Haryana farm fires: 13 farmers held for burning stubble in Kaithal, 14 booked in Hisar

Kaithal police arrested 13 farmers for burning crop residue, leading to multiple FIRs in Kaithal and Hisar districts. Air quality in Haryana worsened with Jind and Bhiwani at the top of the list. The administration banned polluting diesel gensets in public events in NCR due to resident complaints.

Government wasting public funds on environment-damaging projects is regrettable: Ananth Hegde Ashisara

The government has failed to work towards sustainable development despite there being numerous studies, says former Karnataka Biodiversity Board head

Government wasting public funds on environment-damaging projects is regrettable: Ananth Hegde Ashisara

The government has failed to work towards sustainable development despite there being numerous studies, says former Karnataka Biodiversity Board head

Toll waiver in Mumbai: Elated to be notified that Rs 0 had been deducted

Motorists hail toll waiver, which helps reduce traffic congestion at Dahisar toll plaza during non-peak hours; commuters say lane discipline is essential

Oswal case redux: Hisar doc loses 15L to fake cops

CEC Rajiv Kumar dismissed Congress' EVM battery allegations, questions rising trend of poll accusations

NEW DELHI: Rejecting the Congress allegations after the Haryana assembly poll results, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday said after the EVM tampering row, questions are being raised on the strength of battery charge and wondered what next accusation would come. Addressing a press conference here to announce the poll schedule for Jharkhand and Maharashtra assemblies, Kumar, while referring to the allegations of the Congress of tampering of EVMs in some Haryana seats where machines with varying battery strength gave out different results, said earlier allegations of hacking were made but this has come up for the first time. Now we are thinking what will come next, we cant fathom. But certainly something new will come up, he added. He asserted that around six days prior to the poll day, EVMs are commissioned and election symbols of candidates are loaded and a new battery is installed, which has the signatures of candidates or their authorised agents. Leave alone EVM, even batteries (installed) have signatures of candidates. Even we were not aware (of this rule) as it was framed long back. Now it is helping us, the CEC said responding to a series of questions on the reliability of the machines and concerns flagged on battery. Kumar also said that people ask if pagers can be used to blow up people in some countries, why cant EVMs be hacked? Pagers are connected (to the network), EVMs are not, he asserted. Pagers sold to Hezbollah and Lebanese officials had exploded recently, triggering claims that their batteries were rigged with explosives. Giving details of the Complaints the Commission has received so far after the assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, Kumar said, 20 such representations have been submitted. We will give detailed responses to each of the complaints and put our response in public domain, he said, adding that the panel would come out with detailed FAQs to satisfy all stakeholders. Last week, Congress leaders had said complaints had been received from Hisar, Mahendragarh and Panipat that there were electronic voting machines with 99 per cent battery on which the BJP won while units with 60-70 per cent battery saw the Congress win. Meanwhile, the CEC also said that exit polls create expectations that cannot always be met, and before getting hopes up, one should look into the specifics of the exit poll- like where it was held and what was the sample size. This, he said, is an occasion where the media must introspect and correct itself. We dont govern exit polls - but there is a need to introspect - what was the sample size etc. There are bodies that self-regulate. Time has come that the concerned bodies will do some self-regulation, the CEC noted, while pointing that the gap between expectation and reality can lead to frustration, as one cannot expect the results trends to match the exit polls.

Mumbai: Borivli police arrest 62-year-old notorious burglar

The accused on October 6 broke into a flat in Dahisar West and stole gold and silver ornaments worth about Rs 16.55 lakh

Mid-Day Top News: Sena, MNS celebrate toll-free entry at Dahisar toll naka

Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let`s dive into the headlines shaping our world today

Mumbai: Shiv Sena, MNS celebrate toll-free entry at Dahisar toll naka

Toll operators provided a seamless experience by confirming messages and explaining the new rules to commuters

Chiropractor held in Dahisar for indecency during woman`s treatment

According to the complaint, the chiropractor was allegedly engaged in unwanted acts during a massage session after which she informed the cops

Shinde Announces Toll Exemption for Mumbai Entry, Exit

Mumbai : The Maharashtra government on Monday announced complete toll exemptions for light motor vehicles at five entry points of Mumbai. The opposition called it election jumla. According to the state government, the toll waiver will benefit approximately 2.8 lakh light motor vehicles every day. There are five entry points for Mumbai including Vashi creek bridge, Airoli creek bridge, on the Western Express Highway at Dahisar, Eastern Express Highway at Mulund and LBS road at Mulund. An official from the MSRDC, which is the nodal agency for the five entry points, said, Every day, 3.6 lakh vehicles pass through the five toll booths. Of these, on average, 2.8 lakh are light motor vehicles. As per the submission of the MEP Infrastructure and Developers, the contractor operating toll booths at the five entry points,it collected Rs 45.31 crore as toll tax in January this year. The exemption for the light motor vehicles will be implemented from 12am on Tuesday, chief minister Eknath Shinde announced. Calling it a masterstroke that will save time, fuel and reduce pollution, the CM said, It was a long pending demand to waive toll at Mumbais entry points. Many activists, including I, had approached the court demanding the same. Just like we implemented Laadki Bahin Bahin (Beloved Sister), Laadka Bhui (Beloved Brother) and Laadka Shetkar (Beloved Farmer) schemes, now we have implemented Ladke commuters scheme. Soon after the announcement, the opposition parties criticised the government for announcing schemes only to woo voters before the election. The opposition parties said like all other schemes, toll tax waiver was also election jumla which put additional burden on the state budget. Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that the move will benefit only the contractor, who will receive compensation from the government. This is an election jumla to fool people. Around Rs 800 crore will be given out of this to benefit someone, this is the politics behind it, he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed that it was a desperate move by the Eknath Shinde government to stay in power. After completely finishing the law and order situation in Maharashtra, now they have taken a new decision. Elections are going to be announced today or the day after and the model code of conduct will be imposed in Maharashtra. So as a last-minute desperate measure, they have removed the five tolls of Mumbai from midnight. This is the way they are trying their best to stay in power, she said in a social media post. However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray congratulated the government. He also claimed that his party workers should also be credited for it. Congratulations to all the citizens living in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area and a big congratulations to my Maharashtra soldiers (MNS workers). We fought hard for transparency in toll collections. We were criticised for vandalising the toll booths but now every Mumbaikar can travel toll-free, Raj said. In 1995, the state government had started construction of 52 bridges and underpasses in the MMR at a cost of Rs 1,560 crore. In 2002, all five toll booths were commissioned in order to recover money spent on the construction of bridges. According to activists, the maintenance money and costs were recovered 10 years ago, but the government continued to collect the toll. Last year, the Maharashtra government extended the toll tax recovery for three more years till 2027 and it was expecting revenue of around Rs 11,000 crore.

Small vehicles get exemption at Mumbai tollplazas

The toll plazas are Vashi on the Sion-Panvel Highway, Mulund on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg and Eastern Express Highway, Airoli Bridge on Airoli-Mulund Road, and Dahisar on the Western Express Highway

Poll-bound Maharashtra scraps entry toll for light motor vehicles in Mumbai

The toll fees for five entry points in Mumbai: Dahisar, Mulund, Vashi, Airoli, and Tinhanth Naka, were revised on October 1, inviting criticism against the Eknath Shinde government from the Opposition

Mumbai Metro launches Whatsapp-based ticket service for lines 2A and 7; know steps to avail it

Metro line 2A is from Andheri West to Dahisar and runs on the new link road, while line 7 is from Andheri East to Dahisar on the Western Express Highway. The two lines were launched in April 2022 and serve passengers in the north-west part of the metropolis.

haryana-nayab-saini-to-take-oath-as-cm-on-october-15-talks-on-cabinet-formation-pick-up-pace

BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini will take oath as the chief minister of Haryana on October 15, according to local media. The ceremony will likely be held at Panchkula and will have Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending it. Earlier there were reports that the swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place after Dussehra. Nayab Singh Saini had met Modi and other senior BJP leaders in Delhi on Wednesday as part of Cabinet formation talks. Saini also met Union minister and the BJP's election in-charge for Haryana, Dharmendra Pradhan. So far, Saini is the only contender for the top post. However, other factors like caste and region equations may be considered while deciding the cabinet. Along with Saini, 10 to 11 ministers are also likely to take oath. Haryana can have a maximum of 14 ministers, including the chief minister. In line with the BJP's past choices, new faces may be given a chance in the new government. The fact that eight out of 10 ministers and the assembly speaker of the previous Saini government lost the elections may prompt the party to opt for fresh faces. The probable names include Shruti Chaudhary, granddaughter of late Bansi Lal, and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh's daughter Arti Singh Rao. Other women in the fray include senior leader Kiran Choudhry's daughter Shruti, a former MP, who won from Tosham assembly seat and Shakti Rani Sharma, who won from Kalka. Senior leaders Mahipal Dhanda and Mool Chand Sharma are also in the list. Dhanda, who won from Panipat Rural, belongs to the Jat community while Sharma, elected from Ballabhgarh seats, is the Brahmin face of the party. It could also give the Dalit community adequate representation in the Cabinet as the BJP won eight out of the 17 Scheduled Caste (SC) seats in Haryana. Dalit leaders in reckoning for the ministerial berths include senior leader Krishan Lal Panwar, who won from Israna seat, and Krishan Kumar, who won from Narwana. Om Prakash Yadav, who won from Narnaul, and senior leader Rao Narbir Singh, who won from Badshahpur, are also in the race. Independent candidate and Hisar MLA Savitri Jindal's name is also doing rounds besides BJP leaders Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt), Shyam Singh Rana (Radaur), Jagmohan Anand (Karnal), Harvinder Kalyan (Gharaunda), Krishan Lal Middha (Jind), Arvind Kumar Sharma (Gohana), Vipul Goel (Faridabad), Nikhil Madaan (Sonipat) and Ghanshyam Dass (Yamunanagar). Devender Attri, who won from Uchana Kalan, is also a probable.

86 out 90 MLA-elects in Haryana are crorepatis; 12 legislators face criminal cases: ADR data

NEW DELHI: In the newly-elected 90-member Haryana Assembly, 86 MLAs (96 percent) are crorepatis, while 12 (13 percent) have criminal cases against them, according to an analysis by poll rights body ADR. An analysis of the affidavits of all the 90 winning candidates by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Haryana Election Watch show a slight rise in the number of crorepati MLAs, from 93 percent in 2019 to 96 percent this time. Of the 90 MLAs, 44 percent possess assets worth over Rs 10 crore, while only 2.2 percent have assets below Rs 20 lakh, the data showed. The average assets per winning candidate stand at Rs 24.97 crore, marking a handsome rise from Rs 18.29 crore in 2019. Party-wise, 96 per cent BJP legislators, 95 per cent Congress MLAs, and 100 per cent of both INLD and Independent winners have declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore. Independent MLA from Hisar Savitri Jindal tops the list with assets totalling over Rs 270 crore, followed by BJP's Shakti Rani Sharma and Shruti Choudhry at Rs 145 crore and Rs 134 crore, respectively. A total of 30 MLAs have been re-elected in 2024, whose average assets grew by 59 percent since 2019, from Rs 9.08 crore to Rs 14.46 crore now, marking significant financial gains over the past five years. Meanwhile, of the winning candidates, 12 have disclosed criminal records, including six facing serious charges, with one accused of attempt to murder, the data showed. In 2019, seven candidates had serious criminal cases against them. Party-wise, 19 percent of Congress MLAs, 6 percent of BJP legislators, and 67 percent of the Independent winners have declared criminal cases against their names. The analysis also showed that 28 winning candidates have declared liabilities of Rs 1 crore or more, with Congress' Rajbir Fartia from Loharu topping the chart at Rs 44 crore. Fartia also tops the list of highest income earners, declaring an earning of Rs 10.75 crore in his Income Tax Return for 2023-24. In terms of educational qualification, 68 percent of winning candidates are graduates or hold higher degrees, while 29 percent have educational backgrounds ranging from Class 8 to Class 12, as per the report. The new House has 14 per cent women legislators, an increase from 10 per cent in 2019, while 66 per cent of the MLAs are aged between 51 and 80 years. The poll results were announced Tuesday. Bucking anti-incumbency, the ruling BJP pulled off a hat-trick of wins in Haryana to retain power and halt Congress' comeback attempt. While the BJP ended up with its best-ever haul of 48 seats, 11 more than the Congress, parties like the JJP and the AAP were decimated and the INLD managed to win just two seats.

Haryana Assembly: 96% MLAs crorepatis, 13% face criminal cases, shows data

In the newly-elected 90-member Haryana Assembly, 96 per cent MLAs (86) are crorepatis, while 13 per cent (12) have criminal cases against them, according to an analysis by poll rights body ADR. An analysis of the affidavits of all the 90 winning candidates by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Haryana Election Watch show a slight rise in the number of crorepati MLAs, from 93 per cent in 2019 to 96 per cent this time. Of the 90 MLAs, 44 per cent possess assets worth over Rs 10 crore, while only 2.2 per cent have assets below Rs 20 lakh, the data showed. The average assets per winning candidate stand at Rs 24.97 crore, marking a handsome rise from Rs 18.29 crore in 2019. Party-wise, 96 per cent BJP legislators, 95 per cent Congress MLAs, and 100 per cent of both INLD and Independent winners have declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore. Independent MLA from Hisar Savitri Jindal tops the list with assets totalling over Rs 270 crore, followed by BJP's Shakti Rani Sharma and

Mumbai Metro-3 Running, But Not Sure How To Travel From Dahisar to BKC? Heres A 3-Step Guide On Route & Fares

Mumbai commute gets easy: An officegoer can travel from Dahisar to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) using Metro-7, Metro-1 and Metro-3 trains. Here's how

Haryana assembly election: After results, three independents back BJP

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH : With the BJP set to form government for the third time in Haryana, all the three Independent MLAsSavitri Jindal, Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon on Wednesday extended support to the saffron party, taking its tally from 48 to 51 in the assembly. Savitri Jindal, the Independent candidate from Hisar and richest woman of the country, said that for the development she has decided to support the BJP government. She met Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi. Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli said that independent MLAs Devender Kadyan from Ganaur and Rajesh Joon from Bahadurgarh have extended support to the party. Joon said, I am impressed by BJP policies. For the development of my constituency, Ive decided to support BJP. Kadyan, a BJP rebel who contested as an independent, defeated Kuldip Sharma of Congress from Ganaur. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi met Nayab Singh Saini in New Delhi and expressed hopes that he would take the state further on the development path. I am confident that Haryanas role is going to become more important in the realisation of a developed India, Modi said. Saini also met Home Minister Amit Shah.

