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.
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the power projects under execution in Jammu and Kashmir are projects of national importance and law-enforcing agencies should take action against anyone obstructing the construction. "There should be no (political) interference and it should be viewed very seriously," Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. The chief minister was responding to reports that the company executing the Ratle Power Project in Kishtwar district of J&K had threatened to pull out, accusing a BJP MLA of interfering in the works. "Had this accusation been levelled against one of my ministers, the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) would have already conducted raids. These are projects of national importance and there should be no interference allowed. "So far, the name of only one MLA is being mentioned but the two opposition MLAs are interfering in all projects in Kishtwar district," he said. Abdullah said there are several departments which are yet to be transferred to the elected government. "I am the power minister but the Power Development Corporation is not with the elected government," he said. A senior officer associated with the construction of the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project has accused local BJP MLA Shagun Parihar of interfering in the works and warned that continued disruptions could force the company to pull out of the project. Repeated phone calls and messages to Parihar seeking comment on the charge went unanswered. Joint chief operating officer of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), Harpal Singh, said the firm has invested heavily in machinery, materials and manpower and could suffer substantial losses, including penalties linked to bank guarantees furnished to NHPC if it withdraws from the project. Stressing that India is a democratic country, the officer said there was no place for such disruptions and underlined that the company maintains a secular character, neither opposing nor supporting any political party. He said the project should be kept free of politics and the company should be allowed to work without interference. Disruptions and illegitimate demands during the construction of the 133-metre-high dam and an underground power house could compromise its safety and quality, the officer warned. NHPC Limited, India's premier hydropower company under the Ministry of Power, has formed Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited, a joint venture company (JVC) with Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDC), for the implementation of the run-of-river hydroelectric plant on the Chenab river at Drabshalla village. The JVC was incorporated on June 1, 2021, with NHPC and JKSPDC holding equity shares of 51 per cent and 49 per cent respectively. The construction work is being undertaken by MEIL. "We are distressed by the unwarranted interference of the BJP MLA and their workers... We want to undertake the work without any outside interference and have taken up the matter with the authorities concerned," Singh said. On December 4, he claimed that certain politicians and their local supporters, who are neither employees nor workers of the project, attempted to pressure and threaten project officers to fulfil illegitimate demands, including the award of contracts and large-scale recruitment, despite there being no vacancies. "On the same day, the company's HR (human resource) head was attacked near Drabshalla while returning to the quarters after duty, creating fear among staff. We took up the issue with the deputy commissioner, and he ensured prompt action, including the registration of a police case against the identified accused," he said. A video statement of the officer, along with a letter addressed to the Kishtwar deputy commissioner giving details of the attack and a notice of appeal urging the workers and employees to refrain from participating in any labour strike at the behest of vested interests, has gone viral on social media. Singh said the company has provided employment to 1,434 people, 960 of them residents of Kishtwar district, 220 from nearby Doda, 24 from Ramban and 215 from outside J&K. In September, the Jammu regional labour commissioner permitted the retrenchment of 300 surplus workers. The company retrenched only 200, with an undertaking to give them preference in future engagements. Some have been re-engaged on a need basis, the officer said. He said that any attempt to intimidate officers or workers is undemocratic and unacceptable. "Continued interference may force the company to withdraw from the project, causing heavy losses, including bank guarantees submitted to NHPC and major investments in machinery and materials," the officer said. A BJP leader said the issue came up for discussion during a meeting of the party on Monday and a statement is likely to be issued on Tuesday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday rejected claims of discrimination with Jammu in the team selection for Santosh Trophy and requested politicians to keep sports and education separate from politics. Earlier during the day, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma assured a time-bound and impartial inquiry into Santosh Trophy team selection, a day after the BJP alleged discrimination with the Jammu region and demanded his resignation. Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council had already dismissed the allegations as misleading and defended the selection as merit-based and transparent. Meanwhile, J&K team defeated Ladakh 3-0 in the first qualifier match of 79th NFC Santosh Trophy presently underway at Mahilpur in Punjab. The team will play its second match against Himachal Pradesh on December 17 and 3rd match against host team Punjab on December 19. "Why is this happening... if any child is taken in the team on the basis of influence, then they have no justification to be part of the team," Abdullah said, stressing that the players were chosen purely on the basis of talent and performance. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function here this evening, the chief minister said all the players selected for the Santosh trophy have qualified on the basis of their talent. "I don't understand why politicians are bringing politics into everything. Politics is played over children securing seats in medical colleges. The children worked hard and got selected in the team. Now politics is being dragged into this as well," the chief ninister said, referring to earlier demand of BJP for revocation of the first admission list in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) and reserving all 50 seats for students having faith in deity. He dismissed any discrimination with Jammu in the selection process and requested the politicians to keep sports and education separate from politics. Earlier, the Sports Minister said "taking cognizance of the media reports regarding issues in selection of team for football championship for Santosh Trophy, a detailed impartial enquiry shall be held in a time-bound manner. "I assure all that violation of the merit-based selection policy by anyone will result in severe consequences and appropriate punitive measures," the minister said in a social media post. Alleging an "illegal and discriminatory" selection process for the trophy, J&K BJP Spokesperson Rajni Sethi on Sunday claimed that all players from Jammu were rejected and only players from Kashmir were selected for the Santosh trophy team. "...the National Conference government continues to repeatedly hurt the sentiments of the youth of Jammu through biased and discriminatory policies," she said and added that Jammu had high expectations from Satish Sharma, who belongs to Jammu, but he "followed the same discriminatory approach." Responding the same day, a sports council official said, "The players for the Santosh Trophy were selected in a process lasting more than one-and-a-half months. In the absence of the J&K football Association due to non-conduct of elections, the sports council has been raising the teams in coordination with the All India Football Federation for the past two years and has ensured merit-based and transparent selection." The official further said that after the trials, out of 51 players, 32, including eight from the Jammu region, were shortlisted for the residential coaching camp in Jammu from November 21. The camp continued till December 12, and the selection committee finally selected 23 players, including four from Jammu, for the team to represent J&K in the Santosh Trophy, the official said and added that one of the Jammu boys could not join due to some examination, while another is joining the team in the coming days.
