Congress Announces Candidates for 8 Lok Sabha Seats in Haryana, Including Kumari Selja and Deepender Hooda The Congress on Thursday night announced its candidates for eight of the nine Lok Sabha seats it is contesting in Haryana, fielding former Union minister Kumari Selja from Sirsa and Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda from Rohtak. Selja will take on her former colleague and BJP candidate Ashok Tanwar in the Sirsa-SC Lok Sabha constituency. Both Selja and Tanwar are former Haryana Congress chiefs, and a keen contest is on the cards for the seat. Selja has represented the Sirsa-SC constituency earlier as well. She is currently the Congress' general secretary and in-charge of the party's Uttarakhand affairs. Party sources said that 400 aspirants had applied for Congress tickets in the state. The party's Haryana youth wing president Divanshu Budhiraja has been fielded from the Karnal seat and will take on former state chief minister and BJP candidate Manohar Lal Khattar from the prestigious constituency. The Congress has fielded former MP Jai Prakash from the Hisar constituency, denying the ticket to Brijendra Singh, who represented the seat as a BJP MP and switched sides a few days ago. Brijendra Singh is the son of former Union minister Birender Singh, who also rejoined the Congress after being in the BJP for a decade. Deepender Hooda, son of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, will take on Arvind Sharma of the BJP from the Rohtak Lok Sabha seat. Deepender Hooda has represented the Rohtak parliamentary constituency three times in the past. The Congress fielded Satpal Brahmachari from the Sonipat parliamentary constituency and Mahendra Pratap from Faridabad. Two sitting MLAs have also found place in the party's list -- Varun Choudhary from the Ambala-SC seat and former Haryana minister Rao Dan Singh from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh. Varun Choudhary is the son of former state Congress chief Phool Chand Mullana. Former MP from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh Shruti Choudhary, daughter of senior Congress leader and MLA Kiran Choudhary, did not feature in this list. The party nominated B S Hooda-loyalist Rao Dan Singh instead from the seat. The Congress is contesting nine of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. The Aam Aadmi Party, a constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc, will contest the Kurukshetra seat. The Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the Gurugram constituency. Several loyalists of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh have found mention in the list. The Congress had come under attack from rival parties, including the ruling BJP, over the alleged delay in announcing the names of candidates for Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and some other rival outfit leaders had accused the Congress of running away from the contest for fear of defeat. Some rival leaders had also alleged that the Congress was not being able to come out with names of candidates due to infighting in its Haryana unit. The ruling BJP named its candidates for six Lok Sabha seats in Haryana on March 13, three days before general elections were announced. The party named its remaining four candidates for the state on March 24. Voting in Haryana will be held in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 25 and notification for the polls will be issued on April 29.
The Rolling Stones to Headline New Orleans Jazz Fest 2024, Opening the Festivities on Thursday
The Rolling Stones to Headline New Orleans Jazz Fest 2024, Opening the Festivities on Thursday It looks like the third time is the charm as the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival prepares, again, for The Rolling Stones to perform. The festival, which spans two weekends, opened on Thursday with dozens of acts playing daily on 14 stages spread throughout the historic Fair Grounds race course. The Stones play next Thursday, May 2, tickets for which have long been sold out. In 2019, festival organisers thought they had landed the legendary rock band, but the appearance was cancelled because lead singer Mick Jagger had heart surgery. They tried again in 2021, but a surge in COVID-19 cases ultimately forced the fest to cancel. Now, says festival producer Quint Davis, It's gonna be special. This will be the first time the Stones play Jazz Fest. Opening day acts include rock bands Widespread Panic and The Beach Boys, reggae artist Stephen Marley and jazz vocalist John Boutte. The talent is great, the weather is projected to be good and people's expectations are going to be met, Davis said. Blue skies, sunshine and temperatures in the 80s were forecast for opening day Thursday. Long lines of people were seen patiently waiting to buy big cups of iced tea, lemonade and coffee. Umbrellas, big hats and sunglasses were the accessories of the day. Similar weather was expected for the rest of the first weekend, which runs through Sunday and showcases performances by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Batiste, country megastar Chris Stapleton, R and B singer Fantasia, rock band Heart, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and The Cute Guys, jazz pianist Patrice Rushen, and blues and folk artist Ruthie Foster. Walter Agnew of Round Lake, New York, said attending the festival had been on his bucket list since he retired from working at a chemical plant in 2020. COVID canceled my trip then but I finally made it here for the 2022 festival and I came last year. This will be my third in a row, he said. Agnew said he's looking forward to Stapleton's performance on Saturday and Heart's on Sunday and of course The Rolling Stones next week but you really can't go wrong by any of the acts. I'm just amazed at how they're able to put all this entertainment together in one spot, he said. Of course it's going to be good. Ginger Schell, of New Orleans, is a regular Jazz Fest attendee. Asked why she continues to return, Schell said laughing, It's everything. It's the music. It's the food. It's the music! She said she and her family won't be able to see next week's performance by The Stones, noting the tickets were out of her budget. But we generally don't come for any one act in particular, she said. We just park our gear in a spot in front of the festival stage and wander throughout the grounds and look forward to being surprised.'' Anticipation for the Stones' performance is palpable, Davis said. All I'm hearing is How can I get a ticket?' he said of fans trying to see the marquee performance. Unfortunately for some, that day sold out in like a day-and-a-half after tickets went on sale. I think people have just waited so long for this. The Rolling Stones in October released Hackney Diamonds, their first album of original material since 2005 and their first without drummer Charlie Watts, who died in 2021. Though he hasn't seen a set list, Davis said fans can expect to hear a mix of greatest hits and new releases. No special guests are expected to perform with the Rolling Stones, but Davis said never say never. Just expect euphoria,'' he said laughing. ''I think maybe we're going to need some ambulances on site because people are going to spontaneously combust from the excitement. And, they're playing in a daylight event. They're gonna be able to make eye contact with the audience. That's going to create a really special bond. Acts on the festival's 14 stages usually play simultaneously beginning when gates open at 11 a.m. and continuing until the music ends at 7 p.m. But the other stages will shut down next week when the Stones take the stage. We didn't want to have 13 empty stages and no people in front of them when the Stones start singing favourites like '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' and Jumpin' Jack Flash,''' Davis said. Everyone who bought a ticket for that day primarily bought one to see The Stones. Davis said tickets for the festival's other days remain available and can be purchased online through their website. Much of Jazz Fest celebrates the Indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana but the music encompasses nearly every style imaginable: blues, R and B, gospel, Cajun, Zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, contemporary and traditional jazz, country, bluegrass and everything in between. Colombia's rhythms, from music to dance and food, also will be highlighted this year as part of the festival's cultural exchange. Close to 200 Colombian artists are scheduled to participate, including headliners Bomba Estreo on Saturday, ChocQuibTown's lead singer Goyo in a guest appearance with local band F on Sunday, and salsa legends Grupo Niche closing the celebration on May 5. And don't forget the food. During the festival, food available on site includes crawfish bread, pecan catfish meuniere and catfish almondine, cochon de lait and turducken po-boys, boudin, crawfish touffe, jambalaya, crawfish Monica and shrimp and grits.
Four hurl petrol bomb at Ambedkar statue in TN; held
CUDDALORE: Four youth were arrested after the petrol bomb they allegedly hurled at an Ambedkar statue missed its target and exploded after falling into the compound of a panchayat office at Ambalavananpettai Colony in the district. The suspects have been identified as P Sathishkumar (29), G Krishnakumar (21), M Vijayaraj (22), and V Vetrivel (23) of Ambalavananpettai village and belonging to a caste Hindu community. Sources said the incident happened on Tuesday night when the youth were returning home after attending a temple festival. Police said all four were in a drunken state at the time. While returning from the temple they made the petrol bomb by filling petrol, taken from their bike, in a bottle they were carrying. Following an inquiry, the police filed cases against the accused under three sections of the Indian Penal Code, section 3, 4(a) of the Explosives Substances Act, 1908, and three sections of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police said measures are being taken to remand the accused after court proceedings by Wednesday night. Superintendent of Police R Rajaram inspected the spot and deployed police personnel in the village as a precautionary measure. In response to the incident, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) cadre, led by Cuddalore Corporation Deputy Mayor P Thamaraiselvan, staged a protest near the Ambedkar statue and urged the authorities to invoke the Goondas Act against the suspects.
SJ Suryah set for Malayalam debut with Fahadh Faasil's film
Popular Tamil actor SJ Suryah is set to make his Malayalam debut with Fahadh Faasil's next to be directed by Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey -fame Vipin Das. Badusha Cinemas is producing the film, which is billed as a mass entertainer. It is planned as a big-budget project and will be released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. The makers have also confirmed that shoot for the film will begin this year itself. View this post on Instagram A post shared by N.M. Badusha (@badushanm) Meanwhile, SJ Suryah is part of several upcoming multistarrers in Tamil and Telugu. It includes Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 , Ram Charan's Game Changer , Nani's Saripodhaa Sanivaaram , Dhanush's Raayan , Pradeep Ranganathan's Love Insurance Corporation , and Vikram's Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 . Vipin Das is currently working on the Prithviraj-Basil Joseph film Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil , which is slated for release on May 16. Fahadh, on the other hand, is set to start shooting for Althaf Salim's film, which also stars Kalyani Priyadarshan. (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express )
Chennai native booked for attempting to illegally courier 111 SIM cards to Cambodia
BENGALURU: A Chennai native who tried to send 111 sim cards stealthily to Cambodia by a private courier service without declaring its contents was booked by Kempegowda International Airport Police on Monday (April 22). According to the FIR copy, the individual Syed (37), is a native of West Mambalam in Chennai. He had used the Blue Dart Express service to send a parcel to Cambodia on February 2. While specifying the contents of the parcel, he had left out 111 sim cards that he had booked from India to Cambodia along with other items. The scanner through which parcels are scanned detected the presence of the sim cards. It was being internally debated for over two months on how to handle the issue. The authorities finally decided to approach the police and file a complaint. Syed has been booked under the Telecommunications Act and under IPC Sections 424 (fraudulent concealment) and 120 (criminal conspiracy).
National leaders campaign aggressively in Kerala on last day of electioneering
Thiruvananthapuram: With just hours left for the culmination of public campaigning, top leaders of political parties including union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi addressed a series of public meetings across Kerala on Thursday seeking support for their respective candidates. Amit Shah unleashed a frontal attack on the ruling LDF claiming that the communists were finished across the world and India. Congress is also facing a similar fate here. Modi will become the prime minister for the third time and free Kerala from the politics of violence, he said. BJP candidate Shobha Surendran is contesting from Alappuzha constituency against AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and sitting MP A M Arif of the CPM. Congress president Malikarjun Kharge campaigned for Shashi Tharoor, the UDF candidate in Thiruvananthapuram. Tharoor is caught in a triangular contest against Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar of the BJP and former MP Pannyan Raveendran of the LDF. Kharge lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spreading falsehoods about the party manifesto. We have spoken about caste census and economic survey to find out the socio-economic status of various communities. There is no mention of redistribution of wealth yet the BJP is spreading fake stories, he said. The Congress president accused Modi of inducting all corrupt leaders into the BJP fold. On the one hand, Modi talks about fighting corruption but takes in all the corrupt people. They have a washing machine which cleans all the corrupt once they join the BJP, he said. Priyanka campaigns in Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi led a massive roadshow in Wayanad in support of Congress candidate Rahul Gandhi. She addressed public meetings in Kambalakkad and Wandoor. The Congress leader assured the people that her party and the India Alliance would implement the promises made in their manifesto. Priyanka The state goes to polls in a single phase on April 26. Voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm on Friday in all 20 constituencies in the state. The Congress-led UDF received a massive mandate in 2019 winning 19 of the 20 seats. Later one of the MPs of the Kerala Congress became part of the LDF after his party Kerala Congress Mani decided to join the ruling front.
Minister asks public to be careful while buying vehicles
State Minister of Finance, Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, said 112 vehicles imported into Sri Lanka through illegal methods have been seized by the Fraud and Corruption Investigation Commission. The Minister mentioned that their value exceeds 700 crore rupees. From 2015 to 2022, these vehicles have been imported into Sri Lanka through various illegal methods. These vehicles are to be confiscated from the people who are currently using them. The Minister further stated that it is the responsibility of the buying parties to find out whether the vehicles have been imported through proper methods.
