India

New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) The All India Congress Committee has announced the formation of several key committees to gear up for the upcoming assembly elections in Puducherry. ​

In a press release issued by General Secretary KC Venugopal, the party said that the Congress President has approved the constitution of the Pradesh Election Committee, the Election Management and Coordination Committee, the Manifesto Committee, the Campaign Committee, and the Publicity and Media Committee. ​

These bodies are set to take effect immediately, aiming to streamline the party's strategy in the union territory. Leading the Pradesh Election Committee as Chairman is Ve Vaithilingam, with M Vaithianathan serving as Vice Chairman. Other members include V Narayanasamy, AV Subramanian, Ramesh Parambath, E Valsaraj, PK Devadoss, V Pethaperumal, M Kandasamy, MOHF Shajahan, R Kamalakannan, RKR Anantharaman, MNR Balan, P Karthikeyan, M Ilayaraja, Ratna Ramesh, and Pancha Gandhi. ​

The committee also features ex officio members, including Girish Chodankar, in charge of Puducherry, along with AICC Secretaries TN Prathapan, Suraj MN Hegde, and Nivedith Alva. Additional ex officio participants are N Anandbabu, President of PYC; Rahanathunnisa, President of Mahila Congress; Harshvardhan, President of NSUI; M. Veerapandian, Chief Organiser of State Seva Dal; Jaya Balan, Chairman of SC Department; Kannan, Chairman of OBC Department; and Mohammad Hasan, Chairman of Minority Department. ​

The Election Management and Coordination Committee is chaired by V Narayanasamy, with M Vaithianathan as Vice Chairman.​

Its lineup includes AV Subramanian, PK Devadoss, M Kandasamy, RKR Anantharaman, S Dhanusu, R Kamalakannan, and Pancha Gandhi. ​

This group is tasked with overseeing logistical and operational aspects to ensure smooth election preparations. ​

For the Election Manifesto Committee, RKR Anantharaman takes the helm as Chairman, supported by Vice Chairmen E Rajendran and P Karthikeyan.

The committee comprises MS Maruthupandian, S. Dhanusu, V Sankar, SMA Karunanithi, AJ Abdul Rehman, A Sankar, N Thirumurugan, M Jayabalan, Pancha Gandhi, S Amudharasan, M Vinayagamoorthy, Vijaya Kumari, and PM Saravanan. Permanent invitees include Ve Vaithilingam, M Vaithianathan, N Anandbabu, Rahanathunnisa, M Veerapandian, Harshvardhan, and the AICC In-Charge for Puducherry. ​

The Campaigning Committee is headed by MOHF Shajahan as Chairman and R Kamalakannan as Vice Chairman. Members are MNR Balan, P Karthikeyan, MR Susairaj, M Ranjith, S Sundaravadivel, Rattina Ramesh, MC Shamir Ahamad, Parvatheeshwarar, Vijayakumari, S Amudharasan, M Veerapandian, M Vinayagamoorthy, and SPA Durai. ​

Permanent invitees consist of Ve Vaithilingam, N Anandbabu, Rahanathunnisa, Harshvardhan, and the AICC In-Charge for Puducherry. Finally, the Publicity and Media Committee is chaired by PK Devadoss, with M Vaithianathan, MLA, as Vice Chairman. ​

The team includes Rattina Ramesh, K Ashok Kumar, RE Segar, D Pradish Irudayaraj, AVS Sakthivel Prabhu, Udayakumar, Vinodh Senthilkumaran, B Chitradevi, and N Raja Kumar. This strategic move by the Congress comes at a crucial time as Puducherry prepares for its assembly polls. ​

The union territory, with its unique blend of French colonial heritage and an Indian administrative framework, has seen the party's political fortunes fluctuate in recent years. ​

By assembling these committees, the Congress aims to consolidate its base, craft a compelling manifesto addressing local issues like economic development, healthcare, and education, and mount an effective campaign against rivals. ​

Analysts suggest this could help the party regain ground lost in previous elections, where alliances and regional dynamics played significant roles. The inclusion of diverse representatives from various departments and youth wings underscores the party's emphasis on inclusivity and grassroots mobilisation. ​

With experienced leaders like former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and parliamentarian Ve Vaithilingam at the forefront, the committees are expected to focus on voter outreach, media management, and policy formulation tailored to Puducherry's needs. ​

As the election date approaches, these bodies will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the party's narrative and coordinating on-the-ground efforts. ​

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (IANS) Continuing its crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance department, on Thursday, arrested two persons, including the tehsildar of Soro in Balasore district of the state after he was caught red-handed while taking bribe from a businessman.

