Category: Politics

PM Modi’s Mumbai Roadshow: Metro services to remain suspended from 6 pm today — details here

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow, the Mumbai Metro partially suspended services between Jagruti Nagar and Ghatkopar metro stations at 6 pm today, May 15.

SERVICE UPDATE | Due to security reasons, metro services will be suspended between Jagruti Nagar and Ghatkopar Metro Stations, from 06:00 pm till further notice. Commuters are requested to plan their journey accordingly. Inconvenience is regretted.

— Mumbai Metro (@MumbaiMetro01) May 15, 2024

Now, Mumbai Metro has provided an update stating that full services from Ghatkopar to Versova have resumed. Normal frequency is expected to be restored within 10 minutes.

SERVICE UPDATE | Full services between Ghatkopar to Versova have resumed. Frequency will normalise in 10 minutes. Regret the inconvenience. https://t.co/pBjBGYgkM9

— Mumbai Metro (@MumbaiMetro01) May 15, 2024

The Mumbai Metro earlier announced the suspension, urging commuters to adjust their travel plans accordingly. The disruption is expected to impact thousands of daily commuters who rely on the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro line, a critical link between Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs. The metro line typically serves over 300,000 passengers each day.

Traffic advisories and road closures

Vehicular traffic will be restricted on several key roads during the roadshow. LBS Road will be closed from Gandhi Nagar junction to Naupada junction, and Mahul Ghatkopar Road will be shut from Meghraj junction to RB Kadam junction.

Additionally, AGL Road will be inaccessible from Ghatkopar junction to Sakinaka junction, Hiranandani Kailas Complex Road towards Gulati Petrol Pump junction, and the area from Golibar Maidan and Ghatkopar Metro Station (West) to Sarvodaya junction will also be closed as needed.

The Mumbai Police have issued an advisory detailing extensive road closures and traffic diversions from 2-10 pm. Key affected metro routes include Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the Eastern Express Highway, and the Western Express Highway. The roadshow will start at 8 pm at Shreyas Cinema on LBS Road in Ghatkopar and will end at Gandhi Market, covering a distance of 2.5 km.

In view of the Road Show organised at LBS Road on 15th May 2024, large number of individuals are expected to participate in it.

Therefore in order to ease the traffic on the adjoining roads, the following traffic arrangements will be in place.#MTPTrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/6cF97LScCr

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) May 15, 2024

Alternative routes

To mitigate congestion, alternative routes have been recommended. These include the Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway, Andheri-Kurla Road, Saki Vihar Road, MIDC Central Road, Santacruz Chembur Link Road, Sion Bandra Link Road, and Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys well in advance to avoid delays.

Advisory for air and train travellers

Passengers travelling by air or long-distance trains are particularly urged to leave early and consider the suggested alternate routes to ensure timely arrival at their destinations.

Passengers planning to travel by air or long-distance train should plan their journey in advance and avoid inconvenience by following alternative route announced in order to reach their destination on time.

#MTPTrafficUpdates

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) May 15, 2024

Security measures

In a bid to enhance security, the Mumbai Police have banned the use of drones, paragliders, balloons, kites, and remote-controlled microlight aircraft in the city on May 15 and May 17. This prohibition is enforced under Section 144 of the CrPC, citing potential threats from terrorist or anti-social elements during the prime minister’s visit.

Upcoming elections

The roadshow is part of a campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the voting in Mumbai and the adjoining Thane and Kalyan constituencies — scheduled for May 20 — in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha election.

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Delhi court extends Manish Sisodia’s judicial custody till May 30

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Delhi court on Wednesday extended the judicial custody of AAP leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia till May 30 in a corruption case related to an alleged excise scam.

Special judge for CBI and ED Kaveri Baweja also fixed May 30 for further arguments on framing of charges in the case.

The judge noted that an application for postponement of arguments on the charge is pending before the high court. Sisodia and other accused persons in custody were produced before the court through video-conferencing from prison.

The court had on April 30 dismissed the bail pleas of Sisodia in corruption and money laundering cases, lodged by the CBI and the ED in relation to the alleged scam. The court had reserved the order after hearing arguments from the CBI and ED as well as the counsel appearing for Sisodia.

