To Address Debt, Court Asks Himachal To Shut Down 18 State-Run Hotels
The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is battling massive debt and to help it clear its unpaid dues, the Himachal Pradesh High Court today ordered the shutting down of 18 state-owned loss-making hotels.
IMD forecasts very dense fog in 3-4 days
NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted dense to very dense fog during the night and early morning hours over parts of northwest region, including Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh, in the late night or morning hours in the next 3-4 days, which may disrupt transport and aviation operations. A low pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 23, which may intensify into a depression over the southwest in next two days. It will cause heavy spell of rain over south Peninsular India. Further, a spell of very dense fog in the Northwest region will also disrupt transport and aviation operations in the Northwest region, the IMD said in statement on Wednesday. According to the IMD, an upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over south Andaman Sea and adjoining areas that may move northwestwards and become a low pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal around November 23. Thereafter, it is likely to continue to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal during subsequent two days, it said. A continuous watch is being maintained for further intensification and movement of the system towards Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coasts, the statement said. IMD advised taking of precautionary measures during foggy days to avoid road traffic collisions and chances of power lines getting tripped in the dense foggy routes. The Met department also advised people with lung-related illness to avoid exposure to fog as it contains particulate matter and other pollutants. In case of exposure to fog, these particulate matters get lodged in the lungs, clogging them and decreasing their functional capacity, which increases cases of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Long exposure to dense fog may cause respiratory problems for people having asthma bronchitis and other lung-related health problems. It will irritate membranes of eyes causing various infections, leading to redness or swelling of the eye, the statement said. The advisory to southern Indian states, such as Tamil Nadu , and Puducherry, says cyclonic storms will cause localised flooding of roads and water logging in low-lying areas. Further, in its agromet advisories, the IMD directed Tamil Nadu to provide adequate drainage facilities for the removal of excess water from rice, cotton, sugarcane, turmeric and vegetable fields, coconut and banana orchards. Regarding Kerala, it advised proper drainage in rice, ginger and vegetable fields. It also called for providing mechanical support to banana plants to prevent lodging in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 23, which could influence weather conditions in surrounding regions. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall throughout the week, with isolated heavy rainfall in the Nicobar region on November 22 and 23. In the northeast, Assam and Meghalaya may experience light to moderate rainfall with isolated hailstorm activity on November 20. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are likely to see similar weather from November 20 to 22. Prediction for northwest Low pressure over southeast Bay of Bengal around Nov 23 possibly intensifying into a depression over southwest in the next two days Cyclonic storms to cause localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal Very dense fog in the late night or morning hours over Northwest India during the next 3-4 days
Palakkad couple on overlanding mission to plant one lakh trees in five years
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If one happens to spot a rugged 4x4 camper somewhere in the remote areas of the country, it must probably be Sangeeth, Kavya and their pet dog Drogo planting the seeds of tomorrows forests. When most people prioritise luxury and leisure, this couple from Palakkad has chosen to overland across India in their modified 4x4 SUV with a mission to plant one lakh trees in five years. Their journey Mission Mother Tree is a project towards sustainability, adventure and making a difference. It started as a simple plan leave a living memory in the form of trees across places they visit. It quickly became a full-scale drive. They left the security of their corporate jobs to pursue a life closer to nature. Sangeeth, who was previously a sales and marketing officer, and Kavya, a professional in dairy technology now pursuing research, packed up their lives, outfitted their vehicle and set off on a path that would take them to some of Indias most remote regions. Their goal is to explore responsibly and give back to the earth. Over the past two years, we have covered 45,000 kilometres across the country. Our travels arent just the thrill of overlanding but driven by a sense of purpose. We have successfully planted over 10,000 native saplings across the remote regions of India, with the help of a growing community of 4,000 volunteers who joined through social media and the acquaintances between travels, Sangeeth told TNIE. Their Instagram page lifeonroads_ is where they document their journey, and it has crossed over 2.4 lakh followers. To keep their journey sustainable and affordable, Sangeeth and Kavya transformed their Force Gurkha SUV into a camper, all for just Rs 20,000. All the work on the camper was completed by their IT friends group. The couple prepare their meals on the road, sharing their experiences with their companion, Drogo, who is as much a part of the adventure as they are. The couple relies on locally sourced seed balls, which they gather with the help of volunteers from the areas they visit. This ensures that the plants are suited to the local soil and climate, increasing the chances of survival. Their saplings span ten varieties of native trees, and they have achieved a 60% survival rate. For Kavya, the journey is about creating something lasting. One lakh trees may seem like a drop in the bucket against climate change, but were doing the best we can to build a community that values life on this planet, Kavya said. Not only do they plant these saplings but also keep track of their growth through an application, Tree Tag. Each sapling they plant is tagged and tracked using GPS coordinates via the app Tree Tag. Like a live report card, volunteers across the country too regularly update the couple on the progress of these plants. We note down the GPS coordinates of each tree we plant and track it through Tree Tag. It is a collective effort that wouldnt have been possible without the support of the people, Sangeeth said. In Kerala alone, they have planted around 300 saplings in Palakkad, 220 in Munnar, and 70 in Ernakulam. And each time they return to their home base, they plant a batch of seed balls nearby to keep a part of their mission close to home. They have travelled to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They deviate to remote areas and camp there.Planning this mission often takes more time than the execution, Kavya said.
Golgappa , Coffee Samples Found Substandard In Himachal
After samples of 'rotes' sold at Hamirpur's temple trust shop failed, samples of 'golgappa' water and coffee have been found to be substandard while those of mustard oil have failed the test in Himachal Pradesh's Una district.
Delhi Police apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in a hashish smuggling ring. The group, led by a Surat-based homemaker, exploited the disruption caused by recent torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh, which had cut off access to Malana village, a known hub for hashish production.
Himachal Pradesh Temple Canteen Shut After Prasad Fails Quality Test
Hamirpur: A day after samples of 'prasad' being sold at the Baba Balak Nath temple here were found unfit for consumption, its management on Wednesday closed the canteen and said its services will be outsourced.Services of one canteen of the (temple) trust have already been outsourced. The process of outsourcing the services of the second canteen is underway, said Barsar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajendra Gautam, who is also the chairman of Baba Balak Nath temple trust, Deotsidh. This canteen has been closed, he said, adding that the tender process for outsourcing the services will be expedited. The Food Safety Department sent samples of 'rotes' sold as 'prasad' at Baba Balak Nath temple trust shop for testing to the Composite Testing Laboratory, Kandaghat in Solan district two months ago. The samples were found unfit for consumption. Samples of 'rotes' taken from a private shop also failed the tests. 'Rotes', made of wheat, sugar and ghee, are prepared in bulk and sold over many days. Therefore, they get stale, according to officials. The main canteen selling 'prasad' was run by the temple trust since its inception and was doing good business. About 50-75 lakh people visit the Baba Balak Nath temple every year and offer 'rotes', sweets and other things. Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh said the health department will organise camps for all those selling 'rotes' and 'prasad' to create awareness about food safety measures. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought details of the test results of the 'prasad' samples from the temple and asked Hamirpur district authorities to ensure that quality 'rotes' are provided to devotees.
HC Orders Closure Of 18 Himachal Govt-Run Unprofitable Hotels | Himachal Pradesh News | News18
HC Orders Closure Of 18 Himachal Govt-Run Unprofitable Hotels | Himachal Pradesh News | News18 In another setback for Himachal Pradesh govt, High Court orders closure of 18 hotels run by state's tourism department.
Kasol to Delhi: Homemaker, waiter, transporter, Kyrgyz designer part of city hashish racket
Delhi Police recently busted a drug cartel. The cartel was smuggling hashish from Himachal Pradesh. Four people were arrested in connection with the case. The accused include a waiter, a homemaker, a transporter, and an interior designer. Police seized a large quantity of hashish from the accused.
Dilip Cherian | Extension raj in PESB, Lok Sabha secretariat will RBI come next?
Since its second term, the Narendra Modi government has retained top civil servants beyond retirement for continuity in policymaking. Weeks after being voted back to power, the Narendra Modi government extended the tenure of Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Kumar Deka. In addition, the government also reappointed Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisers to the PM, giving a firm message of continuity in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in the Modi governments third term, albeit in coalition with other parties this time. Rajesh Kotecha, secretary in the AYUSH ministry since 2017, also got his third extension since his appointment. Clearly, the governments penchant for extensions to top officials continues. Senior IAS Utpal Kumar Singh, the incumbent secretary-general of Lok Sabha (Secretariat), has reportedly been given another one-year extension. Mr Singhs term was expected to end this month. Further, Mallika Srinivasan, chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), received an extension just days before retiring, allowing her to continue until November 2025. Ms Srinivasans leadership has been pivotal in steering the PESB, and the extension suggests confidence in her steady approach. Meanwhile, a similar question hangs over Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das as his six-year term winds down on December 10. Under Mr Dass watch, the RBI has navigated major economic hurdles, including the pandemic, while holding interest rates steady for nearly two years despite calls for easing. His continuity could provide stability amid a tough economic climate, and while speculation points towards an extension, theres no official word yet. The appointments committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Modi and home minister Amit Shah, holds the decision, with both the RBI and Mr Das maintaining silence on the matter. Adding to the intrigue, RBI deputy governor Michael Patras term ends in January. Observers agree that a leadership change, whether Mr Das or Mr Patra, might impact the RBIs approach to interest rates, particularly given Mr Dass consistent control over inflation. Both situations demonstrate the need for leadership continuity, but extensions are also seen as violations of service rules and can be demoralising. Whats your take? MBA babus? Narayan Murthys bold fix for bureaucracy So, after urging Indias youth to embrace the charms of a 70-hour work week, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy has now set his sights on the world of Indian bureaucracy. His latest brainstorm? Recruit IAS and IPS officers from top business schools instead of relying solely on the tried-and-tested UPSC exams. Because, of course, Indias civil servants need a crash course in management mindset to catapult us towards that elusive $50 trillion economy by 2047. Mr Murthys pitch is intriguing: Bring in leaders trained to chase KPIs, crunch numbers, and wield PowerPoints. After all, if corporate leadership can steer billion-dollar enterprises, why cant it give a little corporate shine to the business of governance? Mr Murthy argues that while our government machinery, bless its bureaucratic heart, remains tethered to the status quo, business leaders are wired to aspire. Imagine that babus with business plans! On the one hand, Mr Murthys timing couldnt be better. As Mr Modis government pushes for economic reform and modernisation, Mr Murthy believes a dose of management mojo could shake things up. He even suggested that civil servants should get tailored business training before tackling sectors like agriculture, defence, or manufacturing. The idea of sector-specific management boot camps sounds appealing, but will our traditionalist babus, whove already endured UPSCs gauntlet, agree? While Mr Murthys vision has its charms, one cant help but picture seasoned babus reluctantly giving up their classic bureaucratic arsenal for MBA buzzwords and balance sheets. If Mr Modi decides to take Mr Murthys advice, the civil service might just transform into a more target-oriented machine though there will likely be more than a few groans along the way. Of samosas and social media spats When it comes to governance quirks, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala both seem to offer plenty of comic relief. In Himachal, the case of Baddi SP Ilma Afroz, an earnest IPS officer who left a prestigious UN job to serve her country, stands out. Her transgression? Daring to issue a fine to vehicles linked to the family of MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary for alleged illegal mining activities. The response was swift: A breach of privilege motion in the Assembly and an enforced vacation. Here, apparently, refusing to bend the rules in favour of political connections can send you on indefinite leave. But, hey, when you have investigations into the chief ministers missing samosas to prioritise, keeping hard-working officers on duty isnt exactly urgent. Meanwhile, Keralas governance drama recently unfolded on social media, with two IAS officers finding themselves suspended after an online spat. The saga began when K. Gopalakrishnan formed a WhatsApp group called Mallu Hindu Officers that included senior Hindu IAS officials. The group was quickly deleted, but the controversy was just warming up. Another officer, N. Prasanth, aired grievances against senior official A. Jayathilak through a series of posts, triggering a very public spectacle. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and chief secretary Sarada Muraleedharan acted promptly, putting both officers on ice to cool off. With one state busy issuing leaves to honest officers and the other quelling social media feuds among babus, one wonders if the real challenges of governance could be taken half as seriously as these diversions. But why tackle hard issues when you can deal with missing savouries or a rogue WhatsApp group? It seems personal tiffs and bruised egos are the flavour of the day.