"On Thursday, Daitari Mallik, Tehasildar of Soro, along with Dayanidhi Jena (private person) has been apprehended by the Odisha Vigilance for receiving a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a truck owner to facilitate release of his five detained trucks laden with stones under his jurisdiction. Tehsildar Mallik had detained the five of his trucks laden with minor minerals since February 11," a senior Vigilance official said.

The official also told that the accused Mallik demanded a bribe of Rs 1,00,000 from the truck owner to not hand over those trucks to the state's Mining department for levy of heavy penalty against him, and to facilitate release of the trucks.

When the truck owner expressed his inability to pay a huge bribe of Rs 1 lakh, the accused Tehsildar reduced the bribe amount to Rs 40,000 following the negotiation.

Finding no other way, the truck owner lodged a complaint with the Vigilance authorities in connection with the case.

Acting on the complaint, the Vigilance sleuths laid a trap on Thursday and nabbed the Soro tehsildar Mallik and Jena, a private person in his office room, on the charges of taking undue advantage of Rs 40,000 from a truck owner.

The entire bribe money was recovered from the accused duo in presence of witnesses.

The Vigilance sources also noted that following the trap, simultaneous searches have been launched on the rented residential house of accused Mallik at Soro, his rental accommodation at Chandrasekharpur in BDA Colony's phase-2 in Bhubaneswar, as well as his office room.

A case has been registered in this regard at the Balasore Vigilance Police Station on February 18 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Feb 19 (IANS) The Congress on Thursday levelled allegations of “rampant corruption” against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), releasing a 20-point chargesheet ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The chargesheet was released in Guwahati in the presence of senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders, including Deputy Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, as part of the party’s election campaign strategy. The opposition party accused the BJP-led state government of misgovernance and failing to fulfil several promises made to voters during its tenure in power.

According to the Congress, the document outlines allegations that the state administration misused official machinery and engaged in selective eviction drives. The party alleged that such actions were carried out in a manner that adversely affected certain sections of society and questioned the government’s approach to law enforcement and administrative action.

The chargesheet also alleged that the Chief Minister, some members of his Cabinet, and their associates had accumulated wealth through improper means. The Congress termed these alleged actions a breach of public trust and demanded accountability from the state government.

Among the issues highlighted in the document, the Congress said the BJP government had failed to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six indigenous communities, despite assurances, and had not implemented the promised increase in daily wages of tea garden workers to Rs 351.

The party also criticised what it described as inadequate progress in key sectors and alleged that the government had not effectively addressed concerns related to employment, welfare, and development.

Addressing reporters after releasing the chargesheet, Congress leaders urged voters to hold the state government accountable and said the document would form a key part of the party’s electoral campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. They said the chargesheet reflects what they described as gaps between promises and implementation.

The BJP rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. Party leaders said the government had undertaken significant development initiatives and expressed confidence that the electorate would support its governance record in the forthcoming elections.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Feb 19 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Thursday approved the state's excise policy for the financial year 2026-27, retaining key restrictions on liquor sales while introducing measures aimed at enhancing transparency, revenue protection, and support for traditional liquor production.

Under the new policy, no new liquor shops will be opened across the state, and existing shop premises will not be expanded or relocated. The existing ban on liquor shops within five kilometres on either side of the Narmada river banks and the prohibition of liquor outlets in designated holy cities will continue.

The policy also discontinues the longstanding practice of automatic renewal of liquor shop licences. Instead, all 3,553 existing liquor shops will be allotted through e-tendering and e-auction processes to ensure transparency and prevent monopolistic practices.

To establish a revised baseline for allocations, the reserve price for liquor shops will be fixed by increasing the current year’s licence fee by 20 per cent.

Liquor shops will be grouped into clusters, with each cluster comprising a maximum of five shops to facilitate streamlined bidding. District administrations will categorise these clusters into three to four groups, and the e-tendering and e-auction process will be conducted in phases accordingly.

