Regional

Srinagar, April 8 (IANS) Senior legislator and Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Lone said on Tuesday that his party has moved a notice for a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

In a post on his X handle, Lone said the Speaker has not allowed them to discuss the Waqf Amendment Act, hence, they are moving the motion.

"We have presented a no confidence motion against the Honble Speaker. He has become an impediment in voicing our opinion against the Waqf bill. J&K is the only Muslim province in India. History will hold us in contempt if we do not send a strong message against this bill," Lone said in the post.

He also posted the letter on his X handle, which is signed by two other MLAs, both from the PDP, besides Lone. The notice has been submitted under Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

The letter addressed to the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly says, "In accordance with Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, we hereby submit this notice of our intention to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Assembly."

"This decision stems from widespread outrage within the House over the Speaker's actions, including the rejection of discussions on an adjournment motion and the refusal to entertain a resolution brought forward by opposition parties. Such conduct undermines the democratic principles and procedures governing this esteemed institution, prompting this resolution to address the matter," the letter states.

The move has sent ripples through the region's political corridors, signaling deep unrest within the legislative framework.

A letter, signed by multiple MLAs, expressed serious concern over the Speaker’s actions, particularly his refusal to allow discussion on an adjournment motion and his rejection of a resolution proposed by opposition members concerning the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Joining Sajad Lone in this step are Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA from Kupwara and Rafiq Ahmad Khan, MLA from Tral. They are from Mehbooba Mufti's People's Democratic Party (PDP).

"Their collective signatures reflect a growing unity among opposition voices who feel sidelined and silenced in the current legislative environment," the party's statement added.

On Monday, Lone had raised questions about the ruling party NC’s commitment to both opposing the contentious Waqf Amendment Act and pursuing the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

He had dissected what he described as the contradictory actions of the NC, questioning the authenticity of their opposition to the Waqf Act while highlighting procedural inconsistencies in their approach.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 8 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department is taking urgent measures to tackle a severe whitefly infestation that has affected 1.9 lakh acres of coconut farms in the state.

Out of the 12 lakh acres under coconut cultivation in Tamil Nadu, approximately 1.9 lakh acres have been impacted by the rugose spiraling whitefly, an invasive species known for its rapid spread.

These pests produce a thick sap on the surface of leaves, inhibiting plant growth and threatening coconut yields.

Officials from the Agriculture Department emphasised that only natural and integrated pest management methods can effectively control the infestation.

The Union Government’s Department of Agriculture has also advised against the use of chemical pesticides, warning that they may exacerbate the whitefly problem.

To raise awareness and guide farmers, the state has conducted 330 camps across various districts.

A joint field study conducted by scientists from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod, Kerala, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), and the state’s Horticulture Department led to the implementation of several control measures last year, which helped contain the spread.

Research by the Agriculture Department has identified several effective strategies to manage the whitefly population include installation of light traps (one per hectare), use of yellow sticky traps (20 per acre), release of Encarsia parasitoids (100 per plantation), deploying green lacewing insects also called Apertochrysa (400 per acre), spraying a 0.5 per cent neem oil solution and power-spraying water on the underside of coconut leaves.

Meanwhile, farmers in Dharmapuri district — where coconut cultivation spans around 5,578 hectares —have raised concerns over the growing presence of whiteflies.

They have urged the Horticulture Department to increase awareness efforts and supply biological control agents such as Encarsia formosa, a parasitic wasp known to be effective against whiteflies.

“A coconut tree can grow up to 50 feet, so conventional pest control methods are ineffective,” said K.R. Muthumaran, a farmer from Pappireddipatti.

“We need Encarsia mites to control the infestation, but they are not available in our region. The department must step in and provide them,” he said.

Agriculture officials said they are promoting awareness through farmer groups and social media campaigns. They have also recommended regular water spraying under the leaves of saplings and young trees up to five years old.

Additionally, a mix of castor oil and water has been suggested as a viable solution, though it is mainly applicable to younger plants.