Himachal may lose its Bhawan in Delhi over dues
The Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi due to the state government's failure to pay 150 crore in dues to Seli Hydro Company. The court also initiated an inquiry to hold responsible officials accountable for the non-payment.
Natives hail Kakinada's own Sanjay Murthy as new CAG
Kakinada: A sense of pride enveloped the denizens of Kakinada and Konaseema districts over the naming of K Sanjay Murthy as the nations new Comptroller and Auditor General. Sanjay, an engineering graduate, is the son of retired IAS officer and former MP of Amalapuram, the late KSR Murthy. Sanjays mother Anasuya hails from Recherlapeta area in Kakinada. KSR Murthy constructed a house at Mummidivaram as he was a disciple of Mummidivaram Balayogi. An IAS officer of 1989 batch attached to the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Sanjay Murthy held various posts in the central government. K Chandra Rao, a flute artist and Andhra University culture board member, expressed happiness over the appointment of Sanjay Murthy as CAG. Anasuyamma, he said, is a neighbour to him. Sanjay Murthy rarely visited Kakinada due to his heavy work schedules. Former MP of Amalapuram and present YSRC MLC, Pandula Ravindra Babu, expressed happiness over the appointment. While as MP of Amalapuram, I laid a road to KSR Murthys house. KSR and his family members are spiritually inclined, he noted. Notably, Sanjay Murthy played a key role in framing the New Education Policy. He worked in a host of central ministries.
K Sanjay Murthy appointed as India's first IAS CAG from Konaseema
K Sanjay Murthy, an IAS officer from Himachal Pradesh, has been appointed as the new Controller of Auditor General of India. Murthy, son of former Amalapuram MP KSR Murthy, will assume office on February 21st, succeeding Girish Chandra. He is currently serving as the Secretary for Higher Education in the Central cabinet.
Himachal Bhawan up for auction to repay Seli hydel project dues
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said that the government will review the High Court order for the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi and respond soon. Leader of opposition and former CM Jairam Thakur accused the government of mismanagement, financial irresponsibility and 'complete administrative failure'. The Himachal HC ordered for the attachment of Himachal Bhawan due to the government's failure to return, along with interest, a premium worth Rs 64 crore paid upfront for the allotment of a 320 MW hydel project in Lahaul-Spiti. The court order related to a previous non-payment of dues which have since escalated to around Rs 150 crore because of delays in resolution of dues. The court has also directed the Secretary (Power) to inquire into the matter within 15 days as to identifying which officials have erred in returning the money to the company. State government has moved court against order: CM CM Sukhu said that the government will examine the High Court order and arrive at a decision soon. I have yet to read the order but there is a clause for forfeiture of upfront premium deposited by the power company, return of the Rs 64 crore amount is the decision of an arbitrator and the state government has moved court against the order, said Sukhu. CM Sukhu was closely associated with the formulation of the Hydro Power Policy, 2006, according to which power projects are allotted on the basis of bidding and upfront money is deposited against the reserve price per MW. State is making headlines for the wrong reasons: Leader of opposition Thakur accused the present government of 'completely destroying' Himachal Pradesh. He pointed out that investors were unhappy with the government and have withdrawn investment in the hydro sector due to new policies introduced by the government. Whatever projects we have with the Union Government whether it is with SJVN, NTPC or NHPC, the agreements that we had made with them in the past, have also been questioned, said Thakur. It is the failure of the government when 70 lawyers have been appointed as Advocate General (AG), Additional AG and Deputy AG, and have failed to defend the government. The state is making national headlines for all the wrong reasons and every citizen of the state is hurt by the latest court order of attaching Himachal Bhawan, he said. Thakur added that it will not be surprising if, at this pace, even the Himachal Vidhan Sabha and Secretariat are attached, due to the state government's inefficiency. He also accused Himachal CM Sukhu of gross economic mismanagement of the state after the High Court passed the orders. Financially irresponsible government, claims BJP The leader of opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur and Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajiv Bindal shared a video message alleging that a prestige property of Himachal is on the verge of being auctioned because of mismanagement by the Congress government in the state. This is a matter of shame, said the BJP leaders, adding that the Himachal government has been moving from one embarrassment to another, referring to recent controversies involving samosas, toilet tax, and now, order for attachment of Mandi House Himachal Bhawan. The leaders said the Congress government spent crores to hire lawyers to save its government than to protect the state's interests. Himachal moves SC after HC quashes appointment of 6 parliamentary secretaries Seli hydro electric project case On February 28, 2009, the state government allotted a 320 MW hydel project to be set up in Lahaul-Spiti to Moser Baer. Border Road Organisation had been assigned with the task of constructing a road leading to the power project site. As per the terms and conditions, the state government was responsible for providing required infrastructure for developing the project. Moser Baer approached the court in 2017 after several rounds of discussion with the state government regarding project feasibility. In August 2017, the company sought withdrawal from the project and filed a petition in the High Court seeking refund of the the upfront premium worth Rs 64 crores as the government had failed to provide basic infrastructure. In September 2017, the government terminated the letter of agreement with the company stating that Moser Baer had failed to sign the implementation agreement despite being granted extension. Earlier this year, the HC ruled that the upfront premium should be refunded with interest.
Chief Parliamentary Secretaries should quit, contest assembly polls again: Anurag Thakur
HAMIRPUR (HP), Nov 19: Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday called upon the six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries to contest assembly polls again from their seats after the High Court quashed their appointments, an official statement said. On Wednesday last week, the Himachal Pradesh High Court declared that the law under which the appointments were made was void. A division bench of the high court comprising Justices Vivek Thakur and B C Negi had also directed that all the [] The post Chief Parliamentary Secretaries should quit, contest assembly polls again: Anurag Thakur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In 2009, Himachal Pradesh Govt allotted a 320 MW power project to the Seli Hydro Company to be set up in Lahaul and Spiti district.
I have not the read HC order: CM Sukhu on Himachal Bhawan attachment order
The Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi due to the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government's failure to pay outstanding electricity bills. The order stems from an execution petition filed by Seli Hydropower, seeking the return of a Rs 64 crore upfront premium.
CM Sukhu reacts to HC attaching Himachal Bhawan in Delhi; BJP blames govts 'financial mismanagement'
The Himachal Pradesh high court ordered the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi due to the state government's failure to pay outstanding electricity bills. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated he is yet to review the order, while the BJP criticized the government's financial management, expressing concern over potential auctioning of state assets.
ED arrests 2 in illegal mining case
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has arrested two persons in a money laundering case linked to alleged illegal mining, official sources said on Tuesday. The two persons have been identified as Gyanchand and S Dhiman. They have been taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Monday night from Himachal Pradesh, the sources said. The ED case is understood to be based on an FIR by Uttar Pradesh Police. Details of the case are awaited.
Telugu officer appointed as new CAG
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed K Sanjay Murthy as the next Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). A notification to this effect has been issued by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in the Finance Ministry. Currently, Murthy is serving as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. Murthy, who is an IAS officer of the 1989 batch, belongs to the Himachal Pradesh cadre. He will replace incumbent CAG Girish Chandra Murmu, who took charge of the role of CAG in August 2020. He is the first telugu person to be appointed as the CAG.
J&K Police leads joint exercise on digital arrest with Punjab, HP Police, IIT Jammu experts
JAMMU: In a pioneering effort to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, the Jammu & Kashmir Police, in collaboration with Punjab Police, Himachal Pradesh Police, and experts from IIT Jammu, conducted a joint exercise on Digital Arrest aimed at enhancing inter-agency coordination and leveraging technology to tackle cybercriminal activities. The exercise, which brought together law []
Revanth to Maha Voters: Modi Has No Success Story to Share
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of failing to deliver on promises made during his tenure. Addressing a press conference in Pune on Monday, as part of his three-day campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Revanth Reddy alleged that Modi had no success story to share with people after ruling for over a decade, which is why he has been raising irrelevant issues during his Maharashtra election campaign. He said that the Telangana government is providing four per cent reservations to Muslims and assured that if the MVA government is voted to power, it will address the issue of Muslim reservations in Maharashtra also. The Chief Minister wrapped up his three-day Maharashtra campaign tour with rallies in Pune and Kolhapur, reiterating his call for a united fight against the BJP. Revanth Reddy claimed that the Prime Minister was deflecting attention by raising irrelevant issues during his campaign. Even after 11 years of rule, the Modi government does not have a single success story to claim, he remarked. He drove home the point by mentioning about unfulfilled promises such as doubling farmers' income, providing two crore jobs annually and building homes for the poor by 2022. He accused the Modi government of bringing anti-farmer policies, including controversial farm laws that led to prolonged protests and claimed lives of over 700 farmers. Maharashtra has the highest number of farmer suicides, but the Prime Minister avoids this subject, he said. Revanth Reddy defended the Congress governments in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, and asserted that the guarantees promised in these states were being implemented effectively. He challenged Modi to send a committee led by a Union minister or a senior Central government official to Telangana to verify the facts. Revanth Reddy highlighted Telanganas achievements under his leadership, including waiving 18,000 crore in crop loans for farmers, providing government jobs to 50,000 youth, offering free RTC bus travel for women, supplying cooking gas cylinders to 50 lakh families at 500, ensuring 24-hour free electricity for farmers and up to 200 units to poor households and achieving record grain production with added bonus for farmers. Revanth Reddy criticised the BJP's handling of Maharashtra, accusing the Modi government of destabilising democratic institutions. He targeted BJP allies Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Ashok Chavan, calling them betrayers, who had turned Maharashtra into a stronghold for democracys enemies. Appealing to Maharashtra voters, Revanth Reddy described the upcoming elections as a battle for democracy and sought their support for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The countrys financial capital and the second-largest state politically deserve leaders who prioritise its people, not betrayal, he concluded. He took a swipe at Modi, accusing him of abandoning the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra during the final phase of the election campaign. Revanth Reddy pointed out that Modis absence in the last three days of campaigning reflects his acknowledgment of the alliance's imminent defeat.
