India

Chandigarh, Dec 30 (IANS) Punjab’s Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday slammed the AAP government in the state for mishandling the ongoing farmers’ agitation, accusing it of betraying the agrarian community and colluding with the BJP to undermine the state’s proud legacy.

“The farmers of Punjab have once again demonstrated their unity and resolve by making today’s bandh (shutdown) a historic success,” Bajwa said in a statement.

“This movement underscores the legitimacy of their demands and the failure of both the AAP-led Punjab government and the BJP-led Central government to address their concerns. Farmers are, and will always be the backbone of our nation,” he said.

Bajwa expressed concern over the ongoing hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, which has now entered its 35th day. He underscored the farmers’ key demand for an assured minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, calling it essential to protect their livelihoods.

The Congress legislator accused the AAP government of ignoring this critical issue and instead working with the BJP to undermine the farmers’ peaceful agitation.

“Reports of a significant police force being deployed at Patiala police lines are deeply troubling,” Bajwa said. “Why has such a force been assembled? Is this preparation to intimidate or harm peaceful protesters? Let me be clear, if the Punjab Police uses any force and farmers are injured or harmed in any way, the responsibility will lie squarely on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This will be an unforgivable act of betrayal against the very people who elected him.”

Bajwa also questioned Mann’s inaction at the national level. “Why hasn’t Bhagwant Mann sought time from the Prime Minister or the Home Minister to resolve this urgent matter? Why is he leaving it to bureaucrats and police officials instead of taking the lead? Farmers’ demands, especially for MSP, are not just state issues, they require national-level intervention,” he added.

Issuing a stern warning, he said, “Punjab’s farmers and their demands for MSP cannot be ignored or suppressed. The people of Punjab will not tolerate betrayal, whether from the BJP or the AAP government. Both parties must understand that Punjab’s voice and its farmers’ rights cannot be silenced.”

--IANS

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Kutch, Dec 30 (IANS) Following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Gujarat's famed 'Rann Utsav', tourists from all corners of the country are flocking to the Kutch region to experience the mesmerising salt desert. The celebrations, which continue for almost three months is in full swing ahead of the New Year celebrations.

The region is witnessing an influx of visitors at the Kutch's Kiran Utsav, where people are exploring the famous white salt marshes, a stunning natural spectacle, unique to the area. The administration has made special arrangements to cater to the growing number of visitors, including a Volvo bus service from Bhuj to Kutch for easier access.

Additionally, special attention is being given to the comfort of tourists at the Tent City, where visitors are being provided with top-notch facilities.

Talking to IANS, two sisters, Manu and Pragati, visiting Kutch for the first time, shared their excitement: "We came here today to explore Gujarat. We are feeling like we're walking in snow! The area is so mesmerising that we plan to stay here longer. It's a must-have experience."

Anuradha Sharma from Punjab expressed her amazement at the sight of the Rann Utsav, saying "I had heard about such places, but now I can finally experience it. Kutch is an incredibly beautiful place, unlike any other in the country—or even the world. For anyone seeking an adventure, this is the place to visit."

Amit Gupta, the manager of the Rannotsav Tent City, confirmed that they are fully prepared for the large number of visitors expected for the New Year’s celebrations.

"Our Prime Minister had appealed for people to visit here, and they are coming in thousands. Hotels are fully booked, and this has created more job opportunities for the locals. It is important for people to learn about Kutch’s culture and history."

The festivities, which began on December 1, will continue until February 28, 2025, while the Tent City will remain open until the end of March. The annual Rann Utsav transforms the Great Rann of Kutch’s vast, pristine white sands into a cultural haven, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in local heritage, music, art, and cuisine.

Kutch, Gujarat's largest district, is famous not for the White Rann but is also home to range of other attractions, offering tourists an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant traditions.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 30 (IANS) The nine-hour shutdown by farmer unions demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops was almost complete in Punjab on Monday, with commuters badly hit. Crowds were seen at railway stations and bus stands with the suspension of transportation services.

Shops and business establishments were closed in almost the entire state. Amid the shutdown, farmers were seen serving tea to commuters stranded on their way amidst the chilly, foggy weather.

There was no report of any major untoward incidents in the state, despite minor skirmishes, a senior police official told IANS here. The police were seen asking motorists to avoid travelling on certain routes to reach their destination.

