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

Rajkots Dalit cattle skinners | A livelihood silenced - The Hindu

Rajkots Dalit cattle skinners | A livelihood silenced The Hindu

Amid Ongoing agitations, PM Modi Acknowledges Rajputs, Meets Jamnagar Royal

Amid Ongoing agitations, PM Modi Acknowledges Rajputs, Meets Jamnagar Royal As Kshatriyas continue to protest against Union minister Parshottam Rupala over his remarks on erstwhile maharajas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the scion of the Jamnagar royal family and praised the community for its sacrifices. Rupala is the BJP candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, which goes to polls on May 7. Ahead of his poll rally in Jamnagar on Thursday evening, Modi met Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji at his residence in the city. Upon reaching Jamnagar, went to the residence of Jam Saheb Shri Shatrusalyasinhji and had a wonderful interaction with him. Meeting him is always a delight. His warmth and wisdom are exemplary, Modi said on X. He also shared photos of Shatrusalyasinhji, the last person to hold the title of Maharaja of Nawanagar, putting a halari paghdi (royal turban) on Modi's head. Later, Modi reached the rally venue wearing the headgear. Addressing the rally, Modi recalled the battle of Bhuchar Mori, which was fought in 1591 between the army of Kathiawar led by Nawanagar State and the Mughal army at the Bhuchar Mori plateau near Dhrol in Jamnagar district. The battle, which was won by the Mughal army, resulted in a large number of casualties on both sides. When I was chief minister in Gujarat, some Kshatriya community leaders came to meet me and invited me to attend an event at Bhuchar Mori. One of them told me though we are inviting you, we know that you will not come, said the PM, who held three more rallies in the state during the day. Modi said when he asked the person why he made such a comment, the person told him that no chief minister had gone there in the past because someone had spread a rumour that if a CM visited that place, he would lose his chief ministership. I told them that I would definitely come because my CM's post held no value against the sacrifice of the Kshatriya community. And I attended that event, Modi said. The Kshatriya community, also known as Rajputs, is angry with Rupala for his statement about former rulers. Rupala had triggered a row by claiming that erstwhile maharajas succumbed to the persecution by foreign rulers and Britishers and even married off their daughters to them. The Kshatriya community in Gujarat strongly objected to the remarks as the majority of the erstwhile royals were Rajputs. Since the BJP did not remove Rupala as its Rajkot candidate as demanded by the agitating Rajputs, the community has launched a state-wide stir and announced to hold four mahasammelans or mega gatherings ahead of the May 7 polls to defeat BJP in at least 10 seats in Gujarat, including Rajkot and Jamnagar.

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 .

Rajkot court penalises teacher for false rape complaint against school principal - The Indian Express

Rajkot court penalises teacher for false rape complaint against school principal The Indian Express

Atal Sarovar in Rajkot now open for public - DeshGujarat

Atal Sarovar in Rajkot now open for public DeshGujarat

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.

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)

I accept my mistake but it is unfair to involve PM Modi in this: Union Minister Rupala

BILKULONLINE Rajkot, April 27: Union Minister Parshottam Rupala addressed the Kshatriya communitys concerns during a recent BJP event in Jasdan, The post I accept my mistake but it is unfair to involve PM Modi in this: Union Minister Rupala appeared first on Bilkul Online .

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 .

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.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Flags Off Mahavir Jayanti Yatra in Rajkot

Surat: Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader, flagged off the Mahavir Jayanti Yatra in Rajkot on Sunday and extended his best wishes to everyone. On the auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti, with all excitement, Jain society across the country celebrates with the principles of Lord Mahavir. I extend my best wishes to everyone, Rupani told the media. Claiming victory for his party in Gujarat, Rupani stated, The environment is heating up as the election is going forward. BJP is ahead in campaigning across the nation, and in Gujarat, 26 out of 26 seats BJP will win, he told the media.Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat's 26 parliamentary constituencies are scheduled to be held on May 7, 2024, in a single phase during the third phase.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah Extend Wishes Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, stating that the messages of Lord Mahavir are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India.In a post on social media, PM Modi said, On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, my best wishes to all the families of the country. Lord Mahavir's messages related to peace, restraint, and goodwill are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and said that Lord Mahavir's principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession will guide generations.In a post on social media, Amit Shah said, Infinite wishes to everyone on Lord Mahavir Jayanti. Lord Mahavir Ji, the eternal symbol of sacrifice, penance, truth, and non-violence, paved the way for the welfare of the entire human race through his teachings. His Panchsheel principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession will guide generations. Significance of Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was given the name of 'Vardhamana' in his childhood. Born in 615 BC in a royal family, Mahavira renounced his princely status at the age of 30 to start his spiritual journey in search of truth and enlightenment. He practiced austerities and meditated for 12 years in a forest to achieve 'Kevala Jnana.' He then propagated the Dharma known as Jainism. The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with rituals such as praying at Jain temples, processions, singing hymns adoring Lord Mahavira, fasting to purify the body and soul, charity, cultural programs, and lectures by religious scholars and leaders. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to highlight the significance of Jainism in the world, especially in India. The core teachings of Mahavira, including non-violence, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment, hold great importance in the world today. Delhi Police Special Cell Arrests Alleged Kingpin of Interstate Firearms Racket BJP's Moradabad Lok Sabha Candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Singh Passes Away Security Forces Encounter Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, One Killed

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

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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 .

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'

Rajkot LS seat to remain BJP fortress despite anti-Rupala stir by Rajputs: Analysts

Despite Rupala's apology, the Kshatriyas, also called Rajputs, see his remarks as an insult to them and have asked the BJP to withdraw his candidature or face defeat in Rajkot, a Patidar-dominated seat considered as BJP's stronghold.

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 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.

Western Railway Run Special Trains Between Udhana-Patna & Rajkot-Lalkua

Ahmedabad, April 13 (Udaipur Kiran): In view of the rush of passengers during the vacation period, Western Railway has decided to run a weekly Holi Day Special train from Udhana (Surat) to Patna. It has also been decided to run weekly special trains with special fares between Udhana-Patna and Rajkot-Lalkua for the convenience of passengers. ... Read more

'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.

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.

Threat of Nuclear Bomb at Delhi Airport: Arrests Made

New Delhi: Delhi Police detained two individuals for making a threat to bring a nuclear bomb to the Indira Gandhi International Airport during a security check. The incident occurred on April 5 when Jignesh Malani and Kashyap Kumar Lalani, residents of Rajkot, Gujarat, became agitated during the security screening before boarding a flight to Ahmedabad. Despite having undergone a security check, they objected to being searched again. Allegedly, Malani and Lalani asked the security personnel what they would do if a nuclear bomb was taken on board. Concerned about the threat, security staff promptly apprehended them, leading to chaos on the flight. Both passengers were swiftly removed from the aircraft and handed over to Delhi Police, who subsequently registered a case against them. Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Usha Rangani stated that the duo, identified as contractors in the construction sector, had traveled to Dwarka, Delhi, for a business meeting and were arrested based on a complaint from airport authorities. They have since been released on bail. This incident follows a similar one in March when a Bangladeshi citizen, Mohammad Nazrul Islam, was arrested for sending a fake email claiming a bomb threat on a Delhi-Kolkata flight. His motive was to prevent his brother-in-law from reaching Kolkata, fearing his deception in marriage would be exposed. The email triggered heightened security measures at the airport, but investigations led to the arrest of Islam, who had stayed at a hotel in Kolkata. The police traced him through his interactions with another individual, Amardeep, who had arrived on the same flight from Delhi. see where a woman climbs on electricity tower after getting caught Anas Qureshi Allegedly Stabs Female Friend to Death in Punjab Migrant Worker from Arunachal Pradesh Beaten to Death by Mob in Kerala's Ernakulam City

'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)

Two held for nuclear bomb threat at Delhi airport

New Delhi: Two passengers were arrested by police for giving threat of a nuclear bomb to security staff during frisking at Delhis IGI airport, an official said on Monday. The official said that the incident occurred on April 5. The duo was identified as Jignesh Malani and Kashyap Kumar Lalani, both residents of Rajkot in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Caste matrix threatens saffron citadel of Gujarat

