Month: June 2022

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to withdraw her “most unconstitutional declaration” remark on “jihad against the BJP.”

Dhankar Dhankhar wrote to the chief minister on Wednesday evening after receiving a complaint from the state BJP.
“A 10-member BJP delegation led by Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, in a representation, enclosed hereto, has sought constitutional intervention for your June 28 Asansol statement ‘Declaring 21 July, 2022 as “A day of ‘jihad” against the BJP’,” the West Bengal Governor said in his letter.

“The statement, revealed in the video, is most unfortunate and indicates constitutional anarchy. It defies logic and reason as to how one under the Oath of Constitution and holding the position of Chief Minister could make such pernicious declaration of `jihad’ against a political party. This is death-knell of democracy and rule of law. Nothing can be more authoritarian and undemocratic,” Dhankar further wrote.

Dhankhar urged Mamata to withdraw the statement.

“I cannot but take strongest possible exception to your statement. To subserve democratic values and constitutionalism, you are urged to forthwith withdraw this most unconstitutional declaration of ‘jihad’ against the BJP on 21 July, 2022,” the West Bengal Governor wrote.

Notably, the TMC organises a rally every year on July 21 as ‘Shaheed Diwas’ to commemorate those killed in the 1993 firing incident in Kolkata. (ANI)

A meeting of the BJP core committee is underway at Sagar Bungalow, the residence of former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai to further deliberate on the strategy for the course of action following Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation as the Chief Minister on Wednesday.

Party’s top leaders including in-charge CT Ravi, Chandrakant Patil, Girish Mahajan, Praveen Darekar and others are present in the meeting. Independent MLA Ravi Rana also reached his residence.

On the other hand, Eknath Shinde faction also held a meeting today in Goa today, to decide on their future course of action.

Shinde cleared the air floating around the distribution of ministerial posts with the BJP, and said that there has been discussion with the latter so far.

He, however, added that the talks on the same will happen soon.

“There has been no discussion with the BJP about which and how many ministerial posts, it will happen soon. Until then, please don’t believe the ministerial lists and rumours about it,” he tweeted.

Shinde further said that the party’s focus is to follow the idea of Hindutva as per Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena.

“Venerable Hindu Heart Emperor Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray’s idea of Hindutva, Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb’s teachings, overall development of Maharashtra and development works in the constituency of MLAs is our focus,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Assembly Secretary Rajendra Bhagwat has informed all state MLAs that as per the Governor’s orders the special session that was scheduled on Thursday will now not be convened.

The special Assembly was scheduled today with the only agenda of a Trust Vote against the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray Minister who resigned as chief minister late Wednesday evening.

The Floor Test that was convened by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was challenged in the Supreme Court by the Shiv Sena. The apex court, however, declined to stay the Floor Test and in its observation said that the floor of the House was the only way to settle these issues of democracy.

Minutes after the order by the top court, Thackeray addressed the people of the state via social media in which he announced his decision to step down as chief minister and as a Member of the Legislative Council.

The announcement brought an end to the political crisis that erupted in the state for over a week with a faction of Shiv Sena MLAs revolting against him for joining hands with NCP and Congress to form the government.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the return of a BJP-led government in the state with the party, which is the single-largest party in the Maharashtra Assembly with 106 MLAs, likely to stake claim to form the government. (ANI)

Ahead of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive meeting in Hyderabad, the Cyberabad Commissioner of Police M Stephen Raveendra on Wednesday issued prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) applicable under the limits of Cyberabad Metropolitan commissionerate area in the city from July 1 where the party meeting will be held.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to visit Hyderabad to attend the party’s national executive and to address a public meeting in Secunderabad.
“With a view to maintain public order, peace and tranquillity which may cause danger to human life, health or safety and to prevent riot or an affray or obstruction to any person in his lawful discharge of duty in the limits of Cyberabad Metropolitan Commissionerate area, I M Stephen Raveendra, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad in the exercise of the power vested in me under section 144 CrPC do hereby prohibit any assembly of more than (05) persons in the limits of Cyberabad Commissionerate from July 1, 2022, to July 4, 2022.,” the order reads.

However, Police Officers on duty, Military Personnel on duty, Home Guards on duty and Funeral processions are exempted from the operation of this order.

The public are hereby informed that any person violating the above orders shall be liable for prosecution under Section 144 CrPC.

The Hyderabad city police, along with state government departments, have put elaborate security arrangements in place ahead of PM Modi’s visit to Hyderabad.

The BJP is holding its national executive meeting at HICC Novotel on July 2-3 and the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a rally at the parade grounds at the culmination of the meeting.

BJP OBC Morcha National President Dr K Laxman said, “On July 2 and 3, our National Executive meeting is going to be held. In this meeting, BJP National President JP Naada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers of 19 states and other BJP senior leaders will be participating in this historic meeting.”