Laxman claims 1,000 suicides since Revanth became CM
Hyderabad : BJP Parliamentary Board member and OBC Morcha national president Dr K. Laxman said around 1,000 farmers have committed suicide in the 11-month rule of the Congress government in the state since 50 per cent in the farmers have been struggling as they have made debts to continue their agricultural operations with a hope that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy would honour his word and fully implement farm loan waiver. Addressing a press conference, Laxman said that the Revanth Reddy government had waived the farm loan to the tune of Rs 17,000 crore only, though promised to waive farm loans all the farmers and estimated it as Rs 31,000 crore. The non-implementation of Rythu Bharosa for farmers and tenant farmers at Rs 15,000 for each farmer and `12,000 to farm laborers, had drained their expected resources, which led to farmers to raise new loans. The BRS government in the past had cheated unemployed youth with paper leakages and promised to issue notifications. The agitated youth in the state defeated the BRS. The Congress also cheated youth, though it promised to fill 2 lakh jobs within one year of coming to power and provide Rs 4,000 as unemployment allowance. The Congress government had cheated all sections of the society including youth, farmers and women, Laxman charged. The people in the state have realised that Congress guarantee means convincing the people with tall promises and cheating them, the Congress guarantee also means corruption, scams, hereditary politics, family politics, vote bank politics, Muslim appeasement policies and hurting the sentiments of Hindus. The Congress guarantees have failed in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. The Congress came to power in these states with a false allegation that the BJP will remove reservations on coming to power. But, people have realised and defeated them in Haryana and will repeat the same verdict in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Laxman predicted. Laxman claimed that the BJP has emerged as the biggest party in the world with 11 crore membership. People are confident that the double engine government will also come in Telangana and hence a large number of leaders from other parties from Goshamahal Assembly limits joined the party, he said.
K. Sanjay Murthy to be next Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Murthy, a 1989 batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, will succeed Girish Chandra Murmu
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Everyone has the right to education. Education should be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education should be compulsory. The UN recommendation has been reinf...
Untold Caste Tales: Indian SC Chamar Lives Amid Devta Customs With Special Reference Through Mandi, Kullu, Shimla And Kangra Regions Of Himachal Pradesh
Brief Information about the Case; This case I am going to discuss with you, is related to the patent issues among the parties. Where the Plaintiff was Mr. Dhanpat Seth from Himachal Pradesh a...
A Study on Restrictions to Buy Land in Himachal Pradesh
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Political Regionalism () in Himachal Pradesh - A Historical Analysis
Political Regionalism () in Himachal Pradesh - A Historical Analysis
Pune : Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit abroad before the campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra elections could end shows that he and the BJP have conceded defeat. Addressing a press conference here, Reddy dared the saffron party to prove its claim that the Congress government in the southern state did not fulfil its poll guarantees. He said if the Centre wants to send a minister or committee to verify the fact, he is ready to send a plane from his state. Today is the last day of campaigning for the Maharashtra polls, and just before the last day, PM Modi left the country and went abroad. This shows that the BJP and Modiji have conceded defeat as the party exited the poll ground, he claimed. The Congress leader further claimed that he saw the BJP's advertisements in newspapers, which showed that they would even break the country to win the elections. He questioned PM Modi and the BJP about what they had done in the last 11 years they have been in power. He said in 2014, the BJP promised to double the income of farmers and create two crore jobs annually and claimed that by 2020, every poor person in the country would get a house. Forget doubling the income of farmers. They brought three black farm bills, forcing cultivators to agitate around Delhi, and more than 700 farmers were martyred. PM Modi had to withdraw the bills and apologise to the farmers, he said. He said Modi is talking about guarantees the Congress gave in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, claiming that the states did not fulfil these promises. As the chief Minister of Telangana, I would like to dare PM Modi and BJP leaders that if you have the courage, form a central committee with a Union minister and send it to Telangana. If you don't have money, I will send a plane to Delhi or Mumbai, but you come and verify whether the guarantees are fulfilled, Reddy said. The chief minister claimed that he waived farm loans up to Rs 2 lakh with a total worth of Rs 18,000 crore for 23 lakh farmers in 25 days of forming a government. In the last 10 months, we gave 50,000 government jobs in Telangana. You send a committee. I will gather people who received appointment letters, and you can count. If there is even one person less than 50,000, I will tender my apology, he said.
HP: Right-wing group harasses Imam, claims mosque was once a temple
A group of right-wing stormed a mosque in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra and confronted the imam (Islamic preacher) of a local mosque, claiming that the site was originally a temple. A video of the incident emerged on social media on Saturday, November 16 showing the group members fueled by extreme ideology aggressively confronting the imam, threatening Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himachal moves SC after HC quashes appointment of 6 parliamentary secretaries
NEW DELHI: The Himachal Pradesh government has moved the Supreme Court seeking authorisation of the appointment of six parliamentary secretaries which was recently quashed by the high court for being illegal and unconstitutional. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had on November 13 quashed the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government and declared the law under which they were appointed void. In its appeal before the top court, the state government said the high court order was bad in law and sought a stay on the HC direction. The legal consequence would be that six parliamentary secretaries, who are also MLAs, are likely to face disqualification under Article 192 of the Constitution as the protection granted to them from the office of profit norms has been taken away, without adjudication, causing political instability, the appeal said. Sukhu had appointed the six chief parliamentary secretaries Sanjay Awasthi, the MLA from Arki constituency, Sunder Singh from Kullu, Ram Kumar from Doon, Mohan Lal Barakta from Rohru, Ashish Butail from Palampur and Kishori Lal from Baijnath on January 8, 2023 ahead of his cabinet expansion. While quashing the appointment, the high court had directed that all the facilities and privileges of the six chief parliamentary secretaries be withdrawn with immediate effect. The high court had declared the Himachal Pradesh Parliamentary Secretaries (Appointment, Salaries, Allowances, Powers, Privileges and Amenities) Act, 2006 as void. Pronouncing the verdict, the HC had said the officials are usurpers of public office and all facilities extended to them be withdrawn with immediate effect.
Himachal Cabinet approves upgradation of three municipal councils
Himachal Cabinet approves upgradation of three municipal councils Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday approved the upgradation of three municipal councils to municipal corporations, and two Nagar Panchayats to municipal councils. It also decided to create six new Nagar Panchayats. Additionally, the Cabinet [] The post Himachal Cabinet approves upgradation of three municipal councils appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Jharkhand Polls: BJP Relies on Anti-Incumbency
New Delhi: The BJP is heavily relying on anti-incumbency and consolidation of non-tribal votes for the second phase polling in Jharkhand. In its bid to make inroads into the Santhal Pargana, considered a JMM stronghold, the BJP is aggressively campaigning to woo non-tribal voters besides harping on its illegal immigrants changing the Jharkhands demography poll plank. The RSS is also actively assisting the saffron party in every Assembly seat. Of the 38 seats where polling is scheduled for November 20, 18 seats are in Santhal Pargana. During the last Assembly polls in 2019, the BJP failed to win any seats. Besides Santhal Pargana, the saffron party managed to win only two of the 28 seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, which again favoured the JMM-led alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. In its attempt to reverse the BJPs poll prospects in the Santhal Pargana, the party is aggressively highlighting the demographic changes and citing the Congress-led Karnataka governments appeasement politics to claim that the same will happen in Jharkhand, where tribal land and rights will be given to the INDIA blocs votebank. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA leadership has been asserting protection of mati, rotis beti (land, food and women) of the tribals during campaigning. Also, the BJP cadres have been reaching out to the tribals, informing them about the benefits of various BJP-led NDA government schemes for the tribals, including the icon status for Bhagwan Birsa Munda. However, not taking any chances, the BJP is also wooing the non-tribal votes, which form a major portion of the partys votebank. The party is highlighting how the JMM-led government has failed on various fronts and citing examples of Congress-ruled Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh to assert how misgovernance has marred the two states' development prospects. The RSS is also actively involved in the state, with its senior pracharaks appointed as coordinators in every Assembly seat. The Sangh pracharaks are highlighting how the INDIA bloc will give benefits to its votebank like it is doing in Karnataka by snatching it from the tribals. During the last Assembly polls, the BJP had won 25 seats, the JMM 30 and the Congress 16 seats.
'Temporary' Cong govt in Himachal can fall anytime, claims BJP's Harsh Mahajan
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan claimed that several Congress MLAs in Himachal Pradesh are in contact with the BJP and predicted the collapse of the Congress government. Mahajan cited dissatisfaction with CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's leadership and the recent High Court ruling against the appointment of chief parliamentary secretaries as factors contributing to the instability.