The impact of the shutdown call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) was also seen in the neighbouring states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, as roads leading to these states were closed in Punjab.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher thanked the people for the success of the shutdown. He claimed that the farmers staged sit-in protests at 175 places in the state.

However, he said emergency services operated normally. Traders, transporters, employee unions, ex-servicemen, teachers, social and other bodies lent support to the shutdown, he claimed.

A total of 200 trains, including luxuries like Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express, were disrupted and started plying after the shutdown ended at 4 p.m.

A cancer patient from Gujarat was stranded at the railway station in Ferozepur. His wife said they had to go to Himachal Pradesh to get some medicine, but the hampering of the train services left them stranded.

Seventy-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose hunger strike entered its 35th day and refused medical treatment, asked the Central government to look into the demands by initiating a dialogue with the protesting farmers. He thanked the people for the success of the shutdown.

Farmers fear the authorities might use force to remove Dallewal from the protest site and be admitted to a nearby hospital.

The bandh call was given in support of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for more than a month seeking the implementation of farmers' demands.

Farmers, comprising women and old, were on the streets, forcing shops to down shutters and motorists not to move ahead. Most of the national highways in several cities and towns remained shut, badly impacting the movement of daily commuters and office-goers.

Reports of the shutdown of shops and business establishments were received from Mohali, Patiala, Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and other places.

The impact of the shutdown was more effective in rural areas where farmers, carrying their outfit flags, closed almost all roads.

With the private bus transporters joining the strike, most of the private buses were off roads in Punjab. Several schools and offices have announced a holiday in the wake of the shutdown call.

In Chandigarh, the impact of the shutdown was not seen.

The farmers have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 in support of their long-pending demands. Besides the legal MSP for crops, they have been demanding loan waivers and reforms to improve conditions in the agricultural sector.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) A record 917 female cadets are participating in this year’s NCC Republic Day Camp-2025 which commenced at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, with Sarva Dharm Pooja on Monday.

A total of 2,361 cadets from all 28 States and eight Union Territories are taking part in a month-long camp, said Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, DG NCC.

The participants includes 114 cadets from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and 178 cadets from North East Region (NER) presenting a microcosm of “Mini India”, said a statement.

In addition, Cadets and Officers from 14 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) will be also participating in the camp as a part of Youth Exchange Programme (YEP).

Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh welcomed the cadets by congratulating them on being selected for the most prestigious camp of the NCC.

He advised the cadets to display the highest qualities of character, integrity, selfless service, comradeship and teamwork cutting across the barriers of religion, language, caste in spirit of Nation First.

The Republic Day Camp holds the fundamental aim of instilling a sense of patriotism, discipline, and leadership qualities among the participating cadets. This annual event serves as a platform to offer cadets valuable opportunities for training, engaging in cultural activities, and participating in social service initiatives, thereby nurturing unity and pride.

On November 24, the NCC, the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world raised in 1948, celebrated its 76th Raising Day.

On that solemn occasion, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes on behalf of the entire NCC fraternity at National War Memorial, India Gate, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Secretary said that NCC has made commendable efforts in increasing the strength of cadets by 3 lakh and will be touching the strength of 20 lakh in coming years.

He emphasised the role of NCC in the Viksit Bharat Campaign, a pivotal initiative by the Government of India. He said, “NCC continues its relentless efforts, towards moulding the present day youth into responsible citizens of tomorrow in order to achieve the objective of ‘Yuva Shakti – Viksit Bharat’.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) As 2024 nears its end, here are the key verdicts of the Supreme Court granting bail to influential politicians who were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on corruption or money laundering charges.

Bail to Arvind Kejriwal

In September this year, the Supreme Court directed former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to be released on bail in connection with the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam.

While turning down his distinct plea challenging arrest by the CBI, Justice Surya Kant, heading a two-judge Bench, ordered Kejriwal's release on bail but restrained him from making any “public comments on merits of the case” pending trial before the court.

“The terms and conditions imposed by the coordinate Bench in the ED matter shall apply in this case also. The appellant (Kejriwal) shall remain present before the trial court on each and every date of the hearing unless granted an exemption. He shall fully cooperate with the trial court for expeditious completion of trial proceedings,” added the Justice Kant-led Bench.

