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Paris: Activists throw pumpkin soup at iconic Mona Lisa painting to save the planet

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Paris: Activists throw pumpkin soup at iconic Mona Lisa painting to save the planet

Protesters targeted the iconic Mona Lisa painting in Paris on Sunday, hurling soup in an act of vandalism, CNN reported.

Fortunately, the famous artwork, displayed at the Louvre Museum, remained unharmed as it is protected by a clear casing.

An environmental group, Riposte Alimentaire, claimed responsibility for the incident on X (formerly Twitter). The group stated that two individuals involved in their campaign were responsible for spraying soup on the world-renowned Mona Lisa, according to CNN.

Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, a small portrait measuring just over 2.5 feet tall and under 2 feet wide, attracts millions of visitors annually. Despite its fame, the Mona Lisa has faced previous incidents of vandalism and theft.

In 1911, it was stolen by a Louvre employee, gaining international attention. Protective measures were subsequently heightened, including the installation of bulletproof glass, after an acid attack in the 1950s damaged the bottom of the canvas.

The Mona Lisa has endured various attempts at vandalism over the years. In 2009, a woman threw a ceramic cup at the painting, causing damage to the cup but leaving the artwork unscathed. In 2022, a visitor smeared frosting on the protective glass surrounding the Renaissance-era masterpiece, as reported by CNN. (ANI)

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Drone attack kills 3 US troops in Jordan, leaving dozens injured

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Drone attack kills 3 US troops in Jordan, leaving dozens injured

Three US Army soldiers lost their lives in a drone attack on a small US outpost in Jordan, with at least two dozen service members sustaining injuries, CNN reported.

The incident occurred overnight, marking the first instance of US troops being killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the commencement of the Gaza war.

The attack targeted Tower 22 in Jordan, near the Syrian border, escalating an already precarious situation in the region. According to US officials, the drone responsible was launched by Iran-backed militants and seemed to originate from Syria, according to CNN.

US Central Command officially confirmed the casualties, stating that three service members were killed and 25 were injured in a one-way drone attack that struck a base in northeast Jordan.

President Joe Biden vowed to hold those responsible to account, asserting that the attack was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

“These service members embodied the very best of our nation: unwavering in their bravery, unflinching in their duty, unbending in their commitment to our country — risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism,” President Biden remarked.

He emphasised that the responsible parties would be held accountable at a time and in a manner chosen by the United States.

As of last Friday, over 158 attacks had been reported on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. Despite the constant barrage of drones, rockets, and missiles, most have been deemed unsuccessful, causing minimal injury or damage. It remains unclear why air defences failed to intercept the drone in this particular incident.

The attack on Tower 22 is the first known assault since the onslaught on U.S. and coalition forces began on October 17. US forces at the outpost are part of an advise-and-assist mission with Jordan. Officials reiterated their reluctance to see heightened tensions evolve into a regional war, despite the increasing frequency of attacks.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen CQ Brown, in a previously recorded interview, emphasized the US goal of preventing the conflict from broadening in the Middle East. He stated, “The goal is to deter them, and we don’t want to go down a path of greater escalation that drives to a much broader conflict within the region.”

While there have been numerous injuries reported since the attacks began, the Pentagon has classified most as minor. A senior military official mentioned roughly 70 injuries, with only one U.S. soldier critically injured in an attack on Christmas Day in Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Garrett Illerbrunn, from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, was set to be sent back to the U.S. for further treatment after being critically injured in a drone attack on Erbil Airbase.

In response to the escalating threat from Iran-backed groups, the US has taken several retaliatory actions in Iraq and Syria. The most recent strike occurred last week, targeting three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-affiliated groups, CNN reported. (ANI)

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Rajasthan: Kashmiri student Sohrab Qayoom enrolled at Mewar University on Indian Army scholarship arrested over objectionable comments on Babri structure and Ram Mandir

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Kashmiri student Sohrab Qayoom enrolled at Mewar University on Indian Army scholarship arrested over objectionable comments on Babri structure and Ram Mandir

A Mewar University student named Sohrab Qayoom from Jammu and Kashmir was arrested by the Chittorgarh police in Rajasthan after he allegedly made an offensive social media post on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the demolished Babri structure. The accused student was reportedly arrested on 26th January.