AHMEDABAD : In a complex caste maze of Gujarat in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP appears to be running the risk of falling between two stools the Kshatriyas and the powerful Patidars. The former wants the party to replace its candidate and Union Minister Purushottam Rupala from the Rajkot seat for his gratuitous remark on the community (he later apologized with little impact). The Patidar community to which Rupala belongs has let it be known that it stands solidly behind him. For the past week, the Kshatriya community, also known as Rajput, has been staging protests following Rupalas remarks made during an event. Things have come to such a pass that on Saturday a section of the Kshatriya communitys women threatened johar (self-immolation) if Rupala insisted on his candidature for the constituency. Simultaneously, the state police have detained Mahipal Makrana, the national president of Karni Sena. Meanwhile, former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved soon. In a media interaction, Rupani said: Rupala sahab has already apologized). The Kshatriya community has forgiven many in the past. I am sure the issue will be resolved. The Patidar community members have taken to social media to voice their support for Rupala. Jyoti Tilwa, a BJP leader and a prominent figure within the community, penned a message urging unity. In her message, Tilwa wrote: Even after apologizing, it is not appropriate for anyone to have such concerns. Let us wake up, and support Rupala sahib, the message read. Other members of the Patidar community, too, took to social media to back Rupala. Lalit Vasoya, the Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Porbandar and a prominent leader within the Patidar community, has accused the ruling BJP of attempting to create discord between the two communities. The Patidar voters wield considerable sway with an estimated dominance over 40 Assembly seats out of 182 and more than seven Lok Sabha seats of the total 26. In 2017, the Patidar agitation spearheaded by Hardik Patel intensified demands for reservation, resulting in significant repercussions for the BJP. The party experienced a notable setback, securing only 99 seats in the Assembly out of 182. Recognizing the importance of Patidar support, the BJP strategically fields candidates from the community in key constituencies. For instance, Rupala is nominated for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, while Mansukh Mandaviya contests from the Porbandar seat, both representing the Patidar community. These constituencies fall within the Saurashtra zone of Gujarat, comprising areas with a significant Patidar voter base, including Morbi, Tankara, Gondal, Dhoraji, Amreli, Savarkundla, Jetpur, Rajkot East, Rajkot West, and Rajkot South assembly seats.

Rajput women threaten jauhar if BJP fails to withdraw Rupala from LS fray; Karni Sena leader held

AHMEDABAD, Apr 6 : A high drama prevailed in Ahmedabad on Saturday when some women from the Kshatriya community threatened to perform jauhar (self-immolation) outside the BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar demanding the party withdraw Parshottam Rupalas candidature over anti-Rajput remarks. Police detained five women and Shree Rashtriya Karni Sena president Mahipal Singh Makrana before he could meet them in Ahmedabad. In other parts of the state, members of the Kshatriya community organised a march in Rajkot while in Jam Khambhalia [] The post Rajput women threaten jauhar if BJP fails to withdraw Rupala from LS fray; Karni Sena leader held appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Protests escalate, Kshatriyas demand withdrawal of Rupalas candidature

Thousands in Rajkot march to Collectors office to submit memorandum expressing their demand

Gujarat: BJP in a bind over Rajkot amid Kshatriya resistance

AHMEDABAD : The BJP is facing a dilemma over the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat, amidst protests from Kshatriyas against BJP candidate Parshottam Rupalas remarks, while the Patidar community supports him, Rajkot was adorned with banners and placards supporting Rupala on Thursday night. The BJP is in a tight spot: yielding to Kshatriya pressure by replacing Rupala might provoke the Patidar community, which holds sway over 10 out of Gujarats 26 LS seats, a scenario the BJP wishes to avoid. According to sources, despite extensive protests from the Kshatriya community lasting over a week against Rajkot BJP candidate Parshottam Rupala, it is unlikely that the BJP will change its candidate. The fear is that such a move could spark inter-caste tensions, particularly if the Patidar community turns against the BJP, potentially resulting in losses for the party in the Lok Sabha. The significance of this lies in the BJPs significant setback in 2017 when the Patidar reservation movement led to the party winning only 99 out of 182 assembly seats. The Patidar community holds substantial political influence in Gujarat, with an estimated dominance over 40 Assembly seats and more than seven Lok Sabha seats. Some community leaders even assert their dominance in over 50 Assembly and more than 10 Lok Sabha seats. Representing about 18 percent of Gujarats population, the Patidar communitys support is crucial for political parties seeking success in the state.

Gujarat: Caste cauldron causes unease in BJP as Patidar, Kshatriya get into fight

AHMEDABAD: As the Kshatriya community has remained firm on their demand that Union minister Purushottam Rupala be replaced as the BJP candidate from the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, Patidars have started a social media drive in support of him, leaving the ruling party caught between two dominant castes in Gujarat With about 18 per cent of Gujarats population, the Patidar community holds sway over more than seven of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. For the past week, the Kshatriyas, also known as Rajputs, have been staging protests over Rupalas remarks about the community. Jyoti Tilwa, a BJP leader and a prominent figure among the Patidars, circulated a message urging for unity. Even after Rupala apologised many times, it is not appropriate for anyone to have such a concern. Let us wake up, my brothers and sisters, and support Rupala sahib. the message read. Kshatriya stir hits BJP in Gujarat bastion Many other Patidar leaders have taken to social media to express their support for Rupala. The community had planned to hold a meeting in Vadodara on Thursday, but it was cancelled at the last moment. Instead, a meeting took place at Rupalas residence in Gandhinagar with BJP leaders. Lalit Vasoya, the Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Porbandar and a Patidar leader, has accused the BJP of attempting to drive a wedge between the two communities. Certain BJP leaders are turning a personal feud with Rupala into a rift between two communities. I denounce this attempt. Efforts must be made to uphold amicable relations between the two communities, Vasoya told the media.

With Rs 6500 cr dedicated budget in 2024-25, railway can achieve 100% electrification: Officials

With Rs 6500 cr dedicated budget in 2024-25, railway can achieve 100% electrification: Officials A dedicated budget of Rs 65,00 crore as allocated in 2024-25 can help achieve complete electrification of the rail network, senior railway officials said, highlighting the recent achievement of 95 per cent electrification of Broad Gauge. ''With a dedicated budget of Rs 6,500 Crores during FY 2024-25 for further electrification projects, India remains committed to achieving complete electrification. This will not only revolutionise the railway system but also contribute significantly to the country's sustainability goals,'' a senior railway official said. He added, ''The electrification programme is not just about environmental benefits. It's a catalyst for economic growth. It creates jobs during construction, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and positions Indian Railways as a modern and efficient engine of the nation's economy.'' Railway officials maintain that India is making significant strides towards a sustainable future by rapidly electrifying its vast network. The Railways has electrified 7188 route kms during 2023-24 which is a historic accomplishment and also holds immense potential for the nation's economic and environmental well-being. ''With a massive push in electrification projects, Indian Railways has achieved nearly 95% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) network. 21 States and UTs have seamless traction facility which is a significant achievement for Indian Railways, the national transporter of India,'' another senior official said. He added, ''Diesel locomotives have dominated Indian Railways for decades. However, electric trains offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative. Electricity powers the trains, eliminating dependence on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The shift to electric traction is projected to cut carbon emissions by a significant 24% by 2027-28.'' Some of the important sections which were electrified during FY 2023-24, include Ahmedabad-Rajkot-Okha (499 Kms), Bengaluru-Talguppa (371 Kms) and Bhatinda-Firozpur-Jalandhar (301 Kms). ''Over 42,000 kilometers of tracks have been electrified in the last decade alone, bringing the total electrified network to an impressive 95% of the broad-gauge network,'' the official said.

