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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Mohan Singh Bisht as its candidate for the Mustafabad seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections to be held on February 5. This was part of the BJP's third list of candidates, with Bisht being the only name included.

In fact, the veteran BJP leader, currently representing Karawal Nagar in the Delhi Assembly, had voiced strong dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to field Kapil Mishra from his constituency. Bisht, who had won the Karawal Nagar seat in the 2020 Delhi elections, had slammed the BJP's move, calling it a "big mistake."

The controversy began when the BJP replaced Bisht with Mishra, a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, as the party’s candidate for Karawal Nagar. Bisht, who has been a key figure in Karawal Nagar politics since 1998, did not take kindly to the decision. In an outspoken statement, he declared that he would not accept the party’s decision to field Mishra and refused to contest elections from any other constituency. Instead, he vowed to file his nomination from Karawal Nagar, asserting that he would be contesting from the seat before January 17.

The decision to replace Bisht with Kapil Mishra was announced in the BJP's second list of 29 candidates, and it generated significant backlash, particularly from Bisht's supporters. The veteran leader has contested and won multiple elections from the Karawal Nagar constituency, further fueling his discontent with the sudden shift in party strategy.

Kapil Mishra, who had represented the Karawal Nagar seat on an AAP ticket in the 2015 elections, defeated Bisht back then. After his stint as a minister in the AAP government, Mishra was suspended from the party in 2017 following allegations of corruption within AAP. His dramatic exit from AAP marked a turning point, and in 2019, he joined the BJP where he made headlines with his controversial remarks regarding anti-citizenship law protests, calling protest sites "mini Pakistans".

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva celebrated his birthday on Sunday with residents of the Nehru Camp in the Patparganj constituency during the BJP’s slum outreach campaign, guaranteeing a house for every homeless person in the city.

Speaking at the event in the presence of campaign coordinator Vishnu Mittal, he assured the residents, saying: "If the BJP comes to power, we will make this Nehru Camp a model slum with regard to sanitation by January 2026."

At a press conference held in the Nehru Camp, Sachdeva said that in 10 years, AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal allowed 50,000 flats, built under the Rajiv Awas Yojana in areas like Narela, to turn into ruins by not allotting even one flat to any slum dweller.

He remarked that it is ironic that, despite being in power for over 10 years, Kejriwal’s party has done nothing to transform slum clusters into model settlements or improve the living standards of the residents.

"The last 10 years bear witness to the fact that Arvind Kejriwal can only provoke people but cannot improve their lives," Sachdeva added.

He also questioned Kejriwal, stating: "You have been in power for over a decade. Please explain what your government, the DUSIB, or any other departments have done for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers."

The Delhi BJP President said Kejriwal claims to provide free electricity to the poor, but residents of the Nehru Camp in former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s constituency, Patparganj, are receiving monthly electricity bills ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,000. Additionally, they are forced to purchase drinking water.

"It is unfortunate that, despite Arvind Kejriwal’s various claims, the income of Delhi’s poor slum-dwelling families is consumed entirely by electricity bills and water costs," he said.

Every poor person knows that PM Modi has provided not just lakhs but crores of houses across villages and cities, which is why every slum dweller today looks to the BJP, he said.

Sachdeva made the following guarantees on behalf of the BJP to Delhi’s poor: Slum dwellers who wish to stay in their current areas will be allowed to remain there; DUSIB/DDA will provide alternative houses or flats to slum dwellers and every homeless person in Delhi will get a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) The Delhi BJP plans to approach the Election Commission to legally verify the sources of funds for AAP candidates or any other nominee claiming to raise money through crowd funding.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said AAP candidates may raise funds from force inimical to India and asked the poll panel to ensure that the information about the source of funds should be disclosed before the elections.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also mocked the AAP gimmick of crowd funding its candidates’ campaign. “Why do they need crowd funding, has the liquor scam funding been exhausted in Goa election?” he asked.

He said the AAP’s claim on crowd funding is “laughable”. “First, they mislead overseas people of Indian origin. Then they receive money from forces inimical to India go and live in the homes of their sympathisers during Punjab election,” he said.

