 240 days, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, along the way meeting and learning first hand about the experiences of women from all corners of India. The film also features Pragya Prasun, who has spent her life rehabilitating women who have dealt with violence in various forms, Chopra Jonas said. ''As a company, we Purple Pebble Pictures, stand for being a springboard for filmmakers who want to tell stories that they are passionate about, she added. Women of My Billion is produced by Awedacious Originals in association with Purple Pebble Pictures. It is produced by Apoorva Bakshi and Chopra Jonas.
Income Tax Raids Target Hyderabad Restaurant Linked to YS Sharmila's Relative
Hyderabad: The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on a well-known restaurant located in Hyderabad, stirring considerable attention due to its ownership by a relative of Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief, YS Sharmila Reddy. The targeted establishment, Chutneys, renowned for its breakfast offerings, is owned by Atluri Padma, whose daughter is married to Raja Reddy, the son of YS Sharmila. This series of raids has caused a stir within business circles, largely because of Chutneys' widespread popularity as a dining destination and the political affiliations of its proprietor. Despite the significant interest generated by these events, neither the management of Chutneys nor officials from the Income Tax Department have issued an official statement regarding the purpose or outcome of the raids. These developments are occurring in the context of the impending Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Scheduled for May 13, the Lok Sabha polls will coincide with elections for the 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly, with the subsequent vote counting set for June 4. Interestingly, while the Congress and BJP have yet to disclose their respective candidate lists for Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Partyboth allies of the National Democratic Alliancefinalized their seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming elections on March 11. This timing adds an extra layer of political intrigue to the situation, given the proximity of the raids to the electoral process. Facebook's Inaction on Abusive Content Targeting Hindu Deities KKR Welcome Shreyas Iyer Back to Training Camp After Spine Specialist Consultation Tragic Accident Claims Life of Student in Kanyakumari District
Taranjit Singh Sandhu Joins BJP After Tenure as Ambassador to US
New Delhi: Former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party's headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday.Expressing his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Sandhu highlighted his decade-long collaboration, particularly in strengthening relations with the United States and Sri Lanka. Emphasizing the importance of development, Sandhu underscored the need for progress, especially in his hometown of Amritsar. He expressed gratitude towards the party president, Prime Minister, and Home Minister for encouraging him to embark on a new journey of national service. Sandhu, a native of Amritsar, is speculated to be a potential candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the constituency.Addressing the media after joining the BJP, Sandhu indicated his focus on Amritsar, stating that his decision to join the party aligns with his goal of contributing to the development of his hometown. He expressed willingness to contest elections if the party believes his candidacy would aid in Amritsar's progress.Sandhu concluded his tenure as India's Ambassador to the US in January of this year, after serving in the position since February 3, 2020, succeeding Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Prior to his role in the US, Sandhu served as the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka. With over three decades of distinguished service in the Indian Foreign Service, Sandhu held various significant positions, including postings in the former Soviet Union and the establishment of a new Embassy in Ukraine after the USSR's dissolution. He also served at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York and held roles at the Ministry of External Affairs, including Joint Secretary positions and serving as Consul General of India in Frankfurt.Sandhu's diplomatic career also saw him as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. from July 2013 to January 2017. Facebook's Inaction on Abusive Content Targeting Hindu Deities KKR Welcome Shreyas Iyer Back to Training Camp After Spine Specialist Consultation Tragic Accident Claims Life of Student in Kanyakumari District
DMK Completes Seat Allocation to Allies
