India

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva on Monday accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of extravagant spending on the renovation of his official residence, which has been labelled as "Sheesh Mahal".

Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Sachdeva alleged that the renovation incurred costs of over Rs 33.66 crore as of 2022, with no clarity on the total expenditure to date.

Addressing a press conference, Sachdeva alleged that Kejriwal, in collusion with the Public Works Department (PWD), engaged in questionable practices to renovate the bungalow.

"The expenditure of Rs 33.66 crore is just a figure; the actual cost could be much higher when missing inventory and additional expenditures from 2023 and 2024 are included," he claimed.

Sachdeva questioned the urgency and rationale behind the extensive renovations, saying, "What was the emergency that you were so anxious to enter this palace...Later it was said that some portion of this structure is such that it can be removed anytime, it is temporary, sometimes servant quarters are added to it, sometimes they are reduced, that is, the CAG report has a detailed report about the black deeds of Arvind Kejriwal and what his evil mind was thinking at that time," he said.

He further pointed out that the CAG had raised 139 questions about the project, including the lack of permissions from the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) and the Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The BJP leader alleged that the "PWD acted like a private institution" by bending rules to favour Kejriwal.

"The PWD surrendered itself to Kejriwal's demands. Officials were allowed to profit from these irregularities, looting Delhi in the process," he stated.

Sachdeva detailed the timeline of work orders issued for the bungalow, starting with an initial estimate of Rs 7.91 crore in September 2020, during the Covid crisis. He noted subsequent additions, including Rs 1.62 crore for kitchen and laundry upgrades, Rs 9.09 crore for extending the bungalow's super area, Rs 5.73 crore for beautification, and Rs 9.34 crore for ornamental works, bringing the total to over Rs 33 crore.

Highlighting lavish expenditures, Sachdeva listed items such as motor-operated curtains costing Rs 5.5 crore, a premium recliner sofa worth Rs 10 lakh, a Samsung refrigerator priced at Rs 9 lakh, etc.

Mocking Kejriwal, he said, "Have you opened a hotel, Kejriwal? Even luxury hotels don't have such extravagance."

The BJP leader also alleged missing inventory from the CM residence as of October 11, 2024, which, when accounted for, could raise the total cost to Rs 75-80 crore.

Sachdeva demanded an investigation into the accounts of multiple government departments, including the PWD, to uncover the full extent of the alleged misuse of public funds.

The BJP has repeatedly slammed the AAP's claims of transparency, labelling the expenditures as "emblematic of corruption and hypocrisy".

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 6 (IANS) The four-day-long 'Gunotsav' to evaluate school education in Assam commenced on Monday across 11 districts in the state.

The Gunotsav is being held in various phases in Assam where the quality of education in schools is evaluated and, accordingly, the education department takes steps to bring betterment to the system.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said, “Gunotsav 2025, themed ‘Ensuring Quality Education’, will take place from January 6-9 in 11 districts, covering 16,056 schools and 14,11,874 students with the support of 6,365 external evaluators. Everyone’s cooperation and active participation are earnestly requested to ensure its successful completion, fostering a higher standard of education for the future of Assam.”

In the first phase, the programme is being held in Barpeta, Bajali, Sribhumi, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Sivasagar, South Salmara Mankachar and Udalguri districts.

Pegu also said that college teachers, who earlier took the decision to boycott the Gunotsav programme, will now take part in the event. They will act as external examiners to evaluate the schools.

In his X handle, he wrote, “Dr. Jayanta Baruah, President of the Assam College Teachers’ Association (ACTA), informed me over the phone that @ACTA_ASSAM will fully cooperate with and actively participate in Gunutsav 2025. This state government initiative to assess and enhance school education is set to begin on 6 January 2025. My best wishes to everyone involved!”

Earlier, the representatives of Assam College Teachers’ Association (ACTA) held a meeting with Education Minister Ranoj Pegu regarding the boycott of upcoming Gunotsav in the state as well as the promotion of professors working in different colleges here.

Mahanta said, “The meeting with the Education Minister was fruitful. However, there are still uncertainties over the dates of promotion of college teachers. Meanwhile, we are still maintaining our earlier decision to boycott the education department’s Gunotsav programme. However, we have extended the meeting of our association for tomorrow and will have a detailed discussion on taking part in the Gunotsav.”

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 6 (IANS) Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike for past four days at the Gandhi Maidan, was forcefully arrested in wee hours of Monday. Reacting to Bihar police’s brazen action on Prashant Kishor, the Jan Suraaj Party Vice- President VY Giri slammed the state government stating that it was frightened of his growing popularity.

VY Giri said that the police and administration violated all protocols and forcefully evacuated Prashant Kishor from the dharna site.

"No notices were served to either Prashant Kishor or his team, it is totally unconstitutional," he said and accused Nitish government of using police force to quell the voice of students.

