More than 80 women survivors of cancer walk the ramp in Gujarat's Rajkot

More than 80 women survivors of cancer walk the ramp in Gujarat's Rajkot As many as 80 women who were cancer survivors walked the ramp in Gujarat's Rajkot. The event was organised with the aim of creating awareness about cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. The event organised on Saturday also aimed to show appreciation to women who have fought cancer and motivate those who are still fighting it. The initiative by Cancer Club Rajkot is unique, as there were no models but only those 80 women who fell victim to breast and cervical cancer but defeated the disease despite all the odds. The Cancer Club Rajkot launched this initiative two months ago. Similar events were organised in the cities of Bengaluru and Delhi but only 25 women took part in these shows. This time, the show organised in Rajkot witnessed a large number of participants. The organisers of the show worked hard to make it successful, as they prepared the cancer patients for this ramp walk for almost a month. Through this fashion show, the Cancer Club Rajkot aims to convey that if cancer is detected early, it can indeed be treated and the person can start a new life. (ANI)

More than 80 women survivors of cancer walk the ramp in Gujarats Rajkot

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SCR Records Heaviest Footfall in Four Days

Hyderabad: A record 4.3 lakh unreserved passengers travelled from the city to different destinations from Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Kacheguda and Lingampally railway stations from May 9 to 12. According to officials from South Central Railway (SCR), a daily average of 1.05 lakh passengers travelled in general coaches, which is 52 per cent higher than the daily average of 68,800 unreserved passengers. In order to cater to the rush because of summer vacations, Lok Sabha elections and the weekend rush, SCR introduced more than 60 additional special trains between the two Telugu states from May 9 to 15. The special trains from the twin cities to Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Narsapur, Vijayawada, Nagersol and Machilipatnam, recorded more than 100 per cent occupancy. Special trains were also run to Khurda Road, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Cuttack (All Odisha), Bengaluru, Danapur, Gorakhpur, Agartala, Udaipur, Santragachi, Kollam, Jaipur and Rajkot. Around 41 additional coaches, including AC III tier, sleeper class and general second class coaches were added to the 40 regular trains to accommodate the additional rush of waitlisted passengers, said SCR officials.

Notable shift: BJP opts out of co-op polls after infighting in Gujarat unit

AHMEDABAD: The rise in BJPs influence in Gujarat is traced to its collaboration with the states cooperative sector. Ironically, the sector, which has historically kept Congress at bay in the state for three decades, is now challenging the partys dominance. The BJP recently received a setback when its candidate was defeated in the election for the IFFCO director. In elections on Wednesday of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd, BJP chose not to back any candidate. Eventually, Mohan Kundariya, a former two-term MP from Rajkot and now ousted from his seat, emerged victorious as a director. This development signals a notable shift as the BJP for the first time has refrained from asserting its authority in Gujarats cooperative sector. It hints at internal discord within the party. On Wednesday, NAFED witnessed the election of Mohan Kundariya, former Union minister and outgoing BJP MP from Rajkot, and Jetha Bharwad, deputy speaker of the Gujarat Assembly, to its board of directors. This occurred following the withdrawal of Magan Vadaviya, a member of the outgoing board, along with three other candidates from the race. Kundariya secured an uncontested victory on the board of directors from the solitary Gujarat seat in the constituency of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). This election marks the first instance where a BJP candidate won without a mandate, a move believed to be influenced by the defeat of its candidate in IFFCO. Political analysts view this as a direct consequence of that loss. In the Nafed elections, its speculated that had the BJP endorsed candidates with mandates, a repeat of the IFFCO results might have occurred. An anonymous cooperative leader affiliated with the BJP expressed discontent. Numerous leaders are disillusioned with BJPs policy of mandating candidates. There ought to be no political intervention in cooperatives, the leader said. Following the IFFCO setback, the BJP might refrain from mandating candidates in the cooperative sector. If it chooses to do so, it could encounter opposition from its ranks, said a source. Gujarat boasts of approximately 360 cooperative societies and 268 cooperative banks under the department, and roughly 4,500 credit societies. Additionally, about 15,000 milk cooperative societies collectively involve around 3 crore individuals. The BJP currently holds a 95% stake in these cooperatives. The partys ascension to power in Gujarat has largely been facilitated through cooperation. If internal struggles for dominance within cooperatives persist, BJP stands to suffer significant losses, said a source. When the BJP initially assumed power, there were about 45,000 cooperatives. By 2007-08, this number rose to 62,342. Currently, it stands close to 76,000, with the Congress holding a mere 4% stake.

Summer of discontent in the Hindi heartland

If there is one striking difference between the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, its the lack of a wave - be it a Modi wave, NDA wave, INDIA wave or even a Mandir wave. With the hyper-nationalist fervour in 2019 after the Pulwama blasts and Balakot air strikes, several voters clearly stated that the BJP candidate didn't matter and that their vote for the party was essentially one for Modi. This time, in the absence of a national narrative, local candidates and local issues are playing a role in determining voter choices in Uttar Pradesh. The 'Modi factor' isnt strong enough for them to vote for a disapproving candidate. So far, the team and I have travelled to 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh that have voted in the first four phases - from west UP's Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bijnor, Nagina, Saharanpur, Kairana and Muzaffarnagar towards Etawah, Kheri, Dhaurahra, Kannauj, Badayun, Mainpuri and Hathras. We identified influential communities in each constituency and visited villages and townships where these communities have a strong presence to understand how voters are thinking, the issues determining their votes and if and why their voting preferences have changed since 2019. On average, we covered at least two Vidhan Sabha areas in each of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies. One of the most prominent issues across castes was the agrarian crisis. Even those of the Brahmin community who praised Modi as 'king' and were supporting BJP consistently spoke about their struggles as farmers. One of the specific issues all farmers faced was the menace of the stray cattle that destroyed crops in the fields. With the Yogi government's increased restrictions on slaughterhouses and the fear of cow vigilantes, many farmers are left in a lurch. They are clueless about how to deal with their male cattle, essentially an economic burden on farmers who are anyway dealing with growing financial distress. These policies have robbed farmers of an additional source of income, and they are now forced to abandon their male cattle and older cows and buffalos who can no longer produce milk. The state government has unsuccessfully attempted to build cow sheds to address the issue. The stray cattle run over crops, graze on them and destroy them. The losses thus incurred are substantially higher than the quarterly cash transfer of Rs 500 a month from the central government as part of the much-hyped Kisan Samman Nidhi. Will UP's rural voters spring a surprise in this election? Add to this the shrinkflation in ureathe sacks have become smaller while the price has remained constant. Meanwhile, the state-mandated price for sugarcane has grown by only about Rs 45 a quintal in the last seven years, lower than under previous regimes. This has resulted in the drifting away of several non-Yadav, non-Jat agrarian Other Backward Classes from the BJP in west UP. This includes castes like Lodhi Rajputs, Kurmis, Kushwahas and Sainis, who are mostly marginal farmers. The exact percentage of this shift is hard to determine, but a significant breaking away is evident. When asked about a possible alliance with the BJP during the 2022 UP assembly elections, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary had said, I am not a chavanni (25-paise coin) that can be flipped. Two years later, this March 2, the RLD that has a significant Jat following in West UP, joined the NDA. It was in the hope of consolidating Jat voters for the BJP-led alliance. But in many seats like Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh and Agra, Jat voters haven't shifted to the NDA to the extent hoped for. The ripples from the historic thirteen-month-long farmers' movement of 2020-21 continue to impact the Jat voters of the region and they remain suspicious of the new alliance. In many of these constituencies, the lower turnout is a result of core BJP communities voting in fewer numbers. Another factor that could hurt the BJP in the first three phases is the massive Rajput panchayats held in Meerut, Kairana and Muzaffarnagar against the party. This was in response to a couple of speeches made allegedly against the community by BJP leaders. On March 22, Parshottan Rupala, a BJP candidate from Rajkot, said, Even kings and royals bowed down to the British but not Rukhi samaj (a Dalit community). He was seen to praise Dalits at the expense of Rajputs and Kshatriyas, whom he accused of entering into roti-beti relations with the British (breaking bread and entering into marital relations). Many also accused the BJP of 'keeping silent' when the caste name Gurjar was inscribed on the statue of Mihir Bhoj who they claim is a Rajput. While there is a level of disillusionment with the ruling party, the opposition INDIA bloc has not been able to win over these communities. As a result, voter enthusiasm has been minimal and many have chosen not to vote. What is also evident is a simmering anger against the ruling dispensation among large sections of the rural and semi-urban poor and even middle classes. Issues of inflation and unemployment are soaring and oft-repeated by voters. In Meerut, many voters talked about how BJPs key campaign points like the scrapping of Article 370 in Kashmir have no impact on their lives. One of them said, We are not buying land there! The anger among the youth was further fuelled when the Uttar Pradesh Constable Recruitment and Promotion 2024 examination was cancelled. The exam was held on February 17 and 18 this year and over 48 lakh aspirants vied for 60,244 posts. It was later revealed that the examination papers had leaked. The state government announced that the exam would be held again after the Lok Sabha elections. Repeated incidents of paper leaks under the Yogi government have increased the despondency among young voters who eye government jobs. Young people from across rural western UP have always eyed a job in the army. The recently unveiled Agniveer scheme has proven to be yet another wet blanket. Apart from the anger on unemployment and inflation that's evident among Dalits across UP, there is another concern. This March 25, BJP MP Anant Kumar Hegde from Karnataka called for 'rewriting' the Indian Constitution, which would not be possible without winning 400 of the 543 seats. At least three other BJP candidates have openly stated the same intention. The videos of their statements have gone viral. So the BJP's slogan of ' Abki baar , 400 paar' has caused a growing insecurity among Scheduled Caste voters about reservation. This includes non-Jatav SC communities, large sections of which have in the past few years been voting for the BJP. Another factor that could have worked in BJP's favour but is proving to be a dampener is that the BSP and SP couldn't ally. In 2019, because of the SP-BSP alliance, on many seats which didn't have a BSP candidate, there was a shift of a substantial number of Dalit votes to BJP. This time, in constituencies like Meerut, Saharanpur, Nagina, Kairana, Etawah, Lakhimpur Kheri and Mainpuri, there is a visible shift of such voters from the BSP to the INDIA bloc, essentially looking to vote for the strongest candidate against the BJP. It must be noted that a substantial share has also been retained by the BSP. In some places, even Muslims are looking to consolidate in favour of not just the strongest candidate against the BJP but also voting beyond traditional patterns. For example, in the Nagina constituency, there is a strong consolidation of both Muslims and Dalits in favour of Chandrashekhar Azad from the Azad Samaj Party. This is because Muslims were looking for an alternative owing to the SP's silence on many issues related to the Muslim community. As one moves further away from west UP, it seems Akhilesh Yadav's PDA slogan - with P for pichhde or backward classes, D for Dalits, and A for alpsankhyak or minorities - has rung a bell. Many voters are also calling it 'Pandit harao abhiyan ' (Defeat the Brahmins campaign). The importance of being Akhilesh Yadav in this Lok Sabha election Women voters in rural areas are particularly upset with the lack of allocation of houses under the PM Awaas Yojana. Village after village, they were keen to show their abysmal living conditions. Many who got gas cylinders for the first time because of the government's much-touted Ujjwala Yojana are back to using clay stoves since they can't afford to refill their cylinders with the skyrocketing prices. Yet, despite the growing discontent among various communities, it would be wrong to underestimate the BJP. Numerically significant castes like Brahmins and Baniyas have consolidated behind the BJP across UP. Also, unlike west UP, the Rajput anger doesn't seem to have much of an impact in central and eastern UP. The BJP still has a strong cadre base across castes. As one voter in Kairana said, The voters are silent and that could mean anything. Nakul Singh Sawhney is an independent documentary filmmaker and founder of Chalchitra Abhiyaan. (Views are personal) Amethi: A tryst with destiny that wasnt to be

One killed in firing over land row in Kutch desert, 15 held

One killed in firing over land row in Kutch desert, 15 held One person was killed and three others were injured when a group of men opened fire and attacked another group in an apparent bid to capture a piece of land inside the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) in Gujarat, a police official said on Thursday. In a video of the three-day-old incident that went viral on social media platforms on Thursday, the accused men can be seen charging towards the other group in their vehicles and then firing some rounds on them when challenged. While the clash took place on May 13 evening inside LRK, a salt desert near Kanmer village under Rapar taluka of Kutch district, an FIR was registered at the Samakhiyari police station on May 14, said Sagar Bagmar, Superintendent of Police (Kutch-East). ''Four persons were injured in the attack, including three from bullets. Of these, one Dinesh Koli suffered a bullet injury on his forehead and was rushed to a hospital in Rajkot, where he died on Wednesday evening. We have registered an FIR and detained 15 people so far,'' he said. The accused were booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which deal with murder, rioting, unlawful assembly and under relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as the complainant is a Dalit. The FIR has been registered on a complaint submitted by Kanmer village resident Magan Gohil, who was also injured in the clash. As per the FIR, when Gohil and 10 other residents of Kanmer and surrounding villages were at a place which was once a salt factory, 17 persons reached there on five vehicles and warned Gohil and others to vacate the site, saying it belongs to them. While three persons in the group that claimed ownership of the land were armed with guns, others were carrying sticks and sharp weapons, the FIR said, adding they were led by two men, Bharat Bharwad and Bharat Vaghela, both residents of Kanmer village. The accused hurled abuses at Gohil and asked him to vacate the place. They also threatened to kill him if their orders were not followed. Following a brief altercation, the three persons armed with guns opened fire at the complainant and others, the FIR said. While Dinesh Koli was hit on his forehead, two others suffered bullet injuries on nose and leg. When Gohil and his friend Jagsi Koli were taking Dinesh Koli to hospital on a motorcycle, the accused rammed their vehicle into the two-wheeler from behind and then thrashed Gohil with sticks, it said. While Gohil and two others who received bullet injuries were out of danger, Dinesh Koli died while being treated at a hospital in Rajkot, police said.

Unseasonal rains lash parts of Gujarat on third straight day

Unseasonal rains lash parts of Gujarat on third straight day On the third straight day, unseasonal rains lashed parts of Gujarat on Wednesday and the meteorological department has forecast more showers. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), light rains along with thunderstorms are expected in several districts of the state in the next two days. Moderate to light rains were recorded in Saurashtra and Kutch regions as well as in Dangs district, said a release by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). Between 6 am and 6 pm on Wednesday, Muli taluka of Surendranagar district received 50 mm of rains. It was followed by 33 mm in Nakhatrana taluka in Kutch, 17 mm in Wadhwan taluka of Surendranagar, Ahwa taluka of Dangs (11 mm), Thangadh of Surendranagar (10 mm) and Waghai of Dangs (8 mm), it said. Light showers were recorded in parts of Junagadh, Rajkot and Amreli districts during the day, said the release. In its latest forecast, the IMD said light rains would occur ''at isolated places in the south Gujarat region and in Saurashtra, including Rajkot, Amreli and Gir Somnath'' district on May 16. On May 17, light showers may occur at isolated places in south Gujarat, while weather in other parts of the state is likely to remain dry, according to the weather office.

Three feared drowned in Machchhu river in Gujarats Morbi

Three feared drowned in Machchhu river in Gujarats Morbi Three friends, including two minors, who went to take a bath in the Machchhu river on the outskirts of Gujarats Morbi town went missing on Wednesday, triggering a search, said an official. A search and rescue operation has been launched by the fire brigade with the help of divers, said Sub-divisional Magistrate Sushil Parmar. Chirag Parmar (20), Gaurav Bhankodia (17) and Dharmesh Bhankodia (16), all residents of Morbi town, went to the water body at Juna Sadulka village in the morning. Eyewitnesses told rescuers that the two minors jumped into the water to save Chirag Parmar when he started drowning soon after entering the river around 11 am. Seeing Chirag drowning, Gaurav and Dharmesh too jumped in to save him but all got swept away. A search and rescue operation has been launched with the help of divers from Morbi and Halvad. A team from Rajkot fire brigade has also joined the operation, said Parmar. On Tuesday, six boys and a man were feared to have drowned after they entered the Narmada river at Poicha village in the states Narmada district. While the search operation is still on, the bodies of two boys Bhavesh Hadiya and Bhargav Katrariya were found on Wednesday afternoon, said a release by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Flight delay, no refreshments causes heated exchange between passengers and staff at Rajkot airport - The Times of India

Flight delay, no refreshments causes heated exchange between passengers and staff at Rajkot airport The Times of India

WATCH: IndiGo Passengers In Verbal Spat With Airline Staff Over Flight Delay, No Food At Rajkot Airport

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Rajkot International Airport in Gujarat as angry passengers engaged in a verbal showdown with IndiGo Airlines' staff over prolonged flight delay.

Strife in Gujarat BJP escalates as old corruption allegations against ex-MP Dilip Sanghani resurface

AHMEDABAD: The internal discord within Gujarat's BJP has intensified after the party's Jetpur MLA Jayesh Radadiya secured a victory over Union Home Minister Amit Shahs close aide Bipin Patel alias Bipin Gota in the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) elections. This was followed by the resurgence of old corruption allegations against former BJP MP and chairman of IFFCO and Gujarat State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (Gujcomasol) Dilip Sanghani on social media on Tuesday. Radadiya had attributed his success in the IFFCO elections to Sanghani. The document dated 10/05/23, addressed to Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, alleged that Sanghani had made decisions favouring his relatives. The letter further claimed that decisions within Gujcomasol were made without reporting to the vice chairman Bipin Patel and that the corresponding files didn't reach him. Alongside these accusations, ten other allegations were raised. Sanghani asserted that the accusations were unfounded. Responding to the allegation of withholding files from Patel, Sanghani said, The vice chairman sits on Gujcomasol's board and has not raised any concerns thus far. Nonetheless, I prefer not to escalate this dispute further. Our officials can verify that despite his reluctance, we have consistently sought his input or signature on relevant documents, he said. It's noteworthy that this vice-chairman recently lost the IFFCO directorship election. I refrain from delving deeper into who played a role in drafting this letter, Sanghani added. Before the emergence of the letter, a subtle display of influence involving BJP's Patidar leaders unfolded during Sanghani's birthday celebration on Sunday. Esteemed figures such as Patidar leader and former Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu, North Gujarat Patidar leader and former deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, Rajkot Lok Sabha BJP candidate Purushottam Rupala, along with Jayesh Radadiya, who secured the directorship in IFFCO, and three-term MP from Amerli, Narayan Kachdia, graced the occasion. Following the defeat of BJP-endorsed candidate Bipin Patel in the IFFCO elections, local leaders interpreted the gathering as a demonstration of collective strength aimed at the BJP state president. The IFFCO elections unfolded as a manifestation of internal rivalries within the BJP. Radadiya secured a decisive win with 113 out of 180 votes. During an IFFCO board meeting on May 10, all 21 directors unanimously supported and endorsed Sanghani as chairman and Balwinder Singh as the vice chairman.

