Home Blog Page 3655

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation poll results: AAP wins 14 seats, BJP and Congress bag 12 and 8 respectively

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Chandigarh Municipal Corporation poll results: AAP wins 14 seats, BJP and Congress bag 12 and 8 respectively

On December 27, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Elections were announced. Out of 35 seats, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 14 seats. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 12 seats, followed by Congress grabbing eight seats and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) winning one seat in the elections. 

Source: Nigam Chunav Chandigarh App

AAP contested the civic polls for the first time in the UT. Notably, AAP had decided to contest in civic polls at a much later stage and won maximum seats. AAP candidates were leading in many seats from the beginning of the counting itself.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who also heads the Aam Aadmi Party, took to Twitter to proclaim that results in Chandigarh are an indicator of an imminent change. He said people in Punjab have rejected corrupt politics and have chosen his party for a change.

“AAP’s victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation points at the imminent change in Punjab. People have rejected corrupt politics and have chosen AAP…Punjab is ready for change,” tweeted Mr Kejriwal, who spearheaded a vigorous campaign before the elections.

The official announcement about the results will be made by the state election commission later today after confirming the results from all the assistant election returning officers (AEROs).

Voting share shows AAP at third place

Though AAP has won 14 seats, when it comes to voting share, Congress stayed at the top. Congress got 29.79% vote share, followed by BJP at 29.30% votes. On the other hand, AAP got a 27.08% vote share, followed by Independent candidates with 7.10% share and others with 6.26% vote share.

AAP wins Chandigarh MC elections
Source: Nigam Chunav Chandigarh App

In the last civic polls in 2016, BJP had won 20 out of 26 seats. Congress won four followed by one seat each by independent and SAD candidates.

Tamil Nadu Congress leader who wanted PM Modi and Amit Shah killed, gets award in the presence of CM Stalin

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Tamil Nadu Congress leader who wanted PM Modi and Amit Shah killed, gets award in the presence of CM Stalin

On Friday (December 24), Tamil ‘scholar’ and veteran Congress leader Nellai Kannan was felicitated with the Kamarajar Kathir Award in Chennai in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Kannan was earlier arrested for his contentious speech during which he had called upon the Islamists to murder Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

As per reports, Nellai Kannan was presented his award during the ceremony by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan. The Tamil Nadu CM was the chief guest of the event and was awarded the Ambedkar Sudar Award 2021.

During the event, Kannan said, “Stalin is an indispensable leader of multiple generations who is providing a vision not just for Tamil Nadu but entire India”. Kannan had expressed his regret from contesting against Stalin’s father M Karunanidhi during the 1996 State Assembly elections.

Death threat to Home Minister Amit Shah

On December 29, 2019, the Tamil academician was heard brazenly inciting the Muslims gathered in a meeting called by the Islamist outfit Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). He stated at that event that he had hoped that Muslims in the country would kill Home Minister Amit Shah for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act, but felt anguished that no Muslim had killed Shah yet.

Nellai Kannan had said that Home Minister Amit Shah was acting as the brain behind PM Modi and that if his story was ‘finished’, that of the PM would also be over too. “If his story is finished, then the story of the PM will also be over. I was expecting something to happen, but no Muslim is doing it,” Kannan said during the rally.

Reportedly, he had also made critical comments against then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K.Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and others. More than 15 cases were registered against Nellai Kannan. He was booked under Sections 504, 505(1), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) after various BJP leaders filed multiple complaints against him.

Dog owners fight, one bites the other while their pets watch: Here is what happened in Germany

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Dog owners fight, one bites the other while their pets watch: Here is what happened in Germany

A quarrel broke out between two dog owners in the state of Thuringia in eastern Germany, with one owner allegedly biting the other. While the two canine owners physically assaulted each other, the dogs stood by calmly and observed their owners fight, informed the German officials.

“The dogs only looked on and did not engage in biting” during the fight between the two women, German police said.