Sachdeva said the AAP, which has been contesting elections since 2013, is now participating in its ninth election and, suddenly, the narrative being pushed by AAP leaders about raising election funds through crowd funding has left the people of Delhi surprised.

“The public is wondering if this crowd funding is a way to disguise the money saved from the liquor scam and the Goa election scandal, or if it is a ploy to convert money extorted through pressure on industrialists and officials in Punjab into political donations,” he said.

The Delhi BJP President added that it is highly suspicious that first Manish Sisodia, then Durgesh Pathak, and now Chief Minister Atishi are claiming to raise election funds through crowd funding.

Sisodia is an accused in the liquor scam, and reports revealed that a significant portion of the funds from the liquor scam were utilised in the Goa elections, where first Durgesh Pathak and later Atishi served as the election in-charges for AAP, Sachdeva said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Accusing AAP of indulging in illegal activities, former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday said evidence has come to light regarding the creation of fake Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and PAN cards for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in south Delhi's Sangam Vihar area.

She said the illegal activity was being facilitated by AAP MLAs and that the party’s members were deeply involved in this fraudulent operation.

Irani stated that due to the actions of AAP, there has been an unlawful encroachment on the rights of Delhi and the country, which has become a matter of serious concern.

She said complaints about the issuance of fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and voter IDs led to the filing of a case at the Sangam Vihar police station in Delhi in December 2024. During the investigation, it was discovered that fake Aadhaar cards were being produced through a shop in Sector 5, Rohini, Delhi.

She said the shop owner revealed that the establishment had been facilitating the creation of Aadhaar cards for illegal infiltrators and Bangladeshis.

The investigation further found that the accused, Ranjeet and his associate, Afroz, were issuing fake birth certificates through an authorised centre, which were then used to generate fraudulent Aadhaar cards, she said.

The former Union minister stated that after the arrest of the accused, Ranjeet and Afroz, the investigation revealed a disturbing truth through the analysis of data from seized laptops.

A total of 26 Aadhaar update forms were found, bearing the signatures and stamps of AAP officials. Among these forms, the stamps and signatures of AAP Rithala MLA Mohinder Goyal and Bawana MLA Jai Bhagwan, were discovered, she said.

During questioning, 15 individuals admitted that they had obtained fake Aadhaar cards and had secured the signatures and stamps of these MLAs on their updated forms, she said.

Additionally, 10 people revealed that they personally went to MLA Goyal's office and had his staff assist them in obtaining the signatures and stamps on their forms, she said.

Irani highlighted that the Delhi Police had served two notices to AAP MLAs and their staff members for investigation, but there has been no response from the Aam Aadmi Party so far.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited an exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which was part of the ‘Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2025’ event held on the occasion of National Youth Day, celebrating Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. During the event, he interacted with young people from across the country. The youth expressed their joy after meeting PM Modi.

Talking to IANS, Sudarshan, who attended the event, said, "I thank Prime Minister Modi for inviting me to this programme. Puducherry, in the southern part of India, has a rich cultural heritage and history. The diversity and cultural identity of the region are the strengths of our country. I also express my gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for making this important initiative possible."

Niranjan Kumar said, "PM Modi motivated us very effectively. After spending time with him, our self-confidence has increased significantly. The way he speaks and the energy he exudes is truly inspiring. We should always try to learn something from him."

Himani Durg Pal said, "We had the great opportunity to see Prime Minister Modi up close, listen to him, and learn from him. He told us that we should set a goal and work with full dedication and effort to achieve it. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Modi for this."

Simran Ansari said, "I am extremely grateful to Prime Minister Modi for the Developed India Young Leader Dialogue. We are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and converse with him at Bharat Mandapam. He shared many important thoughts and emphasised that the India of his dreams will be shaped by the youth because they are the future of the nation. As youth, we felt immense pride during this occasion."