Also Read: Supreme Court refuses plea seeking 6-year poll ban on PM

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Swati Maliwal’s ex-husband claims danger to her life after AAP admits assault, says Sanjay Singh is ‘acting’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal’s former husband, Naveen Jaihind, has claimed threat to her life hours after her party admitted to assault on the former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Personal Secretary Bibhav Kumar. Jaihind, in a video message on social media platform Facebook, alleged “anything could happen” to her.

Maliwal’s ex-husband first clarified that he got divorced four years ago and was no longer in regular touch with Maliwal. He went on to say that whatever happened to Maliwal was part of a bigger conspiracy and there was danger to her life. “Ye sab puri jankari aur sajish ke sath ho raha hai, uske sath kuch bhi ho sakta hai (there’s a conspiracy going on against her and anything can happen to her),” Jaihind said.

“Why are you acting MP Sanjay Singh? You know the whole incident, right? You already knew what was going to happen. The attack was a conspiracy. Swati’s life is in danger. You know that right? Now you are trying to intimidate her into silence,” the Facebook post’s caption read.

He said, “Kejriwal’s close aide attacked Maliwal at someone’s behest,” adding that AAP MP Sanjay Singh was conspiring against Maliwal and he had no sympathy for her.

He said, “Sanjay Singh ko acting bandh karni chahiye.”

He also urged Maliwal to speak up against the atrocities she was facing without being afraid of anyone.

After Maliwal alleged assault by Kejriwal’s close aide on May 13, Singh admitted that Bibhav Kumar assaulted and misbehaved with the former DCW chief at Kejriwal’s civil lines residence in the national capital and assured that strict action will be taken against Kumar.

“Yesterday an incident took place. At the residence of Arvind Kejriwal, an incident of misbehaviour took place with Swati Maliwal by Bibhav Kumar. Swati Maliwal has informed about this incident to the Delhi Police. This is a condemnable incident. Arvind Kejriwal has taken cognizance of the incident and has directed for strict action in the incident,” Singh said in an official statement.

Swati Maliwal alleges assault by Kejriwal’s aide

Maliwal on Monday alleged that Bibhav Kumar from Kejriwal’s personal staff attacked and assaulted her while she was at the CM’s residence. Following this, she made two PCR calls to Delhi Police and later went to the Civil Lines Police Station.

“We received a PCR call at 9:34 am wherein the caller said that she has been assaulted inside the CM residence. Accordingly, local police & SHO responded to the call. After some time, MP Swati Maliwal came to the police station civil lines. No complaint was given by her. In this matter, no complaint has been received till now,” said DCP (North) Manoj Meena.

Who is Bibhav Kumar?

Bibhav Kumar recently made headlines in April after the Delhi vigilance department sacked him from the position of Kejriwal’s personal secretary citing “illegal appointment”.

He was sacked in connection to a 2007 case against him for “assault and use of criminal force to obstruct a public servant from doing his duty”. In February, meanwhile, he was also summoned by the ED in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Election 2024 — how regional parties are challenging national giants in Phase-4

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the dust settles on the fourth phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections, the southern states stand out as a crucial battleground shaping the national political landscape. With voter turnout hitting 67.71% in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh conducting simultaneous assembly elections, this phase holds immense significance in both state and national politics. Andhra Pradesh, in particular, is not merely electing a new government but asserting its regional voice on the national stage.

This phase not only determines the regional political dynamics but also holds national implications, especially for non-aligned parties like YSRCP, Biju Janata Dal, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi. The outcome of this phase could potentially make these regional parties kingmakers in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Their strategic positioning as neither aligned with the ruling NDA nor the opposition’s I.N.D.I.A bloc gives them a unique leverage to influence national politics. This phase has showcased the growing influence and autonomy of regional parties, especially in states like Andhra Pradesh where they play a decisive role. 

Across the 96 constituencies in this phase, the overall voter turnout of 64.60% showcases a vibrant democratic process despite sporadic reports of violence and EVM malfunctions. West Bengal notably recorded the highest turnout at 76.89%, reflecting intense political engagement. Conversely, Srinagar’s 38% turnout, the highest in years, hints at evolving electoral dynamics post Article 370’s abrogation.

Beyond numbers, Phase IV also marks a shift in political dynamics where regional parties assert autonomy and influence. Their performance here could sway the course of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, steering clear of national alliances to carve their unique path. In essence, this phase not only determines the fate of southern states but sets the stage for broader political realignments. Regional parties, through strategic positioning and impressive turnout, signal their role as pivotal players capable of tipping the scales in what promises to be a closely contested electoral battle. The south emerges as the cradle of potential kingmakers shaping India’s political future.

