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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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Shirdi, Jan 12 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday claimed that Maharashtra's grand victory of BJP-led MahaYuti has brought the country's politics back on track as it buried the politics of betrayal played by Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.

Maharashtra witnessed instability during 1978 and 2024 but the BJP workers did the work of giving a stable government at this time, the Home Minister added.

“You taught a lesson to those who opposed Hindutva and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development politics. You made the real Shiv Sena and the real nationalist win the Assembly elections. You rejected those who did dynasty politics,” he said while addressing the state party meeting organised to celebrate the landslide victory of BJP-led MahaYuti in the Assembly election.

At the beginning of his speech, HM Shah targeted Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. “Sharad Pawar had rebelled in 1978. The people of Maharashtra have taught him a lesson for the politics of betrayal that he had practised at that time. After that Uddhav Thackeray also betrayed us in 2019. He abandoned the thoughts of Balasaheb Thackeray. You did the work of teaching Uddhav Thackeray a lesson. You showed him his place in the Assembly elections,” he said.

The Home Minister heaped a praise over the party karyakartas for their work and contribution in the BJP’s thumping win. “The architects of this great victory are the workers of BJP. I salute all of you. I also thank the people of Maharashtra on behalf of BJP workers. All of you have given a hard slap on the face of those who do dynasty politics and play politics of betrayal and deception and sent them home. The people of Maharashtra have decided that Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena is Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP is the real NCP,” he remarked.

“We all know that the basis of our party's work is organisation. The foundation of our winning elections is our strong organisation. Our warrior at the booth is our commander. I want to tell my workers that the chain of development is possible only when you unfurl the saffron flag from the Panchayat to the Parliament -- BJP from the Panchayat to the Parliament, BJP in Maharashtra and BJP in the country. It is the tradition of BJP that we do what we say,” Shah thundered.

He praised the state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule for leading the party during election and its stellar performance.

HM Shah exhorted the party workers to work hard and with same dedication to continue the victory march of BJP-led MahaYuti in the upcoming local and civic body elections defeating the Maha Vikas Aghadi. “BJP from Panchayat to Parliament, is our goal and for that the BJP-led MahaYuti should be in each and every seat for the crushing defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi,” he said.

“We have fulfilled countless promises, whether it is building the Ram temple in Ayodhya, whether it is removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is about providing houses to 4 crore poor people, whether it is about providing electricity, water or health security. The left wing extremism will be eliminated by April 2026,” said Shah.

Shah praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who led the party to the grand victory in Maharashtra, saying that he will strive to fulfil a slew of promises made to the people of state including making Maharashtra drought free in the next five years.

He criticised Sharad Pawar saying that the state continues to reel under drought and witness farmers suicides despite he had been the agriculture minister, chief minister and associated with agriculture and cooperative movement for a long period. “During the third term, Devendra Fadnavis with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in a position to provide water in every farm,” he claimed.

HM Shah said that the BJP-led NDA is getting stronger while the disintegration of INDI Alliance has begun. He predicted BJP’s grand victory in Delhi Assembly elections, asking the cadres to be ready on February 8 for mega celebration.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) The poor state of roads in Okhla constituency in south Delhi has left the area residents angry with a few Jasola villagers on Sunday pointing to frequent accidents taking place due to potholes and water-logging.

“We have seen repairs taking place in other areas of the constituency but Jasola village has just been ignored by legislator Amanatullah Khan,” area resident Mohd. Shahdab told IANS.

He said accidents are frequent on this stretch. “Road repairs have taken place in nearby colonies like Shaheen Bagh and Abul Fazal Enclave but in Jasola village the repairs have been few and far between.”

After rains, slush gets collected on the road which adds to the problem as potholes are difficult to detect, he said, adding that about a week ago some repair had started but it stopped abruptly.

“There are accidents taking place in the area every day,” he alleged.

Ameen, an e-rickshaw driver, said, “Our three-wheeled vehicles overturn due to the pot-holed roads in the area. I am not the only one complaining, everyone here is suffering from poor roads in Jasola village.”

Another e-rickshaw driver said residents have been putting up with broken roads for the past one year.

The AAP legislator is not paying any attention towards the plight of residents, he said.

“Just two days ago, an e-rickshaw overturned and those travelling on the vehicle received injuries in the head,” he said.

The residents’ complaints about the poor condition of roads in Jasola village come in the backdrop of the local legislator facing allegations of wrongdoing related to corruption and money laundering during his tenure as the chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board between 2016 and 2021.

The Enforcement Directorate’s case against Amanatullah Khan was related to a CBI FIR against him for alleged illegal appointments of employees in the Board.

The CBI alleged that the illegal appointments in the Board caused significant financial losses to the government.

Khan was arrested on September 2, 2024 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 but was granted bail later.

-- IANS

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Ranchi, Jan 12 (IANS) The Delhi and Jharkhand Police have uncovered a plan to establish a training camp for the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) on Nakata Hill, located at the border of Ranchi and Latehar districts in Jharkhand.

This revelation emerged during the interrogation of AQIS operatives arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Delhi Police's Special Cell and the Jharkhand Police's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) two days ago.

Shahbaz Ansari, a key operative arrested two days ago from the Senha police station area of Lohardaga, provided crucial information about AQIS's activities in Jharkhand during the interrogation.

The mastermind behind the AQIS plans in the region was Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, a radiologist at a private hospital in Ranchi. Dr Ahmed, who was apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell in August, had formed a terror module named the "Ranchi Radical Group" (RRG) to recruit and train individuals for extremist activities.

The raid in August last year had also uncovered AQIS's plans to expand its influence across multiple Indian states, including Jharkhand.