Saini Credits Modi for BJP's Poll Performance

New Delhi : A day after the BJP registered an astounding hat-trick in Haryana Assembly polls, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party top brass, including Union home minister Amit Shah and party president J.P. Nadda. The meetings come ahead of the swearing-in of the new government in the state. The BJP won 48 of the total 90 Assembly seats and got a further boost on Wednesday when three Independent MLAs -- Savitri Jindal, Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon -- decided to extend their support to the party. The BJP had indicated during the elections that Mr Saini, who replaced Manohar Lal Khattar in March and hails from the Other Backward Classes, will be its choice for the top post if it wins. Mr Saini also met defence minister Rajnath Singh during the day. Later interacting with the media, Mr Saini gave Mr Modi the credit for the BJPs performance in the polls and said psephologists might have declared the Congress as the favourite to win the polls, but he always insisted that people will put their trust in the BJP due to its government's policies. The credit of this big win goes to the PM, who in the last 10 years brought such schemes that benefitted the poor, farmers, youth and women. These helped all sections of society. People love him and hence the BJP is coming to power for a third time, said Mr Saini. Replying to queries about the Congress raising doubts on EVMs, Mr Saini said the Opposition party has been building up a storm of lies. The Prime Minister posted on X that he congratulated Mr Saini on the party's historic win and expressed confidence that the role of Haryana will become more important in the resolve of building viksit Bharat. Of the three Independent MLAs who extended support to the BJP, Mr Joon is a Congress rebel, Mr Kadyan fought as an Independent after the BJP denied him a ticket. Mr Kadyan fought from the Ganaur constituency in Sonipat and defeated his nearest Congress rival Kuldeep Sharma. Mr Joon won from the Bahadurgarh seat in the Jhajjar district, defeating his nearest BJP rival Dinesh Kaushik. The Jindal Group chairperson emeritus, Ms Jindal, had earlier said she contested Hisar elections because of the wishes of the people. She fought as an Independent candidate from Hisar and won against her nearest Congress rival Ram Niwas Rara. BJP's Kamal Gupta, who was the sitting legislator and minister in the outgoing Saini Cabinet, ended up in the third spot.

Haryana: All 3 Independent MLAs extend support to BJP

Chandigarh: With the BJP set to form its government for the third time in Haryana after winning the polls, all the three Independent MLAs -- Savitri Jindal, Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon -- on Wednesday decided to extend support to the BJP government once it is sworn in. While Joon was a Congress rebel, Kadyan fought as an Independent after the BJP denied him ticket. Kadyan fought from the Ganaur constituency in Sonipat and defeated his nearest Congress rival Kuldeep Sharma. Joon won from the Bahadurgarh seat in the Jhajjar district, defeating his nearest BJP rival Dinesh Kaushik. Savitri Jindal fought as an Independent candidate from Hisar and won against her nearest Congress rival Ram Niwas Rara. BJP's Kamal Gupta, who was the sitting legislator and minister in the outgoing Saini Cabinet, ended up at the third spot. Savitri Jindal said she has decided to extend support to the BJP government after it is formed. I want development for Hisar and want it to become a beautiful city, for this I extend my support, Savitri Jindal said. Jindal Group Chairperson Emeritus Jindal had earlier said she contested Hisar elections because of the wishes of the people. Before Jindal took the decision to extend support, Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli said earlier on Wednesday that Kadyan and Joon have decided to extend their support to the BJP government once it is sworn in. On Wednesday, the two Independents met Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was BJP's election in-charge for Haryana, and former Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb, the co-incharge for the state, he said. Later, Savitri Jindal also held a meeting with the BJP leaders in the national capital. Bucking anti-incumbency, the ruling BJP pulled off a hat-trick of wins in the state on Tuesday to retain power and thwart Congress' comeback attempt in the assembly elections, winning 48 seats in the 90-member Assembly.

Haryana elections: All 3 Independent MLAs set to extend support to BJP

With the BJP set to form its government for the third time in Haryana after winning the polls, all the three Independent MLAs -- Savitri Jindal, Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon -- on Wednesday decided to extend support to the BJP government once it is sworn in. While Joon was a Congress rebel, Kadyan fought as an Independent after the BJP denied him ticket. Kadyan fought from the Ganaur constituency in Sonipat and defeated his nearest Congress rival Kuldeep Sharma. Joon won from the Bahadurgarh seat in the Jhajjar district, defeating his nearest BJP rival Dinesh Kaushik. Savitri Jindal fought as an Independent candidate from Hisar and won against her nearest Congress rival Ram Niwas Rara. BJP's Kamal Gupta, who was the sitting legislator and minister in the outgoing Saini Cabinet, ended up at the third spot. Savitri Jindal said she has decided to extend support to the BJP government after it is formed. I want development for Hisar and want it to become a beautiful city, for this

BJP retains maximum seats from GT Road belt, Ahirwal region, Faridabad, Pawal districts in Haryana election

CHANDIGARH: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) won 48 of the 90 assembly seats to form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive time and performed well across the state. It not only won 18 out of the 29 seats in the Grand Trunk (GT) belt its stronghold, it also secured 7 out of 9 seats in Faridabad and Pawal districts, swept the Ahirwal region in southern Haryana winning 10 out of 11 assembly seats. This time saffron party won 18 out of 29 seats in the GT Road belt, which spans seven districts: Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat as this is a traditionally non-Jat dominated area. Last time it had won 14 seats and Congress won 13 seats. In 2014 BJP won 22 seats from this belt and Congress only six seats. The party candidates won all nine assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency of Karnal which is on the GT road belt and spans in two districts: Karnal and Panipat and is represented by Union Minister of Urban Development and Power and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, thus his dominance continues. While in the 2019 elections, the BJP won in only five segments ( Karnal, Indri, Gharaunda, Panipat Urban and Panipat Rural) from this Lok Sabha seat. Also, BJP candidates won from Ladwa (CM Saini won), Sonepat, Gohana, Ambala Cantonment, Yamunanagar and Nilokheri. On the other hand the Congress could win from Panchkula, Naraingarh, Ambala City, Mullana, Sadhaura, Jagadhri, Shahabad, Thanesar, Pehowa, and Baroda. On this GT road belt Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Lal Khattar, party election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders held rallies. The saffron party even won in a few Jat-dominated seats as the votes were divided it owns 18 out of the 35 seats where the Jat vote was more than 50,000. In Hoodas strongholds of Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhajjar, the BJP won six seats and Congress managed to win only eight of the 14 seats. In the Ahirwal belt in southern Haryana BJP won ten out of 11 seats despite a 10-year anti-incumbency, this region largely remained loyal to the party. It formed the government in 2014 and 2019 after it won seats from here. BJP leader Arti Rao daughter of Ahir stalwart union minister Rao Inderjit Singh has pulled off a close victory in Ateli with a margin of 3085 votes. In addition to these all nine candidates recommended for a ticket by Rao and supported by him have emerged victorious in the Ahirwal belt comprising of Gurugram, Rewari and Mahendargarh distrcts. The BJP also won 7 out of 9 seats in Faridabad and Pawal districts. On the other hand, Congress failed to gauge the anti-incumbency sentiment against its sitting MLAs as 17 of them lost and party won seven out of the 37 seats with margins below 5,000 votes and lost ten seats by margin below 5,000 votes. Former Hisar Member of Parliament Brijendra Singh who left BJP and joined back the grand old party lost from Uchana Kalan by 32 votes and Amit Sihag lost in Dabwali by 610 votes. The SC vote bank failed to consolidate behind the Congress.

BJP storms to power in Haryana for 3rd straight term; PM says voters put 'no entry' boards for Congress

CHANDIGARH: Bucking anti-incumbency, the ruling BJP pulled off a hat-trick of wins in Haryana to retain power and halt Congress' comeback attempt in the assembly elections, results of which were announced Tuesday. While the BJP ended up with its best-ever haul of 48 seats, 11 more than the Congress, parties like the JJP and the AAP were decimated and the INLD managed to win just two seats. AAP had contested on its own. Proving wrong exit polls which predicted a comfortable Congress win, the BJP will be forming government in Haryana for the third consecutive term. The party had contested 89 of the 90 seats. It did not contest Sirsa seat, from where its ally Gopal Kanda was a sitting MLA, though Kanda lost his seat. The Congress also contested 89 seats leaving Bhiwani constituency for the CPI (M). While BJP won 48 seats, bettering its tally of 47 in 2014, Congress won 37, INLD 2 while three Independents also tasted win. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the win saying it was due to good-governance that all communities voted for the BJP. Our guarantee of 'vikas' prevailed over the pack of lies spread by the Congress and people wrote new history electing us for a third term, he told party cadres in Delhi. Once the people throw out Congress, they do not let it come back. They put 'no entry' boards for Congress...it is a party that always thought power was its birthright, the prime minister said. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge termed the Haryana results unexpected and said his party will assess the people's mandate. Among prominent candidates who won included Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini (Ladwa), Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), BJP's Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt), Shruti Choudhry (Tosham), INLD's Arjun Chautala (Rania) and Aditya Devi Lal (Dabwali), Congress' Vinesh Phogat (Julana), Aditya Surjewala (Kaithal), Geeta Bhukkal (Jhajjar), BJP's Arti Singh Rao (Ateli) and Independent candidate Savitri Jindal (Hisar). Those who lost included INLD's Abhay Singh Chautala (Ellenabad), JJP's Dushyant Chautala and Digvijay Chautala (Dabwali), Speaker in outgoing Assembly and BJP's Gian Chand Gupta, Congress's Brijendra Singh, Aam Aadmi Party's Anurag Dhanda (Kalayat), BJP's O P Dhankar (Badli), Capt Abhimanyu (Narnaund), Haryana Lokhit Party's Gopal Kanda (Sirsa) and Ranjit Chautala, an Independent (Rania). Can't accept Haryana verdict; democracy lost, establishment won: Congress Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan and BJP's Bhavya Bishnoi, son of Kuldeep Bishnoi and grandson of former chief minister Bhajan Lal, also lost. Bhavya lost from Adampur in Hisar district, which had been Bhajan Lal's family citadel for more than five decades. Haryana went to polls on October 5 in a single phase. The BJP secured a vote share of 39.94 per cent, which was close to Congress' 39.09, but winning and nearest rival were separated by number of seats won. In the 2019 assembly polls, when BJP had won 40 of the 90 seats, it had got a vote share of 36.49 while Congress, which had then won 31 seats with a vote share of 28.08 per cent. The JJP, which contested the polls in alliance with Azad Samaj Party, suffered heavy loss of vote share as after having won 10 seats in 2019 the party had secured nearly 15 per cent which now fell to 0.90 per cent. In the outgoing assembly, the BJP had 41 MLAs (including the Adampur seat won in 2022 bypoll), the Congress 28 MLAs, the JJP (6), while the Haryana Lokhit Party and Indian National Lok Dal one member each. There were four Independents, while nine seats were vacant. A total of 1,031 candidates, including 464 Independents and 101 women, were in the fray this time. Thirteen woman candidates also made it to the assembly which included many new faces like Congress' Vinesh Phogat (Julana), Pooja Chaudhary (Mulana) and BJP's Shakti Rani Sharma (Kalka). Independent candidate Savitri Jindal, mother of BJP MP Naveen Jindal, won from Hisar. Thanking the voters while speaking to reporters, Haryana Chief Minister Saini said people have put a stamp on the government's policies under the leadership of Modi. Senior Congress leader Hooda said the poll outcome was opposite to what the atmosphere in the state was. The results have left us 'achambhit' (stunned) and the BJP must also be 'achambhit'. These results are opposite to what the atmosphere was in the state, he said. Bringing Saini, a OBC face, to replace Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister in March appeared to have worked to the advantage of the BJP. Notably, OBCs constitute nearly 35 per cent of state population while Jats constitute nearly 25 per cent while Dalits constitute nearly 20 per cent. During campaigning, the BJP had targeted the Congress with the 'kharchi-parchi' (bribery and favouritism) in government jobs during Hooda's 10-year dispensation. It also promised 2 lakh government jobs for youths without 'kharchi-parchi'. The ruling party highlighted providing MSP on 24 crops in Haryana, claiming that it was the first state in the country to do so. In its poll promises, the BJP promised Rs 2,100 per month to women under the Lado Lakshmi Yojna and also announced to give a cooking gas cylinder at Rs 500 under the Har Ghar Grihni Yojna, appeared to have worked. When Saini took over as chief minister, the ruling BJP in Haryana was facing anti-incumbency as it had been in power for nine-and-a-half years. The BJP created history in 2014 when it came to power for the first time in Haryana, winning 47 seats. Announcing Saini as the chief ministerial face for the state assembly polls, the BJP was looking to consolidate non-Jat votes in Haryana where caste equations play a key role in the electoral success of a political party. While the BJP was looking to consolidate non-Jat votes and on the other hand the Congress was relying on consolidation of Jat votes. The BJP's consistent attack on the Congress over the Dalit issue also appeared to have found resonance among voters. Modi in his poll speeches went acerbic and called the Congress the biggest anti-Dalit party and also reminded voters about the 2005 Gohana and 2010 Mirchpur incidents. The BJP also targeted the Congress over its alleged infighting with Home Minister Amit Shah accusing the grand old party of insulting Dalit leaders like Kumari Selja. Congress failed to put up a united fight and its factionalism was exploited by the ruling BJP in their entire campaign which included taking potshots at the grand old party over not-so-good equations between Bhupinder Hooda and prominent Dalit face Kumari Selja. Unlike the BJP, which has a well-organised and has a strong organisational structure till the grass-roots level, the Congress failed to set up its complete organisational structure in Haryana for past many years now. The BJP not only took the bold decision of bringing in Saini months before the polls as chief minister, unlike Congress which nominated all its sitting MLAs, the BJP denied re-nomination to several of its sitting MLAs by bringing in new faces which paid off. However, like in last assembly polls, this time too eight out of 10 ministers under the Saini government faced defeat. Prominent among those included Kamal Gupta, who lost from Hisar, Aseem Goel from Ambala City, Kanwar Pal from Jagadhri and Abhe Singh Yadav from Nangal Chaudhary. Haryana Assembly Speaker Gupta was also defeated from his Panchkula seat from where Congress party's Chander Mohan was declared winner. The counting of votes began at 8 am amid tight security. Several exit polls had predicted a comfortable victory for the Congress in Haryana but the BJP consolidated as the counting progressed. As the BJP won for a third consecutive term, party workers and leaders were in a jubilant lot, distributing 'ladoos' and sweets with many dancing to the beats of 'dhols'. In sharp contrast, the mood in the Congress camp, which had witnessed brief celebrations by workers in the morning after some TV channels put the grand old party ahead in early trends, changed as the day progressed as it became clear the trends were not holding and several exit polls had also been proved wrong. Haryana elections: How BJP overcame anti-incumbency to romp home for third consecutive term