I am excited to work with Madhavan for the first time, says Sai Dhanshika
CHENNAI: Sai Dhanshika, who was last seen in the Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Laabam (2021), is returning to the big screens with The Proof . The upcoming film marks the directorial debut of choreographer I Radhika. The actor reveals that Radhika used to choreograph a number of films and television shows she appeared in. We bonded together after she choreographed a song for me in the 2015 film Thiranthidu Seese . And when Radhika approached Dhanshika over a film project, the actor agreed to it immediately. As actors, there are films you decide to do for your friends and colleagues. For example, I did Laabam with my Peranmai director, SP Jananathan, in 2021, and now there is The Proof. The actor further shares that Radhika chose her for the role not just because of their friendship but because the director was impressed with her work ethic. She took note of how I would often work out soon after pack-up, no matter what time it was. I would also learn my lines by heart the night before. She understands my unwavering commitment to a project, which partly explains why I am part of The Proof , says Dhanshika. The actors work ethic is all the more pronounced in the way she chooses her projects. Even as her filmography is dotted with many ups and downs, Dhansika is known for carefully hunting down diverse roles. Many approached me after films like Aravaan, Paradesi, Kabali, and Iruttu , but I did not want to keep playing the same characters as I would lose the drive if I became repetitive. And if I wanted to do three or four back-to-back films in a year, I would have agreed to do more heroine-oriented films. But I did not want to do the same thing again and again, says the actor. Dhanshika is also making her web series debut with Aintham Vedam for Zee5. The actor once had apprehensions about this format but the pandemic changed all of that. When I saw many actors being part of web series with great content and plenty of scope for performance during the pandemic, it piqued my interest as well. As a young actor, I always wanted to see myself on the big screen, but a web series is an interesting diversion that offers you great scope in terms of characterisation and performance, the actor says. On how the process of shooting for a film differs from a web series, she says, A series takes longer to complete, depending on the number of episodes in it. Where films take three months on average, a series such as Aintham Vedam took six months to finish shooting and get to post-production. There is that much more content to be shot in a web series. The actor, who made her foray into the Malayalam film industry with the 2017 film, Solo , comments on the back-to-back hits from the industry. Malayalam cinema is so real, with such good content. There is a growing generation of filmmakers in Malayalam cinema with similar visions. But every industry has its ups and downs. Right now, perhaps Tamil cinema is going through a dry phase, but it will soon bounce back, says the actor. Dhanshika also has a solid lineup of projects in the pipeline, including one from director Mithran Jawahar, which stars Madhavan in the lead. I am quite excited about that project for three reasons. Firstly, this is my first time acting with Madhavan. Secondly, it has been a long time since I have done a film with a prominent leading actor. And thirdly, it is from the maker of such hits like Yaaradi Nee Mohini and Thiruchitrambalam. We finished shooting just around the time when Yaaradi Nee Mohini was re-released in Chennai. There is a lot to look forward to from that film, says Dhanshika. She is also part of a film called Yogi Da . It is a commercial film with plenty of action, and I will appear throughout the film in a short-haired look. After Kabali , people would love to see me in that kind of look again, signs off Dhanshika.
Prakash Raj thanks fans for massive response to 'Ghilli' re-release
Vijay's Ghilli was re-released a few days back on the occasion of the film completing 20 years. The Vijay and Trisha-starrer opened to packed theatres in Tamil Nadu as well as a few countries across the globe. Several videos which surfaced on social media showed fans celebrating the film, dancing to the songs and mouthing iconic dialogues from the commercial entertainer. Actor Prakash Raj who plays Muthupaandi in Ghilli , thanked fans for showering love on the film and his character. In a post on X, he said, I love you all Chellams. And yes, thank you director Dharani, producer AM Rathnam sir, my dear Vijay and my Chellam Trisha and the whole team of Ghilli . Prakash Raj also played the antagonist in Mahesh Babu's Okkadu (2003), the original film as well as in the Tamil remake. I Love You all CHELLAMS for loving #Muthupaandi touched by your love . And yesthank you director #Dharani producer #AMrathnam sir.. my dear #Vijay and my Chellam @trishtrashers and the whole team of #Ghilli https://t.co/Xdat8XQRbP Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) April 22, 2024 Just a few days ago, Trisha expressed her happiness on the massive response for the film's release and said, If this is not coming full circle, I don't know what is. Woke up to FDFS Blockbuster vibes again. She shared videos of fans dancing along to the songs in the theatre. Actor Ashish Vidyarthi too shared a video and thanked fans for all the love that they are pouring in for the film. Ghilli also stars Dhamu, Mayilsamy, Janaki Sabesh, Nancy Jennifer, Nagendra Prasad, Ponnambalam, and Pandu in prominent roles. The soundtrack album and score were composed by Vidyasagar. Cinematography was handled by Gopinath and editing was done by V. T. Vijayan and B. Lenin. (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express) If this is not coming full circle, I don't know what is: Trisha elated over 'Ghilli' re-release response
Discover Indian culture, nature, animals at Tuli: Exploring interplay
At the India International Centre in New Delhi, the Tuli Research Centre for India Studies (T.R.I.S.) presents a captivating exhibition titled Self-Discovery via Rediscovering India, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Indian art, cinema & cultural heritage with a focus on the intricate relationship between humans, nature and animals, particularly canine children, or dogs in common parlance. The striking oleograph by the Ravi Varma Press of Lord Dattatreya, the god of Pasupati, accompanied by four stray dogs is one example. The four dogs have been over the ages variously interpretated as symbolizing the four Vedas, or the four yugas, among other spiritual facets of the living consciousness. This ancient bond between human and canine reflects the deep respect accorded to dogs in Indian culture and Hinduism, recognizing them as eternal and compassionate companions. In modern fine art, the dog has also been depicted with a blend of pain and joy, capturing the complexity of its relationship with humanity. Master artists such as Somnath Hore, Amit Ambalal, Debiprasad Roy Choudhury, Jyoti Bhatt, among others, have portrayed the dog with profound depth, reflecting the myriad emotions associated with this beloved creature. However, amidst this celebration of the bond between humans and dogs, the exhibition tours sheds light on a sobering reality the cruel treatment of stray street canine children by certain sections of society. This gap between the reverence for dogs in Indian culture and religion and their treatment in contemporary society serves as a poignant reminder of the need for greater understanding and compassion. As Neville Tuli, the visionary behind the institution aptly observes, The canine child, has always been the most respected companion of the human being, a true friend to the common man. However, recently, with certain sections of society, who cannot understand or have not had the opportunity to love or be loved by the stray dog, their fears and paranoias dominate their thinking and actions, for few can speak effectively on behalf of the dog. Thus, any minor menace, however rare, is easily blown up and distorted into a hyped media frenzy, and the poor street dog is being driven into corners to quietly die. Additionally, with harshly enforced sterilisation programmes, the sly and slow genocide of the street dog is happening before our very eyes. This crass model is copying the emotionally nave and foolish behaviour of western societies fifty years ago, where the obedient pet is now the only role available to the dog. Their freedom and the right to live on the street, so bringing joy and decency to harsh realities, is being stolen away from them. As visitors navigate through the exhibition, they are invited to reflect on their own relationship with animals and nature and contemplate the profound lessons that can be gleaned from Indian art, culture, and heritage. In doing so, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, rekindling a sense of reverence for all living beings and reaffirming the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.
Jammu Mail among 2 trains to remain cancelled today
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 22: Due to farmers protest, Jammu Mail from New Delhi to Katra was cancelled today while train number 14661 from Barmer to Jammu was short-terminated at Delhi. Besides, several other trains were diverted due to farmers protest on Ambala -Amritsar route. Official sources told the Excelsior that besides Jammu Mail from Katra to New Delhi, Kalka to Katra train shall also remain cancelled on April 23. Depending upon the situation, a few other Jammu bound trains [] The post Jammu Mail among 2 trains to remain cancelled today appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bird flu detected in Kuttanad; situation under control, says Kerala
According to officials, there wereare reports of mass bird deaths from Muttar and Ambalapuzha North in Alappuzha district on Sunday
Travel tips: How do couples reach Manali? Know about places and activities that enhance romance
If you have recently got married and are planning to go on honeymoon, then visiting some places in India in this season is the best option. However, while planning your honeymoon, choose the place as per your time and budget. The couple has taken long holidays for the wedding, in such a situation, if you are not getting more days off from the office to go on honeymoon or are troubled by the burden of wedding expenses and the budget is also not high, then choose such places. Where you can enjoy more in less days, that too in budget. Hill stations of Himachal Pradesh will be perfect for going on honeymoon. Shimla and Manali are among the most popular hill stations of Himachal. You can go to Manali to spend loving time with your spouse in a peaceful environment away from too many crowds. Before going to Manali, couples should collect complete information about how they can travel to Manali from their city. How much will it cost to go to Manali, what and where can you go in Manali, and how couples can enjoy it, complete information will be available in this article. How much time is needed to visit Manali? Couples get many honeymoon offers in Manali for romance in the mountains. If you are going to Manali on honeymoon then leave at least 2 to 3 days. This time is best suited for romantic activities and admiring the beauty of Manali. Places to visit in Manali on honeymoon Many beautiful Manali honeymoon places provide a better experience to couples like the famous Rohtang Pass, Gulaba, Kothi, and Rafala Falls. Hidimba Devi Temple There is Hidimba Devi temple in Old Manali which is open for tourists from 8 am to 6 pm. It may take 1 to 2 hours to travel around. This pagoda-style temple has been made of wood. The view around it is worth seeing. Manu Temple, Maa Sharwari Temple, and Tibet Monastery are also located nearby. Jogini Falls Jogini Falls, located on Vashishtha Road, is at a distance of 2.8 km from Manali. This famous place of Devi Jogini village and Shaktipeeth gives a lovely experience to couples. Solang Valley Solang Valley is 14 km away from Manali, which takes 3 to 4 hours to reach. You can enjoy adventure sports from 9 am to 5 pm. One can do paragliding, skiing, parachuting, and horse riding here. This valley is one of the best places in India for paragliding. Bhrigu Lake It takes 2-3 hours to reach Bhrigu Lake, located in Kullu, 22 km from Manali. Maharishi Bhrigu had meditated here. From here couples can also go camping and see strawberry plantations on the way. Romantic activities for couples in Kullu Manali Apart from visiting the famous places of Manali, couples can also enjoy many romantic activities. Treehouse Kullu Manali Valley is surrounded by greenery, where couples can stay in tree houses during their honeymoon and spend time with each other in a serene and lush green area away from the crowd. You will find tree houses in Caten. Holding your partner's hand or falling into their arms while watching the sunrise or sunset from the mountains can be a very romantic experience. Manali also offers this kind of experience. How to reach Manali Air- If you are going to Manali by flight then Bhuntar is the nearest airport which is 50 km from Manali. From here you can take a taxi to Manali. Rail route- If you are going to Manali through railway transport then reach Joginder Nagar railway station from many major cities of the country. If there is no direct train from your city to Jogindernagar then reach Chandigarh and Ambala railway station. By Road- If you want to go to Manali by road, then the distance from Delhi to Manali is 532 km. One can reach Manali by taking a 16-hour night journey by bus. Apart from state transport buses, many private buses also leave for Manali from Delhi. You can also travel to Manali in your car. (PC: ISTOCK)
Kannur's Aralam tribes face peril amidst political chessboard
Her curious eyes and shy smile fail to hide the anxiety within. Leaning against the wall, she has a desolate expression writ large across her face. Hardly a year ago, Rahana K K lost her father when he went to collect firewood. Raghu was trampled by an elephant that emerged from the thick vegetation in their settlement. She had lost her mother long back. The 15-year-old seems reluctant to talk about the loss, a memory etched deep in her mind. She is among the thousands driven to the edge in the tribal settlement next to the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The settlement has around 12 tribes including Paniyar, Karimpala, Kurichyar, Kattunaikar, Kani and Mavilans. To enter Aralam is to step into a different world, where lives are lost on a regular basis, tribals live in penury and workers agitations remain a routine affair. Sixteen persons have died in wild animal attacks here since 2018. While a lucky few get compensation, the majority still await their dues. Its a painful saga for the tribals, says Iritty block panchayat president K Velayudhan, who served as the Aralam panchayat president back in 2003. Two decades ago, when A K Antony was the chief minister, about 7,500 acres were bought for `42 crore. While 4,000 acres were earmarked for the farm, 3,500 acres were distributed among 3,335 tribal families. Now, only 1,717 families remain, the others having moved out seeking better living conditions. Aralam falls under Peravoor, one of the seven assembly segments in the Kannur Lok Sabha constituency. LDF holds five of the seats while the other two are with the UDF. But things tend to take a different turn in the parliamentary polls. While Dharmadam and Mattannur remain CPM strongholds, Irikkoor and Peravoor favour the Congress. Taliparamba where the Left usually enjoys a political edge chose to stand with the Congress last time, with the UDF candidate winning by a mere 725 votes. Structurally, Kannur offers a rare combination of assembly segments, as some of the heavyweights in state politics including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, minister Kadanappally Ramachandran and popular CPM leader K K Shailaja come from the constituency. No wonder, voters here seem to eat, drink and breathe politics. While sitting MP and Congress state chief K Sudhakaran is seeking a second term, the CPM has fielded its district chief M V Jayarajan. The saffron party has chosen C Reghunath, who had contested as a UDF candidate against Pinarayi in the 2021 assembly election and later defected to the BJP. While the fronts have seemingly chosen their available best, certain sections within all three secretly admit that better candidate-selection would have made things far easier. With Shailaja contesting from neighbouring Vadakara, issues there will have resonance in Kannur too. The real feel of the battle comes through in Taliparamba as both fronts work overtime to consolidate/regain majority. Electoral tension is palpable. A few posters and banners of the Congress party were destroyed recently, setting off a tirade of allegations and counter-allegations. The town has a substantial Muslim population that sides with the UDF, while the CPM enjoys solid support in other pockets. The party has even won unopposed in such areas, in the local body polls. The Trichambaram temple festival has just ended. Scrap dealers Balakrishnan, 55, of Pallikkara and Jayaram, 60, of Kumbala are busy chatting before their customary afternoon nap under a huge banyan tree. Business is dull nowadays. A kilogram of scrap fetches a meagre Rs 13, now that migrants too have entered the field, quips Balakrishnan. At the UDF campaign committee office, KPCC member Mohammed Blathur is busy strategising. He talks about Andoor municipality, where the CPM has a firm support base. Keeping bogus voters away will be the biggest task. Complaints have been filed with the ECI. There are a few CPM-controlled party villages where the Congress is a bit weak. We hope to win a good vote-share there, says a confident Mohammed, constantly on the phone coordinating with NRKs who have come for campaigning. The LDF campaign focuses on the lack of performance by the incumbent. Other than setting up a high-mast lamp, the MP hasnt done anything for Kannur, be it concerning national highway development, Koyyam road issue, Bakkalam underpass or other infrastructure projects. Jayarajettan, however, enjoys widespread acceptance among the common people, says party area secretary Santhosh Kanod. The two fronts also seem to be aware of their weak areas. Certain remarks by Sudhakaran about shifting to the BJP are being widely used against him. There is also a lack of enthusiasm among the Muslim League cadre, evident from their glaring absence at campaign meets. Pass through Kannur and not meet Parassinikkadavu Muthappan? A rare conglomeration of faith and revolution, Muthappan, curiously, seems to attract more communists than believers. At Mattannur, yet another land acquisition is in progress for the expansion of Kannur airport, with five houses on demolition queue in this phase at Vazhamthode. Getting down to the seashore, the night seems still young at the Payyambalam beach. Both local residents and tourists flock to the vibrant destination amid an array of memorials, monuments and plaques, those of BJPs KG Marar, CPMs E K Nayanar and Congress young turk Satheesan Pacheni among them. One name however triggers a lingering emotion Kannurs very own Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Mambalam canal pollution continues, residents demand action
JJP MLAs have spoken against Dushyant Chautala, he should look inwards: Haryana CM
JJP MLAs have spoken against Dushyant Chautala, he should look inwards: Haryana CM Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Sunday targeted former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala, saying that JJP leader's own party MLAs have pointed fingers at him and he should look inwards. Saini made the remarks while talking to reporters after addressing a public gathering in Panchkula district in support of BJP candidate Banto Kataria from Ambala Lok Sabha seat. ''Dushyant Chautala should look inwards and see what they have done and have not done. The kind of things said by his own MLAs...who have spoken against him and not us. He should understand his MLAs who have said some things pertaining to corruption,'' he said. The chief minister was asked that top JJP leaders have been targeting the BJP government on various fronts in recent weeks. ''Our government works on the basis of transparency, be it (previous) Manohar Lal Khattar's government or now the one headed by me, there is no compromise on corruption. If any person is found involved in corruption, strict action will be taken,'' he asserted. When asked if the government will get JJP MLAs' allegations against Chautala probed, Saini said, ''If we get an application, we will definitely get things probed.'' In 2019, the JJP extended support to the BJP after the saffron party fell short of the majority mark in the assembly elections. The BJP-JJP alliance ended last month after which the JJP leadership said it would field its candidates on all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. The JJP on Tuesday announced names of five Lok Sabha poll candidates for Haryana. Former MP Ajay Singh Chautala and Dushyant Chautala had formed the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) in December 2018 after a split in the INLD earlier that year following a feud in the Chautala family.