“Peaceful protests are a democratic right. Bihar government is scared of Kishor’s growing popularity and his support for students and hence it was resorting to such tactics," he said.

He further said that the protest was peaceful and the state government must answer for this overreach.

"Satyagraha is a democratic right. Declaring Gandhi Maidan as a restricted area is baseless and undemocratic,” Giri said, countering charges that Jan Suraaj party founder and his supporters had illegally occupied the area for political demonstration.

Kishor and others being taken into custody in a late-night operation has sparked allegations of police brutality and unlawful action.

Meanwhile, the police authorities have claimed that the sit-in demonstration by Kishor and his supporters was a violation of law and order.

Patna SSP Awakash Kumar stated, “Prashant Kishor and others were protesting illegally in the restricted area near the Gandhi statue. Following protocol, they were detained, underwent medical examinations, and will be presented in court.”

Jan Suraaj Party workers who were with protesting with Kishor described the police operation as aggressive and unjust.

“Over 200 police personnel stormed the site at night. There were no women officers, despite female protestors being present. Prashant Kishor was forcibly dragged, slapped, and his supporters beaten,” claimed Sanjeev Kumar Singh, a party worker.

Singh further warned of political repercussions, likening the incident to the 1974 JP Movement. “This government will face the consequences in the upcoming elections,” he declared.

“It felt like we were being treated like criminals for simply standing up for the rights of students. We were dragged, beaten, and chased without any warning,” another worker added.

“The police didn’t just arrest us, they humiliated us. They locked all the gates of Gandhi Maidan and resorted to physical violence to clear the area,” another supporter claimed.

The protest focused on alleged irregularities in recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations and called for reforms to ensure justice for students. Kishor, fasting in solidarity with the students, was accused of being targeted for his influence.

The party has vowed to challenge Kishor's arrest legally, with videos of alleged police excesses going viral on social media.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 6 (IANS) Most wanted Maoists operating in deep jungles of Western Ghats, hilly and coastal region of Karnataka have decided to lay down their arms and join the mainstream following the appeal by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka Congress government.

According to sources, the Maoists have taken the decision following the encounter of Vikram Gowda and the continuous combing operations in the Western Ghat region by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and the Karnataka Police.

Sources said that top leaders Mundagaru Latha who leads the Tunga Naxal Wing in the state; Sundari, Vanajakshi, Jeesha, the most wanted Maoists of south India; K. Vasantha from Andhra Pradesh and Mareppa Aroli have decided to surrender and lay down their arms.

Maoist leader Sundari’s brother Anand, who was also a Naxal and returned to the mainstream, stated, “They will welcome her home if she decides to lay down arms. Let her and associates stop the struggle and live like common people. It’s 17 years since she had gone away from home. We will be happy if she comes back to us.”

“Sundari, surrender before the government and come back home,” he appealed in Kutlur of Mangaluru district.

The surrender procedure will happen in two to three days, sources confirmed.

The sources also revealed that the Maoists had written a letter in this regard to the Citizen’s Forum, a progressive organisation and the members of the forum have discussed the matter already with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

CM Siddaramaiah welcomed the proposal and gave the green signal for authorities to start the surrender procedures.

The Maoists have demanded that the surrender process should take place in a dignified manner and that their self-respect should not be harmed. They have also demanded that they should not be prevented from exercising their rights under a democratic system.

The Maoists have also demanded that they should not be made to languish in prisons. The 'false' cases against them should be closed and cooperation has to be extended for them after surrender to obtain bail. It has also been demanded that all cases must be brought under one court and trial has to be expedited.

They have also demanded financial support from the government to shape their lives. The package has to be applied to other surrendered Maoists who are presently in prison. They have also sought clarification on whether Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states will take one stand on the matter.

The Maoists have also demanded a judicial investigation of the Vikram Gowda encounter.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 6 (IANS) All Assam Students Union (AASU) advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya has alleged that the cybercrime awareness caller tune has been “butchering” Assamese pronunciation.

Taking to X handle, Bhattacharya wrote on Monday, “The cybercrime awareness caller tune in Assam is insulting our Classical Language by severely butchering Assamese pronunciation. This is unacceptable for a language with such rich heritage and cultural significance.”

He has demanded immediate action and appealed for a correction in the caller tune. “We need immediate action and replacement in the correct form that preserves our language's authenticity while delivering the cyber awareness message. It's disheartening to see a language conferred as ‘classical language’ being tarnished this way. Urging the authorities to take strict action against this misrepresentation and ensure respect for the Assamese language,” the AASU leader added.

The Assam government celebrated the classical language tag of Assamese language conducting a week-long celebration across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier said, “#BhashaGauravSaptah, a week-long celebration of Assam's rich linguistic heritage and the conferring of Classical Language status to Assamese, begins today. This week, people from various linguistic groups will celebrate their languages and commit themselves to preserving it.”