Video: IndiGo passengers in Rajkot clash with staff over 2.5-hour delay and no food

Video IndiGo passengers in Rajkot clash with staff over hour delay and no food

Rajput, Rage, Rupala: What We Saw And Heard On The Ground In Rajkot Right Before Polling

Congresss Surat pick back, says party betrayed him first in 2017

Kumbhani said he was silent all these days because of his respect for state party president Shaktisinh Gohil and the party's Rajkot Lok Sabha candidate Paresh Dhanani. Congress leaders are accusing me of betrayal. However, it was the Congress which betrayed me first in the 2017 assembly elections when my ticket for Kamrej Assembly seat in Surat was cancelled at the last moment. It was the Congress which made the first mistake, not me, Kumbhani told reporters here.

Congress's Surat candidate whose nomination form was rejected resurfaces, says party betrayed him

SURAT: Suspended Congress leader Nilesh Kumbhani, whose nomination form was rejected over discrepancies leading to BJP winning the Surat Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat unopposed, resurfaced on Saturday after 20 days and alleged it was the grand old party that had betrayed him first in 2017. Kumbhani said he was silent all these days because of his respect for state party president Shaktisinh Gohil and the party's Rajkot Lok Sabha candidate Paresh Dhanani. Congress leaders are accusing me of betrayal. However, it was the Congress which betrayed me first in the 2017 assembly elections when my ticket for Kamrej Assembly seat in Surat was cancelled at the last moment. It was the Congress which made the first mistake, not me, Kumbhani told reporters here. I did not want to do this but my supporters, office staff and workers were upset because the party is being run by five self-proclaimed leaders in Surat and they neither work nor allow others to work. Though AAP and Congress are part of INDIA alliance, these leaders raised objections when I used to campaign with AAP leaders here, he claimed. Asked if the turn of events in the ongoing Lok Sabha poll was his revenge on the Congress, Kumbhani refused to give a direct reply and reiterated his charge about cancellation of ticket in the 2017 state polls. Kumbhani, who had earlier served as a Congress corporator in the Surat Municipal Corporation, fought the 2022 assembly polls from Kamrej but lost to the BJP. On April 21, Kumbhani's nomination form was rejected after his three proposers submitted affidavits to the district returning officer claiming they had not signed on the document. Incidentally, the nomination form of the Congress' substitute candidate Suresh Padsala was also rejected, ending the party's presence in the fray. On April 22, BJP's Mukesh Dalal was declared elected unopposed from Surat after all other candidates, including one from the BSP, withdrew their nominations. Due to a pre-poll alliance with Congress, the AAP had not fielded its candidate from Surat. Kumbhani had gone incommunicado since April 22. He was later suspended by the Congress, which blamed him for the rejection of the nomination form and also accused him of connivance with the BJP. Lok Sabha polls were held in a single phase in Gujarat on May 7. Results for 25 out of the state's 26 seats will be declared on June 4.

'Ilu ilu' slanging match: Cooperative body election brings concerns in Gujarat BJP to the fore

A cooperative body election that saw a close aide of Union Home Minister Amit Shah being bested by a BJP MLA who went rogue has brought a few of the simmering concerns in the ruling party to the fore. It all began with BJP leader Bipin Patel (Gota), close aide of Shah, losing the fight for the post of the Director of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) to BJP MLA Jayesh Radadiya. Subsequently, Naranbhai Kachhadia, a BJP leader and three-time MP from Amerli, raised concerns about the party's candidate selection process and the welcoming of Congress and AAP members into the BJP. Bipin Patel, also known as Bipin Gota, is the coordinator of the partys cooperative cell and vice chairman of Gujarat State Cooperative Marketing Fedration Limited (Gujcomasol). Radadiya, a former minister, was a member of IFFCO's outgoing board of directors and is also chairman of Rajkot District Cooperative (RDC) Bank. Despite state BJP chief CR Patil too endorsing Gota as the party's candidate, Radadiya defied the party and secured a second term in IFFCO. Gujarat BJP leader's son accused of booth capturing and bogus voting Notably, Home Minister Amit Shah had visted Radadiya's residence and shared a meal with him. Yet, Radadiya refused to be placated and remained steadfast in his decision to fight Bipin Gota. Radadiya's victory in the IFFCO election was ensured by the backing of influential figures such as the body's Chairman Dileepbhai Sanghani, a former MP and MLA. Additionally, Radadiya garnered support from the farming community in Saurashtra, a significant agricultural region in Gujarat. Radadiya won 113 votes, a significant number compared to Gota's 67 votes. Dip in voter turnout in Gujarat: A sign of things to come? Charges and countercharges In the aftermath of this unexpected outcome, BJP state president CR Patil expressed concerns over the prevalent practice of his party members reaching an understanding with other party leaders, known as Ilu Ilu (I love you). Most elections were won in accordance with the BJP mandate. Some individuals engaged in 'Ilu Ilu' under the guise of cooperative elections, he charged. In response, Dileepbhai Sanghani questioned the validity of such criticism, citing instances of the party rapidly embracing Congress leaders and awarding them tickets. Cooperative leaders have secured victory through democratic means. I would like to question those who perceive this result as an instance of 'Ilu Ilu'. When individuals switch from Congress to our party within a day and receive tickets, it disheartens the workers. Whether it's termed 'Ilu Ilu' or if BJP wins, it's seen as the same, Sanghani said. He went on to underline that Radadiya had submitted his nomination first. Three days after Jayesh bhai submitted his form, Bipin Patel received the go-ahead from the party. Jayesh bhai wasn't even aware of this. Before naming another candidate, Jayesh bhai should have been consulted. This seems like an attempt meant solely to discredit Jayesh bhai in the media, Sanghani remarked. The sparring between the two sides continued. In a video message released on Friday, Bipin Gota went after Dileepbhai Sanghani, stating, The BJP had fielded Dileep Sanghani as a candidate in the assembly elections in 2017, and I would have been happier if he had emerged victorious then. Sanghani, incidentally, was re-elected as IFFCO chairman on Friday. Naranbhai Kachhadia, the three-time MP from Amerli, challenged party leaders backing Sanghani's assertion, stating, It requires a decade to nurture workers. Individuals from Congress and AAP swiftly secure positions after joining in the morning. While it's fine to bring workers from other parties, it shouldn't be done at the cost of neglecting BJP workers. Expressing concerns about the way in which candidates are being selected, Naranbhai Kachhadia remarked, Through their candidate choices, they've let down over 17 lakh voters. Amreli had numerous qualified candidates, yet tickets were distributed to those merely capable of speaking Gujarati. Internal conflict among BJP leaders. 3 time MP from Amerli, Narayan Kachdia, indirectly challenged his party's leaders, Workers from Congress & AAP come in the morning & get positions in the evening, take workers to party but not at the cost of BJP workers. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/sJjw3nLcYD Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) May 10, 2024

Union Minister apologises for controversial remark about Kshatriya community

Union Minister apologises for controversial remark about Kshatriya community Union minister and BJP candidate for Rajkot Lok Sabha seat Parshottam Rupala on Wednesday apologised to the Kshatriya community for his alleged derogatory remark on erstwhile rulers, his fourth so far, terming the controversy the most difficult time of his public life. The apology came a day after Lok Sabha polls were concluded in Gujarat. Rupala said he had gone through the most difficult time of his public life due to his comment and urged the Kshatriyas, also known as Rajputs, to show generosity and forgive him. Though it was my mistake and I was solely responsible for whatever happened, my entire party got entangled in this controversy. It was very painful for me because the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi suffered because of me, said Rupala. Of the 26 constituencies in the state, 25 including Rajkot went to polls on May 7. The BJP nominee in Surat has already won unopposed. The Rajputs had demanded that the BJP drop Rupala as its nominee in Rajkot. Since I had apologised before voting, people might have thought it was due to the elections. Thus, I am once again apologising to the entire Kshatriya community. I urge the community and its women to embrace Kshama Virasya Bhushanam' (forgiveness is the virtue of the brave). My appeal is not politically motivated, he told reporters in Rajkot. According to Rupala, his remarks (oratory skill) used to be an asset for the BJP but this time, his one comment had put his party in trouble. I admit that and I take full responsibility. I want to tell you that I am ultimately a human and it is said that to err is human. I had apologised for my words immediately, that too when the Rajputs hadn't even started their protest. Later, I apologised in front of the community, said Rupala. The BJP had dropped two-time MP Mohan Kundariya to pick Rupala from Rajkot. Former MLA Paresh Dhanani was the Congress candidate for this Patidar-dominated seat, considered a stronghold of BJP since the late 80s. Rupala has angered Rajputs by claiming that erstwhile 'maharajas' succumbed to the persecution of foreign rulers as well as the Britishers. He further said these 'maharajas' broke bread with these rulers and also married off their daughters to them. Since majority of the erstwhile rulers in Gujarat were Rajputs, the community saw the remarks as an insult to them and had repeatedly asked the BJP to withdraw Rupala's candidature, warning that it would go against the ruling party in this election if it continued with him. When the BJP did not remove Rupala as its candidate from Rajkot, community leaders under the umbrella of the Rajput Coordination Committee had given a call to defeat the party's candidates on at least 10 seats, including Rajkot and Jamnagar. Two days before the elections, Kshatriya leaders associated with the BJP in Gujarat had also appealed to the community to forgive Rupala and vote for the saffron party in the nations interest.

This was the toughest election of my life: Union Minister Rupala

Rajkot, May 8: Union Minister Parshottam Rupala said on Wednesday in Rajkot that this was the toughest election of his life. The BJP MP acknowledged that there have been numerous challenges within the party over time. Rupala asked for forgiveness from the Kshatriya community, emphasising the need for national progress to move forward hand in [] The post This was the toughest election of my life: Union Minister Rupala appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Phase 3 Polls See 62.45% Turnout

New Delhi : A nearly 62 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Tuesday in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories. Assam recorded the highest turnout at 76.13 per cent followed by Goa (74.50) and West Bengal (73.93). While Maharashtra (56.40), Uttar Pradesh (57.34), Bihar (57.27), and Gujarat (57.04) had lower voter turnout, Chhattisgarh (68.15), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (65.23), Karnataka (69.30) and Madhya Pradesh (65.11) witnessed moderate polling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah were among those who exercised their franchise in Gujarat, where elections were held in 25 seats. While Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Shah voted at a polling booth in Ahmedabad with his family. Shah (Gandhinagar) is among the bigwigs in the fray in this phase along with Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra). After casting his vote, Modi mingled with the crowd waiting outside for him and also held a brief conversation with a visually impaired girl. Later, while talking to media Modi said, Today is the third phase of voting. There is great importance of Daan in our country and in the same spirit, the countrymen should vote as much as possible. Four rounds of voting are still ahead. As a voter in Gujarat, this is the only place where I vote regularly and Amit Bhai is contesting from here as a BJP candidate... However, despite the presence of such bigwigs, the voters in Gujarat did not show much enthusiasm to vote. In Uttar Pradesh, where several members of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadavs family are contesting, party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP workers were trying to loot booths in Mainpuri and people from Opposition parties were being detained in police stations. Yadav cast his vote in Saifai (Etawah) in Mainpuri constituency where his wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting. He also alleged rigging of votes at some places and said, information is coming from some places that the government is using force. It is heard that officers have been deployed outside polling booths. In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar, who is the NCP candidate from the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar were among those who cast their votes. Sharad Pawar was welcomed with a traditional aarti as he arrived at a polling booth in the Malegaon area of Baramati constituency in Pune district. Sunetra is pitted against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawars daughter and the sitting MP from there. In Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi, Bhagwanth Khuba, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge were among those who came in early to cast their votes. Former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa along with sons his B.Y. Raghavendra, BJP candidate from Shimoga Lok Sabha segment and B.Y. Vijayendra, partys state chief -- and daughters-in-law cast their vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and daughter Sukanya Sarma exercised his franchise at Amingaon in Barpeta Lok Sabha seat.

High Voter Turnout in Third Phase; Clashes and Allegations Mar West Bengal and UP Voting

High Voter Turnout in Third Phase; Clashes and Allegations Mar West Bengal and UP Voting Nearly 65 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Tuesday in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories with stray incidents of violence in West Bengal. Assam recorded the highest turnout at 81.71 per cent followed by West Bengal at 76.52 per cent and Goa at 75.20 per cent, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest at 57.34 per cent, with Bihar at 58.18 per cent, Gujarat at 59.51 per cent and Maharashtra at 61.44 per cent doing slightly better, according to the figures from the Election Commission at 12.15 am. The overall voting percentage was 64.58 per cent. According to the EC, the figures are an ''approximate trend'' and are likely to rise as data is being collected. While the official time for the voting to conclude is 6 pm, it can go beyond to enable voters who have come in the queue before the end of fixed polling hours to exercise their franchise. Among other states and UTs, Chhattisgarh recorded 71.06 per cent polling, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 69.87 per cent, Karnataka 70.41 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 66.05 per cent, according to the EC. As many as 17.24 crore people, including 8.39 crore females, were eligible to vote in the third phase and 1.85 lakh polling stations manned by 18.5 lakh officials had been set up. With this, voting has been completed in 20 states/UTs and 282 Lok Sabha seats out of 543. The overall voting percentage in the first and second phases was 66.14 per cent and 66.71 per cent respectively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among those who exercised their franchise in Gujarat, where elections were held in 25 seats. While PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Shah voted at a polling booth in Ahmedabad. Shah (Gandhinagar) is among the bigwigs in the fray along with Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra). The stakes are high for the BJP in this round as it had won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, in the last election. Both the BJP and the INDIA bloc claimed that they had the upper hand after the third phase. ''Across all the states and UTs, voters from all walks of life have placed their faith in the NDA and our development agenda. INDI Alliance is losing even more steam, thanks to their regressive economics and outdated votebank politics,'' Modi said on X. The Congress claimed that the BJP has been wiped out in the south and reduced to half of its strength after the three phases ''Its very clear that for the BJP, it is South mein Saaf, North mein Half,'' Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X. In Uttar Pradesh, where several members of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav's family are contesting, party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP workers were trying to ''loot booths'' in Mainpuri and people from opposition parties were being detained in police stations. Yadav cast his vote in Saifai (Etawah) in Mainpuri constituency where his wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting. Sporadic incidents of violence marred the polling in the four constituencies in West Bengal as TMC, BJP and Congress-CPI(M) workers clashed with each other in various parts of Murshidabad and Jangipur seats. According to state election officials, Murshidabad registered the highest voter turnout of 80.13 per cent followed by Maldaha Dakshin (76.15 pc), Maldaha Uttar (75.92 pc), and Jangipur (73.71 pc). The TMC, BJP, and the Congress-CPI(M) alliance lodged separate complaints related to poll violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents. The EC received 182 complaints by 9 am, most of which were from Murshidabad and Jangipur constituencies. ''The TMC has unleashed a reign of terror in the entire constituency. Strict action must be taken by the Election Commission,'' Left-Congress combine candidate Mohammed Salim said in Murshidabad seat. In the Karimpur area of the seat, clashes were reported between the TMC and the CPI(M) supporters outside a few booths. Clashes were reported between the TMC and the Congress activists from the Domkol area. In some areas, TMC workers held protests alleging that central forces were assisting BJP workers in ''intimidating'' voters at booths in the Maldaha North constituency. In Uttar Pradesh, Agra witnessed 53.99 per cent polling, Aonla 57.08 per cent, Budaun 54.05 per cent, Bareilly 57.88 per cent, Etah 59.17 per cent, Fatehpur Sikri 57.09 per cent, Firozabad 58.22 per cent, Hathras 55.36 per cent, Mainpuri 58.59 per cent and Sambhal 62.81 per cent. ''In Mainpuri, BJP people are trying to loot booths. They are detaining opposition people in police stations,'' SP chief Yadav alleged without elaborating. ''There is information from some places that the government is using force. It is heard that officers have been deployed outside polling booths,'' he said. In Budaun, the villagers of Dhoranpur boycotted the polling to protest against the alleged non-fulfilment of their demand for a road. District Magistrate Manoj Kumar said the issue has come to his notice and a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has been sent to the village. Not a single vote was also cast in three villages of Firozabad -- Nagla Jawahar, Neem Kheria and Nagla Umar -- as the villagers tried to draw the administration's attention to their problems. SP candidate Aditya Yadav in Budaun alleged that his party supporters were not being allowed to vote in some places. ''I have made a complaint in this regard with the EC observer and have given proof of police atrocities. We are only getting assurances,'' he said. Queues were seen at polling booths in most Lok Sabha segments in northern districts of Karnataka. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Bhagwanth Khuba, and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge were among those who came in early to cast their votes. Former chief minister B S Yediyurappa along with sons B Y Raghavendra, BJP candidate from Shimoga Lok Sabha segment, and B Y Vijayendra, party's state president, along with other family members cast their vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. Two government officials on poll duty died in Karnataka after suffering a heart attack, sources in the Election Commission said. A 45-year-old woman polling officer - Kaushika Babariya- deployed at a polling booth in Amreli district of Gujarat, also died of a heart attack. In Gujarat, the Banaskantha district collector ordered an inquiry after Congress Lok Sabha candidate Geniben Thakor alleged that electors were threatened and asked to vote for the BJP by some youngsters posing as Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel at a polling station. In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar, who is the NCP candidate from the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar were among those who cast their votes. Sharad Pawar was welcomed with a traditional 'aarti' as he arrived at a polling booth in the Malegaon area of Baramati constituency in Pune district. Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar cast their votes at a polling booth in Katewadi area of Baramati. Sunetra is pitted against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter and the sitting MP from there. In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and daughter Sukanya Sarma exercised his franchise at Amingaon in Barpeta Lok Sabha seat. Amid rains, people used different modes of transport, including boats, to reach the polling stations across Guwahati, Barpeta, Dhubri and Kokrajhar constituencies. With the BJP bagging Surat unopposed, 25 seats in Prime Minister Modi's home state of Gujarat went to polls on Tuesday, besides 11 seats in Maharashtra, 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the remaining 14 of the 28 in Karnataka, seven in Chhattisgarh, five in Bihar, four each in Assam and West Bengal, and all two in Goa. Voting was held in two seats in Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and nine seats in Madhya Pradesh, including Betul where elections were earlier deferred. Over 1,331 candidates, including around 120 women, were in the fray in the third phase. The next four phases will be on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes is on June 4.

