India

Kolkata, Jan 4 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee objecting to her statements on January 2, accusing the Border Security Force (BSF) of encouraging illegal infiltration from neighbouring Bangladesh to create troubles in West Bengal.

"The state police do not guard the borders, the BSF is responsible for that. At times, they are complicit in aiding such illegal infiltrations... miscreants crossing the borders illegally, entering the state, and killing innocent people. The state police director general, Rajeev Kumar, has gathered specific intelligence on this issue, along with additional information at the local level. Once I receive all the details, I will formally communicate with the Union government,” the chief minister told the mediapersons on January 2.

On Saturday, Suvendu Adhikari wrote to Mamata Banerjee and pointed out that this is for the first time that the Chief Minister of any Indian state had made such comments with the intention of weakening the morale of BSF to appease her party, Trinamool Congress' own vote bank.

In the letter, the leader of the opposition had pointed out how the state government under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee deliberately did not initiate the allocation of land to BSF for setting up barbed-fences at the porous international borders between India and Bangladesh in the bordering district of West Bengal.

Adhikari ended the letter claiming that the Union government is committed to detecting infiltrators, deleting their names from voters' list and deporting them.

"I appeal to you not to sacrifice the art, culture and the demography of West Bengal for the greed of vote banks. The ongoing attempts to erase West Bengal red culture and heritage must be stopped, otherwise, the future generations will never forgive you," the letter concluded.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 4 (IANS) The Assam government in collaboration with FICCI as the Industry Partner, is set to host an exclusive Roadshow in Mumbai on Monday, as a precursor to the Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025, which will take place on February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati.

A senior official said that the roadshow will be led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and it will showcase Assam's remarkable economic growth, including its impressive 19.1 per cent GSDP growth in FY 2024, and highlight its emergence as a leading destination for investment and infrastructure development in India.

Sarma will also engage in discussions with prominent industrialists and business leaders from major conglomerates such as the Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Group, and Adani Airports.

Additionally, leaders from organisations like Sun Pharma, HDFC Bank, HUL, Luxmi Tea, Welspun Group, Tata Trusts, DMART, Piramal Group and others will explore avenues for strategic investments in Assam.

"Assam offers significant opportunities across key sectors such as electronics and semiconductors, aerospace and defense manufacturing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, food processing, hydrocarbons, and more. The state’s pro-investment policies, strategic geographic location, and robust infrastructure make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand,” an official statement mentioned.

Speaking about the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, Himanta Biswa Sarma said: "Assam is poised to become a major contributor to India's economic growth story. Our state's consistent efforts in creating a conducive business environment and our strategic focus on emerging sectors have started to bear fruit. The Advantage Assam 2.0 Roadshow in Mumbai is a step forward in engaging with industry leaders and inviting them to join us in our journey of economic transformation."

The Mumbai roadshow will also include one-to-one interactions with senior officials from the Assam government who will address investor queries and provide insights into the state's transformative development agenda.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for industry stakeholders, investors, and media professionals to witness Assam’s dynamic investment ecosystem and its vision to double its GSDP to $143 billion by FY 2029-30," the official release further mentioned.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 4 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday met the chairman of Tata group N Chandrasekharan to discuss the upcoming investor summit -- Advantage Assam 2.0 -- to be held in Guwahati in February.

Taking to X handle, Sarma wrote, “My meeting with Chairman of @TataCompanies Shri N Chandrasekharan was a fruitful one. In addition to topics relating to the upcoming #AdvantageAssam 2.0, we talked at length about the rich potential Assam offers to investors and entrepreneurs.”

The CM embarked on a three-day tour to Mumbai on Saturday to attract potential players for the investor summit. He met CEOs of various Tata group entities.

“Today in Mumbai, I had a productive meeting with CEOs from various Tata Group entities. We also invited them to participate in #AdvantageAssam2.0 which, in my opinion, will be an excellent platform to deepen the long-standing partnership between Assam & Tata Group,” the CM further stated.

