NDA will not win a single seat in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav

Patna: Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will not win a single seat in Bihar in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. They (NDA) will not win a single seat in Bihar. They will also win only 35 to 40 seats in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. 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 .

CM Naveens Roadshow in Bhubaneswar on Monday; Commissionerate Police Releases Traffic Advisory

Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party supremo is going to hold a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on Monday, seeking votes from the public for upcoming general elections. The CM will make a road show inside the city from Punama Gate Flyover, Palaspalli to Ekamra Square via BDA Colony [] The post CM Naveens Roadshow in Bhubaneswar on Monday; Commissionerate Police Releases Traffic Advisory appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

CM Naveens Roadshow in Bhubaneswar Monday; Commissionerate Police Releases Traffic Advisory

Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party supremo is going to hold a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on Monday, seeking votes from the public for upcoming general elections. The CM will make a road show inside the city from Punama Gate Flyover, Palaspalli to Ekamra Square via BDA Colony [] The post CM Naveens Roadshow in Bhubaneswar Monday; Commissionerate Police Releases Traffic Advisory appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Koi dadagiri hai kya? BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad slams CM Arvind Kejriwal over AAP protest

Koi dadagiri hai kya? BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad slams CM Arvind Kejriwal over AAP protest Senior BJP leader and party candidate from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha Seat Ravi Shankar Prasad lambasted Delhi Chief Minister over the recent controversy involving alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, saying that police officials are doing their work,. Speaking to ANI, Prasad said, He (Arvind Kejriwal) did not resign. His party staff beat up the woman MP, why is no action being taken? Koi dadagiri hai kya, Kanoon apna kaam karega (Is there any bullying going on? the law will take its course). The political landscape in Delhi witnessed a significant upheaval on Sunday as the Delhi Police detained some people who were protesting against AAP in the national capital. The people, sporting black topis inscribed with the words 'Aajan Aadmi Party', were rounded up and dragged into police vehicles. The AAP, earlier on Friday, declared a 'Jail Bharo' march to the BJP headquarters in the national capital to protest what they claimed to be arbitrary arrests of its leader at the behest of the Centre. Decrying the arrest of his former aide in the assault case, CM Kejriwal, on Saturday, accused the BJP at the Centre of resorting to a 'Jail Ka Khel' (game of putting leaders in jail) against his party, adding that he would lead a 'Jail Bharo' march to the BJP headquarters on Sunday along with his top party leaders as well as workers. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, DCP Delhi Central, Harsha Vardhan Mandava said, Based on the information we received through social media and other channels, we have made preventive arrangements on DDU Marg to ensure that the law and order are maintained at all costs. We are focused and committed to making adequate security deployments and have barricades in place to ward off any attempt to disrupt law and order. Section 144 has been imposed on DDU Marg and there is no permission for any kind of protest here, he informed. On Saturday, Kejriwal's former PA was arrested in connection with the alleged assault on Maliwal. He was produced before the Tis Hazari Court, which remanded him in police custody for five days. Earlier, the AAP chief released a personalised video after Bibhav's arrest, saying, You can see how they (BJP) are after the AAP. One after another, they are putting our leaders behind bars. They put me, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain, and Sanjay Singh behind bars. Today, they put my (former) PA in jail. Now they are saying they will put Raghav Chadha, Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj in jail. Perhaps it was our fault that we built schools and mohalla clinics, while also providing electricity for free, which they failed to accomplish. I would like to tell the Prime Minister: you are playing a 'jail ka khel' with us. Tomorrow, I will lead a march to the BJP headquarters along with all my top leaders, MLAs, and MPs at noon. You can put whoever you want in jail, Kejriwal said. Significantly, the Vigilance Department, last month, terminated Bibhav's service as the CM's personal assistant over a pending criminal case. (ANI)

PM Modi to arrive in Odisha today, to hold roadshow at Puri on Monday

In his earlier public meetings, the PM has launched a no-holds-barred attack on the Naveen Patnaik government on many issues, including alleged failure of governance, corruption, nepotism and lawlessness

Royal couple eyes to retain and retake their seats in Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in Odisha

Royal couple eyes to retain and retake their seats in Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in Odisha Balangir, which had a glorious past of having the first x-ray machine as well as the printing press in Odisha, a transport system, and the facility of power generation through a generator, has significantly attracted the attention of several as a royal couple here is contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Patna State was a princely state in the Eastern States Agency of India during the British Raj. It had its capital at Balangir. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Patna (in Odisha's Balangir), is contesting the Assembly election from Patnagarh on a BJP ticket, while his wife Sangeeta Singh Deo has been fielded by the BJP from Balangir Lok Sabha, which is going to poll on May 20. Sangeeta Deo said on Sunday that both of them are working together in the service of the people, adding that the fight is to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for the third term. I feel the people have faith in the royal family as they have seen our performance, and we have dedicated our lives to the service of the people without expecting anything in return. My husband is also contesting the election for the state assembly seat that comes within my Lok Sabha constituency, and we together work in the service of the people. The fight is to make PM Modi the PM for the third term, she told ANI. While Sangeeta is campaigning extensively to retain her Lok Sabha seat and become MP for the fifth time, Kanak Vardhan is ready to retake the Patnagarh Assembly seat, which he has represented multiple times. Pitching issues like migration, the development of Odisha's western part, and the availability of adequate irrigation facilities, the royal couple is carrying out extensive campaigns. Kanak Vardhan urged the voters to vote for the BJP and for PM Modi to bring a double-engine government to the state. I have always been in the Assembly of the opposition party, the BJP. This time I am asking people to vote for the BJP and for PM Modi to make a double-engine government in the state to let the central government's schemes reach the people of the state. People are accepting this. Due to the lack of development in Western Odisha, people migrate to other states of India. The procurement policy of the government is faulty, the BJP leader said. Kanak Vardhan is the grandson of Odisha's first CM from the royal family, the late Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, who served as the state's CM in 1967. People are accepting that slogan of double-engine government given by PM Modi because they are deprived of the benefit of central schemes like PM Awas and others, he said, alleging that not a single house was allocated in five parliamentary constituencies of western Odisha and all the houses were given in the coastal belt. Due to a lack of development in western Odisha, people have to migrate (for employment) to other parts of the country, Kanak Vardhan said, adding that the establishment of agro-based industries and the development of irrigation facilities for farming activities are necessary to deal with the issue of migration. Due to the faulty procurement policy of the state government, farmers have to suffer a lot, he further said. When asked how the glorious history of Balangir will be regained, he said that changes come everywhere with time. By highlighting the glorious history, heritage and places with immense potential of tourism, the glory of Balangir could be restored. I am very hopeful that India will again become 'Sone Ki Chidiya'. People have to change their habits. It could be understood with a small example that PM Modi had posted a picture of him from a small island, following which domestic tourism got a major boost, said the BJP leader. Notably, the grandfather of the MLA candidate was the first to bring a law to ban the slaughtering of cow and make a provision for a fine but over a period of time, the fine became nominal (in context to the present time). With passing time, the state government must have renewed it and controlled the sale of cattle, but the government failed to do so, said the BJP candidate. Sharing the glorious past of Balangir, the leader said that at the time of state (referring to erstwhile Patna state of Balangir), the first x-ray machine was installed in Balangir hospital, and the first road transport system (which later became Odisha Road Transport Corporation) was in Balangir and known as Patna State Road Transport Corporation. Moreover, the state had the facility of power generation through a generator and the power was being supplied in Balangir. The state also had a printing press. He further said that the state government did not make any attempt to modernise the printing press, following which it turned outdated (after the arrival of computers), said the leader, adding that if the state government would like to operate it after modernising, then jobs could be created. Calling development the key issue in the area, Kanak said, Development is the key issue; the development of our district, Patnagarh, and the development of ensuring the facility of water, be it for the purpose of drinking or irrigation. He further elaborated that the establishment of agro-based industries and cold storage could deal with the problem of migration, and boosting tourism would generate job opportunities. The Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in the BJD-ruled state are being held across four phases - from May 13 to June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. Polling for the first phase was conducted in 28 Assembly seats and four Lok Sabha constituencies on May 13. In the fifth phase, 35 Assembly seats and five Lok Sabha constituencies will vote on May 20, 42 Assembly segments and six Lok Sabha seats on May 25 and the remaining 42 Assembly seats and six Lok Sabha constituencies in the last phase on June 1. The results will be out on June 4. In the last assembly elections in 2019, the BJD won 112 out of 146 seats, while the BJP had to settle for just 23 seats and the Congress finished at 9. In the Lok Sabha elections in the same year, the BJD mopped up the lion's share of the electoral spoils, with the BJP and the Congress bringing up the rear. The BJD won 12 seats, the BJP finished a close second at 8, and the Congress bagged just a lone seat. (ANI)

2 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga river near Maner in Patna

Two persons lost their lives in a boat overturning incident in the Ganga River near Mahavir Tola ghat at Maner, Patna district. The boat was carrying 12 passengers who were farmers transporting vegetables from Diyara area to Mahavir tola. The incident occurred around 7-8 am, with most people swimming to shore and two individuals missing.

Boat ferrying labourers capsizes in Bihar's Patna, several feared drowned

Boat ferrying labourers capsizes in Bihars Patna several feared drowned

Lalu Prasad will never transfer power: Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary

Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary criticizes Lalu Yadav for nepotism in RJD, praises BJP's grassroots connections. Mentions Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Rohini Acharya's return to Bihar politics.

