India

Bengaluru, April 9 (IANS) A complaint alleging corruption in mining contract renewals has been lodged with Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday, targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Ramamurthy Gowda, a social activist, filed the complaint, urging the Governor to sanction prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah in the case.

The development has gained significance as sources confirm that Governor Gehlot, after hearing the complainant for three hours at the Raj Bhavan, has forwarded the complaint and documents related to the case to legal experts for their opinion. The Governor has also sought the opinion of the Solicitor General on the matter.

The complaint alleges that CM Siddaramaiah received kickbacks of approximately Rs 500 crore from the renewal of mining licenses for eight companies operating in the state. The complainant claims that during his first tenure in 2015, CM Siddaramaiah renewed the licenses of these eight mining companies instead of opting for auctions.

Gowda further alleges that CM Siddaramaiah's decision resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 5,000 crore to the state. This amount would have been generated as royalty if CM Siddaramaiah had conducted auctions. Additionally, the complainant charges that licenses were renewed for companies under investigation in a mining scam.

The complainant has urged the Governor to sanction prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) Sections 7, 9, 11, 12, and 15. The complainant has also requested the Governor to sanction prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 59, 61, 42, 201, 227, 228, 229, 239, 314, 316 (5), 318 (1), 319, 322, 324 (2), (3), 335, 336, 338, and 340.

Gowda had previously filed a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta regarding the case. This time, the complainant said that documentary proof had been provided along with the complaint to the Governor.

This development is seen as a setback for CM Siddaramaiah, who is already facing trial in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has opposed the Karnataka Lokayukta's closure report in the MUDA scam case in court.

--IANS

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Patna, April 9 (IANS) Janata Dal (United) MLC, Neeraj Kumar on Wednesday appreciated the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for its successful effort in securing the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.

Calling it a “big achievement,” Kumar said, “The Central government has presented strong evidence in the US court to extradite Tahawwur Rana to India. We demand strict action against him.”

Rana was involved in terrorist activities, with ties to an incident Kumar described as an “attack on India’s pride.”

The Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman was known to have been an active operative of the terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Rana played a key role in procuring travel papers for David Coleman Headley alias Dawood Gilani, a Pakistani-American who conducted reconnaissance of key targets in Mumbai.

Neeraj Kumar further noted that the extradition process was carried out in compliance with international legal standards, highlighting the seriousness with which the Indian government is dealing with cross-border terrorist networks.

“The accused will be punished based on the evidence presented. This case has wider political implications and reminds us of the growing global challenge of terrorist activities that transcend national borders,” Kumar added.

He reiterated the JD(U)’s demand for strict action against all those involved in anti-national and terrorist activities, emphasising the need for zero tolerance when it comes to threats to national security.

Rana has been extradited from the United States and is expected to arrive in India soon, accompanied by a special team of Intelligence and investigative officials, a source said.

A special plane is carrying Rana and will also take a halt in between at an undisclosed location before reaching New Delhi, the source further said.

In line with recommendations from a US court, discreet high-security arrangements have been put in place at two jails in Delhi and Mumbai.

Top government sources have also informed that upon his arrival, Rana will be produced before a National Investigation Agency court in New Delhi for custody.

The Mumbai Crime Branch will get his custody later.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) After Chidambaram was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad, it has now emerged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to ensure the best possible treatment to him.

The veteran leader and former Central Minister collapsed at Gujarat’s Sabarmati Ashram on Tuesday while attending the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meet. He was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital by party workers and given urgent medical care.

As Chidambaram received treatment at the Zydus hospital in Ahmedabad, he was visited by Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, who enquired about his well-being and also ensured that all arrangements were in place to provide him with the best medical care.

It has now emerged that Gujarat Health Minister’s visit to the hospital was at the instance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As the news of Chidambaram's falling ill reached the PMO, the Prime Minister immediately directed Union Health Minister Nadda to ensure the best possible treatment for him.

The Health Minister further reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, who then personally met the veteran Congress leader in the hospital and assured him of the best healthcare.