Moreover, CM Sarma also held a meeting with the executive director of Sun Pharma company, Aalok Shanghvi. “An enriching discussion with Shri Aalok Shanghvi, Executive Director of @SunPharma_Live on the opportunities which lie in Assam's pharmaceutical sector and the Group's expansion plans in the State. I also invited him to be a part of the #AdvantageAssam2.0 Summit this February,” Chief Minister wrote on the X.

The goal of Advantage Assam 2.0, the second iteration of the international investor summit since its 2018 launch, is to increase infrastructure development and investment in the state.

The two-day event is expected to draw investors from all around India and the world, solidifying Assam’s standing as a new investment destination in the country. The event, set to be held in Guwahati on February 24 and 25, will highlight the traditional Jhumur dance of the tea tribe clans.

Sarma said, “This summit is a platform to showcase Assam's rich traditions to a global audience in addition to attracting investors.” A spectacular Jhumur dance performance with more than 7,500 dancers and artists will be part of the event. It will be an extraordinary show, the CM said.

The preparations are underway for this cultural event. The Chief Minister said, “Perfect execution will be ensured by master training workshops, constituency-level sessions, district-level performances, and final rehearsals in Guwahati.”

The concert, which is planned for either day of the summit, is anticipated to have a lasting effect on those present.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 4 (IANS) The Congress government in Telangana has decided to provide investment support of Rs 12,000 per acre to farmers annually under Rythu Bharosa, against Rs 15,000 promised by it during 2023 Assembly elections.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced after the Cabinet meeting on Saturday that Rythu Bharosa will be implemented from January 26.

He said the decision to extend financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per acre was taken while keeping in mind the present financial position of the state.

The Chief Minister, however, said this was still Rs 2,000 more than the assistance farmers were getting under Rythu Bandhu scheme of the previous government of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

He said the decision was taken for the welfare of farmers in the New Year.

Aiming to transform agriculture into a celebration, a key decision has been made to support farmers through "Rythu Bharosa".

He said all the farmers engaged in agriculture will be covered under Rythu Bharosa.

The investment subsidy will be given for every acre of cultivable agricultural land without any conditions.

“Rythu Bharosa would not be given for hillocks, roads, industries and lands converted as real estate ventures,” he said while reiterating his allegations against BRS.

Lands not suitable for agriculture like lands e used for mining, hills, real estate ventures, roads, residential, industrial, or commercial purposes, canal-converted lands, or lands acquired by the government for various projects will not be eligible for Rythu Bharosa.

The Chief Minister also announced that the government would also give Rs 12,000 per year to landless agricultural labourers farmers. This scheme would be called ‘Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa’.

The Cabinet also decided to issue new ration cards for all eligible families from January 26.

All the three schemes of Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa and new ration cards will be implemented from January 26.

Revanth Reddy said that these initiatives are being implemented to commemorate the completion of 75 years of the Constitution's adoption.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has emphasised the need for increased government spending on education.

Interacting with students of IIT Madras in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said that quality education requires robust government funding and robust public institutions, rather than relying on privatisation and financial incentives.

"The government must guarantee quality education to its people, and this can only be achieved by strengthening public institutions," he added.

Highlighting the success of government institutions, the Congress leader said, "The best institutions in the country, including your institution (IIT Madras), are government-run. I argue for much more money being spent on education by governments."

Expressing his concerns about India's education system, Rahul Gandhi added, "I have serious problems with the way the country's education system is structured. It doesn't allow the imagination of our children to thrive. It's a very restrictive, top-down system… very narrow."

He shared insights from his Bharat Jodo Yatra, during which he spoke to thousands of children across the country about their aspirations.

"Most of the students I interacted with want to become lawyers, doctors, engineers, or army soldiers. It can't be that there are only five career options in this country, but that's what our system is pushing," he noted.

He also criticised the current system for measuring success through a narrow lens, focusing primarily on becoming an engineer, doctor or civil servant, which applies to only a small percentage of the population.