Manav Ghosh said, "It is said that big dreams, when accompanied by a strong resolve, lead to great power and character. Embracing this character, all of us youth have set the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, as shown by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Priyanka Bisht pointed out, “Our presentation at the Developed India Young Dialogue was great. We shared with Prime Minister Modi how we can preserve our heritage while also progressing. He has provided a platform for youth, for which we are thankful. He motivated us a lot, and this will help us in our future."

Trifash Pandey said, "PM Modi explained how we can make India developed by 2047. He also spoke about connecting different sectors together to contribute towards making our nation prosperous."

Ayushi Singh shared, "Prime Minister Modi talked about how we can promote our heritage arts and involve the youth in Indian-themed games. He also shared important thoughts on green energy and artificial intelligence."

Yash Somani said, "We told Prime Minister Modi how artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our generation's life. However, we must not rely too much on it as it may affect our natural thinking."

Akshay Garia said, "The youth asked many questions to Prime Minister Modi. He gave us direction and guidance on how we can contribute to building a new India."

Nidhi Nitin mentioned, "We talked to Prime Minister Modi about how we can strengthen our economy while preserving our heritage, so that our soft power can be showcased to the world."

Arindam Shataranjan Paul shared, "We told Prime Minister Modi how we can make infrastructure sustainable by connecting it with nature and climate, and what new plans can be developed for this."

Manish Kumar Soni said, "I discussed with Prime Minister Modi women's empowerment, economic and social independence, and also talked about his contributions to water, nature, and environmental conservation."

Ghanshyam Sahu said, "We discussed with Prime Minister Modi the importance of food security and agriculture. He emphasised promoting organic farming so that farmers can double their income."

Ridrakshi said, "We believe that if every youth works for their community and solves small problems, we can achieve a developed India even before 2047."

Shubhasheesh said, "Prime Minister Modi mentioned that science will play a crucial role in making us developed by 2047. The campaign for a tuberculosis-free India will also support our development."

Jagannath Das said, "I secured the second position in my drawing and had the honour of having lunch with PM. It was a proud moment for me."

Swati Nautiyal said, "I presented my folk song, and Prime Minister Modi shared with us the path from resolution to achievement on the occasion of Youth Day."

Hemant Kumar Ayush said, "We discussed improving India's infrastructure with Prime Minister Modi. It was an inspiring experience to hear his thoughts along with 3,000 other youth."

--IANS

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Amaravati, Jan 12 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday appealed to the people to participate in P4 (Public-Private-People-Partnership) aimed at achieving zero poverty.

Announcing that P4 policy will be unveiled soon, he said 10 per cent of people who reached highest positions in society should extend a helping hand to uplift 20 per cent of the people who are at the bottom by utilising government programmes.

Naidu made the appeal while extending Sankranti greetings to all Telugus across the globe through social media platform X.

He believes that every house will have real festival celebrations when there are no economic imbalances.

"We have been constantly working hard to bring light in people's lives with welfare, development and good governance. We have already unveiled the Swarnandhra Vision-2047 with 10 principles with which we are making every effort to take the Telugu society to number one position in the world. The first principle in this is zero poverty," Chandrababu Naidu.

The veteran leader observed that the lifestyle of crores of people has been transformed with the reforms and the policies implemented in the combined state of Andhra Pradesh since 1995.

The P-3 (Public-Private-Partnership) system which was introduced then as part of economic reforms could generate a lot of employment and wealth, he noted.

"Even those who have come from ordinary peasant families reached high positions by utilising the opportunities provided at that time. Several sections of people have reached great heights both in the country and abroad. Those who have gone as global citizens are now rising to the stage of global leaders," the Chief Minister mentioned.

Expressing concern that lakhs of families are still reeling under acute poverty, Chandrababu Naidu said that, as per the Central census, several families in the rural and urban parts of Andhra Pradesh are still under destitution.

They are in dire straits wherein even basic amenities like drinking water, medical facilities, education and nutrition are not available to them, he said.

He said those who reached top positions in their respective fields and the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can totally transform society by being mentors, providing opportunities and by supporting some poor families whom they know well.