In a judgment passed on July 12, another bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna (now CJI) opined that former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal may be released on interim bail in the money laundering case, given the fact that the right to life and liberty is sacrosanct, and he has suffered incarceration of over 90 days.

The 2-judge Bench, also comprising Justice Datta, referred to a larger bench Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the ED in the alleged liquor policy scam for an authoritative pronouncement on the questions of law involved.

In the same judgment, the Justice Khanna-headed Bench had asked Kejriwal to take a call on stepping down from the CM post.

"We are conscious that Arvind Kejriwal is an elected leader and the Chief Minister of Delhi, a post holding importance and influence. We have also referred to the allegations. While we do not give any direction, since we are doubtful whether the court can direct an elected leader to step down or not function as the Chief Minister or as a Minister, we leave it to Arvind Kejriwal to take a call," it said.

Earlier, in view of the 2024 general polls, a bench headed by Justice Khanna had ordered then CM Kejriwal to be released on 21-day interim bail in the money laundering case and had asked him to surrender on June 2.

Imposing a slew of conditions, Justice Khanna-led Bench asked Kejriwal to not visit his office or secretariat, while out on interim bail. It clarified that the grant of interim relief should not be treated as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case or the appeal pending before the apex court.

As per the SC order, Kejriwal was prevented from signing official files unless it was required and necessary for obtaining clearance/approval from the Lt Governor.

Bail to Manish Sisodia

In August this year, the Supreme Court had granted bail to the senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, saying that he cannot be kept behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of a speedy completion of trial in the alleged excise policy case.

Pronouncing the verdict on Sisodia’s bail pleas, a Bench presided over by Justice BR Gavai Gavai had said: "In the present case, in ED as well as CBI matter, 493 witnesses have been named and the case involves thousands of pages of documents and over lakh pages of digitised documents."

"It is thus clear that there is not even a remotest possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. In our view, keeping the appellant behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of speedy completion of the trial would deprive him of the Fundamental Right of Liberty given under Article 21 of the Constitution."

The Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan, held that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial not having commenced, Sisodia had been deprived of his right to a speedy trial.

Rejecting the contention that Sisodia, if granted bail, may tamper with the evidence, the Supreme Court had said that the prosecution case majorly stems from documentary evidence, which has already been seized by the CBI and the ED.

The SC refused to accept Central agencies’ submission that Sisodia should not be allowed to visit the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office or Delhi Secretariat.

"The appellant (Sisodia) shall surrender his passport with the Special Court. The appellant shall report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10-11 a.m. and the appellant shall not make any attempt either to influence the witnesses or to tamper with the evidence," it said.

In an earlier judgment delivered on October 30 last year, the top court had denied bail to the former Deputy Chief Minister but said that if the trial proceeds slowly in the next three months, he may apply for bail afresh.

Recently, the top court allowed a plea filed by Sisodia seeking relaxation of the bail condition requiring him to report to the Investigating Officer semi-weekly.

“We do not find the said condition is necessary and the same is therefore deleted. However, it is directed that the applicant (Sisodia) shall regularly attend the trial court,” it ordered.

Bail to Sanjay Singh

In April this year, a bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna (now CJI) granted bail to AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in connection with the money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam.

Noting that the ED had no objection to Singh being released on bail, the top court clarified that it has not made any comments on merits.

"Concession shall not be cited as precedent. Sanjay Singh is entitled to continue with political activities," it said.

The apex court added: “... we must record that concession made on behalf of ED has been made before commencement of arguments. We clarify we have not made any comments on merits.”

Bail to K Kavitha

In August, the Supreme Court granted bail to BRS leader K. Kavitha in connection with the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.

A bench presided over by Justice B.R. Gavai directed Kavitha to regularly attend the trial proceedings and cooperate with the expeditious disposal of the trial.

“The appellant is directed to be forthwith released on bail in both (CBI and ED) cases on furnishing bail bond of Rs 10 lakh each. She shall not make any attempt to tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses. The appellant shall deposit her passport with the trial court,” ordered the Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan.

The SC Bench clarified that it made no observations on merits while releasing Kavitha on bail and such observations will not prejudice the conduct of trial.