Kshatriya stir hits BJP in Gujarat bastion

AHMEDABAD: The BJP in Gujarat is facing an unprecedented situation. State party president CR Patil has attempted to quell tension within the Kshatriya community and absolve BJP candidate Purushottam Rupala for his remarks on the community. However, former party president and ex-MP Rajendra Singh Rana signaled a persistence of protest, asserting, Rupalas remarks have offended the sentiments of the Kshatriyas, and their protest will continue, said Rana. Patil urged the Rajput community to forgive the Union minister and the BJPs Rajkot candidate Parshottam Rupala. Even though Rupala has apologised thrice for his remarks, the Rajputs are still angry. To find a solution, a meeting in the presence of our CM and the partys Rajput leaders was held today. Our feeling is that since Rupala has already apologised, the community should show generosity and forgive him, said Patil. Patil convened a meeting with the partys Rajput leaders in the presence of CM Bhupendra Patel aimed at pacifying the members of the Kshatriya community, who are expressing discontent against Rupala over his remarks. While Patil sought to ease the Rajput communitys opposition to Rupala, on the very same day, during the Kshatriya convention at the Navapara Rajput Hostel in Bhavnagar city, former BJP state president and ex-MP Rajendra Singh Rana declared his support for the Kshatriya community. Speaking at the convention, Rajendra Singh Rana said: The comment made by him (Rupala), praising one community over another has deeply wounded the sentiments of our community, sparking anger. Now, we are protesting. He said for generations, the Rajput community has safeguarded the nations cultural heritage, and it will continue to do so in the future. The community is on the brink of agitation today... All of us will embrace the decisions made by our coordinating committee, said Rana. Despite many efforts by the ruling party, protests against Purushottam Rupala persisted on Wednesday. Bhupendra Sinh Chudasma, a senior BJP leader and former minister, told the media following the Kshatriya Community Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday that the community was adamant about accepting no resolution rather than withdrawing Rupalas candidacy. On Tuesday, Kshatriya community members, led by women, gathered at the Vadodara District Collectors office to hand over a memorandum against the statements made by the Union Minister during his campaign in Rajkot. Carrying banners, the protesters chanted slogans and demanded that Rupala be pulled out of the Lok Sabha race. In Bharuch, too, the protesters who chanted slogans against the BJP and demanded that Rupalas candidature be withdrawn, also clashed with the police after the cops foiled their attempt to burn an effigy.

Gujarat's Cinematic Talent Shines At Red FM's Mobile Film Project Season 3

Gujarat's Cinematic Talent Shines At Red FM's Mobile Film Project Season 3 NewsVoir Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 3: India's leading private radio and entertainment network, Red FM concluded Mobile Film Project, Season 3, on March 30th, 2024 at the Vastrapur Amphitheatre, Ahmedabad. The event marked a glorious celebration of Gujarat's burgeoning cinematic talent. This season, the Mobile Film Project centered around the theme of Gujarat - capturing the essence of the state's cultural richness and societal evolution over the past decade. With over 500 entries pouring in from across Gujarat, the event showcased 72 films. The grand finale featured the top 15 films. Eminent figures from the Gujarati filmmaking industry, including Actor Malhar Thakar, Renowned Director Sandeep Patel, Music Composer and Lyricist Bhargav Purohit, Writer Ram Mori, and Director Rajesh Sharma, generously shared their expertise, guiding aspiring filmmakers on various aspects of the craft. Special sessions and workshops were organized across select colleges in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, and Rajkot. The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, where 17 accolades were presented, honoring excellence in categories such as Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Cinematographer. The winning team received a cash prize of 1 lakh, while the first and second runners-up received Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000. Speaking on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, RED FM, and Magic FM, said, The power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression took center stage in this year's Mobile Film Project in Gujarat. It truly reaffirmed Gujarat's position as a hub of cinematic innovation and storytelling excellence. This IP was created to encourage filmmakers to share the stories they had captured on their mobiles. It's heartening to see the IP running successfully in its third year, doing that and so much more for the filmmakers. As a media brand, we take pride in celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of regional content that the Mobile Film Project, with this year's theme 'Gujarat,' captured so intricately. Red FM stands out as not only India's largest radio channel but also one of the biggest entertainment networks. We are hyper-local, hyper vocal, and with our brand philosophy and attitude 'Bajaate Raho!' We are at the core of millennials' hearts. By leveraging our two-decades-old legacy and expertise, we sow the seeds of a 'larger than life experience'. We thrive on the emotional connection with the listeners and audience fashioned through a massive footprint of 69 radio stations across the country. We create original podcasts, digital shows, and on-ground events, feature independent music, make 360-degree noise, and speak the truth. As the 'station of expression', Red FM boasts over 567 award-winning campaigns including BEST BRAND, BEST FM STATION, and BEST RJs. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Amid rift, Gujarat BJP rules out change of candidates

AHMEDABAD: Though the BJP faced dissidence over selection of candidates in at least six Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, the saffron party has made it clear that no nominee from any of the 26 constituencies in the state will be replaced, party leaders said. Should you harbour any reservations against any candidate, set them aside and cast your vote for the BJP in the name of Prime Minister Modi, Gujarat BJP president CR Patil said on Monday night while addressing a meeting in Surat. From Valsad to Sabarkantha, concerns have been raised by BJP members over the candidates fielded. The demand for replacement of candidates was louder in Sabarkantha, Junagadh, Amreli, and Valsad. Despite objections over candidates, such as Purushottam Rupala from Rajkot, Shobhana Baraiya from Sabarkantha and Dhaval Patel from Valsad, the BJP top leadership has said party candidates in all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will be retained, a party leader said, requesting anonymity. Patil said, Give one vote to whoever is the candidate of the BJP. Get a vote from your family and friends as well. If your buddy tells you that he doesnt like the BJP candidate, convince him that you have to vote for Prime Minister Modi. If the candidate doesnt work, let me know. I will say to Prime Minister Modi. Purushottam Rupala, the BJP candidate from Rajkot, miffed the Kshatriya community with his remarks, and the row escalated over the past week. The Kshatriya community are demanding that Rupala be replaced in Rajkot. Addressing a a news conference on Tuesday, Patil said, Kshatriya community should forgive Rajkot candidate Parsottam Rupala with a big heart. He has apologised three times. There is no need to replace Parsottam Rupala as a candidate. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a BJP leader said, No candidate in any constituency will be changed. If the BJP changes its candidates at this stage, it will give a signal to the public that the BJPs position in Gujarat is not strong. Earlier, due to opposition from BJP workers on the Vadodara and Sabarkantha seats, both the candidates withdrew their candidature. if not candidate, vote for Prime Minister Modi Gujarat BJP president CR Patil assured the party members and said that if there was any reservation against any candidate, then the party members must set them aside and cast their votes for the BJP in the name of Prime Minister Modi.

India will get permanent UNSC seat: EAM Jaishankar

Rajkot, Apr 2: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India will definitely get permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council as there is a feeling in the world that it should get the position, but the country will have to work harder this time for it. He was speaking during an interaction [] The post India will get permanent UNSC seat: EAM Jaishankar appeared first on Northlines .

BJP in huddle over protests against Rajkot candidate Parshottam Rupala

Sources within the party, however, said that talks with a few leaders was not going to help. For starters, only the leaders from Saurashtra were called for today's meeting, said a party functionary on condition of anonymity. But the protests have spread all over the state and are not limited only to Saurashtra anymore, he added.

BJP in huddle over protests against Rajkot candidate Parshottam Rupala

Sources within the party, however, said that talks with a few leaders was not going to help. For starters, only the leaders from Saurashtra were called for today's meeting, said a party functionary on condition of anonymity. But the protests have spread all over the state and are not limited only to Saurashtra anymore, he added.