He mentioned, “Assamese is over 2000 years old, facts such as these need to be reinforced during Bhasha Gaurav Saptah. Along with other online and offline activities in schools, colleges, and public offices, we will also release a booklet explaining the importance of Classical Language.”

To recall, Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese were the five additional languages acknowledged as classical languages on October 3 in a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Oriya have previously achieved the coveted title, bringing the total number of classical Indian languages to eleven.

The creation of a Center of Excellence for the study of the language, funds for Professional Chairs at Central institutions, and worldwide awards for notable contributors are just a few of the major advantages that come with being designated as a classical language.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 6 (IANS) India has detected the first case of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) -- currently causing an outbreak in China -- in an 8-month-old baby in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the state health department confirmed on Monday.

The baby with no travel history is being treated at a private hospital. The HMPV infection was confirmed through a blood test.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is also expected to hold an emergency meeting with health department officials today at 12.30 pm to discuss precautionary measures.

This comes after reports emerged of an HMPV outbreak in China. The Chinese government has, however, dismissed it as an annual winter occurrence.

Health department sources expressed concern about the development and are gathering information on the virus's spread across the state.

However, officials emphasised that there is no need to panic about the HMPV infection. Although the virus may already be present in India, there is no clarity yet on whether it has mutated.

Health department authorities stated that they are also “uncertain if the virus detected in Bengaluru is a general strain of HMPV or the mutated version reported in China”.

The state health department has shared details of the detection with the Union Health Ministry and is in regular contact with central officials.

On Sunday, the Karnataka government issued an advisory detailing do’s and don’ts regarding the threat posed by the spread of HMPV.

“Currently, there is no need to panic regarding the spread of HMPV. The Health Department is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” it said.

“HMPV is like any other respiratory virus, causing common cold and flu-like symptoms during the winter season, especially among younger and older age groups,” it added.

The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare has also analysed data on respiratory infections such as the common cold, ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infections) within the state. It reported no significant increase in cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year.

The department urged citizens to follow the recommended precautions to protect themselves and prevent spreading infections.

The people are advised to cover their mouth and nose with handkerchiefs, and tissue paper while coughing, or sneezing; wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer; avoid crowded places; stay away from public places while having fever, cough, or sneezing.

Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission. People are also advised to stay at home and limit contact with others if they are sick and it's also been advised to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

The people are advised not to reuse tissue paper and handkerchiefs; close contact with sick persons, sharing of towels, linen, etc.; frequent touching of eyes, nose, and mouth; spitting in public places and self-medication without consulting the physician.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 6 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to attend a roadshow in Mumbai on Monday to attract potential investors for the upcoming investment and infrastructure summit -- 'Advantage Assam'.

CM Sarma has been in Mumbai for the last three days and held meetings with top industrialists regarding investment in the state. He said the government has been working towards making Assam a favourable destination for investors.

The CM met Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Group on Sunday, and said, “It was an absolute pleasure to meet Shri Noel Tata, the Chairman of @tatatrusts. We talked about synergising our efforts to improve the ease of living of our people and augmenting the Trust’s phenomenal intervention in Assam’s healthcare and education sectors, particularly in cancer care. I have also invited him to attend #AdvantageAssam2.”

Moreover, CM Sarma also held discussions with the Director of the Adani Group, Jeet Adani, and the chairman of Mahindra Group Anand Gopal Mahindra in Mumbai.

The Chief Minister mentioned on his X handle, “It was such a delight to meet Shri @anandmahindra. His passion for an industrialised India and intellectual prowess is admirable. I have invited him to partner with the Assam Government in our quest for industrial growth.”

“Today during my meeting with Shri Jeet Adani, Director of @AdaniOnline, the group expressed their keen interest to explore opportunities in the infrastructure, power and defence sectors in Assam,” CM Sarma said, adding that the Adani Group has many plans for industry expansion in Assam.

“I am happy to see our State feature prominently in the Group’s expansion plan,” he added.

According to Chief Minister Sarma, the event Advantage Assam which is set for February 24 and 25, would highlight the traditional Jhumur dance of the tea tribe clans.

CM 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.

He 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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New Delhi/Chandigarh, Jan 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, paid tributes to the 10th Sikh master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, on his Parkash Utsav.

The PM said “Guru Gobind Singh-ji was a warrior, poet and spiritual leader who fought against injustice, casteism, and inequality. His creation of the Khalsa Panth and supreme sacrifice for humanity continues to inspire the values of bravery, peace and justice in India”.

“I bow to Sri Guru Gobind Singh-ji on his Prakash Utsav. His thoughts inspire us to build a society that is progressive, prosperous, and compassionate,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Khalsa Panth, was born in Patna Sahib in 1666.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, in a message on the Gurpurab, called upon the people to rededicate themselves to the ideals and goals set by the great Guru and work for creating a harmonious society, based on values of humanism and secularism.