To enhance financial transparency and reduce the scope for irregularities, only electronic invoices and e-bank guarantees will be accepted as security deposits. Traditional bank guarantees and fixed deposits will no longer be permitted under the new system.

The policy maintains existing liquor duty rates and licence fees for manufacturing units, bars, and other related establishments, ensuring continuity and operational stability for stakeholders in the sector.

In a move to promote exports and ease business operations, liquor manufacturers will no longer require prior government approval to determine product prices and may declare prices directly through the designated government portal in accordance with prescribed procedures. Simplifications have also been introduced in fee structures and label registration processes to encourage international exports.

The policy includes special provisions to support tribal self-help groups engaged in producing tribal Mahua liquor production. To facilitate the sale of Mahua-based products in other states, reciprocal arrangements will be allowed under which heritage or traditional liquors from other states may enter Madhya Pradesh on a duty-free basis, subject to similar treatment for Mahua products.

The new excise policy will come into effect from April 1, 2026, and is expected to improve regulatory transparency, prevent monopolistic control, and strengthen state revenue while maintaining regulatory safeguards on liquor availability.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 19 (IANS) Union Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Thursday warned political opponents that attempts to suppress the BJP would fail.

He made these remarks during the valedictory session of the BJP State Executive meeting at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on Thursday.

He said these efforts were made because India became the world’s third-largest economy under the BJP rule.

Joshi noted that the BJP is now the world’s largest political party and credited its growth to grassroots workers.

He emphasised that every party worker is recognised and respected.

Recalling his political journey, Joshi said his fifth consecutive victory from the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency was possible because of the foundation laid by senior leaders and dedicated party workers.

Joshi expressed confidence that the BJP will return to power in Karnataka in the next Assembly elections. He said the Congress party would be defeated and encouraged party workers to pursue the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Joshi alleged misgovernance by the Congress government in Karnataka and claimed that false cases and FIRs are being filed against BJP workers.

He stated that he had faced false cases and court proceedings.

He assured party workers that, if the BJP returns to power, all such cases and FIRs would be withdrawn. intimidated by what he termed as threats from the Congress government.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Feb 19 (IANS) At least 32,385 people from different age groups have ended their lives by suicide from across Madhya Pradesh in a span of just two years, the state government said in a written reply submitted on the fourth day of the budget session of the state Assembly on Thursday.

The state government data made a shocking revelation that the number of suicide cases among youths -- students were highest among total number of people who took the extreme step to end their lives.

A total of 987 students have died by suicide in the state between December 13, 2023, to January 20, 2026 since the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Madhya Pradesh government is in power in the state.

After the students or youths, the condition for the people working in agriculture sector seems more venerable as a total of 667 agricultural workers died by suicide, while 562 people recognised as registered farmers took their own lives during the same time period.

It means that from the total number of people who died by suicides, 1,229 farmers were associated directly or indirectly associated with agriculture, which is more alarming because up to 70 per cent population of Madhya Pradesh relies on these two specific government sectors.

In response to a specific query raised by the Congress MLA from Barwani Assembly seat, Rajan Mandloi, the state government said that only two farmers have ended their lives in the state due to the damage of their crops in the last two years during current BJP government's tenure in the state.

The first-time Congress MLA Mandloi, who belongs to the tribal community, had also sought to know if the state government provided any financial support to the families of these farmers, agricultural workers and students who died by suicide, to which the state government said zero deaths occurred due to suicides in the state.

The budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly commenced on February 16 and will conclude on March 6.

On the fourth day of the Assembly proceedings on Thursday, Congress legislators disrupted the House, demanding a formal debate on the drinking water contamination tragedy in Indore's Bhagirathpura that claimed several human lives.

As the House proceedings began, Leader of Opposition in state Assembly and veteran Congress leader, Umang Singhar, said the party sought a discussion on the water contamination deaths tragedy.

Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar refused permission to the Congress regarding discussion on water contamination deaths tragedy, saying the matter was sub-judice and "a discussion on this subject could amount to contempt of court".

Opposition Congress members then raised slogans, accusing the BJP government in the state for "shielding" government officials and public representatives.

The Congress reiterated its demand for the resignation of the State Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.