Congress Blames Infighting for Haryana Election Defeat

New Delhi: After a completely unexpected defeat in the Haryana Assembly elections, the knives are out in the Congress. The faction-ridden Haryana Congress is trying to apportion blame on rival camps. Meanwhile, AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Haryana results are unacceptable to the Congress. He claimed the results are inconsistent with ground reality, citing significant irregularities in counting. Supported by party spokesperson Pawan Khera, Mr Ramesh highlighted issues with EVMs in Hisar, Mahendragarh and Panipat districts, and mentioned evidence is being collected and collated and would soon be presented to the Election Commission, questioning the transparency of the electoral process. He said: I think under these circumstances, it is not possible for us to accept the results that have been announced today. Mr Ramesh said what the Congress had seen today in Haryana was a victory for manipulation, a victory for subverting the will of the people and it is a defeat for a transparent democratic processes. The party claimed in almost ten seats the EVMs when taken out were almost fully charged. During the day Jairam Ramesh had written to the EC on the issue of an unexplained slowdown in updating of results on the poll watchdogs website and urged it to direct officials to update accurate figures so that false news and malicious narratives can be countered immediately. The EC said that the Congress allegations were irresponsible, unfounded and uncorroborated malafide narratives. Congress Sirsa MP and former Union minister Kumari Selja, who largely stayed away from the party campaign, expressed disappointment over the partys performance. In a veiled dig at former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepinder Hooda, Ms Selja questioned the accountability for the poll loss without naming them directly, and flagged the issue of coordination among leaders in the state. She said: The results are disappointing. Until the morning, we were hopeful. All our workers are upset, they have worked for the last 10 years for the Congress Party and when such a result comes, there is a huge disappointment. She asserted: It will not be business as usual in Haryana and I am sure the Congress high command would identify those who negated the efforts to bring the party to power after 10 years. She also underscored the necessity of pinpointing individuals who undermined the party's efforts to regain power in the state. Many in the party are now openly gunning for state unit chief Uday Bhan and former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Leaders say these two leaders had a complete freehand in candidate selection and the campaign, and hence a message went out that the Congress was relying heavily on the Jat vote. The Jat vote is estimated to be almost 28 per cent in the state. This led to reverse polarisation against the Congress of non-Jat votes, which costed the party dear. The Dalit vote, on which the Congress was banking, also got divided and went to the BJP and other smaller parties. When asked about infighting and sabotage as being the reason for the defeat, Mr Jairam Ramesh said: The party will look into all aspects about the reasons of defeat.

Can't accept Haryana verdict; democracy lost, establishment won: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday said it cannot accept the Haryana Assembly polls verdict as there were serious issues about the integrity of the counting process and functioning of the EVMs in some districts, and asserted that it would take up the matter with the Election Commission. Alleging a conspiracy, the opposition party said that in Haryana democracy had lost and establishment had won. Serious questions have been raised by our candidates. We will bring it to the notice of the Election Commission, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said at a press conference with AICC media and publicity department head Pawan Khera. What we have seen today in Haryana is a victory of manipulation and subverting the will of the people. It is a defeat of transparent, democratic processes. The chapter on Haryana is not complete, it will continue, he said. Ramesh said the results in Haryana are otally unexpected, completely surprising and counterintuitive. Congress slams Election Commission for 'hostile' response over alleged delay in Haryana poll results They go against ground reality, against what the people of Haryana had made their mind up for which was for change and transformation, he added. Khera alleged that complaints had been received from Hisar, Mahendragarh and Panipat that there were electronic voting machines (EVMs) with 99 per cent battery on which the BJP won while units with 60-70 per cent battery saw the Congress win. Have you understood this conspiracy, where there was 99 per cent battery in EVMs, BJP wins where there is less than 70 pc battery, Congress wins. if this is not a conspiracy, then what is it? Ramesh said, adding that the complaints were from 12 to 14 seats as of now. Ye loktantra ki haar hui, hai aur tantra ki jeet hui hai (Democracy has lost and establishment has won), the Congress general secretary said. All afternoon I have been in touch with the Election Commission, and the EC has replied to my complaints. I have replied to the reply of the EC. We have received very serious complaints about the process of counting, the functioning of EVMs in at least three districts, there are more that are coming in, Ramesh said. We have spoken to our colleagues in Haryana and this information is being collected. We hope to present this in a consolidated form to the Election Commission tomorrow or the day after, we will seek time from them, he said I think under these circumstances, it is not possible for us to accept the results that have been announced today, Ramesh said. He asserted that the party will introspect the results and a committee will also be formed. We will talk to everyone. But now is not the time for analysis, the important thing is that victory has been snatched from us. The systems have been misused. Everyone felt that the ground reality was in favour of change. The results that have come do not reflect that, Ramesh said. The reason why the Congress is not accepting the results is because not only it is surprising and unexpected but there are serious issues with the integrity of the counting process and the functioning of the EVMs in at least three to four districts in which about 12 to 14 constituencies are involved, he said. EC is our first stop. It is a constitutional body, it is an independent body, we expect it to function constitutionally and independently, Ramesh said. There are serious questions about the instruments of the system, namely the EVMs and also the extraordinary pressure on local administration officials. It is a double engine pressure of the state government and the Centre. There was an environment in which people have lost by 200 votes, 300 votes, 50 votes, people who had healthy leading margins have ended up losing by 100-200 votes. This can be explained only by manipulation and pressure, Ramesh said. The BJP coasted towards a hat-trick win with its biggest tally in Haryana and the National Conference-Congress combine was set to form government in Jammu and Kashmir, voters in both places giving the victors a decisive edge as counting day progressed with many a surprise on Tuesday. One state, one Union Territory and three main stakeholders. Bucking exit poll predictions and pollsters in the first elections after the June Lok Sabha verdict, the results threw up a mixed bag for the BJP, sobering lessons for the Congress but clear-cut unambiguous victory for the NC, which led the alliance to power in Jammu and Kashmir.

Results in Haryana go against reality, says Congress' Jairam Ramesh, alleges EVMs at fault

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Haryana Assembly election results are against reality and raised serious complaints regarding counting processes in Hisar, Mahendragarh, and Panipat districts. The party plans to present evidence to the Election Commission, claiming manipulation and EVM malfunctions.

India's Richest Woman Savitri Jindal Wins Hisar Seat in Haryana

India's richest woman Savitri Jindal won from the Hisar assembly constituency as an Independent candidate. Savitri Jindal won with majority of 19,034 votes over Ram Niwas Rara of Congress. She is the head of the OP Jindal Group. After the victory, Savitri Jindal took to X to express her gratitute to the people of Hisar. All of you have fought this election, this victory is also yours. Hearty congratulations to my Hisar family for this victory, she wrote on X. Haryana went to polls on October 5 for 90 assembly constituencies.

haryana-assembly-election-result-2024-how-did-bjp-rebels-including-ex-minister-ranjit-chautala-fare

The BJP looks set for a consecutive third term in Haryana, as counting trends in the Haryana assembly elections 2024 shows the ruling party, under the leadership of incumbent Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is leading in 49 seats in the 90-seat assembly. With the saffron party crossing the majority mark, the state and the national leadership can heave a sigh of relief, as they seem to have overcome anti-incumbency and the public mood against the incumbent government over the controversial farm laws and Agniveer scheme. ALSO READ: Haryana Election Results 2024 LIVE Ahead of the Haryana assembly polls, the BJP had tried to put its house in order by replacing Manohar Lal Khattar, who resigned as the CM in March, with Saini, who is an OBC leader. Khattar was under fire for his handling of the wrestler protests, and agitations over quotas and farm laws. A week ahead of the polls, BJP was forced to expel eight party leaders over their decision to contest the Haryana assembly polls as independents. Former Haryana minister Ranjit Singh Chautala was among those who were shown the door for six years with immediate effect. Chautala was denied the ticket from Rania, the seat he represented in the assembly when he was an independent MLA. Chautala quit as MLA before joining the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. But he lost the parliamentary polls from Hisar. ALSO READ: Rebel trouble worries BJP, Congress Here's a look at the 'rebels' expelled by the BJP last month, and how are they faring in the Haryana assembly election 2024: Zile Ram Sharma (Assandh) Trailing; has got over 4,000 votes (BJP's Yoginder Singh Rana is leading, having got over 15,000 votes) Devender Kadyan (Ganaur) Leading; has got over 40,000 votes Naveen Goyal (Gurgaon) Trailing; has got over 30,000 votes and is in second place (BJP's Mukesh Sharma is leading, having got over 59,000 votes) Kehar Singh Rawat (Hathin) Trailing; has got over 2,000 votes (Congress's Mohammed Israil is leading, having got over 40,000 votes) Sandeep Garg (Ladwa) Trailing; has got over 1,000 votes (CM Nayab Singh Saini is leading, having got over 40,000 votes) Radha Ahlawat (Meham) Trailing; has got over 12,000 votes (Congress's Balram Dangi is leading, having got over 23,000 votes) Ranjit Singh Chautala (Rania) Trailing; has got over 27,000 votes (INLD's Arjun Chautala is leading, having got over 33,000 votes) Bachan Singh Arya (Safidon) Trailing; has got over 7,000 votes (BJP's Ram Kumar Gautam is leading, having got over 49,000 votes)

Haryana elections: Six-time BJP MLA Anil Vij trails; Savitri Jindal leads

Haryana Assembly elections: After four hours of counting, trends showed that six-time BJP MLA Anil Vij was trailing slightly in Ambala Cantt, while Savitri Jindal was leading in Hisar.

Mumbai's 1st Underground Metro corridor opens; public hopes it will reduce commuting woes

MUMBAI: Mumbai's first underground Metro corridor, the aqua line's phase-1, stretching from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey became operational for the public on Monday morning. A large number of people came to experience the ride on the first day of the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3 as the service commenced at 11 am, amid cheers from passengers. Many people, excited about the first day travel, arrived at stations before the Metro operation commenced to buy tickets and expressed hope the new service would reduce their commuting challenges. Some people also complained of safety door glitches and the entry-exit points being closed at a few stations on the first day of the operation, while some passengers demanded an integrated app for all Metro services in the city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the 12.69 km long phase-1 of the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3. He travelled from BKC to Santacruz and back during which he interacted with students, beneficiaries of the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin scheme and labourers involved in constructing the underground line. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), which is executing the 33.5-km-long Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey JVLR project, has already notified that the regular operation of the Metro on the aqua line will commence from Tuesday. As per the notification, services will be operated from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm between Monday and Saturday, and from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm on Sundays. The minimum fare for a ride on the Metro line is Rs 10 and maximum Rs 50, as per the MMRC. Passengers can book tickets using the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card), Mumbai Metro 3 mobile app, and ticket vending machines, among other means. The corridor between BKC and Aarey road has 10 Metro stations - BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz metro, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ, Aarey Colony JVLR. Of these, only Aarey JVLR station is at a grade while all others are underground. The aqua line is the fourth Metro corridor of Mumbai. The Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line-1, Andheri West-Dahisar Line-2A and Andheri East-Dahisar Line-7 are already operational in the city. Mumbai resident Ankush Nevre, who works at the Andheri MIDC, said the new service will be very helpful to reach BKC from there. I was waiting for this connection for quite some time. I managed to get the first train to BKC at 11.10 am at the MIDC (Andheri). The service will be good (for the people), but there is a need for more signages and boards (for better access to Metro services), Nevre said. A person claimed on his X account that an entry-exit point at CSMIA T1 was closed at around 1.30 pm. Jyoti Trilok, who works at the Sahar Cargo Complex, got down at CSMIA T2 and said the station needs to have more entry and exit points. Some passengers also expressed unhappiness over multiple apps for different Metro services in the city. They demanded a single app for accessing all the Metro services. Should have an integrated app to book tickets and plan journeys. Mumbaikars can't have 14 apps when all the lines are live. Integration and convenience should be there, X user J Vidyasagar said in his post.

Mumbai's first underground Metro stretch opens for public

Mumbai: Mumbai's first underground Metro corridor, the aqua line's phase-1, stretching from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey became operational for the public on Monday morning. A large number of people came to experience the ride on the first day of the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3. The Metro operation on the stretch commenced for the public at 11 am, amid cheers from passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the 12.69 km long phase-1 of the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3. He travelled from BKC to Santacruz and back during which he interacted with students, beneficiaries of the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin scheme and labourers involved in constructing the underground line. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), which is executing the 33.5-km-long Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey JVLR project, has already notified that the regular operation of the Metro on the aqua line will commence from Tuesday. As per the notification, services will be operated from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm between Monday and Saturday, and from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm on Sundays. The minimum fare for a ride on the Metro line is Rs 10 and maximum Rs 50, as per the MMRC. Passengers can book tickets using the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card), Mumbai Metro 3 mobile app, and ticket vending machines, among other means. The corridor between BKC and Aarey road has 10 Metro stations - BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz metro, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T 2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ, Aarey Colony JVLR. Of these, only Aarey JVLR station is at a grade while all others are underground. The aqua line is the fourth Metro corridor of Mumbai. The Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line-1, Andheri West-Dahisar Line-2A and Andheri East-Dahisar Line-7 are already operational in the city.