In the words of Gangrar police station SHO Jayesh Patidar, 21-year-old BPharm student Sohrab Qayoom posted some offensive remarks in a story on Instagram. On January 25, an FIR was filed at the station on the complaint of a local resident under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and so on) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting their religion or religious beliefs). SHO Patidar said that the accused student is under police custody.

Mewar University Director Harish Gurnani stated that “all possible punishments have been initiated” against Qayoom, adding that he has been ousted from the university.

Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association (JKSA) “vehemently condemned” Qayoom’s outrageous actions while requesting leniency “considering his immaturity and lack of political awareness.”

“Such behavior is not only unacceptable but also undermines the principles of coexistence in our diverse and democratic nation. While not seeking to justify his actions, the association believes that the charges brought against him could have severe consequences for his academic as and future prospects. The association unequivocally condemns the student’s actions and urges all Kashmiri students to refrain from writing provocative content on social media that could add fuel to the fire.,” JKSA national convenor Nasir Khuehami said.

According to the association, Sohrab Qayoom, a student from Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, is a student at Mewar University through the Indian Army’s Special Scholarship Scheme, which was introduced as part of Operation Sadbhavana to provide academic opportunities to underprivileged students.

In separate letters dated 27th January to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Khuehami has asked that Qayoom’s case be reviewed on “humanitarian grounds.” The charges and FIR against him could ruin his future, and the association believes that offering an opportunity for rehabilitation is critical for the youth’s growth and development, hence the FIR against Qayoom should be dropped.

Khuehami defended the accused Qayoom, claiming that his actions were motivated by immaturity rather than malice and that the association believes in the possibility of change and forgiveness. The implications of these allegations on his academic and future job aspirations cannot be overstated, and there is concern that it may do lasting harm to his life.”

“Why don’t you have relationship with me”: Mehzabin Mohsin throws acid on her 51-year-old ex-boyfriend Rakesh in Ahmedabad, also accused of forcing him to convert to Islam

ભાર્ગવ રાજ્યગુરુ
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“Why don’t you have relationship with me”: Mehzabin Mohsin throws acid on her 51-year-old ex-boyfriend Rakesh in Ahmedabad, also accused of forcing him to convert to Islam

An incident of acid attack came to light from Ahmedabad where a woman named Mehzabin Mohsin along with her friend threw acid on a Hindu man named Rakesh Brahmbhatt who is reportedly her ex-boyfriend. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police registered a case under Sections 326(A), 333, and 114 of the IPC at Kalupur Police Station. A copy of the FIR is available with OpIndia. The victim also alleged that Mehzabin was forcing him to convert to Islam. 

As per reports, the accused Mehzabin Mohsin threw acid on her ex-boyfriend Rakesh in Ahmedabad. The 38-year-old girl, along with her friend, threw acid on the victim saying, “Why don’t you have a relationship with me?” 

The victim suffered serious burn injuries in the acid attack and has been hospitalised. Following the attack, Kalupur police registered an FIR and are investigating the case. 

Notably, Rakesh Brahmbhatt (51 years of age) lives in the Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad. He is currently a controller in AMTS and has been working there for 26 years. Five years ago when he was working as a bus conductor, he fell in love with Mehzabin who hails from the Anjum Park near Ayesha Masjid in Juhapura. Both were reportedly in love for around four years. But a year ago, Rakesh’s family members including his wife came to know about their love affair. Afterwards, Rakesh broke his relationship with Mehzabin. 

Upset over the development, Mehzabin carried out an acid attack on Rakesh last evening (27th January) at around 8 pm. At that time, Rakesh was on duty at Amdavad Municipal Transport Service Control Cabin 7 near Kalupur railway station in Ahmedabad. During the attack, she came to that place with one of her friends named Mit Sharma, as per media reports. She had a plastic bucket in her hand. She asked Rakesh, “Why don’t you have a relationship with me?” She then threw a bucket full of acid on him.

Rakesh suffered burn injuries on his right eye, back, and private parts and was rushed to GCS Hospital for treatment by people who had gathered there. Following the incident, the accused fled the scene and Kalupur police are in search of Mehzabin and her friend. 

