India

New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable strides in its efforts to boost tourism, deepen cultural exchanges, and elevate its global profile. One of the most significant achievements in this regard is the launch of the 'Chalo India' campaign.

This is an initiative designed to harness the power and influence of the Indian diaspora in promoting India as a vibrant and diverse tourism destination.

The campaign is a direct response to Prime Minister Modi's call for members of the Indian diaspora to invite at least five foreign friends to visit India, with a view to fostering cross-cultural connections and promoting India’s unique offerings across the globe.

Odisha, which is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, comes under the spotlight. It is at the forefront of this transformative tourism drive. As a prominent tourism hub, Odisha's vibrant landscapes, ancient temples, pristine beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries embody the essence of India's diverse heritage.

The Chalo India initiative has already begun to showcase Odisha's vast tourism potential, positioning the state as a key player in India's growing tourism sector.

Through the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, the world will witness

Odisha's contribution to India's cultural and tourism identity, shining a spotlight on its remarkable diversity.

The Chalo India initiative not only promotes tourism but also invites diaspora members to actively engage in spreading India’s cultural richness.

Through the campaign, they are encouraged to serve as ambassadors for Incredible India, facilitating the introduction of foreign visitors to India’s unparalleled cultural and historical landmarks.

The fact that there is no upper limit on how many friends a diaspora member can invite to India is a testament to the belief that every individual's contribution matters in creating an authentic global dialogue.

The PBD celebrations will highlight the extraordinary achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide.

This year's exhibitions, focused on the Ramayana, technology, and the archiving of the history of the diaspora, offer a glimpse into how Indian expatriates have become a vehicle for the propagation of India's cultural ethos and values.

By acting as emissaries for India, the diaspora has demonstrated its vital role in not just promoting tourism but also preserving and sharing the traditions that define India.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) There is no denying the fact that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s connection with its global diaspora has strengthened significantly over the last decade. A number of initiatives have been launched for the welfare of Indian nationals living abroad.

These initiatives and programmes highlight PM Modi-led government's "people-first" approach. Programmes like E-MIGRATE, MADAD, and the Upgraded Pravasi Bima Yojana are instrumental in ensuring the well-being of the Indian community overseas, providing them with accessible resources, support, and security.

Community wings in Indian missions and posts abroad have played a pivotal role in furthering this outreach, helping strengthen the bond between India and its citizens around the globe.

The upcoming 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is goning to be a significant milestone in this engagement. The PBD will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for the first time.

The event will be organised from January 8 to January 10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving on January 8. President Droupadi Murmu will be joining on January 9.

The PBD Convention serves as the flagship event of the Government of India, offering a crucial platform for the Indian diaspora to connect, share experiences, and contribute to the nation's growth.

This year, the theme of the convention is "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), focusing on the role of the global Indian community in India’s development journey. The event has attracted a large number of diaspora members from over 50 countries.

This fact spotlights the growing importance of India’s overseas citizens in its progress.

As India marks 10 years of its Act East Policy, the state of Odisha stands poised to make its mark on the international stage, with its rich historical maritime ties and strategic geographic location.

Situated on the eastern coast of India, Odisha has long been a gateway for trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia.

Its deep-rooted connections to the ASEAN countries offer an excellent platform to deepen economic, cultural, and commercial ties.

The state's vast coastline, world-class ports, and abundant natural resources provide immense opportunities for investors and businesses looking to tap into the dynamic markets of the Indo-Pacific region.

Odisha, with its strong industrial base, is also rapidly emerging as a global leader in various sectors. The state has positioned itself as a hub for mining, iron and steel manufacturing, and the marine economy, industries that play a vital role in India’s economic growth.

The state's commitment to developing its knowledge economy, sports infrastructure, and skilling initiatives further bolsters its attractiveness to investors. Several Indian IT companies have already set up operations in Odisha, capitalising on its growing technological ecosystem.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in Bhubaneswar will be a unique opportunity to showcase Odisha's strengths to the world. As India celebrates its diverse cultural, economic, and social achievements, Odisha's potential as a global business and investment destination will take center stage.

With its growth in sectors ranging from technology to sports, Odisha is ready to contribute to India's vision of an integrated, global economy while fostering deeper ties with Southeast Asia and beyond.