Jaishankar Optimistic About Permanent UNSC Seat for India

Rajkot : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed optimism about India's eventual permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying it is inevitable but emphasised the need for heightened efforts in this regard. Addressing intellectuals in Gujarat's Rajkot city, the External Affairs Minister stressed that diligent work is essential to secure this coveted position. Acknowledging the current dominance of five nations - China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US - as the UN's original permanent members, the minister, however, said the international momentum was now favouring India's bid for a permanent seat. The United Nations was formed around 80 years ago, and these five nations decided among themselves to become permanent members of its security council, Jaishankar said. He highlighted the historical context of the UNSC's formation, where five nations secured permanent membership, underscoring the evolving global landscape with around 193 countries today. But these five nations have kept their control, and it is strange that you have to ask them to give us their consent for a change. A few agree, a few others put forward their position with honesty, while others do something from behind, he said. Jaishankar spoke about the collaborative proposals involving India, Japan, Germany, and Egypt which have been submitted to the UN, signalling progress. But now, there is a feeling across the world that this should change, and India should get a permanent seat. I see this feeling increasing every year, he said, adding we will definitely get it. But nothing big is ever achieved without hard work...we will have to work hard, and this time we will have to work even harder. He stressed the importance of mounting pressure, citing recent stalemates over conflicts like the Ukraine war and Gaza. Jaishankar linked the UN's perceived weakening to increased opportunities for India's bid for permanent membership saying, ...there is a feeling in the world that the UN has weakened. There was a deadlock in the UN on the Ukraine war and no consensus was reached in the UN regarding Gaza. I think as this feeling increases, our chances of getting a permanent seat will increase, he added. Earlier in his address, the minister highlighted India's democratic achievements and economic resilience amidst the pandemic. He underscored India's potential as a global growth engine. Jaishankar said India has proved in the last 10 years that democracy can deliver. The world is amazed at India moving towards 7 per cent growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic hampering growth, he said. Recognizing India's progress in various sectors, he emphasised the nation's role as a talented and capable contributor to global problem-solving efforts. The world believes that India as the fastest growing large economy can become the engine of global growth, he said, adding technological talent of the country has been recognised globally. World agencies such as the UN understand India's achievements in social sectors like access to water, electricity, roads, health, schooling, etc, the external affairs minister further said. As India continues its journey towards further economic growth and social development, Jaishankar reiterated the importance of recognising the country's potential and the world's expectations of its significant contributions on the global stage. We should understand that being the fifth largest economy, on the way to becoming the third largest and with the biggest population, the world believes us to be talented people and expects us to contribute to resolve challenges, he added. Responding to a sensitive case of baby girl Ariha Shah, whose custody situation in Germany has garnered attention, the minister said at my level I have raised the issue with my counterpart. Our effort is to find some solutions. Assuring ongoing efforts to address the matter, he expressed dissatisfaction with the current arrangements and affirmed India's commitment to ensuring the child's welfare and cultural upbringing.

When you leave borders, go with full confidence: EAM Jaishankar assures safe return home for Indians worldwide

When you leave borders, go with full confidence: EAM Jaishankar assures safe return home for Indians worldwide External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday assured safe return home for Indian citizens worldwide and recalled how India's foreign policy was at the forefront for the evacuation of Indian nationals under Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from the violence-hit Haiti and Operation Ganga in Ukraine. He said that the Indians should have full confidence that the government will stand by them in all kinds of eventualities and crises, be it the Ukraine, earthquake in Nepal, war in Yemen, or others and never leave them to their fate. Speaking at the intellectual meet in Gujarat's Rajkot, Jaishankar said, When you leave the borders of India and go out into the world, then go with full confidence that the Indian government is standing with you. Furthermore, Jaishankar underscored India's proactive approach, contrasting it with the limited evacuation efforts of some other nations during the crisis. If you see Ukraine, we people ran 90 flights at that time, some countries were running 4-5 flights, and many left their people there, saying if you are stuck, get out of there by yourself, we can't do much for you, S Jaishankar said. In an effort to evacuate Indian citizens from Ukraine, India operated a total of 90 flights. While some countries were running 4-5 flights, many left their citizens there. The country that leaves its people to their fate will never have respect, he added. Jaishankar highlighting the significant events that happened in Nepal, Yemen, Gaza and Sudan, said, If you look at the last 10 years, there was an earthquake in Nepal, war in Yemen, recently there was a war going on in Sudan too, and whatever happened in Gaza, and, when the Taliban captured Kabul in Afghanistan, some people came to seek refuge in India. He affirmed that the objective of such initiatives is to instill confidence among Indian citizens travelling abroad. So this system is to instill confidence in our citizens, that when you are leaving the borders of India and going out, go with full confidence that the Indian government is standing with you, he said. This government does not just say things, but also does them, Jaishankar said. Now, in Haiti, around 25-30 people were there, their safety is also important, every life matters, and for that, a system has to be made...Preparations has to be done. In the past 10 years, we built a system, and in case someone gets stuck abroad, there's a fund and we tries to help them as soon as possible. Also, If we plan to go there, we see how we can altogether coordinate between us, defence ministry, our navy, and air force, he added. Jaishankar emphasized the assurance given to Indian citizens, stating that if they are leaving India's borders to go abroad, they should go with full confidence that the Indian government stands with them This assurance is not merely rhetoric but is demonstrated through tangible actions repeatedly undertaken by the government, he added. Indian government through its evacuation operation in Sudan and Ukraine has proved that India will never leave its people behind during crises. Operation Kaveri was launched to evacuate Indian nationals from Sudan. Notably, Operation Ganga was an evacuation mission carried out by the Indian government to rescue its citizens stranded in Ukraine when the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv started on February 24, 2022. Similarly, this year, the Indian government launched Operation Kaveri to rescue Indian nationals from conflict-ridden Sudan. India also evacuated its nationals under Operation Devi Shakti in Afghanistan and Vande Bharat mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. (ANI)

'Set aside grievances, cast your vote for PM Modi': Gujarat BJP President's response to internal conflicts

AHMEDABAD: Responding indirectly to the internal conflicts within the party, Gujarat BJP President CR Patil said during a public address, Should you harbor any reservations about the candidate, set them aside and cast your vote for BJP in the name of Prime Minister Modi. Sources indicate that BJP supporters are discontented with the candidate selection process carried out by the party's high command. From Valsad to Sabarkantha, concerns have been raised solely by BJP followers regarding the chosen candidates. Particularly, there's a significant demand for candidate replacements in Sabarkantha, Junagadh, Amreli, and Valsad, citing various reasons. A credible insider closely involved in the matter revealed that despite objections voiced by candidates like Purushottam Rupala for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, Shobhana Baraiya for Sabarkantha, and Dhaval Patel for Valsad, the BJP is adamant about maintaining the same set of candidates across all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. Indirectly supporting this sentiment, BJP President CR Patil stated during an event held in Surat on Monday night, Give one vote to whoever is the candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Get a vote from your family and friends as well. If your buddy tells you that he doesn't like the BJP candidate, convince him that you have to vote for Prime Minister Modi. Even if you don't like the candidate, if the candidate doesn't work, let me know. I will say to Prime Minister Modi. The ongoing political heat surrounding Purushottam Rupala, the BJP candidate from Rajkot, and the Kshatriya Community issue has escalated over the past week. At this juncture, leaders from the Kshatriya Community are demanding a change in the ticket for Purushottam Rupala. In a news conference on Tuesday, putting an end to speculation regarding candidate changes, the BJP president also affirmed, Kshatriya Community should forgive Rajkot candidate Parsottam Rupala with a big heart. He has apologized three times. There is no need to replace Parsottam Rupala as a candidate in Rajkot. Previously, due to internal opposition from BJP Party workers on the Vadodara and Sabarkantha seats, both candidates, Ranjan Bhatt of Vadodara and Bhikhaji Thakor of Sabarkantha withdrew their candidature. They were subsequently replaced by Dr. Hemang Joshi and Shobhana Baraiya, respectively.

LS polls: Rajput community's stir against Rupala won't ignite old rivalry with Patidars, say experts