"Our education system should allow children to pursue what they want and experience diverse opportunities," he said.

The Congress leader also stressed the need for increased investment in Research and Development (R&D), particularly in the production sector.

"Real innovation comes from R&D, and more funding in this area is essential for the country's progress," he said.

Rahul Gandhi contrasted his party's inclusive vision with the BJP's economic policies, saying, "The Congress believes in fair distribution and inclusive growth. The BJP, on the other hand, is more aggressive on growth and follows a 'trickle-down' approach."

Touching upon India's foreign policy, he emphasised the importance of balancing relations with global powers like China and the US.

"India must intelligently navigate and balance its relationships with these superpowers," he advised.

Rahul Gandhi concluded by stressing that a harmonious society would lead to less conflict and greater progress for the country.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 4 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared Cyclone Fengal a severe natural disaster.

This declaration, published in the state’s official gazette under the Department of Disaster Management, facilitates the mobilisation of funds for relief and reconstruction efforts.

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives due to the cyclone. Residents of the worst-affected districts -- Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore -- will receive Rs 2,000 each as immediate financial aid.

Additionally, the state has requested a substantial financial package of over Rs 6,000 crore from the central government to support relief, rehabilitation, and infrastructure rebuilding in cyclone-affected areas.

The relief measures announced by the Tamil Nadu government include financial aid of Rs 2,000 for ration card holders whose livelihoods have been disrupted in Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts.

The crop compensation includes Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated crops (including paddy) damaged by 33 per cent or more, Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial crops and trees with damage exceeding 33 per cent; a compensation of Rs 8,500 per hectare for rain-fed crops damaged by 33 per cent or more.

The state government has assessed a compensation of Rs 37,500 for each buffalo or cow lost; Rs 4,000 for each goat or sheep lost and Rs 100 for each chicken lost.

An amount of Rs 10,000 will be provided as compensation for mud huts damaged by floods.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the widespread devastation caused by the cyclone, which resulted in torrential rains and heavy winds across the state.

It may be noted that in the rains followed by Cyclone Fengal, 12 people died while 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural lands were inundated.

The cyclone destroyed 1,649 kilometres of electric conductors, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers. It also caused damage to 9,576 kilometres of roads, 1,847 culverts and 417 tanks.

Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi districts experienced over 50 cm of rainfall in a single day, equivalent to an entire season’s average, leading to severe flooding.

The cyclone affected 69 lakh families and displaced 1.5 crore individuals.

The state government’s initial assessment estimates Rs 2,475 crore is required for temporary restoration efforts.

Chief Minister Stalin has sought an interim relief of Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and additional financial assistance based on the findings of the central assessment team.

--IANS

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Kohima, Jan 4 (IANS) Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Yanthungo Patton on Saturday said that earlier there was no faction in the Naga political movement but now it has splintered into approximately 28 factions making it increasingly difficult for the Naga people to pursue progressive and sustainable activities.

Addressing the 175th anniversary celebrations of Lhisemia Kethinuokelie, the amalgamation of different clans of Lhisemia Khel (sector) of Kohima village, the Deputy Chief Minister said that during the early days of the Naga political movement, particularly under late A.Z. Phizo, there were no factions or divisions, and the entire Naga society was united.

There was no illegal taxation or extortion, and the Naga freedom fighters were respected by all citizens for their dedicated commitment to the true spirit of the Naga freedom movement for self-determination, he said.

Patton said that the political movement has now splintered into 28 factions, leading to a fragmented governance that is plagued by illegal taxation and extortion which has made it increasingly difficult for the Naga people to pursue progressive and sustainable activities.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is willing to provide a solution for the Naga issue, but unity among the Naga factions is essential to achieve this.

The Centre is prepared to offer a single solution for the entire Naga society, rather than multiple solutions for individual factions, he stated.

Saying that Nagas are at a crucial juncture, he observed that Naga society, both overground and underground, is "completely shattered and fragmented".