Punjab: 73 trains on Ambala-Amritsar route cancelled as farmers squat on tracks
Around 73 trains on the Ambala-Amritsar route were cancelled on Sunday as farmers continued to squat on tracks at the Shambhu railway station in Punjab`s Patiala for the fifth day
Farmer protest at Shambhu: 73 trains cancelled on Ambala-Amritsar route
Farmer protest at Shambhu trains cancelled on AmbalaAmritsar route
73 Trains On Ambala-Amritsar Route Cancelled As Farmers Protest Continues For 5th Day
As many as 73 trains on the Ambala-Amritsar route were cancelled on Sunday as farmers continued to squat on tracks at the Shambhu railway station in Punjab's Patiala district for the fifth day, officials said.
More bird deaths reported in Alappuzha
164 ducks of a farmer and 90 chickens of another have perished in recent days at Muttar and Ambalappuzha North. Samples will be sent to NIHSAD, Bhopal, on Monday for confirmation on bird flu
73 trains on Ambala-Amritsar route cancelled as farmers squat on tracks in Shambhu for 5th day
73 trains on Ambala-Amritsar route cancelled as farmers squat on tracks in Shambhu for 5th day As many as 73 trains on the Ambala-Amritsar route were cancelled on Sunday as farmers continued to squat on tracks at the Shambhu railway station in Punjab's Patiala district for the fifth day, officials said. The protestors have been demanding the release of three farmers arrested by the Haryana Police during the ongoing stir. A total of 73 trains were cancelled on Sunday, the railway officials said. The cancellation of trains over the last five days was causing financial losses, besides inconveniencing passengers, they said. Many trains were also being diverted due to the farmers' protest, they added. The farmers have been protesting under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) in Patiala district's Shambhu. They began their protest for the release of arrested farmers on Wednesday by squatting on the tracks on the Ambala Ludhiana-Amritsar route in Shambhu near the Punjab-Haryana border. Farmer leaders have said the protest will continue until the three farmers are released. The SKM (Non-Political) and the KMM are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands, including legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The farmers have been staying put at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 when their march was stopped by the security forces.
People like me... my karma bhoomi has now become my naadu, says Shashi Tharoor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shashi Tharoors fourth electoral outing in Thiruvananthapuram appears to be the toughest one he has faced so far. Though said to be a triangular contest, the incumbent Congress MP views it as a prestige battle between him and NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Frankly, it is the BJPs strongest seat in Kerala, Tharoor recently told the media. We are also batting with equal vehemence and confidence. Tharoor, however, does not display any sign of anxiety as we join him in one of his campaign trails. Clad in a bright magenta kurta, he begins the day praying at the Sree Narayana Guru Mandiram, and paying tributes to the statues of Mahatma Ayyankali and Chattambi Swami all in and around Gowreesapattom, which is part of the Vattiyoorkavu assembly segment. He reaches a bit late at Mulavana Junction, where former Congress state president V M Sudheeran, who hails from the area, launches the first campaign meet of the day. As Tharoor ascends the makeshift stage, many passers-by and motorists halt to catch a glimpse of the UDFs global citizen. Supporters line up to drape him in handloom shawls and tricolour stoles around his shoulders In his speech, Tharoor assails the BJP, accusing the party of creating divisions in society. Besides exhorting people to back the Congress, Tharoor also highlights the importance of the INDIA bloc at the national level. Tharoors makeshift campaign vehicle is well-equipped to beat the heat two fans and an air cooler. As the motorcade proceeds, Tharoor fastens his seatbelt and adjusts the seat height so as to get a clear view of people on the roadside. Fervently waving at supporters, mostly youngsters and women, Tharoor notes that there are hardly six days left for the polls and recalls Parkinsons Law. It is the old adage that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. I have been doing everything possible within the seven-week campaign period, he tells TNIE as he waves at a group of young women in front of a ladies hostel at Ambalamukku. I need votes from all generations. However, it is true that the youth express excitement on seeing me. Everything I do is, ultimately, for the next generation. They see hope when they see me. Tharoor nonchalantly dismisses murmurs about him facing anti-incumbency. Is there a case of familiarity breeding contempt? People who know me like me, he replies. I get this feeling that they like me. We can see the youth and women standing outside their homes and waving at me. The menfolk must be at work. I have contested in three elections. I feel this one, too, is coming my way. Thiruvananthapuram used to be my karma bhoomi (land of action) , but now it has become my naadu (hometown). Later, while attending a brief corner meeting at Brindavan Housing Colony in Pattom, a group of first-time voters throngs him. City residents Jisha and Gadha say they are excited about voting for Tharoor. Their friends, Shwetha from Bengaluru and Rajat Subham Roy from Kolkata, who are here for National Eligibility Test coaching also join the huddle. Unlike in West Bengal, the candidates in Kerala are warm and approachable, says Rajat, who has been in Thiruvananthapuram for eight months. However, there we have more door-to-door campaigning. The main issue we face in our colony here is the shortage of drinking water. The candidates should take it up. Tharoor has a brief chat with the youngsters, before rushing back to his motorcade. And, as he boards the vehicle, he points to the message pasted on its side: INDIA will win, we will win.
54 Trains On Ambala-Amritsar Route Cancelled As Farmers Sit on Tracks At Shambhu
The protestors have been demanding the release of three farmers arrested by the Haryana Police during the ongoing stir
Teaser of Prithviraj Sukumaran, Basil Joseph's 'Guruvayoorambala Nadayil' unveiled
54 trains on Ambala-Amritsar route cancelled as farmers stir enters 4th day
trains on AmbalaAmritsar route cancelled as farmers stir enters th day
54 trains on Ambala-Amritsar route cancelled as farmers squat on tracks in Shambhu for 4th day
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the protest will continue until the three farmers are released. The SKM (Non-Political) and the KMM are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands, including legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
54 Trains On Ambala-Amritsar Route Cancelled As Farmers Protest Continues For 4th Day
A total of 54 trains on the Ambala-Amritsar route were cancelled on Saturday as farmers squatted on tracks at the Shambhu railway station in Punjab's Patiala district for the fourth day, officials said.
54 Trains On Ambala-Amritsar Route Cancelled As Farmers Protest Continues
A total of 54 trains on the Ambala-Amritsar route were cancelled on Saturday as farmers squatted on tracks at the Shambhu railway station in Punjab's Patiala district for the fourth day, officials said.
Poll icons: 118-yr-old man, 117-yr-old woman oldest voters in Haryana
CHANDIGARH: At the age of 118 years, Dharamveer from Palwal district in Haryana has earned the distinction of being the oldest voter among the over 20 centenarians in the state. Haryana is gearing up for the polls in the sixth phase on May 25. Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana, Anurag Agarwal, said elderly and young voters, as well as those who have achieved milestones in various fields, have been selected as icons for district elections, with the aim of increasing voter turnout, a trend initiated during the last Lok Sabha elections. Apart from Dharamveer, who is the oldest voter, Balbir Kaur (Sirsa) 117, Bhagwani (Sonipat) 116, Lakkhishek (Panipat) 115, Chandro Kaur (Rohtak) and Rani (Fatehabad) both 112, and Antidevi (Kurukshetra), Sarjit Kaur, and Chobi Devi all 111. Similarly, Narayani (Rewari) is 110 years old, Fulla (Kaithal) 109, Chanderi Devi (Faridabad) 109, Ramdevi (Jind) 108, Hari (Nuh) 108, Meva Devi (Jhajjar), Gulzar Singh (Karnal), Shadkin and Shriram (Hisar), and Geena Devi (Charkhi Dadri) all 106. Additionally, Hardei (Bhiwani) is 103, and Phoolwati of Yamunanagar is 100 years old. Talking about the young achievers, Agarwal said that Palak, who won the gold medal in shooting at the Asian Games 2023, has been selected as the icon of Jhajjar. Adarsh Singh, who won the silver medal in shooting at the 19th Asian Games, is the icon of Faridabad. Suman Devi, who secured third place in the 19th Senior Para Powerlifting Championship, and Yashika, a player of the state team in the National School Games held in Bhopal, have been chosen as icons for Panipat. Similarly, Sarabjot Singh, who won the silver medal in shooting at the 19th Asian Games, is the icon of Ambala. Sonam Malik, who won the gold medal in the World Championship, represents Sonipat. Surinder Kaur, an Olympic hockey player, is the icon of Kurukshetra, and Muskan, who won first place in singing at the National Youth Festival, is the icon of Fatehabad. Achievers feted Elderly and young voters as well as those who have achieved milestones in various fields have been selected as icons for district elections, with the aim of increasing voter turnout, according to state poll office
Army Kid Kashish Bakshi Secures All India Rank 54 In Upsc 2023
Jaipur : Kashish Bakshi, daughter of Major General Praveen Bakshi did proud to the Armed Forces fraternity by securing an All India Rank of 54 in recently declared results of UPSC CSE 2023. Kashish was born at Military Hospital Ambala Cantt to Mrs Meenakshi Bakshi & Maj Gen Praveen Bakshi who is presently posted at ... Read more
Trains remains affected on 3rd day of farmers protest at Shambhu border
The farmers' protest at Shambhu station on the Ambala-Ludhiana-Amritsar railway line continued for the third day, causing disruptions to train services on Friday. According to Deepak Kumar, the public relations officer of Ambala Division of Northern Railways, a total of 76 trains were cancelled, 56 were diverted, and 18 were either short-terminated or originated from different stations.
SHRC seeks solution to rising road accident deaths on Kaimanam-Pravachambalam stretch of NH 66
Prithviraj Sukumaran Set To Tickle Your Funny Bones In Guruvayoor Ambala Nadayil
The teaser for Guruvayoorambala Nadayil was released on April 18.
In Guruvayoorambala Nadayil Teaser, Prithviraj Sukumaran Steals The Show With His Charm
The teaser of Guruvayoorambala Nadayil was released on April 18 and is currently going viral on social media.
Telangana: Herbal treatment by baba claims life of 11-yr-old boy
ADILABAD: An investigation into a missing boy case unravelled a case of blind faith and death of an innocent 11-year-old in Asifabad. On April 16, a woman named Malleshwari from Nambala village in Rebenna mandal of Komaram Bheem Asifabad district approached the police to lodge a complaint that her son Sulva Rishi has been missing for the past three years. Investigating the case, the police found that the boy had been taken to the ashram of one Bheemrao baba in Pasigam village three years ago for treatment after he frequently fell ill. The boy was administered herbal treatment at the ashram where he succumbed to his illness. His body was then buried with the assistance of his father, Srinivas, on the outskirts of the village. The boys father did not reveal the death to his wife as he reportedly did not want to tarnish the ashrams reputation. DSP P Sadaiah told reporters that Rishi had been ailing for an extended period. The family turned to the Bheemrao Baba believing in his promises of herbal treatment. When her son did not return home, Malleshwari questioned her husband who was evasive in his replies. In her complaint, she said that she faced harassment from Bheemrao Baba. Her complaints to Srinivas went in vain, the complaint said. Following Malleshwaris complaint to the police, Bheemrao Baba was detained. His interrogation led to disclosure of the burial spot. On Thursday, the police exhumed the remains of Rishis body in the presence of the tahsildar and sent them to the forensics laboratory. Rebenna Circle Inspector N Chitti Babu said that cases against Bheemrao Baba and Srinivas were filed under various Sections of the IPC, including 420 (cheating), 354-D (stalking), 304-II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence).