—IANS

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Patna, April 8 (IANS) Rashtriya Lok Morcha President and Rajya Sabha MP, Upendra Kushwaha, launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, questioning his promises of providing employment in Bihar and accused him of political theatrics ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Speaking to the media at Patna Airport, Kushwaha said, “Rahul Gandhi is talking about giving jobs in Bihar. Why doesn’t he first give jobs in the states where the Congress is in power? Go there and provide employment instead of misleading people here.”

Kushwaha alleged that the Congress party remembers employment only during elections and fails to deliver when in power.

“After Independence, the Congress ruled the country for 60 years. Then, for 15 years they were in power in Bihar in alliance with the RJD. The damage they did during that time is not hidden from anyone,” Kushwaha claimed.

He stated that no matter what the Congress and the Opposition alliance do, the NDA will return to power in Bihar.

Commenting on the factional clash inside the party’s state office at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna during Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Kushwaha said, “This shows the internal condition of the Congress. One leader is not ready to listen to another. If they can’t manage their own party, how can they talk about governing a state?”

Dismissing LoP Gandhi’s symbolic 30-minute ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra in Begusarai as inconsequential, Kushwaha added, “Be it 30 minutes or 300, it won’t make any difference. The people of Bihar know better. His yatra is just a show, and it will not impact voters.”

LoP Gandhi was in Patna for a day-long visit on Monday where he attended the 30-minute ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra in Begusarai, followed by addressing a gathering during the Samvidhan Sanrakshan event at Patna’s Sri Krishna Memorial Hall and then took a meeting of the party workers at state headquarter Sadaqat Ashram.

His visit was part of a preparation for the Bihar Assembly election 2025 which is expected to take place in October and November this year.

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 8 (IANS) The West Bengal unit of BJP, on Tuesday, approached a single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, seeking permission to conduct a rally in Kolkata on April 12 on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.

In the petition filed at the single judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, the state unit of BJP has claimed that although they had sought permission from Kolkata Police to conduct the rally sometime back no reply has surfaced so far.

As per BJP’s proposal, the rally has been scheduled on April 12 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Red Road in central Kolkata.

The petition has been admitted and is likely to come up for a hearing on Wednesday.

In the recent past, some organizers had to approach the Calcutta High Court for permission to hold processions on the occasion of Ram Navami on April 6.

In fact, two Ram Navami processions in Kolkata- adjacent Howrah district were conducted on April 6 following the permission of the Calcutta High Court. The state unit of BJP had alleged that whenever the question is regarding the procession related to any Hindu religious festival, the police either deny or remain silent on permission.

“Be it any programme on a Hindu religious festival or any public political event by opposition parties, the only way left is to approach the Calcutta High Court for permission after police deny the same each time,” said a state committee member of the BJP.

On April 6, several pockets in West Bengal were wrapped under blanket security cover in view of the processions on the occasion of Ram Navami. However, the BJP leaders like former national vice-president of the party, Dilip Ghosh and the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, ridiculed the elaborate police arrangements.

Both accused the state government of creating unnecessary panic among people by making elaborate security arrangements as well as imposing restrictions on the Ram Navami processions. They said that such security arrangements and restrictions are made only for Hindu religious festival events.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 (IANS) The Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday, holding Tamil Nadu Governor Dr R.N. Ravi's withholding of assent to 10 Bills as "illegal", drew rare consensus from traditional political rivals in Kerala.

The apex court declared that the 10 Bills, re-passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly and sent again to the Governor, would be deemed to have received his assent -- a move that has resonated strongly in Kerala, where similar issues have been simmering.

In Kerala, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is in power, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) sits in opposition. The BJP, though a marginal player in the 140-member state Assembly, has a presence in the Lok Sabha from the Thrissur constituency, represented by Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi.

Welcoming the Supreme Court’s verdict, Kerala Law Minister P. Rajeeve recalled how former Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had delayed action on several Bills -- some pending for as long as 23 months.

“There were Bills that remained with the Governor for 13, 16, even 18 months. We had said publicly that such delays were undemocratic. The Governor is expected to function in accordance with the advice of the elected government,” Rajeeve said.