Appointment of CPS: Himachal Pradesh government moves Supreme Court against HC order
The Himachal Pradesh High Court had on November 13 quashed the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government and declared the law under which they were appointed void
KOCHI: A symbol of sensuality and joie de vivre, this description suits no drink other than wine. Whether mass-produced or a rare vintage, wine is loved and celebrated worldwide, irrespective of occasion. Landed that big promotion? Pour a glass of wine to toast the moment. Had a long day? Then swirl and sip some. Catching up with an old friend or enjoying a date night? A glass of wine can set the perfect tone. And if you run out of conversation, you can always talk about wine, because every bottle has a story to tell. The earliest evidence of wine production dates back to around 6000 BCE in the region of Georgia (in the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe). Archaeological finds in the area have uncovered remnants of wine storage vessels and traces of grape-based residues. Before this discovery, the oldest known evidence of winemaking was found in 1968, when six jars discovered in the Zagros mountains of northern Iran were found to contain traces of chemical markers indicative of wine, dating back at least 7,000 years. Ancient Mesopotamia also plays an important role in the early history of winemaking. The Sumerians began cultivating vineyards, inadvertently discovering the alchemical process of transforming grape juice into wine and using them in religious ceremonies as well. In fact, the Sumerians even had a goddess of wine, Ninkasi. Cultures all over the world fermented their own drinks, such as the ancient Egyptians, who brewed beer year-round from stored cereal grains. In addition to this, wine was also made. However, since the climate was not ideal for growing grapes it was a rare and expensive delicacy. It was a cult drink of pharaohs and nobles by 3000 BCE. The winemaking process in Egypt relied heavily on manual labour grapes were crushed by foot in large vats, and the leftover pulp was pressed in linen sacks before being transferred to clay vessels for fermentation. Interestingly, these ancient storage vessels are still made today, sealed with mud from the Nile. In contrast, Greece and Rome had more favourable climates for grape cultivation, making wine more readily available. The Greeks, in particular, took wine culture to greater heights. Greek physicians even considered wine to be of medicinal properties, and their winemaking expertise spread far and wide. They carried an active trade of grape genus Vitis Vinifera and planted them in their colonies from the Black Sea to Spain. This is the principal wine-producing plant, with most of the worlds wine still made from varieties of thisspecies. The Greeks made significant strides in winemaking, particularly in the development of clay amphorae, which were used to store and age wine. This knowledge was inherited by the Romans, who advanced the art of winemaking even further. The city of Pompeii became a hub for the wine industry, and the Romans refined vineyard management techniques. They introduced innovations like pruning, which improved grape yields, and barrels for ageing wine. In the mid-16th century, Spanish missionaries brought viticulture to Chile and Argentina, and by the 18th century, they also introduced it to Baja California. As European immigration surged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the modern wine industry grew. Before the 19th century, the processes of fermentation and spoilage were poorly understood. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans typically consumed their wines within a year of production, often masking spoilage by adding flavourings like honey, herbs, cheese, and saltwater. However, in the mid-19th century, French chemist Louis Pasteur uncovered the process of fermentation and identified the yeasts involved. Pasteur also discovered the bacteria responsible for spoiling wine and created a heating technique, later known as pasteurisation, to eliminate these bacteria. Toward the end of the century, advanced techniques were developed to cultivate pure strains of specific yeasts in controlled environments. India and wine Indias relationship with fermented beverages dates back thousands of years, but wine has not been as deeply ingrained in the country as in the West. Ancient Indian texts, such as the Rigveda, mention alcoholic drinks like soma and sura, with soma believed to be a fermented beverage. However, wines presence here dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, and its influence grew through interactions with Persian and European cultures. Later, Emperor Akbar is said to have employed a dedicated wine taster to ensure the safety and quality of his drink, a common practice among royalty to guard against poisoning. Serious wine production in India began only in the late 19th century during British colonial rule. Vineyards were planted in regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. Today, Nashik, often called the Napa Valley of India, has emerged as the wine hub. The Holy Elixir status Wine has long been woven into the social and religious fabric of many cultures. The Greeks found the sacred connection through Dionysus, the god of wine, revelry, and fertility. This status of Holy elixir followed throughout. This reverence for wine carried through to the Romans, where many religious festivals aligned with key stages in the grape-growing and winemaking calendar. Similarly, wine holds spiritual significance in Asian cultures. In Japan, sake is offered at Shinto shrines, and in China, wine is placed on altars to honour the god of prosperity. In Christianity, wine symbolises the divine, notably in the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana and in the Holy Communion, where it represents the blood of Christ. Black currant wine Recipe by Priya Harikumar Ingredients Black currant 1 kg Sugar kg Lemon 1 whole Boiling water 5 L Yeast 1 tbsp Cinnamon sticks 8 (optional) Method Clean and pat dry the black currants thoroughly, ensuring no dampness remains. Chop them roughly. Transfer the chopped black currants, whole lemon, and sugar into a sterilized jar. Pour boiling water over the mixture. Close the jar and let it sit for about 10 hours. Dissolve yeast in warm water with a little sugar, allowing it to become foamy and activate. After 10 hours, add the activated yeast to the black currant mixture. Cinnamon sticks may be added at this stage if desired. Tie the mouth of the jar securely and leave it in a dark, dry place. Open and stir the mixture daily for one week. After one week, strain out the pulp and store the liquid in clean bottles to age. Let the wine mature in a dark and dry place for one month. After this period, carefully filter the clear liquid into clean bottles. 21-day orange wine Recipe by Ammu Jinto Ingredients Oranges 1 kg Sugar 1 kg Water 2 litre Instant yeast tsp Whole wheat a handful Cloves 10 Cinnamon 1 stick Method: Cut the oranges into small pieces, removing all the white pith to avoid bitterness. Place the orange pieces into a glass jar and gently squeeze them and extract as much juice as possible. Boil the water and add sugar, stirring until it dissolves completely. Allow the sugar solution to cool completely before pouring it over the orange mixture in the glass jar. Add the instant yeast, whole wheat, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the jar. Mix the contents lightly to combine. Cover the mouth of the jar with a clean cotton plug. Ensure the jar is not filled to the brim, as the mixture will produce bubbles and gas during fermentation. The cotton plug should remain dry to prevent contamination. Place the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Allow the mixture to ferment undisturbed for 21 days. After 21 days, strain the mixture using a clean cheesecloth. Collect the liquid, which is now your orange wine. Transfer the strained wine into clean, sterilized bottles. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Apple wine Recipe by Priya Harikumar IIngredients Apples 3 kg Sugar 2 kg Water 5 L Yeast 1 tbsp Method: Wash the apples thoroughly and cut them into cubes with the skin on. Boil the water, add the apple cubes and sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves. While the mixture is still hot, transfer it to a dry, sterilized jar. Add the yeast to the mixture. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Tie the mouth of the jar securely with a clean cloth, then place the lid on top. From the next day, open the jar daily, mix the contents well using a dry wooden ladle, retie the cloth securely, and keep the jar intact. On the 21st day, open the jar, stir well for a couple of minutes, and strain the mixture into another clean jar. Allow the strained wine to sit undisturbed for another 10 days to let the fine particles settle. Bottle the clear wine and enjoy it. However, for a clearer wine, it is recommended to allow an additional 10 days for sedimentation. Sangria wine Recipe by Chef Arun Vijayan Ingredients Medium apple (small pieces): 1/2 Medium orange (sliced into small and more for garnish): 1/2 Organic brown sugar : 3-4 tbsp Orange juice: 3/4 cup Brandy : 1/3 cup Dry Spanish red wine: 750ml bottle Ice : 1 cup Method Add apples, oranges, and sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a muddler. Add orange juice and brandy and muddle again to combine for 30 seconds. Add red wine and stir. Now taste and adjust flavor as needed. Add ice and stir once more to chill. Serve as it is or with a bit more ice.
The deceased have been identified as Kunal Kukreja, 23; Atul Agrawal, 24; Rishabh Jain, 24; Navya Goel, 23; Kamakshi, 20; and Guneet, 19. While Kukreja hailed from Himachal Pradesh, the others were Dehradun residents.
Thiruvananthapuram corporations' allocated revenue deficit for 2023-24 was highest in Kerala: RBI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Municipal corporations in Kerala budgeted the highest aggregate revenue deficit for 2023-24, according to the Reserve Bank of Indias Report on Municipal Finances released on Wednesday. Civic bodies in Maharashtra budgeted the highest revenue surplus of Rs 11,104 crore in the same fiscal year. Other states with combined surplus of above Rs 1,000 crore were Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Telangana. Besides Kerala, only seven other states posted a revenue deficit: Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Tripura. At Rs 789 crore, Kerala had the highest total revenue deficit while Tripura posted the lowest deficit of Rs 2 crore. Except Kerala, all other southern states had budgeted revenue surpluses -- Karnataka (Rs 1,942 crore), Telangana (Rs 1,494 crore), Andhra Pradesh (Rs 603 crore), and Tamil Nadu (Rs 100 crore). In the previous years, Kerala had reported a revenue surplus. The revised estimates of 2022-23 budgeted a surplus of Rs 486 crore. The actual surplus in 2021-22 was Rs 156 crore. For these years, the state was ranked sixth and eighth, respectively, in the country for revenue surplus. The report said municipal corporations (MCs) need to augment their own revenue sources for greater operational and financial flexibility. The primary tax revenue source for MCs is property tax, constituting an average of 59.1% of revenue. Leveraging technologies such as Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and digital payment systems can enhance property tax collection. Periodic revisions in water and drainage taxes, and fees and user charges, coupled with use of technology for plugging leakages, can also help improve their revenue collections, the report said. Municipal bonds The report made a recommendation to allow municipalities to explore innovative financing instruments. While the larger MCs are already using municipal bonds for financing some of their infrastructure projects, other MCs can also explore municipal bonds and innovative financing instruments for capital investment for diversification of their funding sources. Creating mechanisms that allow MCs to pool resources for large-scale infrastructure projects will help overcome the fiscal constraints of individual corporations, it said. The idea of municipal bonds is worth exploring. It is among the terms of references of the State Finance Commission as well. Besides a policy decision by the state government, several factors like the financial health of municipal corporations are to be studied before allowing them to explore the bond market, opined K N Harilal, chairman of the Seventh State Finance Commission. Drop in capital outlay The report also threw light on the widening revenue gap of Keralas MCs. The increase in revenue receipts between 2019-20 and 2023-24 was 103.82%. The revenue expenditure rose by 174.29% over the same period. The budgeted expenses under salary, wages and bonus for 2023-24 were Rs 4,034.1 crore, an increase of 44.51% from 2019-20. The increase in pension expense was 57.41%. The sharp increase in committed expenses (salary and pension) has taken a grave toll on the capital outlay of MCs. It declined from Rs 12,133.3 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 8,883.8 crore in 2023-24. Kerala was positioned 15th in the country in capital outlay by MCs in 2023-24, the report said.
Chef Nitika Kuthiala brings authentic Himachali cuisine to Hyderabad
Golkonda Pavilion at ITC Kohenur is hosting a Himachali popup, showcasing the heritage flavours of the region. Chef Nitika Kuthiala, the brain behind the delectable spread, shared her passion for authentic Himachali cuisine, saying, I want to present it as such, without fusion or modifications. This commitment to authenticity was evident in every dish, carefully crafted to transport taste buds to the picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The chef is showcasing what is called dham food, which simply means daawat in common parlance which is usually a mid-day meal served during any big occasion. While Dham food is pure vegetarian, the chef added a few non veg specialties too to allow guests to get more from the food fest. ITC Kohenur's Chef Amar Jamaal aptly described the significance of this cuisine, Dham food is ceremonial, a mid-day feast that brings people together. He emphasized, It's not just about the food; it's about community dining, get-togethers, and sitting down together. This sentiment was palpable as guests savoured each dish, immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Himachal. The journey began with Kulthe ka Sorua, a hearty horse gram soup, reminiscent of mutton broth. Chef Nitika revealed, Horse gram is of different varieties; this one is a mix of black and red. This attention to detail was characteristic of every dish, showcasing the diversity of Himachali ingredients. I heard my food companions raving about the Macchi Ka Pakora, freshwater fish fritters. Chef Nitika shared, In Himachal, we have River Fish, Trout, Kullu, and Rohu. Paired with a refreshing Mooli (radish) salad, made with grated radish, salt, carom seeds, and lemon, this snack embodied the simplicity and elegance of Himachali cuisine. Button mushrooms, a specialty of Solan, dubbed the City of Mushrooms, were crafted into an irresistible Solani Khumb appetizer. Chef Nitika noted, Solan is famous for mushrooms; we have a variety of them. The earthy flavour of these mushrooms complemented the subtle spices, leaving guests yearning for more. The main course, an elaborate Dham spread, featured Aloo Channa Madra (potato and chickpea curry), Sepu Badi Madra (special spinach gravy), Tailey maah (Urad Dal with dry fruits), and Kaddu ka ambal (pumpkin in sweet and sour gravy). Each dish reflected the region's love for lentil-based and curd-gravy-based cuisine. Chef highlighted, Dham food doesn't include garlic, onion, or heavy spices; it's pure, vegetarian. This emphasis on simplicity allowed each ingredient to shine, demonstrating the harmony between flavours and textures. The festival also showcased non-vegetarian options, like Rara Meat (slow-cooked mutton) and Chicken wale Peele Chawal (chicken with saffron rice). These dishes, although not part of traditional Dham food, reflected the diversity of Himachali cuisine. In the entire Himachali thali, Chef Nitika's love for her native cuisine stood out. She shared, We don't have a concept of snacking in Himachal; these dishes are usually made for special occasions. Her dedication to preserving traditional recipes and techniques ensured an authentic experience for all. Those who still have an appetite could gorge on sweet treats like Budana Meetha (a unique sweet preparation from Kangra Valley) and Meethe Chawal, they carried with them a newfound appreciation for Himachali cuisine. In a world where fusion and experimentation often dominate culinary landscapes, this festival seems like an honest attempt to showcase authentic flavours. In Chef Nitika's thali presentation was a truly immersive experience, transporting attendees to the heart of Himachal Pradesh, where tradition, community, and cuisine intertwine. The Himachali food festival is on at Golkonda Pavilion in ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad from November 15 to 24.
