Month: May 2024

In a significant milestone for the India-Iran relationship and to foster close cooperation to make Chabahar Port a regional trade transit and connectivity hub, the two countries on Monday signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal in presence of Indian and Iranian Ministers.

The Indian delegation to Iran was led by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, while Mehrdad Bazrpash, Minister for Roads and Urban Development, was present from the Iranian side.

During his visit to Tehran, Sonowal witnessed the signing of a new 10-year Contract between India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) and the Ports & Maritime Organisation of Iran (PMO).

Under the Contract, IPGL will commit to further equipping and operating the port for the duration of the Contract. At the end of the 10-year period, both sides would further extend their cooperation in Chabahar.

IPGL will invest approximately 120 million USD in equipping the port. India has also offered an IN credit window equivalent to USD 250 million, for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure.

The Chabahar Port is an India-Iran flagship project that serves as an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, which are landlocked countries. India has been a key player in the development and operation of Chabahar Port.

The Indian government has invested in the port’s infrastructure and has been involved in upgrading its facilities to make it a viable transit route for Indian goods bound for Afghanistan and Central Asia.

In August 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Both leaders discussed the pending long-term Contract on Chabahar, and gave a clear political direction to finalise and sign the long-term Term Contract.

Speaking at the meeting, Sarbananda Sonowal called this a ‘historic milestone’ and stressed that it “symbolises the enduring trust and deepening partnership between India and Iran.”

“Today, India and Iran have reached a historic milestone in their longstanding relationship, driven by the visionary ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” championed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the momentous agreement that began on 23rd May 2016 is culminating today in a long-term contract, symbolizing the enduring trust and deepening partnership between India and Iran”, Sonowal said during his meeting with the Iranian minister Mehrdad Bazrpash.

“The Chabahar Port is an India-Iran flagship project. Today, as we witness the signing of the long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal, I am confident that a firm, sustainable, and long-term roadmap for developing the port has been established”, he added.

In August 2022, Sarbananda Sonowal visited Chabahar Port in Iran to review its work progress and handed over six mobile harbour cranes to Indian Ports Global Chabahar Free Trade Zone (IPGCFTZ) at the port then.

During his meeting, the Indian minister further underscored India’s vision of making the port an international hub of connectivity and how it has continued its outreach with regional countries to expand trade and transit through Chabahar Port.

“We have continued our outreach to promote the Chabahar Port and also facilitate transit. In 2022, India organized the “Chabahar Day” in Mumbai with a focus on fostering closer cooperation between our countries and the wider region to enhance inter-regional trade and economic connectivity,” he said.

Sonowal went on to say how this port is serving an important transit port with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries and how India has helped landlocked Afghanistan.

“Chabahar Port is serving as an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, which are landlocked countries. Afghanistan is passing through a difficult phase. Over the past few years, we have supplied 85,000 metric tons of wheat and 200 metric tons of pulses as humanitarian food assistance. We also sent 40,000 litres of pesticide Malathion to Afghanistan through Chabahar port”, said Sonowal.

Terming the recent visit of a high-level delegation from Afghanistan to Chabahar port as ‘positive’, the Indian minister underlined the need to facilitate trade for Afghanistan and help Afghan people to stand on their own feet.

In 2022, India organised “Chabahar Day” in Mumbai with a focus on fostering closer cooperation between our countries and the wider region to enhance inter-regional trade and economic connectivity.

In January this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Iran met Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development and discussed establishing a “long-term cooperation framework” for Chabahar Port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southereastern coast of Iran.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development @mehrdadbazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port,” said Jaishankar in a post on X, then.

Their discussions also focused on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

“Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor,” Jaishankar’s post added.

India’s vision is to make Chabahar Port a transit hub under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to reach out to CIS countries.

In August last year, PM Modi held talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including to realise the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub.

“The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.

The Chabahar port, located in Iran, is a key component of India’s connectivity initiatives, holds immense significance as it provides a viable and shorter route for trade between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.

Chabahar is a deep water port located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran. It is the closest Iranian port to India, and is located in the open sea, providing easy and secure access for large cargo ships.

During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran in May 2016, a trilateral agreement to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar Agreement) was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port, in cooperation with Iranian government.

So far, India has supplied 06 Mobile Habour Cranes (two 140 tons and four 100 tons capacity) and other equipment worth USD 25 million.

The Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), took over the operations of the Chabahar Port with effect from 24 December, 2018.

Since then, it has handled traffic of more than 90,000 TEUs of Container traffic and more than 8.4 MMT of Bulk and General Cargo. The port has also facilitated the supply of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Till date, a total of 2.5 million tons of wheat and two thousand tons of pulses have been trans-shipped from India to Afghanistan through Chabahar Port. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environmental friendly pesticide (Malathion) to Iran to fight locust menace.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Iran, in a post on X stated, “Hon’ble Minister @sarbanandsonwal held a fruitful meeting with his esteemed Iranian counterpart @mehrdadbazrpash. Discussed furthering the shared vision of making Chabahar Port a regional connectivity hub connecting India to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Eurasia.” (ANI)

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Displaced from their native soil, their homes, hearths and loved ones, many of whom perished in the face of militancy and cross-border terrorism; migrant Kashmiri Pandits residing in Jammu turned out in numbers outside polling booths on Monday, in the hope, perhaps, of a homecoming in the not-too-distant future.

Amid polling for Phase 4 of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, migrant Kashmir voters were pictured queuing up outside a special polling booth in Jammu’s Barnai village to cast their votes for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Speaking to ANI, a migrant Pandit, who was among many queuing up to vote during the polling for Srinagar on Monday, said the primary issue that they voted on was the rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits on their native soil.

“We all know how the Kashmiri Pandits came to be dislodged from their roots in 1990. Hence, it is important that there is a conversation around their rehabilitation and being represented in Parliament. We need to make our votes count. Voting is the only way we can push forward with our demands for the development, rehabilitation of the Kashmir Pandits and the restoration of basic educational rights for them,” the migrant voter told ANI.

Dr Ramesh Bhat, another Kashmiri Pandit, told ANI, “The scars that we carry and the pain of being away from our native soil will, perhaps, never heal. However, I am happy how the Election Commission arranged for us to vote today as it enabled us to stay connected to our roots. We are thankful to them. Our only hope is that whoever comes to power takes note of our demands and enables us to exercise our franchise on our home soil next time.”

“Our votes will go a long way towards charting the country’s future. Physically, we may be in Jammu but in spirit, we are with our brothers, sisters and brethren in Kashmir,” he added.

The EC has also set up special polling booths for the displaced Pandits across the national capital, which will vote in Phase 6–on May 25.

The special booths have come up at Kashmir Resident Commission, 5 PR Road, New Delhi, Kashmir Kissan Ghar, BR-2 Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, Arwachin International Public School, Pocket F Dilshad Garden, Delhi, and GGSSS Paprawat, Najafgarh.

With neither the BJP nor the Congress putting up candidates in Srinagar, the key combatants in the battle for the prestigious Srinagar seat are Waheed Ur Rehman Para of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the National Conference.

Despite being partners in the Opposition alliance–INDIA, the PDP and the National Conference chose to go solo in the Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory.

The erstwhile state has been under central rule since the fall of the PDP-BJP government in June 2018, with the last assembly polls held in 2014.

The voting in Jammu and Kashmir is being held in five phases.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP and the National Conference shared the electoral sweepstakes, winning three seats each.

The counting of votes for all Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere has been scheduled for June 4. (ANI)

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday resigned as the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), ARY News reported, citing sources.

Shehbaz Sharif has submitted his resignation as party president to Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N supremo.

In light of the senior politician’s resignation, the PML-N has decided to call a general council meeting in Lahore on May 28 to elect a new president.

The PML-N had earlier announced to hold general council meeting on May 11, reported ARY News.

In a recent presser, Rana Sanaullah stated that the Punjab chapter of the PML-N has asked Nawaz Sharif to take up the party presidency once more, stressing the importance of his leadership to the party’s achievements.

He stated that a resolution asking Nawaz Sharif to lead the party once more through this trying time was passed during the PML-N Punjab meeting, according to ARY News.

It is important to note that, following his conviction in 2018, the former prime minister was barred from holding any public office.

However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted him in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references on November 29 and December 12, respectively.

After his acquittal, the former PM contested the General Elections 2024 and returned elected from NA-130 Lahore. (ANI)

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Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday boarded a special Indian Air Force flight for Iran and is expected to witness signing of the crucial Chabahar port agremment between the two countries, reliable sources said.

