India

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) In West Bengal, where Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23 and 29, there is a rush to "collect the spoils" from a direct political battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the principal opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- the minority mandate.

Historically, this mandate has largely gone in favour of the party or bloc that has ruled the state -- from the Congress to the Left Front and now, Trinamool Congress – but lately, there has been an attempt at breaking that hold.

This time, the ruling Trinamool Congress has fielded 47 minority faces among its 291 candidates.

There is no provision in the law against a party picking up some extra votes to turn prospective king- or queen-maker, or collect enough mandates for the Election Commission to elevate its national recognition.

But in a state like West Bengal, where the sundry 'bhadralok' (people) prided themselves on "secular" and "objective" views, such attempts threaten a divide beyond politics.

Yet, successive state governments have been alleged to have extended the ambit of secularism to what is usually termed as minority appeasement.

Incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been on record, calling such voters as "milch cows" in political parlance.

This vote bank has powered the Trinamool Congress' rise and subsequent presence in governance for 15 years.

That confidence may now face a threat, with smaller Muslim outfits, a resurgent Congress, and voters' dissatisfaction likely to test the ruling Trinamool Congress' electoral fortunes.

The state has nearly a Muslim population of 30 per cent, with some districts hosting population over half comprising the minority community, thus holding sway in about 115 among the state Assembly's 294 seats.

Thus, the rush for the spoils, apprehending anti-incumbency sentiments may well be in play.

In January 2021, ahead of the then Assembly election, Pirzada Abbas Siddiqui, a cleric from Furfura Sharif in Hooghly district, officially registered the Indian Secular Front (ISF).

It had then contested the Assembly election in 38 seats in alliance with the Left Front and the Congress.

The bloc nominated ISF candidates in seats where Muslim votes were anticipated to be decisive, even at the cost of smaller Left constituents.

The fledgling party managed a single seat from Bhangar, while its allies drew a blank.

This time, the ISF has managed to get about nine seats less, but Left ally like the Forward Bloc intends to contest in a few of these seats, leading to more "friendly fights" this time.

The Congress will this time go alone to the hustings, primarily eyeing a few seats, mostly in the minority-dominated districts of Malda and Murshidabad.

Incidentally, this region is expected to witness a multi-cornered contest with the recently-launched Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) of the Babri Masjid replica builder Humayun Kabir allying with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

This new combine, too, is eyeing the Muslim vote bank, mainly to garner enough seats to evolve as a voice in post-poll government formation.

The Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM has been waiting in the wings for some time to test the electoral waters but refrained in 2021, with the ISF reportedly having ruled out an alliance.

In a region that re-invented the Awadhi version into its own style of "Kolkata biriyani", a Hyderabadi variety would have needed some local ingredients for the Bengali palate, which Owaisi realised.

He found that in Humayun Kabir, the latter being a seasoned politician, who has been active in the state.

Though the AIMIM had made its foray in the last state panchayat polls, it will feature for the first time in state Assembly elections, hoping to emulate its performance in neighbouring Bihar, where it won five of the 28 seats it contested last year.

--IANS

jb/khz

Guwahati, March 25 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday hit out at opposition leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi over his remarks on delivering justice in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg, saying the latter was "not a judge but merely a candidate in the elections".

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of campaigning in Lumding, the Chief Minister criticised Gogoi’s statement that justice would be delivered within 100 days if the opposition comes to power, terming it politically motivated.

"Lurinjyoti Gogoi is not a judge; he is a candidate contesting elections. Delivering justice is not in the hands of political leaders but the judiciary," the Chief Minister said.

He further alleged that the opposition was trying to politicise a sensitive issue for electoral gains.

"Ensuring justice in any case is a legal process. It cannot be promised in a time-bound political statement. Such comments are misleading and aimed at influencing voters," Sarma added.

The Chief Minister also questioned the intent behind Gogoi’s remarks, stating that the opposition was not genuinely concerned about justice.

"The opposition is not thinking about justice for Zubeen Garg. They are using his name for political mileage,” he said.

Gogoi had earlier stated that if the opposition forms the government in Assam, justice in the Zubeen Garg death case would be ensured within 100 days.