Haryana CM Saini rejects exit polls, says BJP will form government alone

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday rejected exit poll predictions claiming the BJP will form the government in the state with full majority for a third time after the results are announced on October 8. Congress will blame the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for its defeat, he said. Overall, Haryana witnessed 67.90% voting in the assembly elections, with a lower voter turnout in the urban areas. The polling was lower compared to 68.2% in previous assembly polls. To a question about the exit polls predicting a Congress win, Saini said on October 8, the BJP was going to form the government. They forecast a Congress victory in Chhattisgarh and showed the party ahead in Uttarakhand as well. The exit polls have their own theory and system, but we work on the ground. The people of Haryana want BJP to come to power for a third time. Exit polls back Congress to return to power in Haryana, give edge to NC-INC in Jammu and Kashmir Asked how many seats the BJP will win in the 90-strong assembly, Saini said, I have said we will form the government with full majority. The BJP will form the government on the basis of works done in the state, he added. The Haryana assembly elections on Saturday saw a turnout of 67.90% , with several exit polls predicting a clear majority for the Congress, which is eyeing a comeback after a decade. The turnout was less compared to 68.2% recorded in the 2019 Assembly election. Besides, there was a lower voter turnout in the urban areas than in rural counterparts. Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said 67.90% voting took place for the assembly polls. The highest 75.36% voting was recorded in Sirsa district and the lowest 56.49% was recorded in Faridabad district. The polling percentage in Gurugram district was 57.96%, 67.62% in Ambala while 65.23% voting was recorded in Panchkula, 65.67%in Karnal, 68.80% in Panipat and 66.08% in Sonipat. On the other hand, 74.77% voting took place in Fatehabad, Palwal saw 73.89%, Mewat 72.81%, and Hisar recorded 70.58%.

Pollsters predict BJP exit in Haryana

NEW DELHI: Pollsters on Saturday predicted the exit of BJP rule in Haryana, giving the Congress a clear majority. They also saw a Congress edge in J&K as it has a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference. The exit poll results came in shortly after polling concluded in Haryana, where the voter turnout was over 61%. The counting of votes in both states is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8. However, NC leader Omar Abdullah was derisive of the exit polls, saying Im amazed channels are bothering with exit polls especially after the fiasco of the recent general elections. Im ignoring all the noise on channels, social media, WhatsApp etc because the only numbers that matter will be revealed on the 8th of Oct. The rest is just time pass. As for Haryana, the contest was particularly intense, with the ruling BJP facing severe anti-incumbency, having stayed in power for two consecutive terms. The AAP did not appear to have an impact in the state. Bouyed by the exit poll outcome, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the decision on chief ministers face will be taken by the partys high command after factoring in the opinions of the partys lawmakers. Peoples Pulse gave the Congress an average of 55 seats in Haryana while the BJP was trailing at 26. The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which was in alliance with the BJP till a few weeks ago, was heading for a washout, as was the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). All exit polls placed the Congress far ahead of the ruling BJP. Dainik Bhaskar predicted the Congress getting 44-54 seats and the BJP 15-29 in the 90-member Haryana Assembly. The C-Voter-India Today polls gave Congress 50-58 seats and the BJP 20-28 in Haryana, while Republic Bharat-Matrize put the Congress tally higher at 55-62 seats. In J&K, the C-Voter-India Today survey put the National Conference-Congress alliance at 40-48 seats and the BJP at 27-32 in the 90-member assembly. As for Dainik Bhaskar, it gave the NC-Congress alliance 35-40 and the BJP 20-25. Axis My India polls gave NC-Congress 35-45 and the BJP 24-34. Peoples Pulse predicted the NC-Congress getting 46-50 against the BJPs 23-27. Awami Ittehad Party chief Sheikh Abdul Rashid was pessimistic about the J&K poll outcome, saying irrespective of the results, the control will lie with Delhi. But he was courted by Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi, who called on him at his residence. It led to speculation about the Congress seeking his support for a post-poll coalition government. On Channis visit, Rashid said he was the only leader to raise voice for him in Parliament. He came to visit and I thanked him for raising voice for me. We had a good discussion, Rashid said. The Peoples Democratic Party said exit polls were not reliable, adding it was premature to talk about government formation. What matters are the numbers at the end of counting, senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said. Over 61% polling in Haryana Voter turnout in 2019 Assembly polls was around 68% Sporadic incidents of violence reported in Nuh and Hisar districts of the state Yamunanagar recorded a poll percentage of 67.93, Sirsa 65.37, Rohtak 60.56, Nuh 68.28, Palwal 67.69, Mahendragarh 65.76, Kurukshetra 65.55 and Jind 66.02 at 5 pm

Haryana Assembly Elections: Clashes reported in Nuh and other districts

Clashes and violence marred the Haryana Assembly Elections, with incidents of stone pelting, scuffles, and damaged polling booths reported in Nuh, Hisar, and Meham districts.

Haryana Assembly elections: Clashes reported in Nuh, Hisar districts. Video

Amid the ongoing polling during the Haryana Assembly elections, two incidents of sporadic violence were reported in Nuh and Hisar. Haryana is conducting the polls in a single phase for all 90 seats

People have been waiting for this day to bring Congress govt in Haryana: Congress leader Selja

CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja on Saturday said people of Haryana have been waiting for the assembly election to change the current dispensation in the state and bring her party to power. Selja was speaking to reporters after casting her vote in Hisar district. Polling began for all the 90 assembly seats in Haryana on Saturday morning. We have seen this inclination in people even before the Lok Sabha polls, they have been waiting for this day to change the rule and elect a Congress government, Selja said. The Congress MP from Sirsa also appealed to voters to exercise their franchise to decide their future in Haryana. Asked if she would become the chief minister should the Congress win, Selja said it was for the party high command to decide. After the result comes, the party high command will decide, Selja said. Replying to another question, Selja said she did not need to talk about her seniority and that it was evident and everybody knew. She also asserted that the Congress would form the government in the state. People have made up their minds that the Congress will form the next government, Selja said. On alleged infighting within the Haryana Congress unit, she asked the BJP to set its house in order as she alleged that the ruling party's leaders have been fighting with each other for the last 10 years. On BJP leader Ashok Tanwar joining the Congress, Selja said people come and go during elections.

BJP Ready To Welcome Me Because...: Congress' Kumari Selja As Haryana Votes Today

Congress MP Kumari Selja cast her vote for the 2024 Haryana assembly elections at a polling booth in Hisar.

Polling begins for 90 Assembly seats in Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Polling for all the 90 Assembly seats in Haryana began on Saturday morning amid tight security arrangements, officials said. The fate of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Vinesh Phogat, besides the JJP's Dushyant Chautala and 1,027 other candidates, will be decided in the polls in which more than two crore people are eligible to vote. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing a hat-trick of Assembly election wins in the state, while the Congress is hoping to return to power after 10 years. The counting of votes will be taken up on October 8. The voting is being held from 7 am 6 pm. Post-campaigning, temple hopping with a slice of reality check in Jatland Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pankaj Agarwal had earlier said 2,03,54,350 voters, including 8,821 centurions, are eligible to exercise their franchise. A total of 1,031 candidates are contesting the election, including 101 women and 464 Independent nominees. A total of 20,632 polling booths have been set up, Agarwal had said. Besides the BJP and the Congress, the key contesting parties are the Aam Aadmi PArty (AAP) and the INLD-BSP and JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliances. In the last Assembly polls in 2019, the BJP had won 40 seats, the Congress 31 and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) 10. The Congress has left the Bhiwani seat for its INDIA bloc partner CPI(M), while the BJP is not contesting the Sirsa seat, from where Haryana Lokhit Party chief Gopal Kanda is seeking re-election. Haryana: All eyes on 29 seats in 7 districts along GT Road Most seats are likely to see a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress. Prominent among those in the fray are Chief Minister Saini (from Ladwa), Leader of Opposition B S Hooda (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), Indian National Lok Dal's (INLD) Abhay Singh Chautala (Ellenabad), JJP's Dushyant Chautala (Uchana Kalan), BJP's Anil Vij (Ambala Cantonment), Captain Abhimanyu (Narnaund) and O P Dhankar (Badli), AAP's Anurag Dhanda (Kalayat) and Congress's Phogat, a former wrestler, from Julana. From Tosham, former MP Shruti Choudhry of the BJP and Anirudh Chaudhary, both cousins, are contesting. From Dabwali, Devi Lal's grandson Aditya Devi Lal, an INLD candidate, is taking on the JJP's Digvijay Singh Chautala, the great grandson of the former deputy prime minister. The importance of Dalit votes in Haryana The BJP has fielded former chief minister late Bhajan Lal's grandson Bhavya Bishnoi from Adampur in Hisar while its nominee from Ateli in Mahendragarh is Arti Rao, whose father Rao Inderjit Singh is a Union minister. Among the independent candidates are Savitri Jindal (Hisar), Ranjit Chautala (Rania) and Chitra Sarwara (Ambala Cantonment). Taking on Dushyant Chautala from Uchana is the Congress's Brijendra Singh, son of former Union minister Birender Singh. A few rebels from both the Congress and the BJP are also in the fray. Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on Friday said the Haryana Police is fully prepared to ensure a free, fair and peaceful conduct of the election. Nearly 30,000 police personnel and 225 paramilitary companies have been deployed. An adequate number of home guard personnel have also been deployed. Adequate police presence will be maintained at the polling booths and other locations. More than 3,616 polling booths have been classified as sensitive and 145 deemed vulnerable, necessitating additional security measures. To maintain law and order and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct, the state has also formed 516 flying squads, 469 static-surveillance teams and 32 quick-response teams. Additionally, 1,156 patrolling parties are actively monitoring the situation, the DGP said. Agarwal said of the total voters, 1,07,75,957 are men, 95,77,926 are women and 467 belong to the third gender. There are 5,24,514 voters aged between 18 and 19 years and 1,49,142 differently-abled voters, of whom 93,545 are male, 55,591 are female and six belong to the third gender. A total of 2,31,093 voters are aged above 85 years, comprising 89,940 males and 1,41,153 females. There are 8,821 voters aged over 100 years, including 3,283 males and 5,538 females. The total number of service voters is 1,09,217 -- 1,04,426 males and 4,791 females. The voter turnout recorded in the 2019 Assembly polls was around 68 per cent. A total of 144 polling stations have been designated as model ones. Besides, 115 polling stations will be entirely managed by women staff, 114 by young government employees and 87 by differently-abled employees. Webcasting will be conducted at all the polling stations on election day, Agarwal had said earlier. The CEO had said including reserved units, a total of 27,866 electronic voting machines (ballot units) will be used in this election. In 2019, the BJP formed the government with the support of the JJP while most of the Independent MLAs had also extended support to the saffron party. However, the JJP's post-poll tie-up with the BJP ended after the latter replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Saini as the chief minister in March.

Haryana all decked up for battle

CHANDIGARH: The fate of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Vinesh Phogat of the Congress besides JJPs Dushyant Chautala and 1,027 other candidates will be decided on Saturday as elections to the 90-member Haryana assembly will be held with over 2 crore people eligible to vote. The ruling BJP is eyeing a hat-trick of wins in the state while the Congress is hoping to make a comeback after a decade. The counting of votes will be held on October 8. State chief electoral officer Pankaj Agarwal said 2,03,54,350 voters, including 8,821 centurions, are eligible to vote which will be held from 7 am to 6 pm. Post-campaigning, temple hopping with a slice of reality check in Jatland DGP Shatrujeet Kapur said Haryana Police is fully prepared to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections. Over 30,000 police personnel and 225 paramilitary companies have been deployed. Adequate police presence will be maintained at the booths and locations, among which 3,460 polling booths have been classified as critical, and 138 have been deemed vulnerable, necessitating additional security measures. As many as 186 interstate and 215 intra-state checkpoints have been established, where police teams will monitor movements closely. A total of 1,031 candidates are contesting in all 90 assembly constituencies, including 101 women. Among these candidates, 464 are contesting as independent. A total of 20,632 polling booths have been set up for voting, Agarwal said on Friday. Haryana: All eyes on 29 seats in 7 districts along GT Road The grand old party is contesting 89 seats as it left the Bhiwani assembly seat for its INDIA bloc partner CPM. The saffron party, too, is contesting an equal number of seats as Haryana Lokhit Party chief Gopal Kanda is seeking re-election from the Sirsa seat. Besides the BJP and Congress other political parties in the fray are AAP, INLD-BSP and JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliance. Most seats are likely to see a direct fight between BJP and the Congress. There are 20 assembly segments in the Jat heartland where there might be a multi-cornered contest as the rebel leaders of BJP and Congress who were denied the party ticket are in the fray as Independent candidates. Besides these seats there is a direct contest between the saffron and grand old party in about 70 of the total of 90 assembly seats. Sources said assembly constituencies where these rebels can upset the apple cart of both parties are Ellenabad, Ambala Cantt, Kalayat, Gurugram, Dabwali, Pundri, Baroda, Hisar, Gohana, Panipat City, Panipat Rural, Ganaur, Punhana, Rewari and Rania. The importance of Dalit votes in Haryana The INLD-BSP, AAP and the JJP-ASP alliance candidates may also spring a surprise. Both BJP and Congress changed their strategy for these seats at the eleventh hour. In the assembly polls in 2019, BJP won 40 seats, Congress 31 and JJP 10. In race for CM post if Congress wins, says Selja Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja asserted that she is in the race for the CM post if the party comes to power in the state. See, that only high command will have to answer, they will only decide. There are a few people who would be in the consideration zone, and I think Selja would be there. The high command would look at the seniority, work done, and everything else. These political decisions would be taken by high command, she said. Selja dismissed reports of her joining BJP. Selja is Congressi, she said, adding she is not upset with the party.