17 teams participate in moot court at Rayat Bahra

Rayat Bahra University's National Moot Court Competition on Domestic Violence featured 16 teams from various states. Winners included Marwadi University, Rajkot, and CT Institute of Law, Jalandhar. Justice Archana Puri highlighted the significance of addressing domestic violence.

LS elections third phase: Around 50 per cent polling recorded till 3 pm

New Delhi: A voter turnout of 50.71 per cent was recorded till 3 pm in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories on Tuesday with sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal. West Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 63.11 per cent followed by Assam at 63.08 per cent, while Maharashtra witnessed the lowest at 42.63 per cent. According to the Election Commission, a voting percentage of 50.71 was recorded till 3 PM. The voting which started at 7 am will continue till 6 pm. A voter turnout of 47.03 per cent was recorded in 25 Lok Sabha seats of Gujarat, an Election Commission (EC) official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among those who exercised their franchise the state. While PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Shah voted at a polling booth in Ahmedabad. Shah (Gandhinagar) is among the bigwigs in the fray in this phase along with Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra). In Uttar Pradesh, where several members of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav's family are contesting, close to 46.78 per cent polling was recorded in 10 seats. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP workers were trying to loot booths in Mainpuri and people from opposition parties were being detained in police stations. Yadav cast his vote in Saifai (Etawah) in Mainpuri constituency where his wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting. Among other states, Assam recorded 63.08 per cent polling, Bihar 46.69 per cent, Chhattisgarh 58.19 per cent, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 52.43 per cent, Goa 61.39 per cent, Karnataka 54.20 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 54.09 per cent, according to the EC. Sporadic incidents of violence marred the third phase of Lok Sabha polls in four constituencies in West Bengal as TMC, BJP and Congress-CPI(M) workers clashed with each other in various parts of Murshidabad and Jangipur seats. According to officials, Murshidabad registered the highest voter turnout with 65.40 per cent followed by Maldaha Dakshin (62.90), Jangipur (62.57), and Maldaha Uttar (61.50). The TMC, the BJP, and the Congress-CPI(M) alliance lodged separate complaints related to poll violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents. The EC received 182 complaints by 9 am, most of which were from Murshidabad and Jangipur constituencies. In Murshidabad seat, Left-Congress combine candidate Mohammed Salim claimed that he caught hold of a fake booth agent in the Rabinagar area of the constituency. Salim faced go back slogans as he tried to enter a booth there following allegations of CPI(M) booth agents being heckled by alleged TMC goons. The TMC has unleashed a reign of terror in the entire constituency. Strict action must be taken by the Election Commission, Salim said. In the Karimpur area of the seat, clashes were reported between the TMC and the CPI(M) supporters outside a few booths. Clashes were reported between the TMC and the Congress activists from the Domkol area. BJP candidate Dhanajoy Ghosh faced protests by TMC cadres in the Jangipur area as he tried to enter some of the booths in the constituency. In Uttar Pradesh, Agra witnessed 43.67 per cent polling, Aonla 46.75 per cent, Budaun 45.44 per cent, Bareilly 45.96 per cent, Etah 48.93 per cent, Fatehpur Sikri 46.18 per cent, Firozabad 47.80 per cent, Hathras 44.63 per cent, Mainpuri 46.80 per cent and Sambhal 52.24 per cent In Mainpuri, BJP people are trying to loot booths. They are detaining opposition people in police stations, SP chief Yadav alleged without elaborating. He also alleged rigging of votes at some places and said, Information is coming from some places that the government is using force. It is heard that officers have been deployed outside polling booths. In Budaun, the villagers of Dhoranpur boycotted the polling to protest against the alleged non-fulfilment of their demand for a road. District Magistrate Manoj Kumar said the issue has come to his notice and a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has been sent to the village. Not a single vote was also cast in three villages of Firozabad -- Nagla Jawahar, Neem Kheria and Nagla Umar -- as the villagers tried to draw the administration's attention to their problems. SP candidate Aditya Yadav in Budaun alleged that SP supporters were not being allowed to vote in some places. I have made a complaint in this regard with the EC observer and have given proof of police atrocities. We are only getting assurances, he said. SP candidate Zia-ur-Rehman Barq also alleged that a circle officer snatched voter slips from SP workers and detained them. He requested the EC to remove the officer immediately. Queues were seen at polling booths in most Lok Sabha segments in northern districts of Karnataka. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Bhagwanth Khuba, and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge were among those who came in early to cast their votes in Karnataka. Former chief minister B S Yediyurappa along with sons B Y Raghavendra, BJP candidate from Shimoga Lok Sabha segment and B Y Vijayendra, party's state President -- and daughters-in-law cast their vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. Two government officials on poll duty died in Karnataka after suffering a heart attack, sources in the Election Commission said. In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar, who is the NCP candidate from the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar were among those who cast their votes. Sharad Pawar was welcomed with a traditional 'aarti' as he arrived at a polling booth in the Malegaon area of Baramati constituency in Pune district. Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar cast their votes at a polling booth in Katewadi area of Baramati. Sunetra is pitted against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter and the sitting MP from there. In Assam, people lined up in large numbers across four Lok Sabha constituencies to cast their vote. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and daughter Sukanya Sarma exercised his franchise at Amingaon in Barpeta Lok Sabha seat. People used all modes of transport, including boats, to reach the polling stations across Guwahati, Barpeta, Dhubri and Kokrajhar constituencies to exercise their democratic franchise amid rain. Over 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray in the third phase. Voting was completed in 189 seats out of 543 seats in the first two phases. The next four phases will be on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes is on June 4.

PM Modi urges record voter turnout in third phase of Lok Sabha elections

PM Modi urges record voter turnout in third phase of Lok Sabha elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to vote in record numbers in the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday and said their active participation will make the election more vibrant. Voting is being held in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union territories in the third phase of the parliamentary polls. ''Urging all those who are voting in today's phase to vote in record numbers. Their active participation will certainly make the elections more vibrant,'' Modi said in a post on X. The prime minister also posted the message on the microblogging platform in Bengali, Assamese, Kannada, Gujarati, Marathi and Hindi. More than 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray in the third phase of the election. Among the bigwigs are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and S P Singh Baghel (Agra). As many as 17.24 crore people, including 8.39 crore women, are eligible to vote and 1.85 lakh polling stations manned by 18.5 lakh officials have been set up.

Gujarat Lok Sabha Polls Begin: Voting Underway in 25 Constituencies

Gujarat Lok Sabha Polls Begin: Voting Underway in 25 Constituencies Polling began Tuesday morning for 25 of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, and for bypolls in five assembly constituencies in the state. Voting began at 50,788 polling booths across the state at 7 am and will end at 6 pm, an official said. The BJP has already drawn first blood with Mukesh Dalal winning the Surat Lok Sabha seat unopposed after the nomination of the Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected over irregularities in the signature of proposers and other candidates withdrew. The BJP is looking to repeat its sweep of 2014 and 2019 in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Modi and Shah will cast their votes at booths in Ahmedabad city that fall under Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. Modi will exercise his franchise at a booth in Nishan Public School in Ranip locality, while Shah will vote at Naranpura sub-zonal office in the city. As per poll officials, a total of 4.97 crore persons, comprising 2.56 crore males, 2.41 crore females and 1,534 from the third gender, are eligible to vote in 50,788 polling booths in the single-phase Lok Sabha elections in the state. These comprise 17,275 polling booths in urban areas and 33,513 in rural areas, EC data showed. The EC said it has deployed 50,960 ballot units, 49,140 control units and 49,140 VVPATs for the Lok Sabha polls and assembly bypolls in the state. Keeping in view the possibility of a heat wave on polling day, arrangements have been made to provide sufficient shade at all polling stations, an official said. Voter assistance booths have been set up at all polling stations, he said. Of the 25 seats, Ahmedabad (East) has the highest number of candidates at 18, making it necessary for the poll body to use two ballot units across its 1,820 polling stations. The lowest number of candidates, at three, is in Bardoli. Navsari has the highest number of voters at 22 lakh followed by Gandhinagar and Rajkot, while the lowest is in Bharuch, as per EC data. Among the prominent candidates in the fray are Union Home Minister Shah from Gandhinagar, as well as his cabinet colleagues Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala from Porbandar and Rajkot, respectively. During the campaign, the BJP had to face the ire of the Kshatriya community over a remark made by Rupala in Rajkot. He had claimed several rulers from the community had ''roti and beti'' (marriage and trade) relations with the British and other foreign invaders. Rupala is up against former Congress MLA Paresh Dhanani, who had defeated him in the 2002 assembly polls. Several leaders from the community had recently made an appeal to their brethren to forgive Rupala for the remark and vote for the BJP for the sake of the nation and PM Modi. Voting is also being held in bypolls for five state assembly seats in the state, namely Khambhat, Vijapur, Waghodia, Porbandar, and Manavadar. The Congress, which is fighting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party, hopes this move to prevent division of opposition votes will stop the BJP from repeating its sweeping performance of 2014 and 2019. As part of the alliance, the Congress, which has fielded four sitting and eight former MLAs, got 24 seats (including Surat), while the AAP has been given Bhavnagar and Bharuch. The BJP's campaign was led by PM Modi and Shah. For the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among the star campaigners, along with Mallikarjun Kharge, who recently addressed a rally in Ahmedabad. Others who campaigned included Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman for the BJP and Ashok Gehlot, Shashi Tharoor, Abhishek Sanghvi and Pawan Khera etc for the Congress. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP's campaign saw rallies by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as well as senior leaders Sanjay Singh and Gopal Yadav. Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of the Delhi CM who is in jail in connection with an excise policy linked case, also held a road show in Bharuch. The Congress tried to corner the BJP by claiming unemployment, inflation were at an all-time high. The Congress also tried to impress upon the voters that the BJP would change the Constitution if it retained power, while the ruling party hit back claiming the opposition party planned to snatch quotas of Dalits, tribals and OBCs and give them to Muslims.

LIVE: LS Polls 2024 PHASE 3 | Lot at stake for BJP in India's Super Tuesday

Lok Sabha elections 2024 is heating up with all indications being now that the contest is turning out to be closer than was initially expected. In the backdrop of this comes the third phase of voting on Tuesday covering 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories. The Surat Lok Sabha seat has already seen Mukesh Dalal of the BJP being elected unopposed in controversial circumstances. The constituencies that will be voting in the third phase include-- 25 seats in Gujarat, 11 seats in Maharashtra, 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in Karnataka, seven in Chhattisgarh, five in Bihar, four each in Assam and West Bengal and all two in Goa. The BJP particularly has a lot at stake since it had won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh in the last elections. In all, over 1300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray. The fight for the 14 seats in Karnakata happens at a time when the flames of the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal are engulfing the JD(S) that had allied with the BJP. Among the star candidates whose fates will be sealed in the ballot boxes are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra). Follow live updates here. Campaigning ends for Gujarat LS polls: BJP aims to repeat sweep despite Cong-AAP alliance Election Commission officers check EVMs and VVPATs before their distribution to polling officials on the eve of the third phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections, in Sangli. In Karnataka, the fate of former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and the AIUDF's Badruddin Ajmal (Dhubri) will be decided on Tuesday. In Uttar Pradesh, the current phase is important for the Mulayam Singh Yadav family, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav aiming to retain the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat. Dimple Yadav had won the seat in bypolls following the demise of her father-in-law Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akshaya Yadav, son of Ram Gopal Yadav, the national principal general secretary of SP, will try to reclaim the Firozabad seat, which he had won in 2014. Aditya Yadav, the son of SP national general secretary Shivpal Yadav, is making his electoral debut from the Budaun Lok Sabha seat, which was represented by his cousin Dharmendra Yadav in 2014. Polling and security officials with EVMs and VVPATs cross the Brahmaputra river enroute to their polling station on the eve of the third phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections, at Goroimari in Kamrup dstrict. After the third phase, voting will be completed in 283 out of 543 seats in Lok Saba. PM Modi and Shah will cast their vote at booths in Ahmedabad city under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. The next four phases will be on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Counting of votes is on June 4. BJP won't cross 150 seats; INDIA bloc will foil its attempt to scrap Constitution: Rahul Gandhi Two former CMs and that fight in Baramati Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Vidisha) and Digvijaya Singh (Rajgarh) have returned to the Lok Sabha electoral fray this time. Another riveting contest will be in Maharashtra's Baramati between Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar, wife of the veteran leader's estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Baramati LS constituency will witness what they have not seen in last several years. Blatant misuse of power, threat & use of money for vote was hardly seen in Baramati but in this Lok Sabha election, all unheard things are being used in large scale that no one can even imagine. Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) May 6, 2024 Election officials carry EVMs and other materials on a tractor to their respective polling booths on the eve of 3rd phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections, in Kamrup district. Phase III of Lok Sabha polls in UP puts Samajwadi Party to test in 'Yadav land'

Rajkot Lok Sabha election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates, main parties, schedule

Rahul Gandhi Urges Party Workers to Match His Dedication in Electoral Battle

Rahul Gandhi Urges Party Workers to Match His Dedication in Electoral Battle Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged the party workers to go door to door with the 'Nyay' guarantees and underline the threat posed by the BJP's ideology and its ''agenda of hate''. In an appeal to the Congress workers a day before the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi said he is giving his all in this fight and wants them to do the same. He asserted that this election is not an ordinary election or a fight between political parties, but one to save democracy and the Constitution. ''On one side is the Congress' ideology of love and justice and on the other side is the ideology of fear, hatred and division of the Modi government, the BJP and the RSS,'' Gandhi said in his message to the workers posted on X. ''The biggest strength of the Congress Party in this fight is dedicated to workers like you. You are fierce and fearless, because the ideology of Congress is in your hearts, in your thoughts and in your actions. You are the backbone of the party and we cannot win without you,'' the former Congress chief said. He thanked the Congress workers and said it is because of them that the party was able to prepare a revolutionary manifesto by listening to the people of India. ''We have fought well in the first two phases of the elections. We have been able to oppose the lies and distractions of the BJP and forced them to answer us,'' Gandhi said. ''Now is the time for another month of hard work to ensure that our guarantees reaches every Indian, and to ensure that everyone turns out to vote. Let us all together take the message of the Congress and our guarantee to every village, locality, street and every house. Now the time has come for us to go door to door. We have to reach every youth, woman, labourer, farmer and deprived family,'' he said. Gandhi urged the workers to make the people aware of the ''threat'' posed by the BJP's ideology and their agenda of ''hate''. He said he knows that as long as even a single Congress worker stands for the truth, hatred cannot win in India. ''And we are not one but millions. We all will fight together, win and change the situation of the country,'' he said. In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, ''After walking 4,000 kms from Kanyakumari to Kashmir on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, after travelling 6,600 km from Manipur to Mumbai on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi has now embarked on the 'Samvidhan Bachao Yatra'.'' He asserted that the Congress is the party of Indian constitutionalism and Indian nationalism. ''We will protect its principles, its values and its basic structure till our dying breath,'' he said. Voting will be held in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories on Tuesday in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls, with stakes being high for the BJP which had won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, in the last election. Over 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray. Among the bigwigs are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and S P Singh Baghel (Agra).

'I'm giving my all in this fight, want you to do the same': Rahul issues appeal to party workers

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged the party workers to go door to door with the 'Nyay' guarantees and underline the threat posed by the BJP's ideology and its agenda of hate. In an appeal to the Congress workers a day before the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi said he is giving his all in this fight and wants them to do the same. He asserted that this election is not an ordinary election or a fight between political parties, but one to save democracy and the Constitution. On one side is the Congress' ideology of love and justice and on the other side is the ideology of fear, hatred and division of the Modi government, the BJP and the RSS, Gandhi said in his message to the workers posted on X. The biggest strength of the Congress Party in this fight is dedicated to workers like you. You are fierce and fearless, because the ideology of Congress is in your hearts, in your thoughts and in your actions. You are the backbone of the party and we cannot win without you, the former Congress chief said. , - , - , , pic.twitter.com/2zjgYmhLEW Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 6, 2024 He thanked the Congress workers and said it is because of them that the party was able to prepare a revolutionary manifesto by listening to the people of India. We have fought well in the first two phases of the elections. We have been able to oppose the lies and distractions of the BJP and forced them to answer us, Gandhi said. Now is the time for another month of hard work to ensure that our guarantees reaches every Indian, and to ensure that everyone turns out to vote. Let us all together take the message of the Congress and our guarantee to every village, locality, street and every house. Now the time has come for us to go door to door. We have to reach every youth, woman, labourer, farmer and deprived family, he said. Gandhi urged the workers to make the people aware of the hreat posed by the BJP's ideology and their agenda of hate. He said he knows that as long as even a single Congress worker stands for the truth, hatred cannot win in India. And we are not one but millions. We all will fight together, win and change the situation of the country, he said. In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, After walking 4,000 kms from Kanyakumari to Kashmir on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, after travelling 6,600 km from Manipur to Mumbai on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi has now embarked on the 'Samvidhan Bachao Yatra'. He asserted that the Congress is the party of Indian constitutionalism and Indian nationalism. We will protect its principles, its values and its basic structure till our dying breath, he said. Voting will be held in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories on Tuesday in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls, with stakes being high for the BJP which had won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, in the last election. Over 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray. Among the bigwigs are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and S P Singh Baghel (Agra).

Shah, Scindia among key contestants in third phase

Among the bigwigs are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra).