Metpally Police Bust Cyber Gang, Arrest 3
Karimnagar: The Metpally police on Thursday nabbed three men who were involved in several cyber frauds and looted crores of rupees from people through fake trading apps in Jagtial district. The police seized 15 passbooks from various banks, 10 chequebooks, 20 credit and debit cards, three mobile phones, two laptops, and 14 SIM cards from their possession. Superintendent of police Ashok Kumar said the accused were identified as Sumesh Kapoor, 36, and Arjun Chouhan, 36, both natives of Punjab; Rajeev Singh, 36, and Jithendar Kumar, 37, both natives of Himachal Pradesh; and Raj, who resides in a foreign country. When Rajeev and Jithendar went to Punjab to work in a poultry farm, they were introduced to Sumesh, who worked as a broker for various banks. As the three searched for methods to earn easy money, they connected with Arjun, who worked at Union Bank. Under Arjuns direction, the three engaged in cyber crimes and began extorting money from innocent people under the guise of fake businesses and investments. Following complaints from victims, the police deployed special teams under the supervision of Metpally DSP Ramulu. Utilizing advanced technologies, they traced the culprits and arrested Sumesh, Rajeev, and Jithendar in Punjab. The police have initiated a manhunt to apprehend Arjun, who is currently absconding, and Raj, who is in a foreign country, Kumar added.
HC nixes appointment of 6 chief parliamentary secretaries
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday set aside the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS), declaring it unconstitutional and ordered their immediate removal along with the associated benefits and perks. Two petitions a PIL by Kalpana Devi and another by 11 BJP MLAs had been filed challenging the appointments. A division bench of Justices Vivek Thakur and Bipin Chander gave its verdict and set aside the Act under which the appointment of the CPS had been made. Terming the appointments wastage of public funds the bench ordered immediate withdrawal of all facilities extended to them. The office created by the impugned Act, in fact, performs functions ancillary to and incidental to those of the political executive. In fact, what is prohibited and limited directly by Article 164(1-A) of the Constitution has been sought to be done indirectly by the state legislature. If there is a constitutional provision inhibiting the constitutional authority from doing an act, such provision cannot be allowed to be defeated by adoption of any subterfuge, said the HC in its 33-page order. It ruled, Evidently, the distinction attempted to be portrayed between Chief Parliamentary Secretary/Parliamentary Secretary and Minister is artificial. The six CPS whose appointment has been ordered are Kishori Lal, MLA from Baijnath in Kangra; Mohan Lal Brakta, MLA from Rampur in Shimla; Ram Kumar, MLA from Doon in Solan; Ashish Butail, MLA from Palampur; Sunder Thakur, MLA from Kullu and Sanjay Awashty, Arki MLA.
High court voids Himachals appointment of 6 parliamentary secretaries
The Himachal Pradesh High Court deemed the appointment of six Congress MLAs as chief parliamentary secretaries unconstitutional. The court declared the appointments void and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all privileges and facilities, stating the appointments were outside the legislative authority of the state assembly.
Even if Indira Gandhi returns from heaven, Article 370 will not be restored: Amit Shah
PARBHANI/JALGAON/DHULE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday asserted that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will not be restored even if Congress stalwart and late PM Indira Gandhi comes down from heaven. The BJP's star campaigner sought to corner the Congress over Muslim reservation and accused the main opposition party of deliberately stalling construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya for years. With just a week left for the high-stakes assembly polls in Maharashtra, Shah stepped up his campaigning for the ruling Mahayuti front, of which the BJP is a member, and addressed three rallies in a day where he attacked the Congress and its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Shiv Sena (UBT). Addressing a rally at Dhule in North Maharashtra, Shah said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should remember that even if his fourth generation were to come, Muslims won't get reservations meant for Dalits, tribals and other backward castes. A few days ago, Ulemas (Muslim scholars) met the president of Congress party and said Muslims should be given reservation (in jobs and education). If reservation has to be given to Muslims, then reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs will have to be cut. Rahul Baba, not only you but even if your four generations were to come, they cannot cut the quota meant for SCs/STs/OBCs and give it to Muslims, Shah insisted. The Union minister made it clear that Article 370, scrapped in 2019 by the BJP-led central government, won't be restored under any circumstances. PM Modi accuses Congress of 'dangerous intentions' on reservations, vows to protect 'roti, beti, maati' in Jharkhand Even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven, Article 370 won't be restored, the BJP stalwart told the gathering. Describing the opposition MVA grouping as an Aurangzeb Fan Club, Shah noted the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance abides by the ideals of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. At another election meeting in Jalgaon, also in North Maharashtra, the former BJP president averred that if the MVA wins the November 20 assembly polls, the state will turn into an ATM (automated teller machine) for the Congress. They (MVA) will withdraw funds from Maharashtra by using the state's resources and send the money to Delhi. In contrast, if the BJP-led Mahayuti forms a government, the Modi administration will ensure greater development for Maharashtra, Shah said at the meeting in Chalisgaon town. Targeting Gandhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli, he accused his party of making false promises and misleading people. Recently, Rahul Gandhi was seen waving a copy of Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution. He used the same copy while taking the oath in Parliament. When some journalists got their hands on the very copy, it had blank pages. By showing a fake Constitution, Rahul broke the trust of people and insulted Babasaheb. Apparently, you have never read the Constitution, Rahul baba, Shah said. The Sonia-Manmohan regime didn't act against Naxalism and terrorism for 10 years (2004-14) due to vote bank politics, the home minister opined. Supreme Court to Ajit Pawar's NCP: Stop using Sharad Pawar's photos, videos; Stand on your own legs The entire Congress politics runs on deception. They are saying that after the formation of the Mahayuti government (in June 2022), investment in Maharashtra has reduced. The truth is after the formation of the government of (CM) Eknath Shinde and (deputy CM) Devendra Fadnavis, our Maharashtra is No.1 state in FDI inflows in India, he said. A Mahayuti government post-polls will work more for the welfare of women, farmers and other sections of society, Shah maintained. Your one vote will not only form a Mahayuti government but your one vote will also deposit Rs 2,100 in the account of Maharashtra's beloved sisters. Your one vote will result in depositing Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 12,000 annually in farmers' account, he said. The BJP leader said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee is like 'patthar ki lakeer' (carved in stone), whereas the Congress reneged on pre-poll promises in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh after coming to power in these states. Targeting NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, Shah said the senior politician served as Maharashtra CM and also as a Union minister for many years, but did not do anything to give classical language status to Marathi. At his third rally at Jintur in Parbhani district in the Marathwada region, Shah averred that Congress MP Gandhi, who has been campaigning for the MVA in Maharashtra, will fail once again. Sonia ji tried to land the plane named Rahul Baba 20 times and 20 times the plane crashed. Now again, an attempt is being made to land the plane for the 21st time in Maharashtra. Sonia ji, your Rahul plane is going to crash for the 21st time, the BJP leader opined. Shah accused the Congress of deliberately stalling construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya for years. PM Modi built the Ram temple and also constructed the Kashi Vishwanath corridor (in Varanasi) which was demolished by (Mughal emperor) Aurangzeb. Now, you should be ready to visit Gujarat as the Somnath temple is also being made of gold, he told the gathering. Modi has made the country safe and prosperous, Shah said. I have visited all the places like Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, West Maharashtra, Konkan, Mumbai, Marathwada. Do you want to know the result of assembly polls? Listen to me, on November 23 (result day), the Maha Vikas Aghadi is going to be wiped out from Maharashtra, he declared. Shah said Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, a former BJP ally, is now in alliance with those who opposed renaming Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Vote for double engine government to ensure speedy development of Maharashtra: PM Modi
If MVA wins, Maha will be ATM for Cong.: Amit Shah
Jalgaon : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that if the Maha Vikas Aghadi wins the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections, the state will turn into an ATM (automated teller machine) for the Congress. They (MVA) will withdraw funds from Maharashtra by using the state's resources and send the money to Delhi, Shah said, addressing a rally at Chalisgaon in Jalgaon district. In contrast, if the BJP-led Mahayuti forms the government, the Modi administration will ensure greater development for Maharashtra, Shah said. The BJP is going to form the government in Jharkhand, and the Mahayuti government is going to come to power in Maharashtra, Shah said. This is because Congress makes false promises and misleads people, he added. Recently, Rahul Gandhi was seen waving a copy of Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution. He used the same copy while taking the oath in the Parliament. When some journalists got their hands on the very copy, it had blank pages. By showing a fake Constitution, Rahul broke the trust of the people and insulted Babasaheb. Apparently, you have never read the Indian Constitution, Rahul baba, Shah said. The Sonia-Manmohan regime didn't act against Naxalism and terrorism for 10 years due to vote bank politics, Shah said. The entire politics of Congress runs on the basis of deception. They are saying that after the formation of the Mahayuti government, investment in Maharashtra has reduced, he said. The truth is that after the formation of the government of Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, our Maharashtra is number one in FDI in the whole of India, he said. Your one vote will not only form the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra but your one vote will also deposit Rs 2,100 in the account of Maharashtra's beloved sisters. Your one vote will result in depositing Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 12,000 annually in the farmers' account. Your one vote will strengthen the future of India, he said. Shah said PM Modi's guarantee is like 'patthar ki lakeer' (carved in stone), whereas the Congress has reneged on pre-poll promises in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Targeting senior politician Sharad Pawar, Shah said, Pawar was the chief minister and Union minister for so many years but did not do anything to give classical language status to Marathi.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has declared the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries as unconstitutional. Twelve BJP MLAs challenged the appointments, arguing that the state government overstepped its authority by creating offices not recognized by the Constitution. The court agreed, voiding the appointments and ordering the immediate withdrawal of any benefits or facilities they received.
Ranji Trophy LIVE Score, Day 1 Round 5: Karnataka 67/3 vs UP; Shami in playing XI for Bengal vs Madhya Pradesh, Pondicherry 85 all out vs Himachal Pradesh Sportstar
Maharashtra assembly elections 2024: War over pre-poll guarantees intensifies
BJP leaders from Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka counter the claims the states CMs and Dy CMs had made in Maharashtra
Mortal remains of JCO killed in J&K consigned to flames in Himachal
MANDI (HP), Nov 12: The mortal remains of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) who died in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir were consigned to flames at his native village in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district on Tuesday. A resident of Barnog village in Nachan Assembly constituency, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para [] The post Mortal remains of JCO killed in J&K consigned to flames in Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
Centre maps 100 glacial lakes, 47 'glof facing' dams
Following a devastating glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim last year, India is intensifying efforts to map and address vulnerabilities in hydropower projects. Assessments reveal 47 projects are highly susceptible to such floods, with Himachal Pradesh alone accounting for 20.