Haryana polls 2024: Uchana, Julana, Ladwa, and Hisar among key contests

The Haryana Assembly elections, with 90 constituencies, are set for October 5, with the vote count slated for October 8

BJP expels eight leaders, including Ranjit Chautala, for contesting Haryana polls as independents

CHANDIGARH: Former Haryana minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and seven other leaders were expelled by the BJP for six years on Sunday after they decided to contest the October 5 state assembly polls as independent candidates. The Haryana BJP said its chief Mohan Lal Badoli has expelled these leaders for a period of six years with immediate effect. Besides Chautala, Sandeep Garg (contesting the polls from Ladwa), Zile Ram Sharma (Assandh), Devender Kadian (Ganaur), Bachan Singh Arya (Safidon), Radha Ahlawat (Meham), Naveen Goel (Gurugram) and Kehar Singh Rawat (Hathin) have been expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Earlier, Ranjit, the brother of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, resigned from the Cabinet after being denied a ticket by the party for the upcoming assembly polls. He had unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary polls from Hisar. Chautala decided to run as an independent candidate from Rania, the seat he represented in the Assembly when he was an independent MLA. I will contest as an independent candidate from the Rania Assembly constituency. It is the decision of the people of my constituency. After I did not get the ticket, I took this decision, he told ANI . The BJP has fielded Shishpal Kamboj to contest from the Rania seat in its first list of candidates. Chautala decided to quit the saffron party after he was denied the ticket. Meanwhile, Sandeep Garg has filed nomination papers from the Ladwa constituency against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The 90-member Haryana Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on October 5 and the counting of votes will be taken up on October 8. The BJP is eyeing a return to power in the state for a third consecutive term. The Haryana Congress expelled 13 leaders on Friday for anti-party activities over their decision to contest the polls as independent candidates. Several leaders of both the BJP and the Congress were upset over being denied tickets to contest the Assembly polls, but the parties have managed to pacify most of them. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

Ranjit Singh Chautala among eight rebels expelled by BJP in Haryana

Former Haryana minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and seven other leaders were expelled by the BJP for six years on Sunday, after they decided to contest the October 5 state Assembly polls as independent candidates. The Haryana BJP said its chief Mohan Lal Badoli has expelled these leaders for a period of six years with immediate effect. Besides Chautala, Sandeep Garg (contesting the polls from Ladwa), Zile Ram Sharma (Assandh), Devender Kadian (Ganaur), Bachan Singh Arya (Safidon), Radha Ahlawat (Meham), Naveen Goel (Gurugram) and Kehar Singh Rawat (Hathin) have been expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chautala decided to quit the saffron party after he was denied the poll ticket from Rania, the seat he represented in the Assembly when he was an independent MLA. Chautala quit the membership of the Assembly before joining the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls held earlier in the year. He had unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary polls from Hisar. The 90-member Haryana

Rahul Gandhi to take out 'Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra' in second leg of poll campaigning

CHANDIGARH: As the Congress is looking to go all out to wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, party leader Rahul Gandhi will continue to campaign in the state, covering several districts during his Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra. This will be the second leg of Gandhi's campaigning in Haryana for the October 5 Assembly polls. He addressed rallies at Assandh in Karnal and Barwala in Hisar on Thursday. During the second leg of his campaigning, Gandhi is also likely to be joined by party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Sharing the schedule of his programme for Monday, the Haryana Congress said Gandhi will launch the second leg of his poll campaign from Naraingarh in Ambala district by addressing a public meeting. After the public meeting, the yatra will pass through Yamunanagar district and then through Mullana in Ambala. It will also pass through Rajeev Chowk, Saha, Ambala, Shaheed Udham Singh Chowk, Shahabad, and Babain, Ladwa in Kurukshetra, where party workers will welcome Gandhi at various points. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has been fielded by the ruling BJP from Ladwa. According to the schedule of Gandhi's programme, a public meeting will be held at Kurukshetra's Thanesar on Monday evening. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha is likely to campaign in the state till canvassing ends in the evening of October 3. He will be joined by Congress leaders from the state, including former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja. The Congress is aiming to come back to power in Haryana after a 10-year hiatus. At the Assandh rally on Thursday, Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of unemployment and accused him of systematically destroying the process of employment generation in the country. The Congress leader also exuded confidence that his party would sweep the Haryana polls. The 90-member Haryana Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on October 5 and the counting of votes will be taken up on October 8. Selja says she'll remain in Congress, dismisses talk of switch to BJP

Rahul to cover several Haryana districts in second leg of poll campaigning

As the Congress is looking to go all out to wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, party leader Rahul Gandhi will be campaigning in the state over the next few days, covering several districts, in what is likely to take the shape of a yatra. This will be the second leg of his campaigning in Haryana for the October 5 Assembly polls. Gandhi addressed poll rallies at Assandh in Karnal and Barwala in Hisar on Thursday. Sharing a tentative schedule of his campaign programme, sources in the Congress said Gandhi, who is likely to be joined by party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will launch the second leg of his poll campaign from Naraingarh in Ambala district by addressing a public meeting on Monday. Gandhi will also cover Yamunanagar district on Monday and a few more places in Ambala, where party workers will welcome him at various points, before he moves on to Saha and then to Kurukshetra district, including Ladwa, from where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is

Haryana: Army jobs become electoral hot potato as Agnipath turns into big battle for BJP ahead of vote

In Haryana's Hisar, the once bustling Mahabir Stadium now sees dwindling numbers of armed forces aspirants. The Agnipath scheme, launched in 2022, is a major election issue as it limits service to four years for most recruits. Discontent is high among youths and their families ahead of the assembly polls.

'Bapu, beta, all others in Congress want to be CM': PM Modi at Haryana election rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party during a rally in Hisar, Haryana, stating that internal strife prevents them from providing stability. He mentioned that many leaders, including Bhupinder and Deepender Hooda, are vying for the chief minister position.

Dalit Mahapanchayat Sangh to Mobilize Against Congress Over Kumari Selja's Insult

Chandigarh: In a press conference held in Narnaund, Hisar, on Friday, Kuldeep Bhukkal, the State President of the Dalit Mahapanchayat Sangh, expressed strong discontent regarding the treatment of Congress MP Kumari Selja by the Congress party. Bhukkal announced that the entire Dalit community would retaliate against the perceived insult by working together to defeat Congress candidates supported by Bhupendra Singh Hooda in Narnaund and across Haryana. Bhukkal criticized the Congress for nominating Naresh Selwal from Uklana, who was expelled in 2019 for anti-party activities. He pointed out that Selja would not campaign for the Congress candidate, Jassi Petwar, in the Narnaund area due to the ongoing tensions.He recounted the oppressive actions faced by Dalits during Hoodas tenure as Chief Minister from 2005 to 2014, highlighting incidents like Mirchpur, Gohana, Bhagana, Dabda, and Daulatpur, where Dalits suffered significant violence, including the burning of homes and shops. Bhukkal also recalled that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Hooda lost the Sonipat seat due to the lack of Dalit support. While the Congress had initially seen some success in the 2024 elections, he claimed that Hooda supporters have now insulted Selja, who represents the Dalit community.He alleged that Hooda was using threats and financial influence to sway the Congress high command, further asserting that derogatory comments were made about Selja by Hooda's associates. As a result, Selja was expected to campaign only for candidates she supports. In response to the situation, Bhukkal announced plans to form committees of five members in each district of Haryana. These committees will travel from village to village to raise awareness about what they consider the anti-Dalit stance of the Congress. He concluded by noting that the actions of the Hooda faction had severely damaged the Congress party in Haryana, prompting both Bhupendra Hooda and his son Deepender to acknowledge Selja's status as a senior leader and a figure akin to a sister within the party. India Commits Rs 474 Million for 12 Community Development Projects in Nepal IIFA Utsavam 2024: Check Here the Full List of IIFA Utsavam 2024 Winners Madhya Pradesh's Three Villages Recognized as Best Tourism Destinations

PM Modi Attacks Congress In Hisar Rally | PM Modi News | PM Modi In Hisar | English News | News18

PM Modi Attacks Congress In Hisar Rally | PM Modi News | PM Modi In Hisar | English News | News18BreakingNews | Congress hates the entire Dalit community, PM Modi slams Congress in his Hisar Rally ahead of HaryanaAssemblyElections2024

Selja, Hooda Join Hands at Rahul Rally

New Delhi: With just nine days left until polling in Haryana, the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, has ramped up its campaign efforts, presenting a united front by bringing party heavyweights Kumari Selja and Bhupinder Singh Hooda together on stage, despite ongoing speculations of internal rifts. On Thursday, Gandhi made his first appearance on the campaign trail in the agrarian state with rallies in Karnal and Hisar. He criticised the BJP on various issues, including unemployment and the caste census, and expressed confidence that the Congress would win a majority in the 90-member Haryana Assembly. Speaking at a rally in Assandh, Karnal, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of systematically dismantling the employment system in the country. He also addressed the topic of a caste census, accusing the BJP of creating divisions among the people. A storm is coming, and the Congress is going to sweep the elections. We will form a government for all, Gandhi declared. In a show of unity, Congress MP Kumari Selja and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda joined Gandhi on stage, dispelling rumours of discord within the party's Haryana unit. Gandhi sharply criticised the BJP government, claiming it had destroyed Haryanas prospects. He shared an anecdote from his recent visit to the United States, where he met young people from Haryana who had left the state in search of better opportunities. There is unemployment and inflation, Gandhi said, recounting the hardships faced by youths in the US, many of whom traveled dangerous routes to escape lack of employment back home. He also accused the BJP of trying to take away farmers' rights with the now-repealed farm laws, claiming the government was more concerned with waiving the debts of billionaires than helping farmers. The Rs 16 lakh crore debt of 25 billionaires will be waived, but not the debts of farmers, he said. In addition, Gandhi referred to the sexual harassment allegations made by women wrestlers, accusing the BJP of protecting the accused. Outlining the Congress election promises, Gandhi announced several key initiatives: 2,000 monthly payments to women, subsidised cooking gas cylinders at 500, filling two lakh government job vacancies, and guaranteed crop MSP for farmers. He also pledged to build homes for the poor. Gandhi accused the BJP of undermining India's Constitution, claiming that government institutions were being controlled by the RSS. This fight is not just for Haryana; it is a fight for the country, a fight to save the Constitution, he stated. On the issue of the caste census, Gandhi reiterated his commitment, saying, We want to know how many Dalits, tribals, and backward classes are in the country. Whether Narendra Modi does it or not, I will get it passed. With just days remaining before voters head to the polls, the Congress hopes to galvanise support across the state with a message of inclusivity and reform.

Centre issues fresh advisory to states on Mpox after first clade 1b case detected in Kerala

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday issued fresh advisory to states and union territories and asked them to isolate suspected cases of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, and implement strict infection prevention and control measures. The advisory was issued after India reported the first case of the clade Ib strain of mpox infection, making it the third non-African country to do so. Clade 1 is the fast-spreading and severe viral strain that has been declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In the advisory, Union Health Secretary Aprurva Chandra asked the states to send samples from skin lesions of patients with suspected symptoms to designated labs immediately. Those who test positive will have their samples sent to Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, for genome sequencing to determine the clade, the advisory said. He said that robust diagnostic testing capabilities are already available, with 36 ICMR-supported labs across the country and three commercial PCR kits validated by ICMR and approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). States were directed to identify isolation facilities in hospitals for suspected and confirmed cases, equipped with logistics and trained staff. The advisory asked states and UTs to continue undertaking appropriate activities to make communities aware of the disease, its modes of spread, and the need for timely reporting and preventive measures. It is crucial that any panic amongst the masses is prevented, the advisory said. It also said that the states must conduct review of public health preparedness particularly at health facility level and district level by senior officials. India has reported two mpox cases. The first case was of a 26-year-old resident of Haryana's Hisar, who had tested positive last month for the West African Clade 2 strain, similar to the earlier 30 cases reported in India from July 2022 onwards. He was admitted to a government hospital in Delhi. The second case was of a 38-year-old man, who had recently traveled from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was admitted to the government medical college hospital in Kerala after he tested positive for mpox last week. His test came positive for clade 1b strain. Clade 1 is more virulent and more transmissible strain. Outside Africa, one case each of mpox clade 1b has been recently reported from Sweden and Thailand. India is now the third country to report this fast-spreading mpox strain.

At Haryana rally, Rahul says wont allow RSS to subvert Constitution

Hisar (Har), Sep 26: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lashed out at the RSS, alleging it poses a threat to the Constitution and asserted his party will not allow any attempt to subvert the Constitution of BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and the poor people of India. Addressing a poll rally in Barwala in Haryanas Hisar district, he said the Constitution protects the poor. And these RSS people want to undermine the Constitution. It is their target. We will protect [] The post At Haryana rally, Rahul says wont allow RSS to subvert Constitution appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rahul to hit Haryana poll campaign trail with rallies in Karnal, Hisar

NEW DELHI: With just 10 days left for the Haryana Assembly election, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hit the campaign trail on Thursday, with two rallies in Karnal and Hisar districts. This would be his first public rally in the state after elections were announced. Significantly, in a sign of thaw in tensions in the state unit, Sirsa MP and former Union minister Kumari Selja, who had been missing from campaigning so far, will also attend Gandhis rally in Assandh in Karnal. According to the partys state unit, Gandhi will address a rally in Karnals Assandh from where Shamsher Singh Gogi is seeking re-election. In a post on X, Selja shared her campaign plans including Rahuls rally and four other public meetings. Knives were out in the Congress camp after Selja decided to stay away from election campaigning for two weeks. Selja was reportedly upset that the high command had sidelined her and gave an upper hand to her rival Bhupinder Singh Hooda in ticket distribution. However, Selja came around after her two meetings with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi had also asked veteran leader Ashok Gehlot to mediate between the two warring camps. Though Selja ruled out her leaving the grand old party, she did not mince words in expressing her disappointment over ticket distribution. The party is also worried that as a popular Dalit leader, Seljas rebellion would dent its prospects as there are 17 reserved assembly constituencies in Haryana. Thaw in tensions Sirsa MP Kumari Selja, who had been missing from Congress campaign so far, will also attend Gandhis rally in Assandh in Karnal. Faction wars Selja, who was reportedly upset that the high command gave an upper hand to her rival Bhupinder Hooda, came around after two meetings with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

Is India's Richest Woman Savitri Jindal BJP's 'B Team' In Haryana? What She Told NDTV

The BJP denying a ticket to India's richest woman, Savitri Jindal, who joined the party in March after quitting the Congress, came as a surprise to many and the two-time MLA from Hisar and former Haryana minister is now contesting as an Independent.

Haryana: On The Ground In Hisar, Where Patients Are Happy With State-Centre Health Insurance Programmes But Doctors Aren't

Mpox update: 26-yr-old patient discharged from Delhi hospital, know guidelines he has been asked to follow

The patient from Hisar, Haryana, was hospitalised on September 8, with doctors confirming the diagnosis on September 9.

