Uttarakhand Govt sends names of 3 IAS officers to EC for position of Home Secretary
Uttarakhand Govt sends names of 3 IAS officers to EC for position of Home Secretary The names of three IAS officers, Arvind Singh Hayanki, Radhika Jha, and Sachin Kurve, have been sent to the Election Commission for the position of Home Secretary in Uttarakhand, sources said on Tuesday. Shailesh Bagauli was removed from the position of Home Secretary, Uttarakhand, on Monday. ECI can also recommend the name of any other IAS officer, apart from the names sent by the state government. Earlier, Home Secretaries in six states--Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand--were asked to step down. Additionally, the secretaries of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have been removed. This step comes as part of the Commission's resolve and commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, which has been emphasized by CEC Rajiv Kumar time and again and recently during the press conference for the announcement of the Schedule for General Elections 2024. The Commission meeting, chaired by Rajiv Kumar, comprising Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, was held today at noon. The officials who have been removed in these seven states were found to be holding dual charges in the office of Chief Minister in respective states, which may potentially compromise or be seen to be compromising the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process, especially in matters relating to law and order, deployment of forces, etc. Through these measures, the Commission says it has ensured that all stakeholders uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, thereby safeguarding a level playing field in the entire electoral process. (ANI)
Which rivers originate from the Himalayas?
Nestled majestically in the heart of Asia, the Himalayas stand tall as the world's mightiest mountain range. Stretching over 2,400 kilometers across five countries India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan these colossal peaks are not just a geological wonder but also the source of numerous life-giving rivers that sustain millions of people across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Ganga: The Sacred Lifeline Flowing gracefully from the icy glaciers of the Himalayas, the Ganga, also known as the Ganges, holds unparalleled significance in the hearts of billions. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, India, this revered river meanders through the plains of North India, nourishing fertile lands and fostering a rich tapestry of cultures along its banks. Yamuna: The Serene Sister Emerging from the Yamunotri Glacier, a sacred pilgrimage site nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Yamuna embarks on its journey as a pristine mountain stream. As it descends through the rugged terrain, it merges with the Ganga at Prayagraj, forming a confluence revered by millions. The Yamuna's waters have sustained civilizations for millennia, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of history. Brahmaputra: The Mighty Roarer Carving its way through the Tibetan Plateau before cascading down the eastern Himalayas, the Brahmaputra commands awe with its sheer power and magnitude. Originating as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, this colossal river surges through the valleys of Arunachal Pradesh, India, before embracing the lush plains of Bangladesh. Its fertile deltas are a cradle of biodiversity and a lifeline for countless communities. Indus: The Ancient Waterway Tracing its origins to the glacial springs of the Tibetan Plateau, the Indus emerges as a lifeline for the people of Pakistan. Flowing through the rugged landscapes of Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan, this historic river has been witness to the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, including the Harappan civilization. Its waters sustain agriculture, industry, and livelihoods across the region. Sutlej: The Swift Descender Rising from the Rakshastal Lake in Tibet, the Sutlej races down the Himalayan slopes with remarkable velocity. As it courses through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, it powers hydroelectric projects and irrigates vast swathes of agricultural land. The Sutlej's journey is emblematic of resilience and resourcefulness, echoing the spirit of the communities it sustains. The Himalayas, with their towering peaks and icy glaciers, serve as the cradle of some of the world's most significant rivers. From the sacred Ganga to the mighty Brahmaputra, these waterways not only sustain life but also embody the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that thrive along their banks. Janhvi Kapoor Redefines Modern Bridal Fashion at Lakme Fashion Week Such shoes were delivered by helicopter, the price will be staggering These footwear look very elegant and classy with saree
TMC's Derek O'Brien calls for 'Supreme Court-monitored election' after EC transfers Bengal DGP
TMC's Derek O'Brien calls for 'Supreme Court-monitored election' after EC transfers Bengal DGP Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien on Tuesday demanded Supreme Court-monitored Lok Sabha polls alleging that BJP's tricks are destroying the Election Commission of India (ECI). The TMC leader hit out at the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing them of manipulating the electoral landscape ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. BJP's filthy tricks destroying institutions like ECI. Are BJP so nervous to face people that they are turning ECI into a party office to target Oppn? ECI or HMV? Transferring officers of elected State govts! For free & fair elections. We want a Supreme Court-monitored election, O'Brien stated in a post on X. Earlier TMC Spokesperson Kunal Ghosh had also criticised the Union Government after the ECI took the decision to replace DGP Rajeev Kumar. We have seen that the BJP is trying its best to grab different organisations including ECI. They have taken over the control of central agencies and different organisations. In this case also, after the announcement of Lok Sabha elections, what we saw today is the reflection of BJP. It is trying its best to grab and monitor the functioning of these kinds of organisations, including ECI Kunal Ghosh said. The Trinamool Congress' claims come after DGP of West Bengal Raveev Kumar was replaced with a new IPS Officer Vivek Sahay by the ECI. The ECI took this decision in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The ECI said the steps to replace the Bengal DGP and Home Secretaries of six states were aimed at upholding the principles of transparency, fairness and freedom in the electoral process. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued orders for the removal of Home Secretaries in six states namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Apart from this, the ECI also ordered the removal of certain key officials of six states in what it termed a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections. Additionally, the Secretary of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have also been removed. The Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal will be held in 7 phases starting April 19. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections TMC won 22 seats with a vote share of 43.7 percent while the BJP won 18 seats with a vote share of 40.6 percent. The Congress had won two seats in the state. (ANI)
SC refuses to stay disqualification of 6 Cong. rebels in HP
Karanam Sravan Kumar was appointed as standing counsel in the apex court for a three-year period. (Image: DC) Karanam Sravan Kumar was appointed as standing counsel in the apex court for a three-year period. (Image: DC) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker's order disqualifying the six Congress rebels who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued a notice to the office of Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania returnable within four weeks on a plea by the six rebels challenging their disqualification from the Assembly. The bench said that pending adjudication of their plea, these disqualified MLAs will not be allowed to vote or participate in the proceedings of the Assembly. We can issue notice on the petition, that's fine but there cannot be a stay (on the disqualification order). That will not be permissible for this court. Second, as far as a fresh election is concerned, this we will have to examine. But we will not allow you to vote or participate in proceedings of the House. On this we are very clear..., Justice Khanna told senior Advocate Harish Salve, representing the six rebels. The bench then posted the matter for hearing on May 6 and gave the petitioners one week to file a rejoinder. The bench asked the office of the Assembly speaker to file its counter affidavit in four weeks.The filing of nominations for the six vacant assembly seats starts on May 7. The six rebels -- Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar Bhutto -- were disqualified on February 29, for defying a Congress whip to be present in the House and vote in favour of the Himachal Pradesh government during the cut motion and budget. During the hearing, Salve said that after the voting in the Rajya Sabha election on February 27, the petitioners were issued a notice to appear before the speaker for their comments on disqualification. We appeared as asked and told the speaker that we have not got the copy of the petition seeking disqualification, the counsel said. If the disqualification order was not stayed, their petition would become infructuous, he contended. At the end, we should not be told that the election has been held and now someone else has come in, Mr Salve said. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the office of the Speaker, said the notification for the election has been issued and various judgments of the court say once an election has been notified, it cannot be stayed. Justice Khanna told Singhvi that the court is not going to stay the disqualification. As far as the question of staying the fresh election is concerned, that will have to be examined. Otherwise, their petition will become infructuous, he said.
TMC cries BJP control over EC as Vivek Sahay replaces Rajeev Kumar as Bengal DGP
TMC cries BJP control over EC as Vivek Sahay replaces Rajeev Kumar as Bengal DGP The Election Commission of India (ECI) directed the removal of West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar and mandated the appointment of Vivek Sahay, once suspended by the poll panel, as the new state police chief. West Bengal's ruling TMC alleged that BJP has ''control'' over the commission. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the ECI on Monday ordered the removal of home secretaries of six states, West Bengal's director general of police (DGP), and the secretary of the general administrative departments of Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh. Following the instruction of the ECI, the West Bengal government on Monday appointed Sahay as the new DGP of the state, a decision taken within hours after the poll panel removed Rajeev Kumar as the DGP. Sahay, a 1988-batch IPS officer, was the Director General and Commandant General (Home Guards). Appointed as the state DGP last December, Kumar was moved to the Information and Technology department, an assignment not related to the election. He was the secretary of the same department before being appointed as the state police chief. Considered an officer close to the ruling TMC, Kumar was removed as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police and ADG of West Bengal CID by the ECI during the 2016 assembly polls and 2019 general elections respectively. Incidentally, EC had also also suspended Sahay in March 2021 when he was the director of security, following an incident when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suffered injuries in Nandigram during campaigning for the assembly polls. The EC has asked Chief Secretary BP Gopalika to post Rajeev Kumar to a ''non-election'' related assignment and post an officer immediately junior to him as DGP, as an interim arrangement. The state government was asked by the EC for a panel of three officers from the state to be considered for the position of DGP. Following the EC's directions, the state proposed the names of Sahay, Sanjay Mukherjee, and Rajesh Kumar, a senior official said. The EC chose Sahay, who is a senior in the service. Criticising the removal of West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, the ruling Trinamool Congress claimed it was a glaring example of the BJP's ''control'' over the ECI. Addressing a press conference, TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh claimed that BJP was gripped by the fear of losing the Lok Sabha seats in the state. ''The BJP is trying to misuse all institutions, including the Election Commission. They are even meddling with the appointment of the election commissioners by changing the recruitment panel. The step taken today is a glaring example of the BJP's control over the EC,'' Ghosh said. ''It doesn't matter if BJP changes even 100 such officers because the people of Bengal are with Mamata Banerjee,'' he added. According to a senior TMC leader, the removal of Kumar from the post of the DGP was on expected lines. It was expected that Rajeev Kumar would be removed. We were prepared for it, he said. The BJP welcomed the move and said Kumar was known as someone close to the ruling dispensation. We all know the role Kumar had played in several investigations concerning the TMC government in the state. As long as he is the DGP, there can never be a level playing field, BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya said. A 1989 batch IPS officer with an engineering degree from IIT Roorkee, Kumar held prominent positions such as Commissioner of Kolkata Police, Joint Commissioner (Special Task Force), and Director General (CID), among others. Under his leadership, the STF of Kolkata Police gained notoriety for its operations against Maoist leaders and criminals. Renowned for his prowess as an investigator and a formidable information network, he played a crucial role in apprehending Chattaradhar Mahato, a significant figure in the Lalgarh movement. Additionally, he oversaw the STF's pivotal contributions in undermining the Maoist movement from 2009 to 2011. Elections for the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal will be held over seven phases, beginning on April 19.