LS polls: Rajput community's stir against Rupala won't ignite old rivalry with Patidars, say experts The agitation by the Rajput community against Union minister and BJP's Rajkot Lok Sabha seat candidate Parshottam Rupala, a Patidar, will not snowball into a conflict between the two communities like in earlier days, say political experts. Addressing a small gathering in Rajkot on March 22, Rupala remarked that erstwhile 'maharajas' succumbed to the persecution of foreign rulers as well as the Britishers. The Union minister further said these 'maharajas' broke bread with these rulers and also married off their daughters to them. Rajput community members saw the remarks as an insult to them. They have urged the BJP to withdraw Rupala's candidature or face defeat. They have 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. The BJP has this time given ticket to Rupala from Rajkot, dropping sitting MP Mohan Kundariya, also a Patidar. Experts said that Rajput community leaders have made it clear they are against Rupala and have no issues with the BJP replacing him with another Patidar. ''In the past, the two communities were against each other. But in this case, no Patidar group has come forward to support Rupala. Rajput leaders are not against Patidars. They are opposing Rupala. I don't see any conflict between the two groups here,'' said political analyst Ravindra Trivedi. The issue may cost the BJP 10,000 to 20,000 votes, but this will not dent its chances of victory, he pointed out. ''There are nearly 50,000 Rajput voters in the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, which is a predominantly an urban constituency. Moreover, the Congress has not even found a suitable candidate. In this situation, the stand taken by Rajputs may not have any significant impact on the final poll result,'' said Trivedi. In the 1980s, Rajputs, also called Kshatriyas, and Patidars were rivals, with even murders taking place due to the friction. One such incident which deepened the division was the killing of three Rajputs near Mangadh village in Bhavnagar in 1982. Nearly 20 Patels (Patidars) who were arrested in the case were later acquitted. Rajputs allegedly took revenge by killing nine Patidars of Mangadh two years later. In 1988, Rajput leader Aniruddhasinh Jadeja allegedly killed sitting Congress MLA Popatlal Sorathiya, a Patidar, by shooting him in his forehead in full public view in Rajkot's Gondal town. Political analyst Jagdish Acharya said the old rivalry between these two groups vanished under the BJP rule as the united Hindu vote bank got strengthened and the bitter feelings have gone now. ''Otherwise, Jayrajsinh Jadeja (a Rajput) couldn't have won from the Patidar-dominated Gondal assembly seat in the past. This incident involving Rupala is unlikely to revive those long forgotten caste fault-lines,'' he opined. ''This is not a case of Patidar versus Kshatriya. This is between Rupala and some Kshatriya leaders. It was just a slip of the tongue from Rupala, who otherwise has showered praises on Rajputs in the past,'' he added. Jagdish Mehta, a political analyst from Rajkot, said the rivalry that existed between Patidars and Rajputs three decades ago has died down and they are living harmoniously today. ''The murder of Sorathiya at the hands of Jadeja had added fuel to the fire. However. this time, the agitating Rajputs have clearly said they have no problem if Rupala is replaced with any other Patidar. This shows Rajputs are only against Rupala,'' he said. After making the critical remarks on erstwhile rulers of princely states at a gathering in Rajkot, Rupala apologised twice, saying he never meant what he said. With folded hands, Rupala on March 29 sought forgiveness from the Rajput community at a gathering of community leaders organised by Kshatriya leader and former BJP MLA Jayrajsinh Jadeja near Gondal town in Rajkot. After the Union minister's apology, his party colleague Jadeja declared the issue was now over. However, many Rajput leaders have rejected Rupala's apology and appealed to the BJP to replace him or get ready to face the ire of the community's voters in the elections.

BJP MPs' adoption of villages in Gujarat under 'Adarsh Gram Yojana' lacks social auditing: RTI report

AHMEDABAD: An RTI filed by RTI activists in Gujarat revealed that in ten years, 26 MPs representing the Lok Sabha in Gujarat have adopted only 106 villages, compared to the aim of 130 villages under the Adarsh Gram Yojana. Furthermore, these 106 villages have not undergone any social audits in the preceding decade. Pankti Jog, an RTI activist and Janpath NGO Coordinator, recently submitted a request under the RTI Act to the Gujarat Government. The obtained response uncovered significant gaps in accountability within the administration. Notably, it revealed pending social audits for 106 villages enrolled in the Adarsh Gram Yojana. Additionally, it shed light on the absence of progress reports or statistical data regarding the implementation of MPLAD funds for village development, particularly within the ambit of the Adarsh Gram scheme in Gujarat. Furthermore, the Village Development Commissioner within the General Administration Department (G.A.D) is implicated in this lack of transparency. Pankti Jog remarked, In response to our RTI inquiry, we found that there is a glaring absence of information regarding expenditure and undertaken projects in the adopted villages. Neither the district level planning board, district development officer, collector nor the DRDA could provide any details. Our RTI led to the transformation of 33 District Development Officers into Taluka Development Officers, subsequently delegated to Gram Panchayats. We have reached out to them seeking certified copies of audited financial statements for the 'Adarsh MP Gram Yojana' until October 31, 2023. To date, only Vanpari village in Paddhari taluka, Rajkot district, has furnished their audited accounts, she asserted. When we highlighted this issue to them, they promptly uploaded a comprehensive report on their website, claiming a 100 percent completion rate of work aligned with the GPDP. However, there was a conspicuous absence of statistical evidence or supporting information, remarked Pankti Jog. Out of the 106 villages enrolled in the MP Gram Yojana, the government has showcased a case study of Padharia village in Mehsana district, according to the RTI report. It was revealed that approximately 1200 laborers were registered, yet only 22 job cards were active, indicating actual employment. Astonishingly, these 22 individuals received an average of merely 30 man-days of work annually. How many villages did Gujarat's MPs adopt, and which ones? 1. Under this scheme, each Member of Parliament was required to adopt 3 villages until 2019 and 5 villages from 2019 to 2024. 2. 26 MPs of Gujarat adopted a total of 106 villages from 82 talukas across 29 districts during the five years from 2019 to 2024. Among the plan's set targets, 130 villages were slated for adoption.

Tour Packages from Hyderabad: - IRCTC's special gift for the people of Hyderabad, you will get a chance to visit 5 places simultaneously

Through this package of Indian Railways, you can visit many places on a low budget. All your facilities in the package will be taken care of by Indian Railways. You only need to book package tickets. The package will include travel train tickets, food expenses, hotel expenses and cab-bus expenses for sightseeing. You can book tickets for this package from the official website of Indian Railways. Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Rajkot, Somnath and Vadodara Tour Packages This package is going to start from 3rd April. After this, you will be able to travel through the package every Wednesday. In Packed, you will get a chance to visit the famous places of Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Rajkot, Somnath and Vadodara. This package is for 7 nights and 8 days. For the package, you can take trains from Hyderabad, Kalyan, Pune, Secunderabad and Solapur. 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts will be provided in the package. Package Fee The package fee per person for travelling with two people is Rs 28280. If three people travel together, the package fee per person is Rs 27610. If you are taking children along, you will have to pay Rs 20020 separately. If you want to travel in a sleeper coach, the package fee is reduced. It is a good offer to travel for 8 days for just Rs 28280. In this, passengers will also get the facility of hotel and bus and cab for travelling for 8 days. Maheshwar, Omkareshwar and Ujjain Tour Package This tour package from Hyderabad is going to start from 3rd April. After April 3, you can book tickets for this package on April 10. This tour package is for 4 nights and 5 days. This trip will be completed through flight. You can take a flight from Hyderabad at 2:35 pm. Package Fee- If you are travelling alone, the package fee is Rs 33350. If two people are travelling together, the package fee per person is Rs 26700. Package fees per person for travelling with three people is Rs 25650. If you are taking children along, you will have to pay Rs 17550 separately. With just Rs 26700, you can easily cover the expenses of flight tickets, hotel and cab or bus for travelling. Image Credit- Freepik

Internal rift hits BJP as rebellion erupts in 5 seats

AHMEDABAD: For the first time in 22 years, the BJP in Gujarat is facing serious internal resistance over five of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in the run-up to the May 7 polls. What initially started as dissent in one of the constituencies has now spread to about half a dozen others, including Sabarkantha, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Valsad districts, posing a challenge for the party. To make matters worse, circulating on social media is a letter to the BJP state president urging a change in the partys candidate for the Junagadh constituency. In the viral letter addressed to state BJP president CR Patil, a Jan Sangh worker has highlighted various concerns about BJP candidate Rajesh Chudasama. He has not done a single worth mentioning developmental work in Junagadh, nor has he taken any interest in conveying the central and state government schemes to the beneficiaries, reads the letter. In the wake of the resistance from local leaders, the party candidate in Vadodara, Ranjan Bhatt, was replaced. However, there is growing demand to replace the new candidate, Dr Hemang Joshi. Sources indicate that several BJP workers question Joshis roots, claiming that he was in the state for education and that his involvement with the party was only for three years. Expressing dissent, a BJP worker criticised Joshi on social media. During a live stream featuring state BJP president CR Patil, the worker commented, It is an insult to Vadodaras womens power; first, they were given the ticket and then withdrawn. What has he contributed to the party? Yet, BJP candidate Hemang Joshi asserted that There is no discontent within the BJP. As of now, the controversy concerning the candidacy in Sabarkantha remains unresolved. A meeting was convened at the Chief Ministers residence earlier in the day to deliberate on the Sabarkantha candidate. On Friday, state Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi visited Sabarkantha amid protests against the BJPs nominated candidate, Shobnaben Baraiya. After this visit, sources suggest that the Home Minister submitted a report to the state president and chief minister. Despite BJP candidate Rupala issuing two apologies for his remarks concerning the Rajput community, efforts persist within the community to seek a change in the candidate for Rajkot. On Saturday, the Rajput community gave a memorandum to the Gandhinagar collector and also urged the BJP to reconsider their choice. Kshatriya leader quits Gujarat BJP over Rupalas remarks about community Kshatriya community leader Raj Shekhawat on Saturday resigned from the BJP in protest against Union Minister and Rajkot Lok Sabha candidate Parshottam Rupalas remarks earlier. Rupala, while speaking at a public event, had claimed several Rajput rulers collaborated with the British, a statement that drew widespread condemnation from community members. Shekhawat is also national president of a faction of the Karni Sena, an outfit of the Rajput or Kshatriya community. He said he was resigning from the primary membership of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party with immediate effect. Shekhawat said that he had joined the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls for the welfare of the community and Sanatan Dharma.