Mpox patient discharged from Delhi's LNJP Hospital after 12 days: Report

An Mpox patient admitted to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital here earlier this month has been discharged, the hospital officials confirmed. The 26-year-old patient, who had been admitted to the disaster ward dedicated to Mpox cases for almost 12 days, was discharged on Saturday. An official from the hospital confirmed he only Mpox patient was discharged on September 21. The 26-year-old patient from Hisar, Haryana, was admitted to the hospital on September 8, with doctors confirming the diagnosis on September 9. The hospital has 20 isolation rooms, out of which 10 are for suspected cases and the remaining for confirmed Mpox patients. The Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital and the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital have five rooms each for suspected Mpox cases and five each for confirmed ones. The World Health Organisation (WHO) last month declared Mpox a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)' for the second time in view of its prevalence and spread a

RWAs oppose G.O. for stilt-plus-four construction, opposition guns for BJP

CHANDIGARH: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Haryana Government has landed itself into a catch-22 situation during the ongoing assembly elections as it has given go-ahead with stilt-plus-four construction in the residential areas of the state. Several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are opposing this decision of the government and have decided to oppose the BJP candidates across the state. The RWAs have written to the Election Commission of Indian to suspend the government order which gave the go-ahead to the stilt-plus-four construction in the state. On the other hand, the opposition parties have got another issue against the government on the platter which they are now raising for their political benefits. This might affect the saffron party in the National Capital Region (NCR) especially Gurugram and Faridabad. Targeting the incumbent BJP government for allowing builders to exploit the stilt-plus-four-floor housing policy, RWAs have threatened to vote against the BJP candidates. The residents are of the view that the stilt-plus-four houses in their residential areas are being misused to create multiple apartments, thus burdening the existing civic infrastructure. The letter to the ECI stated that the notification regarding the construction will not only come in the way of a level playing field during elections and smacked of the governments vested interests. Haryana polls: BJP is anti-farmer, allege kisan unions Yashvir Malik, convener of Haryana State HUDA Sector Confederation of which 287 RWAs of the state are members, said, y allowing construction stilt-plus-four construction the BJP-led Government is trying to please the builder lobby. The RWAs will oppose the candidates of the BJP across the state and request not to vote for them. Malik added that while this decision affects the whole state, ten districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, Panipat, Sonepat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Panchkula, Hisar and Amabla are most affected. He also said that approximately 7.25 lakh plots or house owners are affected by this decision of the government in these cities as it calculated around 25 lakh voters in 15 to 20 assembly segments. We have sent an e-mail to the EC, stating that the removal of embargo on the construction of S+4 floors in residential areas be put on hold. This notification is beyond the powers of the current caretaker government in the state and is clearly a big allurement for voters. The policy needs to be properly reviewed, he said. State President All Sector Residents Welfare Association, Kuldeep Vats said that re-implementing the policy of constructing four-storey buildings with stilt parking in HSVP sectors without developing infrastructure facilities is completely wrong. The association will strongly oppose this. This will strain our sewage, power, water and parking infrastructure and leave us in a mess especially in old sectors. At present, the drinking water and sewerage system in the sectors is completely in shambles. This problem is especially severe in the old sectors. Even after many years of sector demarcation by HSVP, the old and dilapidated drinking water and sewerage lines have not been upgraded according to the population density, he said. He added that, with this decision, the residents of the sector will have to face a lot of trouble for basic facilities. Vats said that it is completely wrong to construct a stilt plus four storey building on a 10 meter road. The rule made on the common wall in the new policy will increase disputes among the people. Our demand is that, in view of the problems of public interest, this decision should be withdrawn. If the matter is not resolved soon, then the next strategy of the movement will be prepared by calling a state level meeting of the association, he said. Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that this is care-taker government and this decision cannot be taken, it is completely wrong. Echoing the same view former deputy chief minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala said that when his party was part of the government it did not approve of this and to allow S plus 4 in existing sectors is wrong. We will write to ECI, he said. Sources said that the construction had been allowed in a policy that was already there and this is not a new decision and it does not violate the poll code. We only told the court that we are lifting the self-imposed ban, said an officer. It is learnt that some 200 applications are pending in Gurugram alone, seeking permission to build the floors. The stilt-plus-four-floors policy was initially brought by the state government in 2017 by amending the Haryana Building Code of the same year, and registrations of the fourth floor as a separate dwelling unit started by 2018. Under the new policy, the state has allowed the construction of four floors with stilts in sectors where the layout plan allows for the building of four dwelling units per plot. Haryana assembly polls: Kin of key political families take poll plunge Power Games | Haryana Polls: Rahul cracks whip as Hooda-Selja rift widens

Didi writes to Modi, says DVC released water without consulting Bengal govt

KOLKATA: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent Prime Minister Narendra Modi another letter on the flood situation in West Bengal, maintaining that Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released water from its reservoirs without consulting her government, inundating several districts. Responding to Banerjees earlier letter to the PM, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil had said the states officials were informed at every stage about the release of water from the DVC reservoirs, which was essential to prevent a major disaster. To which Banerjee said, While the Honble minister claims that the release from DVC dams was carried out by consensus and collaboration with the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee, including consultations with representatives of the government of West Bengal, I may respectfully disagree. All the critical decisions are made unilaterally by representatives of the Central Water Commission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India without arriving at a consensus, she said. Banerjee claimed that sometimes water is released without any notice to the state and the views of her government are not honoured. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Sep/22/bengal-power-secretary-santanu-basu-steps-down-from-dvc-board Bengal Power secretary Santanu Basu steps down from DVC board Moreover, peak release from the reservoirs lasting for a prolonged period of nine hours were conducted with only 3.5 hours notice which proved insufficient for effective disaster management, she said in the letter dated September 21, which was made public on Sunday. In her earlier letter to the PM Modi on September 20, she claimed that 5 million people in the state were affected by the floods, and urged him to immediately release central funds. In his letter, Paatil explained that the releases were managed by the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee, which includes representatives from the Central Water Commissionand DVC. Flood in Bihars 12 dists Flood water has gushed into 12 districts of Bihar even as people are being evacuated from the low-lying areas of these districts. Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Vaishali, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Munger, Samastipur, Begusarai and Vaishali are among the worst affected districts. As many as 1288 boats and 18 boat ambulances have been pressed into service into the affected areas, sources at state disaster management department say.

Haryana polling stations: Over 2,700 'critical', more than 300 'vulnerable'

Over 2,700 polling stations in Haryana have been classified as 'critical' and over 300 as 'vulnerable' by the Election Commission of India. Gurugram district has the highest number of critical stations, followed by Hisar, Sonipat, and Ambala. Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of voters being influenced or intimidated.

Haryana assembly polls: Kin of key political families take poll plunge

CHANDIGARH: The dynastic politics remains strong in Haryana as over three dozen candidates across party lines, BJP, Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) are contesting elections in the upcoming assembly polls. Besides, the three prominent political families of the Jat Land Chaudahry Devi Lal, Bansi Lal and Bhajan Lal there are other candidates who owe their standing to their influential political families. The ruling BJP, known for anti-dynasty rhetoric, is fielding kin of many political leaders. Arti Singh Rao, daughter of Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh, from Ateli; Pardeep Singh Sangwan, son of former MP Kishen Singh Sangwan, is fighting from Baroda; Devender Kaushik, brother of former MP Ramesh Kaushik, is contesting from Gannaur; Sunil Sangwan, son of former minister Satpal Sangwan, is contesting from Dadri; Manmohan Bhadana, son of former minister Kartar Bhadana, is contesting from Samalkha; Sanjay Singh, son of former minister Suraj Pal, is contesting from Nuh; Krishan Middha, son of former MLA Hari Chand Middha, is contesting from Jind and Savitri Jindal, mother of Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal is contesting from Hisar seat as an independent candidate against party candidate. The story is the same for Congress. Aditya Surjewala, son of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala, is contesting from Kaithal; Vikas Saharan, son of Hisar MP Jai Prakash, is battling out from Kalayat; Pooja Chaudhary, wife of Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary, is vying for Mullana seat; Brijendra Singh, son of former Union minister Birender Singh, is contesting Uchana Kalan assembly seat; Chiranjeev Rao, son of former minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, is competing from Rewari; Mandeep Chatha, son of former minister Harmohinder Singh Chatha, is standing as a challenger from Pehowa; Vijay Pratap Singh, son of former minister Mahender Pratap, is contesting from Badkhal; Balram Dangi, son of former minister Anand Singh Dangi, is contesting for Meham seat; Neeraj Sharma, son of former minister Shiv Charan Lal Sharma, is trying his luck from Faridabad NIT seat; Gokul Setia, grandson of former minister Lachhman Das Arora, is contesting from Sirsa. While in the Indian National Lok Dal, Sapna Barshami, daughter-in-law of Sher Singh Barshami, a close aide of former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, is contesting from Ladwa; Tahir Hussain, son of former MLA Zakir Hussain, is contesting from Nuh. Some seven family members of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal are fighting these elections and some of them are pitched against each other. Arjun Chautala, great-grandson of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal and son of Abhay Chautala, is fighting on the INLD ticket and is pitted against former chief minister OP Chutalas brother Ranjit Singh Chautala, who is sitting MLA from Rania assembly segment and is fighting as independent. Digvijay Chautala of JJP, another great-grandson of Devi Lal and son of Ajay Chautala, is contesting against his uncles Aditya Devi Lal from INLD and Amit Sihag of Congress. Khattars nephew joins Congress Ramit Khattar, nephew of former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, and another senior leader of the party Gurvinder Singh Dhamija joined the Congress. Ramit joined the grand old party in the presence of Rohtak MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra. His defection is seen as a notable setback to the saffron party especially given his familial ties to Khattar.

Assembly polls: EC team holds meeting with senior officers of Haryana

Chandigarh: A team of senior officials from the Election Commission of India held a meeting with senior officers of Haryana on Thursday to review the action taken on the directions issued to the authorities involved in the election process during its visit to the state last month.The meeting was held with the divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, police commissioners, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, general observers and police observers from 11 districts. Haryana goes to polls on October 5. According to an official statement, the team comprised of Deputy Election Commissioner Hirdesh Kumar and other officials. The meeting was held in the presence of Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal. According to the statement, a team of the Election Commission of India led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had earlier in August taken the review of the administrative, logistics, law and order, and election-related arrangements with the chief electoral officer and state police nodal officer. The commission had directed to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections by maintaining good law and order situation, the statement said. It had also stressed to maintain good health of the electoral roll with the removal of dead and shifted voters. Further, it directed to provide minimum assured facility at the polling booths along with conducive environment to encourage the voters turnout. In Thursday's meeting, the Election Commission team emphasized the importance of ensuring that all polling stations are fully equipped with the necessary facilities. The deputy election commissioner instructed the district commissioners-cum-district election officers and superintendents of police to personally inspect the polling stations to verify the availability of essential resources. The Commission emphasised that the Voter Facilitation Booths should be set up by the booth level officers at each polling stations. Proper sitting arrangements have to be made to facilitate the voters standing in queues. The team cited the need for webcasting from all polling stations. For ensuring better monitoring, cameras of high resolution should be used and they should be positioned in a way that these cover the polling stations properly for effective surveillance. At the same time, the secrecy of voting should not be compromised, it said. The police authorities briefed about the security arrangements for ensuring a good law and order situation. The team expressed its satisfaction over the deployment of the central forces and other security arrangements. However, it stressed immediate action for better surveillance of the border areas in coordination with the police of the neighbouring states. In another meeting with the enforcement agencies of Income Tax department, state police, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Directorate of Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Civil Aviation, Customs and other departments, the team noticed that the seizures have been less compared to the recent Lok Sabha elections. It emphasised to rework the strategy, monitor the working of different flying squad surveillance teams and static surveillance teams. The team also reviewed the preparations related to the counting centres, postal ballot papers and training of the polling staff. Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said that a centralized postal ballot collection centre would be established in Karnal. The Election Commission team reiterated that maximum efforts should be made at the local level and the state level to enhance the voters turnout in these elections. It cited the recent good voter turnout in the sensitive districts of Jammu and Kashmir and said that Haryana should draw inspiration from that. At the end of the meeting, Hirdesh Kumar re-emphasised that all efforts should be made to ensure free and fair polls. The districts covered in the meeting included Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Kaithal, Jind, Fatehabad, Sirsa and Hisar.

Suspected Mpox Infection Reported from Malappuram in Kerala, Samples Sent for Testing

A new case of monkeypox (Mpox) was reported last week from the national capital after a 26-year-old resident of Haryana's Hisar tested positive for the virus.

Suspected mpox infection reported from Kerala, samples sent for testing

A suspected case of monkeypox infection has been reported from Malappuram district of Kerala after a man who recently returned from abroad showed symptoms of the disease. A district health official said that the patient arrived in Kerala a few days ago and, after falling sick, was first admitted to a private hospital. From there he was admitted to the Manjeri Medical College. On suspecting that it might be a case of monkeypox, we sent his samples to the Kozhikode Medical College for testing. The results are awaited, the official said. A new case of monkeypox (Mpox) was reported last week from the national capital after a 26-year-old resident of Haryana's Hisar tested positive for the virus and was admitted to Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital. The Union Health Ministry had termed it an isolated case, similar to the earlier 30 cases reported in India from July 2022 onwards and said that it was not part of the current public health emergency reported by WHO which is regarding clad

Suspected monkeypox infection reported in Kerala

A new case of monkeypox (Mpox) was reported last week from the national capital after a 26-year-old resident of Haryana's Hisar tested positive for the virus and was admitted to Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital.