Vivek Sahay appointed DGP West Bengal
Vivek Sahay appointed DGP West Bengal Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Kolkata, Vivek Sahay was appointed as the DGP of West Bengal on Monday, following the removal of the previous DGP, Rajeev Kumar by the Election Commission. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made this decision in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and freedom in the electoral process. Earlier in the day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued orders for the removal of West Bengal's Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Chahal along with some other senior officials from various states. The ECI has also ordered the removal of certain key officials of six states in what it termed a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections. The Governor is pleased to appoint Shri Vivek Sahay, IPS, Director General and Commandant General, Home Guards, West Bengal, to the post of Director General and Inspector of Police, West Bengal with immediate effect until further order. This appointment is made in the interest of public service, the chief secretary of West Bengal wrote in a notice. The DGP had been in the spotlight after the BJP and other opposition parties criticised the Bengal police for alleged inaction in giving justice to the victims of Sandeshkhali. The Sandeshkhali area had been witnessing unrest after women protestors sought justice against alleged atrocities committed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides. The ECI also issued orders for the removal of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Chahal along with some other senior officials from various states. The poll body ordered the removal of certain key officials from six states in what it termed a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections. Home Secretaries in six states Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been asked to step down. Additionally, the secretaries of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have been removed. Meanwhile, the Election Commission also directed all state governments to transfer officers connected with election-related work, who have completed three years or are in their home districts. (ANI)
Three arrested in Himachal, heroin seized
Three arrested in Himachal, heroin seized Police arrested three men with 10.67 grams of heroin during a surprise check in this Himachal Pradesh district, officials said on Monday. The arrested accused are Rajneesh Kumar from Hoshiarpur in Punjab, and Sunil Kumar and Vishal from Hamirpur. A case has been registered under provisions of the NDPS Act, the police said.
CRPF lauded for free medicare facilities in last hamlet of J-Ks Bhadarwah
CRPF lauded for free medicare facilities in last hamlet of J-Ks Bhadarwah As part of its civic action programme, the CRPF on Monday organised a free specialised medical camp at Thanahala the last panchayat of Jammu and Kashmir bordering Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said. The day-long camp was held at Dina Nagar hamlet of Thanahala, mostly inhabited by families belonging to the below poverty line (BPL), in the foothills of Ashapati Glacier on Bhadarwah-Chamba interstate road, they said. CRPF's Chief Medical Officer Dr Jaishree Singh said though the role of the paramilitary force is to give internal security, it is always there to provide assistance to the public during elections or natural calamities like earthquakes and landslides. ''A team of special doctors from CRPF and sub-district hospital Bhaderwah provided free treatment and medicines to the patients who availed the facility at their doorstep, she said. Former sarpanch, Thanahala Shakoor Ahmed, thanked the 33 battalion CRPF for organising the camp and providing assistance to the locals. ''The CRPF is also informing us about government schemes meant to uplift the poor,'' he said. A resident, Aijaz Hussain Hamdan, also appreciated the work of the CRPF and said his sick mother was treated by the lady doctors, providing lot of relief to the family. The (government) medical centre is very far from here, so this camp is of great help to poor people like us in this far flung area,'' he said.
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay the disqualification order issued by the Himachal Pradesh assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania against six Congress rebels. The Congress MLAs had engaged in cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections in the state. A bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta issued a notice to []
India breaks gender bias as preference for adopting girl child increases
India sees a shift towards adopting girls under HAMA, with Punjab leading. Most adoptive parents prefer children under 6. Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu also show significant girl adoptions, reflecting a trend towards gender equality in adoption.
Himachal Congress appoints election in-charges for all 4 Lok Sabha seats
Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singh, Mukesh Agnihotri, Rohit Thakur, Chander Kumar, Jagat Singh Negi named election in-charges by Himachal Pradesh Congress for Lok Sabha polls.
SC refuses to stay disqualification of 6 Cong MLAs
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Himachal Pradesh assembly speaker's order disqualifying the six Congress rebels who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state.
These 6 Congress MLAs had cross-voted during the recent Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh resulting in the loss of the Congress party candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and the win of BJPs Harsh Mahajan.
The Himachal Pradesh government had issued a notification on Thursday to give Rs 1,500 monthly to women in the age group of 18 to 59 years. On March 4, the chief minister had announced that a sum of Rs 800 crore would be spent on the initiative, benefitting more than five lakh women annually.
BJP accuses Cong of violating Model Code of Conduct, files complaint with State Election Commission
BJP accuses Cong of violating Model Code of Conduct, files complaint with State Election Commission Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Monday said the BJP has filed a complaint with the State Election Commission alleging that forms to get Rs 1,500 per month are being filled in the offices of the block development office and panchayats to woo the voters by the Congress. Distributing and filling forms with the photographs of former prime minister Indira Gandhi and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct enforced for the Lok Sabha polls and we have asked the Election Commission to take cognizance of the complaint, Thakur told PTI here. This is the first complaint of the violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the state after the Lok Sabha elections were announced on March 16. Thakur said that these forms were filled before the last assembly elections also but this guarantee of the Congress was also not fulfilled. The Himachal Pradesh government had issued a notification on Thursday to give Rs 1,500 monthly to women in the age group of 18 to 59 years. On March 4, the chief minister had announced that a sum of Rs 800 crore would be spent on the initiative, benefitting more than five lakh women annually. However, Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg had made it clear that new beneficiaries cannot be added under the Yojana and the forms cannot be filled for getting Rs 1,500 per month pension as it carries the chief minister's photograph. The BJP's Hamirpur district unit has filed a complaint with the Hamirpur deputy commissioner, who is also the returning officer for Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat, for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the Congress alleging that forms to get Rs 1,500 monthly are being filled. In his complaint, BJP's Hamirpur District President Des Raj Sharma said the process of submission of forms is going on which is a violation and requested that this practice should be stopped immediately. Sharma warned the authorities that if this illegal work of the Congress was not stopped then the BJP would be compelled to resort to agitation.
SC Refuses To Stay HP Assembly Speakers Order Disqualifying Six Rebel Congress MLAs
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speakers order disqualifying the six Congress rebels who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued a notice to the office of Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and sought its response within four weeks on a plea by the six rebels challenging their disqualification from the Assembly. The bench said that pending [] The post SC Refuses To Stay HP Assembly Speakers Order Disqualifying Six Rebel Congress MLAs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Weather Update: There is a possibility of change in the weather due to the activity of fresh western disturbance. There is forecast of rain and snowfall for five days in many parts of the state. Weather Update: There is forecast of rain and snowfall for five days in many parts of Himachal Pradesh. This change [] The post IMD Weather Update: Chances of rain and snowfall for five days in many parts of this state, know weather forecast. first appeared on informalnewz .
Election Commission orders removal of home secretaries in 6 states, also West Bengal police chief
Days after announcing the schedule for Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued orders for the removal of home secretaries in six states: Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
ECI Transfers Home Secretaries Of 6 States and Bengal DGP
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered the removal of Home Secretaries in six states Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for free and fair elections. The General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh are also removed by the ECI. Additionally, the Commission has removed the [] The post ECI Transfers Home Secretaries Of 6 States and Bengal DGP appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
BJP trying to 'grab' ECI for political purpose: TMC hits out at BJP over removal of WB DGP
BJP trying to 'grab' ECI for political purpose: TMC hits out at BJP over removal of WB DGP Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh on Monday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the removal of West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar and said that the BJP was trying to grab the ECI and other such organisations to fulfill their political purpose. Speaking to ANI over the removal of the West Bengal DGP, Ghosh said, The BJP is trying its best to grab organisations like ECI and others. They are trying their best to grab and monitor their jobs only to fulfil their political purpose. So, according to their program, their planning, and requests from different states, they have done this. The BJP is trying to help their state organisations because they know that in the elections, the BJP will be defeated in most of the seats in West Bengal. We are confident that the BJP may transfer a few of the officers but the public is with the Trinamool Congress and didi (Mamata Banerjee). The TMC will defeat the BJP, said the TMC leader. This comes after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued orders on Monday for the removal of West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The DGP had been in the spotlight after the BJP and other opposition parties criticised the Bengal police for alleged inaction in giving justice to the victims of Sandeshkhali. The Sandeshkhali area had been witnessing unrest after women protestors sought justice against alleged atrocities committed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides. The ECI also issued orders for the removal of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Chahal along with some other senior officials from various states. The poll body ordered the removal of certain key officials from six states in what it termed a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections. Home Secretaries in six states-namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been asked to step down. Additionally, the secretaries of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have been removed. Meanwhile, the Election Commission also directed all state governments to transfer officers connected with election-related work, who have completed three years or are in their home districts. The officials who have been removed in these seven states were found to be holding dual charges in the office of Chief Minister in respective states, which may potentially compromise or be seen to be compromising the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process, especially in matters relating to law and order, deployment of forces, etc. Through these measures, the Commission says it has ensured that all stakeholders uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, thereby safeguarding a level playing field in the entire electoral process. (ANI)
Glaring example of BJP's control over EC: TMC on West Bengal DGP's removal
Seeking to ensure a level playing field in the Lok Sabha elections, the EC ordered the removal of home secretaries of six states and West Bengal's director general of police (DGP), besides the secretary of the general administrative departments of Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh.
SC refuses to stay disqualification of 6 Congress MLAs from HP
A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued a notice to the office of the HP assembly speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, and sought its response to the plea within four weeks. The SC refused to halt the disqualification order issued by the Himachal Pradesh assembly speaker against six Congress rebels. These rebels had engaged in cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state.
56.38 lakh voters eligible for using franchise in HP on June 1
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh would go to the polls for the four Lok Sabhas and bye-election of six assembly vacant seats on June 1 with 56.38 eligible voters and 138918 would press the button of the electronic voting machine for the first time. Chief Electrol Officer of the state, Manish Garg, informed that around 2.50 percent, []
Himachal Tourism Stakeholders Appeal for Election Timing Change to Protect Industry
The Himachal Pradesh Travel Agents Association has urged the Chief Election Commissioner of India to consider conducting the Lok Sabha elections in the state during the first phase rather than the seventh phase. The association emphasizes that holding elections in June could significantly harm the tourism and hospitality industry. In a letter addressed to CEC... The post Himachal Tourism Stakeholders Appeal for Election Timing Change to Protect Industry first appeared on Hospitality Biz India : India hospitality news, hospitality business analysis . The post Himachal Tourism Stakeholders Appeal for Election Timing Change to Protect Industry appeared first on Hospitality Biz India : India hospitality news, hospitality business analysis .
EC orders out West Bengal DGP, Mumbai civic bosses
Seeking to ensure a level-playing field in the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission on Monday ordered the removal of home secretaries of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, sources said.
Lok Sabha Polls | EC Orders Large-Scale Transfers Of Bureaucrats, West Bengal DGP
New Delhi, Mar 18: Seeking to ensure level-playing field in Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission on Monday ordered the removal of home secretaries of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, sources said. It also ordered the removal of the West Bengal director general of police, they added. Also, the secretary of the general administrative departments of Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have been removed. Days after announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections, the poll panel [] The post Lok Sabha Polls | EC Orders Large-Scale Transfers Of Bureaucrats, West Bengal DGP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Election Commisson West Bengal DGP, 6
Election Commission News: Lok Sabha Election (EC) (Gujarat), (Uttar Pradesh), (Bihar), (Jharkhand), (Himachal Pradesh) (Uttarakhand) . () .
EC removes Home Secys of 6 states, WB top cop
The Election Commission orders the removal of Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, additional commissioners, deputy commissioners, say sources. The Election Commission also removes Home Secretaries of six states, Bengal top cop, weeks before Lok Sabha elections. These states are Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Additionally, the Secretary of the General [] The post EC removes Home Secys of 6 states, WB top cop appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
LS polls: EC orders large-scale transfers of bureaucrats, West Bengal DGP
New Delhi: Seeking to ensure level-playing field in Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission on Monday ordered the removal of home secretaries of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, sources said. It also ordered the removal of the West Bengal director general of police, they added. Also, the secretary of the general 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 .