People deceived in Congress-ruled states: BJP
People deceived in Congress-ruled states: BJP Mumbai: The BJP leaders including Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Karnataka BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday claimed that people have been deceived in the Congress-ruled states, especially in Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka as the state governments there have failed to fulfil [] The post People deceived in Congress-ruled states: BJP appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Mortal Remains Of JCO Martyred In J&K Encounter Consigned To Flames In Himachal
MANDI (HP), Nov 12: The mortal remains of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) who died in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir were consigned to flames at his native village in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district on Tuesday. A resident of Barnog village in Nachan Assembly constituency, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (Special Forces) was killed while three other commandos were injured in the gunfight that broke out on Sunday in Kishtwar. The mortal remains of the [] The post Mortal Remains Of JCO Martyred In J&K Encounter Consigned To Flames In Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The matter transpired in August of this year when a dispute arose between the official and a Congress MLA.
Congresss history littered with broken promises, people of Himachal were cheated: Anurag Thakur
MUMBAI, Nov 12: BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, alleging that the partys history was littered with broken promises and people of Himachal Pradesh were paying a price by voting it to power. Thakur, who is in Maharashtra amid the BJPs campaign for the November 20 assembly polls, urged people to vote for the Mahayuti if they wanted to save the state. Talking to reporters, the BJP leader highlighted Mahayutis track record on [] The post Congresss history littered with broken promises, people of Himachal were cheated: Anurag Thakur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HP TET admit card 2024 released at hpbose.org: Direct Link to Download Here
The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has released the HP TET admit card 2024 for candidates who have registered for the exam. The exam is set for November 15, 17, 24, and 26, in two shifts each day. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website by logging in with their credentials. The exam will feature 150 multiple-choice questions. Check the direct link to download HP TET admit card 2024 as provided here.
Beware of Wedding Invitation Scams: One Click Could Compromise Your Phone's Security
Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police have issued a warning advising residents to be cautious of messages from unknown numbers, especially those containing attachments.
Congress' history littered with broken promises, people of Himachal were cheated: Anurag Thakur
BJP leader Anurag Thakur criticizes Congress governance in Himachal Pradesh. Thakur says Congress made many promises but did not keep them. He says Congress promised subsidized power, financial aid for women, and job creation. Thakur says none of these promises were fulfilled. He urges people to vote for BJP for honest governance and progress.
Six killed, one injured after car collided with truck in Dehradun
DEHRADUN: A devastating road accident occurred near Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Chowk late Monday night, claiming six lives. The victims included three boys and three girls, all in their twenties. Police received instant information about the incident and rushed to the scene. The accident was horrific, and our team responded immediately, said a police official. According to the Kotwali police, the accident occurred at around 2 am. We pulled all seven occupants out of the car and rushed them to the hospital, the official added. Doctors declared six people dead on arrival, while one youth remains in critical condition. It was a devastating crash; the car was completely mangled, a police source said. The collision involved a truck and an Innova car, which was carrying a group of seven youngsters out for a drive. The victims included Guneet Kumari (19), Navya Goyal (23), and Kamakshi (20), all girls from different areas in Dehradun. The boys who lost their lives were Kunal Kukreja (23) from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, Atul Agarwal (24), and Rishabh Jain (24), both from Dehradun. One student, Siddhesh Agarwal (24), a resident of Dehradun, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Weather Update: Heavy Rainfall Expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh; Dense Fog in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Krishi Jagran
Ishant Gupta appointed as NH Zone Head for National Board of Mass Communication, LUB
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) today announced the appointment of Advocate Ishant Gupta as the North Himalaya (NH) Zone Head for the National Board of Mass Communication, covering Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. His appointment was announced by the National President of LUB, Ghanshyam Ojha, in a virtual meeting held here today. Advocate Ishant Gupta, who currently serves as the State Vice President of Laghu Udyog Bharati, J&K, and is a member of the national [] The post Ishant Gupta appointed as NH Zone Head for National Board of Mass Communication, LUB appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Express Dialogues | Demography on the curve with falling fertility rates: Purushottam M Kulkarni
Concerns over demographic changes, arising out of low fertility rates and aging population are real and southern states fear losing out on political representation at the Centre. Not just southern states, many other states in India have reached a below replacement level fertility and it is irreversible, said well-known demographer and former professor in population studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Purushottam M Kulkarni, in an informal chat during this weeks Express Dialogues with Team TNIE Fertility rates have lowered in many states, including all southern states. How do you look at the demographic changes in the next 50 years in the country? All South Indian states are seeing low total fertility rates (TFRs) and states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab among others have also reached replacement levels or are now below the replacement level. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which had a fertility rate of six and seven, have come down to three or lower. There is a demographic transition. Mortality is declining, followed by fertility. The trend started in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, but soon more states were added. In states which are ahead in demographic transition, their population growth will stop earlier. If there is no migration by the 2050s, a large number of states will reach the peak population and it will stop growing. There will be gradual population reduction. Many estimates, including that of the UN, state that before 2070, India will reach its peak population of approximately 170 crore. Once the low fertility process sets in, generally, it does not reverse. Around 50 years ago, there was panic about population explosion. Indias population quadrupled in the last century, but now the growth rate has slowed down. We will have the exact figures with the census. Demographers are confident that the growth will be around 1%, unlike 2% earlier. (A TFR of 2.1 is generally considered replacement level fertility since at low mortality, this amounts to the population replacing itself from one generation to the next.) Where does Karnataka stand? Karnataka has reached below replacement level with a TFR of around 1.6. By the mid-2040s, its natural population growth will halt unless offset by significant migration. Managing this inevitable migration requires policymakers to ensure a smooth and equitable process, addressing both local and migrant concerns. The states population is expected to stabilise around seven crore. Regions like Mandya and Hassan witnessed early fertility declines due to concerns like land division. In contrast, northern districts still show higher fertility due to socio-economic challenges. Bengalurus growth, driven by migration, has pushed its population past 1 crore, though exact numbers remain unclear without a census. What are the factors for the decline in the fertility rate? Multiple factors have contributed to the decline in the fertility rate. Many government programmes have provided free contraception and free sterilisation. Also, there is a rise in aspirations among people. Most couples choose to have two children or one child to better provide for them, give them quality education and other facilities. How will low fertility impact India? There have been debates over the Malthusian theory of population (that population growth will always exceed the growth of means of subsistence). Some say high population growth is bad because there will be limitations on land and resources and there will be starvation. But others say that some population growth is good as there will be more consumers and more human resources. Well-known economist Gary Becker spoke of a quantity and quality trade-off... suggesting that instead of having many children with limited resources, families could have fewer children and provide them with more. Couples now choose to have two children or just one to be able to provide a better quality of life. Was the desire for a son one of the reasons for the high birth rate earlier? It was one of the factors in the earlier days, but not now. Also, earlier people who had two to three sons went on having children. The idea of regulating fertility was not there. It was considered natural or even Gods gift. Maternal and child mortality was high then, which also played a major role in couples choosing to have more children. Can fertility rate be increased/stabilised? Some developed countries with low-fertility rates, which had to import workers and labourers, tried different ways to promote fertility, what is called as pro-natalist policy. But they didnt succeed. In the Soviet Union, a medal was given to women for having more children. Romania banned abortion, and it is a well-known case, which failed after one year. Countries have also tried other ways like long maternity leaves and child support initiatives, which included one-year paid maternity leave and another years leave where you do not lose your job. But this hasnt done much. While the policies are good for the health and career of women and children, they have not been able to raise fertility above replacement level. People now have stronger reasons to stop at one child. Family planning is not encouraged in certain religions/ communities. Is the fertility rate low even among them? Religious sanctions have been there for a long time. In the West it was Catholic-Protestant differential. The church had opposed contraception. Use of contraception was lower in Catholics than Protestants. But over time, differences have narrowed. In India, there are some differences but not large. Fertility among Christians and Sikhs is already low and declining among Muslims as well. The latters population growth will be different and will be slightly higher than average for some time. If contraceptive prevalence is around 50% overall, among Muslims it is close to 40%. It is not 0-10%. The assumption that some communities do not use contraception is not true. But there is a gap. What is your opinion on the delimitation of Parliament seats based on population? The 1976 Constitutional amendment was brought in to freeze Parliamentary representation according to the 1971 census. According to the Constitution, Parliamentary representation should be worked out after every census, proportionate to population - the more the population, the more the members of Parliament. The amendment was brought in when there were concerns over population explosion and the population control programme was at its peak. However, the same continued even after the 2001 census and even now, we are using the 1971 population as the basis for Parliamentary representation. The concern is that the states which adopted the population-control measures well will be penalised in terms of their Parliamentary representation. This has to be reviewed. It is a politically sensitive issue but there should be political consensus. They should work out a scheme which is fair, does not penalise people and is responsive to the needs of the people. In hindsight, do you think the family planning campaign was a demographic blunder? In the late 60s to mid-70s, fertility drop was desired because population growth was rapid and it was leading to several issues related to food, pollution, crowding and others. High population growth was not desirable. Family planning was already in practice, but it was staggered across the country and not uniform across, which is also the case in other aspects like economy, urbanisation or industrialisation. With falling fertility, is the aging population a concern? Age structure has changed in a way that now you have a lower dependency ratio. There are relatively more people in working age and this will be there for, maybe next 20 years. After that, we will have a more elderly population. In the past, we just had 5-6% of elderly, above the age of 60. Gradually, it will increase to 25%. In some places, it can go up to 30%. This is inevitable. Even if the fertility rate is at the replacement level, at low mortality, the share of the elderly will be above 20% in the long run. That is something we have to live with and provide for. What is the economic fallout of an aging population? The share of the working-age population in India is increasing and it will increase for some more time and that is good for the economy if we use the demographic opportunity. The concern is that the share of elderly is set to increase. A sharp reduction in children born today would lead to very small cohorts of workers after some time and increase the dependency burden. The elderly population will rise from 5% to 28% over this century. By 2050, its expected to reach 13-14%. This slow pace provides enough time to build facilities like old age homes. The challenge is not immediate, but gradual preparations are essential. With sustained economic growth, we should have the financial means to support this transition. The focus should be on anticipating these changes and steadily developing infrastructure to meet the needs of an aging society. What measures should be put in place to address the challenges of an aging population? There are already schemes for elderly health. Addressing the needs of the aging population is crucial. Health programmes are seen as general welfare measures, but long-term planning is key. Our plans and policies must provide for it and we have to be prepared for it. There must be schemes and facilities to cater to the health and overall well-being of the elderly. Is increasing the retirement age an option to cater to the issue of elderly population? That is one possibility. Many European countries have a high retirement age, which is 65 or 67 years. With more young adults moving away from marriage, do you think this shift could further impact birth rates, as seen in parts of Europe? In Europe, whether a child is born within or outside marriage is no longer a major social concern. In India, however, it still holds significance, though this may change over the next few decades. A declining trend in family size no children or one-child families has already lowered fertility rates, and while policies like maternity leave may help slightly, they cannot fully reverse this. The aim has been replacement-level fertility, a TFR of 2.1. This represents an average: some families have two children, others three, and some only one. Achieving this would eventually stabilise the population, leading to a stationary population, where births and deaths balance, keeping the population size and age distribution constant. However, societal preferences, like fewer people choosing to have children, make this goal increasingly unlikely, and such choices cannot be mandated. The population stagnation is expected to peak by 2070. What is the message for policymakers? Now that they have a clear picture of the numbers, they should work towards planning and try to improve the quality of service. The dip in fertility rate will be first visible in schools as the rate of admission of school children will drop. It has already come down in Karnataka, Kerala and a few other states. Many districts may not have schoolchildren. The government can now focus on improving school infrastructure, student-teacher ratio and others.