BJP struggles with internal conflict over five Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: BJP in Gujarat is at the brink of a huge crisis as internal conflicts are rife within the party over candidates announced in five of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. This is the first time in 22 years, the saffron party is facing resentment from its own workers in the Lok Sabha polls. What initially sparked as dissent in one constituency has now spread to about half a dozen others, including Sabarkantha, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Valsad districts, posing a serious threat for the party. Additionally, circulating on social media is a letter addressed to Gujarat BJP state President CR Patil, urging for a change in the party's candidate for the Junagadh constituency. In the letter, a Jan Sangh worker has highlighted various concerns about BJP's candidate Rajesh Chudasama. He has not done a single eye-catching work in Junagadh, nor has he taken any interest in conveying the central and state government schemes to the beneficiaries, the letter reads. The letter also detailed other concerns about the candidate and demanded his replacement. Following resistance from local leaders, Ranjan Bhatt, the BJP candidate in Vadodara, was replaced. However, there is now growing demand to replace the new candidate, Dr. Hemang Joshi. Sources indicate that several BJP workers had questioned Dr. Hemang's Vadodara roots, claiming that he lacked experience and was involved with the party for just three years. During a live stream featuring the state president, the worker commented, It is an insult to Vadodara's women's power; first, they were given the ticket and then withdrawn. What has he contributed to the party? Odisha: Dismay follows joy for BJP as two vital leaders quit Another constituency where conflict has been brewing is Sabarkantha. In this context, a meeting was convened at the Chief Minister's residence today at 11AM to discuss and finalise the Sabarkantha candidate. Yesterday, Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi visited Sabarkantha amidst protests against the BJP's nominated candidate, Shobnaben Baraiya. Following his visit, sources suggest that the Home Minister submitted a report to the State President and Chief Minister. Another BJP candidate, Rupala, who is contesting from the Rajkot constituency has become in the bad books of a section of party workers after he allegedly passed derogatory remarks about the Rajput community. Though Rupala had issued two apologies, efforts persist within the Rajput community to seek his replacement as candidate. On Saturday, the Rajput Community gave a memorandum to the Collector in Gandhinagar and also urged the BJP to reconsider their choice. Karni Sena leader in Gujarat, Raj Sekhawat, resigned from the BJP in protest on Saturday. Notably, Kshatriya votes constitute 17 percent of Gujarat's electorate, with the Rajkot constituency alone accounting for over three lakh Kshatriya voters. Sources indicate that failure to resolve this issue promptly could spell trouble for the BJP. In another incident, messages were sent through multiple social media channels, addressed to CR Patil and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the replacement of Dhaval Patel, the BJP's nominee for the Valsad constituency, with a new candidate. The BJP contended that these letters were orchestrated by the opposition, while the Congress denied any association with them. Karnataka BJP leader Tejaswini Gowda joins Congress ahead of LS polls

Gujarat: Rebellion rears ugly head in Rajkot as Rupalas Rajput remarks trigger row

AHMEDABAD: The remarks by Union minister and BJPs Rajkot candidate Purushottam Rupala on Rajput community have triggered a controversy. Rajput organisations called a meeting in Ahmedabad on Thursday and demanded that Rupala be changed as the BJP candidate. They threatened to stage protests across Gujarat and vote against the BJP in Lok Sabha polls if their demand is not met. I appeal to people of the community not to make a co promise. The compromise in this issue will be made on a single point: Rupala Bhais ticket should be cancelled, said Padmani Ba Vala, president of the womens front of Gujarat Karni Sena, in an audio message. The Rajkot row was the latest to rile the BJP when the party is grappling with dissent in Vadodara, Sabarkantha, Surendranagar and Valsad seats. Aditya Singh Gohil, a Rajput leader from the Congress, filed a suit in Rajkot court against Rupala. Purushottam Rupalas statement against the Kshatriya community is not acceptable, so I filed a complaint in the court, said Gohil. The court has asked me to appear on April 15 along with witnesses. Addressing a gathering in Rajkot on March 22, Rupala said, among other things, that former maharajas had yielded to the oppression of foreign rulers, including the British.

Lok Sabha Elections: Dissent over BJP candidates grows in Gujarat

While resistance towards Shobhna Baraiya who replaced Bhikhaji Thakor in Sabarkantha is getting aggressive by days, the Kshatriya community across the state is up in arms against Union Minister Parshottam Rupala who is contesting from Rajkot for his comment allegedly denigrating the community.

BJP foundation day: Party flags to be hoisted atop 45 lakh houses in Gujarat

Rajkot, March 28: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party aims to hoist flags atop 45 lakh houses in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat to create an atmosphere akin to the one ahead of the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22, state unit chief CR Paatil said on Thursday. He said [] The post BJP foundation day: Party flags to be hoisted atop 45 lakh houses in Gujarat appeared first on The Shillong Times .

L'Oral Professionnel brings Indian Hairdressing Awards - India's biggest hairdressing competition

L'Oral Professionnel brings Indian Hairdressing Awards - India's biggest hairdressing competition L'Oral Professionnel, the professional hair tech brand, is set to introduce the iconic Indian Hairdressing Awards, in an all-new format of a reality series streaming exclusively on JioCinema. Since 2014, The Indian Hairdressing Awards celebrated the art and skill of professional hairstyling. The competition recognizes and rewards hairstylists across the country. This year's edition was announced in August 2023 and received over 100K entries for its theme 'Meta-morphosis' that represents real transformation. From the thousands of hairdressers who participated in the competition, 89 regional finalists were chosen to compete based on technical skills. They were judged by an eminent jury comprising international hair artists and beauty media representatives. The top 12 hairstylists, hailing from cities like Indore, Kanpur, Rajkot, Kolkata, Ludhiana, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Mumbai, will now compete in a mega-augmented L'Oral Professionnel salon. Judging their art and technique will be an illustrious panel featuring the renowned film maker - Karan Johar, Min Kim, the L'Oral Professionnel global color ambassador, - and an exciting line-up of Bollywood celebrities. For the first four episodes, guest judges Harnaaz Sandhu, and Alaiya F. will join the panel. The 12 hair pros will go through three challenges testing their skill and creativity in real transformations through hair color, haircut, and styling. Hairstylists will have to achieve the ultimate freedom of self-expression and propose bold, elevated and out-of-the-box looks. Both judges and consumers will score these challenges. They will then compete in front of a live audience at the Grand Finale, which will also be streamed on JioCinema on 22nd April' 24. The excitement doesn't end there! Viewers can catch the action-packed episodes on JioCinema, with four episodes launching on March 29th, 2024. To watch the show, simply download the JioCinema app and log in. Moreover, consumers can cast their votes for their favourite hairstylists through the provided link : https://iha.lorealprofessionnel.in/jury. Voting lines will open on the 29th of March. The competition will culminate in a Grand Finale, streamed live on JioCinema, where the winners will not only win the consumers' hearts but also a trip to Paris and an opportunity to enhance their skills at Le Visionnaire, the prestigious L'Oral academy in Paris. TVC Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C40ZRhBr07E/ IHA Website Link - https://iha.lorealprofessionnel.in/ Speaking on the launch of India's only hairstyling reality series, Mathilde Barthlemy-Vigier, General Manager, L'Oral Professionnel, India said, ''L'Oral Professionnel has taken giant strides into the future. Consumer and hairstylist centricity are our key drivers to elevate the professional hair industry in India. In the last two decades, the country's professional hair salon landscape has evolved at a supersonic pace. The skill of Indian hairstylists is now at par with global hair artists' and with the 2024 edition of The Indian Hairdressing Awards, we wish to celebrate their infinite talent and potential.'' Speaking on the partnership with L'Oral Professionnel, Viacom18 Media's Head of Network Sales Mahesh Shetty said , ''At Viacom18, we have always worked towards developing and building IPs and formats that are sustainable, relevant and one that deepens consumer connect. L'Oral Professionnel is the undisputed leader in the professional hair care and styling category and The Indian Hairdressing Awards re-affirms them as thought leaders in this space. As digital partners, we are confident of providing this unique property with its deserving reach through JioCinema, thereby elevating the IP to newer heights.'' About L'Oral Professionnel: L'Oral was founded in 1909 and has since maintained its dominance in the global markets of haircare, cosmetics, and skincare. L'Oral Professionnel Paris has been at the forefront of delivering game-changing innovations in hair, powered by science, with an obsession for quality and performance. It also strives to support, champion, and elevate talent in the Indian hair industry by empowering hair artistry. L'Oral Professionnel Paris is part of the company's Professional Products Division, whose mission is to reinvent professional beauty and lead the digital transformation of the industry with a customer-centric approach. Some of the other brands included within the Professional Products Division are Matrix, Biolage, Redken and Krastase Paris. About Jio Cinema : Jio Cinema is an OTT platform from the house of RSL. We have over 1 lakh+ hours of exciting content: movies, TV Shows, music videos, Jio shorts, trailers for your viewers. Now explore best studios of the world and watch your favourites in a highly optimized and world-class video streaming experience. Just login with your Jio ID and Password and you are good to go. Watch back-to-back episodes of your favourite serials, movies, international music videos, interesting short clips and more on your Web browser! Enjoy and browse through Hindi, English, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, and Punjabi content. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2374170/Hairdressing_Awards.jpg

