Month: March 2024

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Your Cavalcade Creates Traffic Snarls: Adhir Ranjan Writes To Modi

By LokMarg

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has written a letter to PM Modi to draw attention to the “traffic snarls that are created”, particularly in the central areas of New Delhi, owing to the VVIP movement and the Prime Minister’s cavalcade.

“I wish to bring to your kind notice and seek your kind intervention in addressing the problem of huge traffic snarls that are created, particularly in the Central areas of New Delhi owing to the movement of your cavalcade,” he said.

In his letter, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury emphasized that the security of PM Modi is of utmost concern and there can never be any compromise or let-up of any kind on this front.

“It is a fact that the commuters on the public roads–who are from varied sections of society and may include daily wagers, patients, office-goers, and school- and college-going children–are often put to immense hardship owing to the blocking or diversion of traffic, which is often for long durations, due to the WIP Movement. I have heard and am also told of instances of people missing their flights, trains, and examinations, as well as delays in getting critically needed medical care owing to traffic blocks,” Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury added.

The Congress leader mentioned that traffic management experts and authorities should work out a plan without any compromise on the Prime Minister’s security.

“This needs to be achieved without any compromise on your security. The matter being of public concern, I am sure, you will have this looked into and necessary action taken, as suggested. I would once again like to reiterate here that your safety and security are of paramount concern, and there can never be any let-up or compromise. At the same time, it will be just and proper to ensure that the general public is not put through any avoidable hardship due to the disruption caused by the traffic movement on the roads of New Delhi, which are always busy with the ever-growing number of automobiles,” Chowdhury said in his letter to PM Modi. (ANI)

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counter-terror operations Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Centre Extends Ban On Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Yasin Malik faction) For 5 More Years

By LokMarg

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ for a further period of five years.

In a notification, the MHA said its fresh move followed inputs received against the outfit, referred to as the JKLF-Y, for its involvement in “activities, which are prejudicial to security and public order and have the potential of disrupting the unity and integrity of the country”

Exercising the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities

(Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the MHA declared the JKLF-Y as an unlawful association on March 22, 2019.

As per the fresh report received by the MHA, the JKLF-Y is still involved in anti-national and subversive activities intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India; it is in close touch with militant outfits and is supporting extremism and militancy in Jammu

and Kashmir and elsewhere.

“The JKLF-Y is supporting and inciting claims for secession of a part of the Indian territory from the union and supporting terrorist and separatist groups fighting for this purpose by indulging in activities and articulations intended to disrupt the territorial integrity of India,” reads the notification issued on Friday night.

Explaining its action, the MHA said, the Central government is of the opinion that if the unlawful activities of the JKLF-Y are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will take the opportunity to escalate its subversive activities including an attempt to carve out a separate State out of the territory of Union of India by destabilising the Government established by law.

The Ministry further said that the outfit will also continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while disputing the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union; propagating anti-national and separatist sentiments prejudicial to the territorial integrity and security of the country; and escalate secessionist movements, support militancy and incite violence in the country.

The notification further says the Central government for the above-mentioned reasons firmly decided to declare the JKLF-Y as an ‘unlawful association’ with immediate effect.

“Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an unlawful association.

“The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of the firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, the Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made

under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official,” reads the notification.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appreciated the action taken by his ministry through his ‘X’ handle and said: “The Modi government has declared the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction)’ as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of five years.

“The banned outfit continues to engage in activities that foment terror and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone found challenging the security, sovereignty and integrity of the nation will face harsh legal consequences.” (ANI)

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Kejriwal Gets Bail In ED Summon Case

By LokMarg

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court the national capital in the Enforcement Directorate summons case.

The Rouse Avenue Court later granted him bail in both the complaints of the Enforcement Directorate.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra granted bail to the Delhi CM.

The bail was granted on a bail bond of Rs 15,000 and a surety of Rs 1 lakh.

Kejriwal appeared before the court following a summons issued to him by the court based on two ED complaints in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.

The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday reserved an order on the stay of summons issued to Kejriwal on complaints filed by the ED.

Kejriwal had challenged the summons issued by the court after taking cognizance of two complaints filed by the ED for avoidance of the summons issued to him.

According to the ED, the agency wants to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case on issues like the formulation of policy, meetings held before it was finalized, and allegations of bribery. (ANI)

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Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislator K Kavitha

BRS’s Kavitha Appears Before Delhi Court

By LokMarg

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislator K Kavitha appeared before Rouse Avenue Court in the national capital on Saturday in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Kavitha, a MLC and the daughter of BRS founder and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was arrested after a day-long questioning followed by a raid at her Hyderabad residence on Friday.