Chennai: Ahead of the rival coalitions, the DMK-led front completed the seat allocation process on Monday with TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai visiting the DMK headquarters and signing an agreement with DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin on a day the electoral scene took a curious turn with BJP leader Tamilisai Soundarajan resigning her posts as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, possibly to contest from one of the constituencies in the State. While the Congress agreed to keep seven of the constituencies that it contested in 2019, giving up Arani, Trichy and Theni (where it lost last time) and taking Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and Tirunelveli in lieu of them, speculation was rife on the potential candidates for the new constituencies and possible changes for the other constituencies though the party has not yet started even the candidates selection process. The Congress called for applications from aspirants for the 10 Lok Sabha seats on Monday, saying they would have to pay a donation of Rs 30,000 for general constituencies, while women and those applying for reserved constituencies would have to pay Rs 15,000. The party also invited applications from aspirants for the Vilavancode Assembly constituency, which fell vacant following the resignation of the sitting MLA Vijayadharani after her defection to the BJP and is also going to polls on April 19. The political grapevine has it that the Congress might field its former TNCC president K S Alagiri from Cuddalore, Praveen Chakravarty from Mayiladuthurai and Peter Alphonse from Tirunelveli. Also there was a speculation that Sasikanth Senthil, who headed the Congress war room in Karnataka, might be fielded from Thiruvallur constituency. The seven constituencies that the Congress is contesting from again are Thiruvallur (Reserved), Sivagangai, Krishagiri, Karur, Virudhunagar, Kanyakumari and Puducherry. V Vaithilingam, former Chief Minister of Puducherry, is expected to be renominated by the Congress. Trichy was handed over the MDMK, which immediately nominated Durai Vaiko, principal secretary of the party, as candidate. Also the Kongunadu Makkal Katchi that was allotted the same Namakkal constituency that it won in 2019 named Sooryamoorthy as the candidate. The names of the DMK candidates would be announced on Wednesday, Stalin said. Since the party had already interviewed aspirants and had shortlisted the candidates, not many changes from the list of 2019 could be expected, party insiders said. Stalin will be starting his campaign from Trichy on March 22 and then visit Tiruvarur the next day. The AIADMK, which has already finalized its alliance with the Puthiya Tamizhagam Katchi and the SDPI, was in the process of clinching a deal with the DMDK on Monday after several rounds of negotiations. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was expected to launch a whirlwind campaign on March 24 and visit several constituencies till March 31. The BJP list that will be released by the party high command in New Delhi is expected in a day or two and Tamilisai Soundarajans name will figure in it, party sources said. Of the 25 seats that the BJP proposes to contest from in Tamil Nadu, names of many more prominent personalities of the party are expected. The partys alliance with the PMK was confirmed on Monday. The PMK that decided to go with the BJP at a meeting said that the number of seats would be announced later.
Many packages have been brought from Delhi by Indian Railways. Through these packages, you can plan a trip with your entire family. In these packages, you will not need to take a separate bus or cab to travel to different states. Because all kinds of facilities are provided in the package to take you around. You don't even need to look for a good hotel to travel. This facility has also been included in the package of Indian Railways. In today's article, we will tell you about some cheap packages. South India Tour Package This package is starting from March 15. In the package, you will be able to visit Chennai, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirupati. This package is for 6 nights and 7 days. The package includes the cost of your hotel, flight tickets and food. Package Fee If travelling with two people, you will have to pay Rs 53,980 per person. If three people are travelling together, the package fee per person is Rs 51,820. If you do not want to take a separate bed while travelling with children, then you will have to pay Rs 41,440. Through this fee, you can enjoy all kinds of facilities in a 7-day tour. Jammu/Katra Tour Package This package is starting from Delhi on 19th March. This is a tour package of 3 nights and 4 days, in which Indian Railways is responsible for your accommodation and food. You will be able to travel in 3AC coach. Package Fee If travelling with two people, you will have to pay Rs 7855 per person. If travelling with three people, you will have to pay Rs 6795 per person. If you travel with children, you will have to pay Rs 5145. Travelling through this 4-day tour package is quite beneficial. Ladakh/Leh Tour Package You are going to get a chance to see beautiful views through this package. Plan a trip with friends through these packages. This is a tour package of 6 nights and 7 days. Which is starting from 27th April. You will be able to complete this journey through flight. If travelling with two people, you will have to pay Rs 52,400 per person. If three people are travelling together, the package fee per person is Rs 50,900. If you travel with children, you will have to pay Rs 29,500 separately. This package for just Rs 52,400 for 7 days includes hotel, flight and food facilities. Image Credit- Freepik
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Student in Kanyakumari District