Rahul's concern over market monopolisation crucial for public welfare: Himachal CM
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his support for Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhis concerns about a few companies monopolising the market. He said Rahuls stance is not just criticism, but a call for significant and essential reforms. The Congress partys ideology has always been rooted in providing equal opportunities to all citizens, ensuring fair distribution of resources and prioritising public welfare within the nations economic structure. Rahul Gandhi has raised this serious issue boldly and clearly, which resonates with the concerns of every citizen in the country, he said. Sukhu added that a healthy competitive market would keep prices in check and improve the quality of services and products for consumers. The union government needs to look at this sensitive issue from a perspective that transcends party lines and prioritises national interest, he said. He remarked that Rahuls questions regarding the monopolisation of the market by some large corporate groups are crucial for the welfare of every citizen. Rahuls comparison of such monopolistic practices with the East India Company highlights the potentially dangerous consequences for the nations economy and social fabric, he added. Rahul is the voice of the nation. His concerns are not only valid but also deeply aligned with the welfare of the common citizen. The union government should adopt a positive approach and take necessary steps towards policy reforms that serve the public interest, Sukhu asserted. He stressed that Rahul Gandhi is not merely raising objections but is advocating for transformative change; his views and suggestions are eye-opening for citizens across the country. If the central government truly seeks to work in the publics best interest, it should seriously consider these suggestions and adopt robust policies to reduce economic disparity. Sukhu also added that such issues warrant a nationwide discussion so that people remain aware of their rights and benefits, ensuring equitable economic empowerment for all.
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a directive requiring prior approval from the Information and Public Relations Director (DIPR) for releasing any photographs of chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The move comes after the BJP's youth wing, the BJYM, staged a protest in response to an inquiry into samosas meant for the CM being mistakenly served to his security staff.
PM Modi takes ATM for royal family swipe at Congress
MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that wherever a Congress government is formed, that state becomes the ATM of the partys shashi parivar (royal family). We wont let Maharashtra become the ATM of Congress, Modi said, addressing a campaign rally in Akola for the November 20 assembly elections. Wherever Congress forms government, that state becomes an ATM for the Congress royal family. These days, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have become their ATMs. In the name of elections in Maharashtra, they have looted Rs 700 crore from liquor sellers in Karnataka. You can imagine the loot once they win the elections, Modi said. Congress is well aware that the more the country weakens, the more they will strengthen themselves. Congress creates a divide between various castes. It never let our castes unite. If our castes do not stay united and remain in conflict with each other, Congress will take advantage of it, he said. Congress will take away the rights of SCs. This is their conspiracy and character. You have to stay united. Remember, Ek hai toh safe hai, Modi added. He criticised the Congresss approach to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkars legacy. I challenge the shahi parivar of Congress to prove if they ever visited Dr Babasaheb Ambedkars panchteerth, he said. Modi has coined the term panchteerth to denote Amedbkar birthplace in Mhow, the place in London where he stayed while studying in the UK, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur where he embraced Buddhism, his Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi, and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai. People of Haryana foiled the conspiracy of Congress by following the Ek hai to safe hai (we are safe if we are united) mantra, Modi said. I have come to seek your blessings for the BJP-led Mahayuti, he said. On this day in 2019, the Supreme Court of the country gave its verdict on Ram Temple. This date of November 9 will also be remembered because after the decision of the Supreme Court, people of every religion showed great sensitivity, Modi said. Kharge hits back at BJP divisive pitch Countering Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanaths batenge toh katenge slogan, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday that several leaders from his party, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, have laid down their lives to unite the country. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Kharge asked the BJP to decide between Yogis slogan and Prime Minister Narendra Modis unity message of Ek hain, toh safe hain. He also hit back at the BJP for criticising his party leader Rahul Gandhi over a copy of the Constitution with a red cover. He showed a picture of PM Modi gifting a similar copy to former President Ramnath Kovind. The Congress chief accused the BJP and RSS of provoking people to gain votes. Citing a newspaper article, Kharge said he read that RSS favoured the slogan of batenge toh katenge (if divided, we perish) being raised by the UP CM. First, you decide between yourselves whose slogan is to be followed, Yogi jis or Modi jis, he said, adding, BJP leaders give inciting speeches and speak lies and divert peoples attention from core issues. Kharge said two big leaders from Vidarbha did not stop big-ticket projects from being shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat because they were concerned about saving their own posts and not worried about peoples interest. He was referring to Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis who hail from Nagpur. There is an MVA wave in Vidarbha, which elects 62 of the states 288 MLAs, Kharge said and expressed confidence that the grouping comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) will win the assembly polls. He dismissed the BJPs allegation that the Congress supports urban Naxals, particularly when their leader Rahul Gandhi keeps talking about saving the Constitution.Is it a crime to flaunt a copy of the Constitution with a red cover, he said, referring to Fadnaviss earlier allegation that Gandhi was building a coalition of anarchists. In many public meetings, Gandhi has waived a copy of the Constitution with a red cover.
'Pictures of Himachal CM not to be released to media without permission'
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a directive prohibiting the release of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's photographs without prior authorization from the Information and Public Relations Director. This action comes in response to concerns over the unauthorized dissemination of images, some of which allegedly depict inappropriate gestures that could potentially tarnish the Chief Minister's public image.
Army Chief Reviews Security Situation in Jammu Kashmirs Kathua
JAMMU: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Saturday, officials said. The visit of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to Kathua, bordering Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, comes amid stepped up anti-terrorist operations across Jammu region where two village defence guards were shot dead by [] The post Army Chief Reviews Security Situation in Jammu Kashmirs Kathua appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Paragliding boom in Bir | The skies have limits
With enthusiasm filling the streets of Himachal Pradesh for the Asian edition of the 2024 Paragliding World Cup held from November 2 to 9, The Hinduvisits Bir-Billing to find that commercialisation and overtourism are emerging problems. So far, accidents have not dented the flow of tourists and the expectation of flying high above the ground
Army Chief Reviews Security Situation In Jammu And Kashmirs Kathua
JAMMU, Nov 9: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Saturday, officials said. The visit of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to Kathua, bordering Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, comes amid stepped up anti-terrorist operations across Jammu region where two village defence guards were shot dead by the militants after their abduction in a latest attack in Kishtwar district on Thursday. General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, visited forward units of Rising [] The post Army Chief Reviews Security Situation In Jammu And Kashmirs Kathua appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP legislator orders samosas for Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu
Taking a dig at the Congress government over the CID conducting an inquiry into the sequence of events that led to samosas meant for the chief minister being served to his security staff, Ashish Sharma, the BJP legislator, placed an online order of 11 samosas for Sukhu
Himachal's Samosa Politics Heats Up: BJP MLA Orders Samosas For CM Sukhu
The samosa politics is heating up in Himachal Pradesh, a BJP MLA has ordered 11 samosas online for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
PM misleading nation by calling Cong welfare schemes free revdi: Rahul
New Delhi, Nov 9 Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for misleading the country by calling its public welfare schemes as free revdi and challenged him to visit Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh and see how these guarantees have been fulfilled. Moreover, Gandhi said that [] The post PM misleading nation by calling Cong welfare schemes free revdi: Rahul appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Maha polls: PM Modi claims Congress collected Rs 700 cr from Karnataka liquor shops
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading the BJP-led NDA campaign in Maharashtra, accused the Congress of collecting up to Rs 700 crore from liquor shop owners in Karnataka. Speaking at an election rally in Akola on Saturday, November 9, he alleged that states under Congress rule, like Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, serve as ATMs for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Watch: BJP leaders host samosa party to mock Himachal CM
In a satirical move, former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh and current Leader of the opposition, Jairam Thakur arranged a samosa party for BJP members in Mandi on Friday. This event was a clear dig at the ongoing protest against chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and a peculiar episode that happened at a CID event Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Samosa politics heats up in Himachal; BJP MLA orders 11 samosas online for CM Sukhu
Hamirpur/Shimla, Nov 9: With samosa politics heating up in Himachal Pradesh, a BJP MLA has ordered 11 samosas online for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Taking a dig at the states Congress government over the CID conducting an enquiry into the sequence of events that led to samosas brought for the chief minister being served to his security staff, Ashish Sharma, the MLA from Hamirpur, shared this information on social media on Saturday. However, the Congress maintained that the state [] The post Samosa politics heats up in Himachal; BJP MLA orders 11 samosas online for CM Sukhu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rahul, Revanth's claims of fulfilling poll promises in Telangana untrue: Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy on Saturday alleged that the Congress party's election promises are not being fulfilled in the state as claimed by the party leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. Speaking to reporters after interacting with farmers on paddy procurement in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district in Telangana, he said that Rahul Gandhi, during his election campaign in Maharashtra, made tall claims about implementation of Congress party's poll promises after coming to power in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. What has been implemented Rahul Gandhi ji? Come and see in a Telangana village. None of your guarantees have been implemented, Kishan Reddy alleged. Promises like Rs 2,500 assistance to women, unemployment dole and one tola gold to brides at the time of marriage have not been fulfilled, he said. Referring to Revanth Reddy's visit to Maharashtra on Saturday, he said the chief minister goes to Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and other states for Congress events. What people's issues have been addressed in Telangana when he makes claims in other states, he questioned. He further asked whether Congress' assurances to people like investment support for farmers, financial assistance to tenant farmers and agriculture workers have been rolled out in the state. Attacking the state government for its alleged failure in purchasing paddy from farmers, he said there's no burden on the Congress government in paddy procurement as the Centre provides funds for it.