Third phase polling: BJP faces stiff opposition in seven constituencies in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: Ahead of the third phase of polling on Tuesday, expectations are high in the BJP camp when it comes to the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. Initially presumed as a smooth sail for the BJP--given its consecutive victories in the past two elections--however, the landscape has lately shifted. Local controversies, simmering social discontent, and internal discord among BJP ranks have reshaped the battleground. Seven Lok Sabha seats namely, Surendranagar, Sabarkantha, Banskantha, Rajkot, Anand, Patan, and Junagadh now emerge as fiercely contested arenas, where local leaders assert that victory margins may narrow significantly, challenging the BJP's erstwhile dominance. Surendranagar Here, candidates from the Talpada Koli and Chunwaliya Koli communities vied for tickets creating a headache for the BJP. People insisted that BJP give ticket to someone from the Talpada Koli community. But, Chandu bhai Sihora, hailing from the Chunwaliya Koli faction, was given ticket by the BJP. Talpada Koli constitute a significant portion, around 3 lakh, of the approximately four and a half lakh Koli voters in the area. Conversely, the Congress nominated Ritvik Makwana, representing the Talpada Koli community. Furthermore, the Kshatriya movement, gaining momentum across Gujarat against the BJP, stands as a pivotal factor in this constituency. Throughout the campaign trail, BJP leaders encountered resistance in urban and rural settings alike. The palpable discontent from the Talpada Koli and Kshatriya communities poses a potential threat to BJP's prospects in this seat. Sabarkantha In Sabarkantha, the political arena is heating up with former Chief Minister Amar Singh Chaudhary's son, Tushar Chaudhary, stepping into the fray as the Congress candidate. In a twist of events, Shobhana Baraiya, spouse of a former Congress MLA who defected to the BJP, is also vying for the seat. Initially, BJP had nominated Bhikhaji Thakor for this constituency, but amid controversy surrounding his surname, he withdrew his candidacy, triggering widespread protests. Supporters of Bhikhaji staged demonstrations across the Sabar Kantha district, expressing their discontent with the BJP. The opposition is not limited to Bhikhaji's supporters alone. BJP MLA Ramanlal Vora encountered resistance, and several other BJP leaders faced opposition during their rallies. With the Thakor community commanding 20 percent of the votes in this constituency, their stance could sway the electoral landscape if they choose to support Bhikhaji, making the battle for this seat intriguing. Banaskantha In Banaskantha, the political stage is set with Congress leader Ganiben Thakor, renowned for her victory over BJP's prominent cooperative leader and the current Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly, Shankar Chaudhary, in the 2017 assembly election, now emerging as the Congress candidate. Meanwhile, BJP has nominated Rekha Chaudhary, perceived to be aligned with the Shankar Chaudhary faction. With a total of 19 lakh voters in the constituency, the Chaudhary and Thakor communities hold significant sway. Historically, the outcome of elections here hinges on the support of these communities. Despite speculations surrounding Parbat Patel, the BJP leader who won the 2019 Lok Sabha election, being considered a potential candidate against Rekha Chaudhary, he did not receive the ticket, leading to claims of inactivity among Parbat Patel's supporters in this seat. Local sentiments highlight Ganiben's active presence among the people, contrasting with Rekha's perceived lack of experience. The campaign gained momentum with the presence of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on the final day, indicating the party's strong position in the constituency. Rajkot Rajkot, traditionally viewed as a stronghold for the BJP, has witnessed unexpected outcomes in the past, although former Congress leaders who once shaped those results have now crossed over to the BJP. The electorate in this constituency is predominantly composed of Patidar, Koli, and Kshatriya voters. However, BJP candidate Parushottam Rupala's remarks regarding the Kshatriya community have sparked opposition from Kshatriya voters across Gujarat. In response to Rupala's candidacy, the Congress has nominated Paresh Dhanani, a prominent leader from the Leua Patidar Community, who previously defeated Rupala in the Amreli Legislative Assembly. The ongoing Kshatriya movement has heightened attention on this seat, capturing the interest of the entire state of Gujarat. Anand In Anand, the Kshatriya movement's influence and rural dissatisfaction with the ruling party have become pronounced. Congress, once a formidable force in the region with a robust network, is gaining ground. The party has nominated former Congress president Amit Chavda to contest, while Mitesh Patel represents the BJP. Campaign dynamics intensified with the circulation of viral videos targeting the BJP candidate. Simultaneously, the impact of the Kshatriya movement has resonated in Anand, with the community staging multiple protests during BJP leaders' meetings. Amit Chavda's charisma and his family's deep-rooted connections within the locality have bolstered Congress's prospects, further solidifying its stance in the region. Patan In Patan, the electoral battle narrows down to a face-off between BJP's Bharat Singh Thakor and Congress's Chandan Singh Thakor. Chandansingh enjoys a favorable reputation within the Thakor community. This constituency comprises assembly seats like Siddapur, Patan, Chansma, Randhanpur, Vadgam, Kheralu, and Siddhapur. While BJP typically holds strong ground in Kheralu and Siddhapur, Congress's influence prevails in Randhanpur and Patan. Moreover, Patidar community leader and Congress MLA Kirit Patel hails from Patan. Vadgam, on the other hand, is characterized by its Kshatriya, minority, and Dalit demographics. The outcome of the Patan seat hinges on factors such as the influence of the Kshatriya movement and the support from minority voters. Junagadh In Junagadh, the resistance against BJP candidate Rajesh Chudasma extends beyond surface appearances, delving into internal dynamics. Alongside allegations regarding his nvolvement in the suicide of a prominent doctor from Veraval, local leaders express discontent with his leadership. Critics highlight Chudasma's notably low participation in public-oriented initiatives, irrespective of party affiliations. The Visavadar seat within the Junagadh Lok Sabha witnesses the highest level of opposition toward Chudasma. Additionally, Congress leader Hira Jotwa's standing, the ripple effects of the Kshatriya movement, and opposition stemming from the suicide of a doctor from the Lohana Thakkar community compound Chudasma's challenges.

Lok Sabha elections Phase 3: PM Modi to cast vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad tomorrow

Lok Sabha elections Phase 3: PM Modi to cast vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad tomorrow Prime Minister Narendra Modi will cast his vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahemdabad in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. Preparations for polling arrangements are underway at the school which has been designated as a polling booth. Earlier, a 'Run for Vote' marathon was organised in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Sunday morning to create awareness among youth to cast their votes in the third phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The marathon was organised as part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) drive to promote the importance of 100 per cent voting. Joint CEO, SVEEP, Ashok B Patel said, Today, 'Run for Vote' marathon was organised to create awareness among youth to cast their votes on May 7 for the Lok Sabha Elections. The Election Commission is running a voting awareness campaign to encourage people to vote more in this Lok Sabha election. BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls swept all 26 seats on offer. The Congress is in alliance with the AAP in Gujarat where it will contest from 24 seats while the AAP will contest in Bhavnagar and Bharuch constituencies. Voting for 25 out of 26 seats in Gujarat is set to take place in the third phase of the ongoing general elections on May 7. The third phase will include constituencies from Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad. However, voting will not take place in Surat as BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared elected unopposed last week. This decision came after the nomination of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected, and other candidates withdrew from the contest. The election results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)

Amid brewing Kshatriya discontent, old rivals Rupala, Dhanani to clash in Rajkot

All Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat barring Surat, where the BJP nominee has won unopposed go to polls in the third phase on May 7.

Amid brewing Kshatriya discontent, old rivals Rupala, Dhanani to clash in Rajkot - The Hindu

Amid brewing Kshatriya discontent, old rivals Rupala, Dhanani to clash in Rajkot The Hindu

BJP and Congress Spar in Crucial Third Phase of Lok Sabha Elections

New Delhi: The high-octane campaign for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections that saw the BJP-led NDA and the I.N.D.IA. bloc attacking each other on issues like reservations and sexual harassment charges against JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna concluded on Sunday in 92 seats spread over 11 states and Union Territories. The stakes are significant for the BJP in this round as the party had in 2019 won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, that will go to polls on May 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led the BJP charge, asking the Congress to give in writing that it will not hand over the quota for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes to Muslims. The Congress and its allies accused the BJP of trying to tamper with the Constitution and do away with reservations. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra focused on issues of social justice, unemployment, injustice to farmers and alleged favourable treatment to select businessmen. Over 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray. Among the bigwigs are Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar), Parshottam Rupala (Rajkot), Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and SP Singh Baghel (Agra). The fate of former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and Badruddin Ajmal (Dhubri) will also bedecided on May 7. Several members of Mulayam Singh Yadavs family are also contesting in this phase in Uttar Pradesh. The Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (2 seats) will also go to polls in the third phase while the election in the Anatnag-Rajouri seat has been put off to the sixth phase due to logistic reasons. In Maharashtra, where 11 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats will go to polls, a riveting contest is on in Baramati between Sharad Pawars daughter Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar, wife of the veteran leader's estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In Madhya Pradesh, four-time chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Congress veteran Digvijay Singh are seeking election from Vidisha, Guna and Rajgarh seats respectively. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday reiterated that the BJP is going to win all the 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state. He said, This time, it will be 11 out of 11 in Chhattisgarh. I can say it confidently based on the feedback received from across the state. Meanwhile, in the Congress-ruled Karnataka which changed the campaigning track with the Hassan sex scandal, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah exuded confidence in the partys prospects and said, In the first phase of the election for 14 constituencies, our information and inputs from local workers indicate a potential win of 8-9 seats. Looking ahead to the second phase on May 7, we anticipate securing more than 10 seats. In total, we are poised to clinch at least 20 seats in the state.

Watch | Amidst brewing Kshatriya community discontent, Rupala and Dhanani clash in Rajkot

Gujarat goes to poll on May 7 in the Phase four of the seven-phase Lok Sabha 2024 elections

Campaigning ends for Gujarat LS polls: BJP aims to repeat sweep despite Cong-AAP alliance

AHMEDABAD: Campaigning for polls to 25 of 26 Lok Sabha seats and bypolls to five assembly constituencies ended in Gujarat at 6 pm on Saturday, with voting scheduled for May 7. The BJP's Mukesh Dalal has already won from Surat unopposed after the nomination of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected over irregularities in the signature of proposers and other candidates withdrew. Among the prominent candidates in the fray are Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, as well as his cabinet colleagues Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala from Porbandar and Rajkot, respectively. During the campaign, the BJP had to face the ire of the Kshatriya community over a remark made by Rupala in Rajkot. He had claimed several rulers from the community had oti and beti (marriage and trade) relations with the British and other foreign invaders. Rupala is up against former Congress MLA Paresh Dhanani, who had defeated him in the 2002 assembly polls. The Congress has fielded four sitting and eight former MLAs. It is contesting the polls in alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party. As part of the agreement, the Congress got 24 seats (including Surat), while the AAP has been given Bhavnagar and Bharuch. Geniben Thakor, sitting MLA from Vava in Banaskantha district, has been fielded from Banaskantha against BJP's Rekha Chaudhary, making it the only seat in the state where the main contest is between two women. The BJP's campaign, in a state considered its strongest base, was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. For the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among the star campaigners, along with Mallikarjun Kharge, who recently addressed a rally in Ahmedabad. A host of senior leaders from the BJP and the Congress also took part in the campaign in the state, where the ruling party blanked out the grand old party in 2014 and 2019. These leaders included Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman for the BJP and Ashok Gehlot, Shashi Tharoor, Abhishek Sanghvi and Pawan Khera etc for the Congress. The AAP has fielded sitting MLAs Chaitar Vasava from Bharuch and Umesh Makwana from Bhavnagar, and the Arvind Kejriwal-led party's campaign saw rallies by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as well as senior leaders Sanjay Singh and Gopal Yadav. Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of the Delhi CM who is in jail in connection with a excise policy linked case, also held a roadshow in Bharuch for Vasava. On the last day of campaigning on Sunday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, BJP state unit president CR Paatil and minister Harsh Sanghavi participated in motorcycle rallies. While the presence of PM Modi towered over all else in the campaign, the Congress tried to corner the BJP by claiming unemployment, inflation were at an all time high. The Congress also tried to impress upon the voter that the BJP would change the Constitution if it retained power, while the ruling party hit back claiming the opposition party planned to snatch quotas of Dalits, tribals and OBCs and give them to Muslims. As per poll officials, a total of 4.97 crore persons, comprising 2.56 crore males, 2.41 crore females and 1,534 from the third gender, will vote in 50,788 polling booths. They said intensive voter awareness drives were carried out under the guidance of Chief Electoral Officer P Bharathi. On Sunday, just before the campaign period ended, the Election Commission organised a 'Run for Vote' event across all the districts in the state, they pointed out. To address the potential challenges posed by heat waves, polling booths across the state will be equipped with essential amenities such as drinking water, seating arrangements, adequate shade as well as baby care centres, the CEO informed. Of the 25 seats that will go to polls on May 7, Ahmedabad (East) has the highest number of candidates at 18, while the lowest is in Bardoli, where three contestants are in the fray, as per EC data. Navsari has the highest number of voters, while the lowest is in Bharuch. Out of 50,788 polling stations, 17,275 are in urban areas and 33,513 in rural areas, EC data showed. Those on election duty have exercised their franchise for the Lok Sabha poll and five assembly bypolls through 2,23,052 postal ballots at voting facilitation centres across the state.

Gujarat LS Polls: BJP Targets Repeat Victory Amidst Congress-AAP Challenge

Gujarat LS Polls: BJP Targets Repeat Victory Amidst Congress-AAP Challenge Campaigning for polls to 25 of 26 Lok Sabha seats and bypolls to five assembly constituencies ended in Gujarat at 6pm on Saturday, with voting scheduled for May 7. The BJP's Mukesh Dalal has already won from Surat unopposed after the nomination of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected over irregularities in the signature of proposers and other candidates withdrew. Among the prominent candidates in the fray are Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, as well as his cabinet colleagues Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala from Porbandar and Rajkot, respectively. During the campaign, the BJP had to face the ire of the Kshatriya community over a remark made by Rupala in Rajkot. He had claimed several rulers from the community had ''roti and beti'' (marriage and trade) relations with the British and other foreign invaders. Rupala is up against former Congress MLA Paresh Dhanani, who had defeated him in the 2002 assembly polls. The Congress has fielded four sitting and eight former MLAs. It is contesting the polls in alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party. As part of the agreement, the Congress got 24 seats (including Surat), while the AAP has been given Bhavnagar and Bharuch. Geniben Thakor, sitting MLA from Vava in Banaskantha district, has been fielded from Banaskantha against BJP's Rekha Chaudhary, making it the only seat in the state where the main contest is between two women. The BJP's campaign, in a state considered its strongest base, was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. For the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among the star campaigners, along with Mallikarjun Kharge, who recently addressed a rally in Ahmedabad. A host of senior leaders from the BJP and the Congress also took part in the campaign in the state, where the ruling party blanked out the grand old party in 2014 and 2019. These leaders included Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman for the BJP and Ashok Gehlot, Shashi Tharoor, Abhishek Sanghvi and Pawan Khera etc for the Congress. The AAP has fielded sitting MLAs Chaitar Vasava from Bharuch and Umesh Makwana from Bhavnagar, and the Arvind Kejriwal-led party's campaign saw rallies by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as well as senior leaders Sanjay Singh and Gopal Yadav. Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of the Delhi CM who is in jail in connection with a excise policy linked case, also held a roadshow in Bharuch for Vasava. On the last day of campaigning on Sunday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, BJP state unit president CR Paatil and minister Harsh Sanghavi participated in motorcycle rallies. While the presence of PM Modi towered over all else in the campaign, the Congress tried to corner the BJP by claiming unemployment, inflation were at an all time high. The Congress also tried to impress upon the voter that the BJP would change the Constitution if it retained power, while the ruling party hit back claiming the opposition party planned to snatch quotas of Dalits, tribals and OBCs and give them to Muslims. As per poll officials, a total of 4.97 crore persons, comprising 2.56 crore males, 2.41 crore females and 1,534 from the third gender, will vote in 50,788 polling booths. They said intensive voter awareness drives were carried out under the guidance of Chief Electoral Officer P Bharathi. On Sunday, just before the campaign period ended, the Election Commission organised a 'Run for Vote' event across all the districts in the state, they pointed out. To address the potential challenges posed by heat waves, polling booths across the state will be equipped with essential amenities such as drinking water, seating arrangements, adequate shade as well as baby care centres, the CEO informed. Of the 25 seats that will go to polls on May 7, Ahmedabad (East) has the highest number of candidates at 18, while the lowest is in Bardoli, where three contestants are in the fray, as per EC data. Navsari has the highest number of voters, while the lowest is in Bharuch. Out of 50,788 polling stations, 17,275 are in urban areas and 33,513 in rural areas, EC data showed. Those on election duty have exercised their franchise for the Lok Sabha poll and five assembly bypolls through 2,23,052 postal ballots at voting facilitation centres across the state.

Watch | Rajput agitation at Rajkot

On March 22 Union Minister Purshottam Rupala kicked off a storm with his comments while addressing a Dalit gathering

Watch | Rajput agitation at Rajkot - The Hindu

Watch | Rajput agitation at Rajkot The Hindu

Gujarat Congress leader stokes controversy by calling Gandhiji cunning BJP slams party

Rajkot: Former Gujarat Congress MLA Indranil Rajguru courted controversy by using the term cunning for Gandhiji and also claimed Rahul Gandhi was better than the Mahatma as he was pure hearted and frank. While Rajguru later claimed he meant to say Gandhiji was clever, Gujarat BJP vice president Bharat Boghara said people will not forgive the Congress for such comments on the Mahatma. In a video that went viral on social media, Rajguru, a former legislator from Rajkot who was addressing a small gathering on Dudhsagar road here on May 1, also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was pure hearted and frank and that people would see the next Mahatma in him. Write down my words if you want to. In the coming days, it will be Rahul Gandhi who will emerge as the next Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhiji was somewhat cunning, Rahul Gandhi is totally frank and pure hearted, Rajguru said. People have tried hard to portray Rahul Gandhi as a pappu (street lingo for dim witted) but the country has accepted him as its leader, he further claimed in the video. Hitting out at Rajguru, Gujarat BJP vice president Bharat Boghara said people will not forgive the Congress for such remarks against Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji is the father of our nation and led us to Independence. People of India and Gujarat will not forgive the Congress for such comments. This anger will be reflected in the poll results, Boghara asserted. Asked about the issue by the media, Rajguru claimed what he said had been mentioned in history books. Today, the BJP is working like the British and is trying to destroy democracy. It is only Rahul Gandhi who is fighting against the BJP just like Mahatma Gandhi took on the British, he said. That is why I said people will see Mahatma Gandhi in Rahul Gandhi in the coming days. I have read many history books related to Gandhiji and in one such book there was a reference about it (that Gandhiji was cunning). I have not added my own words, he said. Rajguru also claimed he wanted to use the term 'clever', which he said was a synonym of cunning.

Congress Leader's Remarks About Gandhi Draw Condemnation From BJP, Others

Congress Leader's Remarks About Gandhi Draw Condemnation From BJP, Others Former Gujarat Congress MLA Indranil Rajguru courted controversy by using the term ''cunning'' for Gandhiji and also claimed Rahul Gandhi was better than the Mahatma as he was ''pure hearted and frank''. While Rajguru later claimed he meant to say Gandhiji was ''clever'', Gujarat BJP vice president Bharat Boghara said people will not forgive the Congress for such comments on the Mahatma. In a video that went viral on social media, Rajguru, a former legislator from Rajkot who was addressing a small gathering on Dudhsagar road here on May 1, also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was pure hearted and frank and that people would see the next Mahatma in him. ''Write down my words if you want to. In the coming days, it will be Rahul Gandhi who will emerge as the next Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhiji was somewhat cunning, Rahul Gandhi is totally frank and pure hearted,'' Rajguru said. People have tried hard to portray Rahul Gandhi as a ''pappu'' (street lingo for dim witted) but the country has accepted him as its leader, he further claimed in the video. Hitting out at Rajguru, Gujarat BJP vice president Bharat Boghara said people will not forgive the Congress for such remarks against Mahatma Gandhi. ''Gandhiji is the father of our nation and led us to Independence. People of India and Gujarat will not forgive the Congress for such comments. This anger will be reflected in the poll results,'' Boghara asserted. Asked about the issue by the media, Rajguru claimed what he said had been mentioned in history books. ''Today, the BJP is working like the British and is trying to destroy democracy. It is only Rahul Gandhi who is fighting against the BJP just like Mahatma Gandhi took on the British,'' he said. ''That is why I said people will see Mahatma Gandhi in Rahul Gandhi in the coming days. I have read many history books related to Gandhiji and in one such book there was a reference about it (that Gandhiji was cunning). I have not added my own words,'' he said. Rajguru also claimed he wanted to use the term 'clever', which he said was a synonym of cunning.