Odisha's age-old maritime connections with countries in the ASEAN region have shaped deep cultural bonds. Merchants, monks, and travelers from Odisha have historically traveled to far-off destinations in Southeast Asia, establishing vibrant cultural links.

The Bali Yatra and Odisha's enduring connections with Sri Lanka speak volumes about the state's role in fostering these ties.

Today, these exchanges are being renewed through initiatives like the PBD Convention. The Ramayana exhibition, which will be a part of the event, will showcase how the epic journeyed to Southeast Asian countries, where it continues to be celebrated as an integral part of the region's culture.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various railway projects on Monday (January 6) at 12:30 p.m. via video conferencing.

In a key move to further boost connectivity in the region, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new Jammu Railway Division. He will also inaugurate the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana and lay the foundation stone of the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway.

Creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 km comprising Pathankot - Jammu - Udhampur - Srinagar - Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal - Pathankot, Batala - Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India.

It will create employment opportunities, and infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri District of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with the provision of a second entry with a cost of around Rs 413 crore. This environment-friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda.

Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway. It will improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and nearby areas and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi. The key focus of projects is to enhance regional connectivity and ensure ease of travel.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated a 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar, fulfilling the dream of millions of residents of the National Capital Region for a fast, safe and non-road mode of connectivity.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Jan 5 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and Congress leader, Partap Singh Bajwa, has written to all political parties in the state Assembly, urging them to collectively honour former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh by recommending him for the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

In an appeal, Bajwa addressed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Speaker Kultar Singh Sadhwan, and other prominent leaders, including Manpreet Singh Ayali of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Ashwani Sharma of the BJP and Nachhatar Pal of the BSP, proposing a joint resolution in the Assembly to recognise Dr. Singh’s “unparalleled contributions to the nation and his deep-rooted connection to Punjab”.

Bajwa’s letter highlights Dr. Singh’s transformative role as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation in 1991, which not only revived the Indian economy but also positioned the country as a global economic powerhouse.

As Prime Minister, Dr. Singh consistently prioritized inclusive growth, economic stability, and social justice, impacting millions across India.

"Dr. Manmohan Singh is a proud son of Punjab, and his journey is an inspiration to all," Bajwa wrote.

"Born in Punjab, his life exemplifies resilience, humility, and selfless service. He has not only brought pride to our state but has also addressed critical issues in agriculture, rural development, and education, leaving a lasting impact on Punjab and the nation as a whole."

In addition to the resolution, Bajwa has proposed the formation of an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocate for this recognition.

He emphasised that this collective initiative would send a strong message of unity across party lines, celebrating Dr. Singh’s statesmanship and commitment to public service.

“This is not just about honouring a remarkable individual; it is about reaffirming our collective commitment to democracy, integrity, and excellence in public service,” Bajwa added.

Bajwa said Dr. Singh's calm demeanour, intellectual acumen, and bipartisan approach make him a unifying force in Indian politics.

“Honouring him with the Bharat Ratna would inspire future generations and acknowledge his exceptional contributions to India’s growth and global stature,” he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the CEO of Sonmarg Development Authority, Director General of Rural Sanitation and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) on the issue of protecting the habitat of Himalayan Brown Bear, which is depleting due to unplanned disposal and treatment of waste in Sonmarg region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The original application was registered suo motu by the green tribunal on the basis of the news item titled "Saving Kashmir Brown Bears is a Race Against Time Wildlife SOS and J&K Wildlife Protection Dept. take challenge" appearing in a media outlet in July 2024.

Saying that proper adjudication of issue required assistance of CEO of Sonmarg Development Authority, Director General of Rural Sanitation, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), the NGT issued notices to them and asked them to file their responses by way of affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing.

The matter will be heard next on April 22. The news item related to the depleting habitat of the Himalayan Brown Bear due to the unplanned disposal and treatment of waste in Sonmarg region of Kashmir.

As per the article, Wildlife SOS has initiated a research project with J&K Wildlife Protection Department in studying Himalayan brown bears and identifying factors leading to human-brown bear conflict in Sonmarg.

The news item highlighted that in a study by Wildlife SOS in 2021, 75 per cent of the diet of bears was human-made garbage dumps including plastic, chocolates and organic food waste.