Earlier, the BJP had held its national executive meeting in the city in 2004 when the party promised to carve out a separate state of Telangana without delay if it came to power. (ANI)

Rajasthan Police on Wednesday said that the main accused involved in the killing of the tailor in Udaipur were in touch with Pakistan-based organisation Dawat-e-Islami and one of them also went to Karachi in Pakistan in 2014 to meet the organisation.

Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) ML Lather said that besides the main accused police have also taken three other people into our custody, with whom they were in contact.
“Two men are the main accused so far. Besides them, we have taken three others into our custody, with whom they were in contact,” DGP Lather.

He further said that the incident which happened in Udaipur was an act of terror and the case has been transferred to National Investigation Agency (NIA) adding that the state police to assist in the probe.

“Main accused were in touch with organisation Dawat-e-Islami. One of them also went to Karachi in Pakistan in 2014 to meet the organisation. We are considering it (the beheading incident) an act of terror. Case transferred to NIA, state police to assist in probe,” he added.

DGP Lather said that Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Station House Officer (SHO) have been suspended as they did not take the required action to calm down the already polarised situation in the area of the victim before this incident happened.

The beheading of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur by two men for allegedly posting content in support of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma, had sparked public outrage across the country.

Kanhaiya Lal was cremated on Wednesday in Udaipur in the presence of a large number of people who raised slogans demanding capital punishment for the accused. His last rites were performed amidst heavy police security.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the investigation of the brutal murder of a tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan’s Udaipur who was hacked to death inside his shop by two men in broad daylight a day ago, officials said.

The anti-terror agency has also filed a First Information Report (FIR) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as well as various sections of the Indian Penal Code, a senior NIA official told ANI requesting anonymity.

The move comes soon after the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the NIA to take over the investigation of the case that shocked people across the country.

A four-member NIA team under the supervision of an Inspector General and a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officers have already taken details of the incident after reaching Udaipur last night. The NIA team has started investigating from all possible angles.

The incident took place in Udaipur’s Maldas area on Tuesday. Soon after committing the crime, the two accused posted a video on social media boasting about the “beheading” and threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life as well, police said.

The two accused were arrested within hours of the incident. The assailants identified themselves in the video as Riyaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad.

Riyaz and Ghouse, both residents of Udaipur, were arrested from Bhim in the Rajsamand district.

In the video, Riyaz was seen attacking 47-year-old Kanhaiya Lal with a sharp-edged weapon while the other, Ghouse, recorded the crime on his mobile phone.

Notably, Kanhaiya had also filed a complaint with the police about receiving threats.

The victim reportedly had recently shared a social media post in support of Nupur Sharma– former BJP spokesperson who had made controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammad.

Following the murder, local markets in the area were shut as the traders demanded justice for the victim.

A state-wide alert has also been issued to all SPs and IGs to increase the mobility of forces and to maintain officers on the ground. (ANI)

Amid tight security, the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims, who started from Jammu on Wednesday morning reached Nunwan Pahalgam base camp in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir.

They were welcomed by locals, PRI Members as well as officers of the District Administration.
The Yatra began yesterday from Jammu amid tight security arrangements made by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) along with the army and the local police.

The Amarnath shrine pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Lord Shiva, located in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, is held from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had cancelled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in 2020 and 2021 after a discussion with Amarnathji Shrine Board members.

Meanwhile, pilgrims expressed their happiness and excitement about the Yatra.

Speaking to ANI, Pankaj Kumar, Amarnath Yatri said, “There is excitement as we have reached here in Pahalgam after two years of the long wait. It is going to be full of fun as the weather is also conducive.”

Another Amarnath Yatri Anuj Sharma said, “The arrangements are very good. We are very happy and are thankful to the administration.”

Security has been tightened in Jammu and Kashmir with special emphasis on the use of over 130 sniffer dogs on the vehicle routes heading towards the shrine to ensure safe pilgrimage amid heightened terror threats.

A top government official, requesting anonymity, told ANI that this is the first time when the security forces have been using a maximum number of sniffer dogs to check the use of explosives by terrorists to disrupt the 43-day annual pilgrimage beginning on June 30. (ANI)

Rains lashed several parts of the national capital and its neighbouring areas on Thursday morning, leading to waterlogging and traffic snarls in parts of the city.

Due to waterlogging, the traffic movement at a few stretches was restricted and people were advised to avoid these routes.

According to Delhi Traffic Police, “Traffic Advisory, Movement of traffic has been restricted at Railway underpass Pul Prahladpur. Both the carriageways are closed due to waterlogging.”

“Commuters coming from shooting Range side may take a left turn from Lal Kuan Red Light and commuters coming from Badarpur side may take Mathura Road to reach their destination. Inconvenience is regretted,” it read in a subsequent tweet.

Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted, “Southwest Monsoon has advanced into the entire Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, some parts of Rajasthan, entire Delhi, some parts of Punjab and Haryana today, the June 30.”