He added, “The Supreme Court has made it clear that no Governor can hold on to Bills for more than three months. Moreover, not all Bills can be referred to the President. This verdict is a clear affirmation of democratic principles.”

State Revenue Minister K. Rajan said the Supreme Court verdict should be welcomed “with great pleasure.” “Governors can no longer be used as tools by the Centre to obstruct state governments. This ruling sends a strong message in response to the conduct of the Tamil Nadu Governor,” Rajan said.

Senior UDF leader and Lok Sabha MP N.K. Premachandran described the ruling as “historic” and one that reinforces constitutional values. “This will be remembered as a landmark judgment that upholds the democratic rights of state legislatures,” he said.

Significantly, the ruling comes even as the Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court over two Bills that are still awaiting gubernatorial assent -- a legacy of Governor Khan’s tenure, during which his frequent run-ins with the Pinarayi Vijayan government over pending legislation often made headlines.

--IANS

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Srinagar, April 8 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the progress of various developmental projects in Jammu and Kashmir in a high-level meeting here on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo, additional chief secretaries and administrative secretaries of various departments.

Before the meeting, Amit Shah had a one-on-one meeting with the chief minister.

The Union home minister will review the overall security in the union territory at another meeting which will be attended by the Lt. Governor, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka, Director Generals of J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including BSF, CRPF and senior intelligence officers.

The home minister is also likely to meet some delegations before he departs for Delhi in the afternoon.

He posted on X that three more organisations have left the separatist Hurriyat Conference and declared their allegiance to the Constitution of India.

He said this is the growing endorsement of the Prime Minister’s vision about the Naya Kashmir, where violence and hatred would have no place.

After his arrival here on Monday, Amit Shah went to the Humhama area near the Srinagar International Airport to meet the family of martyred J&K Police Dy SP, Humayun Bhat.

The home minister offered his condolences to the family. He stayed for nearly 20 minutes with Ghulam Hassan Bhat, retired IGP, father of Humayun. He also offered condolences to Fatima, wife of the martyred police officer and blessed the 20-month old child of the officer.

L-G Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah accompanied the home minister during his visit to the martyr’s family.

Humayun was killed on September 13, 2003, while fighting a group of terrorists in the forests of Kokernag Tehsil in the Anantnag district.

Known for his professionalism and bravery, the officer was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.

During his visit to Jammu, Amit Shah met the families of four policemen martyred while fighting terrorists in the Kathua district.

He gave compassionate appointment orders to the next of kin of the martyrs.

HM Shah said during his interaction in Jammu that terrorism was down but not yet fully out in J&K and assured that the situation would soon be brought to complete normalcy.

He had a closed-door meeting with members of the BJP and RSS at the Jammu residence of Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly.

During his visit to the border outpost of the BSF in Kathua on Monday, the home minister praised the BSF for being an elite border sentinel force of the country.

He said cutting-edge technology is being provided to the BSF for complete tech-driven surveillance of the border. He told the deployed BSF jawans that the country holds the force in high esteem because of their commitment to duty and protection of the country’s frontiers.

“You discharge duties round the year, 24 hours a day and in torrential rain, extreme cold or 45-degree heat. BSF has a glorious past, and you genuinely deserve the prestige the force has earned among the countrymen,” he told the BSF officers and jawans.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) Political leaders from Maharashtra have strongly reacted to the controversial remarks made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President, Raj Thackeray, regarding the Ganga water during the recent Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

Raj Thackeray mocked the devotees who bathed in the Ganga during the religious event, claiming the river remains polluted despite various efforts to clean it.

Raj Thackeray said, "I have been hearing that the Ganga will be cleaned since the time of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The truth is that the Ganga has still not been cleaned. We call it Ganga Ma, but not a single river in the country is clean."

He further stated that he refused to touch the Ganga water brought by one of his close aides, suggesting that the river was still polluted.

In response to Raj Thackeray’s remarks, Shiv Sena leader and MLA Sanjay Gaikwad dismissed them as baseless.

