India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
. NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is likely to announce assembly bypolls in seven states along with the Bihar polls, and will deploy a total 470 officers from various civil services as general, police and expenditure observers for the simultaneous exercises.EC, in a statement issued on Sunday, shared that the 470 observers - including 320 from the IAS, 60 from IPS and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS etc - will watch over Bihar assembly election and bypolls to Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituency (AC) in Jammu & Kashmir, Anta AC in Rajasthan, Ghatsila AC in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran AC in Punjab, Dampa AC in Mizoram and Nuapada AC in Odisha. EC will be holding a briefing for the 470 officers here on October 3 on their responsibilities and duties that cover ensuring the fairness, impartiality and credibility of elections. "They act as eyes and ears of the Commission and keep reporting to the Commission periodically and on a need basis," said an EC spokesperson. Observers not only help the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections but also contribute towards enhancing voter awareness and participation in elections. The main objective of the observers is to identify areas for improvement and to formulate concrete and operative recommendations. With their seniority and long experience in the administrative services, general and police observers oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level. Expenditure observers are appointed to observe the election expenses incurred by the candidates and flag any abuse of money power. EC deploys central observers under the powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The observers work under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission for the period from their appointment until the process of election is completed. Bharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the 'prime' political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India's neighbourhood.
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 19 (ANI): With the Maharashtra elections approaching, wrestler and Congress MLA from Haryana's Julana, Vinesh Phogat, held a roadshow in Pune to support Congress candidate Datta Bahirat from the Shivajinagar Assembly constituency. She urged voters to ensure a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), criticising the Mahayuti government for "injustice" by toppling the government elected by the people. "Everything is going well... If people shower their blessings on us on the 20th, we will win with a bigger margin this time. I appeal to voters to respond to ...Read More >
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan has called for the replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers, citing concerns over the legitimacy of election results. Ranjan raised doubts about the EVM's accuracy, suggesting that the results may be influenced and advocating for a ballot paper system like many other countries. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed similar sentiments, accusing EVMs of wasting votes from marginalized communities. This comes after the Congress' defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly election. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed a petition seeking th ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Top leaders of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) were on Friday placed under house arrest in Hyderabad ahead of their planned protest against the arrests of MLAs and other leaders. Member of Legislative Council K. Kavitha and former minister T. Harish Rao were among the leaders placed under house arrest. The opposition party had given a call for the protest at the 125-feet statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar near the State Secretariat to condemn what it calls illegal arrests of its leaders. Also Read: BRS MLA arrested for threatening police officer, gets bail In view of the protest call, the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 10: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the results of the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024, conducted between September 20 and September 29, 2024. Candidates who qualified, identified by their roll numbers, will advance to the Personality Test (Interview) phase for selection to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Central Services (Group A and B). Key Guidelines for Candidates For assistance, candidates may contact UPSC via phone, fax, or email as specified in the official not ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Congress on Wednesday gave a notice to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the Lok Sabha to discuss the recent statements made by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court. "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely:- The recent statements made by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court..." said K. Suresh, Congress MP and party's Chief Whip in the Lower Hosue. He said in the notice ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of being "so arrogant that he did not even greet the President" during the 75th Constitution Day event held in Parliament. This comes as the grand old party has often voiced its criticism against the saffron party for not inviting President Droupadi Murmu at the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building last year and Ram Temple consecration this year. "Rahul Gandhi is so arrogant that he did not even greet the President. Just because she comes from the tribal community, is a woman and Rahul Gandhi is the prince of ...Read More >