EC orders removal of West Bengal DGP Rajiv Kumar, BMC's Chahal ahead of Lok Sabha polls: Report
The Election Commission ordered the removal of several top officials, including West Bengal's DGP Rajiv Kumar and BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Additionally, it directed the removal of home secretaries from six states and secretaries of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh.
EC orders removal of home secretaries of six states, Bengal police chief, BMC commissioner
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directives for the removal of several key officials across multiple states in the run-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The orders include the removal of home secretaries in six states: Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Furthermore, the Secretary of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh, who were holding charges in their respective Chief Minister's Offices, have been removed from their positions, according to sources. Additionally, the ECI has also ordered the removal of the Director General of Police (DGP) in West Bengal, as per sources familiar with the matter. The poll watchdog has also taken action to remove Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, along with several additional commissioners and deputy commissioners, according to sources. The removals come as part of the Election Commission's efforts to ensure fair and transparent elections, maintaining the integrity of the electoral process across various states. This is a developing story. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
SC refuses to stay HP Assembly Speaker order disqualifying rebel Congress MLAs
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the order of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker disqualifying six Congress rebels, who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the office of HP Assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania 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 .
EC orders removal of Home Secretaries in six states to ensure fair elections
EC orders removal of Home Secretaries in six states to ensure fair elections By Shailesh Yadav In a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued orders for the removal of Home Secretaries in six states namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Additionally, the Secretary of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have also been removed. The commission has directed all the State Governments to transfer the officers connected with election-related work, who have completed three years or are in their home districts. Maharashtra had not complied with the directions in respect of few Municipal Commissioners and some Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners in Maharashtra. While conveying displeasure to the Chief Secretary, the Commission directed transfer of BMC and the additional / Deputy commissioners with the direction to report by 6pm today. The Chief Secretary was further directed to transfer all the similarly placed Municipal commissioners and Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners of other Corporations in Maharashtra. This step comes as part of the Commission's resolve and commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, which has been emphasised by CEC Rajiv Kumar time and again and recently during the Press Conference for announcement of Schedule for General Elections 2024. The Commission meeting chaired by Shri Rajiv Kumar, comprising of Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was held on Monday at noon. The officials who have been removed in these seven states were found to be holding dual charges in the office of Chief Minister in respective states which may potentially compromise or be seen to be compromising the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process, especially in matters relating to law and order, deployment of forces, etc. Furthermore, the Election Commission has also taken the necessary action to remove the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. This decision was taken due to DGP being removed from any active election management related duty earlier, during 2016 Assembly Election in the state and in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. With this step, the Election Commission of India has shown its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. Through these measures, the Commission ensures that all stakeholders uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, thereby safeguarding the level playing field in the entire electoral process. (ANI)
Supreme Court refuses to stay HP Assembly Speaker order disqualifying rebel Congress MLAs
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday refused to stay the order of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker disqualifying six Congress rebels, who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the office of HP Assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and []
Supreme Court Refuses To Stay Order Disqualifying Himachal Rebel MLAs
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the order of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker disqualifying six Congress rebels, who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state.
HP: Landslide Blocks National Highway 5 Near Solan
A total of 259 roads, including five National Highways, were closed for vehicular traffic in Himachal Pradesh following snow and rain in recent days
Election Commission launches Mission 414 campaign in Himachal Pradesh to boost voter turnout
Bypolls to six Assembly seats that fell vacant after disqualification of Congress MLAs would be held simultaneously with four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh in the last phase on June 1.
Landslips block National Highway-5 near Solan in Himachal Pradesh
A total of 259 roads, including five National Highways, were closed for vehicular traffic in Himachal Pradesh following snow and rain in recent days.
Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha seal quarter-final spot in 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship Day 5 of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship witnessed Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Mizoram clinch victories in their respective matches at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Pimpri, Pune. With the day's results on Sunday, Hockey Haryana and Hockey Association of Odisha sealed their berth in the Quarter-Finals. Hockey Haryana prevailed against Le Puducherry Hockey 22-0 in a Pool D encounter to mark their second consecutive win of the tournament. Yet again, the experienced Hockey Haryana side was relentless in their pursuit of goals. Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Deepika (4', 11', 14', 15', 42', 49) continued her purple patch while Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Sharmila Devi (35', 41', 45'), and Indian Women's Hockey Team defenders, Monika (17', 19', 53',) and Neelam (15', 25', and 30',) found the back of the net on three occasions each. Furthermore, Indian women's hockey team forward Navneet Kaur (2', 33', 45') scored spectacular hat-tricks as well. Indian Women's Hockey Team midfielder Jyoti (32', 33') also didn't miss out on the opportunity and registered a brace with back-to-back goals while Indian Women's Hockey Team midfielder Neha Goyal (40'), Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Udita (42) also scored a goal. In a Pool E clash, the Hockey Association of Odisha secured their second consecutive victory after a 6-1 victory against Hockey Chandigarh. Odisha's offence was guided by Dipti Lakra (10', 23') brace and goals from Ajmina Kujur (15'), Jiwan Kishori Toppo (30'), Mariana Kujur (50') and Captain Lilima Minz (51'). Meanwhile, Priyanka (26') was the sole goal scorer for Hockey Chandigarh. In a Pool F clash, Hockey Mizoram registered a 20-2 victory against Hockey Rajasthan. Indian Women's Hockey Team forward, Lalremsiami (6', 29', 34', 36', 56', 60') and Lalrinpuii (13', 15', 26', 51', 57') were the top scorers for Hockey Mizoram while Lalneihpuii (14', 22', 49) also scored a hat-trick. Adding to the scoresheet, Vanlalhriatpuii (27', 39'), H Lalruatfeli (11'), Lalthantluangi (17'), F.Lalbiaksiami (18') and Marina Lalramnghaki (33') scored for Mizoram as well. Rajasthan's two goals were scored by Usha Kumari (33') and Manisha Sharma (48') Later in the evening, Hockey Himachal Pradesh will take on Hockey Punjab in a Pool F clash while Manipur Hockey will face Hockey Karnataka in a Pool G clash. In Saturday's final two matches of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Hockey Uttarakhand won their respective matches. The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu defeated Hockey Gujarat 6-0. Nandhini (14', 15', 34', 41') was the star performer of the encounter for Tamil Nadu. Krishnapriya (24') and Sabarimanidevi (59') also chipped in with a goal each. Hockey Uttarakhand won their Pool G clash against Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey with a 5-0 victory. Captain Mamta Bhatt (17', 29') scored a vital brace while Komal Dhami (7'), Beena Pandey (12') and Hema Singh (57') found one goal each. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh: Sukhu-led govt survival depends on by-elections to be held with LS polls
CHANDIGARH: The fate of the 15-month-old Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh now depends on the outcome of the assembly bypolls to the six seats. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), voting for the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will be held simultaneously on June 1. On Saturday, the ECI announced simultaneous bypolls in the six assembly segments of Dharamsala in Kangra, Sujanpur and Barsar in Hamirpur, Gagret in Una, Kutlehar and Lahaul-Spiti. The bye-elections were necessitated following the disqualification of six MLAs -- Sudhir Sharma from Dharamsala, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul-Spiti, Chaitnaya Sharma from Gagret and Devender Bhutto from Kutlehar. With the Congresss strength in the state assembly being reduced to 34, it will require two more seats to save its government from collapsing. As the BJP has 25 MLAs, the support of three Independent MLAs Hoshiyar Singh from Dehra, KL Thakur from Nalagarh and Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur is a must to win all the six seats. If the BJP wins all the six seats, its strength in the assembly will rise to 31 and with three independents on its side, the total number will be 34:34. Thus, the Congress is set to focus more on the assembly bypoll as its result will determine its governments survival than winning any of the four Lok Sabha seats. After the ECI announced the poll dates, the mercury in the political barometer shot up with both the ruling Congress and BJP putting in all their might to win the maximum number of seats. Sources said that the possibility of BJP giving a ticket to Congress rebel MLA Sudhir Sharma from the Kangra Lok Sabha seat cannot be ruled out. SC will on Monday take up a plea filed by six disqualified HP rebel Congress MLAs challenging state assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathanias decision to disqualify them under anti-defection law. SC to take up plea against House Speaker Supreme Court will on Monday take up a plea filed by six disqualified Himachal Pradesh rebel Congress MLAs challenging state assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathanias February 29 decision to disqualify them under the anti-defection law.
Why the Congress horses have no fear of whip?
Jag Mohan Thaken In the recent Rajya Sabha elections held in Himachal Pradesh, Congress had to face a shameful defeat despite having majority in the assembly. In a shocking result to the Congress, its candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi lost his battle to BJP's Harsh Mahajan on February 27, despite Congress is in power in the [] The post Why the Congress horses have no fear of whip? appeared first on Northlines .
Rishikesh, Nainital, Kasauli, Jim Corbett, and other regions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have emerged as the top destinations. DLF and Tata Housing have already launched luxury housing projects in Himachal Pradesh with Eldeco, Sushma Group, and Sabh Infra being the newest in the fray.
Haryana, Odisha into QFs of Senior Women National Hockey Championship 2024
Haryana, Odisha into QFs of Senior Women National Hockey Championship 2024 Day 5 of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship witnessed Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Mizoram clinch victories in their respective matches at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Pimpri, Pune. With the day's results, Hockey Haryana and Hockey Association of Odisha sealed their berth in the Quarter-Finals. Hockey Haryana prevailed against Le Puducherry Hockey 22-0 in a Pool D encounter to mark their second consecutive win of the tournament. Yet again, the experienced Hockey Haryana side was relentless in their pursuit of goals. Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Deepika (4', 11', 14', 15', 42', 49) continued her purple patch while Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Sharmila Devi (35', 41', 45'), and Indian Women's Hockey Team defenders, Monika (17', 19', 53',) and Neelam (15', 25', and 30',) found the back of the net on three occasions each. Furthermore, Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Navneet Kaur (2', 33', 45') scored spectacular hat-tricks as well. Indian Women's Hockey Team midfielder Jyoti (32', 33') also didn't miss out on the opportunity and registered a brace with back-to-back goals while Indian Women's Hockey Team midfielder Neha Goyal (40'), Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Udita (42) also scored a goal. In a Pool E clash, the Hockey Association of Odisha secured their second consecutive victory after a 6-1 victory against Hockey Chandigarh. Odisha's offence was guided by Dipti Lakra (10', 23') brace and goals from Ajmina Kujur (15'), Jiwan Kishori Toppo (30'), Mariana Kujur (50') and Captain Lilima Minz (51'). Meanwhile, Priyanka (26') was the sole goal scorer for Hockey Chandigarh. In a Pool F clash, Hockey Mizoram registered a 20-2 victory against Hockey Rajasthan. Indian Women's Hockey Team forward, Lalremsiami (6', 29', 34', 36', 56', 60') and Lalrinpuii (13', 15', 26', 51', 57') were the top scorers for Hockey Mizoram while Lalneihpuii (14', 22', 49) also scored a hat-trick. Adding to the scoresheet, Vanlalhriatpuii (27', 39'), H Lalruatfeli (11'), Lalthantluangi (17'), F.Lalbiaksiami (18') and Marina Lalramnghaki (33') scored for Mizoram as well. Rajasthan's two goals were scored by Usha Kumari (33') and Manisha Sharma (48') Later in the evening, Hockey Himachal Pradesh will take on Hockey Punjab in a Pool F clash while Manipur Hockey will face Hockey Karnataka in a Pool G clash. In Saturday's final two matches of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Hockey Uttarakhand won their respective matches. The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu defeated Hockey Gujarat 6-0. Nandhini (14', 15', 34', 41') was the star performer of the encounter for Tamil Nadu. Krishnapriya (24') and Sabarimanidevi (59') also chipped in with a goal each. Hockey Uttarakhand won their Pool G clash against Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey with a 5-0 victory. Captain Mamta Bhatt (17', 29') scored a vital brace while Komal Dhami (7'), Beena Pandey (12') and Hema Singh (57') found one goal each. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Travel Agents urge ECI to hold Loksabha elections in phase 1
The HPTAA expressed concern that holding elections later in the year would coincide with peak tourist activity
5 national highways, 259 roads closed as snow, rain lash Himachal Pradesh
The MeT office also predicted rain and snow at isolated places on high hills on Monday and Tuesday and wet spell in the state from Thursday onwards.