The fight, according to an officer, began when one woman (27) attempted to teach another 51-year-old dog owner on how to properly discipline canines after the former saw the latter hitting her dog.

The younger woman allegedly chastised the older one for adopting such harsh punishment against the canine. This triggered the older woman. A quarrel ensued in which the two dog owners ended up hitting one another.

During the altercation, the older woman reportedly fell that led to her digging her teeth into the 27-year-old’s legs, leaving her injured.

While the duo engaged in the fight which culminated in one woman biting another, the two canines “simply looked on,” the police said.

The two women were produced in the court in Germany and charged with causing physical injury, confirmed the German authorities.

Reserve Bank of India steps in, says RBL Bank health status ‘stable’ after shares tank 25% following central bank’s action over weekend

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Reserve Bank of India steps in, says RBL Bank health status ‘stable’ after shares tank 25% following central bank’s action over weekend

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has assured investors that the RBL Bank is well capitalised and the financial position of the bank remains satisfactory. The statement from the central bank came after the share price fell nearly 25% on Monday morning early trade following the weekend action by the central bank.

At 11:33 am, the stock was trading at Rs 140.80 apiece on the BSE, down Rs 31.70 (18.38 per cent) while on NSE, it was at Rs 140.50, down Rs 32.40 (18.74 per cent).

The share price fell after a series of developments over the weekend where its long-term MD and CEO Vishwavir Ahuja was sent on leave with immediate effect and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sent a nominee to the bank’s board a day after his sudden departure. Rajeev Ahuja, executive director of RBL Bank, was named as interim MD and CEO.

The unanticipated RBI action, followed by the tanking of the share price of RBL Bank pushed the panic button amongst investors and customers of the private sector lender. In such a situation the Bank has released a statement assuring investors that they have little need to be concerned as the bank is properly capitalised and has a sound financial position.

In a press release dated December 27, 2020 and published on the official site of the Reserve Bank of India, the central stated: “There has been speculation relating to the RBL Bank Ltd. in certain quarters which appears to be arising from recent events surrounding the bank.

The Reserve Bank would like to state that the bank is well capitalised and the financial position of the bank remains satisfactory. As per half yearly audited results as on September 30, 2021, the bank has maintained a comfortable Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.33 per cent and Provision Coverage Ratio of 76.6 per cent. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of the bank is 153 per cent as on December 24, 2021 as against regulatory requirement of 100 per cent.”

Further, it is clarified that appointment of Additional Director/s in private banks is undertaken under Section 36AB of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as and when it is felt that the board needs closer support in regulatory / supervisory matters.

As such, there is no need for depositors and other stakeholders to react to the speculative reports. The bank’s financial health remains stable”, read the statement duly signed by the Director (Communications)- Ajit Prasad.

It may be noted that in the wake of the sudden development, the trade unions had written to Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister saying: “We are worried and concerned about the developments that are taking place in the affairs of RBL Bank Ltd, the Kolhapur-based private Bank.”

Speaking on the issue, Rajeev Ahuja, the executive director of RBL Bank who was named as interim MD and CEO, said that RBI had given him the assurance that the regulator was comfortable with the performance of the bank. He had added that the transition of the leadership at the bank was already underway, and the bank would see a much better third quarter.

Over Rs 240 crore scam unearthed in Maharashtra during Income Tax raids at multiple locations

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Over Rs 240 crore scam unearthed in Maharashtra during Income Tax raids at multiple locations

The Income Tax Department has unearthed a scam worth more than Rs 240 crores in Maharashtra. The department conducted multiple raids at 32 places in North Maharashtra, including Nashik, Dhule, and Nandurbar. The raids were conducted at the residences of traders, government contractors and builders associated with the contractors. The operation was started on December 22 and lasted for five days.

During the raids, the IT department confiscated Rs 6 crore in cash and Rs 5 crore worth of jewellery. The raids were also conducted at the offices, partners’ residents and the houses of relatives in Nandubar and other locations.