He said, "Ganga’s water is so pure, and when so many people went there and took a dip, they felt happy doing so. He is making baseless statements. I don’t follow him on this."

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC, Amol Mitkari, also responded to the issue, emphasising that attending the Maha Kumbh was a personal choice.

Mitkari commented, "Going to the Maha Kumbh is a matter of personal opinion. After going to the Maha Kumbh, many people faced unfortunate incidents that cost them their lives. Some people didn’t feel it was appropriate to go. I personally didn’t feel the need to go."

Meanwhile, Maharashtra NCP (SP) leader and MLA, Rohit Pawar, who participated in the Maha Kumbh and took a holy dip in the Ganga, acknowledged the concerns raised by Raj Thackeray about the river's pollution but urged caution when discussing sensitive issues.

Pawar remarked, "I went to take a holy dip in the Ganga during Maha Kumbh. It is part of our faith. However, there are some pollutants visible in the water. Raj Thackeray was also talking about pollution in Ganga water, but one should be very careful when speaking about such a sentimental issue as it might hurt people's sentiments."

Raj Thackeray’s statements have sparked a political debate, with leaders from various parties defending the religious importance of the Maha Kumbh and the Ganga while acknowledging concerns about the river's cleanliness.

--IANS

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Jammu, March 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday sent birthday greetings to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wished CM Omar a healthy and long life.

The PM posted on X, “Birthday wishes to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh also wished CM Omar on his 54th birthday.

“Warm birthday greetings to Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri @OmarAbdullah. May he lead a long and healthy life”, the Defence Minister posted on X.

CM Omar was born to Dr Farooq Abdullah and his British mother, Mollie Abdullah on March 10, 1970 in Rockford, Essex in England.

He did his initial schooling in Burn Hall School in Srinagar city run by missionaries.

Omar received a business-related bachelor’s degree from a college affiliated with the University of Mumbai and did some graduate coursework in business administration at a university in Scotland.

In 1998, at the age of 28, he was elected to the Lok Sabha as a member of the National Conference. He was re-elected one year later and became a minister in the Commerce and Industry Ministry in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

In 2001 he was named minister for external affairs in the NDA government, the youngest to hold that portfolio. His tenure lasted only 17 months as he resigned from the post in December 2002 to concentrate on the NC’s preparations for the state Assembly elections.

In June 2002 Omar had become president of the NC, replacing his father, and he remained in that office until 2009.

His political career at the state level started badly. In the 2002 elections, the ruling NC lost more than half of the 57 Assembly seats it had garnered in 1996.

Omar contested and lost his seat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Qazi Mohammad Afzal in Ganderbal constituency and the PDP in alliance with the Congress and smaller parties formed a coalition government.

In 2004 Omar was re-elected to the Lok Sabha. In the 2008 state Assembly elections, Omar won his constituency and the NC with 28 seats and the support of the Congress, formed the new government in 2009.

At the age of 38, Omar became the youngest Chief Minister of J&K. He resigned from the presidency of NC and was replaced by his father.

In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Omar was defeated from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency by the incarcerated politician, Engineer Rashid.

Not giving up, Omar bounced back with a double victory from Ganderbal and Budgam Assembly constituencies in the legislative Assembly elections last year.

He was sworn in as the CM of J&K for the second time on October 16, 2024, but by then the state had been bifurcated into the two UTs of Ladakh and J&K.

As the CM of the UT, Omar has been relentlessly fighting for restoration of statehood to J&K.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, March 10 (IANS) Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra has alleged the involvement of two ministers of the Congress government in the sensational case of gold smuggling involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao.

Vijayendra said on Monday that the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao was one of the rarest incidents in the country’s history. Centered around Bengaluru, this case has created a web of suspicion around influential figures in the state government.

"Reports now suggest that two ministers may be involved, making this a highly concerning development," Vijayendra stated.