The article claimed that very little is known about the ecology and behavior of bears in India, and hence its population is being severely affected due to various factors like tourism, construction activities, livestock grazing, agriculture, settlements, highways, railroad, tunnelling and poaching.

In its order, the NGT said that the news item raised substantial issues relating to compliance of the environmental norms, especially compliance of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Earlier, it had impleaded Wildlife SOS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), J&K Pollution Control Board, Kupwara’s District Magistrate.

“Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response at least one week before the next date of hearing,” had ordered a bench headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, locals, especially those from Vikaspuri, expressed their excitement, saying the new corridor would save significant time and reduce travel difficulties.

Speaking to IANS, Pradeep Thakur from Vikaspuri shared his enthusiasm, stating, "This will surely benefit us. We will face less difficulty now while travelling. We are very happy to receive this New Year gift from PM Modi. This will certainly help reduce traffic. Moreover, PM Modi is also inaugurating the monorail. We used to face a lot of challenges, with travel times exceeding 4 to 5 hours. But now, it will take only 40 minutes. I want to thank PM Modi for this. He is making us proud on the world stage. I wish to see him as my Prime Minister till my last breath."

Amarjeet Singh Talvar, also from Vikaspuri, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "I am happy with this development. It will save our time. Earlier, we faced many problems due to traffic. But now, we won’t have to face these issues. There is no Prime Minister like him. He gives us gifts almost every month. We want to see him continue as our Prime Minister. The metro will truly help in reducing travel time."

Prime Minister Modi's inauguration of the 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar has fulfilled the long-awaited dream of millions in the region for fast, safe, and non-road transportation.

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which is part of this initiative, is designed based on the Central Place Theory, which suggests that settlements grow around central locations offering services to surrounding suburbs. This project is set to revolutionise travel between urban centres and their suburbs, helping alleviate congestion in major cities.

The full 84-km RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut, which is being developed at a cost of Rs 30,274 crore, will reduce travel time between Jangpura in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut to just one hour. According to studies by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), the Namo Bharat RRTS is expected to attract an estimated daily ridership of 8 lakh people. The corridor will have 25 stations, with 68 km elevated, 13 km underground, and 3 km at ground level. The full operation, extending from Delhi to Modipuram, is slated for completion by 2025.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 5 (IANS) The Congress government's decision to prune the promised investment support to farmers under Rythu Bharosa is likely to give fresh ammunition to the opposition parties, which had termed the move a "betrayal" of farmers.

Both Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plan to launch protests and further step up the attack on the ruling party for allegedly going back on one of its guarantees.

The opposition parties had been voicing apprehensions that the Congress government is trying to impose conditions to deny farmers assistance under Rythu Bharosa.

However, the state Cabinet at its meeting on Saturday decided to extend financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per acre from January 26 for all cultivable lands without any conditions. This is Rs 3,000 less than what was promised by the Congress party in the November 2023 Assembly polls.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy cited financial stress for pruning the promised assistance. He, however, said this assistance was still Rs 2,000 more than what the BRS government was giving to farmers under Rythu Bandhu.

Both BRS and BJP termed the Congress government's decision a betrayal of farmers.

"The Congress is synonymous with fraud and deceit," alleged BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao. He termed Chief Minister Reddy as a traitor to farmers.

He alleged that the much-publicised Warangal Rythu Declaration and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's promises to farmers were hollow.

"Declaration became deception, guarantees became fantasies within a year of Congress rule in Telangana. Rahul Gandhi has stabbed farmers in the back yet again," said BJP leader Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

"This isn't help - it's outright humiliation of farmers Congress thrives on lies, betrayal, and broken promises. Telangana Farmers placed their trust in Rahul Gandhi & Congress, only to have it turned into a cruel joke. Enough of this fraud! Farmers of Telangana will never forgive this betrayal," Bandi Sanjay shared his reaction on 'X'.

At a public meeting in Warangal on May 6, 2022, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi unveiled the Rythu Declaration. The promises include a Rs 2 lakh loan waiver and a Rs 15,000 direct benefit per acre annually.

These promises formed part of the six guarantees announced by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at a public meeting in Hyderabad on September 17, 2023.

In 2018, the then-BRS government launched Rythu Bandhu. Under the scheme, then claimed to be the only scheme of its kind in the country, the farmers were getting Rs.10,000 as investment support for every acre annually.