Gujarat: BJP faces Congress-AAP combine in Lok Sabha polls

Gujarat: BJP faces Congress-AAP combine in Lok Sabha polls In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat, the BJP looks confident of retaining all 26 Lok Sabha seats, despite a combined opposition from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, key constituents of the INDIA alliance. Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on May 7. Counting of votes will be held on June 4. The Congress and AAP fought the 2022 state assembly polls separately, and the BJP got a record 156 of the 182 seats in the House. In the ensuing Lok Sabha poll, the Congress will contest 24 seats, while the AAP is fielding candidates from Bharuch and Bhavnagar. The BJP is so confident of making a clean sweep that its state unit chief CR Paatil has routinely said the party's sights are on a victory margin of five lakh votes in each seat. The Congress would dearly hope for a repeat of the 2009 polls when it won 11 of the state's 26 seats, while for the AAP, even a single win coming after its assembly showing, will bolster its status as the opposition party to watch out for. Gujarat is divided into four regions, namely Saurashtra and Kutch, north Gujarat, south Gujarat and central Gujarat. Saurashtra and Kutch: All the eight Lok Sabha seats in the region are with the BJP since a long time. The focus this time will be on Porbandar, where Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya has been fielded, and Rajkot, where his cabinet colleague Parshottam Rupala will try his luck. The two ministers have so far reached Parliament through the Rajya Sabha route. North Gujarat: The seven seats in the region include Gandhinagar, represented by BJP heavyweight Amit Shah, as well as two seats in Ahmedabad, the state's premier city. The party is brimming with confidence, while the only solace for the Congress is that it did well in the region in the 2004 and 2009 polls. Central Gujarat: The six seats here include Vadodara and the tribal dominated Dahod, Panchmahal and Chhota Udaipur seats. The tribal areas of this region will be crucial for the BJP to repeat its clean sweep of 2014 and 2019. South Gujarat: The region has five seats, including diamond polishing hub Surat, Bharuch and Navsari. The focus would be on Bharuch, which is being fought by the AAP in alliance with the Congress. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party has fielded Chaitar Vasava, MLA and upcoming tribal leader, against the BJP's Mansukh Vasava, who has been MP from the seat several times. Gujarat BJP chief C R Paatil will contest from Navsari, a seat he has won previously with state record margins.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel sanctions Rs 240 crore for implementing Nirmal Gujarat 2.0

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel sanctions Rs 240 crore for implementing Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has sanctioned Rs 240 crore for various initiatives under 'Nirmal Gujarat 2.0' to effectively strengthen the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a broader scale in Gujarat. To enhance public awareness of cleanliness in urban areas and position Gujarat as a leading state in cleanliness nationwide, the Chief Minister has decided to allocate incentive grants to municipalities based on their tax collection performance in sanitation. Under this plan, A and B class municipalities will receive a 100 per cent incentive grant for achieving 71 to 80 per cent annual sanitation tax collection, 100 per cent for 81 to 90 per cent collection, and 200 per cent for 91 to 100 per cent collection. Similarly, for C and D class municipalities, the incentive grant standard is set at 50 per cent for tax collection ranging from 60 to 70 per cent, 100 per cent for 71 to 80 per cent collection, 200 per cent for 81 to 90 per cent collection, and 300 per cent for 91 to 100 per cent collection, Information department of Gujarat said. Each municipality will receive a matching grant of cleaning tax equivalent to the amount collected annually by that municipality. As per the resolution issued by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of the state for the effective implementation of Nirmal Gujarat 2.0, the Chief Minister has sanctioned assistance for the development of major entry roads to towns and cities, as well as for the enhancement of one road within each town as an iconic road. Municipalities are tasked with intensively cleaning roads up to 5 kilometres from city limits, while municipal corporations must clean roads up to 2 kilometres from city limits. Additionally, approach roads to towns will be cleaned, and one road will be designated as an iconic road. For this purpose, the state government will provide financial assistance to municipalities and municipal corporations. Financial assistance of Rs 2 crores will be provided each to Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot Municipal Corporations; Rs 1.5 crores each to Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Jamnagar, and Gandhinagar Municipal Corporations; and Rs 1 crore each to A class municipalities, Rs 75 lakh each to B class municipalities, and Rs 50 lakh each to C and D class municipalities, totalling Rs 111 crores, the information department further said. Municipalities and municipal corporations across the state will receive one-time assistance of Rs 1 lakh each for beautification efforts, such as installing sculptures, creating gardens, and planting trees, at every Garbage Vulnerable Point. This initiative aims to ensure cleanliness by permanently removing garbage and maintaining cleanliness at these locations. The state government has allocated Rs 16 crore for this purpose. The Information department said that to foster a competitive spirit among local self-government bodies in terms of cleanliness, a quarterly competition titled Maru Shaher, Swachh Shaher (My City, Clean City) will be conducted, with categories based on the population of the towns. Certificates of recognition will be awarded to the best collector, commissioner, regional commissioner, and chief officer based on their sanitation performance, as assessed through quarterly reports submitted by third-party agencies. Additionally, a total of Rs 16 crore will be allocated for awards to the winning cities. Under this award, a municipality with a population of more than 10 lakhs will receive Rs 5 crores, a municipality with a population of less than 10 lakhs will receive Rs 4 crores, a class A municipality will receive a grant of Rs 3 crores, a class B municipality will receive a grant of Rs 2 crore, and a class C and D municipality will receive Rs 1 crore each. Financial incentives will be provided to sanitation workers, who play a vital role in the cleanliness and sanitation operations of the state's cities, by recognizing them as the best sanitation workers. Each ward in Municipal Corporations will select one best sanitation worker monthly, who will be granted Rs 10,000. Similarly, at the municipal level, one of the best sanitation employees per municipality will also receive Rs 10,000 monthly. The state government will provide a total assistance of Rs 4 crores for the best sanitation workers. As part of Nirmal Gujarat 2.0, the administrative departments of the Secretariat and their head offices will implement an annual cleanliness calendar and conduct sanitation cleaning activities. Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and aims to build on the success of the Nirmal Gujarat Abhiyan from 2007, following the motto Cleanliness is next to Godliness. (ANI)

Not disappointed about missing IPL, happy to get another year to understand T20: Musheer Khan

Not disappointed about missing IPL, happy to get another year to understand T20: Musheer Khan An IPL contract might be on top of cricketers' bucket list, but Mumbai's teenaged Ranji Trophy hero Musheer Khan is happy that he went unsold during last year's player auction because it gives him some more time to ''understand'' the T20 format. The 19-year-old, who became the youngest Mumbai batter to score a hundred in a Ranji final eclipsing the mark of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, was confident of making his mark in the IPL in due course. ''My name is not in the IPL. But I don't feel disappointed. My father tells me to play Test cricket and play for Team India. IPL will eventually happen, if not today then tomorrow,'' Musheer told PTI Video recalling the words of his father and formative coach Naushad. ''It's good that I got another year to prepare for the IPL. I will understand T20 cricket more, and how I should prepare for this format,'' said Musheer, who has so far played just five First-Class matches. Musheer embossed his name on the Ranji final against Vidarbha recently with a 136 in the second innings that helped Mumbai set a massive target of 538. It eventually helped Mumbai land their record-extending 42nd title in the Ranji Trophy. Understandably, Musheer drew inspiration from his elder brother Sarfaraz, who made his India debut in the third Test against England at Rajkot last month. ''I am really inspired by my brother because of his dedication and the way he bats. Our batting style is similar. He told me before the game (Ranji final) to think of it as a normal match and not to take too much pressure.'' ''From outside, it may feel like a normal match but on the field, we feel pressure on the field. He told me to back my skills and follow the process,'' he added. Musheer, who was also the leading run-scorer in the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year including two hundreds, was quite chuffed after Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph after a gap of eight years. ''It's a matter of pride that we have amassed 42 titles. Many great players have played here (for Mumbai). I feel very proud that I have played for Mumbai and won a championship. ''I also want to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and congratulate them because they have provided us with a lot of support. I hope they continue to back us in the same way,'' he said. The elegant right-hander lauded veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, who retired after the Ranji Trophy final. ''The support he has given to Mumbai cricket, the things he has done for Mumbai, it's incredible. The speech he gave ahead of the final was a real motivation for all of us. ''It was his last match. We were emotional and we wanted to win the trophy as a gift to Dhawal bhai. We wanted him to leave happily. He took the last wicket (of Vidarbha) of the match and everything came out perfectly,'' he noted.

BJP imports candidate for East Tripura from Chhattisgarh irks party rank and file

Agartala: The ruling BJP and its newly tied partner, the second largest party in Tripura, TIPRA Motha, faced serious resentment after the announcement of the latter partys founder and royal scion, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarmas elder sister, Kriti Singh Debbarma, from the Rajkot royal family of Chhattisgarh, as a Congress activist and candidate of the []

I was gobsmacked: Ravichandran Ashwin praises golden hearted Rohit Sharma for his gesture during mothers illness

Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave the Rajkot Test mid-way after his mother collapsed following a severe headache back in Chennai, shortly after he completed the milestone of 500 wickets. In the latest video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin recalled ...

'Player can give his life for Rohit': Ashwin's million dollar praise

Ravichandran Ashwin always had respect for Rohit Sharma, the outstanding leader, but what stands out is the Indian skipper's heart of gold and humane qualities, something the spinner witnessed first hand when his mother Chitra was hospitalised during the third Test in Rajkot.

I have played under many captains but theres something in him, Ashwin lauds Rohit Sharma

New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed the support he got from skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid when he had to fly back home due to a medical emergency in the family during the third Test at Rajkot. Ashwin had to withdraw from the second Test after the []

I was crying: Ashwin reveals Rohit's 'unbelievable' gesture in Rajkot Test

I was crying Ashwin reveals Rohits unbelievable gesture in Rajkot Test

Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal on being named ICC Player for February

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the India opener, won the ICC Men's Player of the Month title for February 2024, beating competition from Pathum Nissanka and Kane Williamson. He is also leading the ICC World Test Championship in runs scored. Jaiswal played brilliantly against England in the Test series at home, scoring two double hundreds in back-to-back matches in Vizag and Rajkot.

Yashasvi Jaiswal crowned ICC Men's Player of the Month for February 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal crowned ICC Men's Player of the Month for February 2024 India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on Tuesday was named the Men's Player of the Month award for February 2024 by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Jaiswal beat star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson and Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka to claim the title. India's young superstar Yashasvi Jaiswal has been voted the ICC Men's Player of the Month for February 2024, ICC stated. Currently, Jaiswal is the leading run-getter in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) and played two scintillating double hundreds against England in February. In the recently concluded five-match Test series against England, Jaiswal was in top form, slamming 219 in Vizag in the first innings and then going on to make a second innings double century in the next Test in Rajkot to help India take a lead in the series. The young Indian opener created several records in February and equalled the long-standing Test record for most sixes in a Test innings (12) during his Rajkot knock. The back-to-back double hundreds at the age of 22 years and 49 days made him the third youngest batter in the world to record two double centuries in Tests after Sir Donald Bradman and Vinod Kambli. After winning the award, Jaiswal said that he was happy to achieve it. He added that it was an incredible experience for him to take part in the five-match Test series against England. I'm really happy to achieve ICC award and I hope I will be getting more in future. I really enjoyed it, the way I have played and the way it's been and we won the series by 4-1. It's been an incredible experience with all my mates And I really enjoyed it, Jaiswal was quoted by ICC as saying. I think when I celebrated my double century in Rajkot, I think that was something which I really enjoyed and felt it. And I was, I was living, he added. The 22-year-old ended February with astounding numbers in the three Tests he featured in, scoring 560 runs at an average of 112 including 20 sixes. (ANI)

India reclaim top spot in ICC Test rankings, reign supreme across formats

New Delhi: Indias dominant 4-1 series triumph over England has propelled them to the summit of the ICC Mens Test Team Rankings, taking the side past Australia. Despite a narrow 28-run defeat in the opening Test in Hyderabad, India staged a remarkable comeback, clinching victories in the subsequent matches held in Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and [] The post India reclaim top spot in ICC Test rankings, reign supreme across formats appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

PM Modi inaugurates 15 airport project virtually from Azamgarh in UP

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated 15 airport projects, including 12 new terminal buildings of almost worth Rs 10,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh, marking the event to be the single biggest infra addition that will see a mix of new airports, expanded terminals, laying of foundation stones for upcoming airports and other related facilities. The project launched by PM Modi includes 12 new terminal buildings of Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti and Adampur Airports, along with laying of the foundation stone for new terminal buildings of Kadapa, Hubballi and Belagavi airports on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. So far, in FY 2023-24, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has operationalized state-of-the-art new integrated terminal buildings at Chennai, Port Blair, Surat and Tiruchirappalli Airports. The new terminal buildings at Kanpur Airport, Rajkot International Airport, Tezu Airport and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham were also inaugurated. The projects are aimed at augmenting passenger amenities and giving a fillip to the local economy. Further, the foundation stone was also laid for new terminal buildings in Datia, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Rajahmundry to cater to demands in future. The 12 new terminal buildings are being developed at a total cost of Rs. 8,903 Crore, having a combined capacity to serve 615 Lakh passengers annually. According to the Prime Minister's Office, these terminal buildings are fully equipped with various passenger facilities like check-in counters, aerobridges, baggage conveyors and sufficient concessionaire area. AAI has also undertaken the development of three new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi and Belagavi Airports at a total cost of Rs.908 crore. Once completed, the combined passenger handling capacity of these airports will increase to 95 lakh passengers per annum, as per the government. These new terminal buildings are also equipped with various sustainability features like a double insulated roofing system, provision of canopies for energy saving, LED lighting, low heat gain double glazing unit, solar power plant etc. to meet GRIHA ratings. As per the press release issued by the PMO, the designs of these airports are influenced and derived from the common elements of heritage structures of that state and city, thus reflecting the local culture and highlighting the heritage of the region. The murals, paintings, and architectural style of all the above-mentioned Airports have the transformative power to enhance the travel experiences of the passengers. The inauguration and foundation stone laying of these 15 Airport projects worth Rs 9,811 Crore, places India's civil aviation industry at the forefront of the nation's economic growth and solidifies its role as a major player in the global aviation landscape, it said. With these new terminal buildings, air connectivity in the country will witness an increase which in turn will spur tourism, business, and education and generate employment which is vital to the region's economic prosperity. It will also strengthen the economy of the states over the long haul, boosting productivity through its positive impact on businesses, the statement said.