"The investigation has revealed links to hawala transactions, and during her arrest, Ranya Rao allegedly attempted to contact a minister. This raises strong suspicions about the involvement of influential figures from the Congress-led Karnataka government. Additionally, since Ranya Rao is the daughter of a high-ranking police officer, the entire system's integrity is now under scrutiny, bringing disrepute to the state. In light of this, the Chief Minister must disclose the truth about the case to the public," Vijayendra demanded.

"If ministers are indeed involved, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely already aware of it. The government must act transparently, expose the culprits, and ensure that the law takes its course. Failing to do so will result in the entire administration bearing the stain of this scam. The Chief Minister should uphold moral responsibility and ensure justice...If the government, like in previous scams, attempts to shield the corrupt, it will inevitably face embarrassment, especially with the ongoing CBI investigation. This case is not limited to just one actress; the investigation has already uncovered a vast network operating behind the scenes," Vijayendra said.

"Ranya Rao was caught smuggling gold worth Rs 12.36 crore in a single day. How much more gold might she have smuggled in the past? How many more people are involved in this smuggling network? A deeper probe is necessary to uncover the full extent of the operation. Since the CBI is handling the case, the public believes that the investigation will reach a logical conclusion," he stated.

Sources stated that the CBI, which has started a suo moto investigation into the case, is investigating the role of two ministers in the case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs are also investigating the case.

The DRI investigation had found the involvement of influential persons in the case and briefed the CBI about it. Sources also stated that when she was being arrested, Ranya Rao had tried to dial the number of a serving minister. The DRI slueths had then snatched the mobile phone from her.

The investigation has also revealed that the payment was made to parties through hawala and cryptocurrency.

Sources further stated that Ranya Rao used to hand over smuggled goods to certain gold merchants only and refused to provide for other gold businessmen. Enraged by this, they tipped the DRI about the gold smuggling.

Ranya Rao is currently in DRI custody and is being grilled about the seizures. The CBI is preparing to take her custody, sources stated.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, aka Harshavardini Ranya, in her statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on the day of her arrest, claimed that she is a freelancer in the real estate sector in Dubai and agreed to smuggle 17 bars of gold.

The DRI officials arrested Ranya Rao after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her at the Bengaluru International Airport last Monday night.

The agency seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her upscale Lavelle Road flat, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.

Karnataka DGP for Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, responding to the development of the arrest of his step-daughter, actress Ranya Rao, stated on Thursday that he was devastated and caught unawares by this development.

--IANS

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Bhopal, March 10 (IANS) The Congress MLAs in Madhya Pradesh staged a protest on the Assembly premises against the ruling BJP on the very first day of the budget session on Monday.

The Opposition members, led by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the MP Assembly, Umang Singhar, reached the Assembly premises, covering their faces with black clothes and holding placards and posters with slogans against the BJP government.

Singhar said the Congress MLAs have covered their faces with black clothes as a mark of protest against the ruling BJP, who have maintained silence on public issues, and those raising voices are facing harassment from police.

"The Opposition wants debate on corruption, farmers and other public welfare issues during the budget session. However, the BJP does not want to discuss these issues. When Congress MLAs sought answers on corruption issues, they were being pressured to withdraw their questions," Singhar told IANS.

He also alleged that the ruling BJP was attempting to shield several influential persons, including politicians and senior bureaucrats, who have been allegedly involved in corruption, in which ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and his associates have been arrested.

"Why have Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the entire BJP leadership maintained silence on it? Investigating agencies have found the involvement of several BJP leaders and senior bureaucrats, and those names should be disclosed," Singhar added.

Meanwhile, the first day of the budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly began with the address of Governor Mangubhai Patel.

The state government will present its first full budget in the Vidhan Sabha on March 12. The House proceedings will be adjourned from March 14 to 16. The House will reconvene on March 17 and 18. A holiday will be observed on March 19 for Rang Panchami. House proceedings will continue on March 20 and 21, followed by another recess on March 22 and 23. The final day of the House proceedings will be March 24. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led BJP government is likely to present as many as five key bills during this session for discussion and approval from the House.

--IANS

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