The war of words occurred against the backdrop of a ruling by a Singapore court on Wednesday that noted that singer Zubeen Garg died due to drowning in the sea near Lazarus Island in September last year, dismissing any foul play in the death of Assam’s cultural icon.

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda concluded that the death was “an unfortunate and tragic drowning” after a detailed investigation by the Singapore Police Coast Guard, according to media reports.

Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East India Festival and died on September 19 last year, a day before his scheduled performance.

According to Singapore-based media reports, Garg had gone on a yacht trip and entered the waters near Lazarus Island. Witnesses told the court that he had consumed alcohol prior to the incident and had initially worn a life jacket during his first swim.

However, he later removed the life jacket and declined to wear one during a second attempt to swim towards the island.

Despite repeated requests from friends to return to the yacht, Garg became motionless in the water and was pulled back onboard, where attempts to revive him failed.

A toxicology report presented during the proceedings revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 333 mg per 100 ml, indicating significant alcohol consumption before entering the water.

The findings of the Singapore court broadly align with earlier observations by the Singapore Police Force, which had ruled out foul play and attributed the death to drowning after alcohol consumption and refusal to wear a life vest.

--IANS

tdr/pgh

Kolkata, March 25 (IANS) The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking the removal of Jayant Kant, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Bihar cadre, as the Commission-appointed police observer for four assembly constituencies in the minority-dominated Malda district of West Bengal, because he is the husband of a BJP leader from Bihar.

A letter on this count was submitted to the ECI by Trinamool Congress’s national working committee member and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, seeking Kant’s removal from the position.

A Trinamool Congress leader said the communiqué to the Commission claimed that Kant’s wife, Smriti Paswan, is not only a member of the BJP but also portrays herself as a ‘loyal soldier’ of the party, and has expressed her desire to contest elections from the Jamui Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar.

She joined the BJP at a function in Patna in February 2024.

The Trinamool leader argued that those appointed as police observers should have an unbiased image. The leader said that in such a situation, it is impossible for a person whose wife is an active member of a political party to perform his duties as a police observer in an unbiased manner, and hence he should be removed from that duty.

Trinamool Congress demanded that Kant be removed from the position of police observer and relieved of any election-related duties. The party asked the ECI to replace him with an officer of a clean and unbiased image.

Earlier in the day, Trinamool Congress approached the ECI seeking the immediate removal of the new returning officer (RO) appointed for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a Trinamool candidate, is pitted against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP candidate.

Trinamool Congress claimed that the officer, being an extremely close confidant of the Leader of Opposition and virtually operating under his instructions, was unlikely to discharge his election-related duties in an unbiased manner.

--IANS

src/dan

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The government said on Wednesday that it is making all efforts to ensure availability of LPG, petrol and diesel and citizens are advised to avoid panic purchases.

No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships or petrol pumps. Delivery of domestic LPG cylinders continues as normal, the official update of the situation said.

The government has already restored partial commercial LPG supply of up to 20 per cent to consumers. Further, the government proposed an additional 10 per cent allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, said an official statement from the inter-ministerial briefing.

Citizens are requested to use digital mode for LPG bookings and avoid visiting LPG distributors.

"Supply of LPG continues to be affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation. Citizens are encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. Citizens are requested to conserve energy in their daily usage," said Petroleum Ministry.

All retail outlets are operating normally across the country. Panic buying was reported in some areas due to rumours, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding at retail outlets. However, adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps, it added.

The government reiterated its advice to the public rely on official sources for information and not to believe rumours.

Enforcement drives are being carried out across States and UTs to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. More than 2,700 raids have been conducted and about 2,000 cylinders seized in States including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Chhattisgarh etc. yesterday, informed the government.

PSU oil marketing companies (OMCs) conducted over 1,700 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships across the country. More than 650 FIRs have been registered till now and 155 people have been arrested so far.

Priority allocation continues with 100 per cent supply to domestic PNG for cooking and CNG for fuelling vehicles, while supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is being maintained at around 80 per cent of average consumption.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens.

CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.