Haryana Assembly elections: Like Congress, BJP will contest 89 of 90 seats

CHANDIGARH: With its candidate Rohtash Jangra from Sirsa withdrawing his candidature on Monday, the BJP may support Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) chief Gopal Kanda in the Assembly elections. Like the Congress, the saffron party will now be contesting 89 of the 90 seats. Ahead of the development, the BJP convened an emergency meeting in Sirsa and decided that Jangra should step down. Kandaan MLA from Sirsahad earlier extended support to the BJP government. I have withdrawn my nomination. The decision has been taken in the interest of the state and the country, we have to ensure a Congress-mukt Haryana, Jangra asserted. When asked if he had withdrawn in Kandas favour, the BJP leader said, Gopal Kanda has supported us (BJP) for five years. We have taken this decision for Sirsas development. Recalling his familys long-standing connection with the RSS, Kanda said that his father, Murli Dhar Kanda, contested the Dabwali seat in 1952 on a Jan Sangh ticket, and his mother continues to be a BJP supporter. BJP leader and former MP Ashok Tanwar said, There is only one aim, which is to form a BJP government for the third time and to have a Congress-mukt Bharat. The BJP has now extended its support to HLP, which already has the backing of the INLD and the BSP alliance. On the other hand, INLD secretary-general Abhay Singh Chautala, talking to the media at Ellenabad, said he would discuss with his alliance partner BSP on the next step. As the BJP has supported Kanda and he had accepted it, we will hold parleys within the alliance on the issue of our support to him, he said. Now, Kandas main rival will be Congress candidate Gokul Setia. BJP to back Kanda A meeting convened by BJP in Sirsa decided that Rohtash Jangra should step down in favour of Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda signalling its likely support Cong gets a boost In a major setback to BJP, Vikram Kadian (Jhajar) and Gayatri Devi (Hisars Hansi) quit the party to join Congress in the presence of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda

Haryana assembly polls: Only 51 women in fray, down from 104 in 2019

CHANDIGARH: Major parties have fielded only 51 women candidates the Haryana assembly elections. In the 2019 elections, 104 women candidates, including Independents, were in the fray. An analysis of candidates lists shows the Congress has fielded 12 women, the highest, followed by INLD-BSP alliance (11), BJP and AAP (10 each), and JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliance (8). The number of women candidates contesting as Independents will be clear on September 16, the last date for withdrawing candidatures. Savitri Jindal (74), mother of Kurukshetra BJP MP Naveen Jindal, is contesting as an Independent from Hisar against health minister Kamal Gupta. Data shows that in the last 14 assembly elections in the state, only 87 women have become lawmakers. In the past five assembly elections from 2000, as many as 47 women have become MLAs. Only four women were elected as MLAs in 2000 out of 49 in the fray, 12 in 2005 and 9 in 2009. In 2014, Haryana elected the highest number of women lawmakers at 13. In 2019, the number dropped to 9. Chandrawati was the first woman from the Haryana region to become an MLA from Dadri in the mid-term polls in PEPSU in 1954. Haryana is notorious for its skewed gender ratio 916 female births per 1,000 males last year. Political parties shy away from giving adequate representation to women as their sole aim is to field candidates with maximum winnability chances. Your linkages with top leaders of the party get you tickets and the political patronage, political analyst Ranbir Singh told this newspaper. He said it is a paradox that women play key role in economy in rural Haryana but lack decision-making power due to cultural and social factors. There is no change in attitude towards women as they have less bargaining power, Singh said.

Teen Killed, 2 Injured After Speeding Car Rams Into Their Bike In Mumbais Dahisar

Piyush and Karan rushed Aditya to a nearby hospital where the latter succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Another Hit-And-Run In Mumbai, Teen Dead After Speeding Car Rams Bike

A 17-year-old boy died and another teenager was injured after a speeding car hit a bike from behind in Mumbai suburb Dahisar Friday evening.

Many 'crorepatis' in fray for Haryana polls, BJP's Capt Abhimanyu leads

Former Haryana finance minister and BJP nominee from the Narnaund assembly seat for the October 5 assembly polls, Captain Abhimanyu is the richest candidate in the state with declared assets worth Rs 417 crore. According to his poll affidavit, 56-year-old Capt Abhimanyu has declared his moveable and immovable assets, including those of his wife, as Rs 369.03 crore and Rs 47.96 crore, respectively. Though he has shown Rs 1.1 lakh as cash-in-hand, the former Haryana finance minister has declared investments in bonds, debentures and shares worth Rs 251 crore, as per his affidavit. Capt Abhimanyu owns gold jewellery and other valuables worth Rs 21.53 lakh. Savitri Jindal, who has entered the electoral contest from the Hisar seat as an independent, has declared her assets worth Rs 270 crore. Seventy-six-year-old Savitri has declared her moveable and immovable assets worth Rs 190 crore and Rs 80 crore, respectively. She does not own a car, according to her affidavit. She is the mother

Savitri Jindal, Indias richest woman, to contest Haryana elections as an Independent after BJP snub

Ms. Jindal had aspired for a BJP ticket to contest the polls from Hisar but the party renominated sitting MLA and State Minister Kamal Gupta from the seat

Richest woman enters Hisar fray as BJP rebel candidate

CHANDIGARH: Kurukshetra BJP MP Naveen Jindals mother Savitri Jindal, 74, is the richest woman in the country this year with a net worth of $29.1 billion. She was the aspirant for the Haryana assembly elections. However, she filed her nomination from Hisar as an Independent candidate on Thursday. On the last day of filing papers, Savitri Jindal, the chairperson of steel and power conglomerate, OP Jindal Group, and wife of industrialist late OP Jindal, entered the fray against minister and MLA from Hisar, Kamal Gupta. After filing her nomination, she said that she had pledged to serve Hisar for its development and transformation. The people of Hisar are my family and it was Om Prakash Jindal who established my relationship with this family. I am fully dedicated to living up to the expectations of the people and maintaining their trust, she said. Jindal Group founder Om Prakash Jindal thrice won from Hisar (1991, 2000 and 2005). He was also a minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led government when he died in a helicopter crash in 2005. Savitri joined politics thereafter and was elected as an MLA from the Hisar assembly seat twice. She won the bypoll from Hisar in 2005 and was made a minister in the Hooda government and was reelected in 2009. She was defeated by Kamal Gupta in Hisar in the 2014 polls when she contested as a Congress candidate. She quit Congress in March this year when her son Naveen also left the party and later joined BJP. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, Savitri campaigned for her son in Kurukshetra and also campaigned for the BJP candidate from the Hisar Lok Sabha seat Ranjit Singh Chautala. When asked if her contesting the seat against the ruling party would not amount to rebellion, Savitri said, It wont be considered so. I had only campaigned for my son (in the Lok Sabah polls). I have not taken BJP membership. Polling for the 90-member Haryana assembly is due on October 5 and the results will be out on October 8.

Congress, AAP finalise candidates; Surjewala and Shruti file nominations

Political parties scrambled to release names of their remaining candidates for the Haryana assembly polls on Thursday, the last day of filing nominations, even as several nominees including Congress leader Randeep Surjewala's son Aditya filed their papers for the October 5 elections. Former Haryana deputy chief minister and Congress candidate Chander Mohan and former CM Bansi Lal's granddaughter and BJP candidate Shruti Choudhry filed their nomination papers from Panchkula and Tosham, respectively. BJP's Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal's mother Savitri Jindal, who was denied ticket by the party, also filed her nomination from the Hisar seat as an independent. Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala filed his nomination from Ellenabad while BJP nominee and minister Mahipal Dhanda filed his papers from Panipat Rural. Aditya Surjewala, accompanied by his father, filed his papers from the Kaithal seat. Several other candidates from various parties and alliances including th

Haryana Polls: Richest Woman Savitri Jindal To Contest As Independent From Hisar

The BJP's Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal's mother Savitri Jindal, who was an aspirant of a poll ticket from the party for the Haryana Assembly elections, filed her nomination from the Hisar seat as an Independent on Thursday.

AAP-Congress Alliance Fails in Haryana Over Seat-Sharing Dispute

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party's insistence on 10 out of the 90 Assembly seats proved to be the stumbling block that scuttled the party's proposed alliance with the Congress in poll-bound Haryana. Besides, a majority of the Haryana Congress leaders were also against the proposed alliance, which, according to sources, party's former president Rahul Gandhi was keen on. The hopes for the much-hyped alliance between the two INDIA bloc parties ended with the Congress on Thursday declaring candidates for the 89 of the 90 Assembly berths in Haryana, leaving Bhiwani seat for the CPI(M). The AAP too declared all 90 candidates for the poll-bound state. While the Congress and the AAP released fresh lists of candidates on Thursday, the schisms within the ruling BJP in Haryana over poll ticket distribution deepened further. BJP's Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal's mother Savitri Jindal, filed her nomination from the Hisar seat as an Independent candidate. Ms Jindal, the richest woman in the country, entered the fray against minister and sitting MLA from Hisar Kamal Gupta. After filing her nomination, she said, I have pledged to serve Hisar for its development and transformation. The people of Hisar are my family. Om Prakash Jindal has established my relationship with this family. Former BJP state unit chief Ram Bilas Sharma also filed his nomination papers from Mahendragarh as an Independent candidate. Hours later, the party fielded Kanwar Singh Yadav instead of Mr Sharma, a former minister. On Thursday, the Congress released two fresh lists of a total of seven candidates, fielding former MLA Naresh Selwal from the Uklana reserve seat and Sarva Mitra Kamboj, a journalist who recently joined the party, from Rania and Jasbir Singh from Narnuad. The fifth list of three candidates came hours after the grand old party released a fourth list consisting of five candidates. On the other hand, the AAP, on the last day of filing nominations, released its seventh and final list and also changed candidates for Badli and Narnaund seats. Adarshpal, who left the Congress to join AAP, has been made party candidate from Jagadhri. After hectic parleys and much back and forth with the INDIA bloc allies, the Congress and the AAP ended up going into the polls with their original plan of going solo. The Congress has left one seat for the CPI(M); its talks with the AAP and the Samajwadi Party hit deadlocks. Since then, both the AAP and the Congress have released all the candidates. While Mr Gandhi is understood to have nudged the state unit to explore possibilities for a tieup with the AAP, sources said senior Congress leaders in the state unit were against giving importance to the AAP and are confident of a good performance by the party going solo. The Congress, however, stuck to its plans by not fielding any of its MPs, despite some of them harbouring such aspirations, but assuaged ambitions by giving tickets to several sons and relatives of the party's top leaders in the state. While party MP Randeep Surjewala's son Aditya Surjewala has been fielded from Kaithal, former Haryana chief minister Bansi Lal's grandson and cricket administrator-turned-politician Anirudh Chaudhary has been fielded from Tosham against his cousin Shruti Choudhry. Mr Surjewala and Ms Choudhry, former deputy chief minister Chander Mohan, were among several leaders who filed nomination papers on the last date. The scrutiny of the nomination papers will be conducted on September 13 and nominations can be withdrawn till September 16. The ruling BJP is eyeing a hat-trick in the Assembly polls but faces a stiff challenge from a resurgent Congress, which is looking to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor. The Haryana Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on October 5. The counting of votes will be undertaken on October 8.

Haryana polls: BJP MP Naveen Jindal's mother files nomination from Hisar as Independent

Savitri Jindal, BJP MP Naveen Jindal's mother and the richest woman in India, has filed her nomination as an Independent candidate for the Hisar Assembly seat in Haryana. At 74, Jindal, wife of the late industrialist O P Jindal, is challenging the BJP's candidate, Haryana Minister Kamal Gupta. She aims to focus on Hisar's development and transformation.

Congress releases 3rd list of 40 candidates for Haryana Assembly polls

The Congress on Wednesday released its third list of 40 candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls, fielding party MP Randeep Surjewala's son Aditya Surjewala from Kaithal. With this, the Congress has declared a total of 81 candidates for the polls to the 90-member assembly. The Congress has not declared candidates for nine seats, feeling speculation over a last-minute tie-up with AAP and other small outfits. Thursday is the last day of filing of nominations. Besides Surjewala, the third list includes Chander Mohan from Panchkula, Nirmal Singh from Ambala City, Akram Khan from Jagadhri, Balwan Singh Daulatpuri from Fatehabad, Ram Niwas Rara from Hisar, Pradeep Narwal from Bawani Khera (SC) and Mohammad Israil from Hathin. The Congress on Friday declared 32 candidates for the polls, fielding former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, state unit chief Udai Bhan from Hodal, and wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana. The party had first released a list of 31 ...

Akurli Bridge A Ganeshotsav Gift: Mumbaiites Set For Smooth Traffic Flow On Western Express Highway

Traffic movement on Mumbai's Western Express Highway: The Akurli underpass will lead to seamless flow of vehicles along the stretch, in a major respite for residents of northern suburbs such as Borivali, Kandivali, Malad and Dahisar

Zero toll up to 20 km on highways for GNSS-enabled vehicles: New NH rules

NEW DELHI: Once the proposed barrier-free toll collection based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is implemented, private vehicles will not be charged any fee for travelling up to 20 km on highways and expressways. The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) on Tuesday amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 in which provisions have been made to allow charging a toll according to the actual distance travelled if it exceeds 20 kilometres. The rules have been revised to incorporate electronic toll collection through satellite-based systems besides existing methods; Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Device or FASTag. A driver, owner or person in charge of a mechanical vehicle other than a National Permit vehicle who makes use of the same section of the national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, shall be levied a zero-user fee upto 20 kilometres of a journey in each direction in a day under Global Navigation Satellite System based user fee collection system, the notification of the ministry reads. The existing system imposes a fixed amount even if the user travels on the part of the toll road. Under the GNSS based collection system, toll is charged based on the distance travelled on the highways. The satellite based system tracks vehicles movement and calculates charges with the help of On Board Unit (OBU) embedded in the vehicles. TNIE in July reported that in the first phase, GNSS based tolling for commercial vehicles and private vehicles will be included subsequently. A hybrid model, where both Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based FASTag and GNSS enabled toll collection would operate simultaneously until the proposed arrangement is adopted commonly and smoothly. All lanes at fee plazas will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes. Exclusive lane can be earmarked for Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit fitted vehicle and in case vehicle enters such lane, without a valid, functional Global Navigation Satellite System On-Board Unit, shall pay a fee equivalent to two times of the user fee applicable at that fee plaza, the notification states. The proposed arrangement is expected to eliminate waiting at fee plazas as it will allow the highway users to cruise through toll gates at high speed; upto 100 kilometres per hour (kmph) without inconvenience. Initially one or two lanes will be available at fee plazas for the vehicles, which opt for the soon-to-be-launched highway user fee collection arrangement. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in June invited global tender from innovative and qualified companies to develop and implement GNSS-based toll collection. As per the notification, the interested companies can apprise the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by NHAI, which has invited the tender. A pilot study with regard to a GNSS-based user fee collection system has been done on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. The Government is hopeful that it will help plug the gaps and check toll defaulters. The lanes will be equipped with advanced reading, identification and enforcement equipment so that only the valid vehicles pass through the gates.