Chennai: In the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, a tragic incident unfolded, claiming the life of a student and leaving two others injured. The event occurred on a Sunday evening, around 8:30 pm, near Mekkamandapam. What transpired was captured by a CCTV camera, providing a stark account of the accident. The victim, identified as Jijumon, was accompanied by his friend Dhanish as they embarked on a journey to Mulchal. However, their plans took a devastating turn when their bike collided head-on with another bike, helmed by John Jagan. The CCTV footage depicted Jijumon and Dhanish's bike hurtling down the road at considerable speed before the collision ensued. The impact of the crash was profound, propelling all three individuals into the air and causing significant harm. Swift action from bystanders ensued as they rushed to the scene to render aid. The injured were promptly transported to Thakkalai Government Hospital for medical attention. Tragically, Jijumon succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the hospital. Meanwhile, Dhanish and Jagan are currently undergoing treatment, grappling with the aftermath of the collision. In response to the incident, authorities from the Thakalai Police station have launched an investigation, registering a case to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the accident. This event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and underscores the importance of adhering to road safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Water Ban Controversy: Fifth Grade Students Restricted During Ramadan by Teachers Supreme Court Dismisses Petition of AgustaWestland Scam Accused Christian Michel Hardik Pandya Ready to Lead Mumbai Indians alongside Rohit Sharma
2024 LS polls: Congress to contest 9 seats in Tamil Nadu, one in Puducherry under DMK-led alliance
CHENNAI: After prolonged deliberations and lobbying at different levels, the constituencies in which the Congress will contest under the DMK-led alliance was finalised on Monday. Out of 39 Lok Sabha seats, the Congress will contest 9 in Tamil Nadu and 1 in Puducherry. As per the pact signed between Chief Minister MK Stalin and TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai at the DMK headquarters today, the Congress got back six of the nine constituencies it contested from in Tamil Nadu in 2019. The party will contest again in Tiruvallur (SC), Sivaganga, Krishnagiri, Karur, Virudhunagar, and Kanyakumari. Three new seats were also given to the party including Puducherry constituency which it won in 2019. The Congress will contest from Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Tirunelveli in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, it had contested from Tiruchy, Theni, and Arani. They had won Tiruchy and Arani but lost Theni in 2019. The DMK has also allotted Cuddalore and Tirunelveli, which it won last time, to Congress. It can be recalled that incumbent DMK MP of Cuddalore TRVS Ramesh was facing a murder case. DMKs MP from Tirunelveli S. Gnanathiraviam also faced several allegations. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK-led alliance had secured a landslide victory by winning 38 out of 39 seats. The Congress, which was also a part of the alliance, had bagged 8 seats out of the nine contested. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, had won only one seat. Soon after allocating constituencies to the Congress, MDMK was allotted Tiruchy constituency under the DMK-led alliance. The allocation to MDMK could not be decided earlier because of the delays in finalising constituencies for the Congress. The IUML and KMDK (DMK Symbol) have been given one seat each while VCK, CPM, CPI get two seats each in the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the ruling DMK will contest on 21 seats. The Congress and the DMK are part of the INDIA opposition alliance bloc, cobbled together to defeat the BJP. Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Hassan has also announced his decision to support the DMK led alliance in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told media today that they would win all ten seats. The Congress and the DMK will not get separated, he asserted. On Sunday, TN CM and DMK Chief MK Stalin had attended the closing day of the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra in Mumbai. Stalin applauded former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and plegded his support to the INDIA bloc. My dear brother Rahul Gandhi has completed the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, traversing the length and breadth of India to unite us all. With a heart filled with compassion and a vision for justice, he stands as a guiding light, countering divisive forces with the strength of unity and inclusivity, CM Stalin had posted on X. (With Online Desk inputs)
Unlocking Indias Beauty: Exploring the Scenic Route from Kanyakumari to Kashmir by Rail
Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link Update: Fulfilling the Dream of 140 Crore Indians for Kashmir to Kanyakumari Railway Connectivity In recent times, the progress on the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link project has sparked hope for millions across the nation. This ambitious project, once completed, will connect Kashmir to the rest of India, enabling seamless ...