Kyrgyzstan Crisis: What Indian and Pakistani Students Need to Know

Kyrgyzstan Violence: Key Information on the Situation and Responses Overview of the Violence In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, foreign students, including those from India and Pakistan, are facing threats from locals amid ongoing mob violence. This unrest primarily targets international students and has raised significant concerns. India's Advisory to Students On May 18, India advised its students in Bishkek to remain indoors following reports of mob violence aimed at South Asian students. The Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan has described the current situation as calm. The embassy is in contact with Indian students, advising them to stay safe and keep in touch. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also urged students to maintain regular communication with the embassy. Causes of the Violence The violence erupted after a viral video on social media showed a fight on May 13 between Kyrgyz students and foreign students, mainly from Pakistan and Egypt. Locals viewed this incident as a violation of their hospitality. As a result, on May 17, Kyrgyz locals protested, accusing officials of being too lenient towards the foreign students involved. Police had detained three students related to the incident. The violence quickly escalated, with mobs targeting hostels housing international students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. India's Response External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on social media, monitoring the situation and advising students to stay in touch with the embassy. The Indian Embassy reassured that it is monitoring the situation, advising students to stay indoors and providing a 24/7 contact number (0555710041) for any issues. Statements from Kyrgyz Authorities On May 18, the Kyrgyz foreign ministry stated that law enforcement had acted quickly to detain those involved in the incident, and the situation is now under control. The ministry reported no serious injuries among the participants and urged media and diplomatic missions to avoid spreading unverified information. Health and Safety Updates The Kyrgyz health ministry reported that four Pakistani students received first aid and were discharged, while one remains under treatment for injuries. Police in riot gear were deployed in parts of Bishkek due to large crowds gathering after the fight on May 13. Indian Student Population in Kyrgyzstan Approximately 15,000 Indian students are studying in Kyrgyzstan, many pursuing MBBS degrees due to the affordability and quality of medical education. Degrees from Kyrgyzstan universities are internationally recognized, including by the World Health Organization (WHO). A recent advisory from India described Kyrgyzstan as safe and friendly towards Indian nationals. Pakistan's Response Pakistan's Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, advised Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation normalizes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister Amir Muqam to visit Bishkek to assist Pakistani students. They are traveling on a special plane to provide support. Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry also issued a demarche to Kyrgyzstan regarding the situation. Update on Pakistani Students Ambassador Zaigham confirmed no deaths among Pakistani students. A special flight carrying 180 Pakistani students landed at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport on May 18. The situation in Bishkek remains tense but reportedly calm. Both India and Pakistan are closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to ensure the safety of their students. The Kyrgyz authorities are working to control the violence and maintain public order. Pakistan Mulls Extension of USD15.5 Billion Chinese Energy Debt Amid IMF Talks NIA Files Chargesheet Against Amaan Salim Shaikh: Key Figure in Visakhapatnam Espionage Case 3 Killed in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as Security Forces Respond with Firing and Teargas

An architects vision for inclusivity

VISAKHAPATNAM: In an earnest effort to address the often overlooked challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the built environment, architect Kavya Poornima Balajepalli has emerged as a beacon of change. Apart from confronting personal adversity, Kavyas commitment to foster inclusivity has propelled her to spearhead the initiative Poornamidam, which delves into the intersectionality of architecture, environment, and disability. In simple words, she is working to make public spaces more accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities. Kavya believes that the architecture and environment can play a key role in achieving inclusivity. By studying how buildings and outdoor spaces are designed, she wants to find ways to make them easier to use for the differently-abled. Her goal is to create a World where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy public places without any barriers. A graduate in architecture, she was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension in 2017, leading to vision loss in both eyes. Undeterred by her condition, she has dedicated herself to advocating for universal accessibility in public spaces. Currently pursuing the NCPEDP-Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability, Kavya focuses on data-driven research and advocacy for universal accessibility in leisure, recreational, and cultural spaces. One of her projects is working on universal accessibility at Rushikonda Blue Flag Beach. She advocates for the inclusion of universal design in the architecture curriculum, recognising educations role in fostering inclusivity. Kavyas research at the beach revealed accessibility gaps, prompting her to present her findings to local, national, and international Blue Flag authorities. As a result, Blue Flag is revising its architecture curriculum to incorporate proper infrastructure for the disabled. Reflecting on her work, she emphasised the significance of integrating disabled perspectives into architectural design to ensure inclusive public spaces for all. While many support disabled individuals superficially, true change stems from systemic improvements, she noted. Kavyas endeavours have garnered recognition on both national and international platforms, including presentations at G20 India, the Global Disability Youth Summit, and UN India, among others. Her initiatives, such as We All Belong and Its Our Beach Too, spotlight universal accessibility while advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Empanelled as a committee member in the District Level Committee on Disability in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, she actively engages in grassroots efforts to bring about a systemic change. She is also the driving force behind IIH Warriors India, an online support group for individuals with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Collaborating with institutions like the Harvard Law School on a project concerning persons with disabilities and UN India-NIUA, Kavya has contributed to seminal works on climate-resilient and accessible architecture and gender and disability inclusion in urban development. She emphasised her utilisation of architectural expertise to promote universal accessibility and disability inclusion. I firmly believe in (Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah), drawn from the Rig Veda, translating to Let Noble Thoughts Come to Us from Everywhere, ensuring that we Leave No One Behind.

Recruitment racket busted in Vizag

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Visakhapatnam Cyber Crime Police have busted a criminal network led by consultancy agents who exploited unemployed youth by promising lucrative data entry jobs and big overseas opportunities. These agents, operating from the Gajuwaka area, deceitfully recruited around 150 individuals for supposed computer system operator roles in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Bangkok. However, these positions were fronts for engaging in cybercrime on behalf of Chinese companies. The scam was uncovered following a complaint from a victim named Botcha Shankar, who managed to escape and reported the crime on the cybercrime helpline. Chukka Rajesh, a 33-year-old former fire safety manager from Gajuwaka, emerged as a central figure in this scheme. The police arrested Rajesh along with his sub-agents Sabbavarapu Kondalarao and Mannena Gnaneshwar Rao. Explaining the gangs modus operandi, Police commissioner A Ravi Shankar on Saturday said that after working in the Gulf countries until 2019, Rajesh returned to India, where he was contacted by an individual named Santosh from Cambodia in March, 2023. Santosh claimed to need 30 workers with computer skills and good English for jobs in Cambodia. He instructed Rajesh to collect hefty fees from each recruit, promising to handle their flight and visa arrangements. Unbeknownst to the recruits, they were being sent to commit cybercrimes. The fraudsters sent 27 individuals in three batches to Cambodia, where they were coerced into cybercrime under harsh conditions. The operation, which included other agents like Arya, Umamahesh, and Habib, involved collecting Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh, claiming it covered job placement fees and related expenses, from the recruits. They were sent to Bangkok on visiting visas. From Bangkok, recruits were taken to the Cambodian border, where they obtained Cambodian visas. The police detailed that the victims were then sold to Chinese companies for $2,500 to $4,000, with the agents receiving a commission of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per recruit. In Cambodia, these companies confined the workers, forcing them to execute various cybercrimes and retaining the majority of the profits. The victims of this extensive scam hail predominantly from regions around Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Rajahmundry, Anantapur, Palasa, Tuni, Anakapalli, Telangana, and Kolkata, according to the police. The nefarious activities coordinated by this network are part of a larger trend of cybercrimes by Chinese nationals, with substantial amounts of money illicitly transferred out of India. Police advisory Stay informed Verify authenticity of calls Refrain from transferring money based on unsolicited calls Use 1930 helpline to report cybercrimes for recovery of lost funds Man loses Rs 1.3 cr In this year alone, around 12 cases related to FedEx courier scams were registered, involving Rs 5,93,92,375. The 1930 helpline helped freezing Rs 1,04,68,708. On April 20, a businessman from Visakhapatnam lost Rs 1,30,30,639 to a FedEx courier scam. Calling the cybercrime helpline enabled the recovery of Rs 85,70,923.

Ensure foolproof security at strong rooms at all levels: CEO to officials

VISAKHAPATNAM/SRIKAKULAM: Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena inspected strong rooms at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. He directed officials to ensure foolproof security at strong rooms at all levels. He was accompanied by District Collector A Mallikarjun and City Police Commissioner A Ravishankar. EVMs of all Assembly segments in Visakhapatnam and that of the Lok Sabha constituency have been stored in the strong rooms in Andhra University. He interacted with the officials, enquired about the security, and verified entries in the log book. He also directed the district election officer to review the security at the strong rooms from time to time. The Election Commission of Indias guidelines need to be implemented in their entirety, the CEO said. Later, Meena inspected the strong rooms at Sri Sivani Engineering College in Srikakulam, along with District Collector Manazir Jeelani Samoon and SP GR Radhika. He inspected the seals on the strong rooms, CCTV cameras and the three-tier security arrangement. He ordered the security personnel not to allow any unauthoried persons.

Fake certificate racket busted, three arrested in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Maheshwaram Special Operations Team (SOT), along with Chaitanyapuri police, busted a fake certificate racket and arrested three persons on Saturday. The prime accused, Mohammad Abrar Hussain, 45, a consultant by profession, allegedly masterminded the fraud to make easy money. According to the police, Hussain, in collusion with Ram Singh of Uttar Pradesh, started supplying fake certificates to students aspiring to go abroad. He sold fake certificates of various universities for prices ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 each. During the operation, the police seized counterfeit certificates in the name of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Bihar, and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi. The other two arrested persons are Syed Isnain Mohammed (28), a cashier in a cafe, and Ram Singh, who provided contacts of clients and helped in selling fake certificates. Four of the customers of Mohammad Abrar Hussain were identified as Sachi Patel from Gujarat, Rahul Sood from Delhi, and Ashwaq and Haifa from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad.

Go to Pak if you want Muslim quota: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to Lalu Prasad

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticizes RJD's Lalu Prasad for advocating 'reservation to Muslims,' suggesting he go to Pakistan. Sarma emphasizes reservation based on religion is unconstitutional. He cites examples from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh where such measures affected backward classes.

CM Naveen Patnaik's 'tourist jibe will cost BJD, says BJP

BHUBANESWAR: A day after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik termed top BJP leaders and his counterparts from BJP-ruled states campaigning in the state political tourists, the saffron party came down on BJD for disrespecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues. Addressing three separate meetings of BJP workers in Bhubaneswar, Kendrapara and Balasore, the top five leaders of the party held a first-of-its-kind roadshow in Balasore to put up an united face. The leaders- state BJP president Manmohan Samal, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, national vice-president Baijayant Panda, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi told party workers that BJPs victory in Odisha is certain as the people of the state are fighting the ongoing elections for the party. The BJP is going to form the next government in the state. The chief minister will get a fitting reply from people for terming the prime minister a political tourist. Samal said the BJP will show BJD how development can be achieved in five years. The BJP will take the state to the pinnacle of progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. Dubbing the BJD government as lethargic and corrupt, Pradhan said the prime minister has appealed people of the state to give a chance to BJP as BJD has failed them in every front even after getting popular mandate for five consecutive terms. He (Modi) has also given the guarantee to make Odisha the number one state. Panda said BJD has turned out to be a two leader party as none of its leaders are visible. The prime minister has given the desired push. It is for the BJP workers to capitalise on the goodwill of Modi to bring the party to power. Sarangi said the thin crowd at the chief ministers roadshow in the state capital gives the impression people have lost interest in this government.

Look at your own states first: CM Naveen to visiting BJP counterparts

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday hit out at his counterparts from BJP-ruled states, who during their campaign here are reiterating party promise to make Odisha no 1, saying they should look at their own states before commenting on the state. In a video message, Naveen said,They are making a lot of promises which include making Odisha number one state in the country. But people of the state are laughing at them. He advised the BJP chief ministers to concentrate on their own states first. Particularly taking a dig at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been aggressive in his speeches, Naveen said,The per capita deficit of Assam is double than that of Odisha. The Assam chief minister should really look into the matters of his own state. This is for the second time that the chief minister has taken on the visiting BJP leaders in two days. On Friday, he had stated that some chief ministers and Union ministers come to Odisha as political tourists only at the time of elections. Their speeches have no effect on the people of Odisha.