Chautala clan clash set to spice up Haryana's Hisar turf
CHANDIGARH : It is a fight between the Chautala clan in Hisar, with bahus versus sasur in the Hisar Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming elections. The cousin sisters-in-law are pitted against each other and against their cousin father-in-law. On Thursday, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) declared Sunaina Chautala, wife of Ravi Chautala and granddaughter of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, as the partys candidate from the Hisar Lok Sabha seat. She is all set to take on Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) candidate Naina Singh Chautala, a two-time MLA and mother of former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, and Ranjit Chautala of the BJP. Thus, a family feud is set to unfold openly in the electoral scene in Hisar. The Indian National Lok Dal on Thursday declared three candidates for the Lok Sabha elections: senior party leader Abhay Singh Chautala from Kurukshetra, Sunaina Chautala from Hisar, and Gurpreet Singh from the Ambala (reserved) seat. Sunaina, who is the general secretary of the womens wing of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), was announced as the partys candidate from the Hisar Lok Sabha seat. Her husband, Ravi Chautala, is the cousin brother of INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala from the Ellenabad assembly seat and was also active in politics some time ago. Ravi Chautala is the son of Devi Lals eldest son, Pratap Chautala. Meanwhile, Naina Singh Chautala, a two-time MLA from the Badhra assembly segment and wife of Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) supremo, as well as mother of Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, who is the grandson of former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, is the JJP candidate. Abhay and Ajay are real brothers. Naina is the daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Om Parkash Chautala, and Ranjit Chautala is the brother of former CM Chautala, while Sunaina is the bhabhi of Naina. Naina is credited with holding statewide hari chunari chaupals to create political awareness among women. Both ladies are pitted against the BJP nominee, 78-year-old Ranjit Singh Chautala, who was an Independent MLA and cabinet minister in both the Khattar and Saini cabinets and joined the BJP last month after resigning as an MLA. Hisar Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 10 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Haryana. The total number of voters at the Hisar parliamentary seat is approximately 1,631,817, as per the 2019 Lok Sabha poll statistics. Voter turnout at the Hisar parliamentary seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election was 72.43%. In the 2019 polls, Brijendra Singh of the BJP emerged victorious in the Hisar constituency of Haryana, securing 603,289 votes. His closest competitor, Dushyant Chautala of the JNJP, received 289,221 votes. The total number of votes cast in Hisar was 1,181,878.
First time, party gives ticket to Sikh candidate in Ambala for Lok Sabha
Guruvayoorambala Nadayil - Official Teaser
Watch the Official Teaser from Malayalam movie 'Guruvayoorambala Nadayil' starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Basil Joseph, Nikhila Vimal, Anaswara Rajan, Yogi Babu and Siju Sunny. 'Guruvayoorambala Nadayil' movie is directed by Vipin Das and produced by Supriya Menon, Mukesh R Mehta and C V Sarathy. To know more about 'Guruvayoorambala Nadayil' teaser watch the video. Check out the latest Malayalam teasers, new movie teasers, trending Malayalam movie teaser, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
'Guruvayoorambala Nadayil' teaser: Prithviraj, Basil Joseph promise quirky rom-com
Guruvayoorambala Nadayil teaser Prithviraj Basil Joseph promise quirky romcom
LS polls: INLD declares three candidates, Abhay Chautala from Kurukshetra, Sunaina from Hisar
The Indian National Lok Dal on Thursday released a list of three candidates for the Lok Sabha polls from Haryana, fielding party's senior leader Abhay Singh Chautala from Kurukshetra. The INLD has also fielded its women wing leader Sunaina Chautala from Hisar while from Ambala reserved constituency, the party has fielded its youth leader Gurpreet Singh, a Sikh face.
Grand Srirama Shobha Yatra in Rajamahendravaram
Kakinada: A large number of devotees took out a grand Sri Rama Shobha Yatra in Rajamahendravaram on occasion of the Srirama Navami festival on Wednesday. They gathered under the banner of Srirama Utsava Samithi on bikes holding saffron flags. They then went in a procession through the city from Pushkara Ghat to A.V. Appa Rao Road via Aryapuram, Kambala Tank, Danavaiypeta, Old Somalamma Temple, RTC Complex Road, Syamala Centre and Godavari Bund. BJP state president Daggubati Purandeswari flagged off the bike rally. Telugu Desam Rajamahendravaram Urban candidate Adireddy Srinivas, Swamy Kamalananda Bharati and others participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion, Kamalananda Bharati said Lord Srirama is an inspiration for the universe. He led his life with righteousness even though he faced many difficulties. He stressed on the importance of saving the Hindu Dharma during the present times. Utsava Samithi chairman Karri Rama Reddy said they have been organising the Srirama Shobha Yatra for past two years. He said this year, Rama Navami is of great significance as Bala Ramas idol has been set up in Ayodhya.
Punjab: Several trains affected as farmers squat on track demanding release of fellow protesters
Punjab: Several trains affected as farmers squat on track demanding release of fellow protesters Farmers under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Wednesday squatted on a rail track in Patiala district near the Punjab and Haryana border, demanding the release of three farmers who had been arrested by the Haryana Police. The movement of more than 30 trains was impacted as they were either diverted, cancelled or short-terminated because of the blockade at the Shambhu Railway Station, railway authorities said. The disruption in rail movement also caused inconvenience to rail passengers on the occasion of Ram Navami. KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the Haryana administration had given them an assurance that the arrested farmers would be released by April 16. ''When our farmers were not released, we decided to squat on the rail track,'' Pandher said. Three farmers, including Navdeep Singh, were arrested during the ongoing farmers' stir. Though the Punjab Police had erected barricades to prevent protesters from heading towards the rail track, farmers forced their way and sat on the Ambala-Ludhiana rail track. Farmer leaders said they will not end their protest until the protesters are released. ''If the government releases them now, we will vacate the rail tracks within 10 minutes,'' said another farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The farmer leaders said they were forced to sit on the rail track as the Haryana government failed to accept their demand. Pandher threatened to squat on more rail tracks if the three farmers were not released in the coming days. According to railway authorities, trains from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri, Amritsar to Kathiar, Pathankot to Old Delhi, Amritsar to Tata Nagar, Kolkata to Amritsar, Delhi to Amritsar, Haridwar to Amritsar and Darbhanga to Amritsar were diverted. While trains from Ludhiana to Churu and Churu to Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt to Jalandhar City, Ludhiana to Ambala Cantt, and Patiala to Ambala were cancelled, they said. The SKM (non-political) and the KMM are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands which include that the Centre should give a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The farmers have been staying put at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 when their march was stopped by the security forces.
Kerala: Scooterist gets tangled in police security rope, dies
KOCHI : The death of a 28-year-old man after his scooter got caught in a rope tied across the road at Valanjambalam in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit has triggered a row over the alleged shoddy barricading by the police. Manoj Unni of Vaduthala, a contract worker with the Kochi corporation, died in the accident that took place at Sahodaran Ayyappan road around 9.45pm on Sunday. As per the PMs itinerary, Modi was to stay at the Ernakulam guest house for the night and leave for Kunnamkulam to address an election rally on Monday morning. Hence, the police tied a rope across SA road to prevent vehicles from entering MG Road between 9pm and 11pm. Manoj, who was moving to his parents house in Ravipuram after buying medicines for his mother, raced past the rope. His scooter got caught in it and he lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fall in which he suffered serious head injuries. Police officers deployed at Valanjambalam rushed Manoj to a private hospital nearby, where he succumbed to injuries around 1.15am on Monday. The body was handed over to relatives after postmortem examination by evening. Meanwhile, his family refuted reports that Manoj was riding under the influence of alcohol, with his sister Chippy U M saying he was a teetotaller. My brother never consumed liquor. He does not even drink wine. The hospital authorities too confirmed that no alcohol content was found in his blood, Chippy said, blaming the improper barricading for her brothers death. The deceased Manoj Unni. People who tried to rescue Manoj said there were no street lights at the spot where the rope was tied. There was also no sign to alert drivers about the barricade. Manoj may have spotted the rope too late to have applied the brakes on time, Chippy said, adding, After cremation, I will visit the police station to view the CCTV footage of the incident. Kochi commissioner S Syamsundar denied any wrongdoing by the police and said the accident was primarily caused due to speeding. There were sufficient policemen deployed on the stretch to alert drivers about the roadblock. In fact, some officers did alert the deceased, but he moved at a high speed, leading to the accident, Syamsundar said. The Ernakulam South police have registered a case and launched a probe. The officers said it is not confirmed whether Manoj was drunk. Whether or not he was under the influence of alcohol can be confirmed only after getting reports of the medical tests and autopsy. Our preliminary analysis after examining CCTV footage is that he was riding at a high speed and failed to apply brakes on time. But, a more scientific probe is required to confirm the exact reason for the accident, said an officer.
Mini truck transporting worshippers overturns in Ambala, Haryana
Mini truck transporting worshippers overturns in Ambala, Haryana A mini truck carrying devotees overturned near Adhoya village in Ambala district after a tyre of the vehicle burst leaving some of them injured, police said on Monday. The police said that 18 devotees were travelling in the mini truck. The devotees were returning to their home in Kaithal late Sunday night after paying obeisance at Trilokpur Mata temple near Naraingarh. Three of these devotees sustained serious injuries, police said. Sub-Inspector Satish Kumar of Barara police station said that 18 devotees from Sanghan village of Kaithal had gone in a mini truck to visit Trilokpur Mata temple. ''When the vehicle reached near Adhoya village, the tyre of the vehicle burst after which the driver lost control of the truck and it overturned,'' he said. The injured were taken out of the vehicle by the locals, who also informed the police. The police later took the injured to Barara community health centre.
Power Games | Congress presses big guns into electoral arena
Battleground Haryana Congress presses big guns into electoral arena The Congress leadership has swung into action to get its prominent leaders across the country to fight the current Lok Sabha elections. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP firing all cylinders to score a hat-trick at the helm of power, prominent Congress leaders have been shying away from joining the battle against them. This is in spite of the express orders from the party leadership to fight the election. A tussle is being witnessed between the Congress central leadership and its prominent faces on this issue. After failing to force its top two leaders of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to contest, the leadership has put its foot down in Haryana, a state from where the party is getting positive feedback on its prospects. The Congress central election committee has met twice, but failed to finalise candidates for Haryana. Former state chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deependra refused to contest from Rohtak, which is considered their pocket borough. They had suggested their wives as possible candidates. But the leadership has rejected their proposal and asked Deependra to fight from Rohtak. According to sources, the party has also finalised the candidature of former state president Kumari Selja from Sirsa and Varun Chaudhary from Ambala. Varun is a sitting MLA and his father, Phool Chand Mulana, was a state Congress president. The party has also reportedly finalised Brijendra Singhs name for the Hissar Lok Sabha seat in spite of Bhupinder Hoodas strong opposition. With the state Congress leaders locked in a factional feud over the remaining seats, the central leadership has set up a three-member committee of K C Venugopal, Salman Khursheed and Madhusudan Mistri to bring about a rapprochement. The committee met on Sunday with leaders of different groups and is likely to finalise the names by Monday. Battle for ballot Baghel plans to force EC into paper voting Former chief minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel plans to force the Election Commissions hand to conduct the election in Rajnandgaon using paper ballot. Baghel is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. According to sources, over four hundred candidates are likely to file nominations in Rajnandgaon which will make it impossible for the commission to conduct the election using the electronic voting machines. One EVM or a balloting unit can handle 16 candidate choices. In constituencies where there are more than 16 candidates, the EC installs a parallel unit. Additional parallel units are installed depending on the number of candidates. But there is a limit on the number of EVMs the EC can place parallelly. The jury is out on this number. As per the recently-updated FAQs of the EC, the newly-upgraded EVMs can handle up to 384 candidates by placing 24 parallel units. Bhupesh and his team believe that the EC will have no option but to conduct the election using ballot paper if there are more than 400 candidates in a constituency. A Lok Sabha constituency usually has around 1500 polling booths. Providing such a large number of EVMs will be another challenge for the EC. It will be interesting to see which way this battle for the ballot goes.
'I should have paid attention to my constituency': Anil Vij will work for BJP this time
Former Haryana minister Anil Vij regrets not focusing on Ambala Cantonment, plans local campaigning, and aims to strengthen BJP's position by blooming the lotus flower from the area despite surprises in state politics.
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.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter of the condition of the residents of Ambalamugal industrial areas Ayyankuzhi village, which is sandwiched between the Kochi refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd. (HOCL). The petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item []
Three-time MP and DMKs candidate for the Central Chennai Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Dayanidhi Maran, called the Prime Ministers roadshow in Chennais Pondy Bazaar area The post PM Modis Roadshow Was A Circus Meant For West Mambalam People: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran Yet Again Targets Brahmins appeared first on The Commune .
Three-time MP and DMKs candidate for the Central Chennai Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Dayanidhi Maran, called the Prime Ministers roadshow in Chennais Pondy Bazaar area The post Modi Roadshow In Chennai A Circus, It Was A Show Only For West Mambalam People, Says Central Chennai DMK Candidate Dayanidhi Maran appeared first on The Commune .