TN CM Stalin slams PM Modi over Katchatheevu issue
TN CM Stalin slams PM Modi over Katchatheevu issue Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ''uttering a lie'' on the Katchatheevu issue to target the DMK and blamed him for ''staying silent'' over projects for the state. In a post on social media platform X, Stalin alleged that the Prime Minister had ''blatantly lied'' in his rally at Kanyakumari on March 15 that Tamil Nadu fishermen are facing trouble from Sri Lanka only due to the past ''sin'' of the DMK. ''The Tamil Nadu people know the true history pretty well; that the Katchatheevu island was ceded (1974, 1976 agreements) to Sri Lanka despite the stiff opposition of the DMK government. Is the Prime Minister naive to the extent of believing that a state government can give away a portion of the country to another country,'' Stalin said in the post. Late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1969 to 1976. The Chief Minister also sought to know the steps taken by the BJP regime at the Centre during the past 10 years to retrieve the Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka. Stalin wondered if Tamil Nadu fishermen were not considered Indians and why the Centre has not stopped their arrest and harassment at the hands of the island nation. ''Why didn't the Indian government openly condemn Sri Lanka for announcing confiscation and nationalisation of boats of Indian fishermen,'' the chief minister said. Stalin also alleged that only during the BJP regime's tenure did the Lankan courts start the practice of awarding prison sentences to fishermen arrested for the second time. ''What action did you take to stop this,'' he questioned Prime Minister Modi. The ''usual lies'' echoed in the Prime Minister's rally at Kanyakumari, the chief minister alleged, adding that there was no answer to people's question on the special projects implemented for Tamil Nadu. ''Why does the PM remain a 'Mouna guru' (silent guru) who is taking pride that he is the 'Vishwa guru' (guru for the world),'' Stalin asked, taunting the Prime Minister over the fishermen issue. BJP state chief K Annamalai hit back at Stalin and alleged that it was the DMK which was ''silent'' for 50 years on the Katchatheevu issue and that it was time for Stalin to introspect. In a post on X, Annamalai retorted saying that it was the DMK which was in power in 1974 and only then had the Congress-led Centre ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Referring to the DMK-Congress alliance, the BJP leader said the DMK was also part of the government at the Centre several times, but had stayed ''silent'' on the Katchatheevu issue for 50 years. Similarly, the DMK stayed ''silent'' when ''over 80 fishermen were killed'' by the Sri Lankan Navy during the rule of DMK-Congress alliance, Annamalai said.
All-women e-auto rally makes it to Hyderabad
Naseem from Chairminar to lead the rally of eight women who arrived in Hyderabad after travelling 1,220 km on electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers from Kanyakumari and are on their way to Jammu
10 key political figures who will drive narrative this election
10 key political figures who will drive narrative this election Some are powerful orators who grab attention with their words, others are behind the scene strategists plotting victory for their parties and all are key drivers of the narrative as the country hurtles toward general elections beginning April 19. From Narendra Modi to Asaduddin Owaisi, here are 10 key political figures who will determine the electoral discourse in ways big and small: NARENDRA MODI Seeking a third straight term, Modi is not just looking to stamp his electoral dominance on India but also chasing history with another consecutive victory equalling first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehrus record. Pushing a brand of muscular nationalism entirely his own, Modi is likely to build his narrative around ''Modi ki guarantee'' and the march towards ''Viksit Bharat (developed India)''. The 73-year-old leader is going into the elections brimming with confidence about returning to office for the third time and has already begun work on a blueprint for his next term. AMIT