PM Modi roadshow in Puri on May 20

BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive on a two-day visit to the state for his third leg of campaign for BJP. The prime minister will arrive here on Sunday evening and make a night halt at Raj Bhawan. The next morning he will leave for Puri at 7 am and have darshan of Lord Jagannath at Srimandir. After paying obeisance to the Trinity, the prime minister will hold a roadshow from Singhadwar to Medical Chhak from 7.30 am. After the roadshow, Modi will leave for Angul where he will address an election rally at 9.30 am at Angul stadium. He will address another Vijay Sankalp rally at Killa Padia in Cuttack at around 11.30 am. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also arrive on a days visit to the state on Sunday. He will address three public meetings, the first at Naktideul near Rairakhol at 10 am, the second at Keonjhar Patna at 11.40 am and the last at Khurda at 1.30 pm.

Campaign ends for State's Ph-II poll, 102 CAPF units to be deployed

BHUBANESWAR: Curtains came down on the high-pitched campaign for five Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 Assembly segments that will go to polls in the states second phase on May 20. Voting will be held in Aska, Bargarh, Balangir, Kandhamal and Sundargarh Parliamentary constituencies and the Assembly seats under them. This round will also seal Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks fate in two constituencies of Hinjili under Aska and Kantabanji under Balangir Lok Sabha seats. Keeping in view the pre-poll violence reported from several parts in the last few days, the Election Commission of India has ordered deployment of 102 companies of central armed police forces (CAPFs) for the phase. Chief electoral officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal said around 20 per cent of the 9,162 polling booths in phase two have been identified as critical while there is provision of web-casting in 60 per cent of the booths. Accordingly, 22 companies of CAPFs will be deployed in Maoist-affected Kandhamal district, while 20 will guard Ganjam. This apart 16 companies will be deployed in Sundargarh, 14 each in Bargarh and Bolangir, five each in Jharsuguda and Boudh, four in Sonepur and two in Nayagarh, he said. The pre-election violence in Ganjam district is a matter of concern. Police have already registered a case and apprehended some of the accused, while hunt is on to arrest the remaining persons. Clear instructions have been issued to police to act fast and restore normalcy at the earliest whenever such incidents occur, Dhal said. He said an additional DGP rank officer has already been appointed to oversee law and order arrangements in Ganjam, especially Aska Parliamentary constituency in view of pre-poll violence in Khalikote. A total of 79.69 lakh voters, including 40.33 lakh men and 39.35 lakh women, will exercise their franchise at 9,162 polling stations in the second phase to decide the fate of 265 MLA and 40 MP candidates. Around 1,541 will be model polling stations, while 1,041 will be managed by all-women personnel and 25 by differently-abled staff and officials. The ECI has appointed 10 general observers, 15 expenditure observers and three police observers for the phase. An air ambulance will be kept on standby at Balangir for emergency. With IMD predicting rise in temperature on May 20, the CEO said adequate drinking water, ORS and essential medicines will be made available at each polling station. Besides, paramedical staff, ASHA workers, ambulances and mobile health units will also be deployed, he said. In 2019, Bargarh Lok Sabha seat had recorded 77.87 per cent turnout, followed by Sundargarh at 71.67pc, Balangir at 74.75pc, Kandhamal 72.90pc and Aska 65.53pc. This time too we are taking various steps to ensure maximum voter turnout in these constituencies, the CEO said.

BJP leaders criticise BJD government, promise development

BALASORE: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lambasted the BJD government for its alleged neglect and demolition of religious sites in Odisha during a BJP workers meet here on Saturday. Pradhan, also the BJPs Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, claimed that monks in the state have lost faith in the BJD due to its monopolistic practices over the past 25 years, which have purportedly led to the destruction of mathas and temples in Puri and other areas. He accused the BJD of distributing benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to party workers instead of the intended beneficiaries. He urged BJP workers to inform the public about the central governments schemes, which he said have been misrepresented by the BJD. The BJD looted the state for 25 years. When the Modi Government is giving rice free of cost and house under PMAY, the BJD government distributes the house to its party workers ignoring the real beneficiaries, Pradhan asserted. Highlighting instances of mismanagement, Pradhan cited the loss of the Ratna Bhandar keys in Jagannath Temple, misuse of government funds for propaganda, and excessive travel expenses of BJD leader VK Pandian. He assured that the BJP would address these issues and enhance Odishas development if elected. Aparajita Sarangi, the incumbent MP from Bhubaneswar criticised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the states underdevelopment. She pointed out the lack of proper road connectivity, healthcare and water supply. She also claimed Naveen has lost popularity as few attend his public meetings compared to BJP events, indicating a shift in public support towards the BJP. After 25 years of ruling the state, patients are being carried on cots to hospitals due to failure of ambulance, absence of motorable roads and lack of drinking water in most places have become commonplace. These are serious issues that should have been addressed by the state government, she alleged. National vice president of the BJP and Lok Sabha candidate of the party from Kendrapara Baijayant Panda, attacked the BJD for generating unemployment and urged voters to support the BJP for industrial growth and better infrastructure. The Odisha government is the only one generating lakhs of unemployed youths in the state. People who want to see the augmentation of industries, road connectivity to inaccessible areas, job opportunities along with other development in the state, will vote for lotus symbol and pave way for a BJP government in the state and the Centre, he appealed. Balasore candidate Pratap Chandra Sarangi also emphasised the BJPs commitment to their manifesto promises. Pradhan participated in a massive roadshow along with top party leaders earlier in the day.

Samir Dash Quits BJD Over Ticket Denial

Bhubaneswar: Former Minister and Nimapara MLA Samir Ranjan Dash on Sunday resigned from the primary membership of BJD after being denied a ticket to fight assembly elections. He sent his resignation letter to party president Naveen Patnaik. The leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has lost confidence on me and the party organisations [] The post Samir Dash Quits BJD Over Ticket Denial appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

BJD launches intensive campaign in Puri

PURI: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) intensified its campaign for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday, with star campaigner VK Pandian addressing multiple public meetings to garner support for its Lok Sabha candidate, Arup Patnaik and Assembly nominee Umakant Samantaray. Pandian spoke at Krushna Prasad and Kerandia in the Brahmagiri Assembly segment, as well as Pipili, Chilika, and Ranpur. At Kerandia, Pandian criticised the Opposition parties for their alleged false promises and highlighted the BJPs intent to halt popular state schemes such as the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) health insurance and Biju pension schemes. He questioned BJP star campaigners promises to make every state number one, pointing out the inconsistency in Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas claims during campaign in Odisha. Pandian assured voters of continued and expanded welfare programmes, including free electricity for farmers and consumers up to 100 units, increased remuneration for anganwadi and Ashas, and various initiatives to support women and youth. He urged the electorate to support Arup Patnaik and Umakanta Samantaray, promising that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would secure a historic sixth consecutive term on June 9. Patnaik and Samantaray also addressed the crowds, appealing for votes. Earlier, they held a meeting at Krushna Prasad. Meanwhile, Biswa Sarma also campaigned on the day for BJPs Nimapara nominee Pravati Parida at a rally in Gop under the Jagatsinghpur Lok Sabha constituency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a roadshow in Puri from Simhadwar area of Badadanda to Gundicha Temple on May 20, to strengthen the BJPs campaign efforts. Security measures are being put in place for the event.

In Hajipur, PMs Hanuman vs Lalus Ram amid fraying caste loyalties

Chirag, son of late Ram Vilas Paswan, files nomination for Hajipur from Lok Janshakti Party, aiming to prove support from the Dalit community and stake claim to his father's political legacy amidst rivalry with uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras. The backing of the politically significant Dusadh community is crucial for Chirag's electoral success.

22-year-old dies by suicide in city

Price rise & jobs key issues, not Ram temple: Khurshid

4 feared drowned while making reels in Khagaria

14 remain in fray in Ara

Truck crushes 24-year-old man to death

Expect respite from heatwave by May 20: Met

Patna Sahib & Patliputra polling stations to have two ballot units

Muz councillor,hubby detained

LS polls: Women voters outnumber men in state

Principal, son held for students death

3 Arrested For Luring Indians Into Fake Jobs In Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand

The Visakhapatnam police said it busted a cybercrime racket and arrested three consultancy agents for allegedly luring unemployed youths and sending them to Chinese-operated cybercrime rings in countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

IADVL sets Guinness record for highest no. of pledges

Muzaffarpur woman makes it toForbes 30 Under 30 Asia list

Rlys gears up for safetymeasures

Principal held for dumping bleeding boy in septic tank

Principal Veena Jha and her son arrested in Patna over the death of a four-year-old boy found in a septic tank below a classroom in Digha area after he fell off a playground slide. They dumped the child in the tank instead of sending him to the hospital.

Burma Camp Attack Personal Dispute: CP

Visakhapatnam : Commissioner of police Dr A. Ravi Shankar said the Burma camp attack was purely personal and had nothing to do with politics. Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, the commissioner confirmed that the altercation was not politically motivated but rather a result of ongoing tensions between two families. It may be recalled that a violent altercation in the Burma camp between two families on Wednesday drew significant attention after one family claimed they were attacked for their political affiliations. However, police investigations have revealed that the incident stemmed from a personal dispute, not political rivalry. S. Nooka Ratnam, known as Neerisha, along with her mother Dhana Lakshmi and siblings Ramya and Manikanta, alleged that they were targeted by individuals associated with the opposition party due to their support for the TD-BJP-JS alliance. Following these accusations, the police initiated a case against five individuals, including Lokesh and his relatives Kanaka Ratnam and Aasha. Leaders from the BJP and Jana Sena extended their support to the victims, fueling initial speculations of political interference in the incident. Additional police personnel, including a sub-inspector and four constables, were deployed in the Burma camp area to prevent any untoward incidents following the spread of false rumours linking the incident to political parties. Meanwhile, the MLA candidate of Visakhapatnam North K.K. Raju, under whose jurisdiction the incident took place, said the polling went off peacefully due to good policing. He said the Opposition parties were trying to thrust the blame on the YSRC but the people were aware of the truth.

AP Police bust human trafficking racket, 3 held

AP Police bust human trafficking racket, 3 held Three people were arrested here on Saturday on human trafficking charges, police said and added that they allegedly took people to Cambodia where ''Chinese operators'' forced them to carry out cyber crimes and ponzi scams. Chukka Rajesh, S Kondala Rao and M Jnaneshwar Rao have also been held for taking up to Rs 1.1 lakh from people on the pretext of provident them jobs in Southeast Asian countries, police said. ''In March 2023, Rajesh came in touch with Santosh from Cambodia who was looking for 30 system operators with good English communication skills and computer knowledge for jobs in Cambodia,'' police said in a statement. It was on the advice of Santosh that Rajesh took money from people, it said and added that in March last year 27 job aspirants were dispatched to Cambodia. Under this racket, around 150 people, all youngsters, from various places had been trafficked to Cambodia. They would be ''sold off to Chinese operators engaging in cyber crime for up to USD 4,000'', police said. In the statement, police said that ''after coming under the control of these Chinese operators, the youth would be made to sit in dark rooms to forcibly carry out cyber crimes, and any rebellion would be met with severe persecution and starvation''. Police discovered the racket after a victim managed to escape and called the Visakhapatnam Police cyber helpline 1930 to spill the beans. Police released the names of 67 persons who are currently under the clutches of the Chinese operators in Cambodia.