An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been made to all States and UTs over and above the regular allocation. States and UTs have been requested to identify district-level distribution points, said the statement.

--IANS

sps/na

Mohali, March 25 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, has filed a chargesheet against a Patwari and four others before a Special Court under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA) in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali.

According to officials, the chargesheet was filed on March 11, 2026, and the court took cognisance of the matter at the pre-cognisance stage, issuing summons to all accused persons on March 24 for their appearance.

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Vigilance Bureau of Punjab under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case pertains to allegations that Patwari Chamkaur Lal amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income during the check period from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2023.

During the investigation, the agency found that Chamkaur Lal, while serving as a Patwari in Dera Bassi and Kharar tehsils of the Punjab government, accumulated substantial assets far exceeding his legitimate earnings. These assets were allegedly acquired through illicit means and subsequently invested in both movable and immovable properties.

The ED further revealed that the accused attempted to launder the proceeds of crime by routing funds through bank accounts held in his name as well as those of his family members. These funds were shown as loans taken from relatives and acquaintances in an effort to give them a veneer of legitimacy.

Investigators also uncovered that Chamkaur Lal had constructed a palatial house using proceeds generated from the alleged misuse of his official position. Notably, the probe indicated minimal cash withdrawals from bank accounts, which did not align with the lifestyle and daily expenditures of the accused and his family, suggesting the use of undisclosed income sources.

The agency has quantified the disproportionate assets at approximately Rs 2.76 crore, which are directly linked to proceeds of crime arising from scheduled offences. Earlier during the investigation, the ED had issued a provisional attachment order, attaching immovable properties worth the same amount.

The case is now set to proceed further as the accused have been summoned to appear before the Special Court in Mohali.

--IANS

sn/uk

Mumbai, March 25 (IANS) Jitendra Awhad, MLA from NCP (SP), on Wednesday made serious allegations in the Maharashtra Assembly, claiming that certain ruling party leaders were attempting to undermine Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis using Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who faces allegations of sexual harassment.

Awhad alleged that a conspiracy was hatched to remove the Chief Minister from his post.

Speaking during the opposition's last week's motion, Awhad leveled grave accusations against both the government and the administration regarding the self-styled godman Kharat case. He described the situation as a dangerous confluence of superstition, witchcraft, and political interference.

Awhad expressed regret that such incidents were occurring in the Maharashtra of Saint Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, noting that several ministers and MLAs were visiting Kharat for rituals.

Furthermore, he alleged that government funds were misused to carry out various construction works at the Ishanyeshwar Devasthan area, where Kharat serves as president. Awhad demanded an inquiry into the financial and land dealings of Kharat and other members of the trust.

He emphasized that since Kharat possesses information on many political events of the last 20 years, a deep investigation is necessary. Claiming that Kharat’s life is in danger because he holds the secrets of many leaders, Awhad also demanded that he be kept under 24-hour CCTV surveillance.

Referring to the 2007 murder of a journalist in Nashik district, Awhad alleged that the administration, police, and certain political figures were already aware of Kharat’s crimes but failed to take them seriously. He termed this a failure of the Intelligence Bureau.

Raising questions about the police, he also demanded an investigation into which officers allegedly took money to suppress the case.

Meanwhile, the NCP (SP) legislator Jayant Patil, in his speech, took witty swipes on the final day of the session on the massive surge in "Calling Attention" motions.

Stating that the regular proceedings of the house now seem to consist only of these motions, Patil remarked, "I am beginning to wonder if this session is actually a 'Lakshadhiveshan' (a pun on session of lakhs/calling attention)".

"Too much time is being spent on Calling Attention Motions, leaving no time for original core issues. We are tired of pointing this out, but the impact of the numbers is visible," Patil said.

In response, Speaker Rahul Narwekar quipped, "You are speaking less on the Final Week Proposal and more on the conduct of business."

"I am bidding farewell to the session today, which is why I am speaking," Patil replied. To this, the Speaker joked, "I think you aren't bidding farewell; you are taking us to task."