Stakes high for both Congress and BJP in Himachal's Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat
Stakes high for both Congress and BJP in Himachal's Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat Stakes are high for both the Congress, the ruling party in Himachal Pradesh, and the BJP in the high profile Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency as by-elections to four assembly constituencies out of six which fell vacant after disqualification of rebel Congress MLAs, fall under this parliamentary seat. The by-elections would be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. With the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, the party's strength has been reduced from 40 to 34, including the Speaker in the 68-member assembly. The BJP, with 25 members, enjoys the support of three independents and these six seats can break or make the government as 35 MLAs are needed for a majority in the House. The selection of candidates for the by-elections is a tedious job for the BJP as all the rebels had defeated the BJP candidates in 2022 polls while the Congress would have to look for new candidates. These six MLAs were disqualified for supporting the BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate, and this fact would be kept in mind while giving the ticket. However, the final call in this regard would be taken by the top leadership, former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur told PTI on Sunday. Four out of the six assembly seats going to poll on June 1, represented by Congress rebels namely Rajinder Rana (Sujanpur), Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Barsar), Chetanya Sharma (Gagret), and Devinder Kumar Bhutto (Kutlehar) fall in Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, while two seats -- represented by Sudhir Sharma (Dharamshala) and Ravi Thakur (Lahaul and Spiti) fall under the Kangra and Mandi Lok Sabha seats, respectively. These seats had become vacant after the six rebel Congress MLAs, who had abstained from voting on the cut motion and the Finance Bill (Budget) in the assembly, were disqualified for defying the party's whip to be present in the assembly and vote in favour of the government. They were among the nine MLAs, including three Independents, who had voted in favour of BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the recently held Rajya Sabha polls. Sitting BJP MP and Union Minister Anurag Thakur is contesting from the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency for the fifth time, while the party's national president J P Nadda hails from Bilaspur and had represented the Bilaspur (Sadar) seat, which also falls under the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, thrice. On the other hand, both Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his deputy Mukesh Agnihotri also represent the Nadaun and Haroli assembly segments in the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency. The expenditure limit for Lok sabha candidate and assembly candidates would be Rs 95 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, respectively as per the state election commission. The disqualified MLAs have filed an appeal against their disqualification in the Supreme Court and the hearing is slated for March 18.
Can Cong reverse fortunes after 2 LS poll defeats?
It is in power on its own only in three states -- Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana -- with a big question mark on whether it can even stake claim to be head of the INDIA bloc.
Mumbai Police bust gang supplying drugs from Himachal Pradesh via train
During the investigation, the police found that the accused gang was hiding drugs by putting them in bandages on their hands and legs
Clear divide between Shimla and Kangra parliamentary constituencies in Himachal Pradesh
Clear divide between Shimla and Kangra parliamentary constituencies in Himachal Pradesh Even though the two parliamentary constituencies hold the same number of assembly segments, Shimla emerges as a favourite over Kangra when it comes to picking of people to be inducted into the cabinet. The present Congress cabinet has five ministers, one deputy speaker, and three chief parliamentary secretaries from Shilma, while two ministers, a speaker, and two CPSs from Kangra. Both parliamentary constituencies have 17 assembly segments each. Kangra Lok Sabha seat has 13 assembly segments from Kangra and four from Chamba district. The Shimla LS seat consists of seven assembly segments from Shimla and five each from Solan and Sirmaur districts. Kangra, though overlooked, holds the key to power in the state if the pattern so far is to be believed. It has become kind of become a thumb rule that the party which captures Kangra district forms the government in the state. The rule was vindicated once again in 2022 assembly polls, when Congress formed the government on the back of 10 assembly seats from Kangra. Initially, only one minister was inducted in the cabinet from Kangra. However, as tensions brewed in the party, another was included in cabinet expansion in December 2023. Since 1966, when Kangra was merged with Himachal, people have a feeling that the district has been given a short shrift which has reflected, at least this time, in an iniquitous representation in the cabinet. For this reason and more, the disparity, in the coming Lok Sabha election, may benefit the BJP, which has been upbeat since the Ram Temple consecration and may leverage the sentiments of the people in the Hindu predominant state. The party also received a vote of confidence when six Congress MLAs cast their lot in its favour during the recently held Rajya Sabha election. On the other hand, Congress is struggling to quell infighting in the party and is accused of allowing over-concentration of power in Shimla district. There is also a speculation that the BJP may field Sudhir Sharma, one of the six Congress rebels, from Kangra parliamentary constituency. According to the long held convention, when Congress comes to power in the state, its chief minister hails from old areas of Shimla or Sirmaur, while when the BJP forms the government, the CM comes from merged areas of Kangra and Hamirpur. For the first time in 2022, the state got a chief minister in Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu from the merged areas. The BJP won all four Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and swept the polls by a huge margin in 2019, with Krishan Kapoor from Kangra, Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi, Anurag Thakur from Hamirpur, and Suresh Kashyap from Shimla elected as MPs. However, the death of Ram Swaroop Sharma led to by-elections in the Mandi parliament seat in 2021. The election was won by Pratibha Singh, the wife of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh and current Congress state chief.
BJP plans to go whole hog against Opposition on corruption, dynasty
NEW DELHI: As the battle lines for the Lok Sabha elections have been drawn with the announcement of the 7-phase polls, the BJP is learnt to have suggested its NDA allies take on the Opposition on corruption, nepotism, dynastic and appeasement politics. A public movement needs to be raised against corruption being encouraged by the Opposition. Equally strongly, we must make the people aware as to how the Opposition has been misleading the people by wrongly trusting their leaders for decades. We should expose them on issues that plagued the countrys economy and governance for a long time, remarked a senior BJP leader. He said the Modi governments performance in the past 10 years has reflected a vision to make India Viksit-Bharat by 2047. Party sources said the track record of good governance coupled with records of performances in all sectors would be the USP for NDA in seeking the third term with more than 400 seats. As the NDA mascot, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on X, The biggest festival of democracy is here! EC has announced the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates. We, the BJP-led NDA, are fully prepared. We are going to the people based on our track record of good governance and service delivery across sectors. In another post, Modi spoke about a roadmap for the future of the country. I can see that the coming five years will be about our collective resolve of establishing the road map that will guide our trajectory as a nation for the next thousand years and make India the embodiment of global leadership. Expecting the youth, women and the poor to support him for the third term, Modi said he derived strength from peoples blessings, including women, youth and farmers. When they say mai Modi ka parivar it fills me with joy and makes me work harder to build a Viksit-Bharat. This is the era to make it happen and together we will ye hi samay hai, sahi samay hai (this is the right time), Modi wrote. In a swipe at the Opposition, Modi termed it rudderless and issueless. All they can do is abuse us and practise vote-bank politics. Their dynastic approach and attempts to divide society are not being accepted. Equally hurting them is their corruption track record. People dont want such a leadership, Modi said. Meanwhile, BJPs principal poll strategist Amit Shah said: PM Modi has demonstrated a fierce commitment to development by ending the politics of dynasty, corruption, appeasement from the countrys political system and focusing on the development of all sections. The BJP is working hard to make its presence felt well in South India. In recent times, the PM has travelled across southern states more than 20 times. Tech ready, time not ripe A technology to link several EVMs and hide booth-wise voting patterns is ready with the Election Commission but the time to implement the idea has not come yet, CEC Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. The totalizer is a technology to link several polling machines and combine the results. But here, people do not have faith in the result of one machine, Kumar said. Bypolls for 26 constituencies By-elections to 26 assembly seats across 13 states, including six constituencies in Himachal Pradesh where Congress MLAs were disqualified for rebellion, will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections beginning April 19. By-elections will be held in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference. BJP SCOREBOARD & PROMISES Last 10 years performances Ram temple construction Implementation of CAA Womens Reservation Act 6 flagship schemes including Ujjwala Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Awas Yojana, Vande Bharat trains, Chandrayan-III launch, New Parliament construction Vision Viksit Bharat by 2047 Promise to make India the worlds third-largest economy in 5 years SALVOS AT OPPN Dynastic politics Appeasement politics Opposition leaders in corruption cases Opposition boycott of Ram temple consecration Anti-Sanatan Dharma remarks CONGRESS PROMISES Nari Nyay guarantees for women Pehli Naukri Pakki for youths Share of Justice guarantees Dalits, tribals, minorities and weaker sections Labour Justice guarantees for workers Kisan Nyay guarantees for farmers Nationwide caste census Fight against hatred SHOTS AGAINST GOVT Electoral bonds row EVM-VVPATs mismatch Rising inflation Rising unemployment Glitches in the Agniveer scheme Farmers unrest Second longest The voting period for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, spread over 44 days, is the second longest after the first general elections of 1951-52 which lasted more than four months. The shortest voting was in 1980, just four days. Busting fake news The EC will use a two-pronged strategy to deal with misinformation and fake narratives on social media during the Lok Sabha polls. It will soon launch a Myth vs Reality project to clear the air around fake news online. United stance Heres a look at the alliances stitched by the ruling and opposition parties across states this time: INDIA Bloc Uttar Pradesh (Congress +Samjawadi party (SP) Maharashtra MVA (Congress + Shiv Sena (UBT) +NCP) Bihar (Congress + RJD+ CPM+CPI) Delhi (Congress +AAP) Madhya Pradesh (Congress +SP) Gujarat (Congress +AAP) Tamil Nadu (DMK+ Congress +CPM+CPI) Goa (Congress +AAP) Jharkhand ( Congress +JMM) NDA Bihar ( BJP + JDU +LJP) Maharashtra ( BJP+NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) +Shiv Sena ( Shinde) Andhra Pradesh ( BJP+TDP+JSP Odisha (BJP +BJD)
JUIT students get international education experience
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 16: Giving its students an international experience through Foreign Students Exchange programme is one of the best practices of the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, Himachal Pradesh. In this regard, the department offered UG/PG students a chance to conduct research at SD Mines in South Dakota, University of Missouri in Columbia, and University of Nebraska in Omaha, USA, for one semester. Twenty students have taken advantage of this chance [] The post JUIT students get international education experience appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Disqualified Congress MLAs threaten to 'expose' Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu
HAMIRPUR: The six disqualified Congress MLAs in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday said they will file a defamation case against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and threatened to expose him. In a joint statement, the six disqualified Congress MLAs and three Independent lawmakers said they have decided to file a defamation case against Sukhu and the chief minister will be liable to prove the allegations he has made against them. The six Congress MLAs, who had abstained from voting on a cut motion and finance bill (Budget) in the assembly, were disqualified for defying a party whip to be present in the House and vote in favour of the government. Disqualified Congress MLAs Rajendra Rana, Ravi Thakur, Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar Bhutto and Independent lawmakers KL Thakur, Hoshiyar Singh and Ashish Sharma said they will tell the public how they were humiliated during the past 14 months and development works in their constituencies stopped. They alleged that Sukhu has become nervous as power is slipping out of his hands and he is fearful that his deeds will be exposed if he loses power. They also said the government shut the doors on unemployed youngsters, the Congress manifesto was thrown into the dustbin and favourites are being rewarded even during an acute financial crisis.