 Not A Favourable Phase For BJP

In the intricate chessboard of Indian politics, the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has positioned itself as a critical juncture, especially for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With a staggering 44% of the phase’s seats located in the southern strongholds of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the BJP is navigating through a political labyrinth.

Reflecting on the 2019 elections, the BJP’s triumph in securing 42 seats now casts a long shadow, as the party grapples with a diminished vote share of 28.3%. This is juxtaposed against the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) more favourable 53% vote share in the seats it clinched, setting a high bar for the BJP to match its past performance.

The regional parties, unaffiliated with the major national coalitions, stand their ground, defending 33 seats with a commendable vote share of 32.3%. This not only signifies the burgeoning clout of regional forces but also underscores the unique political tapestry of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where the BJP’s imprint is relatively faint against the backdrop of regional titans like the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The Congress, albeit with a modest presence of six seats and a 15.1% vote share, cannot be dismissed as it continues to vie for influence in select constituencies. The BJP’s strategic alliance with the TDP is a testament to the complex political calculus required to penetrate these regional bastions.

The electoral duel in Andhra Pradesh is predominantly a contest of regional hegemons, TDP and YSRCP, further complicating the BJP’s quest for dominance. The concentration of seats in this phase underscores the pivotal role that regional dynamics will play in sculpting the narrative of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

To sum up, the fourth phase is a litmus test for the BJP, pitting it against formidable regional parties and a constrained presence in pivotal states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The party’s adeptness in surmounting these obstacles will be instrumental in dictating its fortunes in this electoral chapter and shaping its trajectory in the grander electoral saga.

Important Phase For Non-NDA-INDIA Parties

The conclusion of the fourth phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections has shed light on the pivotal role played by non-NDA and non-I.N.D.I.A bloc parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). This phase saw these parties collectively secure 39 seats, underscoring their significance in shaping the national political scenario.

Of these parties, the YSRCP emerged prominently with 22 seats, followed by the BJD (2), BRS (9), and AIMIM (2) seats. Notably, most of these parties, except AIMIM, have aligned with the BJP on various bills in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. However, a significant development is the BJP’s alliance with the Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena in Andhra Pradesh, indicating a potential divergence from relying on YSRCP support. The outcome of YSRCP’s seat count in Andhra Pradesh will be critical, as it could influence their stance in the formation of the national government. Analysts suggest that they may align with any group that commands a clear mandate for central governance, which reduces BJP’s concerns regarding their support.

Similarly, in Odisha, the electoral battle primarily revolves around the BJP and BJD. Despite this, Navin Patnaik’s consistent support for the BJP at the centre suggests a stable relationship that is unlikely to shift drastically.

The significance of this election phase lies in the potential seat gains for these parties. If they secure substantial seats and the BJP-led NDA or the INDIA bloc fall short of a majority, these parties’ numbers could become crucial in government formation. This scenario underscores the strategic importance of their performance in this phase.

Looking ahead, the role of regional parties in national politics cannot be underestimated. Their ability to sway alliances and influence government formation highlights the evolving dynamics of Indian democracy. As the electoral journey progresses, the outcomes of these regional players will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of governance in the country.

Many Regional Issues

The fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has emerged as a pivotal juncture in India’s political landscape, with states like Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand taking centre stage. Beyond merely electing representatives, this phase encapsulates the nuanced regional aspirations and the evolving political ethos that shape India’s democratic fabric.

Starting with Maharashtra, where 11 constituencies are in focus, the political tapestry reflects a diverse array of interests. From urbanisation challenges to agrarian concerns and the assertive Maratha community’s aspirations, Maharashtra encapsulates India’s broader socio-political dynamics. Here the main narrative will be around finding out the real Shiv Sena and NCP. 

Moving to Bihar, with its 5 constituencies, the state epitomises the enduring vigour of regional politics. Despite the electoral weariness associated with prolonged polls, Bihar witnesses an impressive voter turnout of 55.9%. Here, the BJP, RJD, and JD(U) engage in a multifaceted narrative encompassing themes of social justice, development, and identity politics, reflecting Bihar’s complex socio-political mosaic. It is important to note that the election outcome will determine the political future of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. If the JDU performs very poorly, he will lose his political relevance. 