Patil, known for his own wit, continued, "I am your well-wisher; I have no such ill intentions. It is said that 175 MLAs gave their signatures for Calling Attention Motions. If I walk around the house with a paper, I can even collect signatures. Everyone wants their motion to be tabled, but it is your job to maintain control. The importance of the House must not diminish. The House cannot be run merely by the signatures of MLAs."

--IANS

sj/skp

Malappurram, March 25 (IANS) The District Collector of Malappuram, the top election authority in the district, on Wednesday has suo motu sought a report from officials monitoring the Model Code of Conduct on whether a controversial campaign offer by a senior leader of the Indian Union Muslim League amounts to a violation.

The move comes amid an intensifying electoral battle in Thavanur, where an unusual mix of high stakes politics and headline grabbing incentives has added a fresh twist to the campaign narrative.

Traditionally a Left stronghold, the constituency is witnessing an animated contest this time.

At the centre is Left supported independent former Minister and four-time sitting legislator K.T. Jaleel, 59, who shot to prominence as a giant killer in 2006 by defeating IUML heavyweight, P.K. Kunhalikutty from Kuttipuram.

Since then, Jaleel has secured three consecutive wins from Thavanur and is now seeking a fourth term, though the contest appears tighter than before.

Taking him on is Congress leader V.S. Joy, the Malappuram District Congress Committee president and a prominent Youth Congress face.

With the United Democratic Front (UDF) controlling all seven panchayats in the constituency and holding a notional lead of over 10,000 votes from local body polls, Joy’s candidature has energised the Opposition camp.

The spark, however, has come from IUML leader, C.P. Bava Haji’s, widely discussed offer, a 15 day luxury Gulf trip for booth level workers who secure the maximum lead for Joy.

While the promise has boosted morale among UDF workers prompting quips that “this time even booth agents may travel” it has also drawn the attention of election authorities.

For Jaleel, backed by the Left Democratic Front despite internal murmurs, the challenge is significant.

His narrow victory margin of under 2,200 votes last time underscores the stakes.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance is looking to leverage its growing vote share, adding another layer of unpredictability.

As scrutiny over the “Gulf offer” intensifies, Thavanur’s battle is no longer just political, it now carries regulatory overtones, making it one of the most closely watched contests this election.

--IANS

sg/rad

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and visiting US Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby held a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, discussing current geopolitical scenario.

"Pleased to meet US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby this afternoon. Exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

On Tuesday, Colby said the US views India with deep respect and New Delhi's decisions will profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific.

"The United States views India with deep respect — as a republic of continental scale, as a nation with a proud strategic tradition, and as a country whose decisions will profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and the international landscape more broadly. Our two countries of course differ in history, geography, and perspective in important ways. Yet we share something fundamental: a conviction that the future of Asia should be determined by sovereign nations able to chart their own course," Colby said during a special session at the Ananta Centre.

The top Pentagon official is in India to engage with senior officials in New Delhi and help advance the critical India-US relationship.

He mentioned that the US sees India not merely as a key partner, but as an essential one in ensuring a long-term favorable balance of power in Asia.

"India's importance stems not only from its size and economic potential, but also from its geography and strategic position. Your country sits astride the Indian Ocean, which is the connective tissue of the Indo-Pacific. India possesses a long tradition of strategic autonomy and a growing capacity to shape events well beyond its borders. It is the largest republic in the world; its success thus carries profound symbolic and political weight. And it has formidable, self-reliant, and capable military forces, willing and able to shoulder significant security responsibilities," said Colby.

Citing that India's role is indispensable, the US Under Secretary mentioned that Washington's approach to the strategic partnership with India is interests-based and realistic, shaped by geopolitics and incentives as opposed to gauzy aspirations or detached idealism.

"We clearly recognise that India has its own interests, its own strategic culture, and its own priorities, and that India is not shy about advancing them," said Colby, adding that India and US perspectives seems deeply aligned.

"Minister of External Affairs Dr. Jaishankar has termed India's approach 'Bharat First' and its strategic approach 'the India Way'. Like America First and flexible realism, Bharat First and the India Way emphasise the centrality of a realistic approach to foreign policy, an unabashed willingness to put one's own national priorities first, and a results-oriented mindset about international politics," the US Under Secretary of War for Policy said.