CMs of Congress-ruled states counter BJPs charge of non-fulfilment of poll promises
Mumbai, Nov 9: The chief ministers of Congress-ruled Telangana and Himachal Pradesh and the deputy CM of Karnataka on Saturday vehemently countered the BJPs allegation that poll-related promises were not being fulfilled in their states. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, his Himachal Pradesh counterpart Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar held a press conference in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra where assembly elections will be held on November 20. Shivakumar said, Mahayuti leaders should visit [] The post CMs of Congress-ruled states counter BJPs charge of non-fulfilment of poll promises appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AKOLA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said wherever a Congress government is formed, that state becomes the ATM (Automated Teller Machine) of the party's 'shahi parivar' (royal family). We won't let Maharashtra become the ATM of Congress, Modi asserted while addressing a campaign rally in Akola for the November 20 state assembly elections. When the Congress indulges in so much corruption to win polls, one can imagine how corrupt the party will be once in power, the PM claimed. Wherever the Congress forms a government, that state becomes the ATM of the party's shahi parivar . As much as Rs 700 crore has been extorted from the liquor business in (Congress-ruled) Karnataka for the Maharashtra polls. Telangana and Himachal Pradesh have also become this shahi parivar's ATMs, he said. #WATCH | Akola, Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, ... Wherever Congress forms government, that state becomes an ATM for the Congress' royal family... These days, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have become their ATMs. In the name of elections in pic.twitter.com/paZPabUmez ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2024 The PM said the manifesto of the Mahayuti (ruling alliance in Maharashtra) focuses on women's security, job opportunities, expansion of Ladki Bahin Yojana, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's NCP, have come out with a ghotala patra . The entire country knows the MVA means corruption, token money and transfer posting business, he said. Attacking the Congress, the PM said he was daring the party's shahi parivar to prove if they had ever visited Babasaheb Ambedkar's panchteerth. Modi has coined the term panchteerth to denote Ambedkar's birthplace in Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, the place in London where he stayed while studying in the UK, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur, where he embraced Buddhism, his 'Mahaparinirvan Sthal' in Delhi, and 'Chaitya Bhoomi' in Mumbai. They hate Babasaheb because he was a Dalit and because he got credit for drafting the Constitution. Babasaheb is an inspiration for me, the BJP, and my government. Our government has developed places attached to his legacy. I have even named our UPI as BHIM UPI, he said. The Congress' game plan is to pit castes and communities against each other and not allow Dalits and backward groups to unite, but the people of Haryana foiled this conspiracy by following the 'Ek hai to safe hai' (we are safe if we are united) mantra, Modi claimed. The Congress wants the OBCs, Adivasis and Dalits to fight, as a split in their votes will get it back to power. This is the chaal and charitra (guile and character) of the Congress. In riots in Haryana, Dalits were killed and the Congress stood by the perpetrators, the PM said. The Congress knows it will be strengthened only if the country is weakened, he added. Modi said in his last two terms his government was able to provide houses to four crore poor people, while another three crore houses will be built hereon. In his third term, Modi said projects costing several lakh crore are underway, including the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, which, when completed, will be the largest in the country. Such welfare work brings him blessings of the people and your vote helps Modi work for the poor, he asserted. While the NDA government is working to make cotton farmers of Maharashtra prosperous, the MVA government stalled irrigation projects started by the previous Devendra Fadnavis government. We are encouraging farmers to irrigate farms with less water. Our motto is more crop per drop. We want to empower farmers so that they become the heroes of the country's development. The NDA government is working with speed and I want Maharashtra to have a similar government, he said. Modi said the Congress and its allies ignored the demand to bestow classical language status on Marathi, which he was fortunate to fulfil in his third term. On this day in 2019, the Supreme Court of the country gave its verdict on Ram Temple. This date of November 9 will also be remembered because, after the decision of the Supreme Court, people of every religion showed great sensitivity, Modi said. This feeling of nation first is the biggest strength of India, he said. The PM slammed the Congress for supporting the resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for restoration of Article 370, which gave the erstwhile state special status. These people are speaking the language of anti-India forces and want to push Kashmir back into violence and militancy. They want to take Ambedkar's Constitution out of J-K. After Article 370 was removed, Dalits and tribals there got reservations. Kashmiri Hindus fled due to Article 370, he said. In the 10 years from 2014 to 2024, Maharashtra has continuously blessed the BJP wholeheartedly. There is a reason behind Maharashtra's trust in BJP. The reason for this is the patriotism, political understanding, and vision of the people of Maharashtra, Modi said. On November 20, people of Maharashtra have the opportunity to give direction to the state and country by choosing development, security and peace, he said. Assembly poll results will be declared on November 23.
CM Sukhu's missing samosas stir trend in Shimla as tourists flock to have a taste
A controversy erupted in Himachal Pradesh when samosas intended for the Chief Minister went missing, sparking a CID investigation. The incident unexpectedly boosted sales of the Radisson Hotel's samosas, the source of the original order. Now, tourists are flocking to the hotel to try the now-famous samosas, praising their unique taste and ingredients.
INDIA alliance will bring changes in Maharashtra with 'five guarantees': Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that Congress fulfilled all its election promises. He cited Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh as examples. Gandhi highlighted the INDIA alliance's five guarantees for Maharashtra. These guarantees include financial aid for women, farm loan waivers, a caste census, health insurance, and unemployment assistance.
The BJP's youth wing in Himachal Pradesh organized a 'Samosa March' to satirize the controversy surrounding an alleged investigation into snacks meant for CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu being mistakenly served to his security personnel.
CMs of Congress-ruled states counter BJP's charge on poll promises
Mumbai: The chief ministers of Congress-ruled Telangana and Himachal Pradesh and the deputy CM of Karnataka on Saturday vehemently countered the BJP's allegation that poll-related promises were not being fulfilled in their states. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, his Himachal Pradesh counterpart Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar held a press conference in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra where assembly elections will be held on November 20. Shivakumar said, Mahayuti leaders should visit my state to see how Congress' welfare guarantees are benefiting people. Telangana CM Reddy said, In 10 months, our government gave 50,000 jobs to the youth in the state. The BJP does not have any success story to boast of in Maharashtra, he said. He alleged that big ticket investment projects were being transferred from Maharashtra to Gujarat. Sukhu said his government's decision to implement the old pension scheme has benefited people immensely. People of Maharashtra have to decide whether toppling the government with the use of money is democracy, he said.
CMs of Congress-ruled states counter BJP's charge of non-fulfilment of poll promises
Congress-led state leaders, including the chief ministers of Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, defended their fulfillment of poll promises against BJP criticism. They highlighted job creation, welfare benefits, and the restoration of the old pension scheme as successes. They challenged the BJP's record in Maharashtra, alleging a lack of achievements and the transfer of investments to Gujarat.
Maharashtra Polls: Amit Shah to release BJP's Sankalp Patra tomorrow
Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the Bharatiya Janata Party's Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Congress has already released its manifesto, promising five key guarantees for Maharashtra. These include -- Rs 3,000 per month to women and free bus travel for women and girls under Mahalakshmi Yojana, loan waiver of up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers and an incentive of Rs 50,000 for regular loan repayment, caste-wise census, removal of 50 per cent reservation limit and health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh and free medicines and assistance up to Rs 4000 per month to unemployed youth. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning the sincerity of Congress's manifesto promises. Congress has made such promises in many places like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, but later they say that there was a printing mistake and then they say that they do not have money. They ask for money from the Centre, these are liars and deceitful people, they are not trustworthy people. Rahul Gandhi said that they will give 'Khata Khat'. They did not do that but we gave Pat Pata pat, he said. As the election date nears, political campaigning is gaining momentum in Maharashtra. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), aims to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. One of the most closely watched contests will be in Baramati, where NCP leader Ajit Pawar is set to face his nephew, Yugendra Pawar. Yugendra is the son of Ajit Pawar's younger brother, Shrinivas Pawar. Baramati was also a high-profile constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where Sunetra Pawar contested against Supriya Sule. The latter emerged victorious, winning by a margin of 1.5 lakh votes. The Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place on November 20, with the counting of votes for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42.
Indian couple unites in virtual nikah as grooms boss in Turkiye denies leave
In a remarkable demonstration of modern technology and commitment, Adnan Muhammad, an Indian man residing in Turkiye, married his bride in Himachal Pradesh over a video call after being denied leave by his employer. The virtual nikah took place with the groom in Turkiye and the bride in Mandi, allowing the couple to unite despite Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Who Ate Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Samosas?
Five police officers face a CID probe, likely to lead to disciplinary action, after consuming samosas meant for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
After Jalebis, A Samosa-Shaped Problem For Congress
Five police officers face a CID probe, likely to lead to disciplinary action, after consuming samosas meant for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
In a bizarre incident, an Indian man staying in Turkiya got married to his bride in Himachal Pradesh over video call. Here's the reason.
Row in Himachal over who ate CMs samosas
Samosa politics On October 21, CM Sukhu attended an event of state CID officials at a hotel in Shimla Samosas meant for the CM came in packets However, the samosas were served to his security staff This created a flutter in the state CID; sources said a probe was ordered BJP targeted Cong govt for giving attention to non-issues CID dismisses charges CHANDIGARH: Trust the fluffy Samosas! If left in the wrong hands, they can turn into real hot potatoes. It so happened that some of the samosas were kept for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a function associated with the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) on October 21. They were, instead, served to his security staff! Over a fortnight later, the hotchpotch over who they were meant for left an unsavoury taste for cops on duty. A probe by the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) termed it an anti-government act, resulting in show-cause notices to five police personnel, including a woman inspector. The BJP has hit out at the Congress-led government for ordering an inquiry into missing samosas and turning a blind eye to the cases that warrant attention. The CID tried to downplay the incident, saying the samosa gaffe was an internal matter. However, the matter became political. Leader of Opposition and former CM Jai Ram Thakur said in a video statement: The Opposition has not eaten those samosas. Those who were served those samosas were a part of the government, so how could the act be anti-government? Thakur asked. The state government and the chief minister must have found the matter serious and ordered an inquiry into the samosa episode, he said. Thakur said allegations of corruption in various state government departments are not being probed but an inquiry was ordered into samosa distribution. Former Himachal Pradesh BJP chief Satpal Satti claimed the Congress government made itself a laughing stock by ordering an inquiry into samosas. The BJP has no issues. False propaganda is being spread against the Congress government, said the chief ministers chief adviser Naresh Chouhan. Caught in the controversy, the CID termed the episode as an internal matter and urged everyone not to politicise it. It is our departments internal matter. The government has nothing to do with it, said Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha, Director General (DG), CID. He said merely verbal orders were issued to find out what happened to the snacks ordered for the chief minister. No inquiry has been ordered, no explanation is sought and no action will be taken against anyone. People should refrain from escalating and politicizing the matter, he said. The row over who ate the samosas meant for the CM began when three boxes of refreshments were brought from Hotel Radisson Blue in Lakkar Bazaar of Shimla to be served to the chief minister who had gone to the CID headquarters to attend a function. However, the boxes were served to the CM security staff, as per the enquiry report which was conducted by a DSP, said sources.
Revanth to take part in Congress CMs JPC
Hyderabad : Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will leave for Mumbai on Saturday to take part in a joint press conference being held by Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states to rebut the BJP's allegations that the party-run governments in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh had failed to deliver on guarantees promised during their respective Assembly polls. The BJP charge has been led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Revanth Reddy will address the press conference along with Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar following a high command directive, sources added. Revanth Reddy wants to specifically highlight Congress government in Telangana implementing India's biggest-ever crop loan waiver scheme of `18,000 crore within eight months of coming to power to waive crop loans of 23 lakh farmers. This was done over a period of 25 days. He will highlight the government implementing the Mahalakshmi free bus scheme for women and `10 lakh health insurance cover under Aarogyasri within 48 hours of being sworn in. The government then implemented two more guarantees of free power to households up to 200 units and subsidised cylinders for `500.
