Month: February 2022

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav’s uncle and chief of Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohiya), Shivpal Singh Yadav on Saturday while expressing confidence over the victory of SP’s alliance in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls said that the coalition will win over 300 seats and incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party will get to know the reality on the day of the announcement of results.

“SP alliance will win all nearby seats. BJP will try but won’t be able to do anything… BJP will get to know the reality on March 10 when the result will be announced. This coalition will cross over 300 seats,” said Shivpal Yadav who is contesting from Jaswantnagar seat in Etawah district.
Yadav, five-time MLA from the same seat said the BJP candidate will lose badly from Jaswantnagar.

“I have always got a good number of votes from Jaswantnagar seat. In 2012 I got 1,33,000 votes, in 2017 I had got 1,26,000 votes. Now this time they fielded a weak candidate, I am assured that I will win with a good number of votes,” he said.

Further, talking about the Karhal assembly seat, which is witnessing a poll battle between Akhilesh Yadav and BJP’s SP Singh Baghel, Shivpal said there is no competing there. “The only completion going on is between the voters of Karhal and Jaswantnagar Assembly seat of giving the bigger win to wither won of us,” he added.

The Uncle-Nephew duo had a fallout in 2016, leading to Shivpal Yadav’s exit from SP and forming his own party, PSP.

On Tuesday while talking to ANI, Shivpal said ‘Chacha ka ashirwad bhateje ke saath hai (Akhilesh has my blessings).’

“I consider him to be a leader and we are working to make him the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2022 and wipe out the BJP…,” he said.

“The day we announced our coalition, BJP got tensed. We will win around 50 to 58 seats in the west UP and 45 to 50 seats in central UP,” he added.

Launching a staunch attack on the BJP state government, Shivpal said “In the name of development BJP has done nothing…From road to bridges, everything has been made by Akhilesh Yadav during his tenure as CM of the state.”

“Voter are unhappy because nothing has happened in last five years. Only problems have increased, be it inflation, unemployment, or corruption. BJP only wants to Hindu-Muslim politics, they don’t care about development,” he said, adding that, “India is a secular country where every religion is respected. Be it Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, everyone has a right to worship in their own temples.

Slamming the state government over the issue of Law and Order in the state, former SP leader said “theft, robbery, murders are increasing. The number of crimes against women are increasing as seen in Hathras and Unnao. Farmers were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri.”

As polling for the two phases has ended on February 10 and 14, voting for the remaining five phases will take place on February 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

In the 2017 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party bagged 312 seats out of the 403-seat Uttar Pradesh Assembly while Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 47 seats, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) won 19 and Congress could manage to win only seven seats. The rest of the seats were bagged by other candidates. (ANI)

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday took a jibe at the Uttar Pradesh government which she said has an oppressive approach towards those who oppose or dissent against it.

Her statement comes in the wake of recent Supreme Court direction to the State Government to withdraw the recovery notices issued to alleged anti-CAA protesters in December 2019 with the apex court observing that the proceedings were contrary to the law laid down by it.

The Congress leader, speaking to ANI after election campaigning in Rae Bareli said that the top court was right.

“Supreme Court is right. Vasooli (money recovery by UP govt) was wrong. We had said it from the beginning that a proper procedure should be followed. This government has a thinking that they can bar anyone who opposes them,” Priyanka said.

The Congress leader further said that such things do not happen in a democracy.

“This government has an oppressive nature and they think they can suppress any protest. Not only CAA protestors but recently protesting students were threatened by the government that their property will be seized,” Priyanka said.

On asking about BJP doing politics of development, Priyanka said, “They are not doing politics of development. If they were doing politics of development then we would not be seeing such a situation here. Several youths are unemployed, inflation is high, farmers are facing a lot of trouble in procuring manure and are also not getting adequate prices for crops. People are not able to earn their living. Small businesses are getting closed. When everyone is troubled then where is development?”

Ahead of the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections, Priyanka was campaigning in Rae Bareli, where she promised people to provide them with special schools for girls in every district, 25 per cent reservation for women in police recruitment and a job calendar, if Congress is elected top power.

“Yogi Ji says he will give jobs but when? There are 12 lakh vacancies lying in the state government for the last five years, students have given exams but are sitting idle and instead of generating jobs they are decreasing,” the Congress leader said.

“If Congress is voted to power, we will make sure every district has special schools for girls, 25 per cent of recruitments in Police are reserved for women. We will create a job calendar and employment from time to time will be provided,” she said while addressing the public Johva Sharki, Rae Bareli.