West Bengal’s 8 constituencies emerge as a crucible of intense political discourse, primarily between the ruling TMC and the BJP. With a robust voter turnout of 75.94%, the highest in this phase, West Bengal reaffirms its reputation as a political hotbed where grassroots connections and cultural undercurrents play a defining role in electoral outcomes.

In Jharkhand, featuring 4 constituencies, the narrative shifts to tribal identity and the battle against naxalism. While the state’s electoral weight may seem modest, its symbolic significance in addressing tribal concerns and internal security policies cannot be overstated. Parties like the BJP, JMM, and Congress navigate this intricate landscape, presenting contrasting visions for Jharkhand’s future trajectory. The arrest of former CM Hemant Soren is bound to evoke a sympathy factor for the JMM. However, the extent of this sympathy and its potential impact on sweeping the election remains to be seen. 

The fourth phase’s significance extends beyond mere seat allocations; it serves as a litmus test for India’s democratic resilience and the vibrancy of its political discourse. As regional parties assert their influence and national parties seek to reaffirm their relevance, the outcomes in these pivotal states will reverberate across the national political spectrum, shaping policy trajectories and power equations in the upcoming Lok Sabha. 

In essence, the fourth phase encapsulates the democratic ethos of India, where diverse voices converge to chart the nation’s course, making it a testament to the enduring spirit of Indian democracy.

 Decoding Voter Turnout Of Phase-4

As the curtains close on the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout figures of 67.25% beckon a closer examination. This turnout, though slightly lower than the 68.8% witnessed in 2019 in the same constituencies¹, unveils a tapestry of trends and challenges that parties across the political spectrum must navigate.

For the ruling BJP, this modest decline might spark a period of reflection and strategic recalibration, especially in states like West Bengal, where voter participation soared to a commendable 76%. This high turnout underscores the fierce battle for dominance in West Bengal and signals both opportunities and hurdles for the BJP’s electoral ambitions in the region. Regional players, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, stand poised to interpret this voter engagement as a validation of their stronghold within their territories. Parties like the YSRCP and BJD, alongside other non-aligned entities, have a unique chance to amplify their influence on the national stage, potentially wielding significant influence in post-election scenarios.

In essence, the fourth phase’s voter turnout serves as a nuanced barometer, offering insights into the electorate’s pulse while spotlighting the regional intricacies that will undoubtedly shape the final narrative of the Lok Sabha elections. The dip in participation, juxtaposed with pockets of heightened engagement, paints a complex picture that demands astute political manoeuvring from all contenders.

— The author, Prof. Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh), is a political observer and columnist who teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College,  Kolkata. The views expressed are personal.

Read his previous articles here 

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

‘Have a lot of Muslim friends. After 2002, efforts made to tarnish my image’: PM Modi

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that his governance model does not discriminate on the basis of religion or caste, while adding that there were attempts to sully his image after 2002 — remarks that came amid a raging debate over religious polarisation in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls. Speaking from the banks of the River Ganga in his Varanasi parliamentary constituency, he stressed that he celebrated Eid with his neighbours in his childhood and has a lot of Muslim friends. He also said that he believes the people of India will vote him to power for a third straight term, responding to a question on whether Muslims will back him in the ongoing elections.

“I have lived among Muslim families in childhood. I have a lot of Muslim friends. After 2002, efforts were made to tarnish my image,” PM Modi said while referring to communal violence in Gujarat in 2002 when he was the chief minister.

“Muslim families used to live in our neighbourhood. On Eid, we didn’t used to cook food in my house as the food used to come from the neighbouring Muslim households. On Muharram, we were taught to go under the taziya,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that after 2002, when his image got tainted, he carried out a survey to know the ground reality. “In Ahmedabad, there is a place called Manek Chowk where people go to eat in the evening. But during the day, all businessmen are Muslims and all buyers are Hindus. I sent some people to carry out a survey in that market. When one of them spoke against me, the shopkeeper stopped him and said ‘do not say a word against Modi. My kids are going to school because of Modi.’ Almost 90% shop owners had the same thing to say,” PM Modi said.

He narrated another incident where, he said, that a woman came to him from the Muslim-dominated Juhapura area and congratulated him. “She appreciated me for my work on getting electricity in every house. I said but I have cut connections, how is it good. She said it’s good because people used to steal the government’s electricity and take money to give us electricity connections,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that a lot of such things have happened in his life but he doesn’t advertise all of this. “My mantra is ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas‘. I don’t work for vote bank. If something is wrong, I’ll say it’s wrong,” the PM said.

