Month: May 2024

The Member of Parliament (MP) from Bangladesh’s ruling party Anwarul Azim, who allegedly went missing on May 18, was found dead in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in a news conference in Dhaka said that the MP was killed in Kolkata. Speaking to reporters at his residence on Wednesday, the minister said that Bangladesh Police have arrested three persons in this connection, reported Bangladesh Newspaper Daily Star.

“So far, we have come to know that all the killers involved are Bangladeshis. It was a planned murder,” the Bangladesh Home Minister said. Asked about the whereabouts of the body, he said that they were yet to know about it.

“We will soon inform you about the motive,” the minister said, adding that Indian police are cooperating with the case.

Anwarul Azim, the Bangladesh MP, who entered India on May 12 was last seen on the afternoon of May 13 when he went with friends to a home in Bidhannagar near Kolkata for a medical check-up.

According to a family friend in Kolkata’s Bidhannagar, the MP mentioned he would be travelling to Delhi, but there has been no physical presence or direct contact with him since May 13. Only mobile messages have been exchanged with his family in Dhaka and his friend in Bidhannagar, indicating his intended journey to Delhi.

Concerned by the lack of communication and his sudden alleged disappearance, the MP’s family friend, Gopal Viswas, who was informed by the MP’s daughter of her inability to contact her father, lodged a missing person complaint at the Baranagar police station in Bidhannagar. Kolkata.

“On the morning of May 16, he (Anwarul Azim) called his assistant, but could not connect. Later, when his PA called him back, he did not answer,” according to the complaint dated May 18, 2024.

“His daughter called me (Viswas), and said, I can’t communicate with my father. Then I (Viswas) contacted all his (Anarul Azim’s) acquaintances on the phone, but it was not possible to contact him,” it added.

“I was then requested to come to Baranagar police station on May 18 to register the complaint in the missing diary,” a copy of the complaint said.

Azim was the Awami League lawmaker from the Jhenaidah-4 constituency. Further updates on the circumstances surrounding the MP’s death in Kolkata are anticipated as the situation unfolds. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to issue formal notes to star campaigners to correct their discourse, exercise care and maintain decorum.

This is the Commission’s unprecedented orders to the BJP and Congress in the wake of plummeting quality of campaigning led by their star campaigners.

The EC has come down heavily on both the BJP and the Congress for campaigning along caste, community, language, and religion.

The poll body has directed star campaigners from both parties to refrain from religious and communal overtones in their campaigning. The ECI has also asked the BJP to stop campaign speeches that may lead to division in society.

The EC has directed the Congress to ensure that star campaigners do not make statements that give false impressions such as the Constitution of India may be abolished or sold. Moreover, while speaking on the Agniveer scheme, the poll body has asked the Congress campaigners or candidates not to politicise the defence forces and to not make potentially divisive statements regarding the socio-economic composition of the defence forces.

The Commission has observed that India’s sociocultural milieu is an enduring preserve and cannot be made a casualty of elections. The EC has also said that the BJP and the Congress will not be allowed to weaken the heritage of quality electoral experience of the Indian voter.

The Election Commission has bared all allegations by the BJP and Congress against each other and rejected their defences. The Commission has pointed out that the party in power should have extra responsibility during poll time and has said that there should not be any unlimited extra space for the Opposition as well.

The first five phases of polling were held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. The next two rounds of voting will be held on May 25 and June 1. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases, in a six-week marathon running from April 19 to June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

The Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted that the severe heat would continue in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore and its surrounding districts.

The met official also appealed to the public to step out only if it was necessary during the afternoon hours.

Nodal officer at Regional Meteorological Office, Dr H L Khapedia told ANI, “The maximum temperature has been recorded 44 degrees celsius in the city this year so far while the minimum has been found at 30 degrees celsius. For the last a few days, there has been a lot of fluctuation in the temperature in the district. In the coming days, the temperature is likely to increase and cross 46 degrees celsius in Indore and its surrounding districts. While the minimum temperature may drop by 1 to 2 degrees to be at 27-28 degree celsius.”

The temperature of the city has remained at 43-44 degrees for the last a few days. Due to the heatwave, people have been suffering from heat since 8 in the morning. There is a possibility of a heatwave to continue till 7 in the evening, he added.

Meanwhile, hinting about the monsoon, Dr Khapedia says that the monsoon is running ahead of its usual time and this time the monsoon is likely to arrive by June 15 or 16.

“The monsoon is running ahead of time and probably this time the monsoon is likely to arrive by June 15 or 16. This year, the monsoon will arrive before time. Following which, there will be good rainfall and it will be beneficial for the farmers who have done summer ploughing,” he added.