In Nashik, the IT Department raided the D’Souza colony located on College Road. It is considered one of the most posh localities in the city. The houses and officers of the traders in the colony were raided. The relatives of the concerned traders and businessmen etc., were also questioned during the raid by IT officials.

175 officers raided different locations simultaneously

A total of 175 IT Department officials were involved in the raids. A heavy Police force was deployed at the time of the raids. Officials were called from Pune, Nagpur, Thane and Kalyan for the operation. Different squads were created to conduct the raids simultaneously on all 32 locations. The officers reached the locations using different routes.

Cash and jewellery found during raid

TV9 Marathi reported that the officials revealed cash transactions worth 25 crores. Apart from the information on cash transactions, the officials also found Rs 6 crore in cash and jewellery worth Rs 5 crore. The officers spent around 12 hours counting the cash using cash counting machines.

Diamonds, gold biscuits and pearls were part of the jewellery the IT officials found during the raid. They also found that the concerned persons had initiated transactions using others’ names. They also hid money at their relatives’ houses.

IT raids in Uttar Pradesh

Just a few days ago, the IT department raided several locations linked to the Samajwadi leader, who was also the manufacturer of Samajwadi perfume in Uttar Pradesh, where they found cash worth Rs 150 crore. The photos of piles of cash went viral on social media. The IT department had to bring in SBI officials and cash counting machines to count the cash.

Kerala: Migrant workers attack police, set vans ablaze after Christmas party turns violent, 24 arrested

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Kerala: Migrant workers attack police, set vans ablaze after Christmas party turns violent, 24 arrested

Kerala police have arrested 24 migrant workers on Sunday, December 26, after several clashed and pelted stones at the police, set police vans ablaze as the police attempted to quell a riot among the workers during Christmas celebrations on Saturday, December 25. The incident took place at the labour camp of Kitex garments located in the Kizhakkambalam area in Kochi, Kerala.

Earlier in the day, the police had detained 150-odd migrant labourers to identify who amongst them attacked officers and torched police vehicles on the night of the incident.

Police sources said that at least five policemen including Kunnathunaadu CI VT Shajan sustained injuries in the incident of stone pelting. Initially, clashes broke out between the migrant labourers, who were in an inebriated state, over the conduct of a Christmas Carol in the area. The police, who went there to gain control of the situation, fell prey to the wrath of these labourers, who eventually started pelting stones and assaulting the police team with sticks and batons. The labourers also hurled stones at the locals who reached the spot.

Video clips emerged showing a mob smashing police vehicles. Some of the workers allegedly tried to lock the doors of a patrol car before setting fire to it, but the policemen inside managed to escape. The patrol car was destroyed.

According to the police, the rioting lasted several hours, with many of the employees flinging stones from inside their camps. The situation was eventually brought under control by a heavy number of riot police. 151 migrant workers were apprehended after six hours of violence.

According to police, the conflicts erupted after the labourers became drunk and got into a verbal brawl. To deal with the crisis, about 500 police officers led by Aluva Rural SP Karthik arrived on the scene. The accused were arrested by around 4 in the morning.

The labourers are among the 3,000 workers of Kitex Garments, one of the top exporters of Kochi, Kerala, who reside in camps surrounding the factory.

Speaking about the incident, labour minister V. Sivankutty told the media, “Two police vans have been completely damaged (one of them burnt), 151 workers have been taken into custody and 10 policemen have been injured in the incident.”

“Preliminary reports suggest the incident happened during Christmas celebrations,” he added.

Sabu M Jacob, the managing director of Kitex Garments, agreed that the workers were under the influence of drugs, but said that they may have done so inadvertently.

“I feel someone delivered the drugs to them. Perhaps they consumed it inadvertently. They did this (rioting) under the influence of drugs.