SHAH The undeclared 'number 2' in the cabinet, often described as the 'Chanakya' of the BJP's electoral juggernaut, will be the brain behind the BJP's political manoeuvres this poll season. Be it abrogation of Article 370 or the CAA law, he has shepherded the government in many tricky situations as home minister. Shah, 59, will once again be seen in the avatar of a general marshalling his troops in the electoral battlefield. RAHUL GANDHI From being the Congress president under whom the party suffered a crushing defeat in 2019, he has gone on to become what many describe as the ''ideological compass'' of the party. His Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra gave him a much-needed image makeover but electoral defeats in state polls have put a question mark on just how effective it was. With his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Gandhi, 53, has again reached out to the people with Congress guarantees aimed at ensuring justice for the people. Whether that will click with the people, only time will tell. MALLIKARJUN KHARGE Party worker and president, he is the dyed in the wool Congress member from Karnataka who rose through the ranks to take on the reins of the party from Sonia Gandhi in October 2022. Kharge, 81, now faces his sternest test as he steers the Congress, which takes on a formidable BJP, and fights an existential battle with the odds heavily stacked against it. MAMATA BANERJEE Fiery and feisty, the TMC supremo kept the opposition INDIA bloc on tenterhooks over seat-sharing before finally deciding to go solo in West Bengal. Banerjee, 69, has been taking on the BJP strongly and engaging in a duel with the saffron party, which has stepped up its attack on her over the issue of alleged sexual abuse by a TMC strongman in Sandeshkhali. Her mantra is be 'ek la chalo' when it comes to a pre-poll tie-up with opposition parties, but she seems firm on the ideological plank in her opposition to the BJP. NITISH KUMAR Known for his survival skills to stay on at the helm in Bihar and switching sides with ease, Kumar did another volte-face ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The 73-year-old leader's switching over to the NDA, proved to be a major jolt for the INDIA bloc. His joining hands with the BJP has dramatically altered the dynamics in Bihar and now it will be up to the people to give their judgment on his latest U-turn. SHARAD PAWAR Embattled and betrayed by his own nephew Ajit Pawar, the 83-year-old Maratha strongman is probably fighting his toughest battle at the fag end of his career. Known for his never-say-die attitude, the shrewd and political astute 83-year-old could still prove to be a thorn in the flesh for NDA in Maharashtra as he could galvanise the Maha Vikas Aghadi to pose a stiff challenge to the BJP. M K STALIN The DMK supremo has established his dominance in Tamil Nadu and provided stiff resistance to the BJP's forays in the southern state. Taking along the Left and the Congress, Stalin is expected to provide the much-needed electoral boost from Tamil Nadu to the opposition bloc. Stalin, 71, is also a staunch supporter of the Gandhi family but controversial remarks by his party's leaders on the 'Sanatan Dharma' have put the INDIA bloc on the backfoot on several occasions and could hurt them in the north. TEJASHWI YADAV The RJD leader has again been thrust into the opposition in Bihar but his stature has gone up within the INDIA bloc. Yadav, 34, has led the opposition bloc in Bihar with gusto and is seen by many as the able heir to his father Lalu Prasad's legacy in Bihar. Whether he will be able to upset the NDA calculations and arithmetic with the chemistry he has with the people on ground will be tested in the Lok Sabha polls. ASADUDDIN OWAISI The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief has often played the 'spoiler' for the opposition bloc in state polls and is dubbed by some leaders as the BJP's B-team. Owaisi, 54, has stood steadfast about his party's right to grow and contest in various parts of the country besides Telangana. Will he upset the calculations of the opposition parties or the BJP? Owaisi as always will keep everyone guessing. The result will be out in these polls.