The IMD predicted that rainfall with thunderstorms/lightning with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over West Madhya Pradesh from June 30 to July 2 and in east Madhya Pradesh from June 30 to July 1. (ANI)

Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr was sworn in as the 17th president of the Philippines in Manila City in front of thousands of people on Thursday.

Marcos Jr took the oath at the National Museum in Manila in a massive gathering with hundreds of local and foreign dignitaries and journalists in presence.
Popularly known as Bongbong, he is the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos who ruled the Philippines for two decades from 1965, almost half of it under martial law, Al Jazeera reported.

Marcos won a victory over incumbent Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, who earned over 15 million votes and had his proclamation attended by his 92-year-old mother, Imelda, alongside his wife, siblings and children.

Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has succeeded Rodrigo Duterte who was involved in the deadly drug war and stepped down in June after six years in office, Al Jazeera reported.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and United States Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, are among foreign dignitaries who are to attend the ceremony.

Backed by family and numerous supporters, Marcos Jr, a former senator and congressman, campaigned on the slogan “together, we shall rise again”, invoking nostalgia for his father’s rule.

Meanwhile, more than 15,000 police, soldiers and coast guard personnel have been deployed across the capital for security as activists and survivors of the martial law era planned protests against the swearing-in ceremony of Marcos Jr, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)

Rain lashed parts of Delhi on Thursday morning, bringing the temperature down to 30 degrees Celsius.

The rainfall brought respite from the scorching heat as the temperature dropped to 29.2 Celsius.

India Meteorological Department’s forecast for Thursday is that weather conditions are favourable for further advance of monsoon in several parts of India.

“Conditions are favourable for further advance of monsoon into remaining parts of the Arabian Sea and Gujarat, some parts of Rajasthan, remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh, entire Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh and some parts of Jammu and Kashmir, some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, entire Delhi during next 24,” IMD said.

IMD further predicted that rainfall with thunderstorms/lightning with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over West Madhya Pradesh from June 30 to July 2 and in east Madhya Pradesh from June 30 to July 1.

“Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorm/lightning with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over West Madhya Pradesh during 30th June-02nd July; East Madhya Pradesh on 30th June & 01st July and isolated heavy rainfall over Chhattisgarh during 30th June-02nd July; 2022,” IMD said.

According to IMD prediction, “Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Odisha from June 30 to July 4, Jharkhand on June 30; Bihar from June 30 to July 2. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on June 30.

Earlier on June 18, the weather turned pleasant in Delhi after the national capital received rainfall. (ANI)

Clearing the air around the distribution of portfolio with the BJP, Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that there has been no discussion with the latter, however, adding that the talks will happen soon.

The leader also asked not to believe the ministerial lists and the rumours surrounding them.
“There has been no discussion with the BJP about the distribution of ministerial seats which and how many ministerial posts, it will happen soon. Until then, please don’t believe the ministerial lists and rumours about it,” he tweeted.

Shinde further said that the party’s focus is to follow the idea of Hindutva as per Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena.

“Venerable Hindu Heart Emperor Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray’s idea of Hindutva, Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb’s teachings, overall development of Maharashtra and development works in the constituency of MLAs is our focus,” he tweeted.

Minutes after Supreme Court gave its go ahead to floor test in the Maharashtra assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that he is resigning from his post.

“I am resigning as the Chief Minister,” Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced. He also announced his resignation as MLC too.

The MVA government in Maharashtra has been facing a political crisis after a revolt in Shiv Sena. The rebel MLAs led by Eknath Shinde have been camping in Guwahati.

Uddhav Thackeray also expressed gratitude to NCP and Congress, allies in the coalition government.

“I want to express my gratitude to the people of NCP and Congress that they supported me. From Shiv Sena, Anil Parab, Subhash Desai and Aaditya Thackeray, these people were only present when the proposal was passed while NCP and Congress people also supported the proposal,” he said.

He also referred to Maharashtra cabinet decisions taken earlier day.

“I am satisfied that we have officially renamed Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv – the cities named by Balasaheb Thackeray,” he said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave its go ahead for floor test in Maharashtra Assembly tomorrow as it refused to stay the state Governor’s decision which was challenged by Shiv Sena chief whip Sunil Prabhu.

“We are not staying tomorrow’s floor test,” the Supreme Court bench said.

The court also issued notice on Shiv Sena Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu’s plea and said that tomorrow’s floor test will be subject to the outcome of the present petition. The court will hear his plea on July 11.

A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala had earlier in the day reserved the decision on the plea filed by Sunil Prabhu challenging Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s direction to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to hold the floor test on June 30 (Thursday).

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had asked the Uddhav Thackeray government in the state to prove a majority on the floor of the House on June 30 stating that the “present political scenario” unfolding in the state paints a “very disturbing picture.”

The Governor wrote to the state Assembly secretary to convene a special session of the State Assembly tomorrow with the only agenda of a trust vote against CM Thackeray.

BJP leader and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had met the Governor on Tuesday evening after returning from Delhi, and submitted a letter to him demanding an immediate floor test. (ANI)