Disqualified Himachal Congress MLAs Threaten To Expose Sukhvinder Sukhu
The six disqualified Congress MLAs in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday said they will file a defamation case against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and threatened to expose him.
Himachal will go to polls for four Lok Sabha, six Assembly seats on June 1
Shimla, March 16 (IANS) Voting for the four Lok Sabha seats in Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh will be held in a single phase on June 1, it was announced on Saturday. All four seats Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla (reserved) are held by the BJP. By-elections to six Assembly seats, all held by the []
26 Assembly by-elections to be held along with Lok Sabha polls
Election Commission of India to hold bypolls in Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, among others
26 assembly bypolls across 13 states to be held along with Lok Sabha elections
New Delhi:By-elections to 26 assembly seats across 13 states, including six constituencies in Himachal Pradesh where Congress MLAs were disqualified for rebellion, will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections beginning April 19. There are 26 assembly constituencies where by-elections are due. These are in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West 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 .
SC to hear plea of six Himachal Congress MLAs against their disqualification on March 18
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on March 18 a joint plea filed by six rebel Congress MLAs. The plea challenges the State Assembly Speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania's decision to disqualify them, under Tenth Schedule after cross voting in the recently concluded Rajya Sabha elections. According to the cause list of the top court, a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta, would hear the plea of the six rebel MLAs on March 18, Monday. The six Congress MLAs (Member of Legislarive Assembly) who have been disqualified by Pathania are: Sudhir Sharma, Rajinder Rana, Ravi Thakur, Chaitanya Sharma, Davinder K Bhutto, and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal. These six rebel-disqualified Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs, on March first week, knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court challenging the State Assembly Speaker's decision to disqualify them. They were disqualified as they had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls, for abstaining from voting on the Budget in the assembly, Parhania in his decision said. The State Assembly Speaker, Parhania, had in his order disqualified these six Congress MLAs, after noting that they attracted disqualification under the anti-defection law as they defied the whip. They thereby also ceased to be members of the House. But the six MLAs, in their defence, submitted that the mandatory seven days' time for replying to the notice was not given to them.
Lok Sabha polls 2024: SWOT analysis of rivals in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, Congress faces a deepening crisis attributed to the BJP. SWOT analysis reveals Congress strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. BJP benefits from various factors, including the Ram temple inauguration and welfare schemes, amid the state's political turmoil.
BJP to form govt with overwhelming majority: JP Nadda welcomes announcement of LS poll dates by ECI
BJP to form govt with overwhelming majority: JP Nadda welcomes announcement of LS poll dates by ECI Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda on Saturday welcomed the announcement of 2024 Lok Sabha election dates by the Election Commission and exuded confidence that the saffron party will form the government with an overwhelming majority. Taking to the microblogging site X, the BJP president posted, I welcome the announcement of Lok Sabha elections 2024 by the Election Commission. Elections are the biggest festival of democracy. It is a medium to keep the country and the state moving on the path of development and good governance. Nadda further called upon the people of the entire nation to vote in record numbers and strengthen the foundation of the world's largest democracy. I call upon the people of the entire nation to vote in record numbers and further strengthen the foundation of the world's largest democracy. Under the leadership of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, BJP will form the government with an overwhelming majority and will work with determination to fulfill the aspirations of the people for the next 5 years, he added. The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases from April 19, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday. The counting will be held on June 4. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for Lok Sabha and four state Assembly elections. Phase 1 elections will be held on April 19, the last date for making nominations is March 27. Polls will be held in 21 States and Union Territories. Phase 2 elections will be held from April 26, last date of nominations for candidates in April 4.Second phase will cover 12 States and Union Territories. Phase 3 elections will be held on May 7, last date for nominations for candidates is April 19. The third phase will cover 12 States and Union Territories. Phase 4 elections will be held on May 13, last date for nominations for candidates is April 25.Fourth phase will cover 10 States and Union Territories. Phase 5 elections will be held on May 20, last date for nominations for candidates in May 3. The fifth phase will cover 8 States and Union Territories. Phase 6 elections will be held on May 25, the last date for nominations for candidates is May 6. The sixth phase will cover 7 States and Union territories. Phase 7 elections will be held on June 1, last date for nominations for candidates is May 14. The seventh phase will cover 8 States and Union Territories. Phase 1 elections will be held in 102 constituencies, a total of 89 constituencies will undergo in phase 2. In Phase 3, polling will be held in 94 constituencies. 96 constituencies will undergo polling in Phase 4, and 49 constituencies will undergo polling in Phase 5. In Phase 6, polls will be held in 57 constituencies and also in Phase 7, 57 constituencies will undergo for polls. The assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will be held on May 13. while the Assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on April 19; Counting of votes will be held Jun 4. Nearly 97 crore voters will be eligible to vote for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies across the country. With the announcement of dates, the moral code of conduct comes into force immediately. CEC Rajiv Kumar said that strict directions have been given to District Magistrates and SPs to ensure level playing field. CAPF to be deployed adequately & assisted by Integrated control rooms in each district. Check posts & drones to ensure vigil. Ensuring voters' trust is paramount. Violence in elections is unacceptable. Impersonators to be swiftly punished. Transparency in permissions to parties/candidates through SUVIDHA portal. ECI has offered 27 apps and portals for all stakeholders. Vigil empowers citizens to report MCC violations and assured action within 100 mts. KYC app facilitates informed voting. A revamped results portal to enhance the experience on results day. He further mentioned that the poll body is sensitive to environmentally sustainable elections. We are making efforts to minimise single-use plastic and encourage eco-friendly practices in the election process, he said. CEC Kumar informed that to curb the flow of illicit money, the poll body has held extensive reviews with enforcement agencies. Cash movement worth around Rs 3,400 crore was restricted in the last 11 state assembly elections in Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Tripura, CEC Kumar said. Measures like ESMs portal, and coordination between agencies resulted in an exponential increase in seizures in the last 11 elections, he added. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that there is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections. From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them, he said. With the announcement of election dates, the model code of conduct comes into immediate effect. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh: Cong seeks to bury crisis, regain lost momentum ahead of polling
Himachal Pradesh: Cong seeks to bury crisis, regain lost momentum ahead of polling Himachal Pradesh state is set for a direct contest between the BJP, riding high on the Ram Mandir plank, and the Congress, which is struggling to get its house in order. The Congress in the state plunged into a crisis in February, just 14 months after its victory in the Assembly elections, when six of its MLAs cross-voted in favour of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls for the state's lone seat. Its central leadership rushed into damage-control mode as the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government veered close to losing its majority in the assembly. Lok Sabha polls in the state will be held on June 1 in the seventh phase of voting, as announced Saturday. The state's ruling Congress is now targeting the previous BJP regime for leading Himachal Pradesh into a ''debt trap''. And it will showcase its own government's handling of the monsoon disaster without the ''special package'' it wanted from the BJP-run Centre. The state government says it dug into its own coffers and shelled out Rs 4,500 crore for relief and rehabilitation of its people. The BJP won all four Lok Sabha seats in the hill state last time. However, it lost the Mandi parliamentary seat in the 2021 by-election. The seat had fallen vacant after the death of BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. Congress candidate Pratibha Singh, the party's state unit chief, won the seat, riding a sympathy wave after the death of her husband and former chief minister Virbhadra Singh. In the 2022 state elections, the Congress won 40 seats in the 68-member assembly. The crisis triggered last month by rebel MLAs appears to have been papered over by the Congress. But the party is still not sure about the stability of its government in the state. And the BJP claims that some more Congress MLAs are in touch with them. Following the disqualification of the rebel legislators, the effective strength of the House has reduced from 68 to 62. The number of Congress MLAs has shrunk from 40 to 34. The BJP has 25 MLAs and the remaining three are Independents, who sided with the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. Previously, the Congress won all Lok Sabha seats in Himachal in elections held in 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1980, 1984 and 1996. The party won three seats in 2004, two in 1991 and one each in 1989 and 2009, before losing all seats in 1977, 1999, 2014 and 2019. The Janata Party and the BJP-Himachal Vikas Congress swept the polls in 1977 and 1999 respectively, while the BJP made a clean sweep in 2014 and 2019. Before the election announcement, the BJP began its 'Reach the Villages' campaign, slamming the state government over the still ''unfulfilled'' poll promises. But the Congress has been trying to regain lost momentum. Just days back, Sukhu announced the implementation of one of the poll promises a Rs 1,500 monthly stipend for eligible women in the 18-60 age group. The government says this will benefit five lakh women.
Read on further to find out the dates of Lok Sabha Polls in ..... Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh
Congress: strength, weakness, opportunities and threats as it enters poll fray
Congress: strength, weakness, opportunities and threats as it enters poll fray Entering the Lok Sabha poll fray after two successive defeats with its political image considerably dented, the Congress faces a tough battle for its very survival this election as it fights a powerful BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The grand old party, which dominated the national political scene from the pre-independence era until the last decade, has been reduced to a pale shadow of what it once was. It is in power on its own only in three states -- Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana with a big question mark on whether it can even stake claim to be head of the INDIA bloc. The past decade with Modi at the Centre has been one of particular strain for the 138-year-old party, which failed to get even 10 per cent seats of the total strength of the Lok Sabha needed to secure the Leader of Opposition's position in the House. Now banking on its glorious legacy, the Congress is hoping to arrest its decline though multiple challenges continue to stare it in the face. The party secured only 52 seats out of 421 contested in the last election, improving its tally slightly over 2014 when it bagged 44 out of 464 seats contested. As many as 148 Congress candidates lost their deposits in 2019 as against 178 in 2014. The peak came in 1984 when it won a record 404 seats. From that high, its Lok Sabha strength fell to 197 seats in the 1989 general election to 232 in 1991, 140 in 1996, 141 in 1998, 114 in 1999, 145 in 2004 and 206 in 2009, shrinking to double digits for the first time in 2014 and hovering there in 2019. The faint silver lining for the party in the 2019 and 2014 LS polls was that it maintained its vote share of nearly 19 per cent, which it now hopes to build on. In 2009, when Manmohan Singh returned to power, it secured 28.55 per cent of the votes. Here is an analysis of the Congress party's strength, weakness, opportunities, threat (SWOT) ahead of the 2024 general elections. STRENGTHS: Endowed with a rich political legacy, the Congress continues to project itself as a secular, all-inclusive pan-India party with pockets of influence in traditional voter constituencies of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and Muslims. With a consistent all-India caste census push, it hopes to woo the OBCs, the biggest estimated voter block in the national population. Continuing with its rights-based promises, the Congress has assured justice for all - the poor, oppressed, Dalits, farmers, youth and women. It has also appealed to the people on its five guarantees to empower India -- Yuva Nyay, Bhagidaari Nyay, Naari Nyay, Kisan Nyay and Shramik Nyay. The party is hoping it can encash on this. The party has presence in every state. Its stress on bread and butter issues -- price rise, unemployment and communal disharmony -- are designed to engage the powerful youth voter who has emerged as a swing factor in poll after poll. WEAKNESSES: The grand old party, which boasts of stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri and even Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at one point of time, today lacks the quality of leadership it once offered. The top party brass has been repeatedly accused of losing touch with the pulse of the people despite former Congress president Rahul Gandhi trying to reconnect through the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Consistent lack of introspection despite successive poll losses appears to have added to the hubris with several one-time loyalists leaving for other parties. The party also appears to be out of touch with the national mood on major issues of the day where the BJP continues to command the narrative. Its decision to decline to attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony led to consternation in some quarters. The partys position on criminalisation of triple talaq law, stand on abrogation of Article 370 and the CAA have also led to questions. The BJP has been painting the principal opposition party as a ''negative frustrated force'' which ''opposes for the sake of opposition'' and this found resonance in some members of the party who finally left. Too much dependence on past glory, disconnect with Generation Next and the millennials are its other weaknesses. The new generation has no consciousness of Congress party's golden era under Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi while the BJP has built its entire anti Congress stand on UPA's decade-long rule which it says was ''marked by corruption, nepotism and appeasement''. A cash crunch following the freezing of bank accounts to the tune of Rs 225 crore poses another major hurdle for campaigning. OPPORTUNITIES: The Congress will aim to consolidate the anti BJP vote building on the recent groundswell of Rahul Gandhi's two Bharat Jodo Yatras, besides hammering the latest ECI disclosure on electoral bonds as an ''extortion racket''. The party also seeks to gain from the BJP's decade long incumbency by offering sops and freebies which powered it to victories in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Unity among opposition parties in the anti BJP INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Congress. THREATS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mass connect and growing domestic and global profile may hit the party hard. The BJP continues to rise electorally. It has grown from two MPs in 1984 to 303 in 2019, and has now set itself a target of 370 seats. The continued hold of regional parties fighting to retain core constituencies across states may scatter the anti BJP vote to Modi's advantage. A major threat for the Congress is the consistent exodus of leaders, simmering internal rumblings and inaccessibility of top leadership, with the Gandhis still in command and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge largely seen as their proxy. The Congress has to also contend with opposition parties competing with each other in several states, undermining the unity of the INDIA bloc and dividing the opposition vote bank. The failure of the bloc to put up a single candidate against the BJP might affect electoral prospects.