Woman Found Dead in Machilipatnam

Vijayawada : Police in Machilipatnam are investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman in Borrapothupalem on Saturday. The victim, identified as Kagitha Siva Nagarani, was a mother of three children. Reports indicate domestic issues may have been a factor. Nagarani's husband is currently assisting with enquiries. The Machilipatnam rural police station has registered a case and is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of death.

A Whale of a Time Awaits Visitors at Vizag Zoo

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park has initiated steps to bring 10 different species of wild animals and birds. The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park has initiated steps to bring 10 different species of wild animals and birds. Visakhapatnam: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) has started acquiring a host of exotic animals, including Bengal fox, Himalayan black bear and scarlet macaws, making for a top-notch experience for its visitors. On top of this, IGZP has taken up several other initiatives like installing benches, recreational areas for children and a new animal adoption policy to augment the zoo's finances. IGZP recently welcomed a pair of giraffes from the Kolkata Alipore Zoological Garden. These tall herbivores - a two-year-old male and a four-year-old female - are currently in quarantine under the supervision of zoo doctors. Additionally, four Asian water monitor lizards, scarlet macaws have also been brought to the zoo. New enclosures have been constructed for Bengal fox, Himalayan black bear, hippopotamuses, Indian mar, stamp tailed musk, Asian brown parrots, and more. Spanning across 625 acres, the IGZP in the Seethakonda Reserve Forest in Visakhapatnam offers a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts. It is surrounded by the picturesque Eastern Ghats on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth. The park is home to 77 animal species, totalling 835 individuals; this includes carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates, and birds. Rare endemic and exotic trees and shrubs with water bodies add to the natural beauty. The geography helps in hosting diverse fauna amid two hillocks. The adjoining Kambalakonda Eco Tourism Park, itself, is home to several rare animals. Domestic and foreign tourists are patrons of the Visakhapatnam Zoo. To increase footfall, new cafeterias have been set up. There are ample recreational facilities for children as well. Resting benches and platforms have been placed along all enclosures for the benefit of tourists. In an interesting development, the zoo management has laid down the rules for persons interested in adopting animals. Visitors who adopt animals in the zoo will get tax exemptions under 80G (5) of the IT Act, 1961. Donors who make a contribution of Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 can avail themselves of free entry into the zoo for five persons once a year. Donors who contribute Rs 30,000 or more will get a t-shirt, cap, and free entry to participate in all the events held at the zoo. Donors will also receive authorised adoption certificates.

29,543 appear for EAPCET engg stream

Kakinada: The AP EAPCET-2024 engineering stream online examination, conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTU-K), commenced on Saturday in the state. The APEAPCET-2024 chairman and the JNTUK vice-chancellor G.V.R. Prasada Raju, reported that the examination was held in only one session on Saturday. Out of 31,386 registered candidates, 29,543 appeared for the exam, marking an attendance rate of 94.13 per cent. In Kakinada district, 1,060 students attended the exam out of 1,113 registered, registering a 95.24 per cent attendance rate. Visakhapatnam district recorded the highest number of attendees, with 3,576 candidates appearing. In NTR district, 3,513 students attended, followed by 2,268 students in Tirupati and 2,157 candidates in Guntur districts. Anakapalli district had the lowest number of registered candidates, with only 95 students appearing for the exam.

Modi, Shah, Rajnath Singh to campaign in Odisha from Sunday

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to address election meetings in Odisha in the next three days, a senior BJP leader said Saturday. The defence minister will address three meetings on Sunday at Rairakhol, Patna and Khurda, Odisha BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra said. Modi []

Those promising to make Odisha number-1 should first concentrate on their own states: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Lashing out at visiting Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik Saturday said that political tourists promising to make Odisha number one in the country should first concentrate on their own states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of BJP-ruled Assam, Chhattisgarh and []

86 MLA candidates in Odisha in third phase involved in serious crimes, says ADR report

Bhubaneswar: Eighty-six candidates in the fray for the third phase of the assembly elections in Odisha have serious crime cases pending against them. Of them, four face murder charges. This was revealed by a report jointly prepared by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Odisha Election Watch based on the affidavits filed by the contestants. The report which was presented on Saturday pointed out that there are 383 candidates of various political parties who are in the fray in 42 Assembly seats. The report was prepared based on the analysis of the affidavits of 381 candidates. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Ranjan Mohanty, a member of the Odisha Election Watch said, Of these candidates, various criminal cases are pending against 100 while 26 candidates have confessed to have attempt-to-murder cases against them and 28 of them are involved in crimes against women. Even one of the candidates is accused in a rape case. Moreover, the report stated that 126 MLA aspirants in the fray are crorepatis. The report added that the BJD MLA candidate for Champua, Sanatan Mahakud topped the list of crorepatis with declared assets of Rs 227. 67 crore followed by Independent candidate Soumya Ranjan Patnaik at Rs 122.86 crore. Patnaik is fighting the election from the Ghasipura Assembly seat. The third crorepati candidate is BJPs Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh, who is in the fray from the Nayagarh Assembly seat with declared assets of Rs 120. 56 core. The poorest among the candidates is Samrudha Odishas nominee Kailash Chandra Nayak who is contesting from the Baramba Assembly seat. In his affidavit, he has declared assets of Rs 1000 only. That apart, two of the candidates have not passed the matriculation examination while the educational qualifications of two others are below class 5.

Modi, Shah, and Rajnath Singh to campaign in Odisha from Sunday

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to address election meetings in Odisha in the next three days, a senior BJP leader said on Saturday. The defence minister will address three meetings on Sunday at Rairakhol, Patna and Khurda, Odisha BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra said. 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 .

Tribal cashew farmers earn Rs 76,46,960 in one month

Visakhapatnam: In a remarkable display of resilience, ninety-four tribal families from four villages have collectively earned Rs 76,46,960 in one month this year through cashew crops grown on 110 acres. The Kalyanapulova village of Ravikavitham mandal in Anakapalli district made this significant achievement possible. Historically burdened by debt and living in conditions akin to slavery, these tribals, led by Ajay Kumar, have not only raised awareness but also liberated themselves from debt. Due to the loan repayment movement undertaken in June 2023, the trees became the property of the tribals by May 15, 2024. The tribal farmers reclaimed 110 acres of cashew plantations in four villages and got freedom from a loan, Ajith Kumar told the Deccan Chronicle. The tribals have revived the traditional practice of sahayalu to reduce investment and other expenses on these plantations. They grow crops without using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, following the principle that the tree gives as much as it receives. In a display of self-sufficiency, they bypass middlemen in the sale of crops and prepare their own weighing machine to weigh the crop. Cashew nuts are sold directly to processing companies. From April 16 to May 15, 2024, 92 bags of cashews were provided to the company. 72,160 kg of cashews were sold at 80 kg per bag for Rs 76,46,960. Ninety-four Adivasi families deposited Rs 1,03,400 by taking a membership of Rs 100 and sharing Rs 1,000 with the organisation Girisiri Rythu Vutpattidarulu. The Adivasi farmers decided to carry out activities through this organisation. The educated Adivasi youths of the village led the entire movement. In a letter to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, former bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma requested that institutions like NABARD should study the success of these tribals as a case study.

Odisha 3rd Phase Elections: Sanatan Mahakud, Soumya Patnaik Richest Among 126 Crorepati MLA Candidates

86candidates haveserious criminal cases against them. 2 candidates have never been to school, 2 under class-V. Bhubaneswar: Odisha is going tohold its third phase of elections in the state on the 25th. There are 383 MLA candidates for 42 assembly constituencies. Among them, 381 MLA candidates havebeen analysedby the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and [] The post Odisha 3rd Phase Elections: Sanatan Mahakud, Soumya Patnaik Richest Among 126 Crorepati MLA Candidates appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

TD to lose three seats in Vizag: Babji

Visakhapatnam : In a controversial statement, former TD leader and former MLA Gandi Babji said the TD would lose three seats in Visakhapatnam district. Talking to media persons in the Visakhapatnam TD office recently, Babji said the party might lose Visakhapatnam North, Visakhapatnam West, and one more in the district, which he did not name. NDA alliance candidate and former BJP floor leader P. Vishnu Kumar Raju is contesting against YSRC candidate K.K. Raju. Former CBI officer V.V. Lakshminarayana is also in the fray from Visakhapatnam North. Raju lost to TDs Ganta Srinivasa Rao in the 2019 elections. Babji also said the party might lose Visakhapatnam West, where senior TD leader P.V.G.R. Naidu (Ganababu ) is contesting against YSRCs Adari Ananda Kumar. TD state president K. Atchannaidu did not react to Babjis prediction. I am not aware of such videos circulating on social media; I will find out, said K. Atchannaidu, who is contesting from Tekkali for the third time. Refusing to make any comment, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju said Babji might have expressed his personal opinion and could not guess on what basis he might have said. Visakhapatnam West candidate P.V.G.R. Naidu said he was yet to see the video clipping. TD sources said there were discussions going on in the party to find out what made him make this statement. Out of seven Assembly segments, TD won in four constituencies in the 2019 elections. On March 14, Babji, who was incharge for Visakhapatnam South constituency resigned from the party after a segment was allotted to MLC Vamsi Krishna Yadav, who recently joined Jana Sena, quitting YSRC. Babji has been working in the constituency for the last two years, hoping to get the ticket. Babji, while in Congress, won from the Pendurthi constituency in 2004 defeating Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy of TD. He lost to Panchakarla Ramesh Babu, who was then in the Praja Rajyam Party in 2009. He joined YSRC and lost to Bandaru Satyanarayana Murhty in 2014. He joined TD before the 2019 elections and became district president.

Lalu Daughters Facing Tough Contest In Saran, Pataliputra: Will Misa, Rohini Defeat BJP Heavyweights?

RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Rohini is putting up a tough fight against BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is running for a his fifth term from Saran Lok Sabha seat, located just 75 kilometres from Patna.

Vizag Police Bust SE Asia Slave Job Racket

Visakhapatnam Police (Photo: Twitter) Visakhapatnam Police (Photo: Twitter) Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam police have busted a gang that offered jobs to unemployed men and women in southeast Asia promising lucrative salaries. However, they ended up working for Chinese companies that forced them to commit cybercrimes. Briefing media here on Saturday, Vizag police commissioner Ravi Shankar Ayyanar said the recruiters attracted men and women from Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Rajahmundry, Anantapur, Palasa, Tuni, Anakapalli and Kolkata, promising them jobs abroad as data entry operators with lucrative salaries and good living conditions. Once they agreed, the men and women ended up being sent to countries like Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangkok. There they ended up working for Chinese companies, which trained them for 710 days and forced them into engaging in cybercrimes at an average salary of $600 per month. Any resistance invited severe punishment, including torture and deprivation of food and water. Ayyanar disclosed that approximately 5,000 people from Andhra Pradesh had fallen victim to this scam over the past two years. The illegal racket came to light after Botcha Sankar, an ex-Navy employee, filed a complaint through the 1930 cybercrimes helpline. Sankar's complaint had been based on the account of a victim, who had managed to escape. Following the complaint, Visakhapatnam police arrested Chukka Rajesh, the ringleader, and his associates Sabbavarapu Kondala Rao and Mannena Gnaneshwar Rao, both from Gajuwaka area. Police investigation revealed a complex network of agents, including Santosh, Arya, Umamahesh and Habib, who facilitated the trafficking. The victims went to Cambodia on tourist visas. These got converted into business visas once they joined Chinese companies.

Fifth phase: Campaigning ends for 49 seats; Amethi, Rae Bareli, Baramullah in limelight; WB sees highest security deployment

Fifth phase: Campaigning ends for 49 seats; Amethi, Rae Bareli, Baramullah in limelight; WB sees highest security deployment Campaigning concluded on Saturday for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls covering 49 constituencies in six states and two UTs including the high-profile Rae Bareli and Amethi seats from where former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani are in the fray respectively. In Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who is among 22 candidates in the fray, held a roadshow in Soibugh - a central Kashmir village that was once a hotbed of militancy- on the last day of campaigning. While temperatures soared across the country, there was no let up in the campaign heat as the Lok Sabha election season entered the last fortnight. The Election Commission on Tuesday said it expects star campaigners, particularly of the national parties, to lead by example in the remaining three phases of the Lok Sabha polls and not vitiate the delicate fabric of society. With over 40 of these seats with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Prime Minister Narendra and other BJP leaders tried to fend off the challenge posed by the INDIA bloc parties by raising the pitch on issues of appeasement, dynastic politics, Ram temple, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), corruption and welfare initiatives taken by his government. ''If the SP and the Congress come to power, they will send Ram Lalla back to the tent and bulldoze the temple,'' Modi claimed. He also alleged that the opposition wanted to bring back Article 370. The Congress and other INDIA bloc parties accused the BJP of polarising voters with its ''Hindu-Muslim politics'', and not focusing on issues like unemployment and inflation. They also persisted with their offensive on the issues of reservations and protecting the Constitution. On Monday, polling will be held in 13 seats in Maharashtra, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, seven in West Bengal, five in Bihar, three in Jharkhand, five in Odisha and one each in J-K and Ladakh. This round covers the least number of seats (49) in the seven-phase election. The parties also wrapped up canvassing in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha, where BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is among the candidates. Among other prominent candidates in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls are several Union ministers including Rajnath Singh (Lucknow, UP), Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North, Maharashtra), Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti (from Fatehpur, UP) and Shantanu Thakur (Bangaon, WB); LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan (Hajipur, Bihar), Shiv Senas Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan, Maharashtra ), and BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy and RJD president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya (both Saran, Bihar). Gandhi, who has contested from Wayanad in Kerala, is also in the fight for Rae Bareli, a Nehru-Gandhi family pocket borough that was represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi since 2004. The BJP has fielded UP minister Dinesh Pratap Singh. On Friday, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi tried to strike an emotional chord as she said at a rally that she is giving her son to the people of Rae Bareli and ''Rahul will not disappoint you''. ''My everything is all given by you. So, brothers and sisters, I am giving you my son'' said Sonia Gandhi, as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stood by her side on the stage at the rally. Speaking before his mother, Rahul Gandhi said the ''youth across the country have made up their mind that they don't want Narendra Modi''. ''Narendra Modi will not remain prime minister after June 4 and the INDIA coalition government will be forme,'' he said. In Amethi, Union minister Smriti Irani, who had defeated Rahul Gandhi in 2019, is seeking a second term, while KL Sharma, an aide of the Gandhi family, has been fielded by the Congress. From Lucknow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is eyeing a fourth term. He is up against sitting SP MLA (from Lucknow Central) Ravidas Mehrotra. During a rally in Lucknow, Singh said, ''These elections are also to see who has raised the country's stature in the world.'' In the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat, which covers the temple town of Ayodhya, the electoral contest is mainly between sitting BJP MP Lallu Singh, who is seeking a hat-trick, and Awadhesh Prasad, the SP MLA from Milkipur (SC) assembly constituency in Ayodhya. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on May 15 announced that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, it will double the quantity of free rations provided by the BJP government to the poor. Farmers' loans will be waived and Minimum Support Price will be guaranteed, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday. In Baramulla, besides Abdullah, former separatist Sajad Lone, former MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias 'Engineer Rashid', who is currently lodged in the Tihar jail, and the PDP's former Rajya Sabha member Fayaz Ahmad Mir are also contesting. With the separatist-sponsored boycott politics a thing of past now, the people are expected to participate in the elections in large numbers to chose their favourite. Political parties fielded their stalwarts as they gave the last push in Maharashtra where elections will conclude with polling in 13 constituencies in North Maharashtra and Mumbai Metropolitan Region on May 20. Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday addressed campaign rallies in Kalyan and Dindori in support of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalitions candidates and also held a roadshow in northeast Mumbai. Modi was again back in Mumbai on Friday for a rally in the citys Shivaji Park. Opposition bloc INDIA also held a rally the same day at the city's Bandra Kurla Complex that was attended by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. On the concluding day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held public meetings at Malegaon in Nashik district and Palghar to canvass for Mahayuti candidates. Security has been stepped up in West Bengal's seven constituencies, with over 57 per cent of the polling stations identified as sensitive in the fifth phase, the highest till now in this election. Over 60,000 personnel of central forces, besides around 30,000 personnel of the state police, have been deployed, which is more than in the four previous phases in the state, an official said. Star campaigners, including Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and her nephew and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, have held rallies for their respective party candidates. In Barrackpore, BJP candidate Arjun Singh is contesting against TMC's Partha Bhowmick and CPI (M)'s Debdut Ghosh. In Serampore, TMC's sitting MP Kalyan Banerjee is fighting against BJP's Kabir Shankar Bose. In Hooghly, actor-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee of the BJP is contesting against a fellow member of the film fraternity, Rachana Banerjee of the TMC. Voting will take place in Saran, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Sitamarhi and Madhubani Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. In Saran, former Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy's bid to score a hat-trick has been challenged by RJD president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya, who had donated her kidney to her father. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has suffered a back injury, campaigned for his elder sister in Saran. The curtains also came down on Saturday over campaigning for three Lok Sabha seats and Gandey assembly by-poll in Jharkhand. With the conclusion of Phase 4, polling for general elections had crossed the halfway mark as it was completed in 23 states/UTs and 379 Lok Sabha constituencies out of 543. The sixth and seventh phases are on May 25 and June 1 respectively. The counting of votes is on June 4.

Those Promising To Make Odisha Number 1 Should...: Naveen Patnaik

Lashing out at visiting Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said that political tourists promising to make Odisha number one in the country should first concentrate on their own states.

Heavy rain forecast for state in last week of May

Visakhapatnam : A low pressure area is likely to form over southwest Bay of Bengal around May 22. It is likely to move initially northeast-wards and concentrate into a depression over central parts of Bay of Bengal around May 24. It is too early to assess its path and forecast whether it will intensify into a deep depression and cyclone. But the system will bring in heavy rains throughout the last week of May over north coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, said senior scientist at IMD Amaravati Dr. S. Karunasagar. A source said conditions are favourable for further intensification of the system. However, as there are dissimilarities between models and forecasts, it would be difficult to say further without more clarity. Karunasagar said the system is likely to propel the southwest monsoon towards the Kerala coast. The monsoon might touch Kerala on June 1 as per the usual schedule and Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh on June 5 or June 6. Currently, a trough from south Chhattisgarh to Comorin area is running to south interior Karnataka across Telangana and Rayalaseema 3.1 km above mean sea level. The cyclonic circulation over Rayalaseema and adjoining north Tamil Nadu extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level has become less marked. Under these two systems, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty wind with speed reaching 3040 kmph are likely at isolated places over north coastal and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema from Sunday to May 22.

Financial aid for retired home guards

Visakhapatnam: The Anakapalli district police presented financial assistance to a retired home guard on Saturday. M. Ramalingam, who previously served at the Paderu police station, received a cheque for `3,86,240 from district police chief K.V. Muralikrishna. The funds represent a one-day duty allowance voluntarily contributed by home guards across Visakhapatnam. Muralikrishna hailed Ramalingam for his commendable service and dedication during his service. Furthermore, the Anakapalli district police announced a new initiative for the home guards working in Anakapalli and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts. The district police will also contribute one days allowance to support any home guard in Visakhapatnam who either loses their life in the line of duty or retires.

Campaigning ends for five LS seats, 35 Assembly segments in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The high-decibel campaigning ended Saturday for five Lok Sabha seats and 35 Assembly constituencies in Odisha, which will go to polls May 20. Among the prominent candidates in the second round of simultaneous elections in the state are BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his colleagues in the state government Bikram Keshari []

AP students among toppers in Telangana EAPCET 2024

Visakhapatnam : Telangana announced its Engineering, Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (EAPCET) 2024 results on Saturday.A distinct feature of the results is that students of Andhra Pradesh are among toppers in both the engineering as well as agriculture and pharmacy categories. In the engineering stream, S. Jyotiraditya of Srikakulam-Palakonda secured the first rank, Harsha of Kurnool second, Sai Yashwant Reddy of Kurnool fifth, and Dhanukonda Srinidhi of Vizianagaram the 10th rank. In agriculture and pharmacy stream too, AP students remained stellar. Praneetha from Madanapalle claimed the first tank, Radhakrishna from Vizianagaram second, Saket Raghav from Chittoor fourth, Vadlapudi Mukesh Chaudhary from Tirupati-Vengamambapuram seventh, and Divya Teja from Sri Satyasai District-Balijapet the 10th rank. Telangana EAPCET 2024 witnessed a significant turnout with 99,890 candidates registering for the agriculture and pharmacy exam, and 2,06,472 for the engineering exam. Girls performed better than boys in both the streams with a qualifying percentage of 90.18 in agriculture and pharmacy, and 75.85 in engineering, compared to boys percentage of 88.25 and 74.38 respectively.

Voter turnout low in Srikakulam; migration main concern

Visakhapatnam: Generally, rural voters are enthusiastic about voting. However, this time, in Srikakulam district, a rural area, 4,35,049 voters did not exercise their right to vote. Voters in the district cite various reasons for this, but the main reason appears to be migration. Some others prioritised their livelihood over participating in the democratic process. Despite efforts by officials to raise awareness at the grassroots level through banners and posters promoting the right to vote, the voting turnout in rural areas of Srikakulam has been low. Pankajam, a Palasa voter, says, My husband travelled to Saudi Arabia for a construction worker's job. He had come for our daughter's wedding. Now, he can't come back again to vote. Appalanarasammas eldest son works as an unorganised labour in Pedagantyada. He and his family are registered voters in Baruva, a village near Sompeta. However, due to financial constraints, they could not travel to Baruva to vote. Furthermore, nearly 600 voters did not cast their vote in the Bhavanapadu port project area due to some controversies involving forced land acquisition and compensation. Additionally, many voters couldnt travel from Hyderabad to Srikakulam on time due to inadequate transportation facilities. The total number of voters in Srikakulam district is 1,875,934, including 739,852 women, 701,016 men and 17 transgenders. Of these, 1,440,885 people exercised their right to vote, while 4,35,049 did not. The highest number of people who did not vote was in the Srikakulam constituency, with 81,385 voters abstaining. Additionally, 36,010 voters did not vote in Amadalavalasa, 51,716 in Palasa, 46,055 in Tekkali, and 62,269 in Pathapatnam. In Ichapuram, 78,964 voters did not vote, while 40,929 in Etcherla and 37,723 in Narasannapeta also chose not to exercise their right to vote.

CEO inspects strong rooms in Vizag

Visakhapatnam : Chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena inspected the strong rooms on Saturday where the EVMs are kept on the premises of AU Engineering College. In this context, the CEO emphasised the importance of following security standards and taking strong actions to ensure the safety of the rooms. District officials have been advised to maintain high alertness. He said that any untoward incident should be avoided. District election officer and collector Dr A. Mallikarjuna and police commissioner Dr A. Ravi Shankar accompanied him when he examined the strong rooms in Vizag. They inspected the EVMs of seven Assembly constituencies and the Visakhapatnam Parliament seat. Mukesh Kumar Meena carefully observed the locks and seals of the doors. The officials were asked to monitor CCTV cameras. After the inspection, he signed the log book. The collector has been advised to ensure three-fold security and continuous monitoring of the EVMs. He emphasised that all necessary precautions should be taken in accordance with the rules of the EC. Joint collector K. Mayur Ashok, ROs, and AROs of their respective constituencies were also present.

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner denies political angle in family attack case at Kancharapalem

Anybody spreading misinformation without seeking clarification from the police will have to face the law, he warns

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner denies political angle in family attack case at Kancharapalem - The Hindu

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner denies political angle in family attack case at Kancharapalem The Hindu

Nadda rejects opposition claims, says BJP will retain North in LS polls and will be ahead of Congress in South

Nadda rejects opposition claims, says BJP will retain North in LS polls and will be ahead of Congress in South BJP president JP Nadda has hit out over south mein saaf and north mein haaf' jibe at the party by some opposition parties and asserted that the BJP will retain its Lok Sabha seats in north India while having a lead over Congress in the southern states. In an interview with ANI, Nadda expressed confidence of the BJP winning the Odisha assembly polls and also forming a government in Andhra Pradesh with its allies. He said the BJP will sweep Lok Sabha polls in Odisha and will achieve a landslide victory with its allies in parliamentary polls in Andhra Pradesh. The BJP is in alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) in Andhra Pradesh. Nadda said the BJP will sweep the northern parts of the country in Lok Sabha polls as it did in the 2019 elections. We are keeping ourselves intact in the North and will retain (tally in) Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal, Jammu, Haryana, and Delhi, Nadda said. In Andhra Pradesh, we are going to form a government and in the parliamentary election, BJP and TDP are going to sweep. In Telangana, we are getting more than double (of the seats won last time), and in Tamil Nadu also we are getting a good start. We are also opening our account in Kerala and will maintain our seat share in Karnataka, Nadda. The BJP had done very well in Karnataka in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and won 25 of 28 seats. Asked if BJP will retain an equal number of seats, Nadda said they would get 25 and plus, minus one seat might happen. That's why in the South as well, we will have a lead over Congress in the tally. And in East as well we will maintain our tally Nadda said. Leaders of Congress and some other opposition parties have taken south mein saaf and north mein haaf' (wiped out in the south, half in the north) jibes at BJP, claiming that the party will not perform well in the Lok Sabha polls. Asked if Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is allergic to him and Home Minister Amit Shah, Nadda said she has sensed that Bengal is getting out of her hands. She is allergic to everyone, this time Mamataji has sensed that Bengal is getting out of her hands. We will win a good number of seats in Bengal. They (TMC) will be in a minority, we will have a majority, Nadda said. We will form government in Odisha and BJP will have a landslide victory in the parliamentary election, Nadda said in response to a question. Asked about BJD leader VK Pandian's remarks that BJP does not have a CM face against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Nadda said the party did not have a CM face in states such as Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and emerged victorious in assembly polls. We did not have in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and in Chhattisgarh, he said, adding that the party did not take long to decide its CM candidates after victory in assembly polls. On poll-related violence in West Bengal, Nadda said law and order is a state subject. We (the centre) can support them but Mamata Banerjee's intentions are not clear. Her intention is dubious. He slammed the West Bengal CM over the Sandeshkhali violence and accused her of being silent. She was silent on the case of Sheikh Shahjahan, the High Court had to give the inquiry to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Women were shouting and you even didn't bother, he said. Asked about the allegations of Mamata Banerjee that the Sandeshkhali incident was a conspiracy of the BJP, Nadda said, Dishonest administrator, dishonest politician. If I'm the CM and a case like this comes to me, I'll say that I'll investigate into this. I'll go into the details of it. Why was she quiet at first and later she blamed the BJP. She compromised with the nation for a vote bank. TMC is providing shelter to infiltrators and giving them ID cards and ration cards, making them voters, this is anti-national activitiy They also give protection to such people, Nadda added. BJP President further accused Mamata Banerjee of spreading misinformation regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act. She is spreading misinformation about CAA. She's doing anti-national things. CAA will not be given to someone who is coming from outside. Doesn't Mamata understand this, is she so illiterate? No. She understands everything. But she is trying to misguide the innocent people. (ANI)

Tejashwi claims NDA govt broke its promises in last 10 years

Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav has targeted the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and alleged that its leaders have broken the promises they made to the public. Interacting with media persons in Bihars Chapra city on Saturday, May 18, Tejashwi said: The Narendra Modi government should give the details of the work during its 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 .

Patna High Court District Judge Recruitment 2023: Preliminary Exam Result 2024 Out for 30 Posts,

The High Court of Judicature at Patna, Bihar, announces the Bihar HJS District Judge Recruitment 2023, providing a golden opportunity for aspiring judicial professionals. With a total of 30 posts available, this recruitment aims to onboard talented individuals into the esteemed Bihar HJS cadre. Delve into the details below to kickstart your journey towards judicial excellence.

Telangana: Live-in partner dupes man of Rs 16 lakh in Karimnagar

Hyderabad: A businessman was conned of Rs 16 lakh by his live-in partner in Karimnagar recently. Nagaraj Yugi, a resident of Thimmapur village and mandal in Karimnagar district of Telangana, went to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu a year ago for studies. He met Kamala Sandhya Priyanka, a native of Visakhapatnam. Both of them were in a 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 .

Salman Khurshid takes exception to 'Congress will bulldoze temple' remark of PM

PATNA: Former Union minister Salman Khurshid on Saturday voiced strong displeasure over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charge that the Congress, if it came to power, will bulldoze the Ram temple at Ayodhya. Addressing a press conference at the Sadaqat Ashram, the state Congress headquarters, Khurshid also reminded Modi that he entire nation has accepted the temple that was built in accordance with a Supreme Court verdict. The Prime Minister should remember that the credit for the construction of the temple goes not to him but to the Supreme Court. God belongs to all, so do places of worship. It is unfortunate that the PM is speaking such language, said Khurshid. The senior Congress leader, who had held portfolios like Law and Justice and Minority Affairs in the UPA government, added Our party believes in the rule of law. We do not want to bulldoze any place of worship. He also scoffed at allegations made against the Congress, in recent past, by Modi like We will take away buffaloes of cattle owners and rob women of their mangalsutras. INDIA bloc will bulldoze Ram temple if it comes to power: PM Modi The PM has also claimed that our manifesto bore the imprint of the Muslim League. He should tell us when did he get to read the Muslim League's manifesto to draw such a comparison, added Khurshid. The Congress leader claimed that allegations of the PM and other senior BJP leaders were proof that even they have begun to sense that we are coming to power. We are confident of winning the elections, in any case. Once we come to power we will fulfil promises like scrapping of the Agniveer scheme and 10 kg free ration to the poor. The BJP has been boasting about its five kg ration scheme for which credit goes to the Right to Food Act that was passed under the UPA rule, said Khurshid. Modi inciting people, dividing society, alleges Kharge; Uddhav says 'acche din' coming after June 4 The senior Congress leader bristled at remarks of BJP leaders labelling a section of the population as Pakistan supporters and said Let them send their children to the neighbouring country which they refer to so frequently in their discourse. I am grateful to my ancestors who chose to stay back during Partition, preferring one's own mother to a stepmother (sauteli maa).

Khurshid takes exception to Congress will bulldoze temple remark of PM

Patna: Former Union minister Salman Khurshid on Saturday voiced strong displeasure over Prime Minister Narendra Modis charge that the Congress, if it came to power, will bulldoze the Ram temple at Ayodhya. Addressing a press conference at the Sadaqat Ashram, the state Congress headquarters, Khurshid also reminded Modi that the entire nation has accepted the 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 .

YSRCP Picks A Date for CM Jagan Swearing-in

Vijayawada: A poster posted by the YSRCP on its twitter account on Saturday afternoon asking the cadre to gear up for celebrations after the party's victory after completion of counting on June 4 drew attention of everyone especially among politicians. The poster posted with hastags - #YSRCPWinningBig and YSJaganAgain generated much curiosity among politicians not only in YSRCP but in the NDA alliance parties comprising BJP, TDP and Jana Sena. In the poster with the photo of Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy amid the background of Visakhapatnam RK beach and apartments on the main road, the YSRCP said the party was going to register a massive victory in the elections and gear up for celebrations. Jagan Mohan Reddy will take oath as the Chief Minister for the second consecutive time in Visakhapatnam on June 9, the poster read. During his election campaign also, Jagan Mohan Reddy said he would take oath as the Chief Minister after winning elections. The party cadre became jubilant on seeing the poster on Twitter and responded positively in support of the party.

At Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam, This Region Is Famous For Its Buddhist Site

Thotlakonda is a hill on the sea coast and was an ideal attraction for the Buddhist monks to build a monastery here.

Patna High Court District Judge Result 2023 released at patnahighcourt.gov.in, direct link to download

Patna High Court declared results for the Preliminary Test of District Judge Examination 2023 on official website at patnahighcourt.gov.in. 2311 candidates appeared at 2 exam centres in Patna out of 3439 candidates who received admit cards. Candidates can download the result PDF using the provided step-by-step guide and direct link.