Kavitha, the daughter of BRS chief and former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, was denied bail by the Delhi High Court on July 1.

A bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma said that the material collected in the course of the investigation revealed that she was one of the chief conspirators in the entire conspiracy relating to the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped new excise policy.

Bail to Senthil Balaji

In September this year, the Supreme Court ordered senior DMK leader V Senthil Balaji to be enlarged on bail in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam, considering that he has been incarcerated for more than 15 months, when the maximum sentence for alleged offences may extend up to 7 years.

However, a bench headed by Justice Abhay S. Oka refused to accept the contention that the deposit of Rs 1.34 crore cash amount in his bank account was remuneration received as MLA and agriculture income.

The Bench, also comprising Justice A.G. Masih, said, “It will be very difficult to hold that there is no prima facie case against the appellant (Balaji)” in the complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The apex court noted that in three scheduled offences, there are more than 2,000 accused and the number of witnesses proposed to be examined exceeds 600.

It said that “even in ideal conditions, the possibility of the trial of scheduled offences concluding even within a reasonable time of three to four years appears to be completely ruled out.”

“Even if the trial of the case under the PMLA proceeds, it cannot be finally decided unless the trial of scheduled offences concludes. In the facts of the case, there is no possibility of the trial of the scheduled offences commencing in the near future. Therefore, we see no possibility of both trials concluding within a few years,” it added.

The Supreme Court recorded that the trial of the scheduled offences and the consequent PMLA offences are “not likely to be completed in three to four years or even more” and if Balaji’s detention is continued, it will violate his fundamental right to speedy trial guaranteed under the Constitution.

Recently, the top court raised eyebrows over the immediate induction of Balaji in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet headed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin after he was granted bail.

A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih was hearing an application seeking recall of its decision which had enlarged Balaji on bail on the ground that he may influence the case witnesses in his capacity as a minister in the CM Stalin-led Cabinet.

Balaji, who walked out of jail after spending over 450 days behind bars, was sworn in as minister on September 29 and assigned the portfolios of Electricity, Excise and Prohibition in the Tamil Nadu government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) The BJP on Monday blasted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh over his claims that the BJP is attempting to delete his wife, Anita Singh's, name from the voters' list, questioning why her name is registered in two Assembly constituencies.

During a press conference on Sunday, Singh, accompanied by his wife, had accused the BJP of targeting Purvanchali voters in Delhi by attempting to manipulate the voters' list.

He alleged that two applications were filed on December 25 and 26 to remove his wife's name from the voters' list of the New Delhi Assembly constituency, represented by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Singh had claimed the BJP is trying to suppress the voting rights of Purvanchalis -- people hailing from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who form a significant vote bank in Delhi.

Kejriwal also joined the allegations, accusing the BJP of running 'Operation Lotus' since December 15 to delete votes in his New Delhi constituency. He cited a similar incident in the Shahdara constituency, where he alleged that the BJP sought the deletion of over 11,000 voters.

Responding to the allegations, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari dismissed Singh's claims, stating, "One person is entitled to only one vote nationwide. If someone creates bogus votes by registering in multiple places, it is a crime and must be investigated."

"The BJP firmly believes that illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas should not be allowed to vote. If someone enables their registration, those votes must be cancelled, and the responsible officers should be punished," he told IANS.

Tiwari accused Kejriwal of supporting illegal voters, saying, "Kejriwal wants infiltrators' votes. He rushed to the Election Commission as soon as their votes were cancelled."

He also challenged Singh to provide proof of any Purvanchali voter whose name the BJP sought to remove.

Referring to Anita Singh, Tiwari claimed her name is registered in the Sultanpur constituency of Uttar Pradesh as per Sanjay Singh's election affidavit.

He displayed a photograph showing Anita Singh with an inked finger after casting her vote in Delhi, suggesting possible electoral fraud.

"If this is true, it is a serious crime, and Sanjay Singh's Rajya Sabha membership should be revoked. Our legal team will file a complaint soon," he added.

BJP MP Ramveer Singh Bidhuri also questioned why Anita Singh's name is registered in two constituencies and called for appropriate action.

"If Sanjay Singh has an issue, he should file a complaint with the Election Commission. Why does he avoid doing this?" he asked.