SC Set March 18 For hearing Plea By 6 Disqualified Himachal MLAs
On March 18, the Supreme Court (SC) will review a plea filed by six Congress dissidents from Himachal Pradesh, disqualified for cross-voting in the recent Rajya Sabha polls. During the budget vote, they defied a Congress directive to support the state government. The hearing is before Justices Sanjiv Khanna and... The post SC Set March 18 For hearing Plea By 6 Disqualified Himachal MLAs appeared first on HW News English .
Supreme Court To Hear Plea By 6 Disqualified Himachal MLAs On March 18
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on March 18 a plea filed by six Congress rebels, who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh, against their disqualification from the state assembly.
2024 battle royal: 'Modi Ki Guarantee' vs Congress' Nyay guarantees
NEW DELHI: Promises galore during poll season and the Lok Sabha elections would be no different with guarantees from various political parties set to compete during the high-decibel campaign. Elections are often won or lost on narratives and it is the issues that connect on the ground which decides the fate of the political parties. Here is a look at the 10 key issues that are likely to be talked about during the poll campaign by various political parties:-- * Modi Ki Guarantee: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is brimming with confidence for bagging a third term, has pitched 'Modi Ki Guarantee' as the main theme of his campaign. 'Modi Ki Guarantee', as described on the PM's website, is a guarantee for the development of the youth, empowerment of the women, welfare of the farmers, and all those marginalised and vulnerable who have been ignored for decades. The idea is also about the government's aim of ensuring saturation of all welfare schemes. It is likely to be the 'catchphrase' in this election around which much of the war of words between rivals would gravitate. Will be on roads from 6am on poll days, says Bengal guv Bose * Congress' Nyay guarantees: The grand old party found its mojo back to some extent in the state elections of Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana when it pitched guarantees to the people which clicked electorally. Now for the Lok Sabha polls, the party has strongly pitched for its 5 'Nyay' guarantees aimed at ensuring justice for youth, farmers, women, labourers, as well as participatory justice. The 'Nyay' guarantees have been presented before the people during the Manipur to Mumbai Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The Congress' manifesto is likely to be framed around these guarantees and the party would design its campaign around them. Whether it will result in the party's electoral resurgence, only time will tell. * Unemployment and price rise: The INDIA bloc, including the Congress, has been raising the issue of unemployment and rising prices of essential commodities. They have stated repeatedly that lack of jobs is the single biggest issue and have sought to corner the government over the issue. The BJP has hit back citing job growth and a fast-growing economy. The poll season would see intensifying debate over these bread and butter issues. * Abrogation of Article 370, CAA and Uniform Civil Code: These have been part of the BJP's longstanding promises to the people. The BJP has and will continue to project its achievement of implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the abrogation of Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir. The party's government has also passed a law on the uniform civil code in Uttarakhand as a precursor to its objective of devising such a law nationally. The Modi government has projected these actions to assert that it believes in the mantra of walking the talk. The opposition has slammed these moves as attempts to create, divide and impose uniformity. The debate on these issues is likely to get sharper and more aggressive in the poll season. Need for SC-monitored probe pressing: Congress on electoral bonds issue * Ram Mandir: The January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya was marked by the BJP with tremendous enthusiasm. The symbolism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the ceremony and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath being at the forefront during the ceremony was not lost on anybody. The BJP leaders have credited the prime minister for making a centuries-old dream come true. With saffron flags fluttering in most parts of the Hindi-speaking belt to mark the occasion, the impact of this can be felt by everyone. Even the opposition leaders concede that the Ram temple has given the BJP the advantage in northern India. Analysts believe that much of the BJP's confidence of getting at least 370 seats stems from this 'Ram temple wave'. * Electoral Bonds Data: The Election Commission has made the data on electoral bonds public. The Congress has demanded a high-level probe by the Supreme Court against the ruling BJP and freezing of its bank accounts for alleged corruption in the electoral bonds scheme. The issue has come to the fore right before the polls and the opposition has seized on it but whether it will work at the grassroots level or not is still to be seen. It would, however, certainly be one of the talking points during the campaign. * 'Amrit Kaal' versus 'Anyay Kaal': Another likely recurrent campaign theme during the poll season would be the BJP's assertion that the Modi dispensation assured good governance, fast paced growth and a vision for the future. The Congress on the other hand has dubbed the 10 years of the Modi government as 'anyay kaal' marked by unemployment, rising prices, capture of institutions, attack on the Constitution, and rising economic inequalities. While the opposition INDIA bloc is likely to highlight the government's 'failures' to claim that the last 10 years have been about show over substance, the BJP would counter it with arguments such as tiding over the pandemic, reducing poverty, free ration scheme and other welfare measures for the poor. No corrupt person will escape, says PM Modi in Telangana rally * Farmers issues and legal guarantee of MSP: The farmers' agitation at the borders of Delhi just ahead of polls is also likely to dominate the discourse with the opposition alleging that the tillers had been etrayed by the government and promising to provide legal guarantee for MSP if its bloc comes to power. The BJP leaders have been holding talks with farmer leaders to assuage their concerns and have been alleging that many of the agitators were politically motivated. The government has also stressed how its PM-KISAN scheme aid has transformed the lives of tillers. As with most elections, farmers' issues would be critical to the discourse. * Clash of ideologies: This election also marks a crucial phase in what many call the attle of ideologies between the BJP and the Congress. Both parties would present their ideological principles before the people and ask them to choose one. * Viksit Bharat vision: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that the goal of the country is to become a developed nation. He has stated that his government's actions are committed to achieve the goal by 2047. The vision for a Viksit Bharat is likely to dominate the BJP's campaign while the opposition has been dubbing it as another jumla. However, it would remain a dominant theme during the course of the campaign. Electoral bonds scheme an extortion racket used for toppling govts, breaking parties: Rahul Gandhi
SC to Hear on Mar 18 Plea by Six Disqualified HP MLAs Against Their Disqualification
The six rebels Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar Bhutto were disqualified for defying a Congress whip to be present in the House and voting in favour of the Himachal Pradesh government during the cut motion and budget
Supreme Court to Review Plea of Disqualified HP MLAs on March 18
On March 18, the Supreme Court is slated to hear a plea submitted by six disqualified members of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly. These members, who belonged to the Congress party, had defied party orders during the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state. The six rebels - Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma, and Devinder Kumar Bhutto - faced disqualification for their actions. They had chosen to vote against the Congress whip, which directed them to support the Himachal Pradesh government during crucial motions concerning budgetary matters. The cause list for Monday, available on the Supreme Court's website, indicates that the case will be brought before a bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta. During a previous hearing on March 12, the bench raised questions regarding why the petitioners had not pursued legal action in the high court prior to approaching the Supreme Court. In response, the petitioners' legal counsel highlighted the unusual circumstances of the case, noting that the Speaker had disqualified the MLAs within a remarkably short span of 18 hours. Supreme Court Petition: Congress Legislators Challenge Disqualification in Himachal Pradesh 2024 Lok Sabha Election Dates Expected to be Announced This Week Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu: New Election Commissioners Appointed in India
Four national highways, 279 roads closed as snow, rain lash Himachal Pradesh
SHIMLA: A total of 279 roads, including four national highways, have been closed for vehicular traffic in Himachal Pradesh due to recent snow and rains even though the state witnessed a dry day on Friday. Manali received traces of snow in the past 24 hours, the MeT said on Saturday, adding a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from the night of March 20. About 96 per cent of the total roads are blocked in the high altitude and tribal areas, and a maximum of 249 roads were closed in Tribal Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Chamba and nine in Kinnaur on Friday night. Four roads are blocked each in Kullu and Mandi, one each in Kangra and Shimla, as per the state emergency operation centre. As many as 246 transformers are out of order and three water supply schemes are disrupted. There was no significant change in the minimum temperatures and Keylong at minus 7. 7 degree Celsius was the coldest at night while Kukumseri recorded a low of minus 4.1 degree Celsius.
Illegal Sand mining case: ED raids trader Krishna Mohan Singh's residence among other places in Bihar's Arrah The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations in Bihar's Arrah district on Saturday in connection with a money laundering probe against sand trader Krishna Mohan Singh as part of an investigation in illegal sand mining and its sale. The raids are underway at various places under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency raided Singh's residence in Arrah among other places in close coordination with state police based on inputs against the trader. Singh's assets in Arrah's Anand Nagar locality are also under ED's radar. The agency arrived at Singh's residence early today to investigate the unaccounted wealth earned by the trader from the sand business. The case appears to have a connection with a money laundering case against Broadsons Commodities Pvt Ltd. Last month, the ED had provisionally attached two immovable properties to the extent of Rs 26.19 crore acquired by Radha Charan Sah, MLC, Bihar Legislative Council under the PMLA, 2002. ED initiated an investigation based on 19 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by Bihar police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Bihar Mineral (Concession, Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rule, 2019 against Broadson Commodities Private Limited and others. It is alleged that Broadson Commodities Private Limited has been involved in illegal sand mining and selling of sand without using the departmental pre-paid transportation e-challan issued by the mining authority, Bihar and has caused huge revenue loss to the extent of Rs 161.15 crore to the government exchequer. ED investigation revealed that the illegal sale of sand and its mining was mainly controlled by a syndicate. Radha Charan Sah, being a syndicate member, generated huge proceeds of crime through Broadsons Commodities Private Limited which was involved in the illegal sale of sand. He layered and laundered the proceeds of crime with the assistance of his son Kanhaiya Prasad using the Hawala network. He used it in the acquisition and development of a resort in Manali (Himachal Pradesh) through a company where his sons are shareholders and to carry out construction in the school in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) run by his family-owned trust. He used the facade of a firm and a trust owned by his family members to layer the proceeds of crime. Earlier in the instant case, searches were conducted at the premises linked with the company and syndicate members and cash of Rs. 1.49 crore was seized. Further, Radha Charan Sah, his son Kanhaiya Prasad and the Directors of Broad Son Commodities Private Limited namely Mithilesh Kumar Singh, Baban Singh and Surendra Kumar Jindal were arrested and presently all are in judicial custody.Prosecution Complaint was filed in the instant case on November 10 last year 2023 before the PMLA court in Patna. (ANI)
It is important to note here that Congress stands as the third-biggest beneficiary of the electoral bonds after BJP and TMC as per the data revealed by the Election Commission of India. Congress has been ruling three states in the country, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana at present.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala is counted among the most picturesque cricket venues in the world.