In Ernakulam & Chalakudy Lok Sabha contests, Twenty20 likely to play spoilsport
KOCHI : Its foray into the 2021 assembly elections did not yield the desired results. However, Twenty20 did not lose hope. And in this Lok Sabha elections, the Kitex-backed political outfit has fielded candidates in two constituencies Chalakudy and Ernakulam in a move that has created a flutter. Political analysts said the partys presence in the LS polls cannot be written off, as it has the potential to play spoilsport to all the three fronts vying to woo voters. As of now, Twenty20 controls four local bodies, Kizhakkambalam, Mazhuvannoor, Kunnathunad and Aikaranad, all under the Kunnathunad assembly segments of the Chalakudy LS constituency. In the 2021 elections, its candidate secured 42,701 votes, or 27.56% of the vote share in Kunnathunad, indirectly causing the defeat of Congress V P Sajeendran. In all, Twenty20 fielded eight candidates in the assembly polls and got 1.45 lakh votes in total. Twenty20 has a relevance in the 2024 polls, said D Dhanuraj, founder-chairman of Kochi-based Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). There is an anti-incumbency wave against both mainstream parties and fronts. Voters consider such outfits as alternatives. Besides, Twenty20 has a track record of implementing pro-people measures in Kizhakkambalam and other grama panchayats. Also, the recent row over electoral bond will not pose it a major problem, Dhanuraj said. Charlie Paul, a lawyer, is Twenty20s pick in Chalakudy against UDFs Benny Behanan (sitting MP), LDFs C Raveendranath (former minister) and NDAs K A Unnikrishnan of the BDJS. In Ernakulam, the party has fielded young Antony Judy to take on UDF candidate and MP Hibi Eden, LDF candidate K J Shine and NDA candidate K S Radhakrishnan. If Twenty20s candidates get 40,000 votes or more, it will affect the prospects of the main political fronts, predicted Dhanuraj. They control four grama panchayats. Their party meetings and other events saw good public participation. We cannot write them off. Their influence will definitely reflect in Chalakudy constituency, he said. It is believed that Twenty20 will eat into Congress votes and its presence will not hamper LDF, especially the CPM vote-bank. However, Twenty20 party president Sabu M Jacob begged to differ. Many are saying we get votes from Congress sympathisers. This is wrong. In 2020 (local body elections), in many wards where we won, the LDF got votes in single digits. Congress managed to finish behind us. This shows there will be a shift of communist votes. Present day communists are not like the previous party. Ordinary workers, barring leaders, will vote for us, Sabu had said last week. Twenty20 scripted history in 2020 by winning three grama panchayats while retaining Kizhakkambalam. It also won, for the first time, in two divisions, Kolenchery and Vengola, of Ernakulam district panchayat.
Ambala woman kills shopkeeper as 'goddess demanded human sacrifice in dream'
In Ambala, shopkeeper Mahesh Gupta was killed by Priya, who believed a dream-goddess instructed her to sacrifice a human. Priya, along with Hemant and Preeti, faces charges for the murder.
Chadipiralla Bhupesh Subbarami Reddy son of former MLC C Narayana Reddy He is contesting from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency on TDP ticket. Having a stranglehold on Jammalamadugu Assembly constituency, Bhupesh is confident of his victory in the election. Narayana Reddy is the brother of former minister and BJP leader Adinarayana Reddy. Ironically, Narayana Reddy unsuccessfully contested from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency against YS Avinash Reddy of TDP in 2019 Adireddy Srinivas (Vasu) son of former TDP MLC Adireddy Appa Rao He is in the election fray from Rajahmundry Urban Assembly constituency on TDP ticket in place of his wife and sitting MLA Adireddy Bhavani. Vasu is contesting against sitting Rajahmundry MP Margani Bharat of YSRC. In the 2019 Assembly elections, Bhavani won with a majority of more than 30,000 votes against Routhu Surya Prakasa Rao of YSRC. Vasu, the son-in-law of former Union minister Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu and brother-in-law of Srikakulam MP K Ram Mohan Naidu, has a strong political background Perni Venkata Sai Krishna Murthy alias Kittu son of sitting YSRC MLA Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) The 27-year-old with a strong political family background is in the fray from Machilipatnam Assembly segment. His grandfather Perni Krishnamurthy served as minister in the cabinet of N Janardhana Reddy. He is the youngest candidate in the fray. Kittu completed engineering from SRKR Engineering College, Bhimavaram. He has been actively participating in the YSRC activities along with his father Nani for the past four years. Kittus opponent is Kollu Ravindra of TDP, who suffered defeat at the hands of his father Perni Bhumana Abhinay Reddy son of sitting YSRC MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy He is contesting from Tirupati Assembly constituency as his father Karunakar Reddy was appointed as Chairman of TTD. Abhinay holds a Masters degree in Business Information Systems from London. He entered politics at the age of 30 and has been active in politics since 2021. He was elected as corporator of MCT and later became Deputy Mayor. He will fight against TDP-BJP-JSP alliance candidate Arani Srinivasulu, who switched his loyalties to JSP from the YSRC after he was denied ticket for Chittoor Chevireddy Mohith son of sitting YSRC MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy The YSRC has fielded Mohith from Chandragiri Assembly constituency as Bhaskar Reddy is in the fray from Ongole Lok Sabha candidate. The 26-year-old Mohith, who holds a Masters degree from Warwick University, London, began his political career at the age of 22, and elected as an MPTC member. Later, he was unanimously as the MPP of Tirupati Rural. He is also member of TTD Trust Board. He will take on Pulivarthi Venkata Mani Prasad of TDP against whom his father Bhaskar Reddy won in the 2019 elections Pilli Surya Prakash son of YSRC Rajya Sabha MP Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose The 43-year-old software engineer-turned-politician is contesting from Ramachandrapuram Assembly constituency in East Godavari district. The YSRC has fielded Surya Prakash after shifting incumbent Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venu Gopalakrishna to Rajhamundry rural. He is leaving no stone unturned to win the election by garnering peoples support. Thale Rajesh son of former MLA Thale Bhadraiah He has been fielded from Rajam Assembly constituency replacing sitting YSRC MLA Kambala Jogulu. An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Rajesh will take on Kondru Murali Mohan of TDP who lost the election in 2019. Bhadraiah won twice as an MLA from Palakonda. Rajesh who is actively involved in social service, is confident of his victory in the elections. Kondapalli Srinivas nephew of former TDP MLA Kondapalli Appala Naidu The third generation politician from Kondapalli Pydithalli Naidu, Srinivas is contesting from Gajapathinagaram Assembly constituency on TDP ticket. The 46-year-old Srinivas will take on sitting YSRC MLA Botcha Appalanarasayya Varla Kumar Raja son of TDP general secretary Varla Ramaiah He is in the fray from Pamarru Assembly constituency on TDP ticket. Raja, a software engineer, joined politics after he was appointed as the TDP constituency incharge as the request of his father. Ramaiah unsuccessfully contested from Pamarru in 2014 against Uppuleti Kalpana of YSRC. Now, Raja is contesting against Kaile Anil Kumar of YSRC Compiled by Phanindra Papasani
Kin of jumbo attack victim to receive docus for claiming compensation
KALPETTA : The victims of wild animal attacks who belong to the Scheduled Tribe community have been riddled by challenges in claiming compensation from the government due to lack of proper documents. However, amid this fuss, the family of one of the victims has emerged successful in their efforts to claim the money. The money will be released to the family of Mini, who recently died in a wild elephant attack in Malappuram-Wayanad border, as their missing documents were re-issued with the help of the District Legal Services Authority. Mini, 35, of Cholanayakkan tribe in Parappanpara, Muppainad panchayat in the Meppadi forest range was trampled to death by a wild elephant on March 28 when she went to collect honey in the woods. She is survived by her husband Suresh and five children. Suresh is still undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital after the elephant attack. The couples eldest son is 16-year-old and the youngest is 2-year-old. The children are now being looked after by Minis sister and family in Kambalappara, Kadassery in the Malappuram district. The team led by Malappuram District Legal Service Authority Chairman and Manjeri Principal Sessions Court Judge Sanil Kumar handed over the documents for the inheritance certificate to the family of Mini on Wednesday. The children did not have Aadhaar cards and birth certificates. Two children received their documents and other applications are under process. The documents were made available in connection with the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) officers and other departments, said Malappuram District Legal Service Authority Secretary and Sub-Judge M Shabir Ibrahim.
10 kg of gold jewellery seized in West Mambalam
A flying squad intercepted a minivan during routine inspection
Haryana CM campaign for BJP Ambala candidate in Mullana
One-Day Trip: Make these beautiful places around Ambala a weekend travel point in a one-day trip
One-Day Trip Around Ambala: Ambala is considered a famous and popular city in Haryana. Many people are living in this beautiful city, who keep going to work in a city like Delhi. Ambala is also a historical city of Haryana. Due to its presence on the border of Haryana and Punjab, many people keep planning to visit here. It is said that this city is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. In this article, we are going to tell you about some wonderful and charming places located around Ambala, which you can explore with family, friends or partners on a one-day trip. Morni Hills Whenever any best place to visit around Ambala is mentioned, the name of Morni Hills is taken first. Located near Panchkula, Haryana, it is famous for its beauty as well as adventure activities. Morni Hills is the best travel destination not only for the people of Haryana but also for the people of Chandigarh, Punjab. In Morni Hills, you can explore the best places like Tikkar Tal, Adventure Park, Morni Fort and Gurudwara Nada Sahib. You can also go boating in Tikkar Tal. Distance-The distance from Ambala to Morni Hills is about 61 km. Nahan If you want to explore a wonderful hill station on a day trip from Ambala, then you can visit Nahan. This is a hidden treasure of Himachal Pradesh. Nahan present in the beautiful valleys of Himachal is no less than heaven. Nahan is a beautiful hill station situated amidst high mountains, dense forests lakes and waterfalls. In Nahan, you can explore the best places like Churdhar, Renuka Lake and Haban Valley. Distance-The distance from Ambala to Nahan is about 64 km. Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary If you like to roam amidst greenery on a day trip around Ambala, then you should reach Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary with family, friends and family. Located in Yamunanagar district of Haryana, it is known for its dense forests and pleasant weather. You can enjoy the cool breeze here even during the scorching summer season. The sanctuary here is also known for bio-diversity. Many people come here on weekends to have picnics. Distance- The distance from Ambala to Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary is about 62 km. Solan Solan, situated at an altitude of more than one thousand meters above sea level, is a beautiful and charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh. High mountains, dense forests, lakes, waterfalls and big cedar trees add to the beauty of this place. Even when there is extreme heat in April-May and June and Haryana, the temperature in Solan remains normal. Here you can enjoy a cool breeze even in summer. In Solan, you can explore the best places like Mashobra, Kalpa and Parwanoo. You can also do trekking and hiking in Solan. Here you can also do memorable photography. Distance-The distance from Ambala to Solan is about 115 km. Explore these places also There are many other wonderful and charming places around Ambala, that you can explore on a day trip. For example, you can explore Trilokpur situated at a distance of 51 km, Baddi situated at a distance of 85 km and Chail situated at a distance of 138 km. Image-@insta,morni_hills
Groundwater contamination is one of the major problems as there are two chemical plants located near the coastal villages in the Assembly constituency
YSRC Will Win All 7 Assembly Segments in Anakapalli: YV Subba Reddy
YV Subba Reddy YV Subba Reddy Visakhapatnam: The ruling YSRC will win all the seven assembly constituencies in Anakapalli and the Lok Sabha segment, said regional coordinator for the party in north Andhra Y.V. Subba Reddy. He was addressing the general body meeting of the Anakapalli district party unit in Anakapalli town on Saturday in the presence of all the MLAs and the contesting candidates. We will defeat the migratory bird C.M. Ramesh of BJP for the Lok Sabha constituency will ensure victory of party candidates in all the seven assembly segments and give it to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as a gift, Subba Reddy said. He said Jagan Mohan Reddy desires that people in all the 175 assembly constituencies should be happy and lead a peaceful life. He appealed to the party workers to give a fitting lesson to BJP candidate C.M. Ramesh who created ruckus in Chodavaram and attacked government officials who were conducting a raid on a trader. Deputy chief minister and partys candidate for Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency, Budi Mutyala Naidu said C.M. Ramesh would end up as a big joke. He said people were laughing at Ramesh, who defrauded the banks and knew no boundaries of the constituency and was contesting against him. Ramesh was nominated to fund MLA candidates put up by TD and Jana Sena in all the seven assembly constituencies and not to win the elections against me, Mutyala Naidu said. The candidates put up by TD and Jana Sena in all the seven segments were for pumping funds for the party and not to win the elections. Speaking on the occasion, minister for industries and IT Gudivada Amarnath said BJP candidate C.M. Ramesh, who defrauded the banks, has no moral right to criticise the ruling YSRC party leaders. Amarnath appealed to the party workers to work hard for the Anakapalli assembly candidate Malasala Bharat who is young and educated. He said the constituency would develop under the youngsters like Bharat. Speaking on the occasion, Bharat said Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys policy to implement welfare schemes to all the eligible persons irrespective of political affiliation would help the candidates to win in this election. Anakapalli district unit president of the party Boddeda Prasad presided over the meeting. Anakapalli MP Dr B.V. Satyavathi, MLAs Karanam Dharmasri, Petla Uma Shankar Ganesh, UV Ramana Murthy Raju, MLC Varudu Kalyani and MLA candidates Kambala Jogulu and Erle Anuradha were present.