Emphasising the need for a strong and unified society for the growth and progress of the state, he said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has formed an opposition-less government, bringing all 60 MLAs together under one platform, irrespective of party affiliations and ideology with an aim to bring unanimity among Naga society and work towards a permanent solution to the much expected Naga political issue.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that he is not against factions that are genuinely negotiating with the Central government to reach a final resolution, but emphasised that many factions are either engaged in extortion or pursuing their own interests.

He urged all Naga underground factions to unite and collaborate in efforts to achieve a permanent Naga political solution, provided they are sincerely committed to the welfare of the Naga people.

He urged everyone to promote the message of peace and unity among the Noga society, regardless of tribe, clan, or region, to ensure progress and prosperity for the state and future generations.

Noting that the Naga community lives in a more diverse and interconnected society, he urged one and all, to teach their children about their cultural heritage, values and traditions. This exposure will help the young generations appreciate the rich cultures of other tribes, fostering understanding and creating the cohesive society that is essential as we celebrate this anniversary under the theme "Upholding our Heritage", he said.

People of the state capital can act as catalysts for community cohesion among the Nagas and others residing in Kohima, he said and acknowledged that they have steadfastly supported the government in challenging times and expressed hope that they will continue to contribute positively to the welfare of Naga society in the future.

The Union government has been holding political negotiations with the NSCN-IM since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 1997 and also inked the Framework Agreement in 2015. The government also entered into parallel negotiations with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups, an amalgamation of at least seven Naga factions, in 2017. They signed the Agreed Position in November 2017.

The NSCN-IM has remained firm on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas as well as integration of Naga-inhabited areas spread over four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, besides Myanmar.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 4 (IANS) Amid the ongoing Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) protest taking a new turn with political opponents in the state targeting Jan Suraaj Party Chief Prashant Kishor's use of a luxurious vanity van at the protest site at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Vivek Kumar, the Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson, defended Kishor and accused the opposition leaders of diverting attention from the real issues faced by protesting students.

Kumar clarified that the vanity van stationed at the site is being used as a washroom facility for the BPSC candidates on hunger strike.

He dismissed the criticism of the van as "petty politics" aimed at distracting from the primary concerns of protesting students, including alleged question paper leaks.

"The leaders from the ruling coalition and opposition, including Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and BJP leaders, failed to address the students' grievances. I want to challenge these leaders to spend a night at Gandhi Maidan in the severe cold to demonstrate solidarity with the protesting candidates," the Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson said.

He emphasised that Prashant Kishor's round-the-clock presence at the protest site, in full view of the media, reflects his commitment to the students' cause.

The opposition leaders are more interested in political posturing than in resolving the issues of the aggrieved candidates, he said.

Kumar also hinted at the potential electoral impact of the BPSC protest, saying, "The consequences of the government's handling of the situation would be evident in the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for nine months from now."

The hunger strike led by Prashant Kishor over alleged irregularities and demands for transparency in the BPSC examination has entered its third day.

Amid this, the focus on his use of a vanity van has escalated political tensions, with leaders from JD(U) and BJP drawing sharp criticism.

Neeraj Kumar, JD(U) Spokesperson and MLC, accused Kishor of hypocrisy, citing the luxury vanity van allegedly worth crores as evidence.

"Prashant Kishor is attacking the government without acknowledging success stories, such as Upkar Kumar, the son of an Anganwadi worker, who topped the 69th BPSC exam and became a Deputy Superintendent of Police," he added.

"Kishor is disrespecting the talent and achievements of Bihar's youth and questioned his motives in evading questions about the vanity van," the JD(U) MLC said.

BJP Spokesperson Arvind Kumar Singh highlighted the purported cost of the vanity van, alleging it is rented for Rs 25 lakh and questioning the source of funding.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) BJP leader and former MP GVL Narasimha Rao on Saturday questioned the silence of Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in the case of suicide committed by civil contractor Sachin Panchal in Karnataka.