When asked why he called out Muslims for “having more children”, the Prime Minister said, “I’m shocked. Why do people assume I’m talking about Muslims when I talk about people having too many children? Even poor Hindu families have this issue. They are not being able to give their kids proper education. I have neither named Hindus nor Muslims. I’ve just made an appeal that have only many kids as you can take care of.”

When asked whether Muslims will vote for him this election, PM Modi, who filed his nomination from Varanasi on Tuesday for the Lok Sabha Polls in a massive show of strength, said, “I believe that the people of the country will vote for me. The day I start doing Hindu-Muslim, I won’t be fit to live in public life. I will not do Hindu-Muslim divide, this is my commitment.”

“If I give a house, I am talking about saturation, 100% delivery. This means, suppose there are 200 houses in a village – irrespective of which society, which caste, which religion – if there are 60 lakh Indians in those 200 houses, then those 60 lakh people should get it. And when I say 100% saturation, it means true social justice. It is true secularism. When there is no possibility of corruption. You know, even if I get it on Monday, I will get my number on the next Monday,” the Prime Minister added.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

PM Modi declares assets worth ₹3.02 crore, owns no house or car

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared assets totalling over ₹3 crore, according to his election affidavit filed on Tuesday, May 14, as he submitted his nomination from the Varanasi constituency. Notably, the Prime Minister stated in the affidavit that he owns no land, houses, or cars.

The bulk of PM Modi‘s declared assets, amounting to ₹2.86 crore, is held in a fixed deposit with the State Bank of India. He also reported having ₹52,920 in cash and ₹80,304 spread across two bank accounts in Gandhinagar and Varanasi.

In addition to these assets, PM Modi has invested ₹9.12 lakh in National Savings Certificates and possesses four gold rings valued at ₹2.68 lakh. His annual income has seen a significant rise, increasing from ₹11.14 lakh in 2018-19 to ₹23.56 lakh in 2022-23.

On the educational front, the Prime Minister declared that he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Delhi University in 1978 and a Master of Arts degree from Gujarat University in 1983. He also stated that there are no pending criminal cases against him.

Expressing his emotions while filing his nomination, PM Modi remarked, “I am overwhelmed and emotional. I did not even realise how 10 years passed under the shade of your affection. ‘Aaj Maa Ganga ne mujhe god le liya hai’ (today, Maa Ganga has adopted me).”

Varanasi is set to vote in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha election on June 1, where PM Modi is seeking a third term as a Member of Parliament.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

BJP losing ground everywhere, says Kejriwal, urges Haryana to lead ‘revolution’ against Modi

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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BJP is losing ground across the country and will not win more than 230 seats all told, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed on Tuesday, as he called on the people of Haryana to start the “revolution” to unseat the saffron party-led alliance from the Centre.

Kejriwal made the remarks in a roadshow for party candidate Sushil Gupta in Kurukshetra’s Pehowa, where he attacked the BJP-led Centre for his jailing, claiming it is scared of him.

This was Kejriwal’s first visit to Haryana after being released on bail.

Gupta, the AAP’s Kurukshetra Lok Sabha candidate, accompanied Kejriwal during the roadshow.

The Aam Aadmi Party national convenor was granted interim bail till June 1 by the Supreme Court on May 10 in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

Addressing a gathering during his roadshow, Kejriwal said, “n March 16, elections were announced. On March 21, they sent me to jail. This means they wanted Kejriwal to not campaign. They are scared of Kejriwal.” He said the Narendra Modi government has lost ground and named several states where the BJP’s seats, according to him, were declining.

“In the entire country, the situation is turning against them. BJP is losing badly … In Haryana, Rajasthan they are losing; in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar, UP, West Bengal, Delhi, Punjab, their seats are coming down. No where there is an increase in their seats.”

“They claim they will win 400 seats. Today I can tell you in writing that they are not winning more than 230 seats,” Kejriwal said.

He exhorted the public to throw the BJP-led alliance from power, and with it, Modi’s “dictatorship.” “History is witness, whenever there has been a revolution in the country, it has started from the brave land of Haryana. The campaign to end the dictatorship from this country should begin from Haryana,” he said, adding, he was sure of a clean sweep in the state and ultimate victory of the INDIA bloc.