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
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 >
New Delhi [India], November 26 (ANI): Spiritual guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, on Tuesday came out strongly and expressed grave concern over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent ISKCON leader in Bangladesh. Taking to social media platform X, Sadhguru highlighted the shift from a democratic to a theocratic and autocratic system in Bangladesh, stressing the importance of understanding the value of an open democracy. He pointed out that persecution based on religion or demographic weaknesses is not in line with democratic ideals. Also Read | UK Horror: Transgender ...Read More >
aipur, Nov 25 ( IANS) Jaipur District Collector Jitendra Kumar Soni on Monday instructed the departmental officials to make every possible effort with mutual cooperation and coordination to make the district beggar-free. He directed to ensure effective rehabilitation of people involved in beggary so that such persons leave begging and start a respectable life on the basis of their skills and hard work. The district collector held a meeting on Monday in the Collectorate Auditorium regarding the rehabilitation of people involved in beggary. As the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit wil ...Read More >
Assam's 75th Constitution Day highlighted the importance of the Indian Constitution, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma commemorating the contributions of freedom fighters and Dr. BR Ambedkar. The event, held in Guwahati, underscored the Constitution's reflection of India's cultural heritage and its role in ensuring equality, freedom, and justice for all citizens. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the 75th Constitution Day celebrations in Guwahati, emphasizing the significance of the Indian Constitution. This annual observation, assigned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday instructed officials to formulate proposals for constructing an iconic Deep-Technology building in the capital city of Amaravati. "I had built Hi-Tech City structure in Hyderabad to promote information technology. Now, it is time to embrace Deep-Tech and Artificial Intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities arising out of the latest technology," he underlined while reviewing the New IT Policy at the state secretariat. The Chief Minister announced that the state government will provide Rs 25 lakh as seed fundin ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party leader and in-charge of the party's National IT Department, Amit Malviya, on Monday, criticised the Congress party's 'hypocrisy' over their stance on the Adani Group, pointing to past investments and agreements made with the corporate conglomerate by Congress-ruled states. Taking to social media platform X, Malviya referenced Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent "public admission of accepting money" from the Adani Group on November 10, 2024, pointing out that this acknowledgment contradicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP K Laxman slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress party of 'misleading' people. He further said that the people of Maharashtra know "how to teach a lesson" to Congress. "Revanth Reddy as a CM of Telangana and as a Congress leader is misleading the public. Maharashtra people are clever enough they know how to teach a lesson to these Congress people and Revanth Reddy you will come to know what has happened in Haryana that is going to be repeated in Maharashtra, and Jharkhand also," K Laxman ...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 >
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is now gearing up for a national protest after losing Maharashtra state elections. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which suffered a crushing defeat in last week's Maharashtra state elections, is now gearing up for a national protest against the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which it blames for its loss. The MVA, led by the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (led by Sharad Pawar), is planning to challenge the use of EVMs in court and demand a return to ballot paper voting. Fo ...Read More >
Guwahati: A group of intellectuals and prominent citizens met the officials of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala and demanded the immediate release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Various other organisations also organised protest rallies and demonstrations against the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. The intellectuals under the banner of 'Forum for Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh' urged the Bangladesh caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to make all efforts to protect the minorities in Bangla ...Read More >
The family of a 25-year-old Air India pilot, who died by suicide at her Mumbai home, alleged that her boyfriend used to humiliate her and extort money from her. Aditya Pandit, 27, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of abetment to suicide. Srishti Tuli was found dead at her rented accommodation in Mumbai's Marol after an argument with her boyfriend over the phone. She allegedly used a data cable to hang herself. ALSO READ: 'Can't Be Divided Or Silenced': Hemant Soren's Dig At BJP Before Taking Oath As Jharkhand CM Pandit told police that he rushed to Tuli's flat, which was locked from the ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Senior BJP leader H Raja has been sentenced to six months imprisonment in two separate cases relating to his derogatory comments against DMK MP Kanimozhi and threatening to raze down the statues of rationalist leader Periyar (EV Ramasamy). Additional special court for cases relating to MP/MLAs G Jayavel pronounced the orders convicting and sentencing him in the cases registered by the Erode district police based on complaints lodged by DMK and Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) following his derogatory comments made in against Periyar and Kanimozhi in 2018 through his Twitter ...Read More >