The Governor said Guru Gobind Singh, a saint soldier, symbolized the virtues of truth, righteousness, and universal brotherhood. He was a great warrior and launched a crusade against social injustice and tyranny of the rulers of those times.

Guru Gobind Singh, who sacrificed his four sons, father, and mother to preserve human and secular values, is rare in the annals of mankind.

He appealed to the people to strive in unison to carve out a healthy and harmonious society by following the precious legacy of the tenth Guru and celebrating the occasion irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.

In a message on ‘Parkash Purab’ of the 10th Sikh Guru, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Guru Gobind Singh preached and practiced the ethos of love, oneness of mankind, and universal brotherhood throughout his life.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Jan 6 (IANS) Heavy snowfall occurred in the higher reaches while moderate snow and rain lashed the plains of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

The Meteorological (MeT) department officials said heavy snowfall occurred in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other higher reaches of J&K during the last 24 hours.

A MeT office statement said, “On January 6, generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain (Plains of Jammu)/snow at most places of J&K. Improvement from January 6 afternoon. On January 7 and 10, generally cloudy weather with dry weather. On January 11 and 12, generally cloudy weather with light snow at isolated to scattered places. On January 13 and 15, generally dry weather."

The weather department also issued an advisory, saying that in view of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures and icy conditions over roads (plains/higher reaches), tourists, travellers and transporters are advised to plan accordingly. It has also advised people to follow the administrative and traffic advisory.”

Srinagar recorded minus 0.5, Gulmarg minus 4.5 and Pahalgam minus 1.4 as the minimum temperature.

Jammu city had 9.3, Katra town 9.2, Batote 2.8, Banihal 2.3 and Bhaderwah 3.6 as the night’s lowest temperature.

The 40-day-long period of extreme winter cold started on December 21 and will end on January 30.

At present, all water bodies, including lakes, springs, ponds, streams and wells, are partially frozen.

Doctors have advised people to exercise caution and not to expose themselves to long periods of cold. People of high-risk age groups, including children and elderly people, have been, especially, advised to avoid long exposure to cold. Hypothermia combined with respiratory tract infection is the main cause of myocardial infarction leading to heart attack and heart failure globally.

Fresh snowfall has brought cheer to scores of tourists presently enjoying their holiday in Gulmarg and other hill stations. All hotels in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and most in Srinagar city are completely sold out these days.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 6 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the state Legislative Assembly immediately after the session commenced in protest against the National Anthem not being played in the House.

He reminded the Assembly of its constitutional responsibility to sing the National Anthem and even urged the Chief Minister to ensure this protocol. However, only the Thamizh Thai Vazhthu (the state song) was sung. In a statement, Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan said that the Constitution of India and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

“Respecting the National Anthem is among the first fundamental duties enshrined in our Constitution. It is sung or played in Parliament at the beginning and end of the President’s address. Similarly, it is sung in all state legislatures at the beginning and end of the Governor’s address. Today, upon the Governor’s arrival, only the Thamizh Thai Vazhthu was sung,” the statement said.

The Governor respectfully reminded the House of its constitutional duty and fervently appealed to the Chief Minister, who is the Leader of the House, and the Speaker to sing the National Anthem. However, the Assembly “stubbornly refused,” according to the Raj Bhavan. “Not wanting to be a party to such brazen disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem, the Governor, in deep anguish, left the House,” the statement added.

This incident is reminiscent of February 2024, when the Governor walked out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly on the first day of the session.

At the time, the Raj Bhavan had stated: “My repeated requests and advice to show due respect to the National Anthem and play it at the beginning and end of the address have been ignored. This address contains numerous passages with which I strongly disagree on factual and moral grounds. Lending my voice to them would constitute a constitutional travesty. Hence, with respect to the House, I conclude my address. I wish this House a productive and healthy discussion for the good of the people.”

The Governor had left the Assembly without waiting for the customary singing of the National Anthem.

Responding to the incident, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu had stated on February 11, 2024, that “The National Anthem is played last (on the day of the Governor’s address),” citing Tamil Nadu Assembly rules.

The rift between the Governor and the state government is not new.

In January 2023, during the first Assembly session of the year, Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the House following a dispute.

Trouble arose when the Governor skipped a paragraph in his address that referred to national and regional stalwarts and the “Dravidian Model of Governance”.

Paragraph 65, which the Governor omitted, read: “Following the principles and ideals of stalwarts like Thanthai Periyar, Annal Ambedkar, Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, Perarignar Anna, and Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar, this government has been delivering the much-acclaimed Dravidian Model of Governance to its people.”

This led to an unprecedented standoff between the Governor and the Tamil Nadu government, setting the stage for repeated confrontations in subsequent years.

--IANS

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