Indian Students Elected To Leadership At Silicon Valley College In USA

New York: In a remarkable achievement, twin brothers Priyam Tated and Pratham Tated from Visakhapatnam, India, have been elected to prestigious positions at San Jose City College (SJCC) in California, USA. Priyam Tatedhas been elected as thePresidentof the student governing body at SJCC. Pratham Tatedhas been elected as theStudent Trusteeof the same governing body. This [] The post Indian Students Elected To Leadership At Silicon Valley College In USA appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

YSRC goons attacked Burma Colony family, police claim false: Vishnu

VISAKHAPATNAM: Former BJP MLA and Visakhapatnam North Assembly constituency NDA candidate P Vishnu Kumar Raju on Friday alleged that the attack on a family in Burma Camp was orchestrated by the YSRC. He dismissed the police statement that the altercation was due to a personal dispute, alleging that YSRC goons targeted the victims for voting for the NDA. Accompanied by the victims, Raju addressed the media on Friday, condemning the ongoing violence in the State. Raju criticised Kancharapalem police for their inept handling of the incident, accusing them of misleading the public and failing to conduct a thorough probe. On the night of May 15, victim Dhanalakshmi, her son Manikantha, and a pregnant woman named Ramya, were assaulted by a gang of six who invaded their house. Despite the severity of the attack, which included 23 cuts inflicted on Dhanalakshmi, Raju claimed the police misrepresented the incident and did not adequately address the victims complaints. The former MLA said they would take the matter to the notice of the City Police Commissioner and the Election Commission, expressing distrust towards local law enforcement authorities, and demanded an impartial investigation into the incident. Nazir of TDP and Pasupuleti Usha Kiran of JSP echoed Rajus concerns, questioning the polices quick dismissal of the assault. Victim Nukaratnam denied any prior disputes with the attackers, attributing the violence solely to their voting. She accused Kancharapalem police of corruption, expressing fear for their lives and stating that they could no longer stay in Burma Camp. Dont politicise attack: Minister Denying any political motive in the Burma Colony attack, Education Minister Botcha Satyanarayana said everyone should avoid spreading unfounded rumours and creating unrest in the peaceful region of North Andhra for selfish gains

Political tourists of BJP resorting to derogatory, abusive language: Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: As campaign has reached a peak ahead of the second phase elections in Odisha on May 20, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday came down heavily on the Union ministers, CMs from other states and others leaders for resorting to what he termed derogatory and abusive language in their campaign meetings and rallies. With the Opposition, particularly the BJP pressing all its might in the state to win the polls by bringing in top ministers, its CMs and top leaders, the chief minister said they were political tourists and their visits would not have any impact on the people of Odisha. Some chief ministers and Union ministers come as political tourists only at the time of elections and then they disappear. Their speeches have no effect on the people of Odisha, Naveen told the media. It is most unfortunate that many of them use derogatory and abusive language. I never believe in doing that and the people here in our state dont appreciate such language, he added. The BJP has launched a campaign blitzkrieg by top leadership of the party who are holding roadshows, addressing public meeting and rallies in constituencies where elections are scheduled to be held in the second phase on May 20. The saffron party campaign has made Odia Asmita or Odia pride its main poll plank, targeting Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician and Naveens close aide VK Pandian for his hold over the regional party and the BJD government. The party has also vociferously raised questions on Naveens health condition and alleged that he has been held captive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already campaigned for party candidates twice in May after visiting the state twice earlier in March. The prime minister conducted a roadshow at Bhubaneswar on May 10 and is scheduled hold another one at Puri on Monday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma have been frequenting the state and covered almost all the constituencies that are going to polls in phases. On Friday, apart from the chief ministers and Shah, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his cabinet colleague Bhupender Yadav, and BJP MP Hema Malini held meetings at different places of the state.

Opposition is telling lies, says Naveen Patnaik

SAMBALPUR/ANGUL: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday visited Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal districts urging people to exercise their franchise in favour of BJD candidates from the areas during the polls. In Sambalpur, the chief minister, bolstering his support for BJD organisational secretary and MP candidate from Sambalpur seat Pranab Prakash Das along with MLA candidates from Sambalpur and Rengali, Rohit Pujari and Sudarshan Haripal, appealed to the people to vote for Jodi Sankha. Addressing a gathering at PHED colony in the city, Naveen highlighted the government welfare schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mission Shakti, LAccMI bus service, 5T school transformation, Kalia, Mamata, Madhu Babu pension scheme, and sought feedback from the people who responded in the affirmative. The chief minister was accompanied by his close aide and BJD leader VK Pandian. Addressing the gathering, Pandian launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by putting forth a set of questions for the latter. As the Union minister is contesting from here, I have a few questions to ask him. Sambalpuri/Koshali language is the identity of this area. Even though our CM has written letters to include the language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, at least five times, what have you done for the Sambalpuri Asmita in the last 10 years as a Union minister? Pandian asked. Cabinet approves fund outlay for EKAMRA, SAMALEI projects Accusing Pradhan of attempting to hinder the SAMALEI Project, Pandian said the Union minister had even moved the Supreme Court in this connection. Later, the CM campaigned at Rairakhol for their candidate and former minister Prasanna Acharya. In Angul and Dhenkanal, Naveen addressed two election meetings where he accused the Opposition of telling lies and shedding crocodile tears. There will be no electricity bill from July, he told the gathering. Among others, Dhenkanal Lok Sabha candidate Abinash Samal also spoke at the meetings.

Police station set on fire after man, minor wife die by suicide in custody

A 32-year-old man and his minor wife died by suicide in Araria police custody, sparking protests and injuries. The incident involved alleged child marriage charges and resulted in a violent response.

Pre-election violence rises in Odisha's Ganjam distrcit

BERHAMPUR: Ahead of second phase polls in the state, sporadic instances of pre-election violence have been reported across Ganjam district. Anti-social elements, allegedly supported by political parties, have become increasingly active. In Polasara, unidentified youths shot at BJD supporter Ganesh Khatei (39) on Thursday, who narrowly escaped with a grazing head injury. Sources said while Ganesh was standing at College Chowk, the bike-borne youths fired at him and drove away. A bleeding Ganesh was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Police have registered a case and are searching for the culprits. 'Political tourists' to have no impact on Odisha people: Patnaik on visit of BJP CMs, ministers This comes after violence erupted in Bhanjanagar and Polasara Assembly segments. Five BJP activists were injured in Bhanjanagar on Wednesday night, allegedly attacked by supporters of BJD candidate and minister Bikram Keshari Arukha, though the BJD denies these allegations. During the first phase of polling, clashes occurred in all seven Assembly segments of the Berhampur parliamentary constituency. BJP MP candidate Pradeep Panigrahy was reportedly assaulted by Independent candidate Shiva Shankar Dash for the Berhampur Assembly segment. Ganjam SP, Jagmohan Meena stated that the police are on high alert and will take stringent action against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order ahead of the elections.

Odisha: Amit Shah tags BJD government Jhola Sarkar in Rourkela rally

ROURKELA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah once again launched a scathing attack on the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, dubbing it the Jhola Sarkar over issues related to the Public Distribution System (PDS) rice scheme. Addressing a massive election rally in Rourkela, Shah sought votes for BJPs Sundargarh Lok Sabha candidate Jual Oram and the partys Assembly candidates for Rourkela, RN Pali, and Birmitrapur. Shah questioned the competence of the BJD government, raising concerns about the administration of Odisha being led by non-Odias. Naveen Babu, people of Odisha want to know where are the original keys of the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath temple, who made the duplicate keys and if the Bhandar was opened? he asked and promised to reveal the suppressed inquiry report within a month if BJP forms the government in Odisha. It is a Jhola Sarkar. Modiji sends five kg grain per person and Naveen Babu delivers it in a bag, he said referring to the alleged hijacking of central schemes. Shah accused the BJD government of repackaging the central grain allocation of five kg per person. He challenged the state government to contribute an additional 2.5 kg of rice to benefit the poor, emphasising the need for a double-engine government for Odishas development. Odisha lost 25 yrs under Naveen Patnaik government: Amit Shah Shah criticised the BJD for Odishas lack of progress over the past 25 years, claiming the state has regressed by 50 years. He cited deficiencies in basic amenities, with 27 lakh families still lacking pucca houses, over 26 lakh households without piped water, and 6,412 villages without roads. The income of farmers in Odisha is lowest in the country and if BJP government comes to power, we would enhance paddy MSP to Rs 3,100 per quintal and implement Ayushman Bharat universally, Shah roared. He pointed to unfulfilled promises, including a government medical college, hospital, and the Koel Barrage project. Highlighting the importance of Odia culture and governance, Shah lamented that government officers, rather than elected representatives, run the administration under Naveens rule. Under Modi government, tribal welfare budget was increased from Rs 24,000 crore to Rs 1.24 lakh crore, 740 Eklavya Residential Model Schools were constructed and a mission launched to end sickle cell disease, Shah said urging voters to support Modi for a third term as prime minister, aiming to make India the third-largest economy.

Southwest monsoon likely to hit Telangana in 2nd week of June

HYDERABAD: As the state continues to experience pre-monsoon showers, the weather in the upcoming weeks would continue to remain favourable with low temperatures and intermittent rains, according to officials. Moreover, the southwest monsoon is very likely to hit Telangana in the second week of June, with good progress of the monsoon in the initial phase. The IMD said that the southwest monsoon is very likely to advance into south Andaman Sea, some parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands around May 19. Mahesh Palawat, the vice president of meteorology and climate change at Skymet Weather, speaking to the TNIE, said, Monsoons will set up over Kerala around May 31 or June 1. The monsoon progress in the first week will be satisfactory as there will be a cyclonic circulation over Kerala and adjoining areas, and a low pressure area over Myanmar, which will pull the monsoon current. We expect that monsoon will very likely hit South Telangana in the second week of June and the progress will be good. Palawat further said that the remainder of May will also experience rain activities and decreased temperatures, with low possibilities of a heatwave. The rain activities will subside after May 21, after which, temperatures are likely to rise by the end of May. But the temperatures will not be as severe as the initial phases of summer and there is a weak possibility of a heatwave, Palawat added. As of Friday, very heavy rains were reported in the districts of Hyderabad, Hanamkonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba Gadwal, Nagarkurnool, Suryapet, Wanaparthy, Bhadradri Kothagudem and neighbouring areas. As per the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), the maximum temperatures in the state were 39.8Celsius in Adilabad, while Mehdipatnam in Hyderabad recorded the highest temperature of 35.9Celsius. Temperature to dip further in Telangana after light rains Under the influence of the cyclonic circulation, the state will continue to experience light to moderate rains or thundershowers till May 23 and a yellow alert has been issued till May 21. In addition, maximum temperatures will experience a further dip below 35Celsius in the week ahead. For the next 48 hours, the city is likely to experience cloudy skies, and light to moderate rains or thundershowers are very likely to occur towards evening or night. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 33Celsius and 24Celsius respectively, with north-easterly surface winds of around 4-6 kmph.