Assam Beef Ban: A political row has erupted over the Assam government's decision to ban the public consumption of beef in the state with the Opposition labelling it "against the right to freedom" while the ruling BJP lauding the state Cabinet's call. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced on Wednesday that his government has decided to ban the consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce ballot paper in place of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale rejected the prayer to return to the ballot system due to the alleged manipulability of EVMs. "When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine," remarked the apex court, when the petitioner referred to the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Jagan Mohan ...Read More >
Junaid Ahmed Bhat, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist allegedly involved in a deadly attack near a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, Jammu and Kashmir, was killed by security forces in Dachigam forest. The operation, based on intelligence inputs, turned into a gunfight, resulting in Bhat's death. In a significant counter-terrorism operation, security forces neutralized Junaid Ahmed Bhat, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, in the Dachigam forest region on Tuesday. Bhat was implicated in an assault near a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation commenced following precise ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): The Lok Sabha as part of the Winter Session of the Parliament has been adjourned until 11:00 am on December 9, as announced by the Speaker on Friday. The proceedings of the lower house were adjourned until 12 pm earlier in the day as disruptions continued for the ninth consecutive day of the winter session, with opposition members raising slogans and creating ruckus over various contentious issues. Also Read | Hashimpura Massacre Case: Supreme Court Grants Bail to 8 Convicts in Infamous 1987 Massacre Case. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a fervent appeal ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasized the need for a nationwide document, similar to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), to distinguish between Indian citizens and infiltrators. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Biswa Sarma stated that the Assam government has decided to make NRC registration mandatory for obtaining an Aadhaar card, with applicants' names not featured in the NRC being ineligible for the card. "I desire that NRC-type documents should be prepared so that we can easily differentiate who are Indian ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 15 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha, where he emphasized zero tolerance towards corruption. Raut questioned PM Modi's sincerity, pointing out the presence of allegedly corrupt leaders within the BJP, such as Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. Raut's criticism also extended to PM Modi's relationship with business magnate Gautam Adani, implying that the Prime Minister's tolerance of Adani undermines his claims of zero tolerance towards corruption. "Ask your 56-inch ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 15: The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, will not be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Revised Business List of the Lower House for the day does not mention the Bill. The first list had scheduled the Bill for Monday. It mentioned, "... Arjun Ram Meghwal to move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. Also to introduce the Bill." One Nation, One Election: Union Cabinet Approves Bills for Simultaneous Lok Sabha, State Assembly Elections, Say Source ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has completed the deployment of two fresh battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, in the Jammu region to better plug infiltration from across the Pakistan front and check the recent spurt of terrorist activities in the area. Officials in the security establishment told PTI that the new troops of these units have been deployed "in depth areas" as the "second line of defence" just behind the BSF border deployment along the international border (IB) with Pakistan. These two BSF battalions were recently withdrawn from the anti-Naxal operations ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders into violence-hit Sambhal until December 10, with officials urging leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his planned visit on Wednesday. Moradabad divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said there is a need for calm in the region, and that "any provocation could escalate the situation" in the district. "The situation in Sambhal is normal right now, but tensions persist," Singh said. "The District Magistrate has banned the entry of people from outside until 10 December ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
The gunfight continued between security forces and terrorists in the upper mountain belt of Harwan. In a major breakthrough, the security forces killed a wanted terrorist, who was responsible for terror attack in Ganderbal, during an ongoing encounter in the upper reaches of Dachigam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The Kashmir Zone Police in a social media post announced the killing of the terrorist, identified as Junail Ahmed Bhat. The Police said that Bhat was an A category terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit and was involved in the killing of civilians in Ganderbal, Gagangir and o ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A political slugfest erupted after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was stopped from visiting violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP accusing the Congress leader of attempting to incite communal tensions. BJP leaders criticised Gandhi's visit as a desperate political move, driven by competition with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to reclaim vote banks. Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, slammed the government's actions as undemocratic and an assault on constitutional rights. BJP spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi described the visit as a "sign of h ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 12 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the government promptly made an arrest after a replica of the Constitution was damaged in Parbhani, yet violent protests took place which was unacceptable. The accused, who allegedly damaged the replica, was a mentally unstable man, Fadnavis told reporters in Delhi. A bandh was called on Wednesday after the glass-encased replica of the Constitution near Dr B R Ambedkar's statue outside the Parbhani railway station was found damaged the previous evening. But the shut-down took a violent turn when a mob indulged ...Read More >
Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 13 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) leader ST Hasan on Friday said that the 'One Nation, One Election' rule was not possible in the country with the various cultures and laws present. "The One Nation, One Election rule is not possible in our country. Our country has a lot of different cultures and religious laws. There is a huge conspiracy behind it... Indirectly, only the centre will rule. They are trying to change the Constitution. They are talking about a common civil court, saying One Nation One Constitution... tomorrow you'll say One Nation One Cult ...Read More >
CHENNAI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has issued a whip ordering its party MPs to attend the Lok Sabha sessions on December 13 and 14 (today and tomorrow), as some important legislative business is likely to be discussed, said a Daily Thanthi report. They have been asked to be present in the lower House ahead of the rare Constitution debate which is all set to take place in the Lok Sabha on December 13 and 14, and in the Rajya Sabha on December 16 and 17. The discussion is being held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of adoption of India's Constitution. The Bharatiya Janata Party (B ...Read More >
BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, CR Kesavan, and Pradeep Bhandari, accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of arrogance after he allegedly failed to greet President Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, during her speech on Constitution Day. Malviya claimed that Gandhi's refusal to acknowledge the President stemmed from her tribal background, while Kesavan and Bhandari pointed to Gandhi's "dynastic entitlement" and anti-tribal sentiments. The President, addressing Parliament, highlighted the significance of India's Constitution and lauded the government's efforts in social justice and inclusive dev ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government at the Centre has strengthened the spirit of the Constitution over the last 10 years. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, PM Modi highlighted that in the last 10 years, more than 53 crore bank accounts were opened, more than 4 crore pukka houses were given and more than 10 crore free gas connections were given. "In the last 5-6 years, by providing tap water facilities in more than 12 crore houses, the government made the lives of citizens easy, particularly of women," he sai ...Read More >
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 2 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. "...There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no di ...Read More >
INDIA bloc MPs, donning black jackets with slogans like "Modi Adani Ek Hai", protested at Parliament demanding a joint probe into the Adani issue. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused PM Modi of evading discussion on the "Adani mega scam" while defending Adani's alleged corruption. Rahul Gandhi asserted that Modi won't investigate Adani as it would be like investigating himself.Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Thursday said the country's people want the "Adani mega scam" to be discussed in Parliame ...Read More >
NDIA bloc leaders, who submitted a notice of no-confidence motion against the Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday, blamed the chair for not allowing them to speak in the Rajya Sabha. The leaders held a joint press conference labelling several charges against the chairman. "His behaviour (RS chairman) has damaged the dignity of the country. He has brought such a situation in the history of parliamentary democracy that we had to bring this notice for the resolution (of no confidence ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Terming the handcuffing of Lagacharla farmer Hirya Nayak, currently lodged in Sangareddy jail, while taking him to hospital for treatment "inhuman", BRS working president KT Rama Rao has urged the Chief Justice of Telangana high court to take the case suo motu and urged governor Jishnu Dev Varma to order a probe into the incident. Addressing a press meet on Thursday, the BRS leader said the farmer, who is suspected to have suffered a heart attack while in jail, was treated inhumanly. ...Read More >
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government's policies and decisions were aimed at boosting India's strength and unity in line with the Constitution, while the opposition Congress had "tasted blood" by repeatedly wounding it.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government's policies and decisions were aimed at boosting India's strength and unity in line with the Constitution, while the opposition Congress had "tasted blood" by repeatedly wounding it. Replying to a t ...Read More >
Also Read: Indian Constitution at 75: Defending ideals amidst erosion "Today, we recall the tremendous contribution of the Constituent Assembly and its prolific members. We are forever indebted to their vision and wisdom," he said. Kharge said Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr Rajendra Prasad, KM Munshi, Sarojini Naidu, Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and several eminent personalities were not just revered national icons but inspiring personalities who became the torchbearers of hope for generations togeth ...Read More >