State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel supported the Assembly Speaker's ruling and suggested that, instead of a debate in the House, the issue could be addressed in a separate meeting with the concerned state Minister.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (IANS) The Odisha Revenue Department on Thursday convened a high-level meeting to deliberate on the protection and restoration of lands belonging to Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri, located at various locations across the state.​

The high-level meeting was held at the Lok Seva Bhavan here under the chairmanship of Revenue Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee. According to an official statement, the meeting’s objective was to ensure the protection of land belonging to Lord Jagannath. ​

The Revenue Secretary, during the meeting, directed the officials to take the necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of all orders and judgments of the Supreme Court of India and the Orissa High Court concerning the protection and restoration of land belonging to Lord Jagannath.​

“Lord Shree Jagannath is regarded as the supreme spiritual landlord of our Odia community. Therefore, safeguarding all his landed properties is our collective moral responsibility,” said Padhee.

​The Revenue Secretary also directed that a dedicated Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu Land Cell be established within the Revenue Department to strengthen the protection and management of the landed properties of the Lord.​

He also emphasised the need for correction of land records (Record-of-Rights) of all landed properties registered in the name of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije (Lord Jagannath), Puri, through the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and for expeditious disposal of pending cases.​

The official sources also informed that discussions were also held during the meeting regarding the eviction of illegal encroachments from lands under the administration of the 12th-century shrine, particularly in various Tahasils of Khordha district and along National and State Highways.​

The revenue department officials also agreed upon that a review meeting on the protection of Lord Jaganath’s landed properties will be held on the first Wednesday of every month under the chairmanship of the Collector of Khordha district.​

The meeting was attended by Amrit Ruturaj, Collector of Khordha; Debabrata Sahu, a senior officer of SJTA; and senior officers of the Land Reforms Branch of the Revenue Department, as well as Sub-Collectors and Tahasildars of Khordha district.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 19 (IANS) The father of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder victim on Thursday questioned the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is currently probing the case, and expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing at the Sealdah court, the victim’s father said he believed assigning the investigation to the CBI had been a mistake. “It was a mistake to give the CBI the responsibility of investigating. It has practically followed the path of investigation started by the Kolkata Police,” he said.

He also alleged that the central agency had not acted on certain demands made by the family and had maintained that arrests could not be made indiscriminately.

During the court proceedings, the victim’s family alleged that the CBI was part of a “larger conspiracy” in the case and sought further investigation to examine the role of both the CBI and the Kolkata Police. They also demanded the arrest of certain junior doctors who were reportedly among the last persons to have seen the victim before the incident.

The victim’s father also reiterated concerns raised earlier regarding the role of Sudipta Roy, Trinamool Congress MLA from Serampore and Chairman of the RG Kar Hospital Patient Welfare Committee, alleging that despite an investigation into financial irregularities, no action had been taken against him in connection with the case.

The victim’s family had earlier approached the court seeking the arrest of police personnel Anup Dutta, who has been named in connection with the case. During Thursday’s hearing, the family’s lawyer alleged that Sanjay Roy, who was convicted in the rape and murder case, had gone to the hospital on the night of the incident on instructions from Anup Dutta.

The family also demanded that the video recording of Anup Dutta’s polygraph test be made public and questioned why his role had not been fully examined in the investigation.

They further raised concerns regarding the omission of Sudipta Roy’s name from CBI documents submitted before the court, despite his statement having been recorded during the course of the investigation. The family urged the court to direct further investigation into the roles of Sudipta Roy, Anup Dutta, and other police personnel concerned.

The incident took place on the night of August 8, 2024, when a junior doctor was raped and murdered inside the emergency building of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Following the incident, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested.

Initially, the Kolkata Police conducted the investigation and arrested the accused. Subsequently, on the directions of the Calcutta High Court, the CBI took over the investigation and took custody of the accused. The CBI later filed a charge sheet before the Sealdah court, naming Sanjay Roy as the sole accused in the case. He was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the trial court.

In January this year, the CBI submitted its eighth status report on the progress of the investigation. However, the victim’s family questioned the findings of the report, alleging that it did not contain any significant developments.

The family’s counsel also raised concerns over procedural aspects of the investigation, including the scope of questioning of witnesses. The CBI, in response, stated that decisions regarding examination of witnesses were part of the agency’s investigative process.