OpIndia tried to contact the victim but he could not be contacted as he is currently in hospital. Rakesh’s wife told OpIndia, “He (Rakesh Brahmabhatt) has got a very serious eye injury, we are praying that his eye will be saved. Now he has been admitted from GCS Hospital to Civil Hospital.” 

According to Bhaskar’s report, the victim, Rakesh Brahmabhatt said that Mehzabin harassed him a lot. He can’t even see anything with his eyes now. 

He also said that Mehzabin had tried to break the engagement of his daughter. He along with his family had filed a complaint against her. He also added that Mehzabin was also forcing him to convert to Islam. 

‘No reserved teacher post will be de-reserved’: Union Education Ministry and UGC clarify amid reports on draft guidelines for de-reservation

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‘No reserved teacher post will be de-reserved’: Union Education Ministry and UGC clarify amid reports on draft guidelines for de-reservation

The Ministry of Education and University Grant Commission (UGC) on Sunday clarified that no reserved post for faculty members in higher education institutions will be de-reserved.

This comes amid a report that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued draft guidelines for de-reserving vacancies in higher education institutes (HEIs).

Talking to ANI, Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC, clarified that it is only a draft guideline and was released for public feedback.

“Let me clarify that we will put out a final document that will not have any de-reservations. There has been no de-reservation of reserved category positions in Central Educational Institutions (CEI) in the past and there is going to be no such de-reservation,” Kumar said.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Education also said it has given directives to all the Central Educational Institutions to fill up the vacancies strictly as per the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019.

“Reservation in Central Educational Institutions (CEI) is provided for all posts in direct recruitment in Teacher’s cadre as per the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019,” the ministry said in the post.

“After enactment of this Act, no reserved post is to be de-reserved. The Ministry of Education has given directives to all the CEIs to fill up the vacancies strictly as per the 2019 ACT,” it added.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah justifies pulling down Hanuman flag from 108 feet pole in Mandya, says national flag should have been hoisted

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah justifies pulling down Hanuman flag from 108 feet pole in Mandya, says national flag should have been hoisted

On 28th January (Sunday), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah justified the administration’s actions in Mandya where Police pulled down a Hanuman flag from a 108-foot pole. He argued that instead of the saffron flag, the national flag should have been hoisted. 

Speaking on tensions in Mandya, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “It is not right to fly the saffron flag instead of the national flag. They should have hoisted the national flag.”

Notably, tensions have been high in Mandya’s Keragodu village following the administration’s action with opposition parties BJP-JDS and Hindu organisations accusing Congress of taking an anti-Hindu stance and deteriorating the law and order situation. 

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra said, “When the Gram Panchayat board decided to hoist the Hanuman flag in the village of Keragodu in Mandya district, the state government showed the audacity to bring down the flag through the police force. The Congress government is the reason behind the deteriorating law and order situation of the state.”

Further, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka slammed the Congress government for taking “anti-Hindu stance”. He said, “What was the need for police action? Why didn’t the administration speak to the villagers? There was a gram panchayat resolution to allow the flag.” 

“The Congress is against Ram and the Hanuman temple. They are doing this because of the Parliamentary election. They did this during the Ram temple inauguration also. I strongly oppose this. I will go to Mandya and protest. The Congress is provoking Hindus,” R Ashoka was quoted saying by Indian Express.

The administration pulled down the Hanuman Dhwaja arguing that it should be replaced by Indian flag

Tensions erupted in the region over the removal of the Hanuman flag by police on the 27th of January night in Karnataka’s Mandya district.  

Last week, youngsters of Keragodu village had erected a 108-foot pole and hoisted a saffron flag bearing the image of Lord Hanuman near a Ram temple with permission from the village Panchayat. However, some villagers did not like this and complained about the matter. 

As per the news agency PTI, the people of Keragodu and 12 neighbouring villages had collected money for the installation of the flag. Additionally, BJP and JD(S) workers were also actively involved in this initiative. 

A local source said, “Ahead of the Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya, BJP and JD(S) workers collected money and installed a 108-ft flagpole and hoisted a saffron flag with pictures of Hanuman in Keragodu village on January 19. However, a section of people filed a complaint with the taluk administration and local officials were given a direction to remove it.” 

Earlier, the villagers had gathered at the place as the panchayat officials arrived to remove the flag. They held a demonstration against the government and chanted “go back” slogans.

The people insisted that they had raised the flag in concert with one another, but the authorities refused to listen to them. A protest broke out when the village panchayat took down the flag. The police employed lathi-charge to drive the locals out after they continued to resist. Hindus had been gathering there since the previous evening and on 28th January the environment grew more intense.

The flag was taken off by the cops which fumed the protestors who raised slogans against CM Siddharamaiah and Congress MLA Ravi Kumar. His banners were broken. They also called for a bandh (shutdown). Stores were voluntarily closed down in opposition. People began preparing food on the main thoroughfare and utilised the banners of Ravi Kumar to light a fire.

On its part, Mandya Superintendent of Police claimed that the chief executive officer (CEO) Sheikh Tanveer Asif of the Gram Panchayat made the decision to pull down the flag and the inhabitants of the village objected to it. According to the CEO of Mandya District Panchayat, the trust had asked for authorisation to put up a pole to fly the flag of the country. Permission to fly the national flag on government property was granted in accordance with protocol, but thereafter a saffron flag was raised in its place which has been taken down legally and everything is under control.

Release of Marathi movie ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji’ delayed as Censor Board refuses certificate demanding written evidence against Aurangzeb

OpIndia Staff
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Release of Marathi movie ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji’ delayed as Censor Board refuses certificate demanding written evidence against Aurangzeb

The much anticipated Marathi and Hindi film “Chhatrapati Sambhaji” could not get released on the scheduled date of 26th January as it failed to get timely certification from the Censor Board. On 27th January, director Rakesh Subesingh Dulgaj called a press conference to address the matter. He revealed that despite several attempts, the Censor Board is yet to issue the certificate for the movie. Notably, the filmmakers said regional CBFC officer from Mumbai, Sayyid Rabeehashmi, demanded written evidence against Aurangzeb, claiming that the film portrayed inaccuracies in historical events.

On 26th December, Dulgaj submitted an application to the Censor Board seeking certification for the film. However, the board asked for evidence and further information about the historical events mentioned in the movie. The makers submitted the required documentation, including viewpoints from historians, but failed to get the certification in time.

During the press conference, Dulgaj stated, “On 12th January 2024, we received a late-night call from the Censor Board, instructing us to come for a screening at 9 AM the next day, preparing a DCP file. After the screening, Vinay Kelkar assured us that a UA certificate would be granted, and any changes made to the film would be communicated via email.”

As the Censor Board had assured them that the certification would be provided, the filmmakers finalised the release date for the film for 26th January. The officials assured the makers that the certificate would be provided by 25th January at all costs. However, even after confirming the release date, the Censor Board officials didn’t issue the certificate. He added, “We kept trying to contact Censor Board officials, but no one was available. Before this, the Censor Board had raised objections to certain scenes in the film, and we had promptly submitted evidence and testimony regarding those objections.”

Reportedly, the film accused Aurangzeb of forcing Chhatrapati Sambhaji to convert to Islam. Regional officer Sayyid Rabeehashmi asked for evidence for the same. Dulgaj submitted letters of historians and required documents for the same. However, the certificate was not provided in time, and therefore the movie could not be released on 26 January. Now, the film is set for release on 2nd February, provided it gets the certification from the board.

Notably, the film was announced back in 2014. It took over nine years to make the film, and it is still facing challenges in reaching the theatres.

This is not the first time censor officer Sayyid Rabeehashmi has come up in a controversy. In 2023, despite a ban, FTII students screened a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where it was claimed PM Modi was involved in the Gujarat riots of 2002. At that time, PM Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat. Despite the Supreme Court’s clean chit on PM Modi, BBC released the documentary which the government of India banned. Rabeehashmi was FTII’s registrar and said the institution would “look into the matter”. He said, “It is being reported that a group of students screened the documentary. The matter will be looked into.”

Earlier, he was a nodal officer at the Election Commission of India in 2019 when an order was passed instructing Twitter (now X) to take down a satirical account, “PadhaLikha”, accusing the account of defaming Islam. Rabeehashmi signed the order.

Now there is no question of going anywhere else, we will stay together: Nitish Kumar after taking oath as Bihar CM from NDA

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Now there is no question of going anywhere else, we will stay together: Nitish Kumar after taking oath as Bihar CM from NDA

After snapping ties with “Mahagathbandhan” and taking oath for the ninth time as Bihar Chief Minister, CM Nitish Kumar on Sunday asserted that his alliance with NDA will remain forever adding that now there is no question of going anywhere else.

“I was with them (NDA) earlier too. We went on different paths, but now we are together and will remain so. Today, eight people have taken oath as ministers, the rest will take oath soon. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha have been appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers,” Nitish Kumar told reporters on Sunday.

When asked about RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s statement that “JDU will be finished in 2024”, Bihar CM said that our party will work for the development and progress of the state.

“We work for the development and progress of Bihar. We will keep doing the same, nothing else. Tejashwi was not doing anything. Now I came back to where I was (NDA) and now there is no question of going anywhere else,” he added.

After days of speculation, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday, his second volte face in less than 18 months. Snapping ties with the RJD and Congress, Nitish will now be forming a government with BJP’s support, the oath-taking of which is going to take place shortly.

Nitish Kumar cited the state of affairs being “not right” under the Mahagathbandhan as his reason for quitting. He said that he has been receiving suggestions from everywhere, including his party workers, and he listened to all of them to come to this decision.

Despite turbulence in state politics, Nitish, whether with the Mahagathbandhan or the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has managed to retain the CM’s chair and ensured that his party has not split over his repeated flip-flops.

In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP’s 78; the JD(U)’s 45′ the Congress’s 19, the CPI (M-L)’s 12, two each of the CPI(M) and CPI, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s four seats, and the AIMIM’s one, plus one Independent legislator.

Nitish Kumar, after parting ways with the BJP in 2022, took on the initiative of uniting all opposition forces to jointly take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the national election.

In 2000, Nitish became CM for the first time after campaigning against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘Jungle Raaj’. Till now, he has been Bihar’s CM on eight occasions.

In 2013, Nitish broke ranks with the NDA after a 17-year alliance following the announcement of Narendra Modi as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

He expressed his displeasure to the BJP over Modi’s selection as the PM face, and after the BJP decided to not change its decision, Kumar left the alliance.

In 2017, Nitish forged a grand alliance with the RJD and Congress and returned as chief minister in 2015.

He walked out of the grand alliance in 2017, accusing the RJD of corruption and choking governance in the state.

In 2022, Nitish Kumar snapped ties with the BJP once again, alleging the BJP was conspiring against him and trying to influence JD-U MLAs to rebel against him.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Noida Film City: Firm backed by Akshay Kumar among final four bidders for the development, Boney Kapoor and T-Series also in the race

OpIndia Staff
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Noida Film City: Firm backed by Akshay Kumar among final four bidders for the development, Boney Kapoor and T-Series also in the race

On 27th January (Saturday), officials said that firms backed by actor Akshay Kumar, producer Boney Kapoor, and T-Series have qualified among the final four bidders as prospective developers for the International Film City near the upcoming Noida Airport. 

The final four bidders are namely – 

  1. Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited (T-Series)
  2. Supersonic Technobuild Private Limited (Maddock Films, Cape of Good Films LLP, and others) – It is also backed by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.   
  3. Bayview Projects LLP (backed by Boney Kapoor and others)
  4. 4 Lions Films Private Limited (backed by filmmaker K C Bokadia and others)

Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) said that four companies made a presentation for the project and they have been found technically qualified for the final stage of the selection process, which is a financial bid. The interested parties made their presentations for the greenfield project to the officials of the Uttar Pradesh government.

According to the Authority, in the presentation, special emphasis was given on points like vision, concept, timeline, highlights regarding the development of the Film City Project by the companies.

Notably, representing Bayview Projects LLP, Boney Kapoor, the company’s designated partner, along with Ashish Bhutani (CEO of Bhutani Infra) and others, delivered the presentation. Akshay Kumar represented M/s Supersonic Technobuild Private Limited, KC Bokadia attended from 04 Lions Films Private Limited, and Vinay Kumar Mittal represented T-Series in the meeting.

(Image Source – Indian Express)

The Authority stated that the financial bid for the Film City project will be opened at around 2:30 PM on 30th January in the YEIDA office.

The program was headed by UP Industrial and Infrastructure Development Commissioner Manoj Kumar Singh. Additionally, Principal Secretary and Chairman of Yamuna Expressway Authority Anil Sagar, Director Information Shishir Singh, Yamuna Expressway Authority CEO Arun Vir Singh, and project’s OSD Shailendra Bhatia were also present at the Yamuna Expressway Authority office in Greater Noida, officials said. 

The officer said, “The project is being developed on public-private partnership (PPP) model. The company offering the highest revenue share to the state government will be selected as the developer for the greenfield project.”  

Bhatia is also the Additional CEO of the local Yamuna Expressway Authority. He said after the financial bid is opened, the proposal of the selected concessionaire would be sent to the state government for approval. 

The official added, “Once that approval is received, land would be allotted to the concessionaire after due formalities and work for the project’s construction begin.” 

The proposed film city will be located in YEIDA Sector-21, close to the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar. It is one of the flagship projects of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In Phase 1 of the project, a total of 230 acres will be developed, comprising 75 acres (33%) for commercial purposes and 155 acres (67%) for industrial use. The Authority initiated a global e-tender on September 29 for the development of the film city on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The bid was floated for the third time for the development of the Film City after two previous attempts failed to attract investors. The bid floated on 30th September 2023 set 5th January 2024 as the deadline.

AAP to contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana against I.N.D.I. Alliance partner Congress, Arvind Kejriwal announces in Jind

OpIndia Staff
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AAP to contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana against I.N.D.I. Alliance partner Congress, Arvind Kejriwal announces in Jind

On 28th January (Sunday), Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National convener Arvind Kejriwal announced that his party would contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana on its own. However, the AAP Supremo added that his party would fight as part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. According to his announcement, AAP will fight against its I.N.D.I. Alliance partner Congress months after the General election, alluding that the alliance could unravel a few months after the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the party’s ‘Badlaav Jansabha’ event in Jind, Kejriwal said, “Today people only have trust in one party, which is AAP. On one side, they see Punjab, and on the other, our government in Delhi. Today, Haryana is seeking a big change. In Delhi and Punjab, people made this big change earlier and now they are happy.” 

He added that the AAP would contest all the 90 assembly seats in Haryana on its own, but the Lok Sabha polls would be fought as part of the INDIA bloc.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present at the event when Kejriwal made the above announcement. 

Notably, the Lok Sabha polls are due in April-May this year whereas Haryana Assembly elections would be held later this year. The Delhi CM’s announcement comes as a major setback for Congress as AAP candidates would also contest against their I.N.D.I. alliance partner Congress and hamper its chances against the ruling party BJP which is in government in alliance with JJP. 

Meanwhile claiming victimhood of BJP’s might, Kejriwal said that he is not scared of going to jail. He alleged that “they (BJP) have used all its might to arrest him”. 

He added, “They have left the Income Tax Department, the CBI, the ED, and the Delhi Police after me. I am not scared of going to jail.” Kejriwal further claimed, “I belong to Haryana and I want to tell them that do not try to scare a ‘Haryanawala’. I am the son of Haryana.” 

Addressing the event, he fumed that it seems like the country’s biggest terrorist is Kejriwal adding that he is “kattar imaandaar” and “kattar desh bhakt”. 

Claiming that he is a devout Hanuman and Ram Bhakt, he said, “I am Lord Ram’s and Lord Hanuman’s follower. With inspiration from ‘Ram Rajya’, we are running our administration in Delhi and Punjab. We are not here for power, but to serve.” 

Earlier, the I.N.D.I. alliance partner AAP had given a major setback to Congress after Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announced that his party would contest alone on all 13 seats in Punjab in the Lok Sabha elections. 

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