About 65 lakh farmers were getting assistance in two equal instalments for two crop seasons (Khariff and Rabi). The BRS government was spending around Rs.16,000 crore annually and it claimed to have disbursed over Rs 72,000 crore in 10 crop seasons.

As tenant farmers were not covered by Rythu Bandhu, the Congress party has promised to cover them under Rythu Bharosa. There are an estimated 17 lakh tenant farmers in the state.

During the Assembly elections, the BRS too had promised that the investment support under 'Rythu Bandhu' will be increased to Rs 15,000 in a phased manner. It promised to increase the amount to Rs 12,000 in the first year.

Ever since the Congress came to power in December 2023, it has been under pressure from the opposition to honour its commitment to implement six guarantees in 100 days.

The opposition claims that even after one year the guarantees remained unfulfilled while the government claims that it already implemented several promises and the process was on to implement the remaining.

Both BRS and BJP dispute the government’s claim that it waived all farm loans of up to Rs.2 lakh and say that many farmers were still waiting for the loan waiver. The government claimed it waived farm loans of 25 lakh farmers by crediting over Rs 21,000 crore directly into their accounts.

The opposition says the Congress had promised Rs 500 bonus per quintal for paddy in addition to the MSP but after coming to power the bonus was restricted to only a fine variety of rice.

Chief Minister Reddy attributed the delay in implementing guarantees to empty coffers the Congress government inherited.

He stated that on June 2, 2014, when Telangana state was formed, the state had Rs 16,000 crore surplus budget while its debts were only Rs. 69,000 crore but when the BRS was ousted from power after 10 years, the debts mounted to Rs 7.5 lakh crore. The state is repaying Rs 6,500 crore every month.

The Chief Minister recently admitted that the State's monthly revenue of around Rs 18,500 crore was insufficient to meet the requirements and the State will require at least Rs. 30,000 crore a month if it has to fulfil all its commitments.

The Chief Minister claimed that immediately after coming to power, his government paid Rs 7,625 crore to farmers under Rythu Bandhu which was kept pending by the previous government.

Two days after taking charge, the Congress government launched free bus rides for women in State Road Transport Corporation buses and also enhanced annual coverage under Rajiv Arogyasri, a health insurance scheme for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to Rs10 lakh from Rs 5 lakh.

During 2023, the government implemented a few more promises including a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh, 200 units of free electricity to each household and cooking gas cylinder for Rs.500 for BPL families.

While announcing the launch of 'Rythu Bharosa' after the Cabinet meeting on Saturday, the Chief Minister also declared that the government would also give Rs 12,000 per year to landless farm labourers. This scheme would be called 'Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa'.

The Cabinet also decided to issue new ration cards for all eligible families. All three schemes will be implemented from January 26 to commemorate the completion of 75 years of the Constitution's adoption.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 5 (IANS) Cyberabad Police have arrested two workers from Bihar for voyeurism at CMR College, which was rocked by protests after female students alleged that they were secretly filmed in the hostel washrooms.

Police arrested Nanda Kishore Kumar and Govind Kumar, both aged 20, for peeping into the ladies' washroom. Working in the hostel mess, the accused were staying in a room next to the ladies’ washroom.

Police also booked CMR College chairman, director, principal and two hostel wardens for negligence.

Deputy Commissioner of Police N. Koti Reddy said accused Nanda Kishore Kumar and Govind Kumar confessed their offence. Both were sent to judicial custody. He said the case was still under investigation.

The case was registered under Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 77 (voyeurism), 125 (Endangering the personal safety or human life of others through negligence or rashness, 49 (abetment) 239 (intentionally withholding information about a crime) and section 11 (sexual harassment) R/w 12, 16 and 17 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) ACT.

The police said KV Dhanalaxmi and Allam Preethi Reddy, working as CMR girls hostel wardens displayed negligence when the victim girls informed them about the incident. The wardens did not give priority to such a serious incident, and intentionally avoided escalating the matter to the police or to the parents of the victims. They even tried to suppress the issue, blaming the victims with derogatory comments, thereby insulting the modesty of victim students.

College Principal Varahabatla Anantha Narayana, Director Madireddy Janga Reddy and Chairman Chamakura Gopal Reddy pressurised Dhanalaxmi and Preethi Reddy to contain exposure of the incident so as to protect college's reputation but did not show interest in reporting the incident to competent authority at any point of time, which emboldened and abetted the accused to take chance at voyeurism, the police said.