History of DMK, Congress is full of scams: PM Modi targets Opposition in Kanyakumari
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Centre's financial restrictions threaten cooperative federalism, says Kerala FM
Centre's financial restrictions threaten cooperative federalism, says Kerala FM Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that the financial disparities imposed by the BJP-led Union Government on Kerala go beyond politics, posing a significant challenge to cooperative federalism, and called on the Central government to ensure fair treatment for all states. ''The BJP-led Union Government's financial discrimination against Kerala is not just a political slogan but a question of cooperative federalism, and it is the duty of the Central government to protect the interests of the states,'' the minister told PTI in an interview on Monday night. Balagopal, who has been challenging the BJP-led Centre for its alleged discrimination against Kerala on financial matters for quite some time, said that the issue has now been raised by other non-BJP ruled states, including Congress-ruled Karnataka, as the states are feeling strangled by the Centre. ''It's more than a political issue. This is a question of cooperative federalism,'' Balagopal said, when asked whether the alleged discrimination by the Centre against the states on financial matters would be a poll issue for the INDIA formation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Kerala minister's statement came in the context of a case filed by the state government in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Centre for releasing its rightful share of tax revenue. ''Everything now depends on the Supreme Court verdict. The Union Government has denied us many things; our rights as a state are denied, and finance is crucial for development. Rightful, eligible finances are being denied,'' Balagopal said. He expressed hope that the Kerala government would receive a very positive result from the Apex Court, as the case hearing is approaching soon, and said that the state holds a strong hope that justice would protect the interests of the people of Kerala. He said the central government is considering Kerala's legitimate right to approach the highest judicial forum in the country, the Supreme Court, to get its rightful share, with some kind of ''vengeance''. ''In the Supreme Court also, the Union Government's stand was that Rs 13,000 crore, for which the state government is eligible this year, will be paid only if the state withdraws the suit. Kerala government's counsel, Kapil Sibal, has informed the court that this is not acceptable,'' Balagopal said. He likened the situation to a company asking its employee to withdraw a case that he had filed to get his dues with the Labour Commissioner if he wanted to be paid the present salary. Balagopal said that people are not going to approve of the union government and its parties if they fail to take care of the states' interests and pay what is due to them. Stressing that equitable sharing of wealth with the states is very important, the minister highlighted that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has managed to take up this issue as a national concern, rallying others behind it. With the present financial restrictions, Kerala will have to arrange 75 per cent of its expenditure this year, with the Centre's share restricted to only 25 per cent. The minister also claimed that Kerala's fiscal consolidation has improved tremendously. ''Both the Union Finance Ministry and RBI have acknowledged this. We are allocating funds for the state's overall development,'' Balagopal said. Balagopal rued that Congress leaders in Kerala were ''trying to sabotage'' the efforts of the Left to unite all parties of the INDIA bloc in its agitation to protect cooperative federalism. This was despite Congress leaders from other parts of the country supporting the Centre's alleged discrimination against non-BJP ruled states, he said. He was referring to the protest led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in New Delhi last month where the Left managed to rally all prominent non-BJP parties from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. However, Balagopal alleged, Congress leaders in Kerala tried to destabilise the movement. ''The AICC president (Mallikarjun Kharge) himself said in Parliament that the issues of Kerala are very genuine. Karnataka Congress leaders said the issues of Kerala are very genuine. But what did the Congress leaders in Kerala do? They only tried to destabilize the movement,'' the minister said. He said that this wouldn't escape the notice of people who ''understand'' that Congress leaders in Kerala cannot stand up for the rights of the people of the state. The state Congress leaders will have to pay a heavy price for this in the upcoming polls, Balagopal said, and claimed that the people would give a huge victory to the CPI(M)-led LDF. ''The concept of INDIA formation as a political movement is very strong, and we wholeheartedly support it. But in Kerala, people know the Left is genuine and honest, and Congress cannot protect the interests of the people,'' Balagopal said. He said that the winning chances of the LDF candidates in Kerala are improving with every passing day. ''People can see the progress. In the recent elections to the local bodies, the LDF improved its position, surpassing even our expectations. It is evident that people are not buying into the false propaganda of the opposition parties,'' Balagopal said. He added that despite the financial restrictions, Kerala is managing its finances by enhancing its state-owned tax collection, which has seen an impressive 60 percent growth over the last three years. Training his guns on the Congress, the minister said that the party's Kerala unit had a wrong attitude which is detrimental to the future generation of the state. He mentioned that the Congress was under the impression that if they fought for the rightful share of the state in Parliament, the LDF government in Kerala would benefit. ''It is not the LDF government but the people of Kerala who are going to benefit. Not just the people living now, but also our future generations, as we could invest more in our infrastructure development projects,'' Balagopal said.