Prithviraj Sukumaran wraps up shooting for 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil'
Dead body of missing kid found packed in suitcase in cars boot in Ambala
Guruvayoor Ambala Nadayil, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Basil Joseph, wraps up shoot
Also starring Anaswara Rajan and Nikhila Vimal in the lead, the film is set to hit screens in May this year
Prithviraj Sukumaran Wraps Up Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil
It's a wrap for Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil'
It's a wrap for Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil' Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has finished shooting for 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil'. The Malayalam film has been directed by Vipin Das, and is touted to be a comedy-drama. It narrates the story of a young man entangled in a series of misfortunes during a wedding ceremony, ultimately leading him to marry a woman who has enraged the groom. The official team of Prithviraj on Thursday took to Instagram and shared pictures from the last day of the shoot. That's the final wrap! #GuruvayoorAmbalaNadayil. We hope that it will be a fun-filled entertainer. See you soon. May 2024 worldwide release, the post's caption read. Meanwhile, Prithiviraj is being appreciated for his film 'Aadujeevitham'. The film draws inspiration from the life and experiences of Najeeb Muhammad alias Shukoor, who, in the '90s, left his homeland for the Persian Gulf states to support his family but ended up working as a slave/goatherd in a desert for over three years instead. The actor recently met with Najeeb and talked about the latter's life journey in detail.During the conversation, Prithviraj Sukumaran told Najeeb, In 2008, when Blessy first told me about doing this movie, my initial thought was, how do I approach this character? Do I come down and talk to you about who you really are, or do I try to understand the character Najeeb that Benyamin wrote or the Najeeb that Blessy has in his mind? This was the confusion I had. Finally, Blessy and I decided that I should play the Najeeb I visualize in my mind based on the novel and the Najeeb that Blessy visualized. That's the Najeeb you'll see in the movie. There is a big difference. In the coming months, fans will see him as an antagonist in 'Bade Miyan and Chote Miyan', which stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff in the lead roles. The film, which is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, will hit the theatres on April 10. It will face a box office clash with Ajay Devgn's 'Maidaan'. (ANI)
Haryana Sets Up Panel To Examine IAS Officer's September Order
The Haryana government has constituted an inquiry committee to look into a September 2023 order passed by Ambala divisional commissioner Renu Phulia revoking a 2003 stay order of collector (agrarian), Panchkula, on the sale-purchase of land of various villages, including Beed Firozadi, in Panchkula.
UP man held smuggling 2.60 kg opium in Ambala
Twenty20 testing political waters in Kerala
The Kizhakkambalam-based organisation is fielding candidates in Ernakulam and Chalakudy constituencies for the Lok Sabha elections; while it claims a strong organisational network in five districts, both the Congress and the CPI(M) say it has no influence other than in the Kunnathunad Assembly segment
SABLO sends representation on various issues to SASB, Govt
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: The Annual General Body meeting of Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisation (SABLO) was held at Ambala in Haryana under the chairmanship of Rajan Gupta its president. H K Chugh, general secretary read the welcome address. Various Bhandara organisations from Punjab Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, UT of Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan etc attended the meeting. H.K Chugh informed all the members that a series of representations on various important issues have been given to Officials of [] The post SABLO sends representation on various issues to SASB, Govt appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Haryana Police arrest farmer activist Jalbera
Haryana Police arrest farmer activist Jalbera The Haryana Police has arrested farmer activist Navdeep Singh Jalbera in connection with an FIR lodged during the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' stir in February. The arrest comes ahead of a gathering by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mukti Morcha on March 31 to pay homage to Shubhkaran Singh, a 21-year-old farmer from Bathinda, who was killed in a clash at Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The Ambala Police Thursday arrested Jalbera from Mohali. He was later produced in court for a two-day remand by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of the Haryana Police. Police said Jalbera was arrested in connection with a case registered here on February 13 under various IPC Sections, including 307 (attempt to murder) and assault on policemen. Jalbera, a native of the eponymous village near Ambala, became famous as the ''water cannon man'' for climbing on top of a police water cannon in November 2020 during the farmers' movement against the now-repealed farm laws. In 2020, thousands of farmers marched towards Delhi and held agitation for several months at the national capital's Singhu and Tikri border despite heavy police barricading. Rohit Jain, counsel for Jalbera, said police have arrested three people, including him, in connection with the February case. The FIR names 20 farmers including several top leaders. Jain said the farmers have denied the police charges. Police pleaded in the court that Jalbera's remand was required to recover his car and other weapons used in the agitation. Farmers camping at the two border points of Punjab and Haryana had recently said they would continue their agitation until their demands are met. The SKM (non-political) and the Kisan Mukti Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee for the minimum support price. The farmers from Punjab have been camping since February 13 at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. Both border points have a police deployment and a total barricading. Shubhkaran Singh was killed during a clash with police at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border. Twelve police personnel were also injured in the clashes The clash occurred when some farmers rushed to the barricades to breach them and were stopped by security personnel.
You Will Hate Overly Fried Dishes: Rent Ad For UK Apartment Leaves Internet Talking
A person, named Naty Kasambala, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share a post, attaching the terms by the landlord of a flat along.
You Will Hate Overly Fried Dishes: Rent Ad For UK Appartment Leaves Internet Talking
A person, named Naty Kasambala, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share a post, attaching the terms by the landlord of a flat along.
Memorials of CPI(M) leaders at Payyambalam defaced
Deliberate attempt to disrupt peace in region, possibly aimed at inciting party workers
Constantly in touch with Russian authorities: MEA on Indian nationals seeking discharge from Russian Army India is constantly in touch with Russian authorities to have Indian nationals released and discharged from the Russian army as early as possible, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing on Thursday. Asked about update on Indians who were duped by agents and sent to Russia to join the military, Randhir Jaiswal stated, Regarding Russia, as I told you earlier also, we are constantly in touch with Russian authorities. We have taken it up strongly for them to have our nationals released and discharged as early as possible. I will have an update for you, and as and when I have an update for you, I will keep you informed. On the death toll, we know last time also I had told you that two people have passed away. Their mortal remains have come to India. and have been sent to their family members. So, the death toll is where two people had passed away, died in the conflict, he added. Notably, at least two Indians have died while serving in the Russian army against Ukraine, as around 20 others were allegedly duped into fighting in Russia's war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs. Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone. The central agency is conducting simultaneous searches at around 13 locations in Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. The CBI stated that these traffickers have been operating as an organised network and were luring Indian nationals through social media channels like YouTube, etc and also through their local contacts/agents for highly paid jobs in Russia. Thereafter, the trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia-Ukraine War zone against their wishes, thus, putting their lives in grave danger. It has been ascertained that some of the victims were also grievously injured in the war zone.Certain suspects have also been detained for questioning at various locations. So far, around 35 instances of victims sent abroad have been established. The identity of more trafficking victims is also being established. The investigation is still underway. Meanwhile, an appeal has been made to the general public not to fall prey to such false promises of jobs by dubious recruitment agencies and agents. (ANI)
Guj tribal leader Chhotu Vasava forms new outfit after son joins BJP; to announce LS poll plans soon
Guj tribal leader Chhotu Vasava forms new outfit after son joins BJP; to announce LS poll plans soon Prominent tribal leader from Gujarat, Chhotu Vasava, has said he has formed a new organisation to fight for the rights of the country's tribal population, days after his son and president of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BTP founder said on Wednesday that his new organisation, the Bharat Adivasi Samvidhan Sena (BASS), was a social and not a political outfit, and added that he would soon announce under which banner he planned to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a veiled attack on his son Mahesh Vasava for joining the BJP, he said the community will never forgive those who have betrayed it for the greed of money and power. Talking to PTI, Vasava's aide Ambalal Jadhav said members of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), founded last year in Rajasthan where it won three seats and one in Madhya Pradesh in the 2023 assembly elections, will meet Vasava on Friday to chart the next course of action for the parliamentary polls. ''Four MLAs (three from Rajasthan and one from MP) are among the members of the BAP who will meet Chhotu Vasava on Friday. We will also decide on contesting the elections,'' he said. Vasava's younger son Dilip Vasava is the national vice president of the BAP. The BTP, which was founded by Vasava and led by his elder son Mahesh Vasava as its president, merged with the BJP after the latter joined the ruling party on March 11. Chhotu Vasava, who had contested the Lok Sabha elections from Bharuch seat in 2004 and 2009 as a Janata Dal (United) candidate, and in 2014 as a BTP candidate, said his new outfit BASS has been formed to safeguard the interest of the tribal population to counter the forces working against them. ''This Bharatiya Adivasi Sena is a social and not a political organisation, and will announce in a few days under which banner I will contest the Lok Sabha election,'' he posted on X Wednesday. He said he will soon spread the organisation pan-India. Vasava had founded the BTP ahead of the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections when the JD(U) allied with the BJP. The party won two seats that time: Chhotu Vasava from Jhagadia and his son Mahesh from Dediapada. In 2022, he fought as an independent from Jhagadia after differences with his son, but lost to BJP's Ritesh Vasava. On March 20, he announced the formation of the BASS at Jhagadia in Bharuch district after offering tributes to tribal leader and member of constituent assembly Jaipal Singh Munda on his death anniversary. His announcement came days after his son and the then BTP president Mahesh Vasava joined the ruling BJP on March 11. ''On the 54th death anniversary of Jaipal Singh Munda, we have formed BASS. There is a need for an organisation like this because external and internal forces are bent on looting tribals. The organisation is ready to fight and stop communal forces... We will slowly take this pan-India,'' he told media persons. Describing the Constitution as his ''religion'', Vasava said he would carry on his fight under its banner for the rights of the tribal population and against the looting of their land and natural resources. Before making this announcement, Vasava posted on X that the community ''will never forgive those who have betrayed it for the greed of money and power'', a reference to his son joining the BJP. He said those who raised the voice of the tribals and fought against the BJP ended up joining up the very same party ''for greed of power and money'' and the community will never pardon them.
New faces and warhorses: BJP plays balancing act in Haryana poll list
CHANDIGARH: The BJP has named six new faces in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Sonepat districts of Haryana while reposing trust in its old warhorses in Bhiwani-Mahendergarh, Rohtak, Gurugram and Faridabad for the Lok Sabha elections. With more than 50% per cent of its candidates being turncoats, the party depends on them to win the polls in the state. The saffron party has declared all the ten candidates in the state. In a surprise move, 53-year-old industrialist Naveen Jindal, former -- a two-time Congress MP who recently joined the BJP, is being fielded from Kurukshetra. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Chief Minister, was the sitting MP from Kurukshetra. He won from Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 on a Congress ticket. Also, former Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar, who had joined AAP, has joined the BJP after quitting AAP. He has been given a ticket from Sirsa as the party dropped Sunita Duggal, a first-time MP. Besides, independent MLA from the Rania assembly segment and state cabinet minister in Saini cabinet Ranjit Singh Chautala has been given a ticket from Hisar after he was inducted into the party fold after the sitting party MP from Hisar Brijendra Singh resigned and joined the Congress. Chautala was a Rajya Sabha MP in 1990 and a two-time MLA in 1987 and 2019. He is the son of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal and brother of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) president and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala. Former CM Manohar Lal Khattar has been fielded after he resigned in a sudden change of guard as he has been the CM for the past nine-and-a-half years. While Banto Kataria, wife of former MP Rattan Lal Kataria, who died, has been given a ticket from Ambala by the party, she is the only woman candidate in the list of ten candidates. Also, Mohan Lal Badoli, sitting MLA from the Rai assembly segment is the party candidate for the Sonepat Lok Sabha seat, replacing Ramesh Chander Kaushik, the two-time MP. The BJP has given tickets to four sitting MPs: Rao Inderjit Singh Yadav from Gurgaon, Krishan Pal Gurjar from Faridabad, Chaudhary Dharambir from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh and Arvind Kumar Sharma from Rohtak. Alliance with JJP ended The alliance between the BJP and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) in Haryana came to an end recently leading to the resignation of Manohar Lal Khattar from the CMs post. Former deputy CM Dushyant Chautala and other cabinet ministers too stepped down from their post and new government under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini was reinstated.
Kangana Ranaut was born in Bambala, a small town in the Mandi district of Manali. Today she is also going to contest elections from the same district from the BJP party. The special thing is that Kangana Ranaut's queen-sized mountain retreat, built at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, is one of the points of attraction in Manali. This house surrounded by beautiful valleys is undoubtedly like a dream home for everyone. Kangana Ranaut's house has a beautiful temple with a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha. The arch at the top of the temple gives a traditional look to this old modern temple. Cinematic snow-capped mountain views from every room, home gym, and all-glass conservatory give this home a grand allure. The Au-Glass conservatory made of beautiful glass is present in the rear part of the house where Kangana likes to sit during her leisure time. Kangana has also designed a spot in her house to enjoy the outdoor weather. Apart from meditating here, she likes to spend quality time with her family. The kitchen of Kangana's Manali house has been prepared with wooden flooring, which gives the experience of a traditional hill house. A wall-attached wooden rake cupboard has been made in it which gives a desi touch to this modern kitchen. The entrance of Kangana Ranaut's bungalow in Manali is made in French colonial style. The gray cemented 3D form on the door gives a modern touch to the actress's house. The strips of natural stones at the entry of Kangana Ranaut's house are one of the most attractive features of her house. There is a hand-painted peacock on the wall of Kangana Ranaut's house in Himachal, which adds to the beauty of her house. A glimpse of this can be seen in many of Kangana's Instagram posts. (PC: Zee news)
Holi in Adoni: Men Dress as Women to Offer Unique Holi Prayers
KURNOOL: A distinctive celebration marks the onset of Holi at Santhekudlur village in Adoni mandal. Here, men don women's attire and offer prayers to god of love Manmatha and his wife Rathi, echoing a tradition reminiscent of the Telugu movie Jambalakidi Pamba. While Holi across the country is often characterised by splashes of colour, in Santhekudlur, reverence takes centrestage as Rathi Manmatha are worshipped amidst unconventional attire. The festivities span two days, commencing with Kama Dahanam. It's believed that on Holi, men don sarees and jackets to dispel ill-fate. Consequently, the men of Santhekudlur swap their usual attire for Langa-Voni and sarees, offering homage to Rathi Manmatha. This unique tradition sees participation from all strata of society, including educated individuals, who express their aspirations for prosperity in agriculture, employment, and commerce through this symbolic act. The village firmly believes that unless men embrace this tradition, the collective desires for the village's well-being will remain unfulfilled. Amidst the festivities, the sight of men garbed in women's attire singing hymns and offering prayers creates an atmosphere both surreal and enchanting. The culmination arrives with the elephant procession at dusk, marking the conclusion of the celebration. Local resident P. Muniswamy underscores the enduring nature of this tradition, passed down through generations. He recalls anecdotes from his grandfather's era, highlighting the deep-rooted significance of men dressing in women's attire and paying homage to Rathi and Manmatha. According to Muniswamy, the act of offering prayers to Manmatha serves as a conduit to dispel negativity and usher in blessings for a joyous existence. Kama Dahanam, integral to the tradition, symbolises the purification of thoughts, reinforcing the community's commitment to positivity. For the villagers of Santhekudlur, the custom of men donning women's attire and offering prayers isn't merely a ritual; it's a testament to their reverence for tradition and their unwavering belief in the power of collective devotion.