Wrestlers Join Congress While Farmers Protest Alleged Corruption in Haryana Ticket Allocation

Chandigarh: A s the Congress gears up for the Haryana assembly elections next month, internal challenges have emerged. On 6th September, wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat officially joined the Congress at its headquarters in Delhi. However, this event was overshadowed by protests from farmers who opposed the partys decision to grant an election ticket to a Congress leader from Hisar, accusing him of corruption. One demonstrator voiced the concerns of the protesters, saying, We came to know that Congress is going to give the ticket to a corrupt person. We are here to request Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Deepak Babaria to honor their promise not to give tickets to any corrupt individuals. The farmers emphasized their support for the wrestlers joining the party but remained firm on their demand to exclude corrupt candidates. #WATCH | A man protesting outside AICC headquarters in Delhi, says, We are here from Hisar Haryana, we came to know that Congress is going to give the ticket (for assembly elections) to a corrupt person. We all farmer leaders are here to request Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi https://t.co/4tJ7ucgRpZ pic.twitter.com/pLBfoa509D ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024 Deepak Babaria, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Haryana in-charge, also faced significant opposition from locals. Protesters surrounded his vehicle, accusing the party of corruption in ticket distribution.Joginder, a farmer leader from Hisar, stressed, Our demand from Congress is to give the ticket to an honest farmer leader. He warned that the party risked losing voter support if their demands were not met. Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress in the presence of senior leaders, including KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, and Deepak Babaria. Earlier that day, Vinesh Phogat resigned from Northern Railways. Media reports suggest that Vinesh may run from the Julana seat, while Bajrang Punia is likely to contest from the Badli seat. Md Abbas Sentenced to Death for Rape and Murder of Minor Girl in West Bengal Islamist Leader Muhammad Jasimuddin Rahmani Calls for Jammu and Kashmir Secession, Seeks Pakistan-Afghanistan Support Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College Involved in Financial Misconduct and Illegal Appointments: CBI

Sunita claims Arvind Kejriwal was born on Krishna Janmashtami, signalling divine purpose; urges Haryana to back AAP

BHIWANI: Dubbing her husband Arvind Kejriwal as Haryana ka laal (son of Haryana), Sunita Kejriwal on Saturday urged people to stand against the ruling BJP by voting for the AAP in the upcoming assembly polls. Claiming that the Delhi chief minister was put behind bars in a fake case, the AAP leader said, Your son is a lion and he will not bend before (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji. I, your daughter-in-law and your sister, want to ask, will Haryana tolerate this insult? Will you remain quiet and will you not support your son (the Delhi CM), she asked while addressing a gathering here. Sunita Kejriwal also slammed Haryana's ruling party BJP, alleging it only wants to emain in power and has o interest in working for the welfare of society. She also said the BJP only knew how to break parties and put opposition leaders in jail. She asked electors to ensure that not even a single vote goes to the BJP, which has been in power for the last 10 years. Hitting out at the BJP, the AAP leader asked people if they saw any improvement in the education and health sectors in the last 10 years. Has the condition of government schools improved? Is there any hospital in your area where good medical treatment is provided, free medicines are given, she asked. Are you getting free and round-the-clock electricity? There is nothing as such, she said, adding that these facilities are being provided in Delhi and Punjab where the AAP is in power. Sharpening her attack on the ruling party, she said the BJP just wanted to remain in power. It only knows how to break parties and put opposition leaders in jail. They (BJP) have no interest in working for (the welfare of) the society, she alleged. She said her husband Arvind Kejriwal was Haryana ka laal (son of Haryana), adding that he was born in Siwani village and was brought up in Hisar. Nobody could imagine in their dream that Haryana's son would become Delhi CM, she said, adding, It is not an ordinary thing and it is not less than a miracle. Arvind ji was born on August 16, 1968. On that day, it was 'Krishna Janmashtami'. I feel that God wants to get something special done through Arvind ji, she said. Haryana polls: Amid impasse in alliance talks, AAP says those underestimating party will regret it He started with zero and he floated his own party and became the chief minister of Delhi in the first election, she said. Kejriwal did things which even the big parties and big leaders could never do, she said. Because of all this, (PM Narendra) Modi ji is jealous and is scared of your son and your brother (Kejriwal). He (Modi) cannot do such work, she said. The prime minister cannot ensure good education and medical treatment. To stop Arvind Kejriwal's work, he put him into jail in a fake case, she alleged. The Delhi chief minister, who is also the AAP national convenor, is currently in judicial custody in an excise policy-related case. His wife, during the rally, said, They call Kejriwal a 'chor' (thief). I say if he is 'chor' then nobody is honest in the world. You have to ensure the victory of AAP, she said, urging people to press the 'jharoo' button on October 5. It is not about Kejriwal, it is a question of Haryana's honour, she further said. Haryana polls: Phogat, Punia lend muscle to Congress Speaking about her party's guarantees for Haryana, Sunita Kejriwal said like Delhi and Punjab, there will be free electricity and round-the-clock power supply in the state. There will be 'mohalla clincs' in cities and villages and the condition of government hospitals and schools will be improved, she added. Free and good education will be provided to children, she said. Each woman will get Rs 1,000 per month, she said, adding that the scheme will soon be implemented in Delhi and Punjab by the AAP government. Employment will be given to each unemployed youth, the AAP leader added. Polling in Haryana will take place on October 5 while counting of votes for the elections to the 90-member assembly will take place on October 8. Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan offers to campaign against Vinesh, Bajrang in Haryana if asked by BJP

Farmers protest against Congress alleging corruption in ticket distribution for Haryana elections, surround AICC state in-charge Deepak Babarias car

farmers staged protests outside Congress headquarters as they protested the decision to give an election ticket to a Congress leader from Hisar.

Mumbai Metro Services Extended Till 11:30 PM for Ganpati Festival, More Rides Between Key Stations; Check Details

The MMMOCL has introduced additional trips between Gundavali, Dahisar (East), and Andheri (West), to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother commute for the city's residents.

8 devotees killed, 10 injured as truck hits stationary vehicle in Haryana

Eight people were killed and 10 others injured after a truck hit a stationary vehicle carrying devotees in Haryana's Jind district, police said on Tuesday. The accident occurred past midnight in Bidharana village on the Hisar-Chandigarh national highway when the devotees were travelling from Kurukshetra district to a temple at Gogamedi in Rajasthan. The truck, bearing a Rajasthan registration number, was loaded with wooden logs when it hit the stationary vehicle. SHO of Sadar Narwana police station Kuldeep said, The truck rammed into the light commercial vehicle in which the group of devotees was headed to Gogamedi. At the time of the incident, the devotees had taken a brief halt and their vehicle was stationary. Eight people, including two women and a 15-year-old boy, have died in the incident while 10 are injured, he told PTI. The police officer said the injured were taken to hospitals at Narwana in Jind and later referred to Agroha in Hisar. The injured are out of danger, h

Eight devotees killed, 10 injured as truck hits stationary vehicle in Haryana

Chandigarh: Eight people were killed and 10 others injured after a truck hit a stationary vehicle carrying devotees in Haryana's Jind district, police said on Tuesday. The accident occurred past midnight in Bidharana village on the Hisar-Chandigarh national highway when the devotees were travelling from Kurukshetra district to a temple at Gogamedi in Rajasthan. The truck, bearing a Rajasthan registration number, was loaded with wooden logs when it hit the stationary vehicle. SHO of Sadar Narwana police station Kuldeep said, The truck rammed into the light commercial vehicle in which the group of devotees was headed to Gogamedi. At the time of the incident, the devotees had taken a brief halt and their vehicle was stationary. Eight people, including two women and a 15-year-old boy, have died in the incident while 10 are injured, he told PTI. The police officer said the injured were taken to hospitals at Narwana in Jind and later referred to Agroha in Hisar. The injured are out of danger, he added. A case has been registered and the truck has been impounded, police said. A relative of an injured person, who reached Narwana Civil Hospital after the accident, said the truck hit the vehicle from behind. Many among the dead and injured were relatives, he said.

Seven pilgrims killed in road accident in Haryanas Jind

Shillong, September 3: At least seven pilgrims, comprising three women, were killed and eight injured in a road crash in Haryanas Jind district early Tuesday, police said. All the passengers were trapped inside the vehicle, and the spot was filled with screams. The accident occurred on the Hisar-Chandigarh National Highway when a truck [] The post Seven pilgrims killed in road accident in Haryanas Jind appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Road crash in Haryana leaves 8 dead

Chandigarh, Sep 3: Eight people were killed while ten others injured after a truck hit a stationary vehicle carrying devotees in Haryanas Jind district, police said on Tuesday. The accident took place past midnight in Bidharana village on the Hisar national highway. Inspector Kuldeep, SHO of Sadar Narwana, said the injured were taken to hospitals in Jind and Agroha in Hisar. He said they were travelling from Kurukshetra district to a temple in Gogamedi in Rajasthan when the accident took [] The post Road crash in Haryana leaves 8 dead appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Eight killed in Haryana road accident

Chandigarh: Eight people were killed while ten others injured after a truck hit a stationary vehicle carrying devotees in Haryana's Jind district, police said on Tuesday. The accident took place past midnight in Bidharana village on the Hisar national highway. Inspector Kuldeep, SHO of Sadar Narwana, said the injured were taken to hospitals in Jind and Agroha in Hisar. He said they were travelling from Kurukshetra district to a temple in Gogamedi in Rajasthan when the accident took place. STORY: Road crash in #Haryana leaves 8 dead READ: https://t.co/Szc8yCOJaq VIDEO: (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/YN6HPnjtRB Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 3, 2024 The truck rammed into the light commercial vehicle in which the group of devotees was headed to Gogamedi. At the time of the incident, the devotees had taken a brief halt and their vehicle was stationary, the SHO told PTI over phone. Eight people, including two women and a teenager, have died in the incident while ten are injured. The injured are out of danger, he said. A case has been registered in connection with the incident, police said.

Former JJP MLAs join BJP in Haryana

New Delhi: In what is being viewed as an attempt to win over the Assembly constituencies the BJP lost in the last Haryana polls, the party inducted three former Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) MLAs into the party. The joining will strengthen the BJP's caste calculation as the trio from its erstwhile ally belongs to the dalit, Jat and Brahman communities and will likely boost the party's prospects in the impending state polls. Anoop Dhanak hails from the dalit community and has been a two-term MLA from Uklana since 2014. The first time MLA Jogi Ram Sihag won from Barwala seat and belongs to the Jat community, while Ram Kumar Gautam, popularly called Dada Gautam, is a strong Brahman face who represented the Narnaund seat after winning it on a JJP ticket in 2019 and earlier in 2005 on the BJP ticket. The BJP has never won the Ukhlana and Barwala Assembly seats. The party bagged the Naurnaud in 2014 but lost it to the JJP in the 2019 state polls. All three seats come under the Hisar Lok Sabha, which the Congress clinched from the BJP in the last Lok Sabha elections. The BJP which received the drubbing at the hands of Congress in the agrarian state in Lok Sabha, is going all in for a hattrick in the polls with tackling the anti incumbency by dropping over 50 percent of its sitting MLAs and inducting some from the other parties. The saffron party is exploring every possible avenue without hampering the caste equation. The JJP MLAs were welcomed into the BJP's fold by Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, the state unit chief Mohan Lal Badoli and its Haryana affairs co-incharge Biplab Kumar Deb at a rally in Jind. Besides the JJP MLAs, Ambala mayor Shakti Rani Sharma, who is the wife of former Union minister Venod Sharma, also joined the BJP. Mr Sharma was once considered a close confidante of former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. At the Jind rally, Mr Saini said the joining of these leaders has come as a boost for the BJP. Referring to Congress leaders' remarks that the saffron party has accepted defeat by seeking deferment of the polls, Mr Saini said, Hooda sahab, this is the BJP. I want to tell the Congress leaders that the BJP is not scared, we are always ready to face polls at any time. Addressing the gathering, Mr Gautam said the BJP will return to power in Haryana for a third consecutive term. He said: Mr Saini will again become chief minister, 200 per cent. Ahead of joining the BJP, the three MLAs, along with another rebel JJP MLA Ram Niwas Surjakhera, extended support to BJP leader Kiran Choudhry's candidacy for the Rajya Sabha bypoll. Mr Surjakhera was also expected to join the BJP but was not present at the event. The BJP is aiming for a hattrick in the Haryana Assembly polls to be held on October 5, but faces a tough challenge from a resurgent Congress that is looking to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor.

Election Commission Reschedules Polling Dates for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assemblies

Chandigarh: T he Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced changes to the polling schedule for the Haryana Assembly elections and the counting of votes for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Assemblies. Originally set for October 1, the polling day in Haryana has been moved to October 5. Additionally, the vote counting for both regions, initially planned for October 4, will now occur on October 8. This decision was made to respect the voting rights and traditions of the Bishnoi community. The Bishnoi community observes the Asoj Amavasya festival to honor their Guru Jambheshwar, with celebrations taking place in their native village Mukam in Rajasthan. The festival, which falls on October 2 this year, leads many Bishnoi families from Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Hisar to travel to Rajasthan, potentially preventing them from voting on the original polling date. The ECI received a request from the National President of the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, Bikaner, seeking the rescheduling of the polling date. This adjustment ensures that the Bishnoi community members can exercise their voting rights while participating in their traditional festival. In the past, the Commission has similarly adjusted election dates to accommodate various community traditions. For instance, the Punjab Assembly Elections in 2022 were postponed by a week to allow devotees to travel to Varanasi for Guru Ravidas Jayanti. The 2022 Manipur Assembly elections saw a date change to respect Christian Sunday prayers, and the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023 were rescheduled to avoid clashing with Devuthani Ekadashi, a significant day for mass weddings in Rajasthan. Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections in 2012 were adjusted to accommodate Barawafat. The revised polling date will also address concerns about a potential six-day holiday, allowing voters to take just one day off on September 30, 2024. Seven Foreign Nationals Arrested in Tripura for Illegal Entry IndiGo Flight Diverted to Nagpur After Bomb Threat; All Passengers Safe Tension Escalates: 50 Hindu Teachers Coerced into Resignation in Bangladesh