Discover Myst: A Himalayan paradise redefining luxury living
Myst is an exceptional eco-luxurious residential project located near Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and a lavish lifestyle. Designed by renowned architects, it features ready-to-move-in 2, 3, and 4-bed residences with modern amenities and breathtaking surroundings. The project reflects the growing trend of luxury home purchases, with a significant increase in sales of larger luxury homes in 2023.
Farmers mahapanchayat chokes major roads
NEW DELHI: With farmers gathering in large numbers at the Ramlila Maidan to take part in a Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat against the agricultural policies of the Centre, and subsequent traffic restriction in place, central Delhi and Sarai Kale Khan on Thursday witnessed massive traffic snarls. Due to the hevy traffic congestion, vehicles came to a crawl at ITO, Delhi Gate, Daryaganj and on the National Highway 24 near Sarai Kale Khan, among other places. Meanwhile at the Ramlila Maidan which has a capacity to accomodate around 1.25 lakh people, the Delhi Police had allowed only 5,000 farmers to assemble to hold the Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. Farmers were also asked not to bring tractor-trolleys into the city and take out a march to the Ramlila Maidan. In spite of such stipulations, more than 10,000 people, including senior farmer leaders, reached the Ramlila Maidan to agitate against the Centre. The protesting farmers began reaching the venue as early as 7 am. Due to mild overnight rains in the city, the ground was drenched. However, some farmers alleged that the Delhi Police had deliberately poured water to minimise the farmers attendence attend the event. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmers organisations that spearheaded the protest at Delhi borders in 2020-21 against the three agriculture laws, had given a call to farmers across the country to intensify the fight against the policies of the BJP-led Centre. To ensure that no untoward incidents take place surrounding the mahapanchayat, the police had deployed adequate security personnel in and around the Ramlila Ground. Traffic was also managed to minimise inconvenience to commuters. Delhi Traffic Police also issued an advisory, alerting commuters about traffic regulations and route diversions. A senior Delhi Police official informed that around seven companies of paramilitary personnel were deployed in and around the Ramlila Maidan, while a total of 22 companies were deployed across the national capital. Several CCTV cameras were installed inside and outside the Ramlila Ground. A makeshift room was formed for monitoring the CCTV cameras. The metal detectors were installed at all the entry gates. Drone was also being used for the security reasons. For the entire day, the farmers raised slogans against the Union government. The protest also saw a large gathering of women farmers. A farmer named Harnam Singh, carrying a small plough on his shoulder, said he came to Delhi from Himachal Pradesh on Thursday morning. I took a lift till Panipat and later boarded a train to reach Delhi. I was a bit scared of getting arrested or beaten up by the security personnel during the mahapanchayat, but it went smoothly. My family is completely dependent on farming and if the situation remains like this, we will soon have to choose some other occupation, Singh said. Cops remain vigilant Seven companies of paramilitary personnel were deployed in and around the Ramlila Maidan, while a total of 22 companies were deployed across the national capital, To ensure that no untoward incidents take place surrounding the Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. Several CCTV cameras were installed around the venue and a makeshift room was formed for monitoring the footages. Drone surveillance was also employed.
Lilavati Hospital to tap PE, pension funds for its Rs 4k-cr expansion plan
The expansion will encompass 3,000 hospital beds. Lilavati is setting up a greenfield 300-bed multi-specialty hospital in GIFT City, Gujarat with an investment of Rs 300 crore. The hospital is slated to open by 2025-end. Lilavati is also considering opening hospitals in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), and Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Guwahati (Assam).
Himachal govt preparing blueprint for promoting tourism in Palampur: CM Sukhu
Himachal govt preparing blueprint for promoting tourism in Palampur: CM Sukhu Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing a public meeting at Palampur in district Kangra on Thursday, said that the government was preparing a blueprint to promote tourism activities in Palampur. He said that since the formation of the new government in the state, the development of Kangra district has been his priority, and we have pledged to make Kangra the 'Tourism Capital' of the state. To increase the footfall of domestic and international tourists, the Kangra Airport is being also expanded to promote tourism, he said. Making a series of announcements for Palampur constituency, the Chief Minister announced adequate funds for Martyr Memorial in Palampur. Besides, he announced installation of an MRI machine and operation theater in Palampur Hospital, a sewerage scheme for the town and the expansion of OBC Bhawan and Palampur bus stand. He assured provision of adequate funds for construction of BDO office complex and additional district-level court office in Palampur, the construction of a Railway overhead bridge over Badehad-Patti Road. The Chief Minister said that during the tenure of 15 months, the present government successfully faced the economic challenge, the challenge posed by the disaster and the political upheaval. The Central Government did not provide any special package to Himachal Pradesh to provide relief to the disaster affected. The state government provided a special relief package of Rs 4,500 crore from its limited resources to rehabilitate disaster-affected families. To overcome the financial crisis, the government exercised options to generate the same through its resources and, as a result, achieved additional revenue of Rs 2,200 crore. The Central Government imposed many financial restrictions when we announced providing OPS to 1.36 lakh employees of the state in the very first cabinet meeting, whereas as soon as the BJP government was formed in Rajasthan, the OPS implemented during the Congress regime there was withdrawn. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ashish Butail thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating developmental projects worth about Rs 250 crore to the people of Palampur and said that in the previous BJP government, the development of the area was neglected. He said that the people of the state were standing with the Chief Minister against all odds. (ANI)
Himachal CM inaugurates escalators at hilltop Jakhu temple
Shimla, March 14 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday inaugurated the states first outdoor escalators at the hilltop Hanuman temple Jakhu in Shimla at a height of 2,455 metres above sea level. The escalators, in the Rs 7.94 crore project, have a carrying capacity of 6,000 people per hour and have been []
Government will give pension of Rs 1500 per month to the women of this state, notification issued
Pension News: This pension will be given to women under Indira Gandhi Pyari Brahmin Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana. For this, a notification has been issued by the government. Know details here. Pension News: There is good news for the women living in Himachal Pradesh. The government here will now give pension to women every month. [] The post Government will give pension of Rs 1500 per month to the women of this state, notification issued first appeared on informalnewz .
Himachal Pradesh: Junior office assistant candidates thank CM Sukhu for decision on results
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Himachal Pradesh government issues notification for granting pension to women
Shimla, Mar 14: Facing criticism for not honouring a poll promise of giving Rs 1,500 per month to women in the age bracket of 18 to 59, the Himachal Pradesh government issued a notification on Thursday for granting pension under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana. On March 4, Chief Minister Sukhvinder [] The post Himachal Pradesh government issues notification for granting pension to women appeared first on Northlines .
Notification for granting pension to women issued in Himachal Pradesh
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the State government will give 1,500 per month to women and said a sum of 800 crore would be spent on the initiative
Dhule MP Subhash Bhamre thanks PM Modi after BJP reconsiders him for Lok Sabha election
Dhule MP Subhash Bhamre thanks PM Modi after BJP reconsiders him for Lok Sabha election After being fielded again from the Dhule constituency, BJP MP Subhash Bhamre expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda after the party fielded him from the Dhule constituency again. I am very happy today that the Central Election Committee has announced my name. They have given me an opportunity once again. I thank the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi. I also want to thank Party President JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra ji Fadwanis. I want to thank the public also... said BJP MP Subhash Bhamre. Earlier on Wednesday, The Bharatiya Janata Party released the second list of Lok Sabha polls consisting of 72 candidates, including three former Chief Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Trivendra Singh Rawat, Basvaraj Bommai as well as four Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur, and Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi. The BJP has fielded former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for the Karnal Lok Sabha seat. Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier resigned from the position of Haryana Chief Minister on Tuesday. In Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister Anurag Thakur will contest from the Hamirpur constituency. Suresh Kashyap has been fielded from Shimla seat. In Karnataka, the party has fielded Union Minister Pralhad Joshi from Dharwad. Tejaswi Surya will contest from the Bangalore South constituency. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basvaraj Bommai has been given a ticket from the Haveri Lok Sabha seat, while PC Mohan will contest from Bangalore Central. In Maharashtra, the BJP has decided to field Union Minister Nitin Gadkari from the Nagpur seat. Piyush Goyal will contest from Mumbai North. Pankja Munde has been fielded from Beed.The BJP also announced the candidature for two seats in Uttarakhand. The party has fielded former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from the Haridwar seat while Anil Baluni, who is the National Chief Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party is set to contest from the Garhwal seat. Also, BJP announced that Harsh Malhotra will contest from East Delhi constituency, a seat which was held by former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. Yogendra Chandolia will contest from North West Delhi. Meanwhile, Kalaben Delkar will contest from Dadar and Nagar Haveli. In the second list, the BJP has announced the names of candidates for seven Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. In Gujarat, the party has fielded Hashmukhbhai Somabhai Patel from Ahmedabad East, Dhawal Patel from Valsad, Mukeshbhai Chandrakant Dalal from Surat, Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt from Vadodara, Nimuben Bambhania from Bhavnagar, Bhikhaji Dudhaji Thakor from Sabarkantha and Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur. Six names have been announced from Haryana. Banto Kataria from Ambala, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa, Chaudhary Dharambir Singh from Bhiwani-Mahendargah, Rao Inderjit Singh Yadav from Gurgaon, and Krishanpal Gurjar from Faridabad. BJP has fielded Raghvendra from Shimoga and V Sommana from Tumkur in Karnataka.In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has fielded Vivek 'Bunty' Sahu from the Chhindwara seat where he will face Congress leader Nakul Nath. Shankar Lalwani will contest from Indore. In Maharashtra, Anup Dhotre will fight the polls from the Akola seat on the BJP ticket, and Kapil Moreshwar Patil from Bhiwandi. In Telangana, Godam Nagesh will contest from Adilabad, DK Aruna from Mahbubnagar, and Saida Reddy will contest from Nalgonda. From Tripura East, Maharani Kriti Singh Debbarma will contest on BJP ticket. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi again. Meanwhile, Congress has so far announced names for 82 Lok Sabha seats.The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats.The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)
Sad, Delhi CM fails to feel pain of Dalit families escaping horror: BJP
NEW DELHI: Reacting to Chief Minister Arvind Kejrirwal allegations of the BJP playing dirty politics over the CAA implementation for vote bank, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur on Wednesday said the AAP national convenor is unable to feel the plight to Dalit families who have migrated to India for safety. Kejriwal has polluted politics. How can a person not feel the pain of those who faced so much atrocities whose daughters were picked up and raped? he asked while speaking at a programme at Delhi BJP office. The Himachal Pradesh MP said thousands of Dalit families from the neighbouring countries now living in India have been waiting for the Indian citizenship.Thousands of Dalit families from the neighbouring countries whose two to three generations have passed are waiting for citizenship for years, he said. The BJP leader charged that Kejriwal entered politics making false promises like he will not have a big bungalow, official vehicles and security. He pledged honesty but his ministers are in jail, Thakur said. He said the CAA is a law for providing citizenship not taking it away. Do those who came from Pakistan and whose two-three generations have passed have no right to have citizenship, he asked. After partition of the country, then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru promised that minorities living in the neighbouring countries will be taken care of but the Congress in last 75 years did nothing for it, Thakur charged. Modi government did what the Congress could not do in 75 years. It was the strength of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that ensured whether Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhishts, Jains or Parsis facing atrocities in the neighbouring countries will be provided citizenship by the Government of India, he said.During the function, the leaders of various political parties including former AAP MLA ND Sharma joined the BJP. Made false promises Thakur charged that Kejriwal entered politics making false promises like he will not have a big bungalow, official vehicles and security. He pledged honesty but his ministers are in jail.
Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur; Piyush Goyal to make Lok Sabha election debut; 32 MPs dropped
Gadkari will seek re-election from Nagpur in Maharashtra and Thakur from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. While Goyal will make his election debut from Mumbai North, Lal will do so from Karnal. Two other former chief ministers, Trivendra Singh Rawat and Basavaraj Bommai, have been fielded from Haridwar in Uttarakhand and Haveri in Karnataka, respectively. Bommai will also make his debut in the Lok Sabha polls.
LS Polls: BJP Releases Second List with 72 Names
New Delhi : The BJP on Wednesday released its second list of 72 more candidates for the impending Lok Sabha elections. Former BJP president and Union minister Nitin Gadkari from Maharashtra's Nagpur, former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar from Karnal and Union minister Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North are among the prominent names on the new list. While it will be Mr Khattar's first Lok Sabha election, it is Mr Goyal's electoral debut. Other important names in the BJPs second list of candidates are Union minister Anurag Thakur from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP national media convenor Anil Baluni from Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal, former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat from Haridwar, former Karanataka CM Basavraj Bommai from Haveri and the current titular king of the erstwhile Mysore royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from Mysore. Mr Wadiyar will be replacing incumbent MP Pratap Simha, whose name got embroiled in the recent Parliament breach case. Also, Uttarakhand's Haridwar seat is currently represented by former Union minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. Another member of an erstwhile royal family in the BJP list is Maharani Kriti Singh Debbarma from Tripura East. Ms Singh is the elder sister of regional outfit Tipra Motha's Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma. Tipra Motha recently announced its alliance with the BJP. This seat is currently represented by BJP MP Rebati Tripura. The BJP has fielded Kalaben Delkar from Dadar and Nagar Haveli, who is a sitting MP and had joined the saffron party a couple of days back. She had won the seat in a bypoll in 2021 on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. The BJP has fielded parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi from Dharwad and former chief minister and Lingayat leader B.S. Yediyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra from Shimoga. Union minister Shobha Karandlaje has been shifted from Udupi Chikmagalur to Bangalore North. Former Karnataka state unit chief Nalin Kumar Kateel has been replaced by Brijesh Chota in Dakshina Kannada. The party has fielded Pankaja Munde, daughter of late Gopinath Munde, from Maharashtra's Beed, currently represented by her sister Pritam. Union minister Bharati Pawar will contest from Dindori and senior leader Sudhir Mungantiwar from Chandrapur. In Telangana, the party has named Madavaneni Raghunandan Rao from Medak, D.K. Aruna from Mahabubnagar, Azmeera Seetaram Naik from Mahabubabad and Godam Nagesh from Adilabad. In Madhya Pradesh, the party has fielded sitting MP Shankar Lalwani from Indore, sitting MP Anil Firoziya from Ujjain and Vivek Sahu from Chhindwara. From Gujarat, the party has renominated Hasmukbhai Somabhai Patel from Ahmedabad East and Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt from Vadodara. The BJP has named Mukeshbhai Chandrakant Dalal from Surat and Bhikhaji Dudhani Thakor from Sabarkantha. Surat is currently represented by Union minister Darshana Jardosh. The party had earlier released 195 names, which also included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh.
Intermittent rains, thunderstorms lash Shimla and surrounding areas
Intermittent rains, thunderstorms lash Shimla and surrounding areas Intermittent rains and thunderstorms lashed Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla and the surrounding areas on Wednesday while scattered rains occurred at isolated places and the tourist resort of Kufri received traces of snow. Rajgarh received 13.4 mm rain, followed by Shimla 8 mm, Baijnath 5 mm, Kufri 4 mm, Gohar 2 mm and Jubbarhatti 1.3 mm. The day temperatures dropped by a few notches and Dhaulakuan was hottest in the state with a high of 25.8 degree while Dharamshala, Shimla and Manali recorded a high of 18.1 degree, 14.8 degree and 11.5 degree. The local meteorological office has predicted rain, snow and thunderstorms at isolated places in mid and higher hills on March 14 and dry weather thereafter. As many as 280 roads, including 255 roads in Lahaul and Spiti, ten in Kinnaur, six in Kullu, five in Chamba, two in Mandi and one each in Shimla and Kangra districts, and five national highways are closed while 280 power transformers and three water supplies schemes are disrupted.
Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, ex-CM Khattar in BJP's second list of 72 candidates for Lok Sabha polls
Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, ex-CM Khattar in BJP's second list of 72 candidates for Lok Sabha polls Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal and Anurag Singh Thakur, and three former chief ministers, including Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar, figured in the BJP's second list of 72 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections announced on Wednesday. The ruling party dropped former Union ministers Sadananda Gowda and Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' from their seats. Khattar and Goyal will be making their Lok Sabha poll debut from Karnal in Haryana and Mumbai North respectively. Former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai will contest from Haveri and former Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from Haridwar. BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni will also be fighting his first Lok Sabha poll as the BJP fielded him from Garhwal, replacing former Uttarakhand chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat. Gadkari and Thakur will seek re-election from Nagpur in Maharashtra and Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh respectively. In the Beed constituency in Maharashtra, Pankaja Munde has replaced her sister and incumbent MP Pritam Munde. With the second list, the BJP has announced the names of 265 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections due in April-May. On March 2, the party released its first list of candidates for 195 Lok Sabha seats, but two of them -- Bhojpuri singer-actor Pawan Singh and Upendra Rawat -- withdrew after their nominations sparked controversies. Of the 72 seats for which the party announced its candidates on Wednesday, 20 each were from Maharashtra and Karnataka, seven from Gujarat, six each from Haryana and Telangana, five from Madhya Pradesh, two each from Delhi, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and one each from Tripura, and Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The BJP's second list includes 10 women candidates. In Delhi, the BJP has fielded two new candidates -- Harsh Malhotra from East Delhi and Yogendra Chandolia from North West Delhi -- dropping the party's sitting MPs Gautam Gambhir and Hans Raj Hans. With this, the BJP has named candidates for all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, dropping six incumbents. Tejasvi Surya, the BJP youth wing president, will contest again from Bangalore South while Union minister Shobha Karandlaje has been shifted from her Udupi Chikmagalur seat to Bangalore North, represented by former Union minister and Karnataka chief minister Gowda in the outgoing Lok Sabha. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysore royal family replaces Pratap Simha, who was recently in a row for recommending passes to two persons who breached Parliament's security, as the BJP candidate in the Mysore seat. Former Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel has been dropped from Dakshina Kannada in favour of Brijesh Chowta, who has served in the Army. In Karnataka, Union minister Pralhad Joshi will fight from Dharwad while former chief minister BS Yediyurappa's son B Y Raghwendra will contest from Shimoga again. Union minister Darshana Jardosh has been dropped from her Surat seat, with the BJP repeating only two of the seven incumbent MPs from Gujarat in the second list. Several Telangana leaders who quit other parties, mainly BRS, figure in the BJP's second list. In the Tripura East seat, the BJP fielded Maharani Kriti Singh Debbarma, sister of Pradyot Debbarma, the Tipra Motha chief and a scion of the erstwhile Tripura royal family. Union minister Bharati Pravin Pawar will join the fray from Maharashtra's Dindori Lok Sabha seat again. Ashok Tanwar, who recently joined the BJP after having a stint with several other parties including the Congress, TMC and the Aam Aadmi Party, replaces sitting MP Sunita Duggal in Sirsa in Haryana, while Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar will seek re-election from Gurgaon and Faridabad respectively. In the first list, the ruling party had announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi would contest from Varanasi for a third time. It had also named 34 Union ministers, including heavyweights like Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh from their current Gandhinagar and Lucknow seats respectively, in the first list. Two former chief ministers -- Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Biplab Kumar Deb -- also figured in the first list which did not have many surprise omissions.
LS polls: Names of sitting MPs Anurag Thakur and Suresh Kashyap figure in BJP's second list
LS polls: Names of sitting MPs Anurag Thakur and Suresh Kashyap figure in BJP's second list The names of sitting MPs from Hamirpur and Shimla -- Anurag Thakur and Suresh Kashyap -- figured in the second list of the BJP candidates released on Wednesday for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, the son of former chief minister and BJP leader P K Dhumal, is a four-time MP from Hamirpur while former BJP state president Suresh Kashyap would contest the Lok Sabha polls for the second time from Shimla seat reserved for the Scheduled Caste. There are four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh namely Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur and Kangra. The BJP is yet to announce its candidates for Mandi and Kangra seats. The Congress has not announced its candidates so far. Former chief minister and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur, who is presently the leader of opposition in the Vidhan Sabha, is the front runner from Mandi seat while the name of one of the six Congress rebels Sudhir Sharma, who had voted in favour of the BJP in the recently held Rajya Sabha polls, is taking rounds from the Kangra seat as per the BJP sources. The BJP had won all the four Lok Sabha seats in 2019 with a thumping majority. BJP leader Krishan Kapoor won with a margin of 4,77,623 in Kangra, Ram Swaroop Sharma 4,05, 459 in Mandi, Anurag Thakur 3,99,572 in Hamirpur and Suresh Kashyap by 3,27,515 in Shimla. However, the death of Ram Swaroop Sharma led to by-elections in the Mandi seat in 2021 and wife of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh and current Congress state chief Pratibha Singh won the seat by a margin of 8,766 votes in sympathy wave after the demise of her husband.
'Rebel MLAs regretting back-stabbing Congress', CM Sukhu says
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu claimed that the six rebel MLAs who had cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha polls are now regretting their actions. This political crisis had pushed the Sukhu government to the brink, but the Congress high command managed to prevent any further fallout. The MLAs are being accused of backstabbing the Congress and compromising their principles.
BJP Releases Its Second List Of Candidates For Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | BJP News | News18
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released its second list of candidates for Lok Sabha elections. The 72 names on the list include Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Pralhad Joshi, and Piyush Goyal.Anurag Singh Thakur has been pitted from Himachal Pradeshs Hamipur seat, Gadkari from Nagpur, Pralhad Joshi From Dharwad, Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North, MoS Shobha Karandlaje from Banglore North, Tejasvi Surya from Bangalore South and Trivendra Singh Rawat from Hardwar.