Before appearing before Rouse Avenue Court, Kavitha told reporters that “it is an illegal arrest”

She was poduced before the court of special judge MK Nagpal in the Rouse Avenue court.

In the arrest order, the ED investigation officer said, “I believe that Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha w/o Mr. D R Anil Kumar, residing at H. No. 8-2316/S/H, Road No 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telengana-500034 has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provision of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003).”

“Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred upon me under sub section (1) of section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (915 of 2003), I hereby arrest the said Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha at 05.20 pm on 15.03.2024 and she has been informed of grounds for arrest. A copy of the grounds of arrest (containing 14 pages) have been served upon her,” the officer added.

The action comes almost two months after the ED issued a summons to the 45-year-old BRS leader.

She was questioned thrice in this case last year, with the central agency recording her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Meanwhile, earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court the national capital in the Enforcement Directorate summons case.

The Rouse Avenue Court later granted him bail in both the complaints of the Enforcement Directorate.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra granted bail to the Delhi CM.

The bail was granted on a bail bond of Rs 15,000 and a surety of Rs 1 lakh.

Kejriwal appeared before the court following a summons issued to him by the court based on two ED complaints in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.

The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday reserved an order on the stay of summons issued to Kejriwal on complaints filed by the ED. (ANI)

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Filmmaker Jasmeet K Reen Madhubala

Biopic On Madhubala Announced Officially

By LokMarg

Filmmaker Jasmeet K Reen is set to direct a new biographical drama film based on the life and times of Indian cinema legend Madhubala.

Sony Pictures International Productions, on Friday, took to their official social media handles to announce the project.

“We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming film honoring the legendary Madhubala, the epitome of grace and talent. Get ready to delve into the timeless charm and captivating story of one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars. Stay tuned for updates! #MadhubalaFilm #BollywoodLegend #ComingSoon,” the studio posted on Instagram.

The biopic aims to honour the actor’s career, life, and profound impact on Indian cinema. Madhubala was the most celebrated female Bollywood star during the 1950s and ’60s.

She was especially famed for her beauty, so much so that her accomplished acting was often overlooked.

Madhubala got her first break in a lead role in Neel Kamal (1947), produced and directed by her mentor, veteran filmmaker Kidar Sharma. At the age of 14, she played a romantic lead against another fledgling star, Raj Kapoor, and finally arrived on the Indian screen.

Jasmeet K Reen, known for her work on ‘Darlings’ starring Alia Bhatt, will direct the film and also pen the script.

The film is produced by Sony Pictures International Productions and Brewing Thoughts Pvt Ltd.

Madhubala, also known as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, was a legendary Indian actress who starred in many classic films during the golden era of Indian cinema. Her famous movies include Mughal-e-Azam, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Mahal, and Barsaat Ki Raat. (ANI)

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Priyanka Chopra Madhuri Dixit Shilpa Shetty Ayushmann Khurrana

Priyanka To Madhuri Celebs Attend Bvlgari, Isha Ambani’s Roman Holi Celebration

By LokMarg

Several celebrities including Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty Ayushmann Khurrana attended Bvlgari and Isha Ambani’s Roman Holi celebration in Mumbai on Friday.

Priyanka Chopra, who is in town, left everyone amazed with her glamorous desi avatar.

Priyanka opted for a pastel pink stylish slit skirt-styled sheer pre-draped saree that she paired with a bustier blouse. She wore matching hued heels to complement her look.

Isha Ambani attended the celebration in a stylish black printed dress.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra wore a satin-finished green crop top with a matching dhoti-style bottom and topped up with a white-green printed shrug.

Exuding grace in traditional wear, Aditi Rao Hydari donned a vibrant pink and orange saree for the celebration.

Athiya Shetty added a modern touch with a silver-toned blazer set look.

Handsome Ayushmann Khurrana slayed a white outfit look.

Madhuri Dixit graced the occasion with her husband Shriram Nene.

The couple looked stunning in their power suits.

Madhuri gave a boss-lady vibe as she wore a pink-hued pantsuit, and her husband donned a black tuxedo with sequin details.

The Holi bash is organized in association with the luxury brand, Bulagari, as the brand opened its first store in Jio World Plaza. (ANI)

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CAA Mamata Amit Shah

Shah Takes Jibe On Split In Shiv Sena, NCP In Maharashtra

By LokMarg

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said “putra-putri moh” had caused the split in the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and the BJP cannot be blamed for it.

“I differ from the remarks that we broke parties. We have not broken any parties. Kai sari partiyan apne putra-putri ke moh me tut gayin…main phir se doharata hoon ki NCP aur Shiv Sena, dono partiyan putra, putri moh mein tut gayin. (Many parties fell apart due to thrust on promoting daughters and sons. I repeat NCP and Shiv Sena broke due to thrust on promoting son and daughter),” Amit Shah said responding to a query at India Today Conclave 2024.

He also said that the BJP and other parties in the ruling alliance in Maharashtra had worked a seat-sharing agreement and it will be out in a few days.

Amit Shah said Uddhav Thackeray wanted to make his son Aditya Chief Minister of Maharashtra and former Union Minister Sharad Pawar wanted to make his daughter Supriya Sule leader of NCP.

“Uddhavji wanted to make Aditya Thackeray Chief Minister. Many people left his party because they were not ready to accept Aditya Thackeray as their leader. People who have been working in Shiv Sena since Balasaheb Thackeray’s time first accepted Uddhav as their leader, now they had to accept Aditya as well. It was not acceptable for them. Sharad Pawar also wanted to make his daughter Supriya Sule as the NCP leader. Sharad Pawar also wanted to make his daughter Supriya Sule as the NCP leader,” he said.

“Many people, who were not ready to accept this, left the parties,” he added.

BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde are part of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. BJP has often attacked its political rivals for practising dynastic politics.

The dates for Lok Sabha and assembly elections in some states will be declared on Saturday. (ANI)

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MLC K Kavitha

K Kavitha Arrested By ED In Delhi Excise Policy Case

By LokMarg

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha in Hyderabad in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Kavitha was arrested after a day-long questioning followed by a raid at her Hyderabad residence.

She is being brought by an ED team here in the national capital. She would be produced before a special court in Delhi tomorrow, expectedly in the afternoon.

In the arrest order, the concerned ED investigation officer said: “I believe that Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha w/o Mr. D R Anil Kumar, residing at H. No. 8-2316/S/H, Road No 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telengana-500034 has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provision of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003).”

“Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred upon me under sub section (1) of section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (915 of 2003), I hereby arrest the said Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha at 05.20 pm on 15.03.2024 and she has been informed of grounds for arrest. A copy of the grounds of arrest (containing 14 pages) have been served upon her.”

The action comes almost two months after the ED issued summons to the 45-year-old daughter of former Telangana CM and BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao.

She was questioned thrice in this case last year and the central agency recorded her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The BRS MLC has asserted in the past that she had done nothing wrong and alleged that the BJP-led central government was “using” the ED as BJP could not gain “backdoor entry” into Telangana.

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation had also questioned Kavitha in this case. The ED case of money laundering was filed taking cognisance of the CBI FIR.

According to ED, Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who was arrested last year in the case, “is one of the key persons in the entire scam involving payments of huge kickbacks and formation of the biggest cartel of the South Group”.

“South Group” comprises Telangana MLC Kavitha, Sarath Reddy (promoter of Aurobindo Group), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (MP, Ongole), his son Raghav Magunta, and others, the probe said. The South Group was being represented by Pillai, Abhishek Boinpalli and Butchi Babu, the federal agency said in its investigation.

Pillai along with his associates was allegedly coordinating with various persons to execute the political understanding between the South Group and a leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the probe agency said.

Pillai has been accomplice and was involved in the kickbacks from the South Group and the recoupment of the same from the businesses in Delhi, according to ED.

The ED had earlier said that the South Group “gave kickbacks of Rs 100 crore” to AAP leaders.

Pillai is learnt to be 32.5 per cent partner in Indo Spirits, which had got an L1 licence. Indo Spirits is a partnership firm of Arun (32.5 per cent), Prem Rahul (32.5 per cent) and Indospirit Distribution Limited (35 per cent), wherein Arun and Prem Rahul represented “the benami investments of Kavitha and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and his son Raghava Magunta”, according to the probe agency. .

In this partnership firm, Pillai represented the interests of Kavitha, the ED added.

ED has filed its first chargesheet in the case. The agency said it has so far undertaken nearly 200 search operations in this case after filing FIR taking cognisance of a CBI case which was registered on the recommendation of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor.

The CBI inquiry was recommended on the findings of the Delhi Chief Secretary’s report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials had said.

The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority’s approval. The beneficiaries diverted “illegal” gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection, the probe agencies said.

As per the allegations, the Excise Department had decided to refund the Earnest Money Deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19, the probe agency said and there was alleged loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer. (ANI)

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Western Railway Holi Special Trains

Western Railway To Run 4 Pairs Of Holi Special Trains

By LokMarg

The Western Railway is all set to operate four pairs of special trains to the various destinations for the festival of Holi, to be celebrated on March 25, according to the official statement.

“For the convenience of passengers and to meet the travel demand during the Holi festival, Western Railway will run 4 pairs of special trains on special fares to various destinations,” said Sumit Thakur, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway.

The special trains to be operated for the festival include, the Bandra Terminus-Bhavnagar Superfast, the Ahmedabad-Kanpur Central Superfast Weekly Special Train, the Ahmedabad-Agra Cantt Superfast Weekly Special, Ahmedabad – Agra Cantt Superfast Weekly Special.

Bandra Terminus – Bhavnagar Superfast Special, which will have two trips will depart from Bandra Terminus at 11.15 hrs on March 24 and will reach Bhavnagar at 00.30 hrs, the next day.

Similarly, Bhavnagar – Bandra Terminus Superfast Special will depart from Bhavnagar at 19.00 hrs on March 23 and will reach Bandra Terminus at 09.05 hrs, the next day. Enroute this train will halt at Borivali, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar G, Botad, Dhola, Songadh, Sihor Gujarat and Bhavnagar Para station in both directions.

Ahmedabad-Kanpur Central Superfast weekly special train will leave Ahmedabad at 14.10 hrs every Tuesday and will reach Kanpur Central at 11.55 hrs, the next day. This train will run from March 19 to April 30.

Similarly, the Kanpur Central-Ahmedabad Superfast Special will leave Kanpur Central at 15.35 hrs every Monday and will reach Ahmedabad at 11.00 hrs, the next day. This train will run from March 18 to April 29. Enroute this train will halt at Nadiad, Anand, Chhayapuri, Ratlam, Kota, Gangapur City, Hindaun City, Bayana, Rupbas, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Tundla and Etawa station in both directions.

Ahmedabad – Agra Cantt Superfast Special will leave Ahmedabad every Thursday at 14.10 hrs and will reach Agra Cantt at 06.10 hrs the next day. This train will run from March 21 to April 25.

Similarly, Agra Cantt-Ahmedabad Superfast Special will leave from Agra Cantt every Wednesday at 20.20 hrs and will reach Ahmedabad at 11.00 hrs the next day.

This train will run from March 20 to April 24. Enroute this train will halt at Nadiad, Anand, Chhayapuri, Ratlam, Kota, Gangapur City, Hindaun City, Bayana, Rupbas, and Fatehpur Sikri station in both directions.

Ahmedabad – Agra Cantt Superfast Special will leave Ahmedabad every Monday at 14.10 hrs and will reach Agra Cantt at 06.30 hrs the next day. This train will run from March 25 to April 29.

Similarly, Agra Cantt-Ahmedabad Superfast Special will leave from Agra cantt every Sunday at 20.20 hrs and will reach Ahmedabad at 11.00 hrs the next day. This train will run from March 24 to April 28. Enroute this train will halt at Nadiad, Anand, Chhayapuri, Ratlam, Kota, Gangapur City, Hindaun City, Bayana, Rupbas, and Fatehpur Sikri station in both directions.

All the trains comprise AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class and General Second Class coaches. (ANI)

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Election Commission Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: EC To Announce Poll Dates Tomorrow

By LokMarg

The Election Commission of India will announce the poll dates for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on Saturday a spokesperson of the poll body said on Friday. The EC will also announce the Assembly election dates for some states.

The dates for the polls will be announced at a press conference scheduled for Saturday at 3 PM.

In a message on X, a spokesperson of the ECI said, “Press Conference by Election Commission to announce the schedule for #GeneralElections2024 & some State Assemblies will be held at 3 pm tomorrow ie Saturday, 16th March. It will be live streamed on social media platforms of the ECI”.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections were held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19.

Earlier on Wednesady, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that the poll body will decide on holding Lok Sabha Elections and Assembly Elections together or separately in Jammu and Kashmir after reviewing the security situation.

The long wait for Jammu and Kashmir seems to have come to an end as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering holding simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

Political parties have already begun announcing their candidates for the general elections. BJP has so far released two lists of candidates. Congress has also released two lists of candidates for the polls.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission on March 14 uploaded data on electoral bonds on its website as received from SBI. Future Gaming and Hotel Services and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd were among the top donors to political parties.

Various petitions were filed before the top court challenging amendments made to different statutes through the Finance Act 2017 and Finance Act 2016 on the ground that they have opened doors to unlimited, unchecked funding of political parties. (ANI)

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