While announcing Elbridge Colby's visit to India, US Department of War stated, "Under Secretary Colby's visit will focus on advancing the goals established by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in their February 2025 joint statement and on implementing the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership."

--IANS

akl/as

Chennai, March 25 (IANS) In a significant step towards consolidating its electoral strategy for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has finalised a key seat-sharing agreement with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), allocating 18 constituencies to its alliance partner within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The decision comes as part of AIADMK’s broader efforts to strengthen its coalition arithmetic and ensure a cohesive campaign structure across the State. With negotiations entering the final phase, the alliance is moving swiftly to lock in constituencies and avoid last-minute uncertainties.

According to party sources, the constituencies allotted to the PMK include Salem (West), Dharmapuri, Pennagaram, Vikravandi, Sholinghur, Mayiladuthurai, Tirupporur, Uthiramerur, Jayankondam, Polur, Gingee, Virudhachalam, Rishivandiyam, Kattumannarkoil (SC), Keezhvelur (SC), Perambur, Salem North, and Ambattur. These seats are seen as strategically important, particularly in northern and north-central Tamil Nadu, where the PMK traditionally holds a degree of influence.

The allocation reflects a calibrated approach by the AIADMK leadership to balance regional strengths and caste-based support dynamics, which are expected to play a crucial role in the electoral outcome.

The PMK, known for its Vanniyar support base, is likely to focus its campaign on consolidating its core vote bank while leveraging the broader NDA platform.

Senior leaders within the AIADMK indicated that the alliance remains committed to presenting a united front against the ruling DMK-led coalition. The seat-sharing arrangement with the PMK is expected to be followed by similar agreements with other NDA constituents, as discussions continue with smaller parties to complete the alliance framework.

Political observers note that early clarity in seat allocation could provide the NDA with a strategic advantage, allowing candidates more time to engage with voters and build momentum at the grassroots level. It also signals a departure from protracted negotiations that have, in the past, delayed campaign coordination.

With the election schedule approaching, both the AIADMK and PMK are expected to intensify their campaign efforts, focusing on key issues such as governance, development, and regional representation.

The coming days are likely to witness further announcements regarding candidate lists and joint campaign programmes, as the NDA looks to position itself as a formidable challenger in the high-stakes electoral contest.

--IANS

aal/uk

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, on Wednesday, launched a sharp attack on the Union government in the Rajya Sabha during the discussion on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, comparing it to a "Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on transgender persons" and describing it as an exercise in discrimination rather than protection.

The Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout, is now being taken up for consideration and passage in the Upper House of the Parliament.

Chowdhury began her intervention by posing a pointed question to fellow Rajya Sabha members.

She asked whether the self-identification of gender that all MPs undertake while filling official forms before entering the Parliament is valid or not.

"The Constitution is with the people who identify as transgenders today. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) himself has called himself non-biological," she said, triggering an uproar in the House.

She quickly clarified that her remark was not meant to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi but to appreciate his forward-thinking approach on the issue.

"Transgenders are in the Supreme Court, in the police and on the playing fields winning medals for the country. What is there to be ashamed about? Why are we forcing new laws on them?" the Congress Rajya Sabha MP asked.

Chowdhury said that the Amendment Bill undermines the hard-earned rights of the transgender community by moving away from self-identification towards greater bureaucratic and medical scrutiny.

She added that the legislation appears more focused on imposing control than on genuine welfare or inclusion.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to make changes to the 2019 Act, including alterations in the process of legal recognition of gender identity.

Critics, including several Opposition MPs, claim it dilutes the principle of self-perceived gender identity upheld by the Supreme Court in its landmark 2014 NALSA judgment.

As the debate continued, members from various opposition parties expressed concern that the Bill could roll back constitutional protections and add unnecessary hurdles for one of the most marginalised sections of society.

The Union government, however, said that the amendments aim to bring clarity and better implementation of welfare measures for transgender persons.

The discussion is expected to see more heated political exchanges as the House proceeds with clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill.

--IANS

sktr/khz