"I want all those who have come to their native places for the festival to focus on this, and we are ready to accept the suggestions, experiences and advice of all with regard to P-4 policy. A portal will soon be launched for this purpose to accept the suggestions of all for 30 days. Let us reach the goal of zero-poverty with the partnership of people and I make a fervent appeal to all to come forward in the process of taking the Telugu society to number one position in the world thus achieving a healthy, happy and developed Andhra Pradesh," he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering of the youth at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on National Youth Day on Sunday. The interaction marked the event with several unprecedented initiatives.

Addressing the young India, PM Modi stressed the significance of setting big goals for India’s development by 2047. He also urged the youth to step out of their comfort zones to achieve these objectives.

The event was remarkable for its many “firsts”. PM Modi spent a remarkable six hours with the young leaders, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., engaging in discussions and interactions on various topics and subjects.

The event started off with an exhibition where PM Modi held interactions with the youth and witnessed a range of innovative ideas that showcased their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

During the event, 10 young leaders presented their ideas on diverse topics, including sustainable development, integrating technology with agriculture, and strategies to transform India into a manufacturing and startup hub.

PM Modi shared his insights with the leaders, offering suggestions and urging them to work towards these goals. He emphasised the importance of their contributions in realising a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

Around 3000 young minds from across the country participated in these enriching discussions, providing a platform for open dialogue and idea exchange.

In a unique first, PM Modi also had lunch with the young leaders, engaging in thought-provoking conversations at the lunch table. During the lunch, young girls from the Northeast interacted with the Prime Minister, offering a chance for regional representation and inclusion in the discussions.

The event concluded with PM Modi delivering an inspiring speech, presenting his vision for India’s future and calling on the youth to join the journey towards a prosperous and developed nation. He urged them to become catalysts for change, drawing from the innovative ideas shared throughout the day.

This dialogue not only set a new precedent in youth engagement but also reflected the government’s commitment to empowering the younger generation as leaders of the future.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Politics over slum dwellers intensified in election-bound Delhi on Sunday with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal telling jhuggi residents that voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would amount to signing their “own suicide notes”. Hitting back, the BJP called him a habitual liar.

Calling the BJP 'a party of the rich', Kejriwal said it would take away the land of slum dwellers and displace residents of 4 lakh jhuggis in the national capital.

Kejriwal's allegation, which came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance of a pucca house to slum dwellers in Delhi, was refuted by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri who claimed that the AAP government never allowed implementation of PM AWAS scheme for affordable housing in Delhi in the past 10 years.

"BJP deals with slums through rehabilitation," said Puri, asserting that the BJP delivers what it promises.

Hardeep Puri described Kejriwal as a "factory of lies", saying when the latter was the Delhi Chief Minister, he did not allow the implementation of PM AWAS Yojana under which the Central government has built 4 crore houses for the poor in urban and rural areas in the country since 2015.

“The BJP does what it promises. You can check out poll manifestos for 2014, 2019 and 2024. We have built 4,000 flats for Delhi slum dwellers – in Kalkaji, Jailorwala Bagh and Kathputli colony," Puri said, adding that 3 crore more affordable homes for the poor are going to be built under PM AWAS in coming days.

On Kejriwal’s allegation that the BJP only loves the land of slum dwellers and its leaders spend nights in slum clusters just before elections, Puri said: "Kejriwal's story is over. Delhi deserves better."

"Kejriwal has some kind of problem due to which he has been making statements on the BJP's behalf. Sometimes he says reservations will end if BJP comes to power... who is he to make the announcement about our CM candidate face?" Hardeep Puri questioned.

Kejriwal has not fulfilled even a single guarantee he had made before the elections and is blocking the Central government's plans to give homes to slum dwellers, he said.

Hardeep Puri also hit out at the AAP government for the Rs 2,026 crore bungling in the liquor scam, adding that apart from the corruption, what is shocking is that they built vends at places that were close to religious places and educational institutions.

They are the same party or government who assaulted their own chief secretary, took away files from an official's room after a raid and undertook vigilante raids against foreign students.