Car Crashes Into Shop In Dharmagarh

Dharmagarh: A car crashed into a shop in Dharmagarh block of Kalahandi in Odisha on Saturday, said reports. Reports say that the car crashed into the shutter of the shop. The car was coming from Bhawanipatna when the driver lost control near the Dharmagarh bus stand and crashed into a closed shop. The SUV [] The post Car Crashes Into Shop In Dharmagarh appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

LS polls: Battleground Bihar

PATNA: The five Bihar seats going to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 20 will witness new candidates on four seats, and a turncoat trying his luck from the remaining one. In Hajipur (SC) and Saran, RJD chief Lalu Prasads daughter Rohini Acharya and Ram Vilas Paswans son Chirag Paswan face the challenges of protecting their fathers pocket boroughs, respectively. Altogether 80 candidates, including 35 Independents, are in the fray, with three contestants being doctors. In high-profile seat Saran, Rohini Acharya is pitted against BJP MP and former Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Acharya, who hit the headlines for donating one of her kidneys to her father RJD chief and former chief minister Lalu Prasad, is making her debut in electoral politics. Saran is considered the home ground of Lalu Prasad, who had represented the seat four times before being disqualified after his conviction in cases linked to multi-crore fodder scam in 2013. In 2009, Lalu won after defeating Rudy. In 2014 polls, Rudy emerged victorious after defeating Rohinis mother and former chief minister Rabri Devi. In 2019, Rudy retained the seat by defeating Chandrika Rai, father in-law of Lalus eldest son Tej Pratap and also an influential leader of Yadavs in the region. Saran has an almost equal number of backward Yadav and upper caste Rajput voters. While Yadavs favour RJD candidate, Rajputs vote by and large to BJP candidate. Rudy, however, claimed that his real fight was with Rohinis father Lalu, who is in the fray from behind the scene. In Hajipur (SC) seat, there is a direct contest between Chirag Paswan, chief of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Shiv Chandra Ram of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). For Chirag, it is more important to win election as Hajipur has been karmabhoomi of his father late Ram Vilas Paswan. Senior Paswan had represented the seat eight times before being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. In 2019, Chirags uncle and Ram Vilas younger brother Pashupati Kumar Paras had won by defeating Shiv Chandra Ram of RJD. This time, Chirag decided to contest from Hajipur and fielded his brother in-law Arun Bharti from Jamui from where he was elected in 2014 and 2019. Shiv Chandra, a former state minister, is confident of his victory as Chirag may fall victim of bhitarghat (internal conflict) due to strained relationship with his uncle. Paras, MP from Hajipur, was denied ticket and seat was allotted to Chirags party under seat-sharing arrangements among NDA constituents. Chiv Chandra is also popular among Ravidas community against whom Chirag had made some adverse comments. There is resentment among members of Ravidas community over Chirags remarks, said Pankaj Ram, a resident of Rajapakar in Vaishali district. From Sitamarhi, JD(U) MP Sunil Kumar Pintoo was dropped in favour of Devesh Chandra Thakur, a close confidante of chief minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar. Devesh, chairman of Bihar Legislative Council, is contesting election for the first time. He is pitted against former MP and RJD leader Arun Rai. In Madhubani, BJPs Ashok Yadav had won 2019 election by defeating Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) candidate Bardi Kumar Purbey. But this time, INDIA bloc changed its candidate and fielded former Union minister and influential RJD leader Md Ali Ashraf Fatmi, who had earlier unsuccessfully contested Ashoks father and four-time MP Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav. In Muzaffarpur, the contest is between Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary of BJP and Ajay Kumar Nishad of Congress (read INDIA bloc). Ajay had won in 2019 on BJP ticket but but was denied ticket this time. He joined Congress, which fielded him from Muzaffarpur. Ajay Nishad, a turncoat, was rewarded with ticket by grand old party. While Ajay switched to Congress, Dr Raj Bhushan, who had fought from the seat on VIP ticket in 2019, joined BJP and was subsequently fielded.

Poetic justice as man freed after shoddy probe gets 12-year jail in another drug case in TN

CHENNAI: The proverbial long arm of the law has eventually caught up with Virugambakkam-based vegetable seller-turned-ganja peddler L Ravi (64). Seven-and-a-half years after a trial court acquitted him in a ganja case, the investigation of which was messed up by Chennai police, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) managed to secure a 12-year sentence for Ravi and three others on May 9 in another case filed in 2019. Ravi and four others were acquitted in December 2016 after the Choolaimedu police failed to prove his role in the seizure of 60 kg ganja, with the trial court picking up holes in the documentation of the investigation procedures. However, the NCB was able to prove his role beyond doubt before Principal Judge of the NDPS Special Court C Thirumagal, in the September 20, 2019 seizure of 303 kg ganja at Karanodai toll plaza on the GNT Road on the outskirts of Chennai. The investigators nabbed M Manogaran (38), a native of Madurai and M Vijayakumaran (50), and T Chandran from Theni when they were travelling from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to Madurai via Chennai with the ganja consignment loaded in an SUV. It was later found that the vehicle had a fake registration number plate. They had stopped at the toll plaza and were handing over 25 kg of the cannabis to Ravi when the NCB sleuths apprehended them. A search at Ravis home later also yielded 250 gm of ganja. According to NCB, the ganja operation was funded by Madurai resident P Ramesh, a restaurateur-turned-money lender facing losses in his business, akin to Ravi, who shifted to ganja peddling as he didnt earn enough from selling vegetables. NCB said Manogaran befriended Ramesh while working as a painter at his restaurant and spoke about his ganja business. Ramesh agreed to Manogarans proposal to pump money into the business and lent a few lakhs of rupees on a profit-sharing basis for ganja trafficking. In fact, the prosecution noted Ramesh earned a profit of Rs 2 lakh on an investment of Rs 5 lakh within a gap of 15-20 days. While NCB produced phone records to prove an active connection between the five accused, the court accepted their evidence of financial transactions between Manogaran and Ramesh, despite the latters counsel rejecting the charge of him funding the illicit trafficking. NCB also contended that Ramesh gave his debit card and arranged the SUV for transporting the narcotics from Vizag to Madurai, after Manogaran ratted him out in his voluntary statement before the agency. The charges against Chandran abated as he died before completion of trial. Manogaran, Vijayakumaran, Ravi and Chandran were slapped with a 12-year sentence by the court.

Custodial deaths in Kerala is a failure of system

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If Article 21 of the Constitution states that no person can be deprived of their life or personal liberty unless in accordance with the law, the saga of custodial torture in the state speaks of a deep-seated infringement of basic human rights and dignity. From being spread-eagled in dark rooms and thwacked relentlessly using batons or sticks, to rolling heavy pipes over bodies and beatings with cloth-wrapped iron objects ... the horrors dont stop there. The torture and mental anguish, that only those who have endured it can totally comprehend, open a window to the custodial highhandedness of law enforcement that frequently leads to loss of life. Police can keep a suspect in detention for up to 24 hours or with the courts permission, for 15 days. And it is distressing that the excesses are played out in this short span of time. Shameer, Rajkumar, Sreejith, Vinayakan, P P Mathai, Ranjith Kumar, Suresh to the most recent case involving Tamir Jifri: the names of victims may vary, but the tale remains hauntingly familiar. When persons are booked for any offence they are placed in state custody. And the state and its machinery are responsible for their safety throughout the legal process. How then can law enforcement act as both judge and arbiter of fate? The counter is often: Dont teach us the law. While statistics may document deaths, there is no measure of the trauma inflicted by torture. For victims, it can seem like a death sentence -- each passing day more brutish than the last as they await their fate, removed from the rest of the world. The experience is equally agonising for their families at a physical, emotional, and psychological level. Custodial deaths are heinous crimes. People taken into custody are the responsibility of the state. It is the primary duty of the police to ensure the safety of the person in their custody. It is deeply disturbing that the number of cases is rising, says former chief justice of Patna High Court and former chairman of State Human Rights Commission, Justice J B Koshy. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data tabled in the Lok Sabha last August shows that there were a total of 16 custodial deaths reported in Kerala between 2016 and 2024. The first Pinarayi Vijayan government, which took office in 2016, took severe flak over incidents of custodial torture, which showed the home department, which oversees the police force, in poor light. The incidents were spread out, with no set pattern. While two cases were reported in 2016-17, there were none in 2017-18. This was followed by three cases in 2018-19, and two in 2019-20. This dropped to one in 2020-2021, before a spurt of six cases in 2021-22. Between 2022 and 2024, two cases were reported. People become unnecessary targets and channels for officialdom to vent their frustration. To maintain control, an effective director general of police (DGP) is essential. However, police associations at times hinder their duties. With the backing of the ruling dispensation, these associations often suppress cases. Another problem is the absence of a committee to address police concerns. They face excessive political pressure, financial constraints, and a shortage of civil police officers (CPOs), leading to increased workload and frustration. This unfortunately spills out into the public. While not justifiable, these are the underlying reasons, Justice Koshy points out. This poses a key question: who will investigate criminal cases against law enforcement? Thorough probes into custodial deaths have been far and few in between and convictions have been even sparse. There were over 40 injuries on the body of 31-year-old Shameer, who died on October 1, 2020, at a Covid quarantine facility following an alleged assault by police. Six jail officials were arrested by a crime branch special squad. But after posting bail, each of them were allowed to return to their jobs. Rajkumar, 49, of Nedumkandam, Idukki was subjected to police torture for four days in June 2019. Among the torture methods employed was falanga, which involves repeated beatings on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hand. The CBI charged nine police officers. An appeal filed with the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) ensured that they were not even fired. An autopsy conducted on 26-year-old Sreejith, from Varapuzha, who died in April 2018 reportedly as a result of abuse in custody, revealed injuries to the abdomen that resulted in multiple organ failure and his eventual death. Ten police officers were suspended. They were all reinstated in December 2018. Mathai of Chittar was found dead in a well after being taken into custody by a forest official in 2020. It is being probed by the CBI. CBI charges 4 police officers with murder in Tanur custodial death Jifri, 30-year-old, one of the five youths caught by the Tanur police in a drug trafficking case, died last August 1. The postmortem report revealed 21 wounds on his body and swelling in his lungs. The body also had many problems connected with regular drug use. On August 2, eight policemen including the sub-inspector of Tanur police station were suspended pending inquiry. A week ago, four police officers were arrested. Not all deaths in custody should be labelled as custodial deaths. Some die by suicide, others succumb to heart attacks due to panic, while some are highly intoxicated upon arrival in custody and experience withdrawal symptoms leading to death. In comparison to states like UP, Bihar and Maharashtra, Kerala reports significantly fewer custodial deaths. In many instances, there is no evidence of police torture, says Alexander Jacob, former jail DGP. When those entrusted with upholding the law resort to behaving like goons, it not only undermines the very foundation of justice.

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