If you are planning a trip, then you should plan your trip through a package. This is because you get all kinds of facilities in the package. In this, Indian Railways is also responsible for your accommodation and transportation. Therefore, if you are not able to plan to take your parents somewhere, then you can send them on a trip through these packages. In this, you will not have to worry about your elderly parents. Because they can plan their trip safely without any hassle. TirupatiBalaji Tour Package This package is starting from Delhi on 15th March. In this, you will get a chance to visit Chennai, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Thiruvananthapuram and Tirupati. The package is for a total of 6 nights and 7 days. You will complete the journey through flight. Package Fee- If travelling alone, you will have to pay Rs 67,960. If travelling with two people, you will have to pay Rs 53,980 per person. The package includes 7 days of sightseeing, a hotel and food. There are many tour packages for TirupatiBalaji, which are starting from locations like Mumbai and Gujarat. For more information, you can visit the official website of Indian Railways. Mata Vaishno Devi Tour Package This package is starting from Delhi on 9th March. This is a tour package of 3 nights and 4 days. After March 9, you can take the train every Friday and Saturday. Package Fee- If you travel alone you will have to pay Rs 13300. If travelling with two people, you will have to pay Rs 9670 per person. Amritsar Tour Package Through this package, you can plan a trip every day. This package is for 3 nights and 4 days. This package will be launched by train. Package Fee- If you travel alone you will have to pay Rs 24895. The package fee for travelling with two people is Rs 12450. Ajmer, Pushkar and Udaipur Tour Package This package is starting from Jaipur on 9th March. This is a tour package of 4 nights and 5 days. Package Fee- If you travel alone you will have to pay Rs 15,875. If travelling with two people, you will have to pay Rs 11,055. Image Credit- Freepik, Shutterstock
Modi Cautions People About DMK
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned the people of the DMK, accusing it of fostering a drug culture in the State which was a matter of great concern for the parents, who were worried about the future of their children, and solicited the peoples support to the BJP in the coming elections for addressing such issues. Speaking at a public meeting, attended by the NDA partners in the State, on Monday at the YMCA grounds, Modi sought the peoples support to develop Tamil Nadu, which would form the basis for Indias growth, and reiterated his charge that the DMK government was blocking the welfare schemes of the BJP government in the State. Starting his Hindi speech with the typical Vanakkam Chennai salutation, he said that whenever he visited the State it have churnings in the stomach to some people and added that the BJP was striving for the future of Tamil Nadu and Chennai while the DMK government, ruling the State, had failed in that count. When two natural disasters struck Chennai recently, the DMK government did not live up to the situation in providing succor to the people, he said. The government instead of sharing the grief and mitigating the sufferings of the people through flood management indulged in media management, projecting a rosy picture as though it was milk and honey that flooded the homes and not flood water, he said. Since the benefit of the Union Government schemes like construction of toilets or LPG connections reached the people directly, the DMK government was worried that they were not able to swindle the funds, he said. One particular family was very much in distress because they were unable to loot the funds,' he said. Even if they could lay their hands on the money, they would at least appropriate ownership of the schemes and proclaim that they did everything but failed to do that also, he said. The States funds could not be looted by anybody and Narendra Modi would ensure that, he said. All the funds that were stolen would be retrieved and given back to the people by the Modi government, he averred, dwelling at length about what he called family politics. For Narendra Modi, the nation was first but for parties like the Congress and the DMK, the family came first, he said. While some people pointed fingers at him saying that he had no family, he considered the entire nation as his family, he said. He had left home at the age of 16 and worked hard for the welfare of the nation and hence the people had become his family, he said. The people of the country starting from Kashmir to Kanyakumari knew about his government, he said and listed out what all the Union Government did during the Coronavirus pandemic. When family politics ruled the roost, 18,000 villages did not have power connections at all, plunging 2.5 crore households into darkness but the present government was providing energy security, which is the challenge of the 21 st century, he said. He referred to his visit to Kalapakkam earlier in the day and said that the Fast Breeder Reactor, to which the fuel was loaded in his presence, was a sign of the nation achieving self-dependence in the power sector. Modi said that he had dedicated himself for the betterment of farmers, the poor and the disadvantaged and was hence giving them their rights.