The incident happened on Tuesday, when Congress leaders, including Chidambaram, were attending a prayer meeting at the Sabarmati Ashram. The former finance minister suddenly fell unconscious, apparently due to extreme heat and exhaustion.

Later in the night, he also took to X to share his health update and informed that he suffered dehydration due to extreme heat, and all his parameters were normal.

The Congress leader has recuperated from the ‘sudden illness’ and is attending the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial on Wednesday.

Notably, the Congress party is holding the 84th National Convention of the AICC in Ahmedabad, marking its return to the state after a gap of 64 years. The grand old party, at the two-day summit, is deliberating strategy for its future roadmap and also preparations for upcoming elections.

--IANS

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Patna, April 9 (IANS) At least seven people lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents triggered by heavy rains in Bihar’s Madhubani and Begusarai districts over the past 24 hours, officials said.

In Madhubani, three people were killed in different parts of the district on Wednesday morning. In the Alpura village of Rudrapur, under Andharathari block, 62-year-old Zakir and his 18-year-old daughter Ayesha died while trying to cover a wheat stock in their field with a tarpaulin during a sudden downpour.

In another incident, Rekha Devi, wife of Revan Mahato from Pipraulia village under the Jhanjharpur police station area of Madhubani, was struck by lightning and died while she was near the fields.

In Begusarai, four fatalities were reported in separate incidents. Thirteen-year-old Anshu Kumari, daughter of Ramkumar Sada of Manopur village under Bhagwanpur police station, died after being struck by lightning.

In Bhagatpur village, under Ballia police station, 60-year-old Biral Paswan died, and his wife was seriously injured while they were collecting straw in the fields.

Indira Devi, a middle-aged woman from Sanha Navtoliya village under Sahebpur Kamal police station limits, was killed near Mohanpur Dhaba in the Mashudanpur Diara Path area.

Pankaj Mahato (45), son of the late Kamo Mahato from Souza village, died while returning from his field in Kola Bahiyar village under Mufassil police station limits.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory urging residents to take precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. People are advised to avoid going into open fields, clay houses, near trees, and electric poles and to remain indoors -- preferably in concrete buildings -- during lightning strikes.

Farmers have been specifically advised not to enter fields or go near water bodies during adverse weather. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected to continue in Madhubani, Begusarai, and the adjoining districts over the next 24 hours.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, April 9 (IANS) Referring to the remarks by the CM’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy that “Karnataka was number one in terms of corruption”, BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra, claimed on Wednesday that the Congress MLA has “exposed the dark face of this government’s corruption.”

Rayareddy while participating in an interaction programme in Koppal organised by the Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee, maintained that, “no matter who is in power, rampant corruption will take place and Karnataka state is No 1 in terms of corruption.”

He further stated, “Since corruption is rampant, quality work is not taking place. Government buildings which stood for five to six decades earlier are now collapsing within 10 years of their construction. Notably, corruption is much more in Kalyan Karnataka region.”

“When corruption is taking place in huge proportions, how can regional imbalances be eradicated? The officers will be like how the representatives of the people are. In spite of what the Chief Minister says in this regard, my opinion will remain the same on the matter of corruption,” he stated.

Commenting on Rayareddy’s statement, Vijayendra stated on Wednesday, “Respected Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, your Economic Advisor and MLA, Basavaraj Rayareddy, has himself openly revealed that corruption and looting are integral part of the Karnataka government.”

“He has exposed the dark face of this government’s corruption and highlighted how the dignity of the state has been compromised under your leadership. He has clearly revealed how Karnataka, under your administration, has become synonymous with corruption on the national stage, bringing shame to the state at the international level,” Vijayendra stated.

By saying, “Officials are just like the elected representatives; no matter what the Chief Minister says, this is my personal opinion on corruption,” he has directly shed light on the grim reality, Vijayendra emphasised.

“His statement reflects the proverb, ‘As the king, so are his ministers and officials,’ which seems to be literally applicable to your governance,” he said.

“Previously, the BJP government under the leadership of our respected Basavaraj Bommai was falsely accused and defamed as a 40 per cent commission government,” Vijayendra claimed.