BJP scramble to save Sikri fort from popular Kargil war veterans Hand

LUCKNOW: Known for being the seat of the famous Sufi saint Salim Chishti and the fort of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is the youngest parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. It was carved out of Agra in 2008. BJPs Rajkumar Chahar had won it in 2019 with a thumping five lakh-plus vote margin. But this time around, the contest seems to be evenly poised between the BJP and the Congress. Sikri goes to polls on May 7. Congress candidate Ram Nath Sikarwar popularly known as Fauji Baba is giving a tough fight to Chahar, who is reeling under anti-incumbency besides intra-party rebellion. In 2019, Chahar was a giant killer, having defeated Raj Babbar, the then state president of the Congress. But now Chahar, the national chairman of the BJPs Kisan Morcha, is caught in a double whammy. Apart from Sikarwar, Chahar is also facing a tough challenge from Rameshwar Chaudhury, son of sitting BJP MLA Babulal Chaudhury. Rameshwar has raised the flag of revolt and is contesting as an independent. He is believed to have better clout than Chahar among the Jat voters. The BJP recently expelled Rameshwar after all efforts to pacify him failed. Chahar also has to deal with grumpy Kashtriyas because of a perceived slight against the community by the BJPs candidate in Gujarats Rajkot, Parshottam Rupala. Since Sikarwar is a Kshatriya, he is getting resonance from the community. To save the seat, senior BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh, a prominent Thakur face, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are holding multiple rallies in Sikri and Agra to placate the Kshatriyas. The BJP has also roped in retired Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadoria, another Thakur from Bah who recently joined the party, to pacify the Thakurs. Bhadoria held a roadshow for the BJP candidate. Chahar is mainly relying on the Modi-Yogi factor to stay afloat. As for the Congress, its leadership is trying to put in more efforts to wrest the seat. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to hold a roadshow in Fatehpur Sikri on Friday. Besides, Sikarwar has his own following. He resides in the Kheragarh village, often stays in a village temple and travels in a four-wheeler. A Kargil war hero, he retired from the Army in 2004. His popularity, especially among the deprived sections, is giving Chahar more worries. The BSP has fielded Ram Niwas Sharma, a Brahmin, making it a quadrangular contest. Sikri has 1.75 lakh Jats, 3.5 lakh Thakurs, 3 lakh Brahmins, 1.4 lakh Kushwahas, 1.25 lakh Nishads, and Muslims and Vaishyas at 1 lakh each.

Amid Kshatriya ire, 45 Gujarat royals back PM Modi

Heirs of 45 Gujarat princely states support PM Modi for a third term. Kshatriya community protests Rajkot BJP candidate. Empress of Kutch, king of Bhavnagar state express support. 2024 election focus with ongoing dialogue.

A livelihood silenced

With rising threats fromgau rakshaks and an unsupportive administration, Rajkots Dalit cattle skinners live in fear, with many opting out of their traditional profession. The Hindu travels to Gujarat, to meet the people who form the backbone of the leather sector and an important supplier to the food and pharmaceutical industries

Amid Kshatriya stir, PM Modi showers praise on Rajputs, meets Jamnagar royal

Kshatriyas protest Rupala's remarks, Modi visits Jamnagar royal family, praises sacrifices. Rupala BJP candidate for Rajkot seat. Modi meets Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji, wears royal turban. Bhuchar Mori battle, Kathiawar, Mughal army, Gujarat, Rajputs, Britishers, 'mahasammelans', agitating Rajputs highlighted.

45 Royal Families Extend Support to PM Modi Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

Surat: I n a significant boost to the BJP before the Lok Sabha elections, 45 royal families have pledged their support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The members of these royal families gathered in Rajkot, where 15-16 royal family members were present, and the others extended their support through a letter. Thakor Saheb of Rajkot Mandhata, Sinhji Jadeja, stated that the members had gathered to discuss the nation's interests. He emphasized the close association of the Rajput community and former rulers with PM Narendra Modi. According to him, all the rulers support PM Modi because of his vision and his efforts to take India to the next level of development through a tech-savvy approach.This announcement comes amid ongoing protests by Kshatriyas or Rajputs in Gujarat against Union Minister Parshottam Rupala's controversial remarks. Rupala had made contentious comments during an election campaign speech in Rajkot, where he praised the Dalits at the expense of the Kshatriyas or Rajputs. Speaking to the media, Sinhji Jadeja emphasized that the ex-rulers of Saurashtra, Kachchh, and Gujarat gathered to discuss the nation's interests and India's position on the international stage. He praised the development in the country over the last 10 years and hailed PM Modi as a global leader, stating unequivocally their fullest support for him.Gujarat, the home state of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is a stronghold of the BJP, having won all 26 seats in the last two general elections. The state will vote for 25 out of 26 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha elections on May 7, with BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal elected unopposed in Surat after the rejection of the Congress candidate's nomination papers. TMC Leader Threatens to Drown Hindus: Humayun Kabir's Controversial Remarks Trinamool Congress Accuses Congress Leader of Promoting BJP Agenda Karnataka Home Minister Hints at Arrest for Prajwal Revanna in Obscene Video Case

Kshatriyas up ante, protest against BJP Jamnagar nominee

AHMEDABAD : The BJPs Jamnagar candidate Poonam Maadam encountered resistance from members of Gujarats Rajput community, which is angry over the partys Rajkot candidate Parshottam Rupalas comments. Rupala, attending a Dalit event on March 22 this year, had said that the erstwhile Maharajas broke bread with the British and also married off their daughters to them, invited the ire of the Kshatriya community. The Saurashtra region of Gujarat had been on the boil ever since, with Rajput community demanding an apology from Rupala. During a campaign in the city on Monday night, BJPs Jamnagar candidate Poonam Maadam too encountered protests from youths brandishing black flags. When stopped, Maadam shouted at the mob, saying, Enough, now stop the protest and agitation. The police on duty detained some Kshatriya youths, but released later. Kishorsinh Jadeja, a Kshatriya youth, told media that Rajputs are not only angry with Rupala. We are angry with the party too. Our demand was very simple, to withdraw Rupala from the fray. But the ruling party did not agree. Campaigning had become difficult for Maadam. Party sources said she could not address a small gathering just 100 metres away from her residence in Jamnagar.

Gujarat: BJP set to retain saffron citadel

AHMEDABAD: After ruling the state for more than two-and-a-half decades, the party consolidated its power by winning all 26 Lok Sabha seats in the past two elections. The party believes a hat-trick is in sight. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, four BJP candidates won with more than 40% margin votes and seven others with over 30% margin votes. While the partys state unit president, C R Patil, won the Navsari Lok Sabha seat with 6,89,668 votes; Union Home Minister Amit Shah bagged the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat with a margin of 5,57,014. Winning with the lowest margin of 12% votes was Dahod candidate Jashvantsinh Bhambhor. This time, Patil has set a target to win all 26 seats with a thick margin of 5 lakh votes on every seat. Recently, a confident Patil, during a public speech, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hit a hat-trick in his office. However, despite the partys confidence in winning all the parliamentary constituencies, it is facing trouble on a few seats, owing to stronger rivals, the partys internal factionalism and the cadres opposing the candidature of a few. Congress candidate Geniben Thakor(48) from Banaskantha district is the sole woman Congress MLA in the current Gujarat Assembly. She is aggressively campaigning and giving a tough time to BJP candidate Rekhaben Chaudhary. In her statement, Geniben directly attacked the district police forces, saying they function like puppets at the hands of the ruling party. Giving the party a tough time in North Gujarat is Sabarkanthas official candidate, Sobhana Bariaya. BJP leaders are against her nomination because they see her as an outsider. Her husband, Mahendra Baraiya, joined the BJP two years ago. Just a day before her name was announced, she resigned as a government teacher. Besides, the feeling that the party leadership was sidelining their needs had also gripped a section of the party. Adding to the troubles are internal conflicts that are rife within the party over candidates in five seats in the state. Though the party leaders are trying their best to douse the fire, success seems to evade them in a few seats, said a party worker from central Gujarat wishing anonymity. BJP chief spokesman Yamal Vyas expressed confidence in winning all seats because of Modi magic, the Ram temple and abolition of Article 370 in J&K. All these will surely fetch the desired public support, he added. Two candidates replaced In a rare occurrence, the BJP changed Baroda and Sabarkantha candidates. Ranjanben Bhatt, a two-term MP, initially got the ticket for Baroda but faced opposition, leading to her withdrawal. Speculation was rife that her removal stemmed from state presidents disapproval. Similarly, Bhikhaji Thakor was nominated for Sabarkantha, but in the face of protests, his candidature was changed. The shift is viewed as part of the evolving political landscape. In Amreli and Surendra Nagar, rift surfaced, intensifying challenges over allocation of tickets to lesser-known leaders. Five troublesome seats Bharuch: Traditionally held by senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, the seat was allocated to the AAP as part of the Congress-AAP seat-sharing agreement. There were demands within the Congress for a ticket to someone from Ahmed Patels family. Fielded by AAP, Chetan Vasava enjoys significant support among tribals. BJPs six-time MP Mansukh Vasava is contesting against him. Rajkot: Controversy stemming from Rupalas statement on Kshatriyas has stirred unrest not only in Gujarat but in other states also. While agitations were staged in Rajkot and Saurashtra, the extent of Kshatriya influence is unclear. Rupala has apologised for his statement, urging voters not to direct their anger towards PM Modi. Bhavnagar: Despite being a BJP stronghold in Saurashtra, the party faces difficulties for two reasons: AAP has fielded a candidate in alliance with Congress, and the Kshatriya stir involving Rupala. Banaskantha : The contest is between two women Genie Bain of Congress and BJPs Rekha Chaudhary. Bain is a formidable leader with solid local connections, while Chaudhary is from the family that founded Banas Dairy. Bains grassroots connect, unique style of filing nomination papers on a tractor, and emotive campaigning have garnered attention. She is also a two-time MLA. Junagadh: Strong opposition surrounds BJPs candidate Rajesh Chudasama in Junagadh. He faces scrutiny regarding a case related to the murder of a doctor.

JKCAs Dhruv selected for Mens U-19 NCA Camp

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 1: Dhruv Sharma, a gifted middle-order batsman of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), has been chosen as a replacement for the 2024 National Cricket Academy (NCA) U-19 Boys Camp. As per the communiqu from NCA Head, VVS Laxman, former Test Cricketer to Member-Administration JKCA, Brigadier Anil Gupta, Dhruv has been asked to join the team at Rajkot at the earliest. Dhruv has got the National Selectors nod for his outstanding contribution in U-19 [] The post JKCAs Dhruv selected for Mens U-19 NCA Camp appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Kashi: A Date With The Present

First of a four-part series VARANASI: In the mind of India, Varanasi or Kashi is an ancient space suspended in an unbroken continuum, not a project under construction. Its life is in the cultural imagination, entwined with centuries-old personal socio-religious historiescycles of birth and deathembedded far more deep than Ayodhya. The locals breathe this air too. Real antiquity is a historical detour when you keep encountering the refrain: Paanch hazaar saal purana sheher. Navigating between those five thousand years and the five-year cycles of modern democracy is, then, the peculiar fortune of Kashi. Its 2024, and elections to the 18th Lok Sabha are approaching. A different kind of continuity unfolds here too, of coursea prime minister is going for his third win. A sense of assuredness spreads up from the ghats, as it were, which stand like watchful sentinels of a lived experience. Lifted up into the city proper, you are thrown headlong into a bustling desi lifescape in all its contemporary variety. Here, what you find is continuity in conversation with change at many talkative streetcorners. Antiquity aside, various modern ages seem to coexist here. Baba Vishwanaths temple has an expansive, spanking new, 21st century corridor. Its high walls, with stone cut in rectangular patterns, also strangely remind you of Soviet architecture. The Banaras Hindu University exudes a century old Indo-Gothic charm. The Gyanvapi mosques 17th century architecture, of course, is often the subject of front-page headlines. Negotiating its place under the scorching sun, caught between Hindutva and high-rises, Varanasi balances itself between an old-world raison dtre and a newfound VIP-ism, like a trapeze artist. Its an uneasy cohabitation. The new tourism boom has steadily encroached upon the old spiritual ambience, which is slowly fading away. Just like a lot of old India. In a 15-minute walk up from Dashaswamedh ghat alone, about 300 new guesthouses have come up to cater to the new rush of religious touristsa good number of young among themfrom Pune, Rajkot, Meerut, Coimbatore, even Seoul. Evening time, they settle on plastic chairs to witness a Ganga aarti through bulb-lit bamboo arches. This new spirituality is not quiet: mantras, bhajans and then the Maha Tandav Aarti ring out from modern music systems. Kashis bargain between the ancient and the modern Even the cool wind from the river seems to hold its breath till its over. At the Pappu ki Adi tea stall, where even PM Modi once stopped by for a sip of its famous lemon tea, the hoi polloi brushes shoulders with professors from BHU, the odd poet, or locally hand-crafted intellectuals. The politics of the day is inescapable, though the city seems slightly disengaged from all the hullah on TV channels. Things are strangely cool. Perhaps we catch the fever at its onsetVaranasi votes only on June 1, in the seventh phase. But theres no sign of a wave or a narrative to get that lemon tea boiling over. Politics seems cast in a repeating pattern of high rectangular stone: Aayega toh Modi hi. Nothing much is left to conjecturethe question, if any, is only about margins of victory. How many vote will Modi pull in. Will it be 10 lakh this time? Turnouts in the west of the state have been tepid. For the party, Varanasi must stand out. Amit Shah, on a recent stopover, did only worker connectin other words, orange alert. Nonetheless, the constituents do speculate about the margin. Will Ajai Raistate Congress chief, local toughie and veteran of many a Lok Sabha joustlose his deposit or put up a real challenge? Very few believe there could be a downward trend for Modi. Broad-spectrum development has been, and is being, delivered as never beforeroads, bridges, bypasses and yes, the imposing temple corridor (better caught with evening lighting). Only an odd voice, a young IT professional at that, laments: Yes, but at what cost? They say you can reach the airport in 20 minutes now. Whats the need to reach so fast? That speed has come at the cost of 3,000 trees. That denudation means a population breathing toxic air. Wont that ultimately prove costlier? Theres no serious Opposition to raise these vital questions. Most of Varanasi is thrilled with the boom, though. Says Samir Mathur, whose tourist bureau takes in both local and international traffic: The visa regime is still quite restrictive, so my foreign business is still down, not recovered from Covid. But look at the domestic flow! Modiji was right, apne desh ke taraf dekho (think local). The economy here is booming. He has little patience for other topics in circulation, like any rumoured revamp of the Constitution. Wasnt the first amendment done by Nehru? he counters. Retired bank officer R N Singh nods in agreement: Modi has done real development here. Better infrastructure is still coming up. Says one-time industrialist and culture aficionado Ashok Kapoor: Its the unofficial spiritual capital of India. Here faith has been successfully channelised to fuel a hospitality boom. At the popular Pahalwan lassi shop, a glorified kiosk really, not much has changed. The lassi and the rabri in earthen kulhars can be better enjoyed if you dont look downwards at the wet squalor. Business is brisk at this row of small eateries, even if traffic screeches past and autos and rickshaws threaten to run you down. This is no Singapore-style Little India or Kampong Glam, where the Oriental is preserved in full glory amidst workable modern aesthetics. At least not yet. Varanasi is still as screamingly chaoticcrying for civic attentionas the rest of desi India. Only, traditional Kashi has been replaced by a breathless bustle, from the ghats to the city. The drive to the calm of the cantonment, where everything from the roads to the trees are maintained as they should be, makes the contrast starker. A few complaints float gingerly in the air, like uncertain whispers. Too many tourists. Things becoming too expensive. The compensation for those relocated to make way for the corridor still not evenly distributed. But theres no challenge to Modi. The demographics makes Varanasi a safe seat for the BJP: 6.5 lakh savarna, 6 lakh OBC, 1 lakh Dalit. The latter two, not immune to the charms of Hindutva. Even if Rai corners the 3 lakh Muslim votes in entirety and a sprinkling of his own Bhumihar Brahmins, and despite talk of core vote subsidence, the odds are too long. No wonder Priyanka Gandhi never bothered to respond to Mamata Banerjees suggestion to contest from here. In fact, Rai himself was rumoured to be trying to switch camp to BJP, till the evening before his name was announced, making it all the more tricky for him. Even a former NSUI voice like Ratnakar Tripathi is modest in ambition: Modi will win, but 400 paar is a distant dream. Unemployment, price rise, Agniveer, electoral bonds and a non-consultative way of functioningthese are being talked about. Thoda mohbhang hua hai (theres a touch of disenchantment. Whether in praise or critique, no one talks about the BJP or CM Yogi Adityanath here. Its only Modi. Even though Yogi apparently monitors Varanasi through weekly visits. Amidst the boom, a silent sadness hovers around the dying art of the Banarasi saree. Powerlooms have come up and theres little support for our traditional weavers. As a country we care little for our heritageonly a few still have the skill to weave that legendary saree, says Abhishek Sharma, a policeman whose duty includes taking VIPs tourists around the temple. He can reel out everything about Varanasi, right up to the nuances of Aurangzebs deeds, as he manoeuvres through the quagmire of bylanes. Unsaid words also flow quietly past you in a city thats like a stream of consciousnessa city defined by a river like none else. A city where Bismillah Khans shehnai will never be heard in the fresh morning air again, but where Liaquat Ali still sells flowers that can be offered to Baba Vishwanath for his blessings.

Rajkot reverse swing to unite the Patidars

AHMEDABAD: A seemingly innocuous statement by Union minister Parshottam Rupala praising the Dalit community snowballed into an affront against the Rajput communities with the latter demanding that he be dropped as the BJP candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat. Multiple attempts to broker peace failed and the BJP refused to blink. Stirring the pot by design or otherwise seems to have united the Patidars who have a historic animosity with the Rajputs. Rupala had on March 22 lauded the Dalit community for not bowing down to the British when even kings and royals had started breaking bread with the Britishers. Since the rulers of the princely states during the British Raj were mostly Rajputs, they launched statewide protests against Rupala and gave a call to boycott him in the Rajkot polls. It had repercussions beyond the state as well. Till the controversy broke, Rajkot was among the safest of BJP seats in Gujarat. It has been with the BJP since 1989 except giving the Congress the mandate once in 2009. The BJP gave Rupala the ticket after dropping its sitting candidate Mohan Kundaria, who had also served as a Union minister of state for agriculture. The Rajput discontentment cannot be brushed away easily as they have an estimated 1.5 lakh votes out of about 20 lakh voters in the constituency. The constituency is dominated by Patidars whose vote share is 25%. While Rupala belongs to the Kadva sub caste of the Patidars, his Congress opponent Paresh Dhanani is a Leuva Patidar, another Patidar sub caste. Rajkot has 1.91 lakh Kadva voters as compared to 3.50 lakh Leuva Patidars. Dhanani is a former leader of opposition in the Gujarat assembly. If he can draw even 50% of the Leuva Patidars to his side, he can make the going difficult for Rupala who is already facing Rajput unrest. After failing to mollify the Rajputs, BJP leader and former chief minister Vijay Rupani told the media, If a few persons are unhappy and don't vote for the party candidate, it will not make much difference. Rupala will win the election by a big margin. For his part, Rupala exuded confidence in getting the Rajput votes, adding he would make it to the Lok Sabha by a good margin. But Dhanani claims the people are angry and want to defeat Rupala. Both Rupala and Dhanani are from Amreli district and in the past Dhanani has defeated Rupala in assembly elections. Among the major issues in Rajkot are unemployment, affordable crop insurance, ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, industrial slowdown and water scarcity. But the overarching Narendra Modi factor in Gujarat is a no-brainer. How well it will play out in Rajkot remains to be seen.

Amit Shah thanks Gujaratis for BJPs win in Surat

AHMEDABAD : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the BJP has secured its first victory in the Lok Sabha elections from the Surat constituency even before the counting of votes, attributing it to the foresightedness of the people of Gujarat. In 2014 and 2019, the wonderful people of Gujarat endorsed Narendra Modis leadership by giving all 26 Lok Sabha seats to the BJP. This time taking it a step further, even before the counting, people have ensured that the account has already been opened in Surat... Now, a hat-trick awaits in the remaining 25 seats, and representatives in the name of Narendra Modi will be sent to Parliament, Shah said at an election rally at Jamkandorna in Rajkot district. BJPs Surat nominee Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed after Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhanis nomination was rejected for allegedly forging the signatures of his proposers, and others withdrew from the fray. Shah expressed the confidence that the BJP is leading in the seats that went to polls in two phases on April 19 and 26. Two phases have been completed. Do you want to know the results? Will you keep it a secret? Do not tell it to anyone After two phases, it is now clear that Rahul Gandhi is finished. From east to west and north to south, there is only one resounding soundthat of Modi, Modi, Modi. The whole country has decided to make Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the third term, Shah said while campaigning for BJP candidate Mansukh Mandaviya in Porbandar constituency. Taking a jibe at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, the BJP leader said, Congress president Kharge says, what have people of Gujarat and Rajasthan got to do with Kashmir. I want to tell him, Kharge saheb, you are over 80 years old, but you still havent grasped the essence of our nation. Every youth in Jamkandorna is prepared to sacrifice their lives for Kashmir... You tell me, shouldnt Article 370 have been abrogated? Shah criticised the Congress for deviating from the Ram mandir issue during its 70 years of governance, attributing it to vote bank politics. He said, For over 500 years, our Lord Ram remained confined to a tent in an unknown area. Modiji, after 500 years, restored the pride of Lord Ram by constructing a magnificent Ram mandir. Lauding the economic achievements of the BJP government, the Union minister said, Congress had left the country in the 11th position among the world economies. It is Modiji who has elevated it to number 5. I guarantee you that if you elect Modi as PM for the third time, he will propel the country to become the worlds third-largest economy.

BJP seeking votes in name of Lord Ram, won't benefit: Gujarat Congress Chief

BJP seeking votes in name of Lord Ram, won't benefit: Gujarat Congress Chief Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil, on Saturday, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of seeking votes in the name of Lord Ram, claiming that they won't benefit from this as they are exposed before the public. In a democracy, votes are given on work, but in the name of work, BJP has done mischiefs. So they are seeking votes on the name of Lord Ram. But they are exposed to people, and they are not going to benefit from this, Gohil said while speaking to the media in Valsad. Gohil spoke to the media after Congress leaders held a public rally in Valsad in support of Ananthbhai Patel, the party's candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The constituency will go to polls on May 7. Further raising questions on the timing of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shaktisinh Gohil said, For Hindus, words made by Shankaracharya are last. Shankaracharya has said that a temple where 'Kalash' was not placed and construction work is not completed, Prana pratishtha can't be done. But as elections were approaching, they did it just for the sake of votes. And now their candidates are getting flak for it in Gujarat. When asked about his expectations and the kind of response they are getting in the state, Gohil said, Me, my party, and all my candidates are getting full support from the people of Gujarat, and that's why the BJP is frustrated, and their candidates are scared even of contesting elections. They said black money will return and everyone will get Rs 15 lakh. Nobody got it, but the BJP's account got all the black money. Farmers' income was not doubled but expenses doubled. We have a positive agenda; we talked of five 'Naya' and 25 guarantees, he added. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a rally at Valsad and said that the BJP wants to weaken democracy in the country and has pressured every institution in the last 10 years to not comment against it. They (BJP) want to weaken democracy and the people of the nation. Institutions that protect your rights, be it media, have been weakened. The media used to ask us every day, but nothing of that sort is happening today, she said. All 26 parliamentary seats in Gujarat will go to the polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 7. BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed in Surat after the nomination papers of the Congress party's candidate Nilesh Kumbhani were rejected, as his three proposers claimed in an affidavit to the district election officer that they had not signed his nomination form. The third phase will include constituencies from Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad. (ANI)

Rajkot Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Check key candidates, date of voting and other important details

With the date drawing closer, all eyes are on this high-stakes contest that could potentially reshape the political landscape in this crucial Gujarat constituency

BJP wants to weaken democracy and people of nation...: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

BJP wants to weaken democracy and people of nation...: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party wants to weaken the democracy in the country and has pressurised every institution in the last 10 years to not comment against it. Addressing an election rally in Valsad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, They (BJP) want to weaken the democracy and people of the nation. Institutions that protect your rights be it media have been weakened. Media used to ask us every day but nothing of that sort is happening today. Referring to remarks of BJP leader Anantkumar Hegde on ewriting constitution, Priyanka Gandhi said that it is a dangerous trend. You must have seen, the BJP leaders have said that they want to change the Constitution and PM Modi contradicts that statement. This is a dangerous trend. This constitution has given you all the rights, then what's the need to change it? she asked. She further went on to slam the BJP for argeting opposition leaders. PM Modi is weakening the democracy. He is attacking the opposition daily. He froze Congress' bank accounts. Two Chief Ministers are in jail, my brother (Rahul Gandhi) was also almost kicked out of Parliament. 150 members were suspended in the Winter session recently, only Modiji is honest, she said. Gujarat will vote on all 25 seats out of 26 in a single phase, which is slated for the third phase on May 7, 2024. BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed in Surat after nomination papers of the Congress party's candidate Nilesh Kumbhani were rejected after his three proposers claimed in an affidavit to the district election officer that they had not signed his nomination form. The third phase will include constituencies from Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Navsari, and Valsad. (ANI)

One of India's most expensive wedding, attended by 5000 people, 100 room villa, cost Rs...

The wedding ceremony of Prince Jaideep Jadeja and Princess Shivatmika Kumar of Rajkot was a grand and lavish affair that left the entire Gujarat city glittering with lights and decorations.

ATS Arrests Six Individuals Possessing Country-Made Weapons in Gujarat

ATS Arrests Six Individuals Possessing Country-Made Weapons in Gujarat The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested an arms supplier from Madhya Pradesh and five others with 25 country-made pistols and 90 cartridges, an official said on Friday. The action has come weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha election in the state scheduled to take place on May 7. A preliminary probe has revealed the key accused, Shivam aka Shiva Damor (26), a native of Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district, allegedly procured illegal firearms and sold them to his contacts in Gujarat on commission, the ATS stated in a release. The ATS recently received a tip-off that Damor would come to Narol bridge in Ahmedabad city on April 25 to deliver firearms and ammunition to one Manoj Chauhan, a resident of Chotila town in Surendranagar district, it said. ATS teams laid a trap, apprehended the duo, and recovered five pistols and 20 cartridges from Damor, the release said. During interrogation, Damor admitted that he had sold illegal firearms on commission to interested parties in Gujarat in the last three months, it stated. According to the ATS, he allegedly travelled to different parts of Gujarat once every four to five days and met people who were interested in buying illegal guns. Based on the information provided by Damor, ATS teams conducted raids in Amreli, Rajkot and Surendranagar districts, apprehending four persons with 20 pistols and 70 cartridges they had purchased from Damor. The six accused were booked under the Arms Act, and a probe is on to find out the involvement of others in the illegal arms supply, the release said.

PM Modi Working Round The Clock To Make India A Developed Country By 2047: Ashwini Vaishnaw

RAJKOT, Apr 26: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working 24X7 to make India a developed nation by 2047 and the people of the country are lucky to have such a hardworking and visionary leadership. Addressing a gathering in Rajkot city of Gujarat, Vaishnaw accused Congress of wasting five decades, between 1950 and 1990 and during the ten years of UPA rule from 2004 to 2014. Click Here To Follow Our [] The post PM Modi Working Round The Clock To Make India A Developed Country By 2047: Ashwini Vaishnaw appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

What defines Gujarat poll narrative? Slip of tongue

AHMEDABAD: The BJP sprang to damage control in Gujarat after statements of its two leaders triggered controversies. Addressing party workers in Visavadar constituency a few days ago, BJP leader Bhupat Bhayani, a former AAP MLA who switched to the saffron party, said, Rahul Gandhi is impotent, and we should not give countrys reins to him. After the statement sparked an outcry, Bhayani defending his statement told the media, In democracy, everyone has a right to express ones views. I never intended to insult or humiliate anyone. I was only trying to draw a line between PM Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. There is no comparison between Modi and Rahul. The Congress said such statements show BJP leaders culture. Former MLA Bhayani who was caught with a girl in a hotel can only make such low-level statements, Congress spokesman Hemang Raval said, advising Bhayani to consult a neurosurgeon. BJP Junagadh district president Kirit Patel made remarks that hurt the sentiments of Kshatriya community. Even if a queen gives birth to a specially abled child, he will inherit power and rule the state; now kings and queens are born from the ballot box. The statement irked the Kshatriya community, which is already sore over BJP leader and Rajkot candidate Parshottam Rupala. The community has been agitating against the Rupala. They demanded that the BJP drop Rupala as its Rajkot candidate. Condemning the statement, Kshatriya Community Coordination Committee convener Karansinh Chavda said, BJP has failed to stop its leaders from making derogatory remarks against the Kshatriya community, so the community has decided to not vote for BJP candidates. It failed to respect the communitys demand and drop Rupala as party candidate. Now we will aggressively campaign against the ruling party. Facing flak, Kirit Patel released a video apologising to the Kshatriyas. Minister of state of home Harsh Sanghvi and BJPs general secretary (organisation) Ratnakar are holding district-wise meetings with Kshatriya leaders in a damage control exercise. BJP intimidating people, alleges Guj Cong chief Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil on Wednesday alleged that the BJP was intimidating voters and asking them to either vote in its favour or refrain from voting in the Lok Sabha elections. The ruling party in the state was misusing the government machinery to pressure the voters, he claimed. The opposition party also released a phone number for voters to share the evidence, if any. It is a fundamental principle of democracy that the sacred festival of elections should be held neutrally without fear or bias, Gohil said.

Housing prices in India expected to moderate 5% in 2024-25: India Ratings

Housing prices in India expected to moderate 5% in 2024-25: India Ratings India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has maintained a neutral outlook for the residential real estate sector for the financial year 2024-25. Absorption in residential real estate and prices are likely to be supported by affordability and stability of interest rates, the rating agency said. However, given the high base of the just-concluded financial year 2023-24, the growth rates are likely to taper down. The residential real estate market registered a strong performance in the first three quarters of 2023-24 where the sales growth exceeded 25 per cent year-on-year for the top eight real estate clusters, despite price increases and sticky interest rates. With most regions witnessing a surge in prices, Ind-Ra expects the pre-sales growth to moderate to 8 per cent to 10 per cent year-on-year in the current financial year. Inventory levels have also risen over FY24 in the premium and luxury segment, as launches increased encouraged by the sharp rise in sales and realisations, said Mahaveer Shankarlal Jain, Director, Corporate Ratings, Ind-Ra. Further, Ind-Ra expects the prices to have been higher 22 per cent year-on-year at end-2023-24 and would be subdued at around 5 per cent for 2024-25, due to the base effect and large amount of new launches planned. Ind-Ra expects the mid-income and upper mid-income segments, which emerged as the leading consumer segments in 2023-24, to continue to witness a strong buyer interest. While the premium and luxury segments witnessed sharp demand growth in 2023-24, Ind-Ra expects them to cool down due to the high base as the unsold inventory levels remain elevated and are the highest over the past five years. Tier II and III Cities to Report Significant Growth: Renewed government focus on developing infrastructure and improving connectivity across new cities, with mega projects such as highways, airports, metros, and digitization, is likely to stimulate the development of Tier II and III cities and generate substantial growth. While the relatively new markets of Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Rajkot, and Ranchi market are witnessing exponential growth in housing, Outer Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Jaipur, Nashik, Chandigarh, and Bhopal forming over 60 per cent of the market in terms of the units sold, grew at a CAGR by 14 per cent during 2021-2023. (ANI)

Kshatriya community in Gujarat intensifies protests against BJP candidate Parshottam Rupala

AHMEDABAD: Tensions are rising in Gujarat as the Kshatriya community confronts Rajkot BJP candidate, Parshottam Rupala, and the BJP. Despite persistent protests, Rupala proceeded to submit his nomination for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat on April 16. In response, the Kshatriya community has declared a fresh wave of protests. Beginning Saturday, Rajput women will initiate a relay hunger strike across Gujarat, persisting until the voting day on May 7. In addition, symbolic 'dharm-raths' will be showcased in five areas as a form of dissent against the BJP. PT Jadeja, the leader of the Kshatriya Community in Rajkot, addressed reporters on Saturday, expressing a stance regarding BJP candidate Parshottam Rupala. Gujarat: Caste cauldron causes unease in BJP as Patidar, Kshatriya get into fight We are granting the BJP time until April 22 for Parshottam Rupala to withdraw his candidacy, or for the government to intervene and withdraw his nomination. If the government fails to act, we will initiate a vigorous protest against the BJP, he said. Furthermore, PT Jadeja declared, Part 2 of the Kshatriya Community movement has begun, spearheaded by the Kshatriya Coordinating Committee in Ahmedabad. We have outlined arrangements for conventions in Anand and Vadodara, recognizing their substantial Kshatriya voter base. Expect the announcement of dates and venues shortly. Moreover, I urge the Kshatriya Community to cast their votes against the BJP. Jadeja stated, In eight key districts Patan, Banaskantha, Bharuch, Sabarkantha, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar of Gujarat with a significant Rajput voter base, we have devised a strategy to challenge the BJP. Our plan involves mobilizing one Rajput youth to encourage three others to vote against the BJP. This movement will extend to rural regions, where an oath will be administered to oppose the BJP across various zones. BJP leaders divided over Kshatriya community protests in Gujarat Karansinh Chavda, spokesperson for the Rajput Coordination Committee, announced, Starting this Saturday, Rajput women will embark on a relay hunger strike throughout Gujarat, persisting until voting day on May 7. Additionally, 'dharm-raths' (chariots) will be mobilized across five zones in opposition to the BJP. In response to the recent ban by Ahmedabad police on displaying black flags during poll rallies and protests against candidates, Chavda stated that youth and women will instead wave orange flags. He further declared that the community intends to file a PIL against this notification, citing it as an infringement on freedom of speech. The community is incensed with Rupala following his remarks in a recent campaign rally, where he referenced collaborations between several Rajput rulers and foreign invaders, citing 'roti and beti' (trade and marriage) relations with them. Despite ongoing protests over the past few weeks, Rupala has filed his nomination from the seat on April 16th.

Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani flags off Yatra in Rajkot

The News Mill

AIIMS Rajkot Faculty (Group A) Application Form 2024: Last Date Extended for Online/Offline Submission

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has released a notification for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-6) 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible candidates who wish to join as Nursing Officers in various institutions. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online by reading the details provided in the notification.

Rajoo Engineers Limited reports Q4 FY24 Results

BILKULONLINE Rajkot, April 19:Rajoo Engineers Limited (BSE: 522257), amongst leading plastic extrusion machine manufacturers in India, with nearly 38 years The post Rajoo Engineers Limited reports Q4 FY24 Results appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Amit Shah slams Opposition, says probe agencies doing their duties

AHMEDABAD : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed confidence that BJP will win all 26 LS seats in Gujarat. Be it the East, West, North or South, the atmosphere in the country suggests that we will get more than 400 seats. BJPs performance in south India will be the best-ever this time In Gujarat, we will win 26 of 26 seats, with a larger lead than in the previous election, Shah said at a rally in Gandhinagar. Addressing concerns over Kshatriya communitys resentment in Gujarat, Shah said, Rupalaji sincerely apologised. Kshatriyas have been protesting against Union minister Parshottam Rupala, contesting from the Rajkot seat, after a video clip of his remarks went viral in the last week of March. The protesters demanded that the BJP cancel the ticket to Rupala to contest from Rajkot. The BJP is poised for victory in states like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Our tally in Uttar Pradesh will be the highest ever, he said. Reflecting on his political career, Shah emphasized his long-standing connection with many states. I was the election in-charge for Atalji and Advaniji, he said. Referring to Gandhinagar, he said, This area has given me everything Ive got. Ahead of the roadshow in Sanand, Shah in a post on X said, Today I will appeal to my brothers and sisters of Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency to make BJP victorious and give their blessings to Modi ji so that he becomes Prime Minister once again to make the country No. 1 in every sector and to make Gandhinagar one of the most developed Lok Sabha seats in the country. He added, Our lead will increase in every seat, signaling a significant rise in support. Reacting to Opposition outcry over the investigation agencies, Shah said, The probe agencies perform their duties diligently. If anyone has any issues with them, they should address them in courts. The veteran BJP leader, vying for re-election from the Gandhinagar seat for a second term, is scheduled to file his nomination papers on Friday, according to Gujarat party spokesperson Yagnesh Dave. Shah had won from Gandhinagar by more than five lakh votes in the 2019 elections. He conducted three roadshows in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday, followed by an evening rally in the Vejalpur area of Ahmedabad. Vijay Muhurat for state party president Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil faced a delay in filing his nomination for the Navsari seat at an auspicious time on Thursday due to an overwhelming turnout of supporters at his morning roadshow. Consequently, the MP will file his nomination at the auspicious Vijay Muhurat of 12.39 pm on Friday.

RBI imposed fine of lakhs of rupees on five banks for violating rules

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalty on Rajkot Citizens Co-operative Bank, Kangra Co-operative Bank (New Delhi), Rajdhani Nagar Co-operative Bank (Lucknow), District Co-operative Bank Garhwal and District Co-operative Bank Dehradun. RBI has imposed a total fine of Rs 60.3 lakh on these five banks. The central bank said that penalties have been [] The post RBI imposed fine of lakhs of rupees on five banks for violating rules first appeared on informalnewz .

Lok Sabha polls: Parshottam Rupala files nomination from Rajkot; seeks support of Kshatriyas 'in country's interest'

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, BJP's Rajya Sabha member Kesridevsinh Jhala and cabinet minister in the Gujarat government Bhanuben Babariya were present when Rupala submitted his nomination papers to District Election Officer Prabhav Joshi.

LS polls: Rupala seeks support of Kshatriyas in country's interest, files nomination from Rajkot

LS polls: Rupala seeks support of Kshatriyas in country's interest, files nomination from Rajkot Union minister and BJP candidate from the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat, Parshottam Rupala, whose remarks on Kshatriyas have sparked massive protests by the Rajput community, on Tuesday filed his nomination papers following a two-km long roadshow in the city. Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, BJP's Rajya Sabha member Kesridevsinh Jhala and cabinet minister in the Gujarat government Bhanuben Babariya were present when Rupala submitted his nomination papers to District Election Officer Prabhav Joshi. ''As decided by my party, I filed my nomination papers today. A large number of people turned up to give their blessings to me. Senior party leaders, corporators as well as sitting MLAs and MPs also remained present in my support,'' Rupala told reporters after filing his papers. While addressing a gathering at the end of the roadshow near the Race Course ground, the BJP leader appealed to the Kshatriya community, which has been holding protests to press for the cancellation of his nomination, to support him and his party ''in the interest of the nation''. ''I want to make an appeal to the Kshatriya community. Your support is also crucial in the interest of the nation. I request you to show a big heart and support BJP,'' Rupala said. He said since there is no doubt that the BJP will once again form a government at the Centre after the polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already prepared a blueprint about the work to be done in the first 100 days of his next government. ''PM Modi believes in 100 per cent saturation of all government schemes. When the PM is working hard to achieve that goal, BJP workers should also try to ensure 100 per cent voting at their respective booths. Let's give Modi record break seats this time so that he gets strength to put India on global map,'' he said. The BJP this time dropped two-time MP Mohan Kundariya and fielded Rupala instead. The Congress gave candidature to former MLA Paresh Dhanani for this Patidar-dominated seat, considered a stronghold of the BJP since late 1980s. Rupala has irked the Rajput community by claiming that erstwhile 'maharajas' succumbed to the persecution of foreign rulers as well as the Britishers. He further said these 'maharajas' broke bread with these rulers and also married off their daughters to them. Since majority of the erstwhile rulers in Gujarat were Rajputs, the community saw the remarks as an insult to them and has asked the BJP multiple times in the recent past to withdraw Rupala's candidature or else the community will go against BJP in this election. Though Rupala has already tendered an apology over his remarks and sought forgiveness, Rajput community leaders have refused to back down. To press for their demand, the Rajput community has been holding protests in several parts of Gujarat, where elections to all the 26 Lok Sabha seats will be held in a single phase on May 7. Key Rajput leaders held a meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and Gujarat BJP president C R Paatil at the CM's residence in Gandhinagar on Monday night. After the meeting, convener of the Rajput Coordination Committee, Karansinh Chavda, said the BJP leaders have promised to convey the demand of the community to the party high command. ''We want nothing else except removal of Rupala as the Rajkot candidate. When BJP leaders asked us to find another solution, we said the only way out is cancellation of Rupala's ticket. If that does not happen, we will intensify our protest and also stage protests in each and every poll rally of BJP in Gujarat,'' Chavda told reporters.

Why Rajputs' anti-Rupala stir won't dent BJP fortress

'For voters, PM Narendra Modi's name and developmental works in Rajkot are enough reasons to support the BJP'

Why Kshatriyas are revolting against BJP in Gujarat, organising biggest protest meet?

The Kshatriya community in Gujarat is demanding the removal of Union Minister Parshottam Rupala as the BJP candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat due to derogatory remarks. Despite Rupala's apologies, the community is firm on its demand and has set an ultimatum for his removal by April 19. The agitation could impact the BJP's dominance in Gujarat and highlight caste fault lines in the region, with implications beyond the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Cancel Rupala's candidature for Rajkot LS seat: Kshatriya community reiterates demand

Cancel Rupala's candidature for Rajkot LS seat: Kshatriya community reiterates demand Kshatriya community members have again demanded that the BJP remove Union minister Parshottam Rupala as the party candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, vowing to intensify their protest in the coming days. The Kshatriya community, also called Rajputs, held a public meeting at Ratanpur village in Gujarat's Rajkot district on Sunday, at a time when the ruling BJP has announced that Rupala will file his nomination papers on April 16. We are firm on our demand for withdrawal of Rupalas candidature. We have demanded from the BJP that Rupala has to go and we stand firm on the demand, Ramjubha Jadeja, a core committee member of the Kshatrya community, said addressing the meeting. Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha seats, including Rajkot, will go to polls in a single phase on May 7 and votes will be counted on June 4. The BJP won all the seats in the state in 2014 and 2019. Rupala insulted our daughters and sisters. Then he played a farce of seeking apology. But we have rejected his apology. We will continue with our protest against Rupala. BJP must withdraw him as the Lok Sabha candidate from Rajkot, Jadeja said. In the past, when people made mistakes, the BJP leadership took action against such people, which includes the case of Nupur Sharma (former party spokesperson),'' he said. Jadeja said the community will intensify its agitation in the coming days as he thanked Kshatriyas from other states like Rajasthan for extending support to the community members in Gujarat in their fight against Rupala. Many other community members also addressed the meeting, appealing for agitating in a peaceful manner. Kshatriya community women leader Trupti Ba said, ''Rupala has insulted the daughters and sisters of the community and he has to go. Nothing should be done to hurt the self-respect of women and we will not sit idle till our self-respect is restored.'' Another community leader Dasrathsinh Sarvaiya claimed Rupalas days are numbered and he should not represent the people of Rajkot as their MP. Rupala enraged the Kshatriya community after he recently claimed that the erstwhile maharajas succumbed to the persecution of foreign rulers, including the Britishers. He said these maharajas broke bread with these rulers and also married off their daughters to them. The Kshatriya community members are demanding that the BJP drop him as the Rajkot Lok Sabha candidate. Rupala has apologised, but the community is not appeased.

Rajputs hold massive rally in Rajkot to demand Rupalas removal

This was second rally by the Kshatriya community in Rajkot against Mr. Rupala, whose remarks about former princely families relationship with the British have riled the descendants

Lok Sabha Elections: Cong's Paresh Dhanani turns Rajkot into hottest battle in Gujarat

Congress selects Dhanani for Rajkot, turning BJP stronghold into Gujarat battleground. PM Modi kicks off campaign. Dhanani, Rupala from Patidar community. Historical rivalry adds intrigue. Leuva Patidars likely to support Dhanani.

Congress Fields Vikramaditya Singh Against Kangana Ranaut for Mandi Lok Sabha Seat

NEW DELHI: The contest for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh promises to be more intense, with the Congress pitting state minister Vikramaditya Singh to take on BJPs Kangana Ranaut. Besides Mr Singh, the Congress on Saturday also announced a list of 15 more candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The Mandi seat is a matter of prestige, as Mr Singh is a sitting MLA and the son of the late Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh and state unit chief Pratibha Singh. We discussed the names that we had shortlisted. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi were also present at the meeting. Some names are final and some names will be discussed again. From Mandi, Vikramaditya Singh's name has been made final as everyone was in favour of a young face from Mandi, the Congress Himachal Pradesh unit chief said. Mr Singh became the titular kind of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr (a town in Shimla) after his father's death. He holds a master's degree in history from Delhi's St Stephen's College. He was the only Congress MLA who attended the Ram temple inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya, defying the party line. In February, Mr Singh had announced his resignation. Speculation was rife that he was going to join the BJP along with a few rebel MLAs, a move that could have brought down the Congress government in the hill state. The infighting ensued soon after the Congress lost the Rajya Sabha elections owing to cross-voting. The crisis was managed with the intervention of the top leadership. Mr Singh withdrew his resignation and stayed with the party. The Congress' on Saturday nominated former Union minister and Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari from Chandigarh. The seat was earlier held for two terms by BjP MP and actor Kirron Kher. Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Pawan Bansal, the unsuccessful Congress candidate from Chandigarh, is now replaced by Mr Tewari. The party has fielded Paresh Dhanai to take on Union minister Purushottam Rupala from Rajkot. The Congress central election committee (CEC) met in the national capital on Saturday under the leadership of Mr Kharge. It finalised the names of a few Lok Sabha candidates from Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Chandigarh. The CEC meeting for Himachal Pradesh was attended by Mr Kharge, Mrs Gandhi, and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Ms Singh and AICC in-charge Rajeev Shukla were the others present in the meeting. The Haryana CEC was attended, besides the top party leaders, by PCC chief Uday Bhan, ex-CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Randeep Surjewala and Kumari Selja. Insiders claim three seats in Haryana have also been finalised but not declared yet. These include Deependra Singh Hooda from Rohtak, Ms Selja from Sirsa and Varun Molana from Ambala.

Congress names 16 more candidates, Vikramaditya Singh to take on Kangana Ranaut in Mandi

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday announced a list of 16 more candidates for the Lok Sabha polls and fielded former Union minister Manish Tewari from the Chandigarh parliamentary constituency. The party also pitted Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh against BJP candidate and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut in the state's Mandi Lok Sabha seat. Vikramaditya Singh is the son of the Congress' Himachal Pradesh unit chief Pratibha Singh who is also the sitting MP in Mandi. The Congress' Chandigarh candidate Manish Tewari had his education in Chandigarh. He later moved to Delhi and joined NSUI after his father V N Tewari was killed by terrorists in the early 1980s. He will take on BJP candidate Sanjay Tandon, the son of late BJP leader Balramji Das Tandon. Congress drops Supriya Shrinate from LS candidates list amid uproar over remarks on Kangana Ranaut The Congress candidates were announced after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee here on Saturday evening. The party fielded Vinod Sultanpuri, the son of veteran Congress leader K D Sultanpuri, from the Shimla-SC constituency. It also announced four candidates from Gujarat and nine from Odisha. The Gujarat candidates include Ramji Thakore (Palvi) from the Mehesana, Himmatsinh Patel from Ahmedabad East, Pareshbhai Dhanani from Rajkot and Naishadh Desai from the Navasari seat. In Odisha, the party fielded Mohan Hembram from the Keonjhar-ST seat, Srikant Kumar Jena from Balasore, Anant Prasad Sethi from Bhadrak-SC seat, Anchal Das from Jajpur-SC constituency, Sashmita Behera from Dhenkalan, Sidharth Swaroop Das from Kendrapara, Rabindra Kumar Sethy from Jagatsinghpur-SC, Sucharita Mohunty from Puri and Yasir Nawaz from Bhubaneshwar. The Congress also announced five candidates for the bye-elections to five assembly segments in Gujarat.

Congress releases another list of candidates; fields Vikramaditya against Kangana Ranaut

Congress releases another list of candidates; fields Vikramaditya against Kangana Ranaut The Congress on Saturday released another list of 16 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. The party has fielded youth leader Vikramaditya Singh in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha seat against BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut. Vinod Sultanpuri will contest from the Shimla seat. Congress MP Manish Tewari will contest from Chandigarh seat. In Gujarat, the grand old party has fielded Ramji Thakor from Mahesana, Himmatsinh Patel from Ahmedabad East, Pareshbhai Dhanani from Rajkot and Naishadh Desai from Navasari. The Congress also announced candidates for the by-elections in Gujarat. Dineshbhai Tulsidas Patel has been fielded from Vijapur, Rajubhai Bhimanbhai Odedra from Porbandar, Haribhari Govindbhai Kansagara from Manavadar, Mahendrasinh Harsinh Parma from Khambhat and Kanubhai Pujabhai Gohil from Vaghodia. In Odisha, Congress has announced the candidature of Mohan Hembram from the Keonjhar seat, Srikant Kumar Jena from Balasore, Anant Prasad Sethi from Bhadrak, Anchal Das from Jajpur, Sashmita Behera from Dhenkanal, Sidharth Swarup Das from Kendrapara, Rabindra Kumar Sethy from Jagatsinghpur, Sucharita Mohanty from Puri and Yasir Nawaz from Bhubaneswar. Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre is working towards benefitting selected businessmen in the country adding that key public infrastructure in the country has been handed over to them to make profits. Addressing an election rally in Bhandara, Rahul Gandhi said, This BJP and PM Modi is running government for few businessmen in this country. One of them is Adani...go home and google what is the price of Adani shares. In this country, 22 people have as much wealth as 70 crore people. PM Modi's only job is to divert attention and Adani has only job to take money out of your pockets. The Congress party released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in Delhi on April 5. Congress has made a slew of promises in its manifesto including a legal guarantee for MSP, 50 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, repealing Agnipath scheme, doubling GDP in next ten years, strengthening anti-defection law, restoring status quo ante with China, mobile phones for students from class IX to XII and amending the GST regime. (ANI)

Gujarat Congress yet to finalize candidates for key Lok Sabha seats

AHMEDABAD: As the election season gears up in Gujarat with the election commission announcing the date for filing nominations from April 12 to 19, the Congress is yet to disclose the candidates for four crucial seats in the state. The Congress initially intended to contest former MLA and Patidar leader Lalit Kagathara to challenge BJP candidate Purusottam Rupala in the Rajkot Lok Sabha constituency. However, amid recent controversy with Rupala commenting on the Kshatriya community and the following protests demanding his candidacy withdrawal, Paresh Dhanani, the former opposition leader of the Congress, has expressed his willingness to enter the electoral fray. Dhanani had previously refused to contest the elections, however, sources suggest that his readinss now comes after the mounting opposition against the BJP candidate Rupala. 'Not hesitant to fight LS poll against Amit Shah,' says Sonal Patel, Congress candidate in Gujarat's Gandhinagar Meanwhile, Congress is also struggling to choose a candidate for the Mehsana seat which is considered to be a BJP bastion for several years. The party aims to experiment by fielding an OBC candidate against the BJP's Patidar candidate. However, internal divisions within the Congress are hindering this decision. With one faction of the party favouring Patidar candidates, another is advocating for OBC representation. Moreover, the Vijapur By-Election, which falls within the Mehsana Lok Sabha constituency, will also influence the selection for the Mehsana seat. If Congress selects a Patidar candidate for the Vijapur Assembly seat, then Congress will likely nominate an OBC candidate for the Lok Sabha seat to maintain demographic balance. For the third seat, Navsari Lok Sabha, several party leaders, including Mumtaj Patel, daughter of the late Mr. Ahmed Patel, Surat Congress spokesperson Naishad Desai, and Navsari Congress leader Shailesh Patel, are said to be expressing their interest in contesting. However, the party is yet to finalize a candidate as it is one of the hottest seats in the state. BJP has chosen its state president CR Patil to contest from the Navsari Lok Sabha. Patil secured this seat with the largest margin in India prompting the Congress to strategize and nominate a formidable contender to challenge him. The last and final seat without a Congress candidate is the Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. Rohan Gupta, the president of the Congress's social media department, was selected as the party's candidate for the seat but Gupta shifted to the BJP. The Congress is now facing difficulty in finding the right candidate for the Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat. With this, sources revealed that the party is contemplating nominating either the city Congress president, Himmatsinh Patel, or a candidate from the Patidar community.

'Not hesitant to fight LS poll against Amit Shah,' says Sonal Patel, Congress candidate in Gujarat's Gandhinagar

GANDHINAGAR: Sonal Patel, whom the Congress has fielded against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Gujarat's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, said she was not at all hesitant to fight the upcoming election against the senior BJP leader. The 62-year-old leader, who is All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and the party co-incharge of Mumbai and western Maharashtra, claimed that anti-incumbency prevails as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has failed to fulfil the aspirations of people. She also accused the ruling party of intimidating Congress workers in her constituency and sought a level-playing field in fighting elections. In an interview to PTI, Patel said, I had not asked for a ticket from the party as I was busy with Congress's affairs in Maharashtra, where I am co-incharge of Mumbai and Western Maharashtra.But the party fielded me from Gandhinagar and I accepted it. Our workers are being intimidated, nobody is ready to rent a space to us for organising meetings of party workers fearing that they will be targeted once the elections are over. Police are calling our city and district leaders to police stations in some frivolous cases from the past. BJP is using administrative machinery to fight elections, she alleged. This shows that they are scared and not on a firm footing, Patel said, adding, I don't know if Amit Shah is aware of these tactics that BJP's local leaders are employing.Everybody should get a level-playing field to fight elections. An architect by profession, Patel said she was not hesitant in taking on Shah in Gandhinagar, a BJP bastion from where former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy prime minister L K Advani had contested elections. He (Shah) may be the home minister of the country, but we have seen him from the days when he was a common BJP worker, she said. From a grassroot worker from Naranpura (Amit Shah's assembly constituency when he was MLA) he has risen to be the home minister of the country. My father was Congress municipal councillor from Naranpura and we have seen him grow.I have also worked my way up from grassroots like him, she said. And when people cast their vote, they will not choose (their MP) thinking that he is the home minister or that I am a simple party worker, she said, adding that that was the reason she did not hesitate even a bit to contest the election against Shah. The Congress had earlier fielded bigwigs like former election commissioner T N Seshan, actor Rajesh Khanna to give a fight to BJP heavyweights from Gandhinagar seat. Explaining the reason why the Congress did not field any heavyweight candidate from outside against Shah, she said, There are two problems in calling heavyweight candidates from outside - the person does not know anything about the area and he has to be hand-held, and after the defeat when the candidate leaves, a vacuum is created. So it is better to choose a local candidate instead. After her name was announced, Patel began campaigning by organising voters' meetings and visiting different areas of the constituency. Our campaigning is going on and it will pick up pace, she said. A video went viral, which showed her being stopped from campaigning in Pethapur village in Gandhinagar due to the ongoing controversy over BJP's Rajkot candidate and Union minister Parshottam Rupala's remarks against the Rajput or Kshatriya community. We are not linked to the controversy in any way and we have criticised Rupala's remark against the Kshatriya community, but we were not allowed in Pethapur village. A video of the incident went viral and we later came to know those who stopped us were BJP workers. As they cannot campaign in villages dominated by the Kshatriya community, they did not allow us to do the same, she said. On the main issues in the constituency, she said anti-incumbency prevails as the BJP has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state. They have built infrastructure, but the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer. There are no employment opportunities in villages and land holding by farmers is reducing as it keeps on getting divided through generations. When a villager moves to a city, he faces extreme inflation. BJP has no answer to these problems, she said. BJP's claim of winning over 400 seats is nothing but rhetoric and I am sure that it will not be able to win all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat this time, she said. In 2014 and 2019, the BJP had all 26 seats in the state. Patel, who studied architecture from Centre of Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT) University, is urban and regional planner and is a member of many architecture organisations. She also served as president of Gujarat Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee from 2012 to 2018. After that she was elevated to the post of AICC secretary. Patel said she has decided to file her nomination papers without any pomp and show as she does not want to trouble party workers. I have decided to go with just four or five women to file the nomination form on April 16. Why give trouble to party workers? she said. The Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on May 7 and the deadline for filing of nominations is April 19.

Sonal Patel, Cong's pick in Gandhinagar, says not hesitant to fight LS poll against Amit Shah

Sonal Patel, Cong's pick in Gandhinagar, says not hesitant to fight LS poll against Amit Shah Sonal Patel, whom the Congress has fielded against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Gujarat's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, said she was not at all hesitant to fight the upcoming election against the senior BJP leader. The 62-year-old leader, who is All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and the party co-incharge of Mumbai and western Maharashtra, claimed that anti-incumbency prevails as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has failed to fulfil the aspirations of people. She also accused the ruling party of intimidating Congress workers in her constituency and sought a ''level-playing field'' in fighting elections. In an interview to PTI, Patel said, ''I had not asked for a ticket from the party as I was busy with Congress's affairs in Maharashtra, where I am co-incharge of Mumbai and Western Maharashtra. But the party fielded me from Gandhinagar and I accepted it.'' ''Our workers are being intimidated, nobody is ready to rent a space to us for organising meetings of party workers fearing that they will be targeted once the elections are over. Police are calling our city and district leaders to police stations in some frivolous cases from the past. BJP is using administrative machinery to fight elections,'' she alleged. This shows that they are scared and not on a firm footing, Patel said, adding, ''I don't know if Amit Shah is aware of these tactics that BJP's local leaders are employing. Everybody should get a level-playing field to fight elections.'' An architect by profession, Patel said she was not hesitant in taking on Shah in Gandhinagar, a BJP bastion from where former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy prime minister L K Advani had contested elections. ''He (Shah) may be the home minister of the country, but we have seen him from the days when he was a common BJP worker,'' she said. ''From a grassroot worker from Naranpura (Amit Shah's assembly constituency when he was MLA) he has risen to be the home minister of the country. My father was Congress municipal councillor from Naranpura and we have seen him grow. I have also worked my way up from grassroots like him,'' she said. ''And when people cast their vote, they will not choose (their MP) thinking that he is the home minister or that I am a simple party worker,'' she said, adding that that was the reason she did not hesitate even a bit to contest the election against Shah. The Congress had earlier fielded bigwigs like former election commissioner T N Seshan, actor Rajesh Khanna to give a fight to BJP heavyweights from Gandhinagar seat. Explaining the reason why the Congress did not field any heavyweight candidate from outside against Shah, she said, ''There are two problems in calling heavyweight candidates from outside - the person does not know anything about the area and he has to be hand-held, and after the defeat when the candidate leaves, a vacuum is created. So it is better to choose a local candidate instead.'' After her name was announced, Patel began campaigning by organising voters' meetings and visiting different areas of the constituency. ''Our campaigning is going on and it will pick up pace,'' she said. A video went viral, which showed her being stopped from campaigning in Pethapur village in Gandhinagar due to the ongoing controversy over BJP's Rajkot candidate and Union minister Parshottam Rupala's remarks against the Rajput or Kshatriya community. ''We are not linked to the controversy in any way and we have criticised Rupala's remark against the Kshatriya community, but we were not allowed in Pethapur village. A video of the incident went viral and we later came to know those who stopped us were BJP workers. As they cannot campaign in villages dominated by the Kshatriya community, they did not allow us to do the same,'' she said. On the main issues in the constituency, she said anti-incumbency prevails as the BJP has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state. ''They have built infrastructure, but the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer. There are no employment opportunities in villages and land holding by farmers is reducing as it keeps on getting divided through generations. When a villager moves to a city, he faces extreme inflation. BJP has no answer to these problems,'' she said. ''BJP's claim of winning over 400 seats is nothing but rhetoric and I am sure that it will not be able to win all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat this time,'' she said. In 2014 and 2019, the BJP had all 26 seats in the state. Patel, who studied architecture from Centre of Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT) University, is urban and regional planner and is a member of many architecture organisations. She also served as president of Gujarat Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee from 2012 to 2018. After that she was elevated to the post of AICC secretary. Patel said she has decided to file her nomination papers without any pomp and show as she does not want to trouble party workers. ''I have decided to go with just four or five women to file the nomination form on April 16. Why give trouble to party workers?'' she said. The Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on May 7 and the deadline for filing of nominations is April 19.

Amid protests Gujarat BJP candidate Rupala to file LS nomination on April 16; Amit Shah on 19

AHMEDABAD: With the nomination process for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat began on Friday, the BJP has announced that six candidates including Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will file their nominations. Meanwhile, the BJP candidate Purusottam Rupala has signalled that he will filing his nomination papers on April 16 along with three other candidates. This move comes at a time when there are ongoing protests by the Kshatriya community against Rupala demanding his replacement. Rupala during a programme held in Rajkot stated, Friends, there are efforts to disrupt the atmosphere. Yet, I earnestly urge you all to exercise patience and restraint. Let's proceed with caution. While the election commission has set April 20 as the deadline for candidates filing their nominations, the State BJP announced the dates of various candidates filing their nominations. The party sources revealed that the candidates are directed to file their nominations in three phases starting from April 15. Mansukh Mandviya is said to file his forms on April 15 along with five other party candiadates, while 16 other BJP candidates are expected to file their nominations on the following day (April 16). On April 18, three BJP candidates will submit their nominations, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will conclude the process by filing his nomination from the Gandhinagar seat on April 19. Before his nomination on April 18, Amit Shah will lead a roadshow in Gujarat. Gujarat Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister of BJP-governed states, prominent BJP leaders, and state office bearers are expected to be attending Amit Shah's roadshow. On April 18, Gujarat BJP state president and Navsari Lok Sabha candidate C.R. Patil, along with three other BJP candidates, will complete their form submissions.

Some royals cite Modi to play down Rupala row

Opposition to Rupala by Kshatriyas in Rajkot, Saurashtra. Some royals back BJP, PM Modi. Jadeja seeks resolution, Shatrushalya suggests forgiving Rupala with apology. Controversy lingers around the candidate.

Rs 222 crores of 'entitled' MPLAD funds in Gujarat went unutilized for five years, says ADR report

AHMEDABAD: A data from the Association of Democratic Reforms revealed that 26 Gujarat BJP MPs have missed out on substantial grant allocated for their constituencies by both Central as State governments. The data further revealed that an amount of Rs 222 crores is found to be sitting unutilized by the MPs in the state. The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Division of the Government of India annually allocates a fund of five crore rupees to each MPs across the nation. As per the data released by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR's Gujarat unit), state MPs receive an annual grant of Rs five crore from the central government for the development of their constituencies. Overall, each MP is entitled to a grant of Rs 25 crore over a period of five years from May 2019 to May 2024. However, in the fiscal year 2020-21, no grant was disbursed due to the pandemic, and in 2021-22, a reduced grant of Rs 2 crore was provided for the same reason. Meanwhile, Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) data shows that only Rs 220 crore out of the total Rs 442 crore of grants earmarked for MPs, amounting to Rs 17 crore have been released by the government. Meaning the MPs are not fully utilizing their allocated funds for the betterment of their constituencies. Panthika Jog, the Gujarat Coordinator of the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), remarks, Even among the grants earmarked for MPs, the central government has not disbursed the installments for 2022-23 to 18 MPs. The central government attributes the reduced allocation to non-compliance with certain regulations by the Gujarat government. Like, due to the Gujarat government's failure to submit progress reports and certificates of grant utilization to the central government, the grants have not been released, she added. According to the ADR report, 16 MPs, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have only received a grant of Rs 9.5 crore each over the past five years. Meanwhile, nine MPs have been allocated Rs 7 crore each, and the sole MP from Rajkot, Mohan Kundaria, has received only a grant of Rs 5 crore. This disparity in grant allocation is worrisome, as it limits the ability of MPs to address the needs of their constituencies effectively, said Jog.

Kshatriya and Patidar Leaders in BJP Backing Controversy within Kshatriya Community in Gujarat?

The protest within the Kshatriya community has spurred the BJP to initiate an internal investigation. There are concerns that some Kshatriya and Patidar leaders, feeling marginalized, may have clandestinely supported the controversy, thus exacerbating the situation. Of specific interest will be the involvement of a prominent Kshatriya leader and influential figure from Saurashtra, alongside Rajkot BJP leader and Vice President Bharat Boghra. Speculation was surrounding Gujarat BJP Vice President Bharat Boghra's alleged role in the agitation against BJP Rajkot Loksabha Candidate Rupala, with discussions suggesting his indirect support behind the Kshatriya Community's opposition to Rupala. Boghra, a close aide of BJP State President CR Patil, previously spearheaded the BJP's 'Operation Lotus' targeting Congress and other party leaders for induction into the BJP. Despite hopes for a Lok Sabha ticket from Amreli or Rajkot due to his efforts, Boghra remains ticketless. Amidst the Rupala-Kshatriya controversy, Boghra denies involvement in any anti-party activities. Speaking to the media in Rajkot on Monday, Bharat Boghra dismissed allegations, stating, Opponents purportedly linked to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have been circulating false reports and rumors through various media channels. These claims hold no truth. He clarified, Neither I nor any BJP worker from Rajkot city has been called upon to justify alleged involvement in the Kshatriya agitation. The state BJP has not relieved me of any duties, and our workers have not acted against the party's interests. Every prominent worker in Rajkot is dedicated to supporting Rupala. Bharat Boghra added, If my alleged involvement in the Kshatriya movement is proven, I am prepared to withdraw from public life. Opposition forces are baselessly implicating me. Following Bharat Boghra's clarification, another prominent Kshatriya leader from Saurashtra is under scrutiny for purportedly indirectly supporting the Kshatriya movement. Sources reveal that the protest by the Kshatriya community, including the waving of black flags during the BJP office inauguration in Khambhaliya, Devbhumi Dwarka district, in the presence of state BJP President C R Paatil, has prompted an investigation by the BJP. The inquiry will focus on the involvement of the Saurashtra-based Kshatriya leader and his supporters in disrupting the BJP event. According to Sources, Party officials have reportedly investigated with leaders from Saurashtra Zone.

Gujarat: Congress's Paresh Dhanani throws his hat in poll ring as Kshatriya ire rises against BJP's Parshottam Rupala

The decision for Dhanani to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Rajkot was reached during a meeting Tuesday in Amreli. Although he's reluctant to contest the polls from any seat, Congress leaders proposed that Dhanani could pull out of the race if BJP were to withdraw Union minister Rupala's candidature.

Amidst BJP's Rajkot seat turmoil, Congress pits Paresh Dhanani against Parshottam Rupala

AHMEDABAD: The BJP faces ongoing challenges in Rajkot as the Kshatriya community vehemently opposes the party's nominee, Parshottam Rupala. They demand the cancellation of Rupala's ticket for the Rajkot seat, warning of further protests and unrest if their demands aren't met. Capitalizing on this discord, Congress saw an opening. During an event on Tuesday, party leader Lalit Kagathara announced that senior party politician Paresh Dhanani will contest for the Rajkot seat. This sets the stage for a crucial electoral showdown between the two leaders after 22 years. Under a new strategy, the Kshatriya Community plans to convene a large-scale gathering to protest against Parshottam Rupala in Rajkot. Meanwhile, Karni Sena leader Raj Shekhawat, en route to challenge the BJP at their Gandhinagar headquarters today, was apprehended by police at Ahmedabad airport. During a Congress event, Paresh Dhanani rallied the workers, declaring, This is a battle for dignity, a battle to admonish those who have besmirched the reputation of women. If these haughty leaders refuse to relent, then in the saga of the modern Mahabharata. Subsequently, speaking to the press in Rajkot, Congress leader Lalit Kagathara asserted, If the BJP fails to replace Purushottam Rupala in the Rajkot seat, Paresh Dhanani will stand as the Congress candidate. Senior journalist Dilip Patel said, If Paresh Dhanani is handed a ticket in this seat, the BJP will face a tough fight against Rupala because this seat is dominated by leuva Patidars from the Patidar Community. The caste equation and history support Congress. The Leuva Patel Community commands around four lakh votes, whereas the Kadwa Patidar Community holds approximately one lakh votes in the Rajkot constituency. Parasottam Rupala, a BJP candidate, hails from the Kadwa Patidar community, while Paresh Dhanani represents the Leuva Patidar community. Based on current trends, Congress is poised for an advantage here, he added. It is noteworthy that 22 years ago, (i.e., in 2002) Paresh Dhanani defeated Rupala by a margin of sixteen thousand votes in the Amreli Assembly seat. Now, after two decades, both leaders find themselves contending against each other once again in the Lok Sabha elections.

As BJP's Parshottam Rupala faces Kshatriya anger, Congress's Paresh Dhanani pads up

Leuva Patel Dhanani eyes challenging Kadva Patidar Rupala in Rajkot. Congress proposes withdrawal if Rupala does. Kshatriyas protest his remarks despite his apology. Royal families divided on the issue.

Former Vadodara BJP MLA reveals internal conflicts within party

AHMEDABAD: While the Kshatriya movement challenges BJP leaders in Gujarat, internal conflicts within the party also surface continuously. Former BJP MLA Jitu Sukhadia questioned the party's organization, labeling it as ineffective. Sukhdia has said that there is no group in the BJP, but individuals are playing political tricks to satisfy their ambitions. Additionally, Sukhadia lamented a lack of communication regarding candidate programs, pointing out the evident communication gap within the party, which he deemed undesirable. During an interaction with local media in Vadodara on Monday, Jitu Sukhadiya, a highly regarded senior BJP member and former MLA of Sayajigunj, raised significant queries regarding the party's organizational functioning and working methods. Sukhadiya remarked, The dynamics within the BJP in the city have shifted, with a lack of support and accountability. This poses a significant problem as the party seems to be driven solely by those who display banners (against the party). This should be stopped immediately; the organization of the Vadodara City BJP has faltered. Instead of cohesive teamwork, there's a trend of individuals employing political tactics for personal gain. We were left uninformed about the candidate program, and the prevailing communication vacuum is far from ideal. Sukhadia highlighted, A glaring instance of communication shortfall occurred yesterday with the BJP rally in Vadodara. I wasn't informed, and the event wasn't organized as diligently as it ought to have been. I've conveyed this concern to our high command, urging them to take a proactive interest and ensure respect for all party workers. It's crucial to arrange events in a manner that upholds the dignity of our seniors. BJP's internal divisions in Vadodara have persisted over an extended period. Initially, the party nominated Ranjan Bhatt, a two-time MP, for a ticket.However, protests erupted among BJP leaders in Vadodara following the announcement. Dr Jyotipandaya, the vice president of BJP's Rashtriya Mahila Morcha, resigned in protest. Subsequently, Ranjanben Bhatt, the BJP MP from Vadodara, declined the offer to contest for the third time, making her decision public through social media platforms. Following Ranjan Bhatt's withdrawal, the BJP nominated young leader Dr. Hemang Joshi as their candidate for the seat. However, even after his nomination, there was dissent among local BJP leaders. A viral video on social media depicted Yogesh Patel, a senior BJP leader and MLA from Vadodara, refusing to wear the BJP scarf handed to him by Dr. Hemang Joshi during a rally. Amidst internal discord within the BJP leadership, the Kshatriya community staged protests across Gujarat on Monday against the BJP's Rajkot candidate, Purushottam Rupala.

Ashok Gehlot says no substance in BJP's 400 seat claim; says Cong will win in Gujarat

Asked about Union minister and BJP Rajkot Lok Sabha candidate Parshottam Rupala's allegedly objectionable comments against the Kshatriya community, Gehlot claimed he had heard from others that the former had a habit of making such statements that enraged different groups.

'Nuclear bomb' joke proves costly as Gujarati businessmen end up in custody

In a bizarre twist of events that could rival the plot of a Hollywood comedy, two unsuspecting businessmen from Rajkot, Gujarat, found themselves in a nuclear-sized predicament at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Jignesh Malani and Kashyap Kumar Lalani, who were merely trying to catch their flight back to Ahmedabad, inadvertently triggered a security nightmare by uttering the words no airport official ever wants to hear: What will you do if I am carrying a nuclear bomb? Little did they know that their innocent, albeit ill-advised, quip would lead to their arrest and a full-blown investigation by the Delhi Police. The duo, who work as contractors in the construction sector, had travelled to Dwarka to discuss a purchase with a business associate. However, their casual remark about nuclear weapons quickly escalated into a situation that even the most seasoned scriptwriters would struggle to conjure up. As the security staff at the airport grappled with the gravity of the situation, Malani and Lalani found themselves in the middle of a real-life farce. The FIR filed by an airline official painted a picture of two individuals who posed a significant security threat to the aircraft and its passengers, all because of a poorly timed joke. The name of the airline has not been revealed. Deputy Commissioner of Police Usha Rangani, tasked with unraveling this peculiar case, revealed that the accused were just ordinary businessmen caught in an extraordinary circumstance. Following their arrests, the two were released on bail, leaving them to ponder the consequences of their nuclear-themed wit. They had travelled to Dwarka in Delhi to meet a business associate regarding a purchase. Following their arrests, they were released on bail and the investigation is ongoing, the DCP told PTI. (with inputs from PTI)