Speaking to IANS, Bidhuri further alleged that the AAP had issued Aadhaar cards to illegal immigrants, enabling them to vote unlawfully.

"If the administration is cancelling such illegal votes, what is wrong with that? If the AAP thinks otherwise, they should formally complain, but they never do because they know they are in the wrong," Bidhuri claimed.

He concluded by asserting that the AAP is nervous about losing the upcoming Assembly elections and is resorting to these tactics to distract from its failures.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) The inaugural edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon (INHM) is scheduled to take place on February 2, 2025, in Delhi, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

The event, aimed at promoting health and fitness among participants from all walks of life, is expected to attract entries from across the country competing in three race categories: 21.1 km Half Marathon, 10 km Run and 5 km Run, making it an inclusive event for runners of all calibers and backgrounds, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Preparations are underway to deliver an unforgettable experience for all participants. The event will be hosted at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with the race route covering India Gate and the historic Kartavya Path, it said.

The event will be attended by distinguished personalities from the Defence forces and civil society. This landmark event aims to promote health and fitness, encouraging people to embrace physical activity and adopt an active lifestyle for overall well-being.

The event aspires to create a sense of camaraderie and competition, bringing people together to forge stronger bonds with the Indian Navy and among themselves. It also aims to inspire the youth to lead adventurous lives and consider joining the Indian Navy, a career synonymous with courage, discipline, and service to the nation, said the statement.

The INHM is envisioned to become an annual event, joining the ranks of similar flagship runs conducted by the Navy in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Kochi.

Notably, runners who complete all four Navy marathons within a year will be honoured with the prestigious Navy Slam, a special souvenir engraved with medal designs of all four events.

The Maiden India Navy Half Marathon in Delhi was earlier scheduled to be held on October 6 but the schedule was revised later.

By getting people together in a spirit of camaraderie and competition, the event also hopes to forge stronger bonds among the people of the National Capital Region and beyond, besides encouraging the youth to take up an adventurous life by joining the Indian Navy.

--IANS

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Patna December 30 (IANS): Political strategist turned Jan Suraj Party chief Prashant Kishor on Monday voiced strong criticism of police excesses on candidates protesting over irregularities in the 70th BPSC examination. He also vowed to file a counter FIR against the police, hours after he was booked for ‘instigating’ the students for violent stir.

Kishor announced his intention to approach both the court as well as Human Rights Commission to challenge the police’s lathi charge on the protesting candidates. He criticized the government for filing FIRs against the protesters.

“I would file cases in court and with the Human Rights Commission against the City Superintendent of Police (SP) who ordered the lathi-charge,” Kishor said.

"I am not going to be afraid of anyone in uniform or kurta pajama," Kishor declared, signaling his resolve to ‘confront’ both administrative and political figures.

Kishor also led a delegation of five students in meeting Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena to present a memorandum with five demands including the cancellation of the examination in light of allegations of a question paper leak and other irregularities.

Kishor stated that if the demands are not addressed, he will lead an indefinite dharna (sit-in protest) in Patna to escalate the pressure on the government.

Kishor denied allegations of his involvement in the police's lathi-charge on the students, asserting that the incident occurred 45 minutes after he left the protest site.

He demanded accountability from the officers involved in it. Kishor criticized the FIR filed against 700 individuals, including him and students like Aarti Mishra and Anand Mishra, calling the charges baseless. He demanded an immediate withdrawal of the FIRs.

Kishor reiterated the call to cancel the BPSC examination across all centres, not just at the Bapu Centre, where the question paper was ‘leaked’. He criticized Nitish government over alleged corruption in examination process.

The controversy began on December 13, when candidates at Bapu Examination Centre boycotted the BPSC Preliminary Test due to delayed question papers. Videos of mobile phone use and lack of security during the test further fuelled the protests.

BPSC decided to cancel the examination at the Bapu Centre and reschedule it for December 4, but students demanded cancellation across all centres due to alleged irregularities.

On Sunday, students were baton-charged and hit with water cannons as they marched toward the Chief Minister’s residence under Kishor’s leadership. Several students were injured in the clashes.

The protest, now in its 12th day, has gained traction with support from political figures, student leaders, and coaching operators.