“With such misleading propaganda, you (CM Siddaramaiah) misled the people of the state and beat the drum worldwide proclaiming yourselves as the only honest ones, eventually coming to power. Now, that mask of honesty has fallen off and your true face stands exposed,” he said.

“The grip of corruption has led to a surge in the prices of every commodity in the state, burning a hole in the pockets of the common people and the poorest sections of society. In response to this, the people-backed ‘BJP Janakrosh Yatra’ has been successfully carried out across the state,” he claimed.

“Very soon, the heat of public outrage will burn down your corrupt government and lead it to collapse,” he maintained.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 9 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday to discuss further steps regarding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exemption Bill for which the President has withheld assent.

The Bill, passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, sought to exempt students from NEET-based admissions for undergraduate medical courses in government institutions.

CM Stalin accused the Union Government of disregarding the state's well-documented justifications for the exemption.

He said the Centre "ignored" detailed explanations submitted by the Tamil Nadu Government to multiple Union ministries, including Health, AYUSH, Home Affairs, and Higher Education.

Calling the Centre's action a "black chapter in the history of cooperative federalism", CM Stalin said it undermines the dignity of the state legislature and the democratic will of the people of Tamil Nadu.

He added that the state would consult legal experts to determine the future action.

The Chief Minister recounted the legislative history of the Bill, noting that it was first passed unanimously in the Assembly on September 13, 2021, based on the recommendations of a high-level committee led by retired High Court judge Justice A. K. Rajan.

The committee had studied the impact of NEET on students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

However, the Bill was returned by the Governor for reconsideration. In response, an all-party meeting was convened on February 5, 2022, and the Bill was re-adopted in the Assembly on February 8, 2022.

Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) dismissed the all-party meeting as a "drama", accusing the DMK government of failing to ensure the cancellation of NEET.

He announced that his party, the AIADMK, would boycott the meeting.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has four MLAs in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, has also stated that it will not attend the meeting.

As the NEET issue continues to evoke strong political and public reactions across Tamil Nadu, today's meeting is expected to shape the next phase of the state's fight for exemption, with legal recourse likely on the table.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 9 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday paid tributes to Gujarat’s legacy in nation-building, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel’s vision.

In his address at the AICC Session 2025 here, Kharge said Ahmedabad, a city with a history spanning over 600 years, is nothing short of a pilgrimage site for the Congress party.

The AICC event has been dedicated to two historic milestones -- the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming Congress President and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “In the making of the Congress, Gujarat has played an invaluable role,” Kharge said.

“Three great sons of this land -- Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel -- not only led our party but also illuminated its name across the world,” he said.

Remembering Sardar Patel's towering contribution in uniting India's princely states, Kharge said the entire nation will celebrate his 150th birth anniversary on October 31 this year. “He created a united India. We owe him a debt of gratitude.”

He also highlighted how Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was elected Congress President in 1938 right here in Gujarat and how the state influenced even Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Calling Ahmedabad a land of inspiration, Kharge recalled the historic Dandi March initiated by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930, with just 79 satyagrahis. “That salt march shook the very foundation of British rule. In 2005, under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress retraced this journey, reigniting the spirit of youth.”

Kharge spoke about how, under Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress became the voice of villages, farmers, labourers, and the poor. “Gandhiji believed in Antyodaya -- uplifting the last person in the queue,” he said.

He cited Gandhi’s powerful message from June 15, 1946: “Be it Hindu, Muslim or anyone else -- Congress sees everyone as equal. It is Congress’ duty to lift the weak and bring them to equal footing. No one should live on the mountaintop or be left in the abyss.”

Referring to Gandhi’s 1947 AICC speech, Kharge reminded the youth of his stand against communalism: “Congress is the servant of the whole nation and all communities. The antidote to communal institutions and their poisonous ideologies is to build a strong public opinion that renders them ineffective.”

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 9 (IANS) West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose has sought a report from the state government on the instances of violence and tension at Jangipur in Murshidabad district of West Bengal during protests over the Waqf Act.

According to a statement issued by the officer-on-special-duty (OSD) to the office of the Governor, the latter has strongly deplored the instances of violence reported from Murshidabad against the passage of the Waqf Bill.