In a statement, Rao further stressed that the evidence clearly points to Congress Minister Priyank Kharge, who is also the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

He conveyed that the suicide note of the deceased contractor has now been sent to Congress MP and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who remains silent on the matter.

“We demand immediate action and the removal of Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge from his ministerial post,” he demanded.

He further stated that the case of suicide committed by civil contractor Sachin Panchal in Karnataka demands answers from the CM Siddaramaiah-led government.

The causes of the suicide, as elucidated in the suicide note, clearly highlight blackmail, extortion, and coercion by a person named Raju Kapanur. Raju Kapanur, an accomplice of Priyank Kharge, is not only a close associate but is also mentioned as a "Rowdy Cheater" in police records, with several cases pending against him.

Rao highlighted that the suicide note of the civil contractor explicitly mentions that he received direct life threats and threats to kill by Raju Kapanur, along with a demand for Rs 1 crore.

This amounts to open extortion by the Congress party in Karnataka, he underlined.

The Siddaramaiah government has proven to be one of the most corrupt governments in the history of Karnataka, he slammed.

Priyank Kharge must resign, and the Congress party and its top leadership must ensure his resignation. With him in office, there will undoubtedly be attempts to protect the extortionist Raju Kapanur, he underlined.

CM Siddaramaiah claims that the suicide note is not authentic, but the FSL report later confirmed that it was indeed penned by the civil contractor himself. Based on the suicide note, which also mentions life threats to other individuals, including BJP MLA Basawaraj Mattimud, the Karnataka Police have registered an FIR, and the case has been handed over to the CID. Despite this, the CM continues to feign ignorance. If the suicide note were not authentic, why would the police take cognizance of it, and why would the FSL provide such a clean chit? Narasimha Rao questioned.

Additionally, we demand an apology from CM Siddaramaiah for making false claims. The Congress party must also apologise to the people of Karnataka for giving them the most corrupt government in the state's history.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders were detained when the party staged a massive protest while laying siege to the residence of Minister Priyank Kharge in his native Kalaburagi city. The BJP has vowed that it will not sit quiet until justice is delivered to the deceased contractor’s family.

Priyank Kharge has categorically rejected allegations levelled against him and stated that the government would ensure justice for the family. He has also claimed that the family of Sachin is pressured to go against him.

Coming down heavily on Vijayendra, Minister Priyank said, “One has to hold his tongue before making comments on us. We are not carrying out ‘supari’ politics in Kalaburagi. We can’t act as per the script of the BJP. Whenever there is a death, it is celebration time for the BJP.”

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 4 (IANS) India and Bangladesh, on Sunday, will exchange fishermen of both countries who were arrested after their fishing boats crossed the international coastal borders and entered the coastal area of the other country.

The exchange process will take place on the international waters of Bay of Bengal and the entire process will be supervised by the coastal guard agencies of both the countries.

In this process, 95 Indian fishermen will be returning to the country.

On the other hand, 90 Bangladeshi fishermen will be returning to that country.

A West Bengal government official said that most of the Indian fishermen who will be returning to the country are from South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be at Sagar Islands in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Monday to supervise the administrative arrangement for the forthcoming Gangasagar Mela there. Therefore, an arrangement has been made so that the fishermen from West Bengal who will be returning to India on Sunday have the chance to interact with the Chief Minister on Monday," the state government official said.

In October last year, six Indian fishing trawlers, carrying these 95 fishermen, crossed the international coastal borderline and went to the Bangladesh coastal waters.

The fishermen were arrested as well.

Recently, the interim government in Bangladesh has announced the decision to release those 95 Indian fishermen and hand them over to the Indian authorities.

Similarly, the Indian government also took the decision to release 90 Bangladeshi fishermen detained within the Indian coastal waters at different times. Therefore, the official exchange of the fishermen from the two countries will take place on Sunday.

Last month, Mamata Banerjee accused the Union government of being reluctant about the future of fishermen from West Bengal who are currently languishing in prisons in neighbouring Bangladesh after they crossed the international coastal borders and went inside Bangladesh waters.

--IANS

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