Neeraj Kumar, MLC and spokesperson of the Janata Dal (United), criticized Prashant Kishor for allegedly instigating BPSC candidates and misleading them during their ongoing protests against irregularities in the 70th BPSC examination.

“Kishor called students to assemble at Gandhi Maidan for the protest march, and left the scene before the police action, leaving the students to face the consequences. Kishor, along with opposition leaders, is misleading students and conspiring to politicize their grievances,” Kumar said.

Kumar labeled Kishor a "teenager in politics," arguing that he lacks experience and is manipulating innocent candidates for personal or political gains.

“FIRs against the candidates could harm their futures. Political figures like Kishor and other opposition leaders are exacerbating the situation instead of resolving it. They have taken the contract to ruin their future,” Kumar said.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 30 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency and defended Minister Priyank Kharge against allegations linking him to a contractor's suicide.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar clarified, "Priyank Kharge has no involvement in this case. His name is not directly mentioned in the contractor's suicide note. Demanding his resignation based on vague accusations is unwarranted. We stand by his integrity, and the case will be investigated as per the law."

The Deputy CM hit out at BJP leader Vijayendra for releasing photos of the accused, Raju Kapanuru, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge. "I also have photos with Vijayendra and Yeddyurappa. Many people visit us or take photos during events. Should I release similar photos of them with questionable individuals? If there’s credible evidence of deals or conversations, let them present it," he remarked.

On BJP’s demand for a CBI probe, Shivakumar said, "Let them protest. If necessary, we can club all the cases and hand them over to the CBI. During the BJP regime, they referred only my case to the CBI, while our Congress government referred 12 cases, including those of IAS officer D.K. Ravi, Soujanya, and Hindu activist Paresh Mesta. Why didn’t they refer cases involving their ministers?"

"This is not a case for the CBI. Our investigative agencies are competent to handle it. We are aware of the CBI’s approach," he added.

Shivakumar dismissed calls for Kharge’s resignation, stating, "There’s no question of Priyank Kharge stepping down. He has done nothing wrong. The opposition is targeting him because they cannot tolerate a Dalit leader’s success. He has effectively led the IT-BT department, achieving significant progress."

On irregularities in KPSC exams, Shivakumar assured action, promising justice for those affected. Regarding BJP leaders meeting the Governor to lodge complaints, he quipped, "Let them continue thinking about us -- it only makes us stronger."

Addressing New Year’s Eve preparations, Shivakumar conveyed heartfelt wishes to the public and highlighted security measures, including over 1,000 cameras installed across Bengaluru to ensure safety.

The controversy arose from the suicide of Sachin, a 26-year-old contractor in Kalaburagi, who reportedly faced threats and extortion from Raju Kapanuru, an aide of Priyank Kharge. Sachin’s seven-page suicide note blamed Kapanuru's alleged atrocities.

Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused Kharge of abuse of power and demanded his resignation. The BJP plans to intensify its protests, calling for a CBI probe into the matter.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, hinted at “money game” influencing the movement by locals at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, especially women, earlier this year against sexual harassment and illegal land grabbing the local and non-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan.

In her first public meeting on Monday at Sandeshkhali, a conglomeration of islands in that coastal pocket of the district, since the movement broke out there, the Chief Minister directly did not refer to the protest movements there but gave clear hints on what she was meaning to say.

“There was a ‘money game’ at Sandeshkhali. The people were misled. But lies do not persist for long. So I request all of you to remain united. Do not fall in the trap of mischievous people. I request women to go anywhere if you are called by anyone,” the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also advised people to not pay any money to anyone to get the benefits under different social development schemes including rural housing schemes.

“You have full right to your own money. The benefits of social welfare schemes are provided free of cost. So please do not pay money to anyone to get the benefits and services,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also announced a host of initiatives for Sandeshkhali. The first such move, according to her, where the number of beds at Sandeshkhali Rural Hospital will increase from 30 to 50. She also announced that an additional sub-division will be created in North 24 Parganas district to give better services to people.

On Monday, just before the public meeting of the Chief Minister, Sujay Mondal, one of the lead faces of the Sandeshkhali movement earlier this year joined Trinamool Congress. The ruling party leadership claimed that Mondal, popular in the area as Sujay Master, realised his mistake and decided to join Trinamool Congress.

--IANS

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