Ansari revealed that the module primarily targeted less-educated and working-class persons, who were indoctrinated to join the AQIS. He has also disclosed the names of several other suspects, prompting ATS efforts to gather further intelligence on these individuals.

To indoctrinate recruits, AQIS provided various propaganda materials and speeches. Four individuals from Jharkhand were sent to Rajasthan for training in handling weapons and planning attacks. Upon their return, a plan was in place to establish a training camp under their supervision in Ranchi.

In connection with this case, several arrests have been made so far, including Dr Ahmed (Ranchi), Faizan Ahmed (Hazaribagh), Mohd Modavir, Mohd Rizwan, Mufti Rahmatullah Majhiri, Matiur Rahman, Iltaf Ansari, and Enamul Ansari.

These arrests were made from the Chanho police station area in Ranchi.

Investigations are still going on to dismantle the terror network and prevent further activities in the region.

The AQIS is a regional branch of Al Qaeda, active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The group has been involved in various terrorist activities and plots, posing a major threat to regional stability and security.

Authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle AQIS networks and prevent further attempts to radicalise vulnerable individuals.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 12 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday blamed lack of ideology and student politics for increasing defections. Stating that leaders are changing parties for posts, he underlined the need for ideological student politics.

Students who follow party ideology will always be loyal to the political organisation, he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing at an event to release former Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao’s autobiography ‘UNIKA’ Revanth Reddy was all praise for Vidyasagar Rao strictly following the ideology while in student politics at Osmania University.

He lauded the contributions of Vidyasagar Rao as governor of two states and said he upheld the honour of Telangana.

It is commendable that Vidyasagar Rao spent five decades in active politics without facing a single allegation and he stands as an ideal for the Telangana society, he said.

The Chief Minister lamented the falling standards of universities and said they were on the verge of losing their sheen and existence. It is imperative that students should be active in politics in the universities, he said.

He claimed that soon after assuming office, he took the decision to bring back the glory of universities. University students played an important role during the Telangana movement.

The active role played by students in politics resulted in the formation of Telangana state, he said. The Chief Minister urged Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other BJP and BRS leaders to help in getting the Centre’s approval for the expansion of Hyderabad Metro.

He pointed out that when the first phase of Hyderabad Metro was completed, it had the second-longest Metro network in the country, but now it has fallen to ninth place.

Stating that Hyderabad is not competing with Amaravati but with the world, he stressed the need for Metro expansion.

He mentioned that 60 per cent of Telangana's income comes from Hyderabad and reiterated his ambition to make Telangana a trillion dollar economy.

The Chief Minister said he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sanction regional ring road and regional ring rail to develop Hyderabad as a global city.

He also urged the Centre allot a dry port to Telangana as it is a landlocked state. He said the Centre should also complete the Kazipet Railway Coach Factory at the earliest.

Stating that he has no differences with anyone, Revanth Reddy said he would meet everyone and seek everybody's cooperation for the development of Telangana.

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya said he worked with Vidyasagar Rao for 40 years. He stated that Vidyasagar Rao worked hard to strengthen ABVP and BJP in the state.

He recalled Vidyasagar Rao’s efforts to underscore the importance of Godavari waters for Telangana.

Vidyasagar Rao stated that leaders irrespective of the parties they belong to have nationalist sentiments.

He said harnessing the potential of youth was the challenge before today’s leaders.

He praised Revanth Reddy for coming out with the idea of ‘HYDRA’ to save lakes and natural bodies.

He called for a similar body to solve the problem faced by tribals with regard to their lands.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) With the Delhi Assembly elections fast approaching, a heated exchange has erupted between three-time AAP MLA Mahinder Yadav and BJP candidate Pankaj Singh in the Vikaspuri constituency.

While Singh termed Yadav a "land mafia" and accused him of "neglecting the area's development, Yadav strongly refuted the allegations, claiming his work would ensure a decisive victory.

Yadav, contesting the election for the fourth time, expressed confidence that he will be re-elected.

"We will fight and win the elections in a big way. BJP leaders like Singh, an old colleague of mine, are now up against us. I defeated him just two years ago in the municipal election, and this time, we will defeat him with a bigger margin, ensuring he never contests elections again," Yadav told IANS.

Responding to the "land mafia" allegations, Yadav defended his track record and lifestyle.

"I want to say that Pankaj Singh was a Municipal Councillor for ten years. He didn't do anything, but at least I have done something. I don't have a big bungalow, no mansion, no guards, or dogs to stop anyone. I live in the same small house I've always had," Yadav said.

"He might attribute the issue of land mafia to me, but the public knows who is working on the ground. If he wants to compete, he will have to come to the field; and the field is ours," Yadav said.

This came after Singh, a two-time Municipal Councillor, accused Yadav of prioritising personal gain over public welfare.

"I would say he has only developed his house. He made his nephew a contractor -- that is his definition of development. Vikaspuri, under his tenure, has turned into a garbage dump. Land mafia activities are rampant, and the public knows this," Singh alleged while speaking to IANS.

Claiming that no development has been done, Singh said: "Key issues plaguing the constituency, including inadequate drinking water, poor drainage systems, and unpaved roads."

"There are many challenges in Vikaspuri, and work remains unfinished. The biggest issue is the land mafia, which will be eradicated under our leadership. The people deserve better," Singh stated.

The contest in Vikaspuri is shaping up to be a battle of credibility and development, with both candidates vying to convince voters of their commitment to progress. While Yadav banks on his "grassroots work" and long-standing presence in the constituency, Singh positions himself as a fresh alternative determined to address long-standing issues.

--IANS

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