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Sandeshkhali violence: NHRC issues notice to West Bengal government, to dispatch a team for ‘on-spot’ inquiry

OpIndia Staff
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Sandeshkhali violence: NHRC issues notice to West Bengal government, to dispatch a team for ‘on-spot’ inquiry

Officials announced on Wednesday that the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the West Bengal government and the state’s police chief regarding reports of “unabated human rights violations” due to ongoing violence in the turbulent area of Sandeshkhali.

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the Commission has also decided to dispatch a team to investigate and gather facts through an on-site inquiry into the incidents of “violence of human rights” in Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district, as per the officials.

The team, led by an NHRC member, will be supported by officers from the rights panel, according to a statement.

The NHRC has taken “suo motu cognisance of print and electronic media reports that in Sandeshkhali, North 24th Paraganas, West Bengal, innocent and impoverished women have been harassed and sexually assaulted by a group of local gang of a political person, as a result of which, for last few days, local villagers have started protesting for appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of horrific crimes indulged by various goons and anti-social elements, when the local administration failed to take appropriate legal action against the perpetrators of crime,” it said.

The rights panel also stated that there have been reports of the safety and security of women, children, and elderly individuals being allegedly “jeopardised.” According to the statement, this has led to women purportedly leaving their homes due to the looming threats of torture and sexual abuse.

The Commission has noted that recent events in Sandeshkhali, as reported by various media outlets, “indicate a prima facie violation of human rights, shocking the conscience.”

“Thus, it is essential for the Commission to exercise its jurisdiction under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to uphold, safeguard, and promote human rights and to take suo motu cognisance of the reported instances of violence,” the statement explained.

Consequently, it has issued notices to the chief secretary and the director general of police of West Bengal, requesting reports within four weeks concerning the violence and the actions taken or planned against the perpetrators, as stated in the statement.

The Commission has also inquired whether any compensation has been provided or is intended to be provided to the victims.

“In issuing these notices, the Commission has additionally emphasized that life is inherently precious, encompassing the rights to dignity, freedom, equality, and liberty. It is the solemn duty of the State to safeguard these rights as guaranteed by the constitution,” it added.

Sandeshkhali saw a series of protests after local women accused Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grabbing and sexual assault” under coercion.

Shajahan has been on the run since a group, purportedly linked to him, attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate who were searching his premises in connection with a ration scam on January 5th.

NIA seeks information from West Bengal Police over allegations of Human trafficking in Sandeshkhali: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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NIA seeks information from West Bengal Police over allegations of Human trafficking in Sandeshkhali: Reports

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly sought details from the West Bengal police regarding the allegations of human trafficking in the Sandeshkhali incident where multiple women have accused TMC leaders and their henchmen of sexual exploitation and systemic rapes. According to reports, the Sandeshkhali investigation has widened with this probe by the NIA.

As per reports, the agency has not yet registered a separate case in this matter. However, the central agency which is probing Human trafficking cases at the India-Bangladesh border has sought details from the state police in connection with the allegations of human trafficking in the Sandeshkhali incident. The NIA had charge-sheeted around a dozen individuals including Bangladeshi nationals in the Human trafficking cases near the porous India-Bangladesh borders. 

Speaking with Times Now, the NCW Chairperson had also raised the potential Human trafficking angle in this incident. The Bhartiya Janata Party has also alleged the potential involvement of Human trafficking in the Sandeshkhali. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress has been downplaying the allegations of Sandeshkhali women as a ‘minor incident’ rejecting it as a conspiracy of the BJP/RSS. The ruling party has also denied the Human trafficking angle. 

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) recently said in its report that its fact-finding team in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali found that women who spoke out against the atrocities were met with retaliation. 

The report claimed that sexual exploitation was perpetrated by both Police officers and members of the ruling TMC. The report read, “Disturbing testimonies gathered from women in the village painted a harrowing picture of widespread fear and systematic abuse. Victims in Sandeshkhali recounted instances of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by both police officers and members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).” 

Pertinent to note that Sandeshkhali is located on one of the thousand islands created by the Sundarbans, the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta system in the North 24 Parganas district. The NCW report is of particular concern because the Sundarbans are shared by India and Bangladesh. The area is prone to illegal trafficking of humans, cattle, currency, and livestock.