During Thursday’s proceedings, the CBI also alleged non-cooperation by members of the victim’s family in the investigation. The agency’s counsel further raised the issue of whether details contained in the sealed status report submitted before the court could be publicly discussed.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Feb 19 (IANS) Telangana’s emergence as a hub for AI-driven innovation was highlighted before representatives of the US–India Business Council on Thursday at the USIBC Round Table during the India AI Impact Summit–2026 in Delhi.​

Addressing the Round Table, Minister for Industry and Information Technology D. Sridhar Babu said that, with world-class infrastructure and a strong technology ecosystem, Telangana offers compelling opportunities for US investors seeking scalable, future-ready platforms.​

In his keynote address, the minister told the USIBC that stable, forward-looking policies have created a solid foundation for AI research and deployment.​

Public-private partnerships with leading US tech firms are being advanced, while artificial intelligence is already strengthening governance through real-time monitoring of public services. Telangana stands committed to innovation-led growth and global collaboration, he said.​

He stated that Telangana, a platform for innovations in artificial intelligence, offers many opportunities for American investors.​

He said that the state government is already encouraging public participation in partnerships with American tech giants.​

The minister explained that forward-looking sustainable policies have become a basis for AI research.​

He noted that the state government has positioned Telangana as a leader in AI by setting up innovation centres focused on sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and urban development.

​The establishment of AI University, AI Hubs, and the development of a skilled workforce will be given top priority in the state budget to be presented soon, he added.​

“In New Delhi, our message was that AI safety is not a barrier to innovation but its very foundation. Growth without safeguards risks eroding public trust, and responsible standards will determine how far artificial intelligence can truly advance,” Sridhar Babu posted on ‘X’.​

“Telangana is building that future through AIKAM, TGDeX, AI City, and Bharat Future City by scaling innovation with sustainability, shared responsibility, and citizen-centric governance at its core,” he added.​

Sridhar Babu said meaningful discussions were held with Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Communications and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, on the sidelines of the summit.​

The meeting focused on Indonesia’s proposal to establish a Hyderabad–Jakarta Technology Skills Development Corridor to facilitate the exchange of technological talent, strengthen skill development frameworks, and deepen collaboration between Telangana's and Indonesia's startup and innovation ecosystems.

​--IANS

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Aizawl, Feb 19 (IANS) The Centre has allocated Rs 491 crore for the implementation of the Tripura-Mizoram natural gas pipeline project, Mizoram Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister B Lalchhanzova said on Thursday. ​

Replying to a query from opposition BJP MLA K. Beichhua in the Mizoram Assembly, the Minister informed that the Centre has earmarked a total outlay of Rs 9,265 crore for the broader North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid. ​

Of this amount, Rs 491 crore has been specifically designated for the 119.5-km pipeline stretch connecting northern Tripura’s Panisagar to Aizawl to supply natural gas for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections meant primarily for cooking purposes. ​

He said the terminal station of the pipeline project will be at Sihhmui, about 21 km from Aizawl. The project is being executed by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), and around 45 per cent of the physical work has already been completed. ​

An official said that the entire work of this ambitious project is expected to be completed by December 2027. Once the pipeline installation up to Sihhmui is finalised, the government-owned Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) will begin laying the local distribution network to provide PNG connections to households in Aizawl for cooking purposes. ​

Following IGGL’s completion of the main pipeline, TNGCL will start providing PNG connections in Aizawl and Mamit districts, adjoining Tripura, bringing clean, convenient cooking fuel to people in the state by early 2028, he added. ​

TNGCL is one of Eastern India’s fastest-growing natural gas distribution companies. Established on July 10, 1990, the company is a joint venture of GAIL (India) Ltd, Tripura Industrial Development Corporation Ltd, a Tripura government undertaking, and Assam Gas Company Ltd, a Government of Assam undertaking. ​

A company official said that TNGCL supplies eco-friendly, cost-effective natural gas to the domestic, commercial, industrial, and transport sectors across West Tripura and Gomati districts in Tripura.

The TNGCL has maintained an almost 100 per cent reliability record in gas supply, he said. Besides being the most reliable supplier of Piped Natural Gas (PNG), TNGCL was also the first company to set up Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across Eastern India. ​

At present, over 50,000 vehicles across different categories in Tripura are running on environmentally friendly, cost-effective CNG, reflecting a major shift towards cleaner mobility. ​

The company also supplies PNG connections to thousands of households in West Tripura and Gomati districts for cooking purposes, contributing significantly to cleaner energy adoption in the region.

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--IANS

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