Bengaluru: A internal fight is going on in Karnataka BJP between Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and state president BY Vijayendra faction, and Vijayendra's close associates are insisting on Yatnal's expulsion. On Saturday, Renukacharya's team said that evil will be destroyed in the presence of Chamundi. Now, a group of former MLAs visited Yediyurappa's residence in Dollars Colony in Bengaluru in the early hours of the morning and held an important meeting. Renukacharya's team is insisting on Yatnal's expulsion. Speaking to reporters after the meeting with Yediyurappa, MP Renukacharya said, "Where i ...Read More >
Sources said during the crucial Mahayuti leaders' meeting in New Delhi on Thursday night, Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sought 12 ministerial berths for his party It's been six days since the Maharashtra assembly election results were declared and the Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious, but suspense over the new head of the state and fresh cabinet minister is not over yet. Sources have said that the key alliance leaders will finalise a list and fly to Delhi on Monday to meet with the BJP top brass before making an announcement. Sources said during the crucial Mahayut ...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 >
Vijayawada, Nov 26 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed the officials to formulate proposals for constructing an iconic Deep technology building in the capital city of Amaravati. Bengaluru, Nov 26 (UNI) Congress MLA HR Gaviyappa's call to reconsider some election guarantees has sparked a political storm in Karnataka, drawing sharp criticism from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and exposing potential fissures within the ruling party. Gaviyappa, representing Vijayanagara, suggested that certain guarantees were straining state finances and hindering th ...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 >
Srinagar: The minimum temperature has plummeted and settled below freezing point across Kashmir with many of the stations including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the season's coldest night. According to the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the night temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 2.1 degree Celsius. Shopian was the coldest in Kashmir as the mercury plummeted and settled at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 5.0 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Maharashtra police along with Military Intelligence and Army have arrested nine persons hailing from the border district of Rajouri for taking up jobs as security guards in different cities in Maharashtra and carrying weapons with fake licenses. Nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets have been recovered from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) police in Maharashtra, Southern Command and Military Intelligence on the basis of tip off that some persons from Rajouri distric ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday greeted the people on the occasion of 75th Constitution Day. On social media handle X, Kharge said, "The Constitution of India, painstakingly and carefully drafted by our foremothers and forefathers, is the lifeblood of our nation. It guarantees us social, economic and political rights. It constitutes India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC". He said, "Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are not ...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 >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, campaigning to invite global investors to the Global Investors Summit to be held in Bhopal in February 2025, addressed an interactive session with industrialists during a roadshow in London, UK, on Tuesday. Yadav praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid industrial development seen across India. Inviting the industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh, he highlighted that the state possesses one of the largest land banks in the country. Madhya Pradesh has transparent and investor-friendly policies and is a leader in the mining and ...Read More >
Shinde accepts BJP's decision, likely to receive key ministries Shinde has agreed to BJP's decision to make a Chief Minister from its ranks. He is expected to be given important portfolios like Urban Development, Public Works Department, and Water Resources. Sources also say that two Deputy Chief Ministers will be appointed, one each from Shiv Sena and NCP. Pawar has told his party leaders that the swearing-in ceremony could take place this weekend. Despite initial resistance, Shinde announced his party's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's decision on the ...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 >
CHENNAI: Singles, Doubles, and the Team Championship - the 18-year-old Chennai girl, the daughter of an auto driver from Kasimedu, left nothing for competitors from around the world at the sixth edition of the Carrom World Cup held in the US which Team India swept. The Women's Singles final was a hard-fought contest, where the 18-year-old M Khazima kept her nerves to defeat 12-time national and multiple World Cup winner Rashmi Kumari from Bihar. With this victory, Khazima became the youngest Carrom World Champion. Khazima, whose father Mehaboob Basha is an auto driver from Kasimedu, had been ...Read More >
Sohan Singh Thandal, a former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) minister now contesting as a BJP candidate for Chabbewal assembly, has faced backlash from his old party after posting videos on social media claiming SAD's support. Thandal shared clips featuring SAD leaders, including Jarnail Singh Baddon and Jasbir Singh Herrian, suggesting the party backed him. However, SAD's Hoshiarpur district president, Lakhwinder Singh Lakhi, swiftly denied these claims, labeling them false and clarifying that the party had no intention of supporting the BJP. Thandal, a four-time MLA, joined BJP recently and is co ...Read More >
Campaigning for the November 20 assembly bypolls to four seats in Punjab ended on Monday evening with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Opposition Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party making last-ditch efforts to mobilise support for their respective candidates. Hours before the campaign ended at 6 pm, major political outfits intensified their efforts to woo the voters. Bypolls to four assembly segments -- Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC) and Barnala -- will be held on November 20 from 7 am to 6 pm, and the results will be out on November 23. The bypolls were necessitated afte ...Read More >