The agreement will enable India to lease for a long-time Chabahar port situated on Iran’s coast along the Gulf of Oman.

This strategic masterstroke will open up a new trade route between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran, bypassing Karachi as well as Gwadar ports in Pakistan.

It also opens up a new vista of economic opportunities for business communities to explore an alternative transit route from the sensitive and busy Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

The contract of Chabahar Port Operations will mark yet another major achievement of India’s growing maritime reach in the region after the launching of Sittwe Port in Myanmar, both aimed at neutralising the growing Chinese presence in the region. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Sittwe port in Myanmar exactly a year ago – in May 2023.

Iran’s Chabahar port is seen as a key component of India’s connectivity initiatives, holding immense significance as it provides a viable and shorter route for trade between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.

India aims to make Chabahar Port a transit hub under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to reach out to CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries. INSTC is India’s vision to economise the movement of cargo between India and Central Asia, and the Chabahar Port would act as a commercial transit centre for the region.

INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route linking the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran and onward to northern Europe via St Petersburg in Russia.

The INSTC envisages the movement of goods from Mumbai to the Shahid Beheshti Port – Chabahar (Iran) by sea, from Chabahar to Bandar-e-Anzali (an Iranian port on the Caspian Sea) by road, and then from Bandar-e-Anzali to Astrakhan (a Caspian port in the Russian Federation) by ship across the Caspian Sea, and after that from Astrakhan to other regions of the Russian Federation and further into Europe by Russian railways.

Earlier this January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iran President Ebrahim Raisi discussed speeding up the implementation of Iran-India agreements, including the Chabahar Port Development Plan, and further compensating for delays.

During their meeting, Jaishankar expressed interest in concluding a comprehensive and long-term cooperation agreement with Iran, according to the Iranian President’s official website. (ANI)

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As the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday announced that the party will provide financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the women of poor households.

“Hello, my dear sisters. Women have made a huge contribution, from the freedom struggle to the creation of modern India. However, today, our women are facing a crisis amid severe inflation. To do justice to their hard work and penance, Congress has come up with a revolutionary step. Under Congress’s ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme, we will give Rs 1 lakh every year to a woman from a poor family,” Sonia Gandhi said in a video message.

She further said that these guarantees have already changed the lives of crores of families in Karnataka and Telangana.

“Be it MNREGA, Right to Information, Right to Education or Food Security, the Congress Party has empowered millions of Indians through our schemes. Mahalakshmi is the newest guarantee to take our work forward. In this difficult time, I want to assure you that the hand of Congress is with you and this hand will change your situation,” she asserted.

The voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election is underway in 96 constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory, the total voter turnout till 9 am was recorded at 10.35 per cent.

Earlier today, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that it had been two days since Rahul Gandhi accepted an invitation to debate the Prime Minister but the PM has not yet “mustered the courage” to accept the invite.

“Day 2 of@RahulGandhi’s letter accepting an invitation to debate the Prime Minister. The 56-inch chest has not yet mustered the courage to accept the invite,” Jairam Ramesh posted on X on Monday.

Polling for all 175 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and 28 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Odisha also started simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls.

Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the poll body, a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for 96 parliamentary constituencies across.

Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha and one from Jammu and Kashmir.

The fourth phase is witnessing key contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, BJP leader Giriraj Singh, JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan.

BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila are also looking for electoral success.

So far, till phase 3 of the Lok Sabha polls, polling has concluded smoothly and peacefully in 283 Lok Sabha seats. (ANI)

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As the voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election is underway in 96 constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory, a voter turnout of 24.87 per cent was reported by 11 am.

According to the data issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), West Bengal recorded the highest voter turnout of 32.78 per cent while Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest voter turnout of 14.94 per cent.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh recorded 32.38 per cent, Andhra Pradesh recorded 23.10 per cent, Bihar recorded 22.54 per cent, Jharkhand recorded 27.40 per cent, Odisha recorded 23.28 per cent, Maharashtra recorded 17.51 per cent, Telangana recorded 24.31 per cent, and Uttar Pradesh recorded 27.12 per cent.

Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 96 Parliamentary Constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory began on Monday at 7:00 am.

Polling for all 175 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and 28 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Odisha also started simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls.

Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the poll body, a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for 96 parliamentary constituencies across.

Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha and one from Jammu and Kashmir.

The fourth phase is witnessing key contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, BJP leader Giriraj Singh, JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan.

BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila are also looking for electoral success.

So far, till phase 3 of the Lok Sabha polls, polling has concluded smoothly and peacefully in 283 Lok Sabha seats. (ANI)

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared Class XII results on Monday.

87.98% of students pass the board exams. Passing percentage increased by 0.65% since last year.

18417 schools gave the CBSE class XII examinations at 7126 centres. This year the overall pass percentage is 87.98 a 0.65 percent increase since 2023. The Trivandrum region registered the highest pass percentage at 99.91 per cent

In the overall Delhi region, a 94.9 per cent pass percentage was recorded. 91.52% of Girls passed the exam whereas 85.12% of boys passed the exam with the Girls outshining boys by 6.40%.

Candidates can check their marks at the official websites — results.cbse.nic.in, cbse.gov.in or cbseresults.nic.in.

The results are available on the UMANG app, Digilocker app, Pariksha Sangam portal, and through the SMS facility.

The CBSE class 12 and 10 exams began on February 15 with class 10 board exams ending on March 13 and class 12 on April 2.

Students must score a minimum of 33 per cent marks to pass the CBSE class 10 and 12 exams.

The class 10 results are yet to be announced. Looking at the past year’s trends, in 2023, the CBSE results were announced on May 12. While in the year 2022, it was declared on July 22. (ANI)

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For everyone, Mother’s Day is not the same, for some it’s tough. Actor Arjun Kapoor shared an emotional video in remembrance of his mother Mona Shourie Kapoor and also urged people not to take their parents for granted.

Remembering his mother’s presence, Arjun dropped a video and extended wishes to every mother out there.

In the video, Arjun said, “Hi, guys. It’s Mother’s Day. I don’t know why I am posting this video. Just woke up and while I was showering, I felt the need to just say something to everybody out there who got their moms by their side, who’s got moms in their lives even though they’re not around them just make sure you send them love, give them love, remind them how much they mean to you, how much they define you. Hum inn cheezo ko for granted lete hai (we take these things for granted). My sister is not here, she is travelling, she’s away on holiday and I guess I was sitting alone at home, so I felt the need to put this message out to the world. Don’t take them for granted. Our parents, Mothers, humara bahut khayal rakhte hai (our parents take care of us). We should give them our love, respect and care for them as much as we can.”

He added, “So, here’s wishing every mother Happy Mother’s Day, every parent who is having to be there, perhaps sometimes to be a mother, every brother or sister who is having to be a mother – happy Mother’s Day. It’s tough. Days like this are tough. They deserve to be there, but they can be tough sometimes. For anybody who is going through what I’m going through, lots of love and for anybody else who’s taking things for granted, don’t. Maa ko pyaar do. Maa ne apke liye bahut kasht uthaye.”

Arjun lost his mother 12 years ago on March 25. The actor was about to make his Bollywood debut the same year. However, a tragic medical condition took Mona away from her kids in 2012.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Arjun is currently busy shooting for Rohit Shetty’s directorial ‘Singham Again’. He will be seen essaying the role of an antagonist.

Helmed by Rohit Shetty ‘Singham Again’ also stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles. ‘Singham Again’ is the third installment of the super-hit franchise. ‘Singham’ was released in 2011, starring Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, followed by ‘Singham Returns’ in 2014. Both projects were declared box office hits.

‘Singham Again’ is scheduled to have a theatrical release in August 2024, coinciding with Independence Day. (ANI)

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Shilpa Shetty Kundra embarked on a spiritual journey with her mother Sunanda Shetty and her sister- actor Shamita. On Saturday, she paid a visit to Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate Mother’s Day with her ‘Devi’.

Ahead of Mother’s Day, Shilpa penned a sweet message for her mom along with the adorable picture.

Mother and daughter duo twin in pink ethnic outfits.

The image captured Shilpa and Shamita planting a kiss on Sunanda’s cheeks.

Along with the post, the message read, “At Vaishnodevi with our Devi. Happy Mother’s Day, today, tomorrow and everyday Ma. We will love you and celebrate you forever.”

Before Vaishno Devi, Shilpa had visited Kedarnath.

On Friday, Shilpa Shetty shared glimpses of her sojourn on her Instagram account, capturing the tranquil beauty of snow-clad mountains and her accommodation amidst the serenity of Kedarnath, accompanied by the soul-stirring anthem ‘Namo Namo’ from the movie ‘Kedarnath’.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shilpa was recently seen in Rohit Shetty’s OTT debut ‘Indian Police Force’, which also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi. The series is streaming on the OTT platform Amazon Prime.

She will also act in ‘KD-The Devil’ as Satyavati alongside V Ravichandran, and Sanjay Dutt. The pan-India multilingual will be released in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed Trinamool Congress and asserted that TMC is raising the slogan of ‘Break in India’ to counter Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative adding that “Modi advocates for ‘Har Ghar Jal’, while TMC advocates for ‘Har Ghar Bomb’ scheme.”

Addressing a public meeting in Hooghly, PM Modi said that TMC is destroying the society, law and order, and unity in India.

“Amid BJP’s efforts of development, TMC is busy in its ‘own work’. What is the work of TMC and its leaders? ‘Yaha mafia raj chal rha hai. Modi kahta hai har ghar jal, TMC kahti hai, har ghar bomb’. Just a few days ago, a bomb exploded, snatching away children’s lives. Life has become difficult for mothers, sisters, and daughters here. Today BJP is emphasizing ‘Make in India’, but TMC is raising the slogan of ‘Break in India’. TMC is dividing the society, TMC is breaking the law, TMC is breaking the unity,” PM Modi said.

He further said that TMC goons threatening women in Sandeshkhali to protect culprits.

“TMC is destroying the society, law and order, and unity in India. Parties like TMC don’t care about your faith; they only care about appeasing. Hungry for power and afraid of losing their vote bank, they resent the construction of the Ram Mandir.

The Prime Minister further asserted that Congress will get fewer seats than the age of Congress.

“Keep it in writing, Congress will get fewer seats than the age of Congress’ ‘Shehzada’. Whoever is elder in our families wishes to leave something for the children. Who is Modi’s heir? All of you. That’s why I want to build a Viksit Bharat for your children. Contrastingly, TMC focuses solely on looting you, and building mansions for their heirs. What is Modi doing? Building solid homes for the poor, implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission, providing free rations, and making life easier for his sisters and daughters. Today, millions of women have affordable LPG cylinders through Ujjwala Yojana,” he said.

He further said that Congress and TMC are angry with the construction of the Ram Temple.

“This land draws inspiration from the personalities of Ram Krishna Paramahansa and Lahiri Mahasaya, but parties like Congress and TMC, in their insistence on appeasement, do not even care about your feelings. These parties are so hungry for votes, and power and are so dominated by their vote bank that they are very angry even with the construction of the Ram Temple. They (Congress-TMC) lost their sleep after the construction of Ram Mandir. These people have boycotted the Ram Mandir as well. The souls of our ancestors who struggled for 500 years to get the Ram Mandir are watching your deeds. TMC Congress people, at least do not insult the sacrifice, penance and sacrifice of your ancestors. Boycotting Lord Ram is not the culture of Bengal,” he said.

Highlighting the central government PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, he said that the government is providing Rs 75,000 for putting up solar panels on the rooftop.

“I have come here with a scheme PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Online registration has started. Modi government will give you 75,000 rupees for putting up solar panels on the rooftop. You can use the electricity and the remaining can be sold. It is like double income. There is also a possibility of triple income. You can also use it for charging Electric Vehicles. It will allow you free transportation,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister further said that the central government is making consistent efforts to develop port infrastructure in Bengal.

“Bengal has the country’s first Underwater Metro. We are making consistent efforts to develop port infrastructure here. But TMC tries to hinder the process time and again. You must teach TMC a lesson! Your one vote has the power to end the misrule of TMC,” the PM said.

PM Modi said that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are a fight between “ideologies.”

“I am honoured to see the faces of my mothers and sisters in this crowd who have come here in huge numbers to bless me. The 2024 election is a fight between ideologies. The trust, support, and blessings of this country are with the BJP,” he said.

Voting will take place for eight Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal in the fourth phase of voting to be held on May 13. The constituencies are Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP came up with a much-improved showing by winning 18 seats against the TMC’s 22. The Congress’s tally dropped to just 2 seats, while the Left scored a blank. (ANI)

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