"The situation where vested interests foment trouble cannot be tolerated and should be curbed," the statement read.

"The peaceful passage of Shri Ram Navami festivities shows the camaraderie among the people of Bengal and the competence of the administration, the political parties, the silent majority, the media, and all stakeholders. Any attempts to frustrate that need to be put down with an iron hand," the statement read.

At the same time, as per the statement, the Governor has directed the state government to take "bold action immediately" to curb the violence and "submit a report".

The Governor sought the report after Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari appealed to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and the District Magistrate of Murshidabad to seek assistance from the office of the Governor and Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in troubled zones.

Adhikari has also accused the state police of being incapable of handling the "lawless" situation at Jangipur.

Meanwhile, the office of the District Magistrate of Murshidabad has issued a notification imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in areas under the jurisdiction of two police stations, namely Suti and Raghunathganj.

The prohibitory orders are related to the assembly of five or more people, carrying firearms, sharp-edged weapons, and inflammable items, organising rallies or processions, and delivering provocative speeches.

The prohibitory orders will be in force till 6 p.m. on Thursday.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has done the right thing by sticking to market expectations at a time when uncertainty is high, Katrina Ell, Economic Research Director at Moody’s Analytics said on Wednesday.

She believes the central bank's move to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6 per cent and shift its policy stance to ‘accommodative’ was well-timed, especially as people do not want any more surprises right now.

“Uncertainty has a deeply negative impact on economies, and its effects are widespread. Over the past week, bond, currency, and equity markets have seen unpredictable moves due to the US government’s tariff threats,” Ell mentioned.

“In such a volatile global scenario, the RBI’s predictable response helped avoid further market instability,” she added.

In its April policy meeting, the RBI cut the benchmark interest rate as expected. All members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted in favour of both the rate cut and the change in stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’.

This shift signals that the central bank is open to further rate cuts in the coming months if the situation demands.

Moody’s now expects a cumulative rate cut of up to 75 basis points during the calendar year 2025. “The RBI has left the door open for more easing, depending on how economic conditions evolve,” Ell said.

Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist at Emkay Global Research, said the policy stance change reflects the RBI’s readiness to respond to global volatility.

“The response may come in the form of more rate cuts or ensuring ample liquidity in the financial system,” Arora mentioned. She also noted that uncertainty could remain a key concern going forward.

Meanwhile, the central bank’s MPC has also lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5 per cent, down from the earlier projection of 6.7 per cent.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra attributed the downgrade to rising global trade and policy uncertainties following the recent US tariff hikes.

--IANS

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Jammu, April 9 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed pandemonium on Wednesday following which Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the House for three hours.

Agitated over the rejection of an adjournment motion notice on unemployment moved by the BJP, party MLAs stormed into the well of the House.

On the other hand, the National Conference (NC) MLAs continued their protest on the Waqf Amendment Act, demanding a discussion.

The Speaker has already firmly ruled out allowing a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act, holding that the matter is sub judice.

Chaos started as soon as the proceedings of the House commenced for the day, with NC MLAs standing up to insist the Speaker allow discussion on the Waqf law.

Simultaneously, the Speaker disallowed the BJP's notice for an adjournment motion on unemployment, saying: "I have rejected the adjournment motion as it is not a matter of urgent nature”.

The Speaker’s announcement triggered protests from the BJP legislators, who accused the NC lawmakers of indulging in theatrics. “Yeh Dramabazi Bandh Karo (stop these theatrics)”, the BJP legislators shouted.

Amid protests, NC MLA Nazir Gurezi urged the Speaker to allow discussion on the Waqf law so that they could speak up against the injustice faced by Muslims.

“They want to divide Hindus and Muslims. They should tell people how many jobs they have provided to unemployed youth,” Nazir Gurezi shouted at the protesting BJP MLAs.

Amid protests, the BJP legislators stormed into the well of the House and staged a sit-in there.

The Speaker adjourned the House till 1 p.m.

The speaker has also disallowed a no-confidence motion against him, which the PC leader and MLA, Sajad Gani Lone had brought against him.

The J&K Assembly started its 40-day budget session on March 3 with a recess from March 26 to April 6.

--IANS

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