Sandeshkhali incident

Tensions have been high in Sandeshkhali since January when local women staged protests demanding the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan and his accomplices Uttam Sardar and Shibu Prasad Hazra. The Sandeshkhali women have accused them of forcibly acquiring land, pumping saltwater into fields to render them unusable, and engaging in institutional sexual harassment. 

The women have accused them of sexually assaulting women “night after night and release them only when they are satisfied”. While Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar have been arrested, the mastermind of Sandeshkhali, Sheikh Shahjahan is still absconding.

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Dancing Aishwarya Rai’ remark: From north to south, the brazen objectification of women continues unabated

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Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Dancing Aishwarya Rai’ remark: From north to south, the brazen objectification of women continues unabated

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is on Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra these days and every day some clip of his speech goes viral on social media. He starts citing random examples from anywhere when he is speaking to the audience, which leads to ridicule and frequent chaos. He recently used the name of popular actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to amplify the impact of his remark. He might have believed that bringing Aishwarya’s name would draw public attention towards him. However, he was ignorant of the extent of his offence to Aishwarya Rai.

Rahul Gandhi told the people that the media outlets would not take the opinions of the people seriously for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally. He claimed, “These media houses belong to Adani and Ambani. The farmer, the labourer, and the impoverished will never be featured on their shows. Their owners say no, so they can’t do it. They can’t present India’s underprivileged in the media. The media promotes Narendra Modi throughout the day. Then sometimes Aishwarya Rai will be seen dancing following which Amitabh Bachchan will come out showcasing his moves the next second.”

Rahul Gandhi’s remark was an attempt to express his disdain for the participants in the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha programme. However, it’s unclear why he chose to drag Aishwarya’s name. She wasn’t even an attendee there. Individuals involved in the program could have been named, if he wanted to give examples. However, he did not. Over the past few days, Aishwarya Rai’s name has been brought up repeatedly by Rahul Gandhi to disparage her.

It should be noted that he is not the only leader to use the names of female artists in his speeches and statements to bring attention to himself by mentioning their work, skin tone or colour.

Actress Trisha was paid 25 lakh rupees to come to the resort — a Tamil Nadu leader issued an apology for the objectionable statement

The most recent instance involves a leader from the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Leader AV Raju alleged that actress Trisha was invited by an MLA to a resort for entertainment in exchange for Rs 25 lakh. The actress had voiced her displeasure and threatened to take legal action in response to AV Raju’s remarks. The leader later conveyed regret and apologised to her in response to witnessing this reaction.

However, the issue remains as to whether this culture of dehumanizing actresses for politics would endure in this manner.

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s statement on actress Jaya Prada’s underwear

Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan made a contentious remark regarding actress Jaya Prada’s underwear in 2019. At a public gathering in Shahabad, Azam Khan made offensive statements about former Parliamentarian and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Jaya Prada. He announced, “It took you 17 years to understand her reality,” referring to Jaya Prada. He added, “It took me 17 days to realize that the underwear she wears is khaki in colour.”

Jaya Prada’s convoy is on the way, and evenings of Rampur will be colourful now — Samajwadi Party leader Firoz Khan

Firoz Khan, another leader of the Samajwadi Party also made crude comments about Jaya Prada in March of 2019. He recounted an incident where, while travelling by bus, Jaya’s convoy passed by which caused traffic congestion. He got out of the vehicle, tried to have a look at her and wondered if she started dancing to clear out the traffic. After his disgusting thinking and lewd remarks about Jaya Prada, he claimed that Rampur’s evenings would now be colourful in this election season.

Roads like actress Hema Malini’s cheeks

Hema Malini’s cheeks were also the subject of comments made by PC Sharma, Congress leader and a minister in the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh. He claimed that the roads in Bhopal have turned into something akin to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya’s cheeks after noticing the potholes in the pavement. He boasted, “The road will be gleaming in 15 to 20 days and will resemble Hema Malini’s cheeks.”

Movie actresses also have families

None of the remarks made by these politicians are respectful. On the other hand, these women, Aishwarya Rai, Hema Malini, Jaya Prada, and Trisha Krishnan of the South among others have all put in a lot of work in their fields and have achieved a level of success that has rendered them well-known to the nation’s youth and elderly. These leaders are taking advantage of their success by using their names in public to start a conversation. They might not realize how offensive they are until they step outside of their comfort zone.

The whole country knows that Rahul Gandhi talks about women’s respect from time to time. When an unfortunate incident transpires in a state governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, he goes there right away under the pretext of aiding women and providing them with justice, however, Rahul Gandhi remains silent about states held by his party.

Similarly, in politics, they forget that the lofty promises of “women’s dignity” they put inside their manifestos also comprise females like Aishwarya Rai, Trisha Krishnan and others. These women are also the sisters, mothers and daughters of someone. Their fame ascended to such heights solely through diligence and hard work. How can their names be tossed around in such a derogatory manner in public? Can these politicians hear such things about daughters and sisters in their homes?

Opposition to Rahul Gandhi’s statement today indicates that the people he is attempting to represent are smarter than he is. They are reminding him that Aishwarya Rai’s success in the movie industry is far more significant than his achievements in the political field. At least he can make his point without stooping to such low levels. People are aware of her, value her contributions, admire her and even draw lessons from her struggles.

“Acted with responsibility”: Income Tax dept defends recovering ₹65 crore from Congress, says amount will be returned if the party wins the case

ANI
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“Acted with responsibility”: Income Tax dept defends recovering ₹65 crore from Congress, says amount will be returned if the party wins the case

The Income Tax Department on Wednesday submitted before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) that they acted with responsibility and their action was fully in line with the law to obtain demand drafts of Rs 65 crore from the bank accounts of Congress party.

The Income Tax Department yesterday recovered Rs 65 crore from the accounts of the Indian National Congress out of the total outstanding tax dues of Rs 115 crore.

Advocate Zoheb Hossain, the counsel for the Income Tax Department, defended the decision to recover the amount and submitted that there has been a breach of rules by Congress and, in such a scenario, the entity must be treated as a normal assesse.

The counsel told the Tribunal that they were ready to give an undertaking if Congress wins the case. “We are ready to give back the amount assured,” he said.

He submitted that on July 6, 2021, the first notice of recovery was given. He said the Congress party filed an appeal for a complete stay on October 28, 2021, but for this, they had to deposit 20 per cent of the dues as per IT Act. He said they were requested to pay 20 per cent of the demand but it was not done.

“On January 9, 2023, we sent another letter seeking payment for outstanding demand. We received an email from Congress seeking an adjournment only. Over a period of four years their conduct was not to pay,” he said.

IT Department counsel said an application to the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) on March 28, 2023 for a stay of demand application became infructuous as the appeal was dismissed on merit.

Hossain said a false narrative is being created that “they’re being targeted before the general elections and this narrative is completely baseless”.

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha, who appeared for the Congress party, submitted that the compliance requirements have been met.

“Wrong interpretation has been given by Income Tax. Our bank account has been frozen and on February 16 our accounts were made lien. Last evening, they went and withdrew Rs 65 crore. We are one of the largest parties and we are on the eve of the election. If our accounts are frozen like this, how a democracy will survive,” he said.

“This is not a case where Rs 135 crore demand should be made on us while we are right ahead of polls. All the bank accounts at that point in time were frozen. I’m not a runaway person, I’m a 100-year-old party…to put such a condition right before elections is to ensure that I don’t participate in the festival of democracy,” he added

The Congress today approached the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) against the recovery and has filed a complaint.

In the complaint, Congress said the Income Tax Department has enforced its lein by encashing some of the balances lying with the banks without waiting for the outcome of the hearing scheduled before the bench. Congress appealed that the department should not proceed further till the disposal of the stay application.

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

Farmers Protest 2.0: Several cops injured in attack with sharp weapons, chilli mixed stubble burnt by protestors, Haryana police deny claims of shooting bullets

OpIndia Staff
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Farmers Protest 2.0: Several cops injured in attack with sharp weapons, chilli mixed stubble burnt by protestors, Haryana police deny claims of shooting bullets

The ongoing farmer protests have turned a very violent turn with several scops and protestors injured on Wednesday (21st February). A massive clash broke out on the Punjab-Haryana border today between the protestors and Haryana police, in which the farmers attacked the police force using various improvised weapons. Moreover, as per Haryana police, three police personnel have died at the farmer protest sites.

As per Haryana Police, the farmer protestors today mixed chilli with stubble and burnt it, creating their own tear gas smoke. They then attacked the police with sharp weapons, and resorted to heavy stone pelting. 12 policemen were seriously injured in the attack.

Jind police said that using the cover of smoke, the protestors took out their swords and attacked the police. Some protestors also used spears and machetes. To control the situation, police used tear gas to disperse the farmers. As per reports, some injured were sent to Rajendra Hospital Patiala.

AIG, (Administration) and Spokesperson of the Haryana Police, Manisha Chaudhary stated that the Police personnel were surrounded at the Data Singh-Khanori border by the protesting farmers’ who poured chilli powder mixed in the stubble and set it on fire. They also attacked the policemen using sticks and sharp weapons as well as pelted stones. Around 12 policemen sustained serious injuries in the attack.

The police officer said that due to the toxic smoke created by the burning of chilli mixed stubble, cops posted at the place had difficulty in breathing. It also reduced visibility in the area to a great extent. The AIG urged the protestors not to do this, as this reduces visibility, and hampers the ability of police to maintain law and order. This creates difficulties for both the sides and increases the possibility of sudden accidents, she added. The police spokesperson also appealed to the protesters for peace.

The Haryana Police, in several tweets, informed about the casualties and injuries suffered by its police personnel in the violent assaults carried out by the protesting farmers at the Khanauri border that falls between the Punjab and Haryana. It stated that so far three of its officers have died during the farmers’ protest after their health deteriorated suddenly.

Haryana Police tweeted on Wednesday, “Sub Inspector Vijay Kumar died late evening. Vijay Kumar was posted at Tohana border during the farmers’ protest. His health suddenly deteriorated while on duty, three police officers have died so far in the protest. The Director General of Police expressed grief.” 

Earlier, Haryana Police had tweeted on 20 February that ESI Kaushal Kumar died after his health deteriorated while he was on duty at Sahmbhu border. Before that on 16 February, Railway Police sub-inspector Heeralal died at Shambhu border for the same reason.

Haryana Police deny reports of abducting a protestors

Meanwhile, after the resumption of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by protesting farmers on 21st February, several misleading claims have started doing rounds on social media platforms forcing Haryana Police to bust rumours and fake news. 

It was alleged that a farmer named Preet was abducted by Haryana Police at Khanauri border. However, taking to X, the Haryana Police busted the fearmongering attempts calling it “fake news” and strongly denied the allegations. It also shared details about the status of the said protesting farmer. The Police added that he has been admitted to the PGI Rohtak hospital for treatment and he is completely out of danger. 

The Haryana Police post read, “The fake news of the abduction of one farmer named Preet s/o Davinder Singh r/oVillage Nawa Gao Dist Sangrur by Haryana Police at Khanauri border is strongly denied. He is admitted in PGI Rohtak by Haryana police for treatment and is completely out of danger.”

Haryana Police has categorically denied firing any bullets because it was decided to use no arms against the farmers. The cops are only using water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protestors.

Claims of death of a protestor in police firing

Meanwhile, there are claims that a 24-year-old protesting farmer named Shubkaran died in the clashes that broke out at the resumption of farmers’ protests today. Some people are carrying out a smear campaign against the Haryana Police, the state as well as the Union government alleging that the purported death took place in Police firing.

Many Twitter (X) users have been posting graphic videos of a body claiming that it to be the lifeless body of the dead 24-year-old farmer Shubkaran.

Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira also shared a similar claim that the protesting farmer was shot by Haryana Police. In the post, he condemned the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government for the death of the farmer. The Congress MLA blamed the Punjab CM for being a mute spectator to the ‘blatant intrusion by the Haryana police into Punjab territory’. It is pertinent to note that AAP is Congress’ alliance partner in the I.N.D.I.A. bloc.  

Additionally, Farmer leader Sarwan Pandher said the death occurred owing to police firing.

However, Haryana Police have not yet confirmed any casualty. In the afternoon hours, the Haryana Police tweeted, “According to the information received so far, no farmer has died today #KisanAndolan This is just a rumour. There is information about two policemen and one protestor being injured at Data Singh-Khanori border who is undergoing treatment.”

As per reports, one man did die at Rajindra Hospital due to injuries to the head, but bullet injury is not confirmed. As per a report by News 18, a medical officer at Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital said prima facie the victim suffered a rubber bullet injury. Three injured persons were admitted to the hospital, out of which one died, while the other two were out of danger.

Strings of Rajasthan illegal beef market tie the case to Nuh: High alert raised over suspected presence of 20 active cow smugglers and 12 hotspots

OpIndia Staff
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Strings of Rajasthan illegal beef market tie the case to Nuh: High alert raised over suspected presence of 20 active cow smugglers and 12 hotspots

On 20th February, Rajasthan police alerted Nuh police in Haryana about 20 active cow smugglers and 12 hotspots in the area around the district. The alert was issued on the sidelines of an illegal beef market busted by Rajasthan Police in the district Khairthal-Tijara on 18th February.

Reports suggest that the Rajasthan government has sent a letter to Haryana officials highlighting the information revealed during the interrogation of the suspects apprehended in an illegal beef market case. The suspects said there is a nexus of cow smugglers in Haryana villages, including Tapakan, Ghasera, Chahalka, Ghagas, Kansali, Mewli, Malaka, Cheela and Pachgaon.

Notably, the distance between district Khairtal-Tijara and district Nuh is around 350 KM. Nuh is known as a hub of cow smugglers. Speaking to Tribune, a senior officer of Nuh police said, “We already have a strict monitoring mechanism against cow smuggling and slaughter. We man the Aravalis hills through drones, so mandis are not held here anymore. A majority of offenders are from Rajasthan areas like Deeg and Alwar. We will go through all inputs and bring the accused to book.”

Illegal beef market in Rajasthan

On 18th February, Dainik Bhaskar published a report that an illegal beef market was running in the remote wilderness of Kundhagadhbara in Kishangarhbas. The region falls under Alwar and Khairthal-Tijara districts. The latter was formed in 2023. The administration is still under the Alwar district. According to media reports, about 600 cows were slaughtered every month in this Beef mandi.

Additionally, it was operating Home delivery of beef in over 50 villages through a WhatsApp group and was supplying beef to about 300 shops. As per reports, the entire concerned Police Station has been attached to the police line (line hazir), and 4 Policemen have been suspended so far in the Beef Mandi case. The administration has reportedly taken bulldozer action on the illegal beef market. The administration also initiated an anti-encroachment drive and cleared around 500 acres of land.

Head constable injured as cattle smugglers attack police in Nuh

In other news, on 19th February, a police team intercepted suspected cattle smugglers in Nuh. The cattle smugglers attacked the police team, and a head constable sustained injuries on his head, arms and legs. As per Nuh’s additional SP, Kuldeep Singh, he was rushed to a hospital, and his condition was stable. Nuh police arrested one suspect, Akram. However, the suspects, Mustakim and Nasim, managed to escape.

Reports suggest that the police got information about the truck illegally transporting cattle. They set up a checkpost near Ujina village. When the smugglers spotted the checkpost, they left the vehicle and fled in nearby fields. When the police reached the truck, a pickup van with two passengers tried to run over them. Akram, one of the persons in the truck, was apprehended while his associate fled the scene.

The police suggested that the smugglers were trying to smuggle cattle to Rajasthan via Nuh. Thirty cattle were rescued in the operation and moved to a cow shelter. A case has been registered under Sections 307, 332, and 186 of the IPC and relevant Sections of Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act.

Uttarakhand: Recovery notice of ₹2.44 crore issued to key accused Abdul Malik for damages in Haldwani violence, six more arrested

ANI
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Uttarakhand: Recovery notice of ₹2.44 crore issued to key accused Abdul Malik for damages in Haldwani violence, six more arrested

Uttarakhand Police on Wednesday arrested six people in connection with the violence that took place in Banbhulpura, Haldwani on February 8.

The police said that a total of 74 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence.

The authorities had said that the violence had broken out during an anti-encroachment drive in Haldwani.

Stone-pelting incidents, torching of vehicles and a mob surrounding the local police station were witnessed during the violence. To contain the situation, the administration had to issue shoot-at-sight order in the area.

The Municipal Corporation here issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore against Abdul Malik, a key accused in the violence at Haldwani, asking him to deposit the money to cover damage caused to government property during the clash.

In the violence, four people were killed and 250 policemen injured. According to the police, the mob burnt down Banbhulpura police station. A curfew had to be imposed in the entire town for two days.

On last Wednesday, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat had initiated a magisterial inquiry into the violence.

The Commissioner had also issued a mail ID and phone number. People can present evidence regarding the incident by contacting him on the same.

“Violence had broken out in Haldwani during the anti-encroachment drive. The government has handed over the magisterial investigation on the same. Probe into the entire matter has been initiated,” Deepak Rawt had said.

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

Samajwadi Party confirms alliance with Congress in UP for Lok Sabha polls, Congress to contest 17 seats while SP to fight on 63 seats

OpIndia Staff
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Samajwadi Party confirms alliance with Congress in UP for Lok Sabha polls, Congress to contest 17 seats while SP to fight on 63 seats

After weeks of negotiations, the Samajwadi Party and Congress have finalised their pre-poll alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Naresh Uttam Patel, the SP state president, announced that the Congress has been offered 17 seats to contest in Uttar Pradesh as part of the agreement.

The seat-sharing formula has been agreed upon by both parties, who are now prepared to jointly challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, according to Patel.

The Congress and SP are both members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which was established last year to unite the Opposition bloc against the BJP.

Avinash Pande, Congress’ Uttar Pradesh in-charge, also confirmed the pre-poll alliance with the SP during a media briefing. “I am pleased to announce that in Uttar Pradesh, the INC (Indian National Congress) will contest 17 seats, while the remaining 63 seats will be filled by candidates from the INDIA Alliance – comprising the SP and other parties,” he stated.

According to the arrangement, the Congress party will vie for Lok Sabha seats in Raebareli, Amethi, Kanpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Bans Ganv, Saharanpur, Prayagraj, Maharajganj, Varanasi, Amroha, Jhansi, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Mathura, Sitapur, Barabanki, and Deoria.

Ever since Congress’ 2.0 boondoggle project, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, entered Uttar Pradesh, the discussions over the fate of the INDI alliance, which is splintering in different parts of the country, started gaining heat, with political pundits who have closely observed the UP polls declaring that their alliance might help the BJP instead in mobilising its voter base.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had so far not joined the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and had been skirting questions over whether he would take part in it, apparently contingent upon the negotiations that were taking place in the background between the two parties.

It was reported that SP, as a ‘last bid‘ attempt had offered Congress 17 seats out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats to be contested in Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress party was reportedly unhappy with the seat allocation and was expecting more seats for the Lok Sabha polls. However, given the lacklustre response to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress’ disappointing tally in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, where Rahul Gandhi himself lost the Gandhi pocket borough Amethi, and a confident BJP riding on the public sentiments following the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony all seems to have tempered the grand old party’s expectations and forced them to arrive at a settlement with the SP.

It is worth noting that Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav had faced a humiliating loss the last time they came together to fight the Vidhan Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, which resulted in the emergence of Yogi Adityanath on the national political stage.

Nevertheless, as per opinion polls, the BJP is set to rack up over 70 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, which might ultimately prove to be a pivotal contribution towards staking its claim to power and coming back with an even greater majority as articulated by PM Modi and BJP’s top brass.

Maharashtra: Food supplier Javed Khan molests girls of Thane’s CP Goenka School during a school trip, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Food supplier Javed Khan molests girls of Thane’s CP Goenka School during a school trip, arrested

On Wednesday (21st February), Thane police registered an FIR against one Javed Khan for molesting school girls during a school trip. The 27-year-old accused was arrested by the police based on the complaint lodged by the students of the CP Goenka School in Thane Maharashtra. The school administration is also probing the teachers involved in this case. Javed Khan had joined the school trip as a food items provider.

The CP Goenka School is situated in the Kapurbawdi area of Thane in Maharashtra. Some days ago, the students of the school had gone on a co-educational trip. Accused Javed Khan was providing food items to the students on the bus at that time. It came to light after some girls’ complaints that Javed Khan molested the girls on the bus while providing the food items. The incident was revealed after the girls informed their parents about it.

A case in this regard was registered at Kapurbawdi police station based on the complaint of the girls and their parents. The police then arrested the accused Javed Khan. The parents of the aggrieved students held protests against the school administration after this incident was revealed. They demanded a thorough investigation of this incident from the school as well.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Avinash Jadhav and Shiv Sena (Shinde Faction) leader and former corporator of Thane Sanjay Bhoir came to support the parents in these protests. Parents are deciding not to send their children to school until the school administrator takes action against the principal. The police are further investigating in this case.

Stalemate ends in Pakistan: PPP and PML-N reach agreement to form government, Shehbaz Sharif to return as Prime Minister, Asif Ali Zardari to be president

OpIndia Staff
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Stalemate ends in Pakistan: PPP and PML-N reach agreement to form government, Shehbaz Sharif to return as Prime Minister, Asif Ali Zardari to be president

Ending weeks of stalemate after the elections on 8th February elections, Pakistan will finally get a government. The Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led PPP, in a late-night press conference, announced forming a coalition government with PML-N in the country. As per the agreed deal between the two parties, Shehbaz Sharif will be sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan while Asif Ali Zardari, father of Bilawal Bhutto, will run for President of the Islamic nation.

The tenure of the current President had already expired in September last year and he is serving an extended period till the election of his successor, leading to the comfortable election of Asif Zardari as the next President. 

This marks the return of Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister of Pakistan, who became the PM in April 2022 after Imran Khan govt lost the non-confidence motion. In August 2023, the Shehbaz Sharif government was dissolved as its term came to an end, and the elections were held under a caretaker government.

As part of the negotiations, PML-N secured the post of National Assembly speaker for itself while the deputy speaker post went to PPP. The reverse has been agreed for the Senate posts as PPP will have their representative as the Senate Chairman while the Deputy Chairman will be from PML-N. On the provincial level, PPP will form the government in Balochistan with the support of its newfound ally PML-N.

According to the Dawn report, the PPP would not join the Federal cabinet led by Shehbaz Sharif but rather would support it from outside to avoid the anti-incumbency of a government that faces unprecedented challenges on all fronts. However, it will enjoy the plump posts in exchange for its support and will have its governors as well in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

In brief, in this deal, PPP will get the Presidency, Senate chairman, Punjab governor, KP governor,  Balochistan chief minister, and Deputy speaker National Assembly. While PML-N will get the PM Office, Punjab CM, and Speaker National Assembly and will nominate governors for Sindh and Balochistan.

The announcement was made in a late-night joint press conference which was held at Zardari House in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was accompanied by his father Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif among other leaders from both parties.

Addressing the late-night press conference, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “We pray the upcoming [coalition] government manages to overcome external and internal problems faced by the country.” 

He asserted that after the election of the prime minister, the presidential election will follow. He further added, “We are thankful to the PML-N for throwing its weight behind PPP candidate Asif Ali Zardari.”

In the recently concluded elections in Pakistan, PML-N emerged as the single-largest party with 79 seats of the 266-member National Assembly while PPP secured 54 seats. Pertinent to note that as part of the Pakistani Army’s crackdown against the Imran Khan-led outfit, PTI was stripped of its national symbol, a bat, and its candidate had to contest as independent. Despite the establishment’s alleged mass rigging, PTI-backed candidates won 92 seats. 

Along with four minor parties, the alliance has a sufficient majority in the Pakistani legislature.  

As per Article 91(2) of the Pakistani Constitution, the inaugural session of the National Assembly must be convened by 29th February. On the first day of the NA session, members will be sworn in, and subsequently, a secret ballot will be conducted to elect the speaker and deputy speaker. Following this, the newly elected speaker will outline the timetable for the Prime Minister’s election. With a total of 336 seats in the assembly, (266 elected -70 reserved seats for women and non-Muslims based on NA elections) 169 votes are necessary for the election of the Prime Minister.

As the current President’s term has ended, the Presidential election will occur shortly after the government formation process concludes at both the federal and provincial levels, along with the Senate elections scheduled for the first week of March.

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