He further made an appeal to the people to finish their work early in the morning and go out only when necessary in the afternoon hours. He advised the public to wear cotton clothes, keep drinking water even if one doesn’t feel thirsty. Avoid leaving the house unless necessary between 12 noon and 3:00 pm. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of hatching a fresh conspiracy, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi on Wednesday said that the BJP stopped the Yamuna water supply to Delhi in its bid to target the ruling party by creating water crisis in the national capital.

While addressing a press conference in the national capital, the AAP leader said, “Ahead of the voting on May 25 (in Delhi), BJP has hatched a new conspiracy to target AAP and disturb the people of Delhi. Under this conspiracy, through its Haryana Government, the BJP has stopped the water flow to Delhi.”

“This has been done to disturb the people of Delhi and cause a water crisis here. Yamuna water supply to Delhi is being stopped. An investigation revealed that the Haryana Government is stopping the Yamuna water flow to Delhi,” she added.

The AAP leader further said that in the history of Delhi, this is the first time that the water level of Yamuna was recorded below 671 feet.

“This is the first time in Delhi that the water level of Yamuna was recorded at 670.9 feet, that is below 671 feet,” she said.

Atishi said that the ruling government in Delhi will soon write to the Haryana Government and if needed they’ll also move an urgent application before the court.

“I would like to alert the people of Delhi – don’t get lured into the conspiracy of BJP. I would also like to tell the BJP that you can’t fool the people of Delhi, they are going to give all 7 seats to INDIA Alliance this time. We will immediately write to the Haryana Government. If needed, we will also move an urgent application before the court. If no action is taken on our letter to the Haryana Government, we will approach the Supreme Court,” she said.

When asked about the measures taken to avoid a water crisis in the national capital, the AAP leader said, “The CEO of Delhi Jal Board has been ordered to immediately increase the number of water tankers within 24 Hours. It has also been directed to increase the functioning time of the borewell from 16 hours to 22 hours.” (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s alleged statement that people from Bihar will not be able to allowed to purchase property in Punjab has led to a political storm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress at a public rally saying, “A Congress leader from Punjab who is close to the royal family of the party in Delhi has said that people from Bihar should be boycotted in Punjab. The RJD is together with them and asking for votes from you. People from Bihar should neither buy houses in Punjab nor Biharis should have any right in Punjab.”

“They (Congress) have such hatred for people in Bihar in their hearts. Has anyone from the Congress royal family said that such statements are wrong? Here the RJD has blocked their ears,” PM Modi said.

However, Khaira issued a statement saying that people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who come to Punjab are welcome to live a livelihood in the state but if they want to settle there permanently they need to follow conditions similar to those mentioned in the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy Act 1972.

“We welcome people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who come to Punjab and work. If any non-Punjabi wants to come here for livelihood and start his family, he is most welcome. But if they want to settle here permanently then they have to follow the conditions similar to those mentioned in Himachal Pradesh Tenancy Act 1972,” Khaira said in a video statement on Wednesday.

“I have this private member’s Bill to the Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on January 23. I stand by my statement,” he said.

In a post on ‘X’, Khaira said that the BJP is “twisting” his statement to incite the people of Bihar and has never mentioned “Biharis” in any of his speeches.

“I’m extremely saddened to watch the hate speech of @BJP4IndiaPm Modi twisting my statement to incite the people of Bihar during a rally today alleging that a @INCIndia leader from Punjab is asking to boycott Bihari’s working in Punjab,” Khaira said in a post on ‘X’.

Khaira said that he is advocating for a law in Punjab like Himachal Pradesh that bars outsiders from buying land

“To set the record straight firstly I never mentioned the word Bihari in any of my speeches nor did I mention boycotting them. I’m advocating a law like Himachal Pradesh that bars outsiders from buying land, becoming a voter or applying for govt jobs without clearing state conditions as if allowed randomly it’ll affect the identity of Himachali’s and upset their demographic situation,” the Congress leader said.

Khaira said that people outside of Punjab should fulfil conditions similar to the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy Act 1972.

“We have no objection if any non-Punjabi wants to earn a livelihood in Punjab but in case he wants to settle down permanently he should fulfil conditions similar to HP Tenancy Act 1972. Such a law is all the more important in Punjab as most of our govt jobs are being taken by people from Haryana, Delhi etc,” he said.

Distancing the party from Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s statement, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa said “Khaira’s views are his own.”

In a series of posts on ‘X’ Bajwa said, “The Congress Party reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and democracy in response to recent remarks by Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Mr. Khaira’s views are his own. The Congress Party stands firm in upholding every citizen’s right to participate in the democratic process.”

“Our party’s ethos is centred on unity in diversity, safeguarding our nation’s cultural and social fabric. Let’s embrace inclusivity and respect for all as we work towards a stronger, more united India. It’s time to uphold our constitutional rights and build a harmonious society together,” Bajwa added. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Amid high levels of hunger and acute shortage of food in Gaza, the United Nations has suspended food distribution in Rafah due to a lack of supplies and insecurity in the densely populated area, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

Stephane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson on Tuesday, said, the distribution centres of the World Food Program and UNRWA, the agency for Palestinian refugees, are inaccessible because of the ongoing military operation in Rafah.

Over 1 million people are facing high levels of hunger, the UN stated.

The Rafah crossing into Egypt, once the main entrance for aid, has been closed since May 6, and no aid trucks have crossed the US-built floating pier in two days, the UN said, VOA reported.

A World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson said, “humanitarian operations in Gaza are near collapse.”

WFP Spokesperson Abeer Etefa warned that if food and other supplies don’t resume entering Gaza in “massive quantities, famine-like conditions will spread.”

Additionally, UNRWA stressed that its health centres have not received medical supplies in 10 days, however, its health care staff still conducts medical consultations at its centres, as reported by VOA.

Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization shared a post on X, stating that Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza has been “under siege since 19 May, with no one allowed to leave or enter.”

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that 22 patients, their companions and 148 hospital staff “are still trapped inside.”

On Monday, the medical staff at al-Awda reported a sniper attack on the building. An artillery rocket hit the fifth floor where the administration office is located, but there were no injuries.

Following the attack, the WHO chief called for humanitarian access to the hospital and an immediate ceasefire, VOA reported.

A senior Washington administration official on Tuesday said that there are now multiple crossing points for aid to come into Gaza, including through the humanitarian sea corridor where aid is inspected in Cyprus and delivered straight to the Israeli port of Ashdod without additional inspection there.

“We’re looking to flood in (aid) as much as possible. And then it is up to a number of groups inside Gaza to do the distribution in various ways,” the official said.

He further noted the need to coordinate deconfliction and convoys encountering armed elements that “self-distribute” humanitarian assistance.

Israeli forces carried out a deadly raid on Tuesday in the occupied West Bank and fought Hamas terrorists in the southern Gaza Strip, reported VOA.

The Israeli ground troops and aircraft were battling Rafah, while troops also fought terrorists in central and northern Gaza, killing at least five people in Rafah. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

One person has been arrested on Wednesday for writing threatening graffiti against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal inside the national capital’s Rajiv Chowk and Patel Nagar metro stations, police said.

According to the Delhi Police, the accused has been identified as Ankit Goyal (33). As per the police sources, the accused is a resident of Baraeli.

The accused is highly educated and works in a renowned bank. He is not associated with any political party, the police sources added.

It also seems that the mental condition of the accused is not good, although this can be confirmed only after a medical examination, the police sources said.

The Metro Unit of Delhi Police had registered an FIR and was investigating the matter. Further details are awaited.

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of plotting an attack on Delhi CM Kejriwal.

While addressing a press conference in the national capital, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, “The BJP has been in a state of panic ever since Arvind Kejriwal came out of jail. The BJP is now plotting to launch a deadly attack on Arvind Kejriwal. This conspiracy is being conducted directly from the Prime Minister’s Office. A threat of attack on Kejriwal ji has been written at Rajiv Chowk and Patel Nagar Metro stations.”

He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are so immersed in hatred that they are conspiring to kill the Delhi CM, adding that the PMO, BJP and PM Modi will be responsible if anything happens to Kejriwal.

“PM Narendra Modi and the BJP are so immersed in hatred and revenge that they are conspiring to kill Arvind Kejriwal ji. I want to tell the government, administration and Election Commission that if anything happens to Arvind Kejriwal, the PMO, BJP and Narendra Modi will be responsible for it,” the AAP leader said. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Karan Johar, who often shares cute glimpses of his kids, recently posted a hilarious video of his twins, Yash and Roohi, giving grooming tips to their teacher, attracting a humorous reaction from him.

On Tuesday, the ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ director took to Instagram to share a video featuring his kids along with their teacher, Kunal.

In the video, the kids are seen attending their piano lesson at home. It starts with Yash telling his teacher, “Kunal sir, you’re too cute, but you’re too hairy,” leaving Kunal stunned. In response, Kunal says, “Amaze. What a way to give a compliment.”

Yash then suggests that Kunal “take a special kind of cream” and apply it to remove all the hair. Roohi also chimes in, recommending Kunal try waxing. Their suggestions leave Kunal visibly surprised, and he humorously exclaims, “Thank you for my beauty tips.”

Sharing the video, Karan wrote, “So clearly I am not the only one being subjected to their opinions and feedback! Kunal Sir I hope you feel my pain, anyone for tips on grooming and deserving birthdays you know who to contact!”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Karan is all set to come up with the upcoming sports drama film ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ starring Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles.

The film is slated to premiere on May 31. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi said on Tuesday that after June 4, when the INDIA bloc will form the government, the Electoral Bond scam will be investigated, in which not only BJP leaders but also ED, CBI and IT officers will go to jail.

Addressing a press conference, Atishi said, “I want to clearly tell the BJP that now your end is near. Now the people of the country have made up their minds. After June 4, when the INDIA bloc forms the government, the country’s biggest Electoral bond scam will be investigated in which not only BJP leaders will go to jail but ED, CBI and IT officers will also go to jail because they are also involved in it.”

Further, responding to the Delhi High Court’s decision to refuse to grant bail to jailed AAP leader Manish Sisodia today, Atishi said that they disagree with the decision as the entire liquor scam is a political conspiracy of the BJP.

“We respect the High Court but we respectfully disagree with this decision of the court. Because this entire so-called liquor scam is a political conspiracy of BJP. This conspiracy was hatched when BJP was unable to defeat AAP in the electoral arena and ED and CBI were used,” she said.

“The investigation into this scam is going on for more than two years. More than 500 ED and CBI officers are engaged in its investigation. More than a thousand raids have taken place and 8 charge sheets have been filed but till now not even 1 rupee has been recovered from any AAP leader. What kind of scam is this?” Atishi added.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail petitions moved by Manish Sisodia, Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi in liquor policy cases.

Sisodia had sought bail in cases being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023, after arrest by the CBI. Thereafter, he was arrested by the ED.

The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma pronounced the order and said the case at hand is of grave misuse of power and aim was to create policy that is beneficial to some and kickbacks could come in.

The Court had allowed Manish Sisodia to meet his ailing wife under custody once in a week.

Sisodia has been in custody since February 26, 2023, after arrest by the CBI. Thereafter, he was arrested by the ED. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BRS Leader K Kavitha were also arrested in the excise policy case. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti alleged on Tuesday that some groups are trying to “threaten” and pressuring people to vote for some particular candidates in the Lok Sabha elections.

She alleged that one group is threatening people through fatwas (religious rulings) while the other group is threatening in the name of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mufti said, “I met a lot of delegation here in Rajouri…I have observed that the situation that has been created is very scary. Religious Fatwas are being issued by one group, that if you don’t vote for a particular candidate you will go to hell.”

“While the other group is blackmailing people in the name of BJP…we heard several officers are being threatened to vote for a particular candidate or else they would be transferred…but even BJP knows the candidates, they are seeking votes for, will have their deposits seized,” she added.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief is contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.

Polling on the seat will be held on May 25. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.

The former CM also said that there is a huge distress due to high youth unemployment in the UT.

“There are many educated unemployed youth. The unemployment rate is 35 per cent…they were hyping about abrogation of Article 370. But, there has been no rise in the scale of recruitment post that,” she added.

Notably, despite PDP being part of the INDIA bloc, the National Conference nominated Mian Altaf Ahmad from the seat against Mehbooba Mufti.

This is the first general election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

Earlier on Sunday, the former J-K CM appealed to the Kashmiri Pandit community to vote for her in the Lok Sabha elections, affirming that she has an idea about the ‘trauma’ Kashmiri Pandit community had to face in the early 1990 insurgency that led to their mass exodus from the valley.

She said that her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, always ensured that the relationship between majority and minority communities must be maintained in Jammu and Kashmir.

“I understand your pain. I have an idea of how older people might feel when they miss Kashmir. The beginning of the pain was from our house. We also have faced a lot. My father thought that the relationship between majority and minority must be maintained. This is the reason he made a lot of effort when he became the CM. I was raised in Kashmiri Pandits’ homes. I understand how important it is for all of us to live together,” Mufti said at a public meeting with Kashmiri Pandits community

“I know the trauma of Kashmiri Pandits, as they want to come back to their homeland. Mufti Sahab was very saddened by what happened to Kashmiri pandits,” she added. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/