The college officials named as accused also provided accommodation to the male accused near the girls' hostel washrooms giving easy access, and a serious threat to the privacy and safety of the victim minor girls.

The DCP said the abnormal behaviour of Dhanalaxmi, Preethi Reddy, Anantha Narayana, Janga Reddy and Gopal Reddy abetted Nanda Kishore Kumar and Govind Kumar to commit the offence.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 5 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday claimed that the state has become a model for the country in providing employment.

He said the Congress government in its first year filled 55,143 posts in various government departments. He termed this as unprecedented in the country.

The Chief Minister was speaking after distributing cheques to Civil Services aspirants under the Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam scheme.

Twenty candidates from the students who qualified for Civils Mains exams have received Rs 1 lakh cheque each.

Revanth Reddy said statehood for Telangana was achieved to fulfil the aspirations of the youth, mainly the aspiration for jobs. He claimed that despite the formation of Telangana State, the unemployed struggled a lot due to a lack of jobs in the last 10 years.

The Chief Minister said Group 1 exams were conducted for the last 14 years. The People's Government overcame all hurdles and conspiracies and conducted Group 1 exams to fill 563 posts. The recruitment for Group 1 posts will be completed by March 31.

“The People's Government assumed power in such a difficult situation. My government's main objective is to see more number of candidates selected in Civil Services exams from the Telangana State,” he said.

He mentioned that more students from a backward state like Bihar are excelling in civil services in the country. He said due to the special attention given in that state, more candidates are becoming IAS and IPS officers.

Taking inspiration from Bihar, the Telangana government is extending Rs 1 lakh financial assistance through Rajiv Civils Abhayahastam to ensure that the Civils aspirants from Telangana succeed in big numbers. He said the aspirants should consider the financial help as an encouragement from the government.

He told the aspirants that those who work hard with a commitment definitely get the rewards. He hoped that all the aspirants who received encouragement under the scheme would attend interviews and get selected in the civil services.

Claiming that his government accorded priority to the future of the youth, he said it was taking all steps for recruitment as per the job calendar. The government is ready to encourage the candidates preparing for civil services in all ways.

“We aspire to reach a level where we can proudly say that Telangana has the highest number of candidates selected for civil services in the country,” he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Ramesh Bidhuri, the BJP candidate from Kalkaji Assembly constituency, who stoked controversy with his 'road like Priyanka's cheeks' remarks, issued a clarification on Sunday, stating that his intention was not to hurt anyone's feelings or sentiments. He however rejected Cong's demands for apology and sought to turn the tables on the Opposition by stating that it was they who first need to apologize for Lalu Yadav's comparison of Bihar's roads to Hema Malini's cheeks.

Defending his statement, Bidhuri pointed out that Lalu Yadav had made a similar comment about BJP leader Hema Malini years ago.

"Congress and AAP should first demand an apology from their INDIA bloc ally, Lalu Yadav, for his derogatory remarks against Hema Malini. Just because Priyanka Gandhi comes from a VIP family, she is treated differently. Hema Malini, who comes from a general family, is no less deserving of respect," Bidhuri told reporters.

He further accused the Congress of hypocrisy and favouritism, stating, "Congress never speaks up for Hema Malini because she doesn't belong to a privileged family. They are only interested in dramatics to secure votes. The Nehru family has ruined the country over 70 years, and people now see through their tactics."

Reacting to Bidhuri's remarks, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate slammed the BJP, calling it an "anti-woman party" and labelling his comments as "shameful" and a reflection of an "ugly mindset."

She demanded that the BJP leader issues an apology to Priyanka Gandhi.

The controversy erupted over Bidhuri's recent comments about Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, where he said he would make the "roads of the constituency as smooth as Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks" if he won the upcoming Assembly elections.

Bidhuri has faced Opposition's criticism for his controversial remarks, earlier also. In 2023, he made communal comments against former BSP MP Danish Ali in Parliament, which led to widespread outrage from the Opposition. Though the remarks were later expunged, Bidhuri expressed regret over the incident.

The bitter verbal exchange between Congress and BJP over his fresh remarks, highlights the heightened tensions as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Assembly elections

--IANS

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