“So, my answer is that they only indulge in gimmickry. They have mismanaged funds in Delhi Jal Board also,” he said.

--IANS

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Chennai, January 12 (IANS) Actor-turned-politician and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) founder Seeman on Sunday, intensified his criticism of iconic Dravidian leader, E.V.S. Ramasamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar.

Speaking to reporters, Seeman questioned Periyar’s contributions to the social revolution, contrasting them with those of Tamil Nadu’s reformers and saints like Vallalar and Vaikundar.

His controversial remarks on Periyar, during an event in Vadalur in the Cuddalore district, triggered widespread protests. In his speech, he had accused Periyar of encouraging incestuous relationships and made other provocative statements. He also criticised Periyar’s alleged remarks against the Tamil language and questioned the legitimacy of calling him a rationalist.

Following these comments, Seeman has been booked under Sections 192 (intent to cause riot) and 353/2 (false information) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), based on complaints filed by members of the Dravida Kazhagam (DK), an organisation founded by Periyar.

Seeman further alleged that Periyar had no significant connection to the cause of social justice.

This claim has sparked outrage, with protesters burning images of the NTK chief.

DK President Veeramani criticised Seeman’s remarks, stating: "To question Periyar’s rationalism, one must first ask themselves if they are rationalists."

Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam (TPDK) General Secretary K. Ramakrishnan attempted to march to Seeman’s residence along with his cadres, demanding evidence of the allegations. However, the police intervened and stopped the march.

Leaders from various political parties, including DMK ministers Duraimurugan and Sekar Babu, VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan, and state Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai, condemned Seeman’s statements.

However, state BJP President K. Annamalai expressed support for Seeman, saying: "I can provide evidence of the books where Periyar made such statements. However, I believe such discussions should not be held publicly as they may offend women and children." He also alleged that many of Periyar’s controversial books had been destroyed over time due to their contents.

On the other hand, BJP ally, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss strongly defended Periyar. Without directly referring to Seeman’s remarks, he said: "Slandering Periyar is unacceptable. If Mahatma Gandhi is the hero of India’s freedom struggle, Periyar is the leader of Tamil Nadu’s social freedom movement."

Ramadoss highlighted Periyar’s role in pressuring the government to increase reservations to 31 per cent, which he described as a pivotal contribution to social justice.

"While everyone has the freedom to critique Periyar’s ideology, baseless slander cannot be tolerated," he added.

As of now, over 60 cases have been registered against Seeman across Tamil Nadu in districts such as Cuddalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli for his remarks.

Seeman, however, remains defiant, asserting that LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran was the only leader who truly defended women’s rights. He also challenged parties to gather votes using Periyar’s name, claiming his own success in winning 32 lakh votes in the previous Assembly elections in the state was by evoking the name of Prabhakaran.

The controversy continues to escalate, with protests and legal actions dominating the political landscape in Tamil Nadu.

--IANS

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Itanagar, Jan 12 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday reviewed the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project and highlighted its potential to significantly augment the state’s energy resources and infrastructure besides reviving economic growth.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the project would facilitate the state’s immense hydropower resources.

"This multipurpose hydropower project is a model of what can be achieved through persistence and teamwork," he said during his visit.

Mein said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the state government has successfully revived several stalled power projects, handing over them to several Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) for overall and accelerated development.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that local communities and the youths of the area contributed significantly to taking the project forward.

"Local people’s involvement is very crucial to successfully implement the project," he pointed out.

Mein, who also holds the Power and Non-Conventional Energy Resources portfolio, said that the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project is not just a power plant, it's an opportunity generator and it would spur economic growth, boost tourism and improve connectivity, benefiting the people of the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the project in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh on March 9, 2024. To be built at a cost of more than Rs 31,875 crores, the Dibang project would be the highest dam structure in the country. The project would generate electricity, help in flood moderation and lead to employment opportunities and socioeconomic development in the region.

The project will have a 278-metre-high dam, which would be the highest concrete-gravity dam in India. It is planned to be constructed with Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) technique and it will be the highest RCC dam in the world.

--IANS

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