I doubt they would even remember what they did if you ask them now. It’s an unexpected incident and not a planned criminal attack,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Congress and the CPI(M) party in the state blamed Kitex for the violence. Local CPI(M) legislator P V Sreenijin said the company management cannot evade responsibility for the incident.

Congress’ Lok Sabha member Benny Behanan described the rioters as “goons” nurtured by Twenty20, a Kitex-sponsored political party that runs the Kizhakkambalam panchayat.

Twenty20 began as a non-profit organisation in 2013 and was transformed into a political party two years later by Kitex Garments and its sister company, Anna Aluminium. It then swept 17 of the 19 seats in the local panchayat election. Twenty20 retained Kizhakkambalam and won three neighbouring panchayats in December of last year.

Delhi Police denies allegations of fining ISKCON volunteers for distributing copies of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita at Connaught Place

Anurag
-
0
Delhi Police denies allegations of fining ISKCON volunteers for distributing copies of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita at Connaught Place

On December 25, Delhi Police stopped allegedly International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) volunteers from doing Harinam Sankirtan and distributing copies of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita at Connaught Place, Delhi.

ISKCON volunteer, on condition of anonymity, told OpIndia that they had planned to organize Harinam Sankirtan at Connaught Place, Delhi, on December 25. The idea was to sing songs in praise of Bhagwan Krishna and distribute Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to the people to bring them closer to spirituality. While they were singing songs, Delhi Police personnel approached them and asked them to stop.

In a video that OpIndia accessed, a volunteer was seen talking to the Police personnel. The Police personnel asked him if he knew he could be fined for gathering a crowd at a public place [under the pretext of Covid-19 protocols]. The volunteer tried to tell him that they were not asking anyone to gather around them, to which the Police personnel said, “If you sing at a public place, the people will gather around you.”

The volunteer further told OpIndia that they were fined Rs 2,000 for allegedly breaking the law. After they were fined, the Police allegedly snatched copies of Gita from the volunteers. The volunteer alleged that the Police was called by someone who did not like the book distribution drive. At the beginning of the video, a man in a civil dress was seen showing Police a video on his phone. The same man was seen arguing with the volunteers in the video accessed by OpIndia.

The rule should be the same for everyone

The volunteer further said that if there was a rule against gathering at a public place or there was a ban on organizing a small event that may attract a crowd, then it should have been the same for everyone. He said, “The rule should be the same for all and not just us. It was painful to see that while we were stopped from singing bhajans at Connaught Place, other performers who attracted a lot of crowd were not stopped.”

Man performing at Connaught Place. (Screenshot from the video shared by ISKCON volunteer)

He shared a video from later that day in which a hip-hop dancer was performing at Connaught Place without any hindrance from the Police. He said, “Our volunteers are now scared that if we go to Connaught Place again, the Police will stop us from doing Harinam Sankirtan.”

The Delhi Police, however, has denied allegations of fining ISKCON volunteers for distributing copies of Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta.

Responding to the report by OpIndia, Delhi Police said that they have not challaned anyone for the same.

What is Harinam Sankirtan?

Harinam Sankirtan is the loud public and congregational chanting of the maha-mantra accompanied by musical instruments. It was introduced by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th Century Saint. 

Note: This report is updated with the statement issued by Delhi Police.

FIR filed against Sant Kalicharan Maharaj for criticising Mahatma Gandhi at Raipur Dharma Sansad

OpIndia Staff
-
0
FIR filed against Sant Kalicharan Maharaj for criticising Mahatma Gandhi at Raipur Dharma Sansad

An FIR has been registered against Sant Kalicharan Maharaj for using derogatory words against Mahatma Gandhi at the 2-day Dharma Sansad organized at Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Sant Kalicharan allegedly praised Nathuram Godse for killing Gandhi.

Reports suggest that around 20 spiritual leaders had gathered for the Dharma Sansad in Raipur. Demands of Hindu Rashtra were raised. They asked Hindus to arm themselves and stay prepared to defend themselves if the need arrives. Sant Kalicharan, who hails from Maharashtra, blamed Gandhi for the division of India. He also thanked Nathuram Godse for killing Gandhi. After his statement, there was an uproar at the Dharma Sansad.

A complaint was filed by Pramod Dubey of the State Congress Committee at Tikrapara Police Station and Civil Lines Police Station. Congress leader Mohan Makram, who was at Civil Lines Police Station, said, “Kalicharan Maharaj has used derogatory words against Mahatama Gandhi. He has insulted the whole nation. An FIR should be filed against him.”

Based on Dubey’s complaint, an FIR under Sections 505(2) and 294 have been registered against Sant Kalicharan.

Sant Kalicharan reminded of Owaisi’s speech

During his statement at Dharm Sansad, Sant Kalicharan mentioned Asaduddin Owaisi’s brother’s statement in which he claimed if Police were removed for 15 minutes, 20 crores Muslims would show what they could do. Sant Kalicharan said that Owaisi was not just making empty threats but Muslims are ready. He said, “It is hence important that you bring a hardline Hindu leader to rule the state.”

‘Tiger Zinda Hai, Saanp Bhi Zinda Hai’: Salman Khan narrates how the snake bit him at the farmhouse

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Tiger Zinda Hai, Saanp Bhi Zinda Hai’: Salman Khan narrates how the snake bit him at the farmhouse

Bollywood actor Salman Khan was in news recently for getting bitten by a snake. Speaking to the media, the star has narrated how he was bitten by a snake thrice on Saturday night.

While speaking to the media, Khan said, “A snake had entered the house. It was a farmhouse in the middle of the jungle. The sight of the snake had scared the children. I had asked for a stick but was given a short one. So, I had to get a long stick, with which I picked up the snake. I then took it out.”

He added, “It meanwhile wrangled around the stick and came up to my hand. At that point, I took the reptile onto my other hand. All my staff members, who are from the village area, yelled that it was a Kandari snake. Even the reptile understood that and it bit me once.”

Salman Khan claimed that the snake bite had caused an uproar in the farmhouse, following which the snake bit him twice. “It was a poisonous snake”, he had alleged. The Bollywood actor then dropped the snake and headed to the hospital, where he was told that it was not the venomous variant. “After returning home, I found that the snake was still there. We then left it in the jungle,” he said.

Salman Khan confirmed that he had been doing well since the incident. “I have taken the anti-venom of all the snake variants, be it krait or viper. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out whether a snake is venomous or not. This is why we had taken the snake to the hospital, as a child. The hospital had a concoction/anti-venom for all snakes. I was kept there for 6 hours,” the actor informed.

“I had forged a friendship with the snake. It had bit met under fear. I took photographs with it and then let it go into the jungle. The hospital was good and equipped with anit-venom for all snake types. Bipin Kumar, who is the Police Commissioner and MLA Sandip Naik had come to see me. When my father inquired about the snake, I said, Tiger zindai hai, Saanp bhi zinda hai,” Salman Khan concluded.

On December 25, actor Salman Khan was bitten by a non-venomous snake at his Panvel farmhouse in the wee hours. The actor was at the farmhouse to celebrate Christmas. He was rushed to the MGM hospital in Kamothe for treatment. He was kept under observation for a few hours and was later discharged at around 9 AM.

Exclusive interview with snake who bit Salman Khan in his Panvel farmhouse

Nirwa Mehta
-
0
Exclusive interview with snake who bit Salman Khan in his Panvel farmhouse

On wee hours of Sunday, the day after Christmas, a snake entered the farmhouse of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The Khans had gathered to celebrate Christmas when a snake entered the house. Salman Khan said that the kids got afraid of snake and he decided to get rid of it. Except, when he did try to get rid of it, the snake bit him thrice. Khan was immediately taken to hospital and after keeping him under observation for a few hours, he was discharged.

OpIndia sent its special correspondent and a Salman Khan fangirl Nirwa Mehta to interview the Snake who wishes to remain anonymous.

Nirwa Mehta: What were you doing in a farmhouse?

Panvel Snake: Dude! I’m a bloody snake, who moves around in grass and shrubs and farms and jungle and all. A snake in a farm shouldn’t surprise you but a Salman in a farm should. I mean last time he was in a jungle he bloody got a police case against himself.

Nirwa: Well, animals are not covered under IPC, but technically you could have gotten a police case against yourself too for assaulting Salman bhai.

Snake Wait, are you doing journalism or dalaali for Salman Khan?

Nirwa: Rahul Gandhi, is that you?

Snake: This is bloody preposterous! First you accuse me of assaulting Salman and now you call me Rahul Gandhi? Is this how you interview people?

Nirwa: Sigh, now I know why I don’t get enough people to interview. I’m sorry. Let’s start again.

Snake: Okay, ask something sensible now.

Nirwa: So Salman says he was taking you out of the room because kids were scared and that’s when you bit him. Is that true?

Snake: That’s nonsense! Kids were not scared of me but they freaked out seeing Salman in that stupid mask he was wearing and weird gait he had while walking inside the room. And then they all blamed me for the fiasco.

Nirwa: So you are saying kids were not scared of you at all?

Snake: You tell me. You have kids? Would you rather leave them with non-venomous snakes or among Bollywood guys?

Nirwa: umm.. I don’t have kids. Let’s move to the next question. Granted that you didn’t scare the kids and it was all some sort of misunderstanding, you could still have not bitten Salman. He was just dropping you off outside, right?

Snake: yeah yeah, and we all know how good he is when he drops someone off. Go ask Aishwarya or Katrina.

Nirwa: Well, that’s a bit defamatory and you are getting into his personal life.

Snake: Whoa! And he bloody didn’t intervene in my personal life? What business he had to throw me out of the farmhouse? I could have gone out anyway after checking out the room as there was nothing interesting for me in the party. They were drinking, and I don’t drink. They were having non-veg but none of those I liked as I don’t think they had any Chinese friends. And the room was cleaned for his arrival so there were no lizards, rats or even bats that I could eat. I’d have moved out of the room in like 10 minutes like many people move out of the theater where his movies play.

Nirwa: Well, you are again getting personal.

Snake: I will! I get bloody thrown out in disrespectful way. I get maligned as having scared the children as if I am some priest at a church, and then among all of media just OpIndia comes to interview me, while that stupid bhai is all over media giving interviews and getting sympathy for having been bitten by a snake.

Nirwa: Firstly, he may be *your* bhai, he’s not my bhai. *cough* Secondly, why did you insult OpIndia in all this? Shouldn’t you be rather thankful? Everyone else is airing one-sided story.

Snake: I am sorry, I’m just pissed off. Thanks that at least you cared to interview me. Others don’t care. Not even my cousins writing at The Washington Post.

Nirwa: Oh wow, that venomous one writing for WaPo?

Snake: Yes. You are not dumb as you look.

Nirwa: Now you are again getting personal!

Snake: Sorry again. Anyway, I’m getting late for the new year cruise party. I have to crawl all the way from Panvel to Mumbai to be on that cruse where many star-kids will be there. And this time they bloody not accuse me of anything.

Nirwa: Oh man, there will be m*therf*cking snakes on a mo*therf*cking cruise! *cackles*

Snakes On A Plane GIFfrom Snakes On A Plane GIFs

Snake: Whatever, man. Happy new year to you. Maybe I’ll check out Wuhan this year.

Nirwa: Sure, all the best, and Happy New Year! And stay safe in China!

Snake: Hope you get a real guy to interview next. Happy New Year to you too.

1...3,6543,6553,656...7,647Page 3,655 of 7,647