Election Officer shuts down Twenty20 medical shop in Kerala for violating MCC
Election Officer shuts down Twenty20 medical shop in Kerala for violating MCC The District Election Officer (DEO) here on Monday directed the Twenty20 Association, linked with the Twenty20 political party run by business group Kitex, to shut down a recently opened medical shop offering substantial discounts, for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The district collector, who is also the returning officer, pointed out that the private company, the registered association and the political party all share the same logo and the same set of executives. The order came on a complaint filed by two residents, that the medical shop opened next to the Bhakshya Suraksha Market, run by the Kizhakkambalam Grama Panchayat ruled by the Twenty20 party, was in violation of the MCC. ''Prima facie, it is revealed that there is a violation of section 4.4.2B(i) of the manual on MCC, and there is a case here which may influence the voters in freely exercising their right to vote by inducement through gratification,'' the order read. The DEO said, ''It is a unique case where there is a clear nexus between a private company, a registered association and a political party all sharing the same logo and the same set of executives''. The officer directed authorities to shut down the medical store in Bhakshya Suraksha market, which started functioning on March 21, after the declaration of Model Code of Conduct, and provides discounts as high as 80 per cent for medicines. The RO noted that the Bhakshya Suraksha Market was operated using the CSR Fund of Kitex Childrenswear limited and facilitated by Twenty20 Association. ''Twenty20 political party and Twenty20 Association have the same officer bearers. Sabu M Jacob, the president of the Twenty20 party is the president of Twenty20 Association,'' the order read. It said all the three entities share the same logo. He also directed that the video circulated by the party through Sabu M Jacob's official handle be taken down from the internet, as there was a case of inducement. Reacting to the development, Jacob alleged that the ruling CPI(M) and Left-backed Kunnathunadu MLA P V Sreenijan were behind the closing down of the medical store. The Twenty20 political party, promoted by Jacob's business group, has recently announced its candidates for the Lok Sabha seats -- Chalakudy and Ernakulam. Twenty20 Kizhakkambalam is a political party formed in 2015, which rules some panchayats in Ernakulam, including Kizhakkambalam.
After CM Saini, Khattar meets Anil Vij
After CM Saini, Khattar meets Anil Vij Three days after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met former Home Minister Anil Vij, ex-CM Manohar Lal Khattar also met him here on Monday and greeted him on the occasion of Holi festival. Khattar, who was on way to Karnal from Chandigarh, made a halt at Vij's Ambala Cantonment residence. The two leaders hugged each other and wished each other a happy Holi. Earlier on Friday, Saini had met senior BJP leader and former minister Vij, who was stated to be upset with the party for not keeping him in the loop when deciding to replace Khattar as the chief minister. Speaking to reporters here after meeting Vij, Khattar said that he was going to Karnal from Chandigarh. ''I dropped in to wish him on the occasion of the Holi festival,'' Khattar said. We remained colleagues in the cabinet for a long period and during our meeting we shared some old memories, he added. When asked that Vij had been upset, the former chief minister said there is no such issue. Khattar also said that he has been meeting him at regular intervals. Even after the recent developments in the state, I happened to meet him. We have also been having conversations on the phone too, he said. Speaking to reporters after meeting Vij at his residence here on Friday, Chief Minister Saini had said, ''I have come here to seek his blessings. He is our senior leader and under his guidance, we have to win all 10 Lok Sabha seats from Haryana.'' In a surprise move a fortnight ago, the BJP replaced Khattar with OBC leader Saini as Haryana's chief minister in a swift switch in the state, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Vij did not find a place in the Saini-led cabinet, though his name was said to have figured in the initial list of ministers. On the day of swearing-in of Saini earlier this month, Khattar, when asked whether Vij's name was there in the race for the post of a deputy chief minister, had said, ''Ministers had to take oath today and his (Vij's) name was on that (list). But he could not come.'' Asked whether Vij was upset, Khattar had then said, ''Anil Vij is our senior colleague' He sometimes gets upset easily, but he becomes normal later.'' ''In the past too, there have been many incidents when Vij got upset over something but later on things became normal,'' he added. Vij had told reporters earlier, ''It was not in my knowledge that the chief minister of our state was being changed. This came as a bombshell to me that the chief minister was being changed.''
Holi Specials: Indian Railways Unveils Festive Train Schedule
In preparation for the busy Holi festival on March 25, Indian Railways hasrolled out around 540 special train services to accommodate the surge in passengers. These additional trains will link major cities like Mumbai, Patna, Gaya, Katra, Varanasi, Saharanpur, Prayagraj, Pune, and Ambala. Notably, there will be more departures from New Delhi to meet the increased demand. The Ministry of Railways has outlined that these extra trains will cover important national routes such as Delhi-Patna, Delhi-Bhagalpur, Delhi-Muzaffarpur, Delhi-Saharsa, Gorakhpur-Mumbai, Kolkata-Puri, Guwahati-Ranchi, New Delhi-Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Jaipur-Bandra Terminus, Pune-Danapur, Durg-Patna, and Barauni-Surat. This year, compared to last year, there will be 219 additional services to ensure passengers can travel conveniently. Railway officials have also mentioned the deployment of extra security units to manage crowds effectively. Special Trains Schedule for Holi 2024 Here's a rundown of some special trains announced for Holi 2024: New Delhi - Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Express (04033) running on March 22nd and 29th. Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan - New Delhi Express (04034) operating on March 23rd and 30th. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - New Delhi Reserved Express (04075) available on March 24th and 31st. New Delhi - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Reserved Express (04076) running on March 25th and April 1st. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Varanasi (01654) operating on March 24th and 31st. Varanasi - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express (01653) available on March 26th and April 2nd. Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan - Subedarganj Special (04141) running on March 25th and April 1st. Subedarganj - Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Special (04142) operating on March 26th and April 2nd. Amritsar - Gorakhpur Express (05005) available on March 20th and 27th. Gorakhpur - Amritsar Express (05006) running on March 21st and 28th. Amritsar - Chhapra Express (05049) operating on March 22nd and 29th. Chhapra - Amritsar Express (05050) available on March 23rd and 30th. Additional Trains for Holi 2024 In addition to the listed trains, extra services include: Weekly specials from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) Mumbai to various destinations. Weekly superfast specials from Pune to multiple destinations. Special services from New Delhi to Udhampur and Varanasi. Special services for Vaishno Devi pilgrims from New Delhi. Trains from Delhi to Varanasi operational three days a week. A weekly special train from Katra to Varanasi. A special train from Howrah to Banaras on March 23rd. Booking and Safety Measures for Holi 2024 Passengers can book tickets from reservation counters at railway stations or through the official IRCTC website to obtain e-tickets from home. To ensure traveler safety, additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been stationed at key stations. Officers are also on standby at significant stations to ensure smooth train operations. Regular announcements regarding train arrivals, departures, and platform numbers will be made to assist passengers effectively. Lunar Eclipse and HOLI 2024: A Unique Celestial Coincidence
BJP names 4 LS candidates for Haryana in latest list; nominees for all 10 seats announced
BJP names 4 LS candidates for Haryana in latest list; nominees for all 10 seats announced The BJP on Sunday named its candidates for four Lok Sabha seats in Haryana in its fifth list of nominees, fielding Naveen Jindal and Ranjit Singh Chautala who joined the party earlier in the day. With this list, the party has now announced its candidates for all 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state, six of whom are new faces. In the list announced on Sunday, the party fielded Naveen Jindal from Kurukshetra, Ranjit Chautala from Hisar, Mohan Lal Badoli from Sonipat and Arvind Kumar Sharma from the Rohtak parliamentary constituency. Industrialist and former Congress MP from Kurukshetra Jindal and Independent MLA from Haryana Ranjit Chautala joined the BJP on Sunday, hours before the list of announced. Jindal, 54, represented Kurukshetra in Lok Sabha between 2004 and 2014 as a Congress MP. He is the son of former Haryana minister and late industrialist O P Jindal. Chautala, 78, joined the BJP at an event in Haryana's Sirsa. He is a minister in the BJP-led Haryana government. He is former deputy prime minister Devi Lal's son and the brother of Indian National Lok Dal chief and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala. BJP MP from Hisar Brijendra Singh recently resigned from the party's primary membership and the Lok Sabha and joined the Congress. Of the 10 parliamentary seats in Haryana, sitting MPs from Sonipat, Karnal and Sirsa have not been re-nominated. The party has fielded new faces in Kurukshetra, Karnal, Hisar, Sonipat, Sirsa and Ambala seats. Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia made way for former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar whom the party has fielded from the seat. Khattar was named as a BJP Lok Sabha candidate in the list released on March 13 after he quit as chief minister as the party effected a major shake-up in the state leadership. Hours before the BJP announced his name for the Lok Sabha elections, Khattar quit as the MLA from Karnal as well. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is likely to be fielded from Karnal assembly seat. In the outgoing Lok Sabha, Kurukshetra was represented by Nayab Singh Saini, who recently replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as the chief minister of Haryana. The BJP denied re-nomination to its sitting MP Ramesh Chander Kaushik in Sonipat and fielded Badoli, an MLA from the Rai Assembly segment, in his place. Arvind Kumar Sharma has been re-nominated in Rohtak. The BJP's March 13 list of candidates also included names of former MP Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa, from where the party has denied re-nomination to sitting parliamentarian Sunita Duggal. In the Ambala-SC parliamentary seat, the BJP fielded Banto Kataria. The seat has been lying vacant since the death of her husband and former Union minister Rattan Lal Kataria last year. The party has also re-nominated its sitting MPs Rao Inderjit Singh, Dharambir Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar in Gurugram, Bhiwani-Mahendragarh and Faridabad seats, respectively. The BJP won all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana in the last general elections held in 2019. Congress is yet to announce its candidates for the nine seats it is contesting in Haryana. The Aam Aadmi Party, which is contesting in Haryana jointly with the Congress, has fielded its state unit chief Sushil Gupta in Kurukshetra. Indian National Lok Dal senior leader and party MLA Abhay Singh Chautala has also entered the fray from the Kurukshetra seat. Polling for all the 10 LS seats in Haryana will be held on May 25 in the sixth of the seven-phase election.