Kejriwal said he felt “sad” when the farmers, three years ago, were stopped at Delhi’s borders and prevented from entering the national capital for their agitation.

“I felt very bad, but I could not have my way because the Delhi Police is not under us. They dug iron nails on roads … ‘China jab hamari zameen hadapta hai unke liye keelen nahi thokte,'” he said, referring to the allegations of land grab by China in Ladakh.

“But they placed large nails, cement boulders for farmers. They did not let farmers enter Delhi as if farmers were their enemies … ‘Inke Pitaji ki Delhi hai?'” he said.

Delhi belongs to the 140 crore people of the country and not to any specific group, he added. “This time oust them from Delhi by voting them out.” The Delhi CM also championed the women wrestlers who sat on protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar last year against several alleged instances of sexual assault against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The protesters were met with stiff resistance from the Delhi Police during their weeks-long sit-in, at least once leading to a skirmish.

“What they did with our wrestler daughters, did you see that or not?” Kejriwal asked the public.

“The person against whom fingers were pointed, his son was rewarded with a ticket,” he said without naming anyone.

Kejriwal said the BJP has a “washing machine” which cleans all the “corrupt” who join their party. “They send the honest to jail and make dishonest join their party.” The BJP has fielded Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s son Karan Bhushan Singh from UP’s Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat. The decision has reignited allegations of callousness towards women by the BJP.

Referring to the BJP manifesto, Kejriwal said all of Modi’s “guarantees” are fake.

“Earlier, a guarantee was given by them that ₹15 lakh will be deposited in every person’s account, also of giving two crore jobs every year … but they never came good on those guarantees,” he said and asked the public to repose their faith in “Kejriwal ki Guarantee.” Kejriwal, who will be out till June 1, said it’s up to the people to decide whether he goes back to jail or not.

“Now, it is up to you … when you go to vote, think in your hearts if Kejriwal has to be sent to jail or not.” He said he had to go to prison because he created good schools, Mohalla Clinics, free electricity and free water. “This is my fault.”

A diabetic, Kejriwal alleged that when he was in jail, the prison authorities stopped his insulin for 15 days even when he was supposed to take it every day.

“My blood sugar levels rose to 300-350 and I told them it would cause damage to my liver and kidney. This was the treatment they meted out to me,” he said.

Kejriwal, who also held roadshows in Shahabad, Ladwa, and Radaur areas of Kurukshatra, said the INDIA bloc will abolish Agniveer scheme for military recruitment and regularise the Agniveers already enrolled.

He said the alliance will implement the Swaminathan Commission report and will ensure farmers MSP on all crops and their procurement by the Centre.

Old Pension Scheme will be given to government employees, he said.

Voting for all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana will be held in the sixth of the seven phase general election on May 25.

The AAP, a constituent of the INDIA bloc is fighting Kurukshetra seat while the remaining nine seats in Haryana are being contested by Congress.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Excise scam: AAP to be made accused in money laundering case, ED tells Delhi High Court

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday, May 14, opposed the bail plea of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi High Court and contended that it will make the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) an accused in the money laundering case related to the Delh excise policy scam.

“AAP is going to be made a co-accused in the next prosecution complaint (charge sheet) to be filed in the case,” news agency PTI quoted ED’s counsel as saying before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.

The Delhi High Court has reserved its orders after hearing arguments on Sisodia’s bail pleas filed in the money laundering and corruption cases lodged by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

AAP national chief Arvind Kejriwal has also filed a petition in the high court challenging that a political party is not covered under the anti-money laundering law.

The Delhi High Court recently held that the rigours of Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which deals with companies, are attracted in this case.

The ED had likened AAP to a company and Kejriwal its director.

The ED’s lawyer further said there are concerted efforts by accused persons to delay the process of framing charges in the case.

The CBI, which adopted the submissions made by ED, also opposed the AAP leader’s bail plea in the corruption case and said the delay was totally attributable to the accused persons.

While seeking bail for him, Sisodia’s counsel submitted that the ED and the CBI are still arresting people in the money laundering and corruption case and there is no question of an early conclusion of the trial.

The CBI and ED have alleged irregularities while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to the licence holders.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023, for his alleged role in the “scam”.

The ED arrested him in the money laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023.

Sisodia resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.

The Delhi government implemented the policy on November 17, 2021, but scrapped it at the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption.

With inputs from agencies

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow