I am not minister, leader for you but member of your family, says Jyotiraditya Scindia in MP's Guna

I am not minister, leader for you but member of your family, says Jyotiraditya Scindia in MP's Guna Election campaigning for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections has now reached its final stage and the candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo the voters. While campaigning in Guna, Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Guna parliamentary seat Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he was not a minister, a leader for the public but a member of their families. Scindia made the remark while addressing a public gathering in Bamori in Guna district on Thursday evening. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also a candidate from Vidisha parliamentary seat for Lok Sabha elections 2024, also reached there to campaign in support of Scindia. Addressing the public, Scindia said, I am not a minister and not a leader for you. I am a member of your family. The blood that flows in my veins is the same blood that flows in your veins. Every generation of the Scindia family has always sacrificed for you. Especially for the development and progress of this region. Therefore, I am saying that you and I have a connection of heart. Meanwhile, expressing concern over the low voter turnout in the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections in the state, Scindia also appealed to the public to exercise their franchise as much as possible. Speaking at the occasion, former CM Chouhan said, he came to seek the support of the public for Jyotiraditya Scindia and also gave credit to the Ladli Bahna Yojana, which played a game-changer role in the recent state assembly election, to Scindia. Today (May 2), I have come to seek your support for my friend, colleague and brother Jyotiraditya Scindia. If I was able to make the government the fourth time in the state and made 'Ladli Bahna Yojana' then it was because of Scindia ji. He was the one who toppled the dishonest government led by Kamal Nath and decided to bring Mama (referring to himself) to take care of the CM post, Chouhan said. The veteran BJP leader also came down hard on the Congress During the recently concluded assembly polls, the Congress party had dreamt of returning to power in the state, their many leaders had got their suits stitched dreaming of becoming ministers. But I said Mama is still alive. He further hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that under his leadership India would become Vishwa Guru. The way the country is growing today under the leadership of the Prime Minister is amazing. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India will become Vishwa Guru, no one will be able to stop it, he added. Furthermore, slamming the Congress party, he said that nothing was left in Congress and now even their candidate is snapping ties with the party. Recently on Monday, a Congress nominee from Indore parliamentary seat Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination and switched his sides to the saffron party. Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh are being conducted in four phases. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 and the second phase was concluded on April 26. The next two phases will be conducted on May 7 and May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. A total of nine parliamentary constituencies- Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul- will go to the polls in the third phase on May 7. On the other hand, eight constituencies - Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone and Khandwa- will go to the polls in the fourth and last phase in the state on May 13. With 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, Madhya Pradesh ranks sixth among all states in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved. (ANI)

Express train searched for 40 minutes in Bhopal after passenger spots suspicious object

Manish Arora, a resident of Delhi was travelling in Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express and pulled the emergency chain at Mathura Junction so that his mother could finish breakfast before alighting on the platform. (Photo: File I Representational) Manish Arora, a resident of Delhi was travelling in Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express and pulled the emergency chain at Mathura Junction so that his mother could finish breakfast before alighting on the platform. (Photo: File I Representational) Bhopal: A Jammu-bound train was searched for 40 minutes at Rani Kamalapti station in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Friday morning after one of the passengers claimed that there was a suspicious object onboard, an official of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) said. The Pune-Jammu Tawi Jhelum Express was searched at Rani Kamalapati station around 9 am, but the information turned out to be a hoax, RPF commandant Prashant Yadav said. One of the passengers onboard the train informed the ticket checker about the presence of a suspicious object, following which the train was halted at Rani Kamalapati station, he said. However, nothing suspicious was found during the search, which lasted for about 40 minutes, and the train left for its destination at 9.40, the official said. The passenger is being interrogated, he added.

My remark on BJP leader Imarti Devi twisted, misrepresented: Jitu Patwari

Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Friday claimed that his remark on...

Will try to open IT companies at global level: Alok Sharma

Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal Our Bhopal is situated in the center of India. There are many land banks around Bhopal. There are immense possibilities for modern development here. It is the responsibility of a public representative to ensure that the dreams of young talents come true. We have decided to make Bhopal the IT city of... The post Will try to open IT companies at global level: Alok Sharma first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Every vote is essential to fortify democracy: Rajan

CEO travels on tractor to spread awareness among voters Bhopal:To elevate voter turnout for the third and fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, the Chalein Booth Ki Ore campaign has been initiated across polling stations within the corresponding parliamentary constituencies. Rajan actively engaged in this campaign, personally participating in Bilkisganj and Kankarkhera villages... The post Every vote is essential to fortify democracy: Rajan first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

BSSS conducts inter-religious dialogue

Bhopal: The Inter-Religious Dialogue Committee of The Bhopal School of Social Sciences conducted an Inter-Religious Dialogue program with an aim of understanding the essence of religion and spreading communal harmony amongst the people. Dr Fr John PJ, Principal- BSSS, welcomed the eminent guests Sumeet Ponda, Syed Ali Quadar Husaini, Fr Jose Prakash and Jaswinder Singh... The post BSSS conducts inter-religious dialogue first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Bhopal Man Gives Triple Talaq To Wife On Moving Train, Flees: Cops

The incident occurred just before the Jhansi Junction on April 29 when Mohammad Arshad, 28, was travelling with his wife Afsana, 26.

'Vote for NOTA': Congress appeals to Indore electors

BHOPAL: Deprived of a candidate to contest the May 13 Lok Sabha polls following the withdrawal of papers by its official nominee and rejection of papers of its substitute candidate the opposition Congress has decided to appeal to people to press the None of the Above (NOTA) option in Indore parliamentary constituency. Were not like the BJP that has tarnished and murdered democracy in Indore. We believe in democracy, but wont support any of the remaining candidates in fray or ask people to boycott the election. We appeal to the people of Indore to exercise the NOTA option to teach the BJP a befitting lesson in the May 13 LS polls, state Congress president Jitu Patwari said on Thursday. The BJP which once took pride in itself as the party with difference is now a party which only believes in murdering democracy, by preventing opposition party candidates from contesting the polls. Never in the past has anything like this happened here, which is the countrys cleanest city with a rich heritage. But the BJPs recent immoral act masterminded by the MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has tarnished democracy in the city, Patwari said. The fight to save democracy is no longer just Congresss fight, its the fight of every voter in Indore. Well take out rallies to awaken the Indore people against BJP murdering democracy. We wont appeal to them to boycott the May 13 election, but will only request them to exercise NOTA to strengthen the fight against murder of democracy, Patwari said. The former MP minister, who hails from Indore only, further alleged that the BJP guided by Vijayvargiya wanted more candidates to drop out of the fray to ensure unopposed election of sitting MP and party candidate Shankar Lalwani. Five such candidates were with me at my house to avert pressures in Indore to withdraw from the poll race. He added that on coming to know about the April 29 development, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked him (Patwari) why did eight-times ex-MP from Indore and former LS speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who has always sworn by the politics of purity, remain silent over the development. On April 29, in a big jolt to the Congress, its official candidate from Indore seat Akshay Kanti Bam accompanied by BJP MLA Ramesh Mendola withdrew his nomination and joined the BJP a few hours later.

A mine of subconscious ore

Abstract art depicts an artists subliminal thoughts, understood by a viewer who is willing to read forms in formlessness, silence in cacophony and somehow searching for tangibility in the artists visceral realm. The ongoing art show, Ores Of Trance, is about an open-ended discussion about the works of eight abstract artists who have intuitively assimilated unforeseen elements to invoke new layers of depth. The show, curated by eminent artist TK Harindran, features contemporary artists such as Akhilesh, Bhagwan Chavan, P Gopinath, Hemraj, Rashmi Khurana, Shobha Broota, Shridhar Iyer, and Yusuf. Let us witness each artists deep, solitary and meditative engagements with time, matter and space, says Harindran at the start of the gallery walkthrough, while pausing before the works of Yusuf. The Gwalior-born National Award-winning artist works with scattered and geometric forms with a restrained use of colours. In his Untitled, meticulous use of lines commands attention. The work vaguely depicts a broken window, criss-crossed by wooden frames where parts of it are weathered by time as if reflecting a fragmented state of mind. Yusuf uses the lines simply but strongly in a way that they neither attack the viewer nor make a statement. He has negated colours or too many elements to emphasise the patterns of lines, says Harindran. While the broken window is one way to interpret his work, Yusuf tells us that there is no reference point in abstract art. In figurative works, form is prominent and the line is secondary, but in mine, the line takes prominence as I let them wander according to my imagination. Jatra by Shridhar Iyer Of calm and storm While Yusufs work evokes a state of cerebral disorientation, in sharp contrast, Delhi-born artist Shobha Brootas Untitled produces a meditative effect. Her mixed media artwork features a rich red canvas woven with a deceptively simple thread work. Broota is a classical singer as well. So, just like music is based on the repetition of certain notes, her art is driven by the rhythmic repetition of geometric patterns. A long gaze at her minimalist works allows one to look deeper inwards and move beyond the ephemeral feelings, Harindran adds, as we stand before a work where the eye goes to its tiny squares. We move towards Delhi-based artist Shridhar Iyers stormy canvas, Jatra. Its wave-like effect, suggestive of a whirlwind, and a splatter of vital colours, purple, pink and red, seem to express mental tumult. The painting is like a tempest of thoughts unleashed upon the viewer much like Japanese artist Hokusais paintings that are visually striking and evocative with sea wave-like images. Theres a certain level of immediacy with which Shridhar draws the turmoil of the human mind on the canvas, says Harindran about the leading abstract artist who has previously exhibited at Perth, Melbourne, California, Paris and London. Between The Palm Trees/The Reflections by Bhagwan Chavan Culture in the roots The exhibition also reminds us of the primordial. In Bhopal-based Akhileshs Black Is Missing, absurd objects, human-like figures and bizarre signage serve as conduits to the primeval way of life in the Stone Age. Harindran points out that the inspiration comes from the rock-shelter paintings of Bhimbetka. Akhilesh wants to remind us of the start of the civilisation the aborigines. Its elements recall Egyptian hieroglyphs from the pharaonic civilisations. He wants to show how we are disconnected from our origins in the embrace of a new way of life steeped in superficiality, Harindran adds. Another artist, P. Gopinath, takes the viewer subliminally to regional culture. The Kerala-born artist, a founder member of the Cholamandal Artists Village in Chennai, is inspired by the rustic life. Vignettes of village life of Tamil Nadu are traceable in the artists Untitled works that show biomorphic forms of the bull that draw on the states Jallikattu Bull Festival and architectural forms. He makes the viewer ponder on lost language, people, culture, festivity and tribal history. But hes not making an in-the-face statement, its more an intellectual assertion, Harindran adds. In art, we tend to correlate subject matter to a definitive place, community or time. Gopinath, however, feels his works do not have a subject. Instead of figures, colours take prominence in my work, going beyond just a filling agent, he points out. Rashmi Khuranas Unrecited Melodies-II Unravelling the hidden As we walk around the room, Delhi-based self-taught artist Rashmi Khuranas work beckons us to look at her not-so-rosy artwork, Unrecited Melodies-II. After pulping papier-mch, the artist has crumpled them into balls, and layered them onto the canvas to mimic a soul in catharsis. The canvas is therefore a burst of colours and textures where electrifying pinks, purples, browns and magentas coalesce to express anguish. Her petals are not delicate, but violent, broken and detached. The composition can be seen as a way of venting, maybe a painful memory, based on her experiences of life its open to interpretation, says Harindran. The walkthrough ends with Hemraj and Bhagwan Chavans works, Eternal Reminiscence and Between The Palm Trees/ The Reflections respectively. They underline the power of abstract art to take the viewer into the depths of the human psyche. The artworks portray the subconscious thoughts of the artists, played in the moment of creation. They reflect the ebb and flow of their lives where some use lines, others use brush strokes, papier-mch or threadwork to depict it. Ores Of Trance is on display till May 20 at the new address of Gallery 1000 A, Daryacha building, Hauz Khas.

MP: My Father Did Not Inherit Wealth, But Martyrdom: Priyanka Gandhi

Bhopal: AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday said that her father (late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi) did not inherit wealth, but martyrdom (of his mother Indira Gandhi). Ms Gandhis statement comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Rajiv Gandhi amended the inheritance tax act to ensure that wealth of Indira Gandhi did not go to the government. Addressing a poll rally in Morena under Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, Ms Gandhi recounted the assassination of her father and said that she had received pieces of his father when she was barely 17 years old. The Congress leader said that she was then seriously upset that her father was not given adequate security by the country which led to his assassination in a brutal manner. Ms Gandhi said that she was then angry with the country because she loved her father. She understands it now. My father did not inherit wealth, but inherited martyrdom, she said while referring to assassination of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Referring to electoral bonds, she described it the biggest scam and extortion of corrupt people by BJP. She said that the people who were raided by the Central agencies were the donors of BJP through electoral bonds, making it the richest party in the country. The raids on these donors stopped after they gave donations to BJP through electoral bonds and their cases were put in cold storage. Their names were concealed as donors in the electoral bonds. Is it not extortion? she asked. She said that one of the vaccine providers was a donor of BJP through electoral bonds. Now, things are coming out that some vaccinated people died of cardiac arrest. She also hit out at BJP for inducting leaders from other parties after levelling corruption charges against them. These leaders become clean after they join BJP, she said sarcastically. She alleged that BJP promoted those leaders who are corrupt and those who never raised peoples issues. She said that BJP never raised peoples issues such as price rise and unemployment problem and diverted attention of people from these issues by raking up non issues. Ms Gandhi said that BJP plans to make people dependent by providing them with five kg of ration and exhorted people to seek jobs from the ruling party instead. She said that Congress has named its manifesto Nyay Patra as injustice has been done to the people in the last ten years of the Narendra Modi government. Earlier in the day, she addressed an election rally in Chirmiri under Korba Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh.

Shivraj looks upon Vidisha to re-enter national politics

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Bhopal: Sixty five is not the age to press the refresh button in ones career. But, sexagenarian BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a four-time chief minister, is bold enough to reset his goal in life at his current age to re-enter national politics. The never-say-die leader looks upon Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, considered one of the saffron citadels in the country, in Madhya Pradesh to enter the lower house of the parliament after a gap of two decades in this poll by dumping his dream of clinging to state politics till my last breath. I accept whatever responsibility the party assigns to me, has been his constant refrain in his election addresses in Vidisha. Chouhan, known as a fitness freak, was replaced with two-time MLA Mohan Yadav as chief minister after BJP won a landslide victory in the November, 2023 Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. He was then kept in the dark about his future role by the BJP high command, leaving him frustrated. I would rather die than ask anything for me from Delhi (referring to BJP high command), he used to say while waiting for his suitable rehabilitation by the party. The party has then fielded him in Vidisha LS seat to move him to Delhi from state politics. I want to take him (Mr Chouhan to Delhi) with me, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently said while addressing an election meeting in the state where Mr Chouhan was present. Chouhan wasted no time to begin preparations for the polls as soon as he was declared candidate from Vidisha by BJP and started touring the constituency as if he is making debut in electoral politics. He had represented Vidisha LS seat five times earlier. Congress has fielded former MP Pratap Bhanu Sharma, a Brahmin, in the seat considering the sizable population of the community in the constituency. Willy Chouhan has created a ripple in Congress by successfully wooing the party veteran and former Union minister Suresh Pachouri, considered the Brahmin face of the grand old party in Madhya Pradesh, to join BJP to nip in the bud any move by it to play Brahmin card to wrest the seat from BJP. Around 2,000 Congress activists in Vidisha subsequently joined BJP following Mr Pachouris footsteps. Vidisha LS seat near Bhopal has always been considered a BJP stronghold, represented even by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1991) and Sushma Swaraj (2009 and 2014). The seat has remained with BJP since 1967 barring in 1980 and 1984 Lok Sabha polls when the incumbent Congress candidate was elected from the constituency. Besides the profile of the seat, Chouhan enjoys considerable influence over the women voters for undertaking various welfare schemes for them when he was the chief minister. Chouhan is eyeing the biggest victory in the polls in the state in Vidisha, a close aide of the BJP leader said.

MP LS polls: Opposition wants reservation based on religion, BJP will not allow it to happen: J P Nadda

Bhopal: BJP national president J P Nadda on Thursday said that the INDIA bloc wants to introduce religion-based reservation to snatch the quotas of Dalits, tribals and other backward classes (OBCs) and give them to the minorities. Addressing a poll rally in Sironj falling under Sagar Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Nadda said that the Opposition has a design to rob the Dalits, tribals and OBCs of their reservation quota and give it to the minorities. But, as long as PM Modi ji is there, as long as BJP is there, such a design will not be allowed to succeed. We will never allow the reservation for Dalits, tribals and OBCs to be affected, he said. Mr Nadda hit out at INDIA bloc saying that it was formed to save the corrupt leaders from being punished and they have nothing to do with the people. He also termed the Opposition bloc as a conglomeration of corrupt political dynasties. When Modi ji says root out corruption, they (the Opposition) say save the corrupt, he said. Highlighting achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the last ten years, he said that 25 crore people in the country were lifted out of poverty during the period. He said that the country became the fifth largest economy in the world during the period and Mr Modi would make the country the third largest economy after he won the third term as PM. He said that the Centre has undertaken various welfare schemes to benefit the weaker sections in the society. Mr Nadda said that under the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh, the state has transformed from a Bimaru (laggard) state into a developed one. Mr Nadda later arrived in Bhopal late in the evening and held a meeting of senior BJP leaders in the state to review preparations for the third phase and four phase polling in the state, scheduled to be held on May seven and May 13. He is scheduled to spend the night here.

'My father inherited martyrdom, not wealth': Priyanka hits back at PM Modis jibe on Rajiv Gandhi

BHOPAL: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent inheritance tax jibe aimed at her father and former PM Rajiv Gandhi, asserting, It was not wealth, but the spirit of shahadat (martyrdom), which my father inherited from his mother. At a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Morena, the Congress leader fired back at the Prime Minister while campaigning for party candidate Nitu Sikarwar. PM accused my father of being a traitor and having scrapped a law just to inherit his mothers wealth. But not PM Modi, only you all present here who sent their children to guard the countrys borders can understand that my father (Rajiv Gandhi) didnt inherit money and wealth from his mother (Indira Gandhi). He inherited the spirit of martyrdom, she said. ' ' , , , , , : @priyankagandhi , pic.twitter.com/sh9Inf7KJR Congress (@INCIndia) May 2, 2024 Priyanka emotionally recounted the 1991 assassination of her father, adding that Modi will not understand the sacrifices made by her family. I was only 19 years old when I brought home pieces of my fathers body draped in the national tricolour. I was angry at the country then for not having saved my father, who sacrificed his life for the country, she said. Now, Im 52 and stating this fact publicly for the first time. But slowly, I realised that one only gets angry with someone he or she loves. How can I narrate how much we love our country when PM Modi terms by father a deshdrohi (traitor) on the public stage? the Congress leader continued. Last week, while addressing a rally in Morena, Modi had accused Rajiv of abolishing inheritance tax after coming to power to avoid taxation on the wealth inherited from his mother, Indira Gandhi. Listen with your ears wide open about the sins the Congress has committed. I want to put forth an interesting fact. When sister Indira Gandhi passed away, there was a law by virtue of which half of the wealth used to go to the government. There were talks then that Indiraji willed her wealth in her son Rajiv Gandhi's name, Modi had told the gathering. To save the money going to the government, the then-PM Rajiv Gandhi abolished the inheritance tax, the prime minister had claimed, as he tried to double down on his wealth redistribution and inheritance tax charge at the Congress. Immediately responding to Modi's remarks against Rajiv Gandhi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said that every time he opens his mouth to speak, the prime minister provides fresh evidence of his meanness, pettiness, and his steadfast adherence to lies. Should we fear inheritance tax? Hard truths and the Chidambaram-Jaitley dalliance with it Meanwhile, during Thursday's poll campaign, Priyanka escalated her criticism of the prime minister, claiming that Modi can only discuss dynastic politics and not their patriotic spirit, which she insisted can never be erased from our hearts. When Modiji utters nonsense about a woman like Indiraji, when Modiji, after seeing this feeling of patriotism, only sees dynastic politics, he cannot understand this sacrifice, Priyanka said in a voice choked with emotion. Let him call us traitors, evict us from houses, and burden us with cases. He got my brother ousted from Parliament, burdening him with so many cases and forcing him to move from one state to another to face court trials in those cases. Let him (Modi) do whatever he wants to do with us, even kill us, but the spirit of patriotism can never be erased from our hearts, the Congress leader added. While maintaining that the preaching of Hinduism formed the basis of Mahatma Gandhis movement against British rule and also the foundation of the Congress, Priyanka lashed out at the BJP and accused the saffron party of using religion to hide their non-performance on public issues. We are all religious. My grandmother, Indira Gandhi, taught me how to perform puja and I accompanied my father (Rajiv Gandhi) to the temples. My mother, who hails from abroad, learned Indian traditions in this country and has taught me about Hinduism. It is all about truth and the eternal spirit of Satyamev Jayate. But those in power today raise emotive issues of religion at the time of polls to hide their non-performance on public issues, the Congress leader said. BJP targets Sam Pitroda's inheritance tax remark; Congress distances itself, calls it Modi's 'malicious' campaign

AIIMS tops in digital medical report

Big achievement of Bhopal AIIMS Overtook Delhi and Nagpur also Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), located in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, has got the biggest achievement in the country. Bhopal AIIMS has become the first hospital in the country to get first position in Digital Medical Report... The post AIIMS tops in digital medical report first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Schools to remain closed till June 15

Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal The heat has started troubling the common people. In view of the heat and heat wave, summer holidays have been announced in schools. Children studying in government schools of the School Education Department will be given summer vacation from May 1 to June 15 and teachers will be given summer vacation from... The post Schools to remain closed till June 15 first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

I have always fought for principles: Singhar

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar refutes rumors of joining BJP Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal Refuting rumors of joining the BJP, Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Umang Singhar said that I have always fought the battle of principles and will continue to fight. He said that those who are spreading wild rumors about my joining... The post I have always fought for principles: Singhar first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

SMH organizes CME in association with IMA

Bhopal: Sagar Groups Sagar Multispecialty Hospital organized Continuing Medical Education (CME) in Association with IMAs Bhopal Surgeons Club Bhopal at its campus on Hoshangabad road. The CME received participation from over 53 IMA members. Former President ASI, Professor of Surgery at GMC Bhopal Dr Sanjay Jain addressed the gathering and shared information on Nipple Discharge... The post SMH organizes CME in association with IMA first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Rallies taken out on May Day in city

Bhopal: The International Workers Day, commonly known as May Day, was celebrated in Bhopal with various labor organizations participating in the event. Representatives from prominent labor unions such as CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) and INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress) were actively involved in the programmes. The day commenced with enthusiastic rallies being... The post Rallies taken out on May Day in city first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

SIT formed to probe rape with minor student

Bhopal: Police has started investigation into the sensational incident of rape of a minor student in the hostel of a private school in Misrod police station area of Bhopal. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has constituted a Special Investigation Committee (SIT) in this matter and has given instructions to investigate. According to police sources,... The post SIT formed to probe rape with minor student first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Madhya Pradesh: BJP, Congress bank on defectors in Morena

BHOPAL : As the Lok Sabha polls move into the third phase in Madhya Pradesh, the spotlight will be on the Gwalior-Chambal region the most fiercely contested region in the 2023 assembly polls, where BJP won 18 and Congress finished a close second with 16 seats. While the region houses four seats Guna, Gwalior, Bhind-SC and Morena the last one, Morena, seems to be emerging as the hottest and toughest. Spread across eight assembly segments in Morena and Sheopur districts bordering Rajasthan, Morena is famous for being the land of the sweet Gajak (sweet prepared with sesame and jaggery), the expanding Banmore Industrial Area, and the Kuno National Park (KNP), which is home to African cheetahs since September 2022. The constituency, which houses around 20.04 lakh voters (10.70 lakh males, 9.34 lakh females and 24 third gender), has turned into a BJP citadel since 1996, with former Morena mayor Ashok Argal, infamous for being allegedly involved in the 2008 cash-for-votes scandal, winning the seat four times in a row between 1996 and 2004. With the BSP too being a formidable player, the contest this time in Morena appears to be three-cornered, but as per political observers, the battle may ultimately boil down to the BJP and Congress. The BSP may largely play a spoiler for either of the two main parties. Aiming to snatch the seat from the BJP, the Congress has fielded Satyapal Singh Neetu Sikarwar, the son of a BJP leader. The younger son of BJP veteran and two-time former BJP MLA from Morena Lok Sabha seats Sumaoli assembly segment Gajraj Singh Sikarwar, the Congress candidate had won the seat in 2013 assembly polls on BJP ticket. Neetus elder brother Satish Sikawar, also a former BJP man who defected to the Congress in 2020, is the first-time Congress MLA from Gwalior-East seat, while Satishs wife Shobha Sikarwar is currently Congress Gwalior mayor. Though Neetu was declared the Congress candidate from Morena after a long delay and only around a month before the May 7 poll battle, the partys best bet is his familys major influence not just among the Kshatriya community he hails from, but also other castes including Brahmins, Kushwahas and SCs. Gajraj Singh Sikarwar, who is known among Kshatriyas as Dada (elder brother), now remains confined to a wheelchair due to severe paralytic attack. But despite this, the former BJP veteran has issued a pamphlet appeal to voters (particularly eyeing the 2 lakh plus Kshatriya voters) for his sons poll success. On the other hand, the BJP nominee Shiv Mangal Singh Tomar is an ex-MLA from Dimani assembly segment, currently represented by his mentor and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar. Shiv Mangal Tomar won from Dimani on the BJP ticket in 2008 by just 256 votes, but lost by bigger margins from the same assembly seat in 2013 and 2018. With the second-time MP and former Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar who won the Morena seat in 2009 and 2018 now being the states Vidhan Sabha speaker, BJP has fielded Shiv Mangal Tomar, who is being largely seen as the former Union ministers shadow candidate to maintain his clout in the regions politics. Narendra Singh Tomar and Dada Gajraj Singh Sikarwar are considered two major Kshatriya politicians in Morena. It is an open secret in local BJP circles that Tomar was instrumental in Dadas elder son Satishs defeat in 2018 assembly polls in Gwalior-East, when Satish contested as BJP candidate. Tomars hand is also alleged in the defeats of other BJP leaders, including former Madhya Pradesh ministers Jaibhan Singh Pavaiya and Anoop Mishra in Gwalior district in 2013 and 2018 assembly polls. With a major section of BJP in Gwalior-Chambal region, particularly in Morena, being averse to Tomar, the possibility of some BJP quarters internally backing the Congress candidate in the May 7 polls cannot be ruled out, a BJP leader in Morena, who wished not to be named, told this newspaper. While the Congress is eyeing the seat it had last won in 1991 through a BJP family scion, the BJP too is working on a counter plan of banking on desertions from other parties. The list of major politicians from the region who have joined the BJP in this poll season include six-time MLA and former minister Ramniwas Rawat (a powerful OBC leader who missed out the Congress ticket despite having finished runners up from the seat in 2019 and 2009), Morena mayor Sharda Solanki, former Congress MLAs Rakesh Mawai and Ajab Singh Kushwah (all from Congress), besides BSPs ex-Brahmin MLA Balveer Dandotiya, who lost to Narendra Singh Tomar in 2023 assembly polls. There is no other issue except caste in the politics of Gwalior-Chambal region, particularly Morena. Even the dacoits who once called the shots in the Chambal ravines of Bhind and Morena largely headed the gangs on caste lines. By roping in these former Congress and BSP leaders in its ranks, the BJP is eyeing to cut into Congress and BSP votes in various dominant castes, including Gurjars, Brahmins, Kushwah, Rawat (Meena) and Scheduled Castes. But the ruling party also risks the possibility of other castes and its own cadres averse to these leaders since long, actually working against the partys candidate on the poll day, Morena-based political analyst Hariom Gaur said. A caste-wise break-up of the 20.04 lakh voters in Morena constituency reveals that the Scheduled Castes form the largest chunk with around 4 lakh plus votes, Kshatriyas (2.75 lakh), the OBCs including Gurjars, Rawats and Kushwahas collectively around 4-5 lakh, Brahmins who are around 2.5 lakh and the Baniyas around one lakh. With the BSP fielding Ramesh Chand Garg for the May 7 battle, the Congress hopes to profit from the possibility of the BSP candidate eating into BJPs traditional voter base. 2,361 polling stations spread across 8 assembly segments in Morena and Sheopur districts.

Ashram teacher, caretaker booked for sexually abusing boys in Ujjain: Police

Police said that while the ashram teacher identified as Rahul Sharma was arrested, its caretaker Ajay Thakur is absconding

MP opposition leader Singhar distances himself from BJP, takes swipe at Saindia

MP opposition leader Singhar distances himself from BJP, takes swipe at Saindia Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh assembly Umang Singhar of the Congress on Wednesday rejected speculations of joining the BJP and took potshots at Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia whose 2020 switch over led to the collapse of the Kamal Nath government. He alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was spreading rumours about defection of senior Congress leaders to divert voters' attention from core issues in the Lok Sabha elections. Singhar targeted Scindia, whose exit from the Congress led to the collapse of the 15-month-old Nath government in March 2020 and paved the way for the BJP's return to power in Madhya Pradesh. Scindia later joined the BJP and became a minister at the Centre. ''BJP leaders from Delhi to Bhopal have been contacting me (for switch over) for the last several years. Even when the Kamal Nath government was toppled, I was given all kinds of inducements. Even then I did not join the BJP because I am Umang Singhar and not Scindia,'' the senior Congress MLA remarked. Singhar was replying to queries from reporters in Indore about speculations of him joining the saffron party. The Congress legislator alleged the ruling BJP is putting pressure on opposition leaders by misusing central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department. ''If the Congress had done this kind of politics in the last 70 years, the BJP would not have been visible today,'' he maintained. The Leader of Opposition targeted six-time Congress MLA from Vijaypur (Sheopur district) Ramniwas Rawat, who joined the BJP on Tuesday. Singhar claimed Rawat joined the ruling party out of greed for a ministerial post and sought to downplay his switch over. ''It doesn't make a difference to the Congress if power-hungry people leave the party,'' he said. Asked about Congress candidate from Indore Lok Sabha seat Akshay Kanti Bam withdrawing his nomination and later joining the BJP, Singhar remarked that it turned out to be a case of an ''unexploded firecracker''. ''Whether it is Surat (where Congress candidate's nomination was rejected) or Indore, the law and the Constitution were openly violated. The BJP is trying to change the Constitution,'' he alleged.

Eight-year-old girl raped at private school's hostel in Bhopal, three booked; MP CM orders SIT probe

Eight-year-old girl raped at private school's hostel in Bhopal, three booked; MP CM orders SIT probe An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped in the hostel of a private school in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, following which a case has been registered against three persons, a police official said on Wednesday. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe the case. The police said they were trying to ascertain when the incident exactly took place. ''An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a girls' hostel of private school. Following a complaint in this regard, the police registered a case on Tuesday night against three persons under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 376 (rape) and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,'' Misrod police station in-charge Manish Raj Bhadoria said. Although the names of the accused are mentioned in the FIR, their identity is being established, he said. When asked about the allegation that the girl was drugged before the crime, Bhadoria said all these things will be clear once the investigation gets over. ''The process of carrying out the medical examination of the victim and recording her statement is underway,'' he said, adding that several police teams have been constituted to collect the evidence related to the case. On whether the clinical examination confirmed that the girl was raped, Bhadoria said a comprehensive report is awaited. Replying to a query that injuries and swelling were found in the girl's private part during a medical examination conducted by doctors as per the request by the victim's mother, the police official said the complainant has made this allegation, but things will be clear in a detailed medical examination. Bhadoria said that the CCTVs footage of the hostel has been recovered as the date of incident is not clear. ''The accused will be arrested once their identity is established,'' he said. The office of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that taking cognizance of the matter, the CM ordered an SIT to probe into the matter.

Private School Hostel in Bhopal Under Investigation After Assault on Eight-Year-Old Girl

BHOPAL: A case of assault on an eight-year-old girl has come to light at a private school hostel in Bhopal. The girl was admitted to the school eight days ago. On Tuesday evening, her mother went to the police station with her daughter and filed an FIR. The FIR accuses three individuals, including the hostel warden and a person from the school administration. According to the police, the eight-year-old girl was enrolled in a private school located in the Hoshangabad Road area last week. On Tuesday, the girl's mother went to the police station and lodged a complaint. In the complaint, she stated that her daughter complained of pain in her private parts. The girl also revealed that one day, she was sleeping in her room when an uncle was sleeping on her bed. Another uncle was also sleeping with him. One of the uncles said that the girl had woken up. After hearing her daughter's story, the mother took her to a private hospital and had her examined. When the assault was confirmed, the woman reported it to the police. The police registered the FIR and stated that the minor will undergo a medical examination in the initial phase of the investigation. After confirming the incident during the investigation, the suspects will be arrested. Assam's Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve Closing Down for Tourists from May 15 Google Honors Labours Worldwide with Labour Day Doodle Congress Faces Multiple Setbacks in Lok Sabha Elections: High Court Rejects Candidate's Petition in Indore

Blast in Govindpura factory, 2 kids injured

Bhopal: A blast occurred at Govindpura Industrial area in Bhopal on Tuesday evening. Two children were injured in the massive fire that broke out subsequently. Luckily, no casualties were reported. The explosion led to panic as staff and laborers rushed for their lives. A video capturing the aftermath of the blast has surfaced. It reveals... The post Blast in Govindpura factory, 2 kids injured first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Wheat procurement target will not be met

MP government has been given a target to purchase one crore metric tons of wheat Kanhaiya Lodhi, Bhopal The Central Government has given the target of purchasing one crore metric tonnes of wheat to the Madhya Pradesh government in the current Rabi season. To fulfill this target, the Madhya Pradesh government had sought permission from... The post Wheat procurement target will not be met first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Bhopal Police arrest 724 criminals in 6 hours of combing patrol ops

To ensure peaceful, fearless and fair conduct of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Bhopal Police arrested 724 miscreants in a 6-hour combing patrol During combing patrolling, a total of 724 absconding criminals including 431 permanent and 226 arrest warrants, 67 bailable warrants were arrested Absconding criminals arrested during combing patrolling by more than 800 officers/employees... The post Bhopal Police arrest 724 criminals in 6 hours of combing patrol ops first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Competition between 74 in the fourth phase

16 candidates withdraw their nomination Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal There will be a contest between 74 candidates in 8 parliamentary constituencies in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state. Monday was the last date for withdrawal of nominations in these parliamentary constituencies; a total of 16 candidates withdrew their nominations on Monday. Maximum... The post Competition between 74 in the fourth phase first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Various materials worth over Rs 257 crore seized

Bhopal: Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan has said that after the Model Code of Conduct for Lok Sabha Elections-2024 came into effect, constant monitoring is being conducted by the police and other enforcement agencies. He said that from March 16 to April 28, various materials worth Rs. 257 crore 95 lakh including cash amount of... The post Various materials worth over Rs 257 crore seized first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Threat to blow up Raja Bhoj airport

Cyber crime police starts gathering information about email Management receives email, bomb and dog squad teams search airport Along with the police, cyber crime police also start tracing emails Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal An email has been received threatening to blast up Raja Bhoj Airport in the capital. The management received this mail at 9.30 am... The post Threat to blow up Raja Bhoj airport first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Battle of a different kind in saffron citadel Vidisha

BHOPAL: In Madhya Pradeshs Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, nobody bothers to debate who will win this time. All discussions are about the victory margin of the BJP candidate, former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Vidisha has been a saffron citadel right from its formation, electing Pandit Shiv Sharma of the erstwhile Jan Sangh in its first election in 1967. Since then, the constituency has always chosen right-wing candidates, except in 1980 and 1984 when Congress Pratap Bhanu Sharma triumphed. The Congress warhorse is now back in the race to challenge Chouhan, who has won five times from Vidisha. The contest is keenly watched because Sharma, now 77 years, is the only Congress leader to have won the seat in the past 57 years. Ask anyone from any of the eight assembly segments of the Vidisha constituency, the one liner reply will be Chouhans win is a foregone conclusion. The only thing to be seen is how big will Chouhans margin be, says Vidisha-based political analyst Ajay Jain. For BJP workers, the primary goal is to increase voter turnout and give Chouhan a resounding win. Were trying to get 80-90% turnout in the constituency, which houses 19.38 lakh voters. Out target margin is 8-9 lakh votes, which will be a record in the country, says Atul Verma, a BJP worker. BJP supporters in Vidisha believe a record margin will give new wings to Chouhan to begin his stint in national politics. Adding to their hope is Prime Minister Narendra Modis promise at a recent poll rally about the big role awaiting Chouhan in Delhi. As for the Congress, party insiders concede that Chouhan has a clear edge. So, the strategy is to reduce his margin. Chouhans margin was 2.6 lakh votes in 2004, the last time he contested from Vidisha. Eyeing a massive win this time, Chouhan has been campaigning aggressively. Sharma is also travelling extensively, braving his advanced age and rising mercury. Sitting MP Ramakant Bhargava had won by 5 lakh votes in 2019. Ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayees margin was 1.04 lakh votes in 1991, while former Union minister Sushma Swaraj won Vidisha by 3.89 lakh votes in 2009. The New Indian Express founder Ramnath Goenka had won the seat as a Bharatiya Jana Sangh candidate in 1971 by 32,000 votes.

BJP will throw away constitution if it wins: Rahul

BHOPAL: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that if elected to power the BJP will tear apart and throw away the constitution that guarantees some special privileges to SC, ST and the OBC. Addressing an election meeting in Bhind under Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi said that the 2024 Lok Sabha poll is not a normal election, but a battle between two ideologies. Gandhi also urged all party candidates to carry a copy of the constitution with them during nominations, public meetings and outreach programmes, and tell the people that as long as the Congress is there, let alone the BJP, no power in the world can snatch away the constitution. A boon for the poor, respect for the deprived and pride of every citizen -- our Constitution! I request all Congress candidates and leaders to keep the sacred Constitution with them during nominations, meetings, speeches and public outreach, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. Stressing on the importance of the constitution, Gandhi said the BJP is against reservation and sought an explanation from BJP as to why the saffron party is privatising public sector units if it is not interested in throwing away the constitution. He said the BJP wanted to dump the constitution so that the country is ruled by 22-25 billionaires. Gandhi also criticised Agniveer yojana,and said the scheme created two sections of jawans in the defence forces. While one section of jawans is enjoying pension and other benefits, the Agniveers have been deprived of such benefits.

MP: Timed to Rahuls poll tour of Chambal, 6-time Congress MLA inducted in BJP

Bhopal: Six-time Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat, considered a prominent OBC figure in Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, switched over to BJP, dealing a huge blow to the grand old party ahead of the third phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state, scheduled to be held on May seven. Incidentally, the desertion of Congress by Mr Rawat, considered a loyalist of late former Union minister Madhavrao Scindia, coincided with the visit of ex-AICC president Rahul Gandhi to the region on the day. Mr Rawat, who represents Vijaypur Assembly constituency under Sheopur district in Gwalior-Chambal region of the state, joined BJP in the presence of chief minister Mohan Yadav. The OBC leader, who was a minister in the Digvijay Singh cabinet, later said that his marginalisation in Congress was the key reason for his decision to snap ties with it and join BJP. He was executive president of state Congress when Kamal Nath headed the state unit of the party and felt marginalised in the party after Mr Nath was replaced by Jitu Patwari in the post. He was fielded by Congress in Morena Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh in 2019 polls against former Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar of BJP. He had however lost to Mr Tomar by a huge margin of votes. I will campaign for BJP candidate in Morena LS seat Shiv Mangal Singh Tomar, Mr Rawat said. Morena LS seat is going to polls in the third phase polling on May seven along with seven other seats in the state. He is the second sitting Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh to leave the party in the last couple of months. The Congress MLA from Amarwara in Chhindwara district Kamlesh Shah, a descendant of the local Gond royal family, had quit the party and joined BJP a couple of months ago. Mr Rawats decision to join BJP comes a day after Congress candidate in Indore LS seat Akshay Kanti Bamb withdrew his nomination and subsequently quit the party. He later joined BJP. Mr Gandhi on Tuesday visited Madhya Pradesh to address an election rally in Bhind falling under the Gwalior- Chambal region of the state.

Bank Holidays May 2024: Banks will remain closed for so many days in May, see the list of holidays here

Now only a few days are left for April to end. After this, the month of May will begin, but do you know how many days banks are going to remain closed this time in May? Probably not, but like every time, this time too there will be bank holidays. In such a situation, it is obvious that you should plan your bank-related work according to bank holidays. Otherwise, you may face problems later. So let us know when the banks of your city will be closed in May. You can see the complete list of holidays for May in the next slides... Banks will remain closed for so many days in May, see the complete list:- Due to May 1st being May Day, there will be a bank holiday in all the states. At the same time, banks will remain closed in Maharashtra also on 1st May due to Maharashtra Day. Then 5th of May is Sunday, so banks across the country will remain closed. May 8 is the birth anniversary of Guru Rabindranath Tagore, due to which there will be a holiday for the banks of Kolkata. Banks will remain closed in Bengaluru on May 10 due to Basava Jayanti/Akshay Tritiya. Banks will remain closed across the country as May 11 will be the second Saturday. There will be a Sunday holiday on 12th May in all the banks of the country. Banks to remain closed in Gangtok on 16th May due to Statehood Day There will be a Sunday holiday on 19th May in all the banks of the country. Banks will remain closed in Agartala, Aizawl, Bhopal, Belapur, Dehradun, Itanagar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, Shimla and Srinagar due to Buddha Purnima on 23 May. May 25 is the fourth Saturday, hence there will be a holiday in banks across the country. (PC: ISTOCK)

Big jolt to Congress in Madhya Pradesh as veteran OBC leader snaps ties with party to join BJP

BHOPAL: The Congress continues to be hit by defections by prominent leaders to the ruling BJP amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh. The latest switchover on Tuesday is seen as one of the biggest jolts the grand old party has suffered during the last two months. Six-time sitting MLA, veteran OBC leader and former MP Ramniwas Rawat ended his decades-old association with the party and joined the BJP at a poll rally of the ruling party in his assembly constituency Vijaypur in Sheopur district, which forms part of the Morena Lok Sabha seat. Rawats switch to the BJP in presence of CM Dr Mohan Yadav and state party chief VD Sharma happened a day after the Congress had suffered huge embarrassment following the withdrawal of nomination papers by its Indore Lok Sabha candidate Akshay Kanti Bam, who too had subsequently joined the BJP. Rawats entry into the BJP assumed significance, as it happened at the same time that former Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed a poll rally in the adjoining Bhind-Datia SC constituency of the same Gwalior-Chambal region. But it was not just Rawat who switched from the Congress to the BJP, as Morenas mayor Sharda Solanki too joined the latter on the stage of the same poll rally in Vijaypur (Sheopur). With Solanki joining the BJP, now three out of the five Congress mayors, including Jagat Bahadur Singh Annu (Jabalpur), Vikram Ahake (Chhindwara) and Sharda Solanki (Morena), have joined the BJP in the ongoing poll season. After joining the BJP, Rawat said he took the decision to ensure proper development of his Vijaypur assembly constituency. He promised to script a new chapter of development in the area after joining. Rawats departure to the BJP is being seen as a major loss for the Congress in the Gwalior-Chambal region, particularly in Morena Lok Sabha constituency, where his (Meena) caste voters number around one lakh in Sheopur and Vijaypur assembly segments. The BJP candidate Shiv Mangal Tomar is facing a tough fight against ex-BJP MLA and Congress candidate Satyapal Sikarwar. Rawat who was a minister in the erstwhile Congress government led by Digvijaya Singh is among the most powerful Congress leaders of the Gwalior-Chambal region. Despite being considered close to Gwaliors erstwhile royal Scindia family, Rawat had stayed back in the Congress, when Jyotiraditya Scindia along with 22 loyalist MLAs had walked into the BJP in March 2020. But not being considered either for the post of state Congress president or the leader of opposition in the Vidhan Sabha after the change of guard in the MP Congress following the 2023 assembly polls debacle, Rawat was feeling ignored in the party on whose ticket he won six out of the eight assembly polls he contested from Vijaypur seat. The former chief whip of the Congress in the Vidhan Sabha, Rawat was also upset on not being considered for the Congress ticket for the Morena Lok Sabha seat from where he twice finished runner-up behind the BJPs Narendra Singh Tomar in 2019 and 2009. Rawat had planned to join the BJP at the April 25 poll rally of PM Narendra Modi in Morena, but phone calls from ex-Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former MP CM Digvijaya Singh had delayed his exit. Rawats entry into the BJP is another jolt to the Congress after the exit of ex-minister Deepak Saxena and ex-Union minister and former state party chief Suresh Pachouri.

At his first rally in MPs Gwalior-Chambal, Rahul hits out at Modi govt over Agnipath scheme

BHOPAL: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed his first rally of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The Gwalior-Chambal region, which has four Lok Sabha seats, was the most closely contested among the six regions in the state in the 2023 assembly polls, where the Congress finished just two seats behind the ruling BJP. Rahul addressed the rally in support of the party's Bhind-Datia SC seat candidate and sitting MLA Phul Singh Baraiya in Bhind district, which is among the districts of MP that sends the maximum jawans to the country's defence forces. Gandhis poll rally happened just two days before Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's roadshow in the adjoining Morena constituency on Thursday. Modi government made 20-25 people billionaires: RahulGandhi Hitting out at the Narendra Modi government over the Agnipath scheme, Rahul said, I know that Bhind is that district of MP, which gives maximum jawans to Indias defence forces. But youll be surprised to know that except Narendra Modi, no one else (even the defence forces) are supportive of the Agnipath scheme. Through this scheme, the PM has divided our jawans into two categories, one who are normal defence force personnel (enjoying pension, canteen, adequate training and all other benefits) and the Agniveers who dont enjoy such benefits. Now imagine Agniveers facing the Chinese forces on the border. China gives its jawans all facilities and takes care of the families of its jawans in case of any tragedy. But what about the Agniveers, they wont get any benefits available to normal defence forces personnel, Rahul said while promising to abolish the Agnipath scheme if the Congress-INDI alliance government came to power at the Centre. Rahul also accused the Modi government of not inviting the countrys first tribal woman President Droupadi Murmu to the unveiling of the new Parliament building in Delhi and the Ram Temple inauguration at Ayodhya. She (President) was told neither to come to the Parliament building inauguration nor to the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya. Both the inaugurations were done only by Narendra Modi. This exposes how much Narendra Modi and the BJP respect the adivasis (tribals). On the contrary, at the Ram Temple opening in Ayodhya, the 20-25 billionaire friends of the PM and his party, Bollywood actors and Indian cricket team players were present, but no poor, Dalit, backward or tribal found any place among those present there, he said. Describing the ongoing Lok Sabha polls as a battle between those who are fighting to save the constitution and democracy (Congress and INDI alliance) and those who are determined to tear the constitution (BJP), Rahul, while holding the Constitutions mini book in his hands, said, Constitution is the soul of Indias poor, no power in the world can change it. BJP is day dreaming of changing the Constitution.

Veteran Madhya Pradesh Congress Leader Ramniwas Rawat Joins BJP

BHOPAL : Veteran Madhya Pradesh Congress leader and six-time Vijaypur MLA Ramniwas Rawat made a significant shift by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. His formal induction into the BJP took place in Sheopur, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. This move comes after Rawat's resignation from the Congress party, marking a new chapter in his political career. Rawat, an experienced politician, had previously run for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Morena as a Congress candidate but lost to BJP's Narendra Singh Tomar. Rawat had hoped to contest the Morena seat again, but Congress chose Satyapal Singh Sikarwar for the ticket instead. This decision did not sit well with Rawat, leading to his discontent.A prominent OBC leader in Madhya Pradesh, Rawat had served as the working president of the state Congress. His dissatisfaction with the party escalated when he was overlooked for the role of Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, despite his extensive tenure as an MLA. Rawat's decision to leave the Congress party follows another significant loss for the party in recent days, with Indore's Lok Sabha candidate Akshay Bam also joining the BJP. Rawat's entry into the BJP could open new opportunities, potentially including a cabinet position in the Mohan Yadav-led government. He previously served as a minister in the Digvijaya Singh administration and has been in the Opposition since the BJP's victory in 2003. Ola Cabs CEO Hemant Bakshi Resigns Amid Company Restructuring Is ice facial beneficial for puffy eyes and acne? Do you keep food open in the fridge? So it is important for you to know about its disadvantages, it can become 'poison'

Madhya Pradesh: Six-time Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat joins BJP with Morena mayor

A former minister, Ramniwas Rawat is a prominent OBC leader of Gwalior and Chambal region in Madhya Pradesh

IATO Maharashtra Chapter hosts General Meeting in Mumbai

Discusses issues regarding tour guides & upcoming annual Convention The Maharashtra Chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) convened its General Meeting in Mumbai recently. The primary agenda of the meeting was to deliberate on their upcoming annual convention scheduled to take place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from August 30 to September 2,...

After Mumbai, Bhopal, Goa, Nagpur, Kolkata and Jaipur airports, Delhi's Chacha Nehru Hospital receives bomb threat via email

Delhi's Chacha Nehru Hospital in Shahdara faced a bomb threat via email, following incidents in Bhopal, Goa, Nagpur, Kolkata, and Jaipur. Prompt action was taken, involving security teams and law enforcement. Despite evacuations and searches, no suspicious items were found. Similar threats occurred across the country, including at airports. Heightened security measures were implemented.

Diamond rings, Fridge, TVs: MP voters in Bhopal to get exciting prizes every two hour for voting. Here are lucky draw details

MP Lok Sabha Elections Voter Lucky Draw Prize: Officials in Bhopal address low voter turnout by introducing a lucky draw incentive during Lok Sabha elections. Scheduled for May 7, the initiative aims to boost participation with prizes including diamond rings, refrigerators, and TVs. Statistical data shows a decline in MP's polling rates. Election officer Kaushlendra Vikram Singh highlights the plan's details, emphasizing its aim to raise voter awareness. Post-election mega draw date.

Diamond rings, Fridge, TVs: MP voters in Bhopal to get exciting prizes every two hours for voting. Here are lucky draw details

MP Lok Sabha Elections Voter Lucky Draw Prize: Officials in Bhopal address low voter turnout by introducing a lucky draw incentive during Lok Sabha elections. Scheduled for May 7, the initiative aims to boost participation with prizes including diamond rings, refrigerators, and TVs. Statistical data shows a decline in MP's polling rates. Election officer Kaushlendra Vikram Singh highlights the plan's details, emphasizing its aim to raise voter awareness. Post-election mega draw date.

Road from Habibganj Naka to RRL Trisection will remain closed

Girder launching will be done under Bhopal Metro Rail Project, traffic will remain diverted Traffic will remain closed for one month Hoshangabad Road will be more affected Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal Due to girder launching at Habibganj Naka under Bhopal Metro Rail Project, the road from Habibganj Naka to RRL Trisection will remain closed from April... The post Road from Habibganj Naka to RRL Trisection will remain closed first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Film The Light screened at Aura Mall

Bhopal : Inauguration of the mass screening of the film The Light based on the true story of incarnation of God for the people of Bhopal in the auditorium of Aura Mall was done by Mayor Malti Rai, Principal Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly AP Singh, Director of Bhopal Zone Rajyogini Awadhesh Didi and Professor... The post Film The Light screened at Aura Mall first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Anger of Cong workers comes to fore in Indore

Withdrawal of nomination by Akshay Bam Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal Before the voting of the third phase of Lok Sabha elections-2024, a big development took place in Indore today which attracted the attention of not only Indore but the entire country. What happened is that Congress candidate from Indore Lok Sabha seat, Akshay Bam has withdrawn... The post Anger of Cong workers comes to fore in Indore first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

MP: Bomb threat at Bhopal airport, police launch probe

The News Mill

Email threat to blow up flights: Case registered in Bhopal, probe underway

Email threat to blow up flights: Case registered in Bhopal, probe underway Madhya Pradesh police on Monday registered a case in connection with an email sent to Raj Bhoj airport in Bhopal and other airports with a threat to blow up flights, a police official said. On the complaint of Bhopal airport authorities a case under Indian Penal Code section 507 (criminal intimidation) and Aircraft (Security) Rules was registered, Bhopal Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Sunder Singh Kanesh told PTI. ''The case was registered at Gandhi Nagar police station. Efforts are on get those involved in sending the threat mail,'' the DCP said. Gandhi Nagar police station inspector Sunil Kumar Maihar said a probe had begun. Planes were searched at the airport here after the email was received but nothing suspicious was found, sources said.

Indore High Court Extends ASI Survey on Bhojshala Complex

Bhopal : Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday granted the Archaeological Survey of India an eight-week extension to complete its ongoing survey of the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district. The term of the survey fixed by the High Court earlier was to end on May 3. The bench ordered the ASI to submit a complete report on the scientific survey of the complex by July 5. The ASI sought more time to understand the nature of the exposed portions of the structures on the disputed site and contended that the survey was being conducted by protecting the existing structures in the complex and hence, the progress of the survey has been slow.

MP: High court grants 8-week extension to survey in disputed Bhojshala complex

Bhopal: Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh high court on Monday granted a plea by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for an eight-week-extension to its ongoing survey in the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district in the state. The term of survey fixed by the high court earlier was to end on May three. A division bench of the high court on Monday ordered the ASI to submit a complete report on the scientific survey of the complex by July five. In its petition submitted to the high court, the ASI sought more time to understand the nature of the exposed portions of the structures on the disputed site. The ASI contended that the survey was being conducted by protecting the existing structures in the complex and hence, the progress of the survey has been slow. Scientific tools are being used in the survey and the documentation of the monument is being done by the ASI. The ASI is in touch with the National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) for the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) in the survey, as directed by the high court earlier. The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh high court on March 11 ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey to understand the character of the monument in the complex to ascertain if a mosque was built by demolishing a temple. While Hindus worship in the Vagdevi (Saraswati) temple on one side of the complex on every Tuesday, Muslims offer namaz at Kamal Maula mosque in another portion in the complex on every Friday. A Hindu group has filed a petition in the Indore bench of high court seeking a directive to ASI to conduct a survey of the complex to ascertain if a mosque was built at the site by demolishing a temple.

All to play for in Bhopal as Olympic Selection Trials 1 and 2 conclude

Unpredictable Weather in Madhya Pradesh: Heavy Rainfall and Soaring Temperatures

Bhopal: For the past eight days, the weather in Madhya Pradesh has been unpredictable. On Sunday, heavy rainfall was reported in several areas of Seoni, Burhanpur, and Damoh districts of the state. While some regions experienced rainfall, temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius in more than ten districts. The hottest district on Sunday was Sidhi, where the temperature crossed 42 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather update for the next week, predicting further changes. Over the last eight days, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a significant change in weather patterns, with rainfall and even hailstorms occurring in several districts. According to the IMD, this unpredictable weather is expected to persist for the next week. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in districts such as Dindori, Seoni, and Chhindwara, with the possibility of rain in Anuppur, Jabalpur, and Narmadapuram as well. The IMD has also warned of potential hailstorms in some areas of the state. The IMD attributed the change in Madhya Pradesh's weather to an active western disturbance affecting the state. Additionally, a circulation system is forming, further contributing to the inclement weather expected in the coming week. Rahul Gandhi Vows Caste and Economic Survey If Congress Comes to Power Weather Alert: Strong Winds and Light Rain Expected in Delhi-NCR Seizures Worth Rs 33,000 Crore in UP During Election Period

Cong candidate for Indore LS seat withdraws nomination, joins BJP

Bhopal: Congress received a major jolt in Madhya Pradesh on Monday when its candidate for Indore Lok Sabha constituency, Akshay Kanti Bam, withdrew his nomination and joined the BJP. The Congress candidate accompanied by BJP MLA from Indore, Shankar Lalwani and sitting MP Ramesh Mendola, reached the district election office and withdrew his nomination. Later Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Indore Congress candidate Akshay Kanti Bam withdraws nomination, joins BJP

Confirming the development, cabinet minister in the Madhya Pradesh government, Kailash Vijayvargiya welcomed Bam into the party

Cong conspiring to take away rights of Dalits, tribals: Prahlad

Bhopal: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Madhya Pradesh government minister Prahlad Patel today alleged that Congress is conspiring to snatch away the rights of Dalits, tribals and backward classes, which should be condemned as much as possible. , that is less. Patel made this allegation while discussing with journalists at BJPs State Media... The post Cong conspiring to take away rights of Dalits, tribals: Prahlad first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Tamil New Year celebrations organized

Bhopal : The Tamil New Year celebrations were organized recently by Tamil Sangam, Kala Kendra and Nav Shakthi Peth, Bhopal. At the function, S M Ramanathan ED BHEL Bhopal was the chief Guest and Siva Kumar Bose, Chief General Manager, RBI, Chandrashekhar, Ex GM, BHEL & President Tamil Sangam, Dr. Shantha Iyer, President Kala Kendra,... The post Tamil New Year celebrations organized first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Surge in queries flood MPBSE Helpline after exam results

Students Seek Re-totalling and Career Guidance Bhopal:Madhya Pradesh: Following the announcement of Class 10 and 12 exam results, the MP Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) Helpline has experienced a significant uptick in inquiries. Previously averaging 500 calls per day, the Helplines call volume has soared to approximately 1,500 calls daily post-resultsa threefold increase. Students primarily... The post Surge in queries flood MPBSE Helpline after exam results first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

BJP, Cong sabotaging BSPs prospects in Chambal: Mayawati

Bhopal: During an electoral rally in Morena, BSP leader Mayawati accused the BJP and Congress of orchestrating a campaign to undermine her partys prospects in the upcoming Gwalior-Chambal polls. Highlighting the history of BSP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati recalled the persistent challenges posed by Congress, BJP, and other caste-based parties aiming to weaken her... The post BJP, Cong sabotaging BSPs prospects in Chambal: Mayawati first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

CM visits homes of elderly people, gets forms of Ayushman Yojana filled

Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Sunday visited the residence of 80-year-old Shri Bhanwarlal Purohit, 74-year-old Mrs. Bhavribai Purohit, 82-year-old Mrs. Pankaja P Nair and 82-year-old Mrs. Malti Gupta in Shastri Nagar, Bhopal and got the forms filled under the Ayushman Benefit Extension Campaign. . BJP has recently released its manifesto Sankalp Patra for... The post CM visits homes of elderly people, gets forms of Ayushman Yojana filled first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Police raid contractors houses in Indore

Documents related to Municipal Corporation seized; fake bill scam reaches Rs 1.25 crore Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal On Sunday, the police conducted raids at the houses of those accused in the fake drainage bill scam of more than Rs 100 crore in Indore Municipal Corporation. The officers arrived with heavy police force and searched the houses.... The post Police raid contractors houses in Indore first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

BJP, Congress try to weaken BSP, says Mayawati

Bhopal: Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Sunday accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring to weaken her party in Uttar Pradesh by engineering the exodus of selfish leaders in the party. Addressing an election rally in Morena in the Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, Ms Mayawati pointed out that the BSP had ruled Uttar Pradesh four times earlier. The BJP and the Congress had later conspired to weaken her party in UP by instigating some selfish leaders of the BSP to break away from it and float new caste-based parties to take on the BSP, she said. She said that a similar situation has prevailed in the Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. These selfish leaders of the BSP have served the interests of the BJP and the Congress, she said. Training her gun at the Congress, she attributed the decline of the grand old party to its flawed policies towards the socially and economically backward classes. Thats why there was a need to rebuild the BSP, she added. She predicted that it would not be smooth sailing in the general election this time for the BJP. Ms Mayawati accused the BJP of politicising the Central agencies such as the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and the income-tax department to target its adversaries. She said that politicisation of the Central agencies was also done under the Congress regime at the Centre. She attacked the BJP for relying on freebies to come to power at the Centre and said that young people needed jobs, not free rations. She also demanded reservation of jobs in the private sector for the SC, ST and OBC people. The BSP has fielded candidates in half a dozen Lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh in the coming polls. This was the second visit to the state by Ms Mayawati. She had earlier visited Rewa in Madhya Pradesh on April 19 to campaign for the party.

Congress's Existence Faces Fragility as the Earth's Dinosaurs: Rajnath Singh

Congress's Existence Faces Fragility as the Earth's Dinosaurs: Rajnath Singh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday took a sharp jibe at Congress' ''plight'', saying the party will disappear from the Earth like dinosaurs. Addressing a poll rally, he suggested children might not be able to tell about Congress ten years from now. Campaigning for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Nimuben Bambhaniya, Singh also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his purported remarks on erstwhile kings. ''They (erstwhile royals) did not usurp people's land but rather offered their princely states for their merger with independent India,'' Singh said. Launching a scathing attack on Congress, Singh said, ''From the atmosphere prevailing in the country, I think Congress will be finished this time (in elections),'' Singh said. He claimed that Congress lacked the courage to stand. ''I think when children will be asked ten years from now about Congress.......When I see their (Congress') plight, I feel pity. As dinosaurs disappeared from the Earth, the Congress will also disappear,'' Singh said. He also raised Rahul Gandhi's remarks on erstwhile kings which were seized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ''Today, I was listening to a speech by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said there used to be such kings who used to usurp people's land and give it to others. As far as kings of our country are concerned, they had decided to transfer all their princely states to India on a single appeal made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (the first home minister),'' said Singh. He said force had to be used for only three states- Junagadh, Hyderabad and Bhopal- for their merger (with the Union of India). Singh also targeted Congress over corruption. ''The previous Congress governments were accused of serious corruption. But nobody could say that any minister in the governments led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Narendra Modi is accused of corruption,'' Singh claimed. Terming corruption as a big disease, Singh asked why Congress was accused of graft when it was in power. Addressing another campaign rally at Anand, the defence minister said due to the work done by the Modi government, the world listens carefully when India speaks at the international forum. ''When I visit other countries, I find a massive change in the people's behaviour and their viewpoint (about India). In the entire world, a perception is created that India is not weak but a strong country,'' he said. Singh said the BJP fulfilled the promises mentioned in the manifestos of the party. ''Whatever promises made by the party in its manifestos since Jan Sangh days have been fulfilled, whether scrapping Article 370 or constructing Lord Ram's temple in Ayodhya,'' Singh said. He appealed to voters, saying, ''You should not even look at the candidate, and there is no point thinking whether the candidate reached out to you. All you have to see is how India achieves a position of pride in the world. We live and die for the country.

Nehrus soul must be shedding tears: MP CM hits out at Priyanka

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has hit out at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, claiming fake Gandhis were using their surname for votes. Yadav was speaking at a public rally in Myana town of Madhya Pradeshs Guna Lok Sabha seat on Saturday. During a campaign speech in Rajasthan on April 22, Prime Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kerala: Bird flu confirmed again in Kuttanad

ALAPPUZHA: Officials of the animal husbandry department (AHD) has confirmed bird flu cases at three places in the district, stirring up worry among residents. Bird flu was confirmed at ward 10 of Edathua panchayat, ward 4 of Thakazhi and ward 7 of Ambalappuzha North. Officials said the presence of the H5N1 subtype of the Influenza A virus was detected in ducks and chicken. Two weeks ago, bird flu was confirmed at Edathua and Cheruthana panchayats. The animal husbandry department has culled more than 17,000 ducks since the virus was detected. Following mass bird deaths, AHD sent samples of the dead birds to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD), Bhopal, for analysis. The samples were tested positive for avian influenza on April 25, said an official. The officials further said that, as part of containment measures, culling of birds, including the those in the affected flocks of duck/chicken and domesticated birds, within the 1-km radius of the three hotspots, would be carried out on April 30. A preliminary assessment said that as many as 45, 631 birds, mostly ducks, would have to be culled, officials said. The Health Department has tightened preventive measures and urged people to maintain caution. Surveillance has been strengthened within a 10-km radius of the hotspots.

Entrance Exam for B.Tech programmes under way

SHILLONG, April 27: The VIT Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE), the entrance examination conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) for admission to B.Tech programmes of VIT Group of Institutions, viz. VIT-Vellore, VIT-Chennai, VIT-AP (Amaravati) and VIT-Bhopal, recently got under way in 125 cities in India and six cities abroad, viz. Dubai, Muscat, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore [] The post Entrance Exam for B.Tech programmes under way appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Four accidents leave nine dead, over 20 injured in 24 hours in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL, April 27: Nine persons were killed and over 20 injured in four separate accidents in the past 24 hours in Madhya Pradesh, police said on Saturday. Three persons each were killed in two separate accidents in Maihar and Rajgarh districts while one person was killed in Mandla district, officials said. Two others lost their []

Accountability needs to be fixed in electoral bonds scam: Lawyer Bhushan

BHOPAL: Noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan and RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj on Saturday said accountability was needed to be fixed in the now-scrapped electoral bonds (EB) scheme which had become a `big scam'. A petition seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team into the scheme was likely to come up before the Supreme Court next week, they told reporters here. In a landmark judgement, the apex court in February this year struck down the electoral bonds scheme, terming it unconstitutional. We want the accountability in the rip-off, which has been dubbed as the world's biggest scam, fixed, said Bhushan. The petition has been filed by NGOs Common Cause and Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL). While Bhushan had appeared for the petitioners in the electoral bonds case, Bhardwaj is a member of Common Cause. A retired Supreme Court judge should head the SIT and its members should include retired CBI officers with integrity, they said. Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan calls for SIT probe into Electoral Bond controversy Bhushan said the lion's share of the EBs purchased by companies went, as a bribe, to the political parties which were in power. Such companies bagged contracts, or policies were tweaked in their favour, the lawyer said, further claiming that some companies which were facing probe or inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax and CBI also purchased the bonds to avoid action. Some pharmaceutical firms whose drugs were held to be sub-standard or life-threatening by the drug controller were allowed in the market after taking bribes through EBs, Bhushan alleged, adding that the names of the people involved in such quid-pro-quo transactions should come to light. Pharma companies that failed quality tests, raided by IT department feature on electoral bond list That is why Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's husband Parakala Prabhakar says that the electoral bonds scheme was the biggest scam not of just India but the whole world, he added. Bhardwaj said that the EB scheme also trampled on the right to information. Companies donated money to the ruling parties through electoral bonds to get contracts, she alleged.

MP: Low polling in 2nd phase too, BJP, Congress scratch heads to increase voting in final 2 phases

Bhopal: Low polling in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh has left both BJP and Congress worried. Despite prodding by Union home minister Amit Shah to the state BJP leadership to improve voting after the low polling in the first phase of elections in Madhya Pradesh, the second phase polling on Friday witnessed a dip in voter turnout by 9.05 percent over the voting in these seats in the last LS polls. A senior BJP functionary told this newspaper that senior leaders of the party in the state have started reviewing the situation to ascertain the cause of low polling in the second phase and take measures to improve voting in the final two phases of elections in the state in which eight and nine LS constituencies are going to polls on May seven and May 13 respectively. Preliminary study into the matter has indicated that April 26 was an auspicious day in Hindu calendar to conduct weddings and other functions. Most wedding functions in the year were held on that day. That is the key reason for the dip in the polling percentage in the second phase of elections in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP leader said, requesting not to be quoted. The six LS constituencies which went to the polls in the second phase polling in Madhya Pradesh were Khajuraho, Rewa, Satna, Damoh, Tikamgarh and Hosangabad. Interestingly, Khajuraho LS constituency, where state BJP president Vishnu Dutt Sharma is seeking re-election, had witnessed the biggest dip in polling percentage by 11.39 percent as compared to the voting in the seat in the last LS polls. Similarly, Rewa LS constituency recorded lowest polling (49.44 percent) among the six seats which went to the polls in the second phase in the state. Significantly, deputy chief minister in the state government Dr Rajendra Shukla hails from the region. Despite the fall in polling percentage in the first two phases of elections, BJP leaders say there is no reason to worry much about it. BJP had performed extremely well in the November, 2023 Assembly elections in the 47 Assembly seats coming under these six LS constituencies despite a steep fall in polling by a whopping 17 percent over the 2018 Assembly elections, the BJP functionary said. BJP had won 40 of the 47 Assembly seats, leaving Congress to bag the remaining seven seats. We are also worried over the fall in polling percentage in the first two phases of elections in the state, a senior Congress functionary said, unwilling to be quoted. According to him, the partys state brass is going to meet soon to review the situation and chalk out a strategy to improve voting in the final two phases of elections. The first phase of elections in the state, in which six LS seats went to polls, had witnessed a fall in polling by 7.32 percent. EOM

Travel tips: Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, is a great place for food lovers, know these 10 amazing dishes from here.

Madhya Pradesh is called the heart of the country. The historical buildings, beautiful lake, excellent tourist places, food, and rich culture here attract the tourists a lot. Along with roaming in Madhya Pradesh, one can also taste the delicious dishes here. If you taste it once, you will try to make it first as soon as you get home. You will hardly get to taste the taste here anywhere else. In such a situation, tourists get a chance to enjoy the best flavors along with sightseeing. Today we are going to tell you about the famous and wonderful dishes of Madhya Pradesh which become the pride of this place. Let us know about these diets... # Poha Jalebi Most of the people of Indore as well as Madhya Pradesh start their day with Poha. But, when it comes to street foods, the day starts with Poha Jalebi. People's mouths water when they see Jalebi on top of Poha. Khatmitte Poha along with crispy Jalebi makes this street food even more delicious. There are queues at many shops for this street food in the morning and evening. If you want to taste the real taste of street foods in Madhya Pradesh, then definitely try Poha Jalebi. #Dal Bafla Dal Bafla, which started from Dal Baati of Rajasthan, has made a special place for itself in the hearts of people in Madhya Pradesh. Let us tell you that the taste of Dal Bafla and Dal Baati is almost similar and both are made on special occasions in MP. Crunchy balls made of wheat flour, when dipped in ghee and eaten with spicy dal, pickles and curry, this food makes you feel the culture of Rajasthan, even if only for a moment. #Mawa Bati Mawa Bati is a unique sweet found only in Madhya Pradesh. Though it looks like big big-sized gulab jamun, it is crisp and has the right texture and sweetness. Mawa flour is mixed with dry fruits and then formed into round shapes, after which it is deep fried and then soaked in syrup. In some places, Mawa Baati is garnished with coconut powder to further enhance its taste. It is a sweet dish often served on festive occasions. # Bhopali Gosht Korma If you are fond of non-veg and are looking for some of the best non-veg street foods in Madhya Pradesh, then you must try Bhopali Gosht Korma once. This is a Mughlai direction. It is said that the Bhopali Gosht Korma dish originated from Bhopal and gradually started being liked all over Madhya Pradesh as well as India. Mutton is cooked on low flame in thick and spicy gravy, which tastes very tasty. #Corn cake This is a dish which you will get only in MP. Apart from being healthy and tasty, you will also get the taste of MP in it. This dish made of grated corn is cooked with spices, coconut, and milk and then seasoned with mustard seeds and green chilies. Such a taste emerges which draws you back here again and again. If you also want to taste the real taste of MP then you must taste this dish. #Mill's herb This dish is another dish influenced by Rajasthani cuisine. Chakki ki shaak features steamed flour in a spicy Indian gravy, and is served as a side dish on festive occasions. Chakki ki shaak goes well with a bowl of curd and is eaten with great relish in many parts of the state. This dish, which is very famous in Indore, will make your mouth water. #Malpua If you want to taste some of the best street food in the streets of Madhya Pradesh, then you must try the taste of Malpua. However, regarding Malpua, it is said that its real taste can be tasted in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This street food prepared in desi ghee is a very popular dish in Jabalpur. At many places, Malpua is also served with Rabdi on top of it, the taste of which is unmatched. It is also served with dry fruits on top. #Biryani Pilaf If you are a food lover and like Biryani, then Bhopal is one of the best places in the country to eat it. Bhopali Biryani has its specialty. Mutton is the main ingredient of biryani but you will also get to taste chicken pieces in this biryani. This is a dish whose taste varies according to the region and which has been liked a lot in the history of India and it has a deep connection with our history. #Seekh kebab Mughal cuisine has had a deep impact on the cuisine of Madhya Pradesh. In all parts of the state, you can find some of the best Mughlai cuisine. Seekh Kebab is one of the most loved non-vegetarian dishes of Madhya Pradesh. The minced meat is wrapped around a skewer (sikh) and then cooked over a coal fire. If you are in Madhya Pradesh, you must try this dish. You can also enjoy Shammi Kebab, Korma, and Keema here. # Indori Namkeen Namkeen made in MP has left its mark all over India. The Ratlami samveen here has proved its taste all over the country, but along with it, Indori Namkeen is also equally famous. These nankeens are made from gram flour and fried in peanut oil. Sarafa Bazaar of Indore is the best place to buy these namkeens where you can get delicious namkeen of different flavors like Pineapple Sev, Pani Puri Sev. Let us tell you that the most popular among these varieties are Khatta Meetha Indori Namkeen and Falhari Namkeen. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Cong in strong position in 88 seats in India after 2nd round of LS polls: Kamal Nath

Bhopal, April 27: Congress veteran Kamal Nath on Saturday said the voting pattern in the last two phases of the Lok Sabha elections indicated that the people want change at the Centre. The former Chief Minister said that the Congress gave a tough fight in the two rounds of polling and was in a strong [] The post Cong in strong position in 88 seats in India after 2nd round of LS polls: Kamal Nath appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Never opposed PFI ban, hanging of Afzal Guru: Digvijaya Singh

Bhopal: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shahs allegation that he had opposed the ban on the Popular Front of India and instead accused the BJP of contesting polls in Karnataka in alliance with PFIs political unit. Singh, the Congress candidate from Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

How many polling booths did you inspect, where are you now?

CEO seeks information from sector officers Bhopal: How many polling booths did you inspect? Where are you now? Why is your car standing for half an hour? Chief Electoral Officer Shri Anupam Rajan sought information from the State Control Room in a direct talk with the Sector Officers. He said that sector officers should continuously... The post How many polling booths did you inspect, where are you now? first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Shah triggers Sharia Vs UCC debate, says personal laws wont be allowed

BHOPAL : Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday triggered a debate by reiterating his partys poll promise of implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country if the Modi regime got another term in power. Claiming that Congresss manifesto mentions re-introducing personal laws, he said, Personal law means they (Congress) want to bring Muslim personal law. Will we allow the country to be run by Sharia? Will the resumption of Triple Talaq be allowed? Till the BJP is in power, we wont allow personal law to return. This country will run according to the UCC in the spirit of its Constitution. We have already done it in Uttarakhand, and it will be done in the entire country. This is PM Modis guarantee, Shah said. The home minister hit the campaign trail in Madhya Pradeshs two high-profile constituencies, Guna and Rajgarh, earlier in the day. While the BJP has fielded Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (four times MP in the seat with Congress ticket) in Guna, the partys second-time MP Rodmal Nagar will take on ex-CM Digvijaya Singh, fighting LS polls from the home constituency Rajgarh after 33 years. Both the seats will vote in the third phase on May 7. Addressing a rally in Ashok Nagar of Guna, Shah praised Scindia. Im here to solicit votes for Jyotiraditya Scindia, my friend and BJPs senior leader. Home seat Former CM Digvijaya Singh is fighting LS polls from his home constituency Rajgarh after a gap of 33 years

Power Cuts in 25 Areas of Bhopal

Bhopal: There will be power cuts for 2 to 7 hours in more than 25 areas of the capital Bhopal tomorrow, i.e., Saturday. Electricity supply will not be made to these areas due to maintenance. In such a situation, people should finish their work quickly. So that they do not have to face any trouble. ... Read more

LS polls: Brisk Polling in Chhattisgarh, Moderate in MP, Baghel Heckled

Bhopal: Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel was on Friday allegedly heckled by some BJP workers when he was visiting a booth under Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh. Rajnandgaon along with Kanker (ST) and Mahasamund LS constituencies went to polls in the second phase polling in Chhattisgarh on Friday. The incident happened when Mr Baghel who is seeking election from Rajnandgaon seat was visiting the polling booth at Dedesera under his constituency after learning about a clash between workers of BJP and Congress there, a Congress leader in Raipur said. In his post in X, formerly Twitter, Mr Baghel alleged that he was prevented from visiting the booth by some BJP activists who indulged in hooliganism. An average voter turnout of 72.15 percent was recorded in the three LS constituencies that went to polls in the second phase, according to the chief electoral officers office in Raipur. The second phase polling in Madhya Pradesh however recorded moderate voter turnout of 54.83 percent by five pm on Friday. However, the polling percentage may increase since many voters were still seen waiting to exercise their franchise. Six LS constituencies in Madhya Pradesh went to polls in second phase polling on Friday.

UCC in India, a Modi Guarantee: Amit Shah

BHOPAL: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said that BJP will never allow Congress to reintroduce Muslim Personal Law and pledged to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, terming it a guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a rally in Piprai in Ashok Nagar district falling under Guna Lok Sabha constituency from where Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is seeking election, Mr Shah accused the Congress of conspiring to impose Sharia (Islamic law) in the country through backdoor by implementing Muslim Personal Law and asserted that BJP would foil any such design by the grand old party. Read the Congress manifesto carefully. They have said that they will reintroduce personal law... They want to bring Muslim Personal Law. They want to bring back Triple Talaq... Can this country be run by Sharia? Mr Shah asked. He further said that Rahul Baba (referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi), you can do whatever you want for appeasement. As long as BJP is there, it will not allow personal laws. It is BJPs promise and guarantee of Modiji that we will enforce UCC in the entire country as we have done in Uttarakhand. Highlighting achievements of the Modi government, he said that PM Modi scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August five, 2019 in one stroke. In 2019, Article 370 was abrogated by the Modi government in just one stroke. Rahul Baba was scared and predicted rivers of blood would flow.. But, Rahul Baba, this is not Congress government.. It's the Modi government. Leave aside rivers of flood, a stone was even not hurled (in Kashmir) in the last five years, he said. Mr Shah said that the Modi government has combated terrorism and Naxalism in the country. He lambasted Congress for providing reservation on the basis of religion (in Karnataka) for appeasing its vote bank, and called it anti-other backward class (OBC). The decision to provide reservation on the basis of religion by Congress will hurt the interests of OBC, SC, ST and the downtrodden, he said. For Congress, Muslims have the first right over the country's resources. But, for BJP, the poor, Dalits, OBC and tribals have the first right over them, he said. He said that Congress sat on the Mandal Commission report that recommended reservation for OBC for years without implementing it. He detailed how Congress used to create hurdles in the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, and added, Within five years, the Modi government laid the foundation of the temple and also held the consecration ceremony. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were invited to the occasion, but they did not turn up. Mr Shah appealed to the people to ensure victory of Mr Scindia in Guna, saying that Your every vote to Mr Scindia also goes to PM Mr Modi. Guna LS seat is considered a stronghold of Gwalior royal family of Scindia. Union minister Mr Scindia was elected from Guna four times since 2002 and lost the seat to BJPs K P Yadav in the 2019 LS polls by contesting as a Congress candidate. However, Mr Scindia quit Congress and joined BJP in 2020 and is seeking election from the seat as a BJP candidate. His father Madhavrao Scindia and grandmother Vijayaraje Scindia were also elected from the constituency earlier. The LS constituency has a sizable population of Yadav community. In a bid to placate the community, Mr Shah indicated that the sitting MP Mr Yadavs interests would be taken care of. Mr Shah also addressed an election rally in Khilchipur under Rajgarh LS constituency where Congress veteran and former chief minister Digvijay Singh is pitted against sitting MP Rodmal Nagar of BJP.

MP: Shah unhappy over dip in voting in first phase polling, sends strong message to party MLAs to be active

Bhopal: Union home minister Amit Shah late on Thursday night reviewed poll preparations by BJP here in the wake of dip in polling percentage in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections, held in Madhya Pradesh on April 19. Mr Shah who arrived here at around 11.45 pm on Thursday reportedly expressed his displeasure to the state BJP leadership over decrease in polling percentage in the first phase of elections in the state. Six Lok Sabha constituencies in MP had gone to polls in the first phase of elections on April 19. The average voting recorded in the first phase polling in the state was 7.32 percent less than that of the average polling in these seats in the 2019 LS polls. Mr Shah held discussions with chief minister Mohan Yadav, state BJP president V D Sharma, state organising secretary of the party Hitanand Sharma, party in-charge of LS polls in MP Dr Mohan Singh and the co-in-charge Satish Upadhyaya to take stock of poll preparations by BJP. He also talked to several other BJP leaders on phone, sources said. Sources said that Mr Shah told the state party leadership that the party MLAs were not as active as they should be in their respective areas and said that they needed to pull up their shocks. Sources said that the party MLAs were not found to be as active as they were during the November, 2023 Assembly elections in the state. Sources said that Mr Shah sought to send a strong message to the party MLAs that their report cards would be prepared based on the results of the LS elections and their political future would depend on it.

Election Buzz in Bhopal: Which Way Will the City Sway on May 7?