The Congress leader also promised to formulate a law that suspends officials, who don’t file FIR within 15 days of a harassment complaint by any woman.

“It’s good that government provides ration but they should make people stand on their feet, with education and employment… We want to bring a law that’ll suspend officials who don’t file an FIR within 15 days of harassment complaint by a woman,” she said.

Two phases of the seven phased polling for the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly have been completed. The third phase of the elections are scheduled for February 20.

The counting of votes will take place on March 10. (ANI)

The Centre has granted ‘Y’ category security cover to the poet-turned-politician Kumar Vishwas who recently accused Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal of having links with separatist outfits.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel will now provide security to Vishwas.

Vishwas, who was a founding member of Aam Aadmi Party recently alleged that Kejriwal had connections with separatists in Punjab and those having sympathy with separatists used to come to his house for meetings during the last assembly polls.

Following this, Arvind Kejriwal has said that the allegations made him “laugh”.

Earlier on Saturday, Kejriwal said that he will give a befitting reply to the “corrupt people targeting AAP” by inaugurating 12,430 modern classrooms in Delhi schools today.

“This country will not bow down to these corrupt people. Now the country has decided. Now the country will move forward. Baba Saheb and Bhagat Singh’s dreams will be fulfilled,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday assured Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi that the Centre has taken the matter of the alleged links between the banned organisation ‘Sikhs for Justice’ and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seriously and he would personally ensure that the matter is looked into in detail.

Earlier, the Punjab Chief Minister had written to Shah alleging that the banned organization Sikhs for Justice is in touch with AAP. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday promised that free LPG cylinders would be provided to people on Holi and Diwali if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government returns to power in the state.

Addressing a public meeting at Unchahar in Raebareli, Shah said, “For so many years SP-BSP-Congress took votes in the name of the poor. But apart from Narendra Modi, there has been no other Prime Minister who has worked for the poor. The bua-bhatija (aunt-nephew) government ran for many years in Uttar Pradesh. They did nothing except appeasement, casteism and dynastic politics. Rae Bareli has been the seat of the Gandhi family. Was there electricity in Rae Bareli before the BJP rule?”

He said the BJP government has provided gas connections to 1.67 crore mothers and sisters under the Ujjwala scheme.

“There are no bahubalis anymore in Uttar Pradesh under Yogi Ji. there is only Bajarangbali in the state. Elect BJP again, our government will give a gas cylinder free on Holi and Diwali,” stated Shah.

Earlier on Saturday, the Union Home Minister held a public rally at Tindwari in Banda district.

Shah said, “If by any chance the cycle government (Samajwadi Party) comes to power, Uttar Pradesh will supply terrorism all over the country. Under the Akhilesh government, 2,000 farmers died out of hunger during famine. SP-BSP ruled for 15 years in Uttar Pradesh. What did their governments do for the water crisis of Bundelkhand?”

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had brought many schemes to save Bundelkhand from the water crisis.

“There were some irrigation projects in Uttar Pradesh that were started even before I was born. But could not be completed. Modi government and Yogi government have completed them in five years,” Shah said.

Referring to the defence corridor project, Shah said, “Earlier country-made pistols and bullets were made during the SP-BSP-Congress rule in Uttar Pradesh. Now missiles will be made that will be used to blow up the tanks of Pakistan.”

Two phases of the seven-phased polls in Uttar Pradesh have concluded, while the state will have another five phases of polling. Polling for the remaining five phases will take place on February 20, 23, 27, March 3 and 7. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. (ANI)

Amid falling COVID-19 cases, the Uttar Pradesh government has lifted the night curfew with effect from Saturday.

“The night curfew has been lifted due to the decline in COVID-19 cases,” said Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Uttar Pradesh in an order (roughly translated from Hindi).

The night curfew hours in the state were between 10.00 pm to 6.00 am. It was relaxed by an hour from February 13 (11 pm to 6 am).

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs, the total number of COVID-19 active cases is 8,683. The total number of recoveries so far stood at 20,30,997. The total number of dead so far stood at 23,424. (ANI)

The All India Senior-Selection Committee on Saturday announced Team India’s squad for the home Test series against Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian men’s team while veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been dropped from the Sri Lanka series.
Washington Sundar and KL Rahul are ruled out of Sri Lanka T20 and Test series unless they recover early, said Chetan Sharma, Chairman, All India Senior-Selection Committee. Ravichandran Ashwin is subject to fitness as well. Axar Patel is still recovering in rehab and might get fit by 2nd Test match said, Chetan Sharma.

Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a new schedule for India’s upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.

The tour was supposed to start with the two-match Test, but now will begin with T20Is, with the first match being played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on February 24. The second and third T20Is will take place in Dharamsala on February 26 and 27.

Following the T20I series, the teams will play two Tests, which form a part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Mohali will host the first Test from March 4 to 8, while the second Test will be played in Bengaluru from March 12 to 16.

The first Test will be former captain Virat Kohli’s 100th Test match, while the second Test will be a day/night affair.

India’s Test squad for SL series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ravichandran Ashwin (fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar. (ANI)

An Afghan Sikh-Hindu delegation on Saturday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In a meeting with PM Modi at his residence, the delegation praised the Central government for the CAA, saying it provided shelter to the Afghan refugees.

PM Modi told the delegation told that India is their home. “This (India) is your home. You are not a guest for us and every Indian holds the same love and respect towards you,” PM Modi said during the meeting today.

Hailing Prime Minister, one of the members said: “Only you (PM Modi) can understand the pain of the Indians and Sikhs living across the country. Wherever there is a problem I see you came forward.”

The delegation members praised Prime Minister for taking various steps to allow the minorities in the neighbouring South Asian countries to take Indian citizenships. “When there was nobody listening, you were the only one who listened to us. They (the Afghan people) are all gathered here to thank you for the battle you fought during the (enactment of) CAA. After this, they get the opportunity to live in India,” they said.

The delegation gifted an Afghan turban to PM Modi. Appreciating the gesture, Prime Minister said: “It (Afghan turban) is a symbol of Afghanistan. With me wearing the turban gifted by you all, former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai must have been very happy.”

Recalling one incident during his visit to Kabul, he said personally I have received great care and love from Afghans.

The delegation comprised of Afghan origin Indian national community leaders including Guljeet Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Dr Raghunath Kochar Afghan.

This visit comes after PM Modi hosted a delegation of eminent personalities and spiritual leaders from the Sikh community at his official residence on Friday. (ANI)

Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday cast his vote at a polling booth at SIET College in Teynampet, and urged people to cast their votes and exercise their democratic rights while voting for the local body elections in 38 districts of Tamil Nadu was underway.

Speaking to reporters, CM Stalin said, “Mahatma Gandhi had mentioned the importance of civic bodies in the Indian polity. The civic bodies help the government schemes to reach out to the people. People should compulsorily vote.”

He further said, “A couple of days, AIADMK MLA SO Velumani staged a protest, demanding the deployment of Paramilitary forces in the city. This is nothing other than just a drama.”

The CM also said, “While casting their votes, people are complaining against certain initiatives and we assure action will be taken according to its merit.”

He also said that the DMK alliance would win all the 21 corporation elections. (ANI)

Congress leader Jaiveer Shergill on Saturday took a jibe at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for comparing himself with Bhagat Singh, saying that it is an insult of the legendary freedom fighter.

Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, “Kejriwal comparing himself with Baghat Singh is an insult to the freedom fighter of this nation. It shows desperation and his lust for votes. On one hand, Bhagat Singh had given up his life for the nation and Kejriwal can not give up even one political post.”

Shergill further said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is dangerous for the peace, safety and security of Punjab. The state will teach him the difference between sacrificing life for the nation and misleading the people, he added.

“The AAP is injurious and dangerous for the peace, safety and security of Punjab. This is the eternal truth. The people of Punjab will teach Kejriwal the difference between sacrificing life for the nation and misleading the people by making tall claims to fetch votes,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, the Delhi Chief Minister had compared himself with Bhagat Singh, saying “100 years back, Bhagat Singh was called a terrorist by the British and I am his staunch follower. Today, history is repeating itself. All these (political rivals) corrupt people have teamed up to brand the disciple of Bhagat Singh as a terrorist, but people know the truth.”

Meanwhile, Assembly polls for electing 117 assembly seats in Punjab will be held on February 20. The results will be declared on March 10. (ANI)

A fire broke out in five coaches of an empty train at Bihar’s Madhubani railway station on Saturday.

The incident took place in Swatantrata Senani Express that runs from Jaynagar to New Delhi.
The station officials and local police have reached the spot and efforts are underway to douse the fire.

No injury has been reported so far.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)