Jagan Leads Party Without Much Revolt Despite Refusal of Tickets and Change of Constituencies
Vijayawada: Y Jagan Mohan Reddy as president of the YSR Congress is keeping the party in good form for the 2024 elections despite refusing tickets to 25 sitting MLAs, changing 15 MLAs to other seats and the exit of a dozen legislators from the party. The opposition Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and BJP are facing dissent and revolt within their parties after announcing their lists. This is giving the YSRC the upper hand in the mega election campaigns. Jagan Reddy announced names for all the 175 assembly and 24 names for the 25 Lok Sabha seats. He held back the candidates name for the Anakapalli LS seat. The TD released three lists and Jana Sena one list officially and gave clearance to several more names. The BJP is yet to announce its list of candidates. The TD, JS and BJP formed the alliance under NDA and are contesting the 2024 elections in AP. But, despite putting all efforts for reconciliation, the dissidence in TD and JS continues. Every day, BJP leaders are expressing their anguish over the grabbing of winnable seats in the TD and offering weak seats to the saffron party. Jagan Reddy reoffered YSRC tickets to 91 sitting legislators to enable them re-contest from their respective constituencies. He denied tickets to sitting MLAs Chetty Palguna (Araku), Kondeti Chittibabu (P Gannavaram), Unnamatla Eliza (Chinthalapudi), Rakshananidhi (Tiruvuru), TJR Sudhakar Rbabu (Santhanuthalapadu), T Arthur (Nandikotkuru), Sudhakar (Kodumuru), Jonnalagadda Padmavathi (Singanamala), M Thippe Swamy (Madakasira), Vara Prasad (Guduru), MS Babu (Poothalapattu), Tippala Nagireddy (Gajuwaka), Nawaz Basha (Madanapalle), Hafeez Khan (Kurnool), Pendem Dorababu (Pithapuram), Jyotula Chantibabu (Jaggampeta), Maddisetty Venugopal (Darsi) and Malladi Vishnu (Vijayawada central). The chief minister refused to give tickets to sitting MLAs Alla Ramakrishna Reddy (Mangalagiri), Chennakesava Reddy (Emmiganur), Manugunta Mahidar Reddy (Kandukuru), PV Siddha Reddy (Kadiri), Meda Mallikarjuna Reddy (Rajampet), Parvata Purnachandra Prasad (Prattipadu) and K. Bhagya Lakshmi (Paderu). Jagan Reddy transferred 15 MLAs to other constituencies. Gudivada Amaranath was shifted from Anakapalli to Gajuwaka, Kambala Jogulu from Rajam to Payakarao Peta, Taneti Vanita from Kovvuru to Gopalapuram, Talari Venkata Rao from Gopalapuram to Kovvuru, Chelloboina Venugopalakrishna from Ramachandrapuram to Rajamahendravaram Rural, Jogi Ramesh from Pedana to Penamaluru, Velampalli Srinivasa Rao from Vijayawada West to Vijayawada Central, Mekatoti Sucharita from Prathipadu to Tadikonda, Vidadala Rajini form Chilakaluripet to Guntur West, Meruga Nagarjuna from Vemuru to Santanutalapadu, Kunduru Nagarjuna Reddy from Marakupuram to Giddalur and Anna Rambapu from Giddalur to Markapuram. Minister Adimulapu Suresh was shifted from Santanuthalapadu, from Yarragondapalem to Kondepi, Burra Madhusudan Yadav from Kanigiri to Kandukuru and KV Usha Sricharan from Kalyanadurgam to Penukonda. Ponnur MLA Kilaru Roshaiah was shifted as Guntur MP candidate, Nellore City MLA Anil Kumar Yadav is fielded from Narasaraopet Lok Sabha seat and Penukonda MLA Shanaranarayana has been named as the candidate for the Anantapur Lok Sabha constituency. Payakaraopet MLA Golla Babu Rao was sent to Rajya Sabha. Chandrababu Naidu appealed to dissident leaders to cooperate with the party leadership during the elections and promised to suitably reward those who missed the bus, after TD returns to power. Political analysts feel that Jagan Reddy successfully managed dissidence among the legislators despite changing 81 candidates and denying tickets to some. Both Naidu and Pawan Kalyan as chiefs of TD and JS continue facing dissent due to their refusal to grant tickets to some of the aspirants in their respective parties. They might revolt against party candidates.
BJP names four LS candidates for Haryana in latest list; nominees for all 10 seats announced
BJP names four LS candidates for Haryana in latest list; nominees for all 10 seats announced The BJP on Sunday named its candidates for four Lok Sabha seats in Haryana in its fifth list of nominees, fielding Naveen Jindal and Ranjit Singh Chautala who joined the party earlier in the day. With this list, the party has now announced its candidates for all 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party has fielded Naveen Jindal from Kurukshetra, Ranjit Chautala from Hisar, Mohan Lal Badoli from Sonipat and Arvind Kumar Sharma from Rohtak parliamentary constituency. Industrialist and former Congress MP Jindal and Independent MLA from Haryana Ranjit Chautala joined the BJP on Sunday. Jindal represented Kurukshetra in Lok Sabha between 2004 and 2014 as a Congress MP. Chautala, 78, joined the BJP at an event in Haryana's Sirsa. He is a minister in the BJP-led Haryana government. He is former deputy prime minister Devi Lal's son and the brother of Indian National Lok Dal chief and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala. BJP MP from Hisar Brijendra Singh recently resigned from the party's primary membership and the Lok Sabha and joined the Congress. Of the 10 parliamentary seats in Haryana, Sitting MPs from Sonipat, Karnal and Sirsa have not been re-nominated. Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia made way for former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar whom the party has fielded from the seat. Khattar was named as a BJP Lok Sabha candidate in the list released on March 13 after he quit as chief minister as the party effected a major shake-up in the state leadership. Hours before the BJP announced his name for the Lok Sabha elections, Khattar quit as the MLA from Karnal as well. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is likely to be fielded from Karnal assembly seat. In the outgoing Lok Sabha, Kurukshetra was represented by Nayab Singh Saini, who recently replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as the chief minister of Haryana. The BJP denied re-nomination to its sitting MP Ramesh Chander Kaushik in Sonipat and fielded Badoli, an MLA from the Rai Assembly segment, in his place. Arvind Kumar Sharma has been re-nominated in Rohtak. The BJP's March 13 list of candidates also included names of former MP Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa, from where the party has denied re-nomination to sitting parliamentarian Sunita Duggal. In the Ambala-SC parliamentary seat, the BJP fielded Banto Kataria. The seat has been lying vacant since the death of her husband and former Union minister Rattan Lal Kataria last year. The party has re-nominated its sitting MPs Rao Inderjit Singh, Dharambir Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar in Gurugram, Bhiwani-Mahendragarh and Faridabad seats, respectively. The BJP won all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana in the last general elections held in 2019. Congress is yet to announce its candidates for the nine seats it is contesting in Haryana. The Aam Aadmi Party, which is contesting in Haryana jointly with the Congress, has fielded its state unit chief Sushil Gupta in Kurukshetra. Polling for all the 10 LS seats in Haryana will be held on May 25 in the sixth of the seven-phase election.
Wheat procurement will start from March 26...: Haryana CM Saini
Wheat procurement will start from March 26...: Haryana CM Saini Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said that the state is moving on the path of development and wheat procurement will start from March 26. The state government is seeing that farmers do not face any kind of problem. A cabinet meeting was held today at the Haryana Secretariat by the newly appointed Chief Minister of Haryana. Many issues were discussed in this meeting. All the ministers wished all the people of the state a very happy Holi. Haryana is continuously moving ahead in development. The work started by Manohar ji is being taken forward. Wheat procurement will be started in Haryana state from March 26 and orders have been issued regarding this. Apart from this, we are also seeing that farmers do not face any problem with water and electricity, the Haryana CM said. Further, CM Saini said that they have prepared a road map on how to take state forward. People's problems should be understood and their solutions should be found, he added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday met Anil Vij, the former state home minister and one of the senior-most BJP leaders, who was dropped in the newly formed cabinet, leading to disquiet in the state party unit. The meeting of the two leaders came days after Vij's exclusion from the new BJP cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, leaving many surprised. The meeting took place at Vij's residence in Ambala. Vij had not attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet and left the Legislature Party meeting midway. However, after Friday's meeting, the Haryana CM said that Vij has always blessed him as a senior leader. Anil Vij is our senior leader. I have always been learning from him... He has always blessed me... We will win all 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state under his guidance... Saini said. (ANI)
We will win all 10 LS seats from Haryana, Modi will become PM for third time: Haryana CM
We will win all 10 LS seats from Haryana, Modi will become PM for third time: Haryana CM Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday exuded confidence that the BJP will win all the 10 Lok Sabha seats from the state and Narendra Modi will become the prime minister for the third term. Speaking to reporters at the residence of former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Karnal, Saini said, ''We will win all 10 seats.'' Along with the Karnal Lok Sabha seat, from where the BJP has fielded Khattar as the party candidate, Saini said ''we (the BJP) will win the remaining nine seats also with a big mandate''. He said there is a great enthusiasm among the people to vote for the BJP, he said. Replying to a question about former home minister Anil Vij, Saini reiterated, ''Vij is our senior leader. We have been getting his guidance from him and will continue to get it.'' Saini's reply came when he was asked that Vij on Thursday made a cryptic tweet quoting a famous poet that ''kuch baat hai ki hasti mitati nahin hamari, sadiyon raha hai dushman daure jahan hamaara''. In Ambala, when asked that Saini has said he will meet Vij, the former home minister said, ''He can come at any time. Tea is ready for him.'' Asked about whom his tweet was directed at, Vij said it was not directed at anyone. One used to often hear about such things during pre-Independence times, he added. Earlier on Wednesday, Saini, while interacting with reporters in Rohtak, had said that he will go and meet Vij, saying he is their senior leader and they will continue to get guidance from him. Vij did not find a place in the Saini-led cabinet. He has apparently been upset with the party not keeping him in the loop when they decided to make Saini the chief minister by replacing Khattar. In a surprise move last week, the BJP replaced Khattar with OBC leader Saini as the Haryana chief minister in a swift switch in the state, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, after becoming the chief minister, Saini visited his native village Mirzapur Majra in Naraingarh in Ambala district on Thursday where the local BJP leaders and villagers welcomed him. On reaching home, his mother Kulwant Kaur welcomed Saini by applying 'tilak' and gave him blessings. BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from the Ambala seat Banto Kataria, Haryana's Minister of State and Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel, Minister of State and Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha and others were present on the occasion. Addressing a public meeting in his village, Saini said development works started by the former chief minister will be continued in Haryana and will be further accelerated. Saini said a lot of development has taken place in Haryana in the last nine-and-a-half years and several pro-people initiatives and schemes have been launched.
Anil Vij is our leader, will go and meet him: Haryana CM Saini
Anil Vij is our leader, will go and meet him: Haryana CM Saini Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said that he will go and meet Anil Vij, saying he is their senior leader and they will continue to get guidance from him. Senior BJP leader and former home minister Anil Vij did not find a place in the Saini-led cabinet. Vij has apparently been upset with the party not keeping him in the loop when they decided to make Saini the chief minister by replacing Manohar Lal Khattar. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting in Rohtak, Saini was asked why Vij is upset. In response to this question, he said, ''Koyee naraaz nahi hai (he is not upset). Anil Vij sahab hamare neta hai, varisht neta hai, unka marg darshan milta hai, aagey bhi marg darshan milega. Mein syavam he adarniye Anil Vij ji ke pass javunga. (Anil Vij is our leader, a senior leader, we get guidance from him, in future also we will get his guidance. I will go and meet respected Anil Vij).'' On Wednesday, newly inducted minister Aseem Goel, who is MLA from Ambala City, neighbouring constituency of Vij's Ambala Cantt, called on Vij at the latter's Ambala residence. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to reporters after taking oath here, Goel had said, ''Vij is my elder brother and I have a lot to learn from him and we will move ahead under his guidance.'' During his interaction with reporters in Rohtak, the chief minister reiterated the BJP will win all the 10 Lok Sabha seats from Haryana. Saini said the people still remember that corruption was rampant when the Congress used to come to power whereas development has been accelerated under the Narendra Modi led dispensation. ''During the Congress' regime, for one cooking gas cylinder people had to stand in queue for three days. They have not forgotten those days. Whereas our double engine government has done several works. Various beneficiaries are getting services at their doorsteps,'' Saini said. On Tuesday, Saini inducted eight BJP MLAs into his council of ministers, seven of them new faces, in its first expansion a week after he took charge replacing Khattar. Vij did not find a place in the Saini-led cabinet, though his name was said to have figured in the initial list of ministers. Earlier last week, Saini and five ministers took oath. In a surprise move last week, the BJP replaced Khattar with OBC leader Saini as Haryana chief minister in a swift switch in the state, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. On the day of swearing-in of Saini, Khattar, when asked whether Vij's name was there in the race for the post of a deputy chief minister, had said, ''Ministers had to take oath today and his (Vij's) name was on that (list). But he could not come.'' Asked whether Vij was upset, Khattar had said, Anil Vij is our senior colleague... He sometimes gets upset easily, but he becomes normal later.'' Earlier on Tuesday, when asked about the cabinet expansion, Vij had said, ''I have no information.'' He, however, asserted that he was not upset. Vij said that he came to know about it only in the BJP MLAs' meeting here last week in which Saini's name was announced. ''It was not in my knowledge that the chief minister of our state was being changed. This came as a bombshell to me that the chief minister was being changed,'' Vij had told reporters here. Six-time MLA Vij had walked out of the legislature party meeting where Saini was unanimously named the chief minister-designate. Vij, who held the home portfolio in the Khattar government, was often at loggerheads with the chief minister. He was earlier said to be ''upset'' over being ''ignored'' by the BJP.
Anil Vij dropped, 8 MLAs inducted in Saini cabinet expansion in Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Haryanas new Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday inducted eight BJP MLAs into his council of ministers, seven of them new faces, in first expansion a week after he took charge replacing Manohar Lal Khattar. Senior BJP leader and former home minister Anil Vij did not find a place in the Saini cabinet, though his name was said to have figured in the initial list of ministers. Saini and five ministers took oath last week. Haryana can have a maximum of 14 ministers, including the CM. The strength of the Assembly is 90. BJP MLA from Hisar Kamal Gupta was the first to be administered oath as a cabinet minister. He took oath in Sanskrit. He was a minister in the Khattar cabinet. Badkhal MLA Seema Trikha, Panipat Rural MLA Mahipal Dhanda, Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel, Nangal Chaudhary MLA Abhe Singh Yadav, Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha, Bawani Khera MLA Bishamber Singh Balmiki, and Sohna MLA Sanjay Singh were sworn in ministers of state (independent charge). Khattar, when asked about Vij, whose name figured for the post of a deputy CM, said, Vij is our senior colleague. He sometimes gets upset easily, but he becomes normal later. After the cabinet expansion, Saini praised the previous Khattar-led government. The ministers list does not include any of the six Independent MLAs who offered support to the government during the Assembly floor test. The Saini government has also tried to do a caste and region-wise balancing act. The legislators of two constituencies neighbouring Vijs seat Aseem Goel (Ambala City) and Subhash Sudha (Thanesar) have been made ministers.
7 first-timers among 8 new Haryana ministers
Haryana govt expanded its cabinet with eight BJP ministers, focusing on diverse community representation and regional balance. The induction ceremony marked a significant step towards strengthening the state council of ministers. Saini and the BJP high command have tried to give representation to all regions of the state, especially the northern districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Panipat and Ahir-dominated southern belt.