Capturing the election buzz in Bhopal, which way will Bhopal sway on May 7? Arunima brings you a ground report

Will This Country Run On Sharia? Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tears Into Congress Manifesto

Bhopal (MP), Apr 26: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that after the Congress manifesto was released, peoples inclination towards the Bharatiya Janata Party has increased further because Congress has repeated its old habit of appeasement in its manifesto. Shah said that Congress manifesto speaks of taking the personal law forward, which is about dividing the country. First of all, I would like to appeal to the voters to elect a party that stands on its wordsfor a [] The post Will This Country Run On Sharia? Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tears Into Congress Manifesto appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Now Van Vihar will remain open from 6 am to 7 pm

Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal With the onset of summer season, the opening hours of Van Vihar have also been extended. Now Van Vihar will be open for tourists from 6 am to 7 pm i.e. for 13 hours. This timing of opening and closing of Van Vihar will remain applicable till 31st July. The opening time... The post Now Van Vihar will remain open from 6 am to 7 pm first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Ratlam Cong strong in Jhabua, BJP lead at other places

Bhopal: If we discuss the Indore-Ujjain division in the context of the election campaign, Congress seems to be giving competition only in Ratlam Jhabua. BJP is leading in all other seven seats. Despite BJP being in a strong position, its style does not feel good. Beyond being complacent, BJP is so active in the field... The post Ratlam Cong strong in Jhabua, BJP lead at other places first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

BHEL Bhopal assembles largest ever Guide Apparatus

For Polavaram Hydroelectric Project Bhopal: BHEL Bhopal has successfully designed, fabricated, machined and assembled its largest ever Guide Apparatus for Polavaram Hydroelectric Project. The Guide Apparatus assembly is a major component of the Hydroelectric Project which serves as water inlet through its 24 guide vanes each weighing 4 MT and is approximately 4 meters in... The post BHEL Bhopal assembles largest ever Guide Apparatus first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

CM slams Sam Pitrodas inheritance tax remarks

Bhopal: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took a dig at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sam Pitroda, characterizing their recent remarks on inheritance tax as unacceptable. Yadav remarked, While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is diligently working to propel the nation forward, the oppositions actions are nothing short of foolishness. PM Modi has effectively exposed the oppositions... The post CM slams Sam Pitrodas inheritance tax remarks first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

PM tears into Congress again on inheritance tax, Muslim quota

BHOPAL/LUCKNOW : Taking his inheritance tax jibe at the Congress to another level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that then PM Rajiv Gandhi had scrapped the tax in 1985 after his mother Indira Gandhis death to save her wealth from going to the government. The PMs attack targeted the opposition party leader Sam Pitrodas inheritance tax remark. At a rally in Madhya Pradeshs Morena on Thursday, the PM said, I want to tell you an interesting fact. When Indira Gandhi passed away, there was a law due to which half a portion of the wealth used to go to the government. There was a talk then that Indiraji willed her wealth in son Rajiv Gandhis name. To save the money from going to the government, then PM Rajiv Gandhi abolished the inheritance tax. He alleged Congress wanted to reinforce that tax more strongly now after its four generations reaped the benefits of the wealth passed on to them. In UPs Agra, the PM accused the Congress and INDIA bloc of systematic and organised plunder, saying that they tended to loot people during their lifetime and even after it (Zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi). Addressing an election rally in Kothi Meena market of the city, Modi took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying, The Shahzadas X-ray machine now seeks to scrutinise the wardrobes of mothers and sisters. He was referring to the Rahuls rhetoric over using an X-ray machine to scrutinise the belongings of ordinary citizens, including their cupboards and lockers. The City of Taj is set to vote along with nine other seats of western UP in phase three of the elections on May 7. The Prime Minister also accused the opposition INDIA bloc of planning to loot peoples virasat (ancestral property). Congress looking at taking away 55 per cent of that property, leaving only 45 per cent with you. Will you allow this to happen? he asked the gathering while asserting that the Opposition will have to face Modi before usurping peoples possessions. The PM charged the Congress with hatching a conspiracy to bring in religion-based quota while denying SC/ST and OBC communities their due. He claimed that the OBC community was in the cross-hairs of Congress and the Samajwadi Party. Two princes Without taking names, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that do shehzade (two princes) have come together for politics of appeasement. Can you expect development from the flop pair of Do ladkon ki jodi (a pair of boys)? he asked at a rally in Shahjahanpur.

Not in MP, Mama to get new role in Delhi after polls, Modi tells voters

BHOPAL: Four months after the BJPs longest serving Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was replaced by Dr Mohan Yadav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dropped enough hints about big Delhi plans for the former MP CM. While addressing a poll rally in central MPs Harda district on Wednesday, where he was accompanied on the stage by BJP candidate from Vidisha seat Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the PM recounted his long association with Chouhan. Weve (Modi and Chouhan) been working together since BJP organisation days, when he was the MP CM, I was the Gujarat CM and we worked together. When he was a Lok Sabha member, I was the partys national general secretary. Now I want to take him again with me (to Delhi), said Modi, while dropping enough hints about something big in the making for Chouhan in Delhi after the LS polls. Modis clear-cut indication of something big being in store for Chouhan in Delhi, has triggered a strong buzz among the ruling party circles in MP, about the former MP CM being given some prime assignment in the union cabinet, if the NDA led by Modi returns to power at the centre. The ongoing buzz is also about agriculture or panchayati raj-rural development being among the two key portfolios any of which could be assigned to Chouhan in case of Modi 3.0 regime at the centre. Another section in the party believes that though the prime possibility is of Chouhan getting key portfolio, if Modi returns to power for the third consecutive power, possibility of the ex-MP CM and former state BJP chief even getting a major responsibility in the national BJP organization too cannot be ruled out. Importantly, another senior BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh Narendra Singh Tomar was the agriculture minister in the Modi 2.0 regime for over four years. But after getting elected to the MP Vidhan Sabha in December 2023 and then becoming the State Assembly Speaker in Bhopal, the union agriculture ministry is being headed by ex Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda. With MP being among the leading agrarian states, Chouhan could be a frontrunner for agriculture ministers job, if he wins from Vidisha seat for the sixth time and the Modi regime gets another chance at the centre. Importantly, Chouhan (the longest serving BJP CM anywhere in the country till date) is known to be possessing a pro-farmer image and is popular as farmers son among farmers across the state, despite the killing of five farmers in police firing during chief ministerial tenure in western MPs Mandsaur district during 2017. After being the MP CM for 16 years, Chouhan made way for Yadav as the new MP CM in December 2023. Since then, he has been waiting for some big assignment from the party.

Naveen Patnaiks second seat is for his political heir: Amit Shah to workers

BHUBANESWAR: In a confidence building measure for the BJP leaders and workers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the saffron party is going to form its first government in Odisha and a young dynamic Odia will be the chief minister. Interacting with Assembly and Lok Sabha candidates of 13 parliamentary constituencies, election in charges, state and district functionaries at a convention centre near Cuttack-Puri by-pass road, Shah said he could clearly see that this is a golden time for the BJP to come to power in the state. The BJP had only three per cent vote share in Assam and 1.5 per cent in Tripura. If it could form government in both the states with absolute majority, why not in Odisha where the vote share of the party is in the range of 32 to 38 per cent in Assembly and Lok Sabha respectively, he wondered. In 1990, the BJP was in the same footing as far as the vote percentage in Odisha and Gujarat was concerned. The party is in power in Gujarat for the last 23 years. It was possible due to the sheer determination of party workers, he said. Nothing is impossible if we have a target and determination to win elections. Do not listen what your opponents are saying because their main job is to confuse and deviate you from achieving your goal, he said. Exuding confidence that the party will do exceedingly well both in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, Shah said, Just wait for June 4. I will come to Odisha the day BJP government takes oath. A young, healthy and dynamic Odia leader will be the first chief minister of BJP in the state, he reportedly said. Acknowledging that there is still confusion in the minds of some leaders and workers of the party about the friendly relationship of the BJP with BJD, Shah said nothing is above party interests. That was the exact reason f the leadership bowed before the demands of the party workers who were against the proposed alliance with the regional party. On Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks decision to contest from two Assembly seats, the Chanakya of Indian politics said if BJP workers thought the BJD supremo opted for a second seat with the fear of losing the election, then they are wrong. My reading is that he is going to elect his political heir through back door policy. He will leave one seat for the man of his choice and get him elected to the Assembly to stem any rebellion with the party, he said. Supposed to make a night halt in Bhubaneswar, Shah left for Bhopal after the meeting was over.

Lok Sabha polls phase 2: Will BJP repeat 2019 victory? Focus on Madhya Pradesh's six seats

The phase 2 of Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh is scheduled for Friday across six seats: Tikamgarh (SC), Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, and Hoshangabad.

LS polls: BJP intensifies drive to boost voting, Ag operation cause of dip in first phase polling ? Shah to step up campaign in MP today

Bhopal: BJP has intensified its drive to boost voting in the coming three phases of Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh in the wake of the dip in polling percentage in the maiden round of elections in the state, held on April 19. Senior BJP leaders and cluster in-charges of the party have intensified the drive to mobilize the workers, particularly the booth level cadres, to start door-to-door campaigns to draw the voters to the polling booths on the polling day, sources said on Thursday. The party leaders have been holding workers meets at district, block and panchayat levels to mobilise grass root level workers to intensify the mass contact programme with an objective to increase the polling percentage in the next three phases of elections, a senior BJP functionary said. Sources said that the BJP leaders have been asked to focus on the national issues, instead of local issues, during their mass contact programme. State BJP secretary Rajneesh Agrawal however claimed that the decrease in voting in the first phase of elections in Madhya Pradesh has not impacted the BJPs vote share. He cited the increase in voting percentage in the first phase polling in the neighbouring BJP- ruled states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to drive his point home. Even the polling percentage in Bastar (ST) seat, the lone Lok Sabha constituency that went to polls in the first phase polling in Chhattisgarh, has also not witnessed a dip in voting, he said. The Congress was missing in many places and even there were no polling agents of Congress in many booths in the first phase of elections in Madhya Pradesh. The dip in voting in the first phase polling was due to decrease in vote share of Congress, Mr Agrawal claimed. Six LS seats went to polls in the first phase polling in Madhya Pradesh on April 19. My study on the matter has led to disclosure that the Jewar festival which begins on the first day of the Navratri in some tribal belts of Madhya Pradesh marking the sowing season and continues for nine days had contributed to the dip in polling in these areas. Besides, the summer heat as well as the complacency in the BJP cadres induced by the partys 400 (seats) plus slogan has also contributed to it, the BJP functionary told this newspaper, unwilling to be quoted. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP has intensified the mass contact programme to further increase polling in the next two phases of elections in the state. Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive here late on Thursday night. He is scheduled to address two public meetings in the state on Friday.

Man killed in blast in scrapyard in Jabalpur, bombshells recovered: Police

Jabalpur district collector Deepak Kumar Saxena said that a major explosion had occurred in the warehouse which blew which blew its roof and also damaged the walls of the nearby houses

Conservative MP Pragya Thakur, accused in the Malegaon blast case, finally appears before court to record statement

Conservative MP Pragya Thakur, accused in the Malegaon blast case, finally appears before court to record statement BJP's Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur, who is an accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, on Thursday finally appeared before a special court here to record her final statement in connection with the case. On several occasions in the past, Thakur had failed to appear before the court on the grounds of medical illness. This prompted the special court to issue a warning, saying if Thakur fails to appear before it on April 25, then she would face action. On Thursday, Thakur appeared before the special court hearing cases probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but claimed she was still unwell. Thakur submitted to the court her statement in a question-answer format. She also filed an application seeking permission to put her thumb impression on the statement as she was unable to sign the paper due to sudden loss of strength in her palms. The court permitted the same. Thakur, along with six others, is facing trial in the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, Indian Arms Act, and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court is currently recording the statements of the accused under Section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). These are final statements of the accused before final arguments are made and the case is closed for judgment. Special court judge A K Lahoti posted the matter for further recording of the statement on Friday. Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from Mumbai in Nashik district of north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The case was initially probed by Maharashtra's Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being transferred to National Investigation Agency (NIA). Last month, after she failed to appear before it, the special court had issued a bailable warrant against Thakur. She later personally appeared before the court, following which the warrant was cancelled. The court in the past had warned Thakur of action when she failed to appear before it to record her statement.

CM Yadav-led MP Govt will run with full speed after LS polls: PM Modi

CM Yadav-led MP Govt will run with full speed after LS polls: PM Modi Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh Government will speed up its development work once the Lok Sabha elections are over. Addressing a public rally in Morena Lok Sabha constituency in [] The post CM Yadav-led MP Govt will run with full speed after LS polls: PM Modi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .