Madhya Pradesh: Bus carrying EVMs, polling officials catches fire in Betul, damage reported

Madhya Pradesh: Bus carrying EVMs, polling officials catches fire in Betul, damage reported A bus carrying polling officials and electronic voting machines (EVM) caught fire in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district while returning from Goula village on Tuesday night, causing damage to a few EVMs, according to a senior police official. The incident took place near Goula village in Multai tehsil of Betul district and a case was registered into the matter, he added. Sharing details, Betul SP Nischal Jharia said the fire broke out due to a mechanical fault but no one suffered any injuries in the incident. There were 36 people on the bus. The polling personnel left with EVMs of six polling booths...The fire broke out due to a mechanical fault. Two EVMs are undamaged while four others suffered a little damage to their parts. There were 36 people on the bus. They jumped out of the bus by somehow breaking the glass on the windows of the bus as its doors got jammed. They did not suffer injuries...They were sent ahead on another bus...A case has been registered in this regard, Betul SP Nischal Jharia told ANI. Meanwhile, Betul Collector DM Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi said the report has been sent to the Election Commission of India (ECI). We have sent a report to the Election Commission. We will take the next steps after instructions come from there...All the polling personnel are safe. They deposited their polling material here...Prima facie, as per the eyewitnesses, it was a mechanical fault, Betul Collector DM Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi said. During the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, nine seats in Madhya Pradesh including Betul, Guna, Morena, Bhind, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Gwalior, and Bhopal, cast ballots in the state with an approximate voting turnout percentage of 66.05 per cent. The prominent candidates who were in the fray from Madhya Pradesh were former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Digvijaya Singh, the BJP candidate from Vidisha, Union Minister and BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia from Guna, the Congress candidate from Rajgarh, and former Bhopal mayor Alok Sharma, BJP's candidate from Bhopal. (ANI)

3 accused acquitted in MPs honey trap case

Bhopal: Bhopal courts verdict has come in the much talked about honey trap case of Madhya Pradesh. This honey trap case had created a stir in the politics of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal court has given its verdict in the human trafficking case related to the much talked about honey trap. Special public prosecutor Sudhavijay Singh... The post 3 accused acquitted in MPs honey trap case first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Voter clinches diamond ring in polling booth lucky draw

Bhopal: Diamonds dazzle in Bhopal as the Election Commission introduces innovative incentives to boost voter turnout after lackluster participation in Madhya Pradeshs initial election phases. Among these initiatives are captivating lucky draws held within Bhopals polling precincts. At polling stations citywide, EC teams have erected lucky draw kiosks, inviting voters to jot down their names... The post Voter clinches diamond ring in polling booth lucky draw first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Chalo booth ki ore campaign for the fourth phase begins

Bhopal: Chalo booth ki ore campaign has started from Tuesday 7th May in all the polling stations of the Lok Sabha parliamentary constituencies where voting will take place in the fourth phase. The Chalo Booth Ki Ore campaign will be monitored on a large scale. The activities taking place during this campaign will be spot... The post Chalo booth ki ore campaign for the fourth phase begins first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Combing operations underway to rescue tiger cubs

Bhopal: In an attempt to locate and rescue the two orphaned tiger cubs following the recent death of their mother in a fight with a tiger, about 300 forest personnel conducted a thorough combing operation in the Ratapani jungle on Monday evening. Supervised closely by senior forest officers, the operation aimed to find the cubs,... The post Combing operations underway to rescue tiger cubs first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

State swelters under intense heat on polling day

Bhopal: The state of Madhya Pradesh sweltered under intense heat during the polling day, with daytime temperatures ranging between 40 to 43 degrees Celsius. Cities such as Bhopal, Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Rajgarh, Guna, Betul, Vidisha, and Sagar bore the brunt of scorching heat waves. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported clear weather in the northwestern... The post State swelters under intense heat on polling day first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

LS polls: MP, Chhattisgarh record lower turnout than 2019

Bhopal: The third phase polling in Madhya Pradesh in which nine Lok Sabha constituencies went to elections on Tuesday recorded lower voting percentage as compared to the average polling in these seats in the 2019 polls. According to the data available with the chief electoral officers office here, the third phase polling in Madhya Pradesh has recorded polling of 66.12 percent by six pm as compared to the average polling percentage of 71.16 percent recorded in these seats in the last polls. However, the polling percentage recorded in the third phase of LS elections in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a sharp rise over that of the second phase polling in the state. In the second phase polling in which six LS constituencies went to polls on April 26 has recorded a voting percentage of 58.35. The remaining eight LS seats in Madhya Pradesh will go to polls in the fourth and final phase polling on May 13. In the 2019 LS polls, BJP had won 28 out of 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, leaving Congress to bag the lone LS seat of Chhindwara. The third and final phase polling in Chhattisgarh in which seven LS seats went to polls on Tuesday recorded 67.07 percent polling by six pm as compared to the average polling of 71.14 percent in these seats in the 2019 polls. In the 2019 LS polls in Chhattisgarh, BJP had won nine out of 11 seats, while Congress secured the remaining two seats.

Lucky Bhopal voters take home diamond rings

Polling booth in Char Imli locality, where senior bureaucrats and ministers reside, has traditionally been a VIP polling booth in Bhopal. This time it was no different and the distinction where the crme de la crme vote was evident from the gifts offered to voters in lucky draw to boost voter turnout by the district administration. Balloons were put at different points outside the Char Imli booth to make the voting day look like a festival of democracy, a tent was also put up outside the booth to allow voters wait for their turn.

Modi Urges Voters to Choose Between Vote Jihad and Ram Rajya in Election Rallies

BHOPAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday exhorted people to choose between vote jihad, being promoted by the Congress, and Ram Rajya, being established by the BJP, while exercising their franchise in the ongoing general election. Addressing poll rallies in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Prime Minister said the country now stands at a critical juncture of history and the people have to decide whether they opt for the path of vote jihad (a move to unite Muslims against the BJP) or to establish Ram Rajya (good governance). The Prime Minister said, As long as I am alive, I will not allow any attempt to erase Indias identity under the guise of false secularism to succeed. Seeking votes for the BJP, he said, Modi needs 400 seats to counter every design by the Congress and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and to ensure that the Congress does not restore Article 370 in Kashmir and that the Congress does not take the initiative of overturning the Ram Mandir verdict. Terrorists in Pakistan are threatening jihad against India, while some Congress leaders are calling for a vote jihad against him (Modi), calling upon the people of a particular religion to unite and vote against Modi, the Prime Minister said while speaking at Khargone and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh. He said the term love jihad was not acceptable in a democracy and added that the Indian Constitution also did not allow such kind of jihad. Frustration and desperation have pushed the Congress to stoop to such a low. The intentions of the Congress are alarming and its conspiracies are very dangerous, he said. He was referring to an election speech by Maria Alam, a Samajwadi Party leader and niece of senior Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khushid. She had said, Together do vote jihad -- with intelligence, without being sentimental and with silence. As we can only do vote jihad to drive away this Sanghi government. Both Khurshid and his niece have been booked by the Uttar Pradesh police for the remark. Training his guns at the Congress, Modi said that many senior Congress leaders having association with the party for over three-four decades are now resigning, saying enough is enough. One of the woman Congress leaders (Radhika Khera) who resigned from the party has narrated how she was subjected to mistreatment by the party for visiting the Ram temple and another leader said that the Congress was now captured by the Muslim League and Maoists. Another Congress leader has exposed that the Congress shehzada (referring to Rahul Gandhi) intends to overturn the Supreme Courts verdict on the Ram Mandir, similar to how his father, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, had reversed the SCs decision in the Shaho Bano case, Modi said. He also slammed the recent statement by Congress leader and former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi that the terrorist attack on an IAF convoy in Poonch last week was a pre-election stunt by the BJP to justify his love for Pakistan jibe at the Congress. Launching a tirade against the Congress and I.N.D.I.A. bloc for their dangerous agenda of appeasement politics, Modi addressing rallies in Ahmednagar and Beed in Maharashtra, claimed that no trick of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is working in front of the people. Modi said now the Congress B-team from across the border has been activated to boost the morale of the grand old party. He also said that June 4 is the expiry date of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Addressing rallies for BJP and Shiv Sena candidates in Ahmednagar and Beed, Modi said, The expiry date of the I.N.D.I.A bloc is June 4 (when the results of the Lok Sabha election will be declared). After that day, there will be no one to raise the flag of the I.N.D.I.A bloc. This election is being held to choose between those who fulfill peoples desires and those who indulge in appeasement. The Prime Minister also alleged that the Congress wants to give reservation to Muslims on the basis of their religion from the quota reserved for STs, SCs and OBCs. Now, I.N.D.I.A bloc says that they will snatch away reservation from SC/ST/OBC and give it to Muslims. They want to give reservation based on religion, which was not allowed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he said.

Madhya Pradesh sees 66% polling in third phase; voter turnout nears 2019 levels in high-profile seats

BHOPAL:Three prominent electoral districts, where high profile political figures were competing, recorded the highest voter turnout, with approximately 66% of the electorate casting their votes across nine constituencies in Madhya Pradesh during the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday. After the total voter turnout stayed much below the 2019 polls figures in the first two phases, in a pleasant change, the voting percentage in the third phase (till the time of filling this news report) stood at around 66%. It was close to the 66.63% voter turnout reported on the same nine seats in the 2019 elections. Importantly in the first two phases, the voter turnout was eight percent and nine percent less compared to the corresponding figures of the 2019 elections. The Rajgarh seat of central MP from where former CM Digvijaya Singh was contesting as Congress candidate after 33 years reported maximum 75%, followed by 74% in Vidisha where another ex-MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the BJP candidate. In Guna, the seat of Gwalior-Chambal region, where union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia was the BJP candidate, reported 72% voting, while Betul-ST seat reported 73% polling. The two major cities, including state capital Bhopal and Gwalior reported 64% and 62% polling respectively, while the lowest 55% polling was reported in the Bhind-SC seat and 58% in Morena which have historically been infamous for lower voter turnout. While no major incident was reported from anywhere across the 19 districts, where the polls happened on the nine seats, two groups clashed in Bhind district, where police used mild force later to disperse them. There was an early morning incident of a youth on way for voting, getting injured after being shot at in Bhind district, but later it turned out to be the fallout of a non-poll related dispute between two families belonging to the same Khatik (SC) caste. Also, in pursuance of a past practice dating back to 1996 elections, all three main candidates, including the BJP, Congress and BSP nominees stood at the district police lines for ensuring free and fair polls in the highly sensitive Morena seat.

MP: 62 pc turnout in LS phase 3

Bhopal, May 7 (UNI) Over 62 percent of the voters exercised their democratic rights across nine parliamentary constituencies of Madhya Pradesh which went to the hustings on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission officials, voting was peaceful for the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls held during the day in the state. Around 62.28... The post MP: 62 pc turnout in LS phase 3 first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Digvijaya Singh alleges foul play in Bhopal, says '11 votes cast, but EVM showing 50'

Divyanka flies to hometown Bhopal, casts vote with `sehat ka rakhwala` hubby

Actress Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya on Tuesday took a flight to her hometown Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, saying she is `off to vote`

High Voter Turnout: 62.28% Recorded in Nine Lok Sabha Seats of Madhya Pradesh Till 5 PM

High Voter Turnout: 62.28% Recorded in Nine Lok Sabha Seats of Madhya Pradesh Till 5 PM At least 62.28 per cent of voters exercised their franchise till 5 pm in nine Lok Sabha seats of Madhya Pradesh in the third phase of the general elections on Tuesday, a poll official said. Of the nine Lok Sabha seats, Rajgarh recorded the highest 72.08 per cent turnout, followed by Vidisha with 69.2 per cent, Guna with 68.93 per cent, Betul with 67.97 per cent, Sagar with 61.7 per cent, Bhopal with 58.42 per cent, Gwalior with 57.86 per cent, Morena with 55.25 per cent and Bhind with 50.96 per cent, till 5 pm, the official said. Former chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Digvijaya Singh and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president V D Sharma were among the early voters. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who are contesting the polls from Rajgarh and Guna, respectively, will not be able to vote for themselves as the former is a registered voter of Bhopal, and the latter is registered to vote from Gwalior, party sources said. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP candidate from Vidisha seat, exercised franchise with his wife, Sadhna Singh, and two sons at a polling booth in his native village, Jait, in Sehore district. Polling began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm across 20,456 polling stations, including 1,043 managed by women personnel and 75 by Divyang employees, an election official said. To ensure smooth polling, the administration made the local candidates sit in the police control room in Morena in the Gwalior-Chambal region, which is considered a sensitive area. The police made BJP candidate Shivmangal Singh Tomar, BSP's Ramesh Chandra Garg and Congress candidate Satyapal Sikarwar sit in the police control room, Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh Chouhan said. The candidates came to the police control room with their consent and sat together, as it has happened here in the past, he said. A total of 1.77 crore voters will decide the fate of 127 candidates who are contesting from Morena, Bhind (SC-reserved), Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul (ST-reserved) seats spread across 19 districts of the state. Polling in Betul (ST) constituency was initially scheduled to be held in the second phase on April 26 but was deferred due to the death of a candidate. In all, 127 candidates, including nine women, are in the fray in the third phase of the elections. Bhopal has the highest number of 22 candidates, while Bhind has the lowest at 7. Voters include 92.68 lakh men, 84.83 lakh women, and 491 members of the third gender, while 1.66 lakh voters are 'divyangjan' (people with disabilities), 88,106 are above the age of 85, and 1,804 are 100 plus years old, the poll official said. As many as 5.25 lakh voters are in the age group of 18-19 years. Of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh, polling for 12 seats took place in the first two phases on April 19 and 26. The remaining eight seats will go to polls in the fourth phase on May 13.

People have to decide if vote jihad will work or Ram Rajya, says PM Modi in MP

PM Modi asked at the election rally in Khargone if they were fine with vote jihad. Can such a thing prevail in a democracy? Does the Indian Constitution allow such jihad?

Sprinting through struggles

HYDERABAD: Telangana is steadily emerging as a hub for sports achievers, with several enthusiastic youngsters silently making their mark without much fanfare. One such athlete is Vinod Kumar Banoth from Hanamkonda, Warangal. He recently clinched a gold medal in the 800m race at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024 in Chennai. Reflecting on his journey, Vinod shared, I began my athletic career in 2018 during my eighth class. Initially a volleyball player since the sixth grade, I had even participated in nationals. Given my humble background my father a farmer and mother an Anganwadi worker financially supporting my sporting endeavours was challenging. While studying at a government residential school, I commenced my training there. Learning the ropes of serious running from YouTube tutorials, I eventually found opportunities to refine my skills at summer camps held by the residential society in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. In 2018, I secured a silver medal in the 600m race at the national inter-district junior athletics meet in Tirupati with a timing of 1.30 seconds. Then, the pandemic hit in 2020, derailing Vinods athletic aspirations. However, an unexpected turn of events revived his hopes. A kind soul named Jyothi sponsored my education and stay in Hyderabad, where I resumed training for the 800 metres under the guidance of my coach Srinivas sir. I participated in the national junior and youth athletics championships, securing fourth place. It was during the Khelo India Youth Games in 2023 in Bhopal that I witnessed significant improvement in my timings. This year, clinching the gold medal was truly fulfilling, Vinod recounted. Currently, at the Khelo India Youth Centre in Bhopal, Vinod is gearing up for the Under-20 World Championship 2024 and has his sights set on competing in the Asian Games in 2026 and even the Olympics in 2028. When it comes to support and resources, theres a notable disparity compared to states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Kerala. Financial backing is crucial for athletes; a pair of shoes alone can cost between `15,000 to `20,000. If underprivileged sports enthusiasts receive adequate support, including essential supplements, our nation can excel in national and international competitions, including the Olympics. Unfortunately, Telangana lacks a robust athletics academy. While there are talented coaches, they often lack opportunities to showcase their expertise, Vinod remarked. While Vinod had to face some serious struggles chasing his dreams, Nishka Agarwal, who was the champion of this years Khelo Indian Youth Games in Chennai, Junior National Artistic Gymnastics held in Odisha and the International Pharaohs Cup for Artistic Gymnastics held in Cairo, Egypt in 2023. I started training when I was seven years old, she told CE. It wasnt for any specific reason in the beginning, but to get an experience. I got support and training from my school The Guadium. I just finished my 10th grade. I met my coach, Manoj Rana through Aruna Reddy, the first world medallist in gymnastics from Telangana. I train for two hours in the morning, and three in the evening, including my school in the afternoon. I stepped into the senior category this year and due to some technical issue, I couldnt give the trial for the Asian Championship happening this month despite preparing for it, she said. Vouching for girls in sports, Agarwal said, Sports have always been my passion and it is equally important as academics. Physically, it helps you throughout your life. The main thing is that people, first of all, should be aware of sports for taking up sports. There are a few opportunities that Khelo India provides to athletes with specific results. The government gives you money for pursuing it further. Another trailblazer from Kamareddy district, Mothe Rithika has garnered the support of none other than PT Usha. Currently undergoing her fitness training at the Usha School of Athletics in Kozhikode, 12-year-old Rithika has even run alongside 16-year-olds and left them behind, according to her father, Chinna Swamy Goud. She is a champion with many state and national level medals in Kungfu and Karate and a state medalist in 100m, 200m, 300m and 600m athletics tournaments. She recently secured a gold in the triathlon. Despite facing financial struggles and sports politics, this girl from a rural area has made us proud by pursuing Martial Arts as well as athletics. Not only that, shes good at studies as well. I support her unconditionally in her journey in sports, he said. Himself a district-level gold medalist in athletics, he has decided to support her daughters dreams despite facing financial struggles. She started practising at the age of six. When she was eight, she won over 16-year-old athletes, which boosted her confidence. I tried my best to provide her with the best opportunities out there. With some research, I found out about Usha madams school. She competed for entrance into that school and emerged as one among the lucky nine girls from across the country to be selected for training. Madam Usha has supported her a lot and assured us of her future achievements, he concluded.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Madhya Pradesh records 14.43 % voter turnout in initial trend till 9 am

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Madhya Pradesh records 14.43 % voter turnout in initial trend till 9 am Madhya Pradesh recorded per cent voting in the initial voter turnout trend till 9 am in the third phase of polling for nine parliamentary seats in the state, according to the data released by the Election Commission of India. Nine parliamentary seats- Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul- are undergoing polling in the third phase of LS polls on May 7 from 7 am in the state. Of these, Rajgarh is leading the voter turnout charts with 16.57 per cent voting followed by Guna 16.43 per cent, Betul 15.97 per cent, Vidisha 15.85 per cent, Sagar 14.58 per cent, Bhopal 13.61 per cent, Gwalior 12.75 per cent, Morena 12.43 per cent and Bhind 12.23 per cent till 9 am so far in the state. Earlier in the second phase of voting on April 26, the state recorded 13.82 percent voting till 9 am and the final voter turnout stood at 58.59 per cent in the second phase of polling in the state. Meanwhile, women in Vidisha parliamentary constituency were seen arriving in large numbers to vote along with singing folk songs in the festival of democracy. MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav appealed to the public to exercise their franchise in the third phase of polling saying voting is our constitutional right. CM Yadav told ANI, Today, there is polling for nine Lok Sabha seats going on in the state and I appeal to all voters to cast their vote in large numbers. Voting is our constitutional right and it strengthens democracy. Madhya Pradesh is a land of peace. All arrangements are in place, voting is going on peacefully. 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 fourth, which is the last phase of LS polls in the state, will be held on May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. 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)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP Khajuraho candidate VD Sharma casts vote in Bhopal

Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP Khajuraho candidate VD Sharma casts vote in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh BJP President and candidate from Khajuraho constituency VD Sharma on Tuesday cast his vote at a polling booth in Bhopal. Speaking to ANI Sharma said, It is the third phase of polling today. I have utilized my right to vote and I appeal to all voters to encourage people to vote in large numbers...Every vote counts in this festival of democracy. Every vote will help in realizing the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India). Exuding confidence in winning the Chhindwara seat, the BJP candidate further said, Today, voting is underway on nine seats in Madhya Pradesh and BJP will win all 29 seats. This time, we will win Chhindwara as well. The polling in Madhya Pradesh started for nine parliamentary seats in the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on Tuesday at 7 am and a total of 127 candidates, including nine women candidates are in the fray in this phase. Nine parliamentary seats in the state - Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul- will go to the polls in the third phase of LS polls on May 7 from 7 am to 6 pm. A total of 72 assembly constituencies and 19 districts are included in these nine Lok Sabha seats which will undergo polling. The third phase of polling is underway and the fourth which is the last phase of LS polls in the state will be held on May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won 28 and the Congress party managed to win only one Chhindwara seat in the state. Chhindwara is a hot seat in the state and Congress had held the seat for over 70 years barring a short period between 1997 and 1998. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP won 27 seats out of 29 parliamentary seats while the Congress party bagged only two seats, Guna and Chhindwara. 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)

Will remove SC-mandated 50% cap on reservation, says Rahul

BHOPAL : Asserting that saving the Constitution and protecting the rights of the poor were the prime issues in the Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday reiterated his promise to remove the Supreme Court-mandated 50% cap on caste-based reservation and increase the quota benefits if the INDIA bloc comes to power. Addressing two poll rallies in support of three Lok Sabha candidates in MPs tribal-dominated Malwa-Nimar region, Gandhi said, Narendra Modi and his party leaders want to snatch away the reservation benefits. But we promise to increase quota beyond the 50% limit for Dalits, tribals, backward classes and the poor on coming to power at the Centre. Well get the Supreme Court-mandated 50% cap on reservation removed. Gandhi raised the July 2023 issue of a viral video which showed an alleged BJP man peeing on a poor tribal man in MPs Sidhi district. When Modiji comes here tomorrow, ask him why his men urinate on tribals, and why they want to abolish the Constitution and end the reservation benefits. Referring to the BJPs poll slogan Abki Baar 400 paar, the Congress leader claimed, Forget 400, they are not even getting 150 seats. He also listed the promises made in the Congresss poll manifest , including guaranteed MSP to farmers, waiving off farmers loans, Rs 1 lakh annually in the bank accounts of one woman of every poor family, guaranteed apprenticeship training to every graduate for one year fetching Rs 1 lakh, and doubling the payment of anganwadi and ASHA workers. While maintaining the LS polls are being fought to save the Constitution, Gandhi said, BJP and RSS want to finish this, change this. And the Congress and INDIA bloc are trying to save this. This Constitution has given you rights on jal (water), jangal (forest), zameen (land). Narendra Modi wants to remove them, he wants full power, he said, holding a copy of the Constitution. Eight seats in western and south-western MP go to polls in the fourth phase on May 13, which is the last phase in the state. The BJP won the eight seats in 2014 and 2019. Gandhi addressed the twin Nyaya Sankalp Sabhas in Alirajpur and Khargone districts in support of three candidates Porlal Kharte (Khargone-ST), Narendra Patel (Khandwa) and former union minister Kantilal Bhuria (Ratlam-ST). Forget 400, BJP wont get 150 seats Referring to the BJPs poll slogan Abki Baar 400 paar, Rahul Gandhi said, Forget 400, they are not even getting 150 seats. He also listed the promises made in the Congresss poll manifesto, including guaranteed MSP to farmers, waiving off farmers loans, Rs 1 lakh annually in the bank accounts of one woman of every poor family, guaranteed apprenticeship training to every graduate for one year fetching Rs lakh, and doubling the payment of anganwadi workers.

LS polls: Voting for third phase begins in MP

LS polls: Voting for third phase begins in MP Bhopal: Polling across nine parliamentary constituencies in Madhya Pradesh began on Tuesday morning in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Long queues of voters were seen at polling booths in the morning as many of them wanted to exercise their franchise before the [] The post LS polls: Voting for third phase begins in MP appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Businesses in MP offer discounts, incentives

BHOPAL : With the voter turnout declining in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls compared to the 2019 elections, not only the Election Commission of India (ECI) but also various sections of society are working to increase voting in the remaining two phases May 7 and May 13 in Madhya Pradesh. Spanning from business and trading bodies to a prominent commuting app and medical associations, concessions and incentives are being announced across the remaining 17 constituencies to boost polling in the central Indian state. In Bhopal, which goes to polls on Tuesday, many prominent markets have announced discussions and concessions to customers who come for shopping after exercising their franchise. The traders body at New Market one of the oldest markets in the state capital has declared that the market will open after 2 pm on Tuesday to ensure that all the traders and their employees vote with their families. Further, the markets management body has announced discounts and concessions to customers who vote in Tuesdays polls. In MP Nagar, another key commercial area of MP capital, similar announcements have been made, while the Bhopal Sweets and Namkeen Association too have made similar declarations to boost the poll percentage. The Rapido App, a prominent commute app, has announced free rides on priority to voters in the city. The Karond agricultural Mandi in the city has declared a closure on Monday-Tuesday to ensure that farmers can vote without any hassles. Those farmers who vote in the polls will be honoured by the Mandi management later. In Bhind district, which forms part of the Bhind-Datia constituency (also voting on Tuesday), the organizers of an ongoing mega fair have announced mega discounts for customers coming to the fair after voting. The Bhind-Datia seat had reported minimum polling among all the 29 seats of MP in 2014 and 2019 with 45.63% and 54.42% polling, respectively. In Morena district, which too will vote in the third phase on Tuesday, the famous Mungaude (snacks) sellers have announced discounts. In the same district, the local Indian Medical Association (IMA) chapters member doctors have decided free treatment for all those who vote in the festival of democracy on Tuesday. Among the constituencies of western and south-western MP, similar incentives have been announced by trader bodies in many districts.

Lucky draw for MP voters, but first the mark: Election officials rope in traders associations to help boost turnout

Madhya Pradesh's election officials have partnered with civil society and trade associations to increase voter turnout. District electoral officers have held lucky draws for products such as t-shirts, caps, and pens to make the election process more interesting. In Bhopal, diamond rings are being drawn, while in Ratlam, jewelry associations are offering discounts.

MP: In Indore LS Constituency, NOTA Hijacks Campaigns of BJP, Congress

Bhopal: Indore in Madhya Pradesh is perhaps the only Lok Sabha constituency in the country where NOTA (None of the Above) has become the key theme of campaigning of the rival parties, BJP and Congress, for the May 13 polls. The NOTA option has suddenly come into prominence after Indore Congress candidate Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination at the last moment, denying the grand old party to field an alternative nominee in the seat. Mr Bam later quit Congress and joined BJP. The state Congress president Jitu Patwari has accused BJP of resorting to coercive measures to make Mr Bam withdraw his nomination. However, Mr Bam later blamed Mr Patwari for taking the unpleasant decision, saying that he was asked to spend money in the elections which was beyond his means. Besides Mr Bam, ten independent candidates also withdrew their nominations, leaving BJP nominee Shankar Lalwani, the incumbent MP, along with 13 other independent candidates to remain in the contest in the seat. The development has raised the prospect of the BJP candidate Mr Lalwani getting a walkover in the polls, leaving Congress red faced. The Congress has explored the option of extending support to one of the 13 independent candidates who are in the fray in the seat to take on BJP. But, the party later dropped the idea after sensing that it will be a futile exercise and hence, decided to launch a campaign appealing the voters to opt for NOTA to ensure that the option gets the highest number of votes among the candidates. We have decided not to extend our support to any of the independent candidates who are in the fray in the seat and instead, campaign for NOTA to morally defeat the BJP candidate in Indore, K K Mishra, media advisor to Mr Patwari told this newspaper on Monday. According to him, the Congress along with its INDIA bloc alliance partners has launched a door-to-door campaign in the constituency appealing to the people to press the NOTA button in protest against the machination by BJP to make Mr Bam withdraw his nomination. The BJP on the other hand has launched a special mass contact drive to appeal to the people to vote for Mr Lalwani and not waste their votes by pressing the NOTA button. Senior BJP leaders met in Indore late on Sunday night to chalk out a strategy to counter the vote for NOTA campaign by Congress by ensuring BJP candidates victory with a record margin of votes, a senior BJP functionary said. The meeting was attended by former Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan, deputy chief minister Jagdish Dewda, and the BJP MLAs of Indore district. BJP has launched a special drive across the state including Indore to increase polling percentage in the LS elections, state BJP secretary Rajneesh Agrawal said.

Rahul Gandhi Vows MGNREGA Wage Hike to Rs 400

Bhopal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday pledged to hike the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) wage to Rs 400 if his party formed government at the Centre. Addressing a poll rally in Alirajpur under Ratlam (ST) Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Gandhi said that a hike of Rs 150 will be made in the MGNREGA wage if Congress is voted to power in the general elections. Mr Gandhi reiterated that if his party comes to power at the Centre, then a caste and economic survey will be conducted in the country to ensure proportionate reservation to different categories of weaker sections of people and redistribution of wealth among them as per their populations. The Congress leader said that the 50 percent cap on the reservation will be removed for the purpose. Mr Gandhi said that Congress will waive crop loans of the farmers in the country if the party gets mandate to form government at the Centre. He also highlighted Congress new employment scheme, pledged in the partys manifesto, to ensure jobs for one year to the unemployed youths in the country. Mr Gandhi warned of an agenda by the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to change the Constitution to remove reservation if Mr Narendra Modi gets third term as PM and said that the general elections are fought to save the Constitution and reservation and the jal, jungle, jameen (water, forest and land) of tribal people. Mr Gandhi said that BJP claimed to secure more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, but it would not cross even 150-mark. He said that if BJP returns to power, then the country will be ruled by hardly 22-25 wealthy people. Mr Gandhi later addressed another poll rally in Seagaon under Khargone (ST) Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh. Ratlam and Khargone are going to polls in the fourth and final phase polling in Madhya Pradesh along with seven other seats on May 13.

Reservation quota will increase beyond 50 pc if Cong forms govt: Rahul Gandhi in MP

Reservation quota will increase beyond 50 pc if Cong forms govt: Rahul Gandhi in MP Bhopal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that his party will increase the reservation quota beyond 50 per cent if the party returns to power. He claimed the Congress is fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections to protect [] The post Reservation quota will increase beyond 50 pc if Cong forms govt: Rahul Gandhi in MP appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Reservation quota will increase beyond 50% if voted to power: Rahul

Bhopal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, May 6, said that his party will increase the reservation quota beyond 50 per cent if the party returns to power. He claimed the Congress is fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections to protect the rights of the citizens and reservation for ST/SC and OBC people in the 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 .

MP Bypolls: Third phase to seal fate of Shivraj, Scindia, Digvijaya

MP Bypolls: Third phase to seal fate of Shivraj, Scindia, Digvijaya Voting for the third phase of Lok Sabha polls will be held on Tuesday for nine seats in Madhya Pradesh where Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and former state chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh are in the fray. More than 1.77 crore voters will decide the fate of 127 candidates who are contesting from Morena, Bhind (SC-reserved), Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul (ST-reserved). Voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm across 20,456 polling stations, including 1,043 to be entirely managed by women, an official said. ''All necessary measures have been taken and adequate security arrangements are made to conduct free and fair elections in these constituencies,'' Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Madhya Pradesh, Anupam Rajan, told reporters on Monday. Geographically, these nine Lok Sabha constituencies are spread across 19 districts. Rajan said polling in the Betul (ST) constituency was initially scheduled to be held in the second phase on April 26, but it was deferred to the third phase due to the death of a candidate. ''127 candidates, including nine women, are in the fray for the third phase. At 22, Bhopal has the highest number of candidates, while Bhind has the lowest at 7,'' he said. The 1.77 crore eligible voters include 92.68 lakh men, 84.83 lakh women, and 491 members of the third gender, he said. ''1.66 lakh electors are 'divyangjan' (people with disabilities), 88,106 are above 85, and 1,804 others have crossed the age of 100 years,'' the chief electoral officer said, adding that 5.25 lakh electors are in the age group of 18-19 years. He said 36,778 service voters include personnel of various security forces and the Army. A total of 20,456 booths have been set up in nine constituencies and 2,043 of them will be managed by women employees and 75 by Divyang employees, he said. ''5,744 booths fall under the critical category and arrangements for additional security and webcasting have been made at these centres. Micro observers are also appointed at these critical booths,'' Rajan said. He said almost all the licensed arms have been deposited (by people). A total of 25,108 ballot units, 20,456 control units and an equal number of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be used for polling on Tuesday, Rajan added. All the arrangements, including wheelchairs, and shed for voters, have been made. Meanwhile, 4,619 voters out of 11,747 electors in the 85-plus age group category have used the home voting facility for the third phase, besides 547 persons involved in essential services, including journalists, the chief electoral officer said. The total value of the seizure made at various checkposts after the announcement of the elections stands at around Rs 280 crore, which includes cash, drugs, valuable metals, and liquor. Rajan further said the Election Commission of India will monitor 80 per cent of the booths through webcasting. ''The number of booths to be monitored through webcasting has increased this time. Most of them are located in the Gwalior-Chambal region, especially in Bhind and Morena LS seats,'' he added. Rajan also said a total of 1,433 FIRs have been registered in Madhya Pradesh for the poll code violation. The third phase contest will decide the political future of three bigwigs- Chouhan, Scindia, and Singh among others. At stake is the political future of BJP leader and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, seeking to reclaim the home turf Guna which he lost in 2019 when he was in Congress. BJP veteran and former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is contesting from Vidisha constituency, a saffron fortress which he had represented five times in Lok Sabha in the past, after almost 17 years, facing Congress candidate Pratap Bhanu Sharma. In Rajgarh, Congress veteran and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, 77, seeks to reclaim the lost legacy, marking his return to the Lok Sabha electoral contest after more than 30 years. His challenger is two-time BJP MP Rodmal Nagar. Digvijaya Singh won from Rajgarh in 1984 and 1991 but lost in 1989. He became the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in 1993. The BJP is hoping for a clean sweep in Madhya Pradesh, which sends 29 members to Lok Sabha. In 2019, the BJP failed to win the Chhindwara constituency, the only saving grace for the Congress which managed to retain it on the charisma of party veteran Kamal Nath. His son Nakul Nath won the seat last time. In high-stake Guna, where votes of the Yadav community can tilt the scales, Scindia is facing Yadvendra Singh Yadav of Congress. In 2019, Scindia, who was then the Congress candidate, lost the Scindia family bastion to BJP's KP Yadav. Chouhan looks comfortably placed in Vidisha but the contest in Rajgarh may be a close one. Of the total 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, polling for 12 seats concluded in two phases on April 19 and 26. The remaining eight seats will go to polls in the fourth phase on May 13.

Polls for 9 Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Seats on May 7; Top Candidates Include Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Digvijaya Singh

Polls for 9 Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Seats on May 7; Top Candidates Include Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Digvijaya Singh Voting for the third phase of Lok Sabha polls will be held on Tuesday for nine seats in Madhya Pradesh where Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and former state chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh are in the fray. More than 1.77 crore voters will decide the fate of 127 candidates who are contesting from the nine Lok Sabha seats - Morena, Bhind (SC-reserved), Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul (ST-reserved). Voting for the third phase will be held from 7 am to 6 pm across 20,456 polling stations, including 1,043 to be entirely managed by women, an official said. There are 1,77,52,583 eligible voters, including 92,68,987 men, 84,83,105 women and 491 transgender persons, as per official data. At stake is the political future of BJP leader and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, seeking to reclaim the home turf Guna which he lost in 2019 when he was in the Congress. BJP veteran and former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan is contesting from Vidisha constituency, a saffron fortress which he had represented multiple times in Lok Sabha in the past, after almost 17 years. He is pitted against Congress candidate Pratap Bhanu Sharma. In Rajgarh, Congress veteran and former CM Digvijaya Singh (77) seeks to reclaim the lost legacy, marking his return to the Lok Sabha electoral contest after more than 30 years. His challenger is two-time BJP MP Rodmal Nagar. The BJP is hoping for a clean sweep in Madhya Pradesh, which sends 29 members to the Lok Sabha. In 2019, the BJP failed to win the Chhindwara constituency, the only saving grace for the Congress which managed to retain it on the charisma of party veteran Kamal Nath. His son Nakul Nath won the seat last time. In high-stake Guna, where votes of the Yadav community can tilt scales, Scindia is facing Yadvendra Singh Yadav of the Congress. In 2019, Scindia, who was then the Congress candidate, lost his family bastion to BJP's KP Yadav. The scion of the erstwhile royal family of Gwalior, Scindia quit the Congress in 2020 and joined the BJP. Chouhan looks comfortably placed in Vidisha but the contest in Rajgarh may be a close one. Digvijaya Singh won from Rajgarh in 1984 and 1991 but lost in 1989. He became the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in 1993. Of the total 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, polling for 12 seats concluded in two phases on April 19 and 26. The remaining eight seats will go to polls in the fourth phase on May 13.

Jabalpur: Teenager among 5 children killed in tractor accident

The district administration has announced financial assistance of 50,000 to the family members of the deceased and 10,000 to the injured

Lok Sabha polls: Preparations for third phase

Bhopal: Poll officials collect election material at a distribution centre on the eve of the third phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Bhopal, May 6, 2024. (PTI Photo) Guwahati: Vehicles on election duty halt at a distribution centre on the eve of the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, in Guwahati, Assam, May 6, 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 .

Voters will get buttermilk, sherbet at polling stations

There will be cooler for cool air, arrangements for medicines Bhopal: Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan has said that the third phase of voting will be held in the state on May 7. The Commission has also completed preparations for this. Special arrangements are also being made at the polling centers so that the voters... The post Voters will get buttermilk, sherbet at polling stations first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Cong Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre joins BJP

Becomes third opposition MLA to defect since poll declaration Bhopal: Nirmala Sapre, the Congress MLA representing Bina assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, officially joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. Sapres move marks the third instance of a legislator switching allegiance from the Congress to the BJP since the initiation of the model... The post Cong Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre joins BJP first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Election campaign ends for third phase of voting

Bhopal: In the third phase of Lok Sabha elections-2024, the election campaign stopped at 6 pm on May 5 in the 9 Lok Sabha parliamentary constituencies of Madhya Pradesh where voting is to be held from 7 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, May 7. Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan has said that there is... The post Election campaign ends for third phase of voting first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Voices for NOTA rise in Indore as Congress candidate withdraws

BHOPAL: Former Lok Sabha speaker and senior BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan has expressed surprise over the withdrawal of nomination by Congress candidate Akshay Kanti Bam from Indore Lok Sabha seat, embarrassing the ruling party. Mahajan (81), who won the Indore seat for the BJP eight times in a row between 1989 and 2014, informed about getting phone calls from prominent people of Indore, who are saying they will vote for NOTA and not the BJP on May 13. I was surprised, unable to understand till now why it happened. In my 35 years of electoral politics in Indore, never has such an incident happened. Our candidate and MP was poised to win the seat by a big margin. Then what was the need for it to happen? Mahajan told reporters in Indore. She also questioned the inclusion of Bam in the BJP within hours after withdrawal of papers on April 29. We cant decline anybody who wants to join the party. But it always needs to be kept in mind that as the party grows bigger due to new people, its quality and structure of the organisation is maintained. In Indore weve defeated many powerful Congress leaders in elections; the current Congress candidate wasnt that big, then why did it happen? Mahajan asked. While declining to comment on Congresss call to people of Indore to vote for NOTA to teach BJP a lesson, she said, Im getting phone calls from respectable and prominent citizens of Indore, whore saying what happened isnt good. They are saying that they wont vote for the BJP, but instead press the NOTA option on the EVM. Im convincing them by telling them that its the Congress candidate who has changed his mind and not the BJP candidate. MP minister and local MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya is believed to have played a key role in the April 29 incident. Defending his decision to withdraw nomination, Bam said, I withdrew the papers as the party organisation wasnt supporting me on the ground. I was forced to cancel campaigning on many days due to the partys non-cooperation. He, however, refused to comment on Mahajans statements. Taking a dig at Congresss call for voting for NOTA, Bam said, Why didnt the Congress make efforts to ensure that Moti Singh Patels nomination papers werent rejected. Why are they not asking people to vote for any of the 14 candidates left in the fray, except BJP candidate?

Third Eye: Landing rights, Surat to Indore to Puri Express, Rare displayof bonhomie

Helipad controversies, Congress struggles, candidate dropouts, and unexpected camaraderie. Bonhomie at Bhopal airport as leaders cross party lines. Electoral tensions run high amidst chopper landing disputes and financial setbacks.

MP Congress MLA joins BJP ahead of 3rd phase of LS polls

Bhopal: Barely 48 hours before the third phase polling in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MLA from Bina in the state Nirmala Sapre on Sunday joined BJP. She is the third sitting MLA of Congress to switch over to BJP in the last three weeks. She joined BJP at an election rally of the saffron party at Surkhi in Sagar district which was addressed by chief minister Mohan Yadav. She is the first-time MLA. Earlier last month, six-time Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat and three-term Congress MLA Kamalesh Shah joined BJP. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh is scheduled to be held on May seven. Nine LS seats are going to polls in the third phase polling.

Shotgun shooters look to make the most of World event

CHENNAI: The elite shotgun shooters from the country are currently taking part in the ISSF World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. There are no Olympic quotas on offer but the event holds a fair amount of significance as the shooters will be looking to garner the Qualification Ranking for Olympic Games (QROG) points. One of ISSF's (world governing body) eligibility criteria is that the shooters must e listed in the Qualification Ranking for the Olympic Games (QROG) with at least one ranking point achieved for each of the individual events they are to be entered for at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Apart from the national ranking, the National Rifle Association of India, the governing body of the sport in the country, will also consider QROG while determining the shooters for Paris Games. As per NRAI's amended selection criteria, which was published in April last year, he best 3 results from Olympic Trials 1, 2, 3 & 4 will select teams for the 2024 Olympic Games. The said trails have already been conducted. The first two trials were held in New Delhi in December while the third trial was held in Patiala in February-March. The final trials were held in Bhopal. As per tentative ranking, which was published after the trials, Prithviraj Tondaiman tops the charts in the men's trap discipline while quota earner Bhowneesh Mendiratta is ranked third. Both of them are part of the Baku event, which also features shooters from rifle and pistol discipline. Prithviraj was placed at 48th spot after the three rounds of qualification stage on Saturday while the latter was 10 spots ahead of him. As per the QROG on April 4, Prithviraj is the best-ranked Indian at No 14 with 6796 rating. Bhowneesh is at 18th spot with 5833 rating. Maheshwari Chauhan, who recently sealed a second quota for India in the women's skeet discipline, was ranked third after the aforementioned Olympic trials but that was before she won the quota. She is due to get a bonus for winning the quota. Ganemat Sekhon, who's also due to take part in Baku, is placed second behind Raiza Dhillon, the other quota winner, in the national ranking. As per the latest QROG, Ganemat is No 19 with 4784 rating while Maheshwari and Raiza are 43rd and 51st, respectively. It is an important event (Baku). The shooters will be looking to gain ranking points. That will also be taken into consideration while finalising the team, K Sultan Singh, NRAI secretary general, said. The NRAI is likely to announce the team for the Olympics after the Lonato World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in June. Moreover, the two World Cups will give shooters a big opportunity to gain some exposure ahead of Paris. The shotgun shooters have done well to earn five quotas. It's a massive chance for the shooters as it's a high-quality field. They will get a chance to gauge the field and learn, Singh said. It will be interesting to see what progress they make before the NRAI announces the team for the Olympics.

LS Polls on May 7 to Decide Fate of MP Heavyweights

Bhopal: The third phase polling in Madhya Pradesh in which nine Lok Sabha constituencies are going to elections on May seven is billed to seal the fates of three political heavyweights of the state. Four-time chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Congress veteran Digvijay Singh are seeking election from Vidisha, Guna, and Rajgarh respectively making the three LS seats most keenly watched ones of the state. While Mr. Chouhan is a sitting MLA of BJP from Budhni, Mr Scindia and Mr Singh are sitting Rajya Sabha members of BJP and Congress respectively. Sixty-five-year-old Mr Chouhan found himself at the crossroads of his political career when he was denied the opportunity to become chief minister of the state for the fifth time after BJP won a landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh in November 2023 Assembly polls. Amid speculations on his political future after he was replaced by Mohan Yadav in the post of chief minister, Mr Chouhan was declared a candidate for Vidisha LS constituency by BJP, paving the way for him to shift to national politics if he won the polls. On the other hand, stakes are high for Mr Scindia in this poll since he is out to regain his family bastion of Guna, lost by him in the 2019 polls at the hand of his close aide K P Yadav who fought the polls in the seat as BJP candidate then. Mr Scindia was in Congress then. He switched over to BJP in March 2020 and is now seeking election from the seat as a BJP candidate. Seventy-seven-year-old Mr Singh in the twilight of his political career seeks to establish his political legacy by winning the poll on his home turf of Rajgarh. The ignominious defeat at the hand of political greenhorn Pragya Singh Thakur of BJP in Bhopal in the 2019 LS polls had hurt the two-time chief minister. Campaigning ended in the nine LS seats in Madhya Pradesh that are going to polls in the third phase polling on Sunday evening. The third and final phase of polling in Chhattisgarh in which seven LS constituencies are going to polls on May seven may decide the fate of state minister Brij Mohan Agrawal and two former ministers Shiv Dahariya and Chintamani Maharaj. While Mr Agrawal is contesting from Raipur, Mr Dahariya is seeking election from Janjgir-Champa. Mr Maharaj who was a minister in the Bhupesh Baghel cabinet, has switched to BJP from Congress and is fielded by the saffron party in Surguja LS seat.

MP: Congress MLA from Bina joins BJP; third since poll announcement

Sapre, the only Congress MLA from the Sagar district, is the third MLA from the party to switch to the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh since the election dates were announced

MP HCdismisses Congress substitute candidates petition to contest from Indore

Madhya Pradesh Indore high court dismisses Congress candidate Moti Singh's petition against rejection of his candidature in Indore, setback for the party.

ASI crushed to death by illegal sand miner in MPs Shahdol: Police

ASI Mahendra Bagri posted at the Byahari police station died on the spot, said police, adding that the tractor driver identified as Raj Rawat, is absconding

10 new wild animals will come to Van Vihar

Will be brought from Vizag Zoo in Visakhapatnam Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal Now, people will also get to see wild cats and wild dogs in Van Vihar of the capital Bhopal. Wild cats, wild dogs and 10 wolves will be brought to Van Vihar from Vizag Zoo Visakhapatnam under animal exchange. In exchange for these animals,... The post 10 new wild animals will come to Van Vihar first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Holiday on May 7th, voting day

Bhopal Collector issues order Paid leave will be accepted Bhopal: Paid leave will be approved on May 7, the voting day in Bhopal. Bhopal Collector and District Election Officer Kaushlendra Vikram Singh said that Lok Sabha elections have been announced. Under Section 135B of the Public Representation Act 1951, voting day is on 07 May... The post Holiday on May 7th, voting day first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

IAF soldier killed in Poonch was to return home in MP village for sons bday

Bhopal: Corporal Vicky Pahade, who was killed in a terror attack in Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, was supposed to return home to celebrate his sons birthday on May 7. The slain soldier hailed from Madhya Pradeshs Chhindwara district and was a resident of Nonia-Karbal village. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Kamal 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 .

This is a testing time for Budhni: Shivraj

Bhopal: Former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, said during a public address in Budhni district on Saturday that Dilli ja raha huin, picture abhi baki hai. (I am going to Delhi, the picture is not finished). Shivraj said that this is a testing time for Budhni. He urged the... The post This is a testing time for Budhni: Shivraj first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Heat rises, political divide sharpens in MPs nine seats

BHOPAL : After a lower polling compared to the 2019 polls in the first two phases, the ongoing Lok Sabha elections move into the third phase into Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior-Chambal region infamous for lower voter turnout, extremely high summer temperatures and politics divided sharply on caste lines. Four of the nine seats which will vote on May 7 are Gwalior-Chambal regions seats, including Guna, Bhind-SC, Morena and Gwalior, which saw a close contest between BJP and Congress in the 2023 assembly polls. Four seats, Vidisha, Rajgarh, state capital Bhopal and Betul-ST form part of the central MP, which emerged as the best region for the BJP in state polls, while one seat Sagar forms part of the Bundelkhand region. All nine seats were won by BJP. The May 7 contest will see three political bigwigs, including two former CMs Digvijaya Singh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, returning to their home parliamentary seats after 33 and 20 years respectively, while union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia who won the Guna seat four times between 2002 and 2014, before losing it in 2019 to a BJP first-timer, is contesting to wrest his seat. In Rajgarh, 1984 and 1991 winner and 1989 loser Digvijaya Singh is faced with the uphill task of retaining the central MP seat against second-time sitting MP Rodmal Nagar, who won the seat defeating Singhs loyalist Mona Sustani (now in BJP) by 4.31 lakh votes in 2019. Singh is particularly banking on his old links across the constituency spread in three districts as well as the high anti-incumbency against the sitting BJP MP. In the adjoining Vidisha constituency (a saffron citadel), five-times winner Shivraj Singh Chouhan (he won in 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2004) is not just eyeing the sixth win from the seat spread in four districts (including Chouhans home district Sehore), but is actually targeting highest winning margin in the country against Congress septuagenarian Pratap Bhanu Sharma. In Rajgarh and Vidishas neighbourhood, union minister and four-times former Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia is making all possible efforts across the eight assembly segments-strong Guna constituency to regain his lost glory from the seat, where he suffered shock defeat against own protg and first-time BJP candidate Dr KP Yadav by 1.25 lakh votes in 2019. Contesting for the first time as BJP nominee, Scindia faces a Yadav caste candidate Rao Yadvendra Singh Yadav, who hails from an old BJP family. The three other seats of Gwalior-Chambal region are turning out to be a real challenge for the ruling BJP, whose candidates, including first-time sitting MP Sandhya Rai (Bhind-SC) and ex-MLAs Bharat Singh Kushwah (Gwalior), Shiv Mangal Tomar (Morena) are not just faced with anti-incumbency, but also apprehensive of their own cadres. The Congress candidates from these three seats, including sitting MLA Phool Singh Baraiya (Bhind-SC) and ex-MLAs Nitu Sikarwar (Morena) and Pravin Pathak (Gwalior) are hoping to succeed based on the right caste balance and differences within the BJP. In Bhind, the BSP candidate and 2019 Congress loser Devashish Jariaria and in Morena the BSP candidate Ramesh Garg may damage the poll prospects of Congress and BJP candidates respectively. In the state capital Bhopal, however, the BJP seems to have an edge, owing to the recent assembly polls performance (it won 6 out of the 8 assembly segments), as its candidate former Bhopal mayor Alok Sharma takes on Congress Bhopal rural district president Arun Srivastava, who is banking on his clout among the 2 lakh plus Kayastha voters. But Srivastava has a mountain to climb in the constituency, which has been a BJP bastion since 1989. The Betul-ST seat is set to witness a rerun of the 2019 polls, as the first-time BJP MP DD Uike takes on Congresss Ramu Tekam. Uike who defeated Tekam by 3.60 lakh votes in 2019, still seems to be in a strong position owing to better grassroots connection with voters in the constituency spread in three districts. Sagar seat of Bundelkhand region which is spread in two districts, Sagar and Vidisha and is being won by the BJP since 1996 has new BJP face Lata Wankhede taking on Congresss high-flying and wealthy candidate Guddu Raja Bundela, who hails from a politically powerful Bundela Kshatriya family of adjoining UP. While Vidhan Sabha speaker Narendra Singh Tomars loyalists Bharat Singh Kushwah and Shiv Mangal Tomar are in the fray from Gwalior and Morena seats respectively despite losing previous assembly polls, three Shivraj Singh Chouhan loyalists, among them Alok Sharma, Late Wankhede and Rodmal Nagar are in fray from Bhopal, Sagar and Rajgarh seats respectively. A breakup of 2023 assembly poll results reveals that out of the 72 assembly segments forming the nine LS constituencies going to polls on May 7, the BJP won 50, while the Congress emerged winner in only 22 assembly segments. In the four seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region, the contest was closer, as the BJP won 18 seats and the Congress 14.

MP LS Polls: In 2 LS Constituencies in MP, Raja Saheb Digvijay and Maharaj Scindia Fight for Pride

Bhopal: It is fight for pride for Congress veteran Digvijay Singh and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in their respective Lok Sabha constituencies of Rajgarh and Guna in Madhya Pradesh, in this poll. For, they are yet to come to terms with the ignominious defeat they had suffered in their respective constituencies in the last LS polls and a win this time would alone salvage their pride. Two-time chief minister Mr Singh, famously known as Raja of Raghogarh, had lost to BJPs Pragya Singh Thakur, a greenhorn in politics then, in Bhopal LS seat in 2019 by a margin of over 3.60 lakh, leaving him stunned. Mr Singh, in fact, was taken aback when he was declared a candidate for his home turf, Rajgarh, by Congress. At this age, it is beyond my capacity to contest polls. Congress workers will fight the poll for me in every booth, 77-year-old Mr Singh had said while addressing his first meeting of Congress workers in Rajgarh after he was declared the candidate by the party. Since then, he has been campaigning in the nook and corner of the constituency, mostly by holding foot marches, a traditional Congress style of campaigning, local journalist Arun Srivastav said. It was no easy task for Mr Singh to reconnect to the people in his home constituency since he last fought the polls in this seat in 1991. He is now working hard not only to reconnect to his old acquaintances, some of whom have grown too old to recollect the past memory, but also to the younger generation by reminding them of his acquaintances with their parents and grandparents. Pehchanteho mujhe? has been his pet question to his electorates, old and young, when he campaigns in their areas. He also reminds them that it may be his last election. Mr Singh first contested from the Rajgarh LS seat in 1984 and won the polls. He however lost the polls in the seat in 1989 and then retained it in 1991 LS polls. He is pitted against incumbent MP in the constituency Rodmal Nagar of BJP. Stakes are also high for Mr Scindia in this poll in Guna LS constituency, which has remained with his family for the past 37 years barring in 2019 polls when he suffered a shocking defeat from BJPs K P Yadav, once his close aide. Mr Scindia has focused on the seat soon after November, 2023 Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh were over. He is seen connecting with his electorate by invoking his familys long association with them, besides projecting the developmental works he has undertaken in the constituency. Yadav community forms the sizable population in the constituency. BJP has deployed chief minister Mohan Yadav and the former MP Mr Yadav to campaign for Mr Scindia to placate the Yadav community after denial of ticket to the sitting MP. BJP has also carpet bombed the constituency with its star campaigners such as Union home minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, former Union minister Uma Bharti, and former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Congress hits back at UP CM over beef consumption, cow slaughter remarks

Bhopal: The Congress on Saturday, May 4, hit back at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his beef consumption and cow slaughter link to the opposition partys manifesto and asked why the ruling BJP had taken Rs 250 crore as donation from beef exporting firms. Addressing a rally in Ashok Nagar in Guna Lok 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 .

LS Elections giving PM sleepless nights, says Cong leader Khera

Bhopal: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday, May 4, claimed the 2024 Lok Sabha polls were giving sleepless nights to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a press conference here, Khera said this was because the Union government had nothing worthwhile to show after being in power for 10 years. After two phases, these elections have 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 .

JLU Marks 11 Years of Excellence with Grand Foundation Day Celebration

JLU Marks 11 Years of Excellence with Grand Foundation Day Celebration Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 4: Jagran Lakecity University celebrated its Eleventh Foundation Day with a vibrant Cultural extravaganza and an Annual awards ceremony on 1st May 2024 at its campus in Chandanpura, Bhopal. The University, founded in 2013, marked its eleven years on 24th April and currently ranks as the number one private university in Madhya Pradesh and constitutes students from over 27 states of India and 8 countries. The celebratory event was attended by Chief Guest, Shri S.M.Ramanathan, Executive Director, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Bhopal, Guest of Honour, Mrs Anuradha Shankar, IPS Additional Director General Police Training, Police Headquarters, Madhya Pradesh Police, Special Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Sharan Singh Chairman, M.P. Private University Regulatory Commission (MPPURC), Bhopal. Presiding over the ceremony were the Pro-Chancellor, Mr Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Jagran Lakecity University, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr P.K Biswas, faculty members, parents, alumni, and students. The University launched the latest edition of the Lakecity News, a magazine curated by the student Editorial Board, consisting of all the highlights and news of the academic year 2023-24. Additionally, the University introduced the Smart Employee ID and Access Card for further advancement and enhanced security measures. Mr. Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Pro-Chancellor, Jagran Lakecity University expressed his gratitude and vision for the future saying As we celebrate eleven remarkable years of JLU, we envision a future filled with unparalleled opportunities for our students. Our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and instilling values remains unwavering. The evening, filled with captivating dance, drama, and musical performances also witnessed the presentation of 48 Chancellor Scholarships and 23 Sports Scholarships being awarded in recognition of academic and athletic excellence. Additionally, the university celebrated the attainment of 31 Marker Cups, 2 Faculty Research Awards, and 3 Alumni Certificates and Awards, reflecting the exceptional achievements and contributions of its talented student body. A special recognition was also bestowed upon members who have completed a decade at JLU.

Adityanath attacks Cong manifesto, rakes up jizya, cow slaughter; likens it to Aurangzebs rule

BHOPAL, May 4: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the Congress manifesto talked of jizya (tax imposed on non-Muslims in medieval India) and promotion of cow slaughter and likened it to the cruel rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He also accused the Congress of wanting to snatch the quota benefits of SC, STs and Other Backward Classes to please its vote bank. Addressing a rally in Ashok Nagar town of Guna Lok Sabha constituency in support of [] The post Adityanath attacks Cong manifesto, rakes up jizya, cow slaughter; likens it to Aurangzebs rule appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Huge crisis of drinking water in 170 urban bodies of Madhya Pradesh

Not getting drinking water every day in districts, crisis will increase as heat increases Municipal bodies have not yet received amount Government will have to plan to supply water on alternative days Kanhaiya Lodhi, Bhopal Scorching heat is slowly increasing in the state and is sure to intensify in the month of May. As the... The post Huge crisis of drinking water in 170 urban bodies of Madhya Pradesh first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

25 percent seats increased in UG courses

New courses started under the National Education Policy 10 seats increased in one section Three helpline centers have been set up Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal After the declaration of MP Board 12th results, the registration process for admission in colleges has been started by the Higher Education Department. There are separate applications for admission to the... The post 25 percent seats increased in UG courses first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Agreement between BMHRC and ASG Eye Hospital signed

Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal Keeping in mind the health interest of the employees of BMHRC, an agreement was signed between BMHRC and ASG Eye Hospital on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Director in-charge Dr. Manisha Srivastava said that the ophthalmology department is working in BMHRC, but in case of emergency need for eye treatment, all the employees... The post Agreement between BMHRC and ASG Eye Hospital signed first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

BJP Mahila Morcha members protest outside Patwaris residence

Black flags shown to PCC chief in Betul Bhopal: MP Congress President Jitu Patwari is in trouble for his controversial statement about BJP leader Imarti Devi. On one hand, BJP leaders are cornering the entire Congress including Jitu Patwari. On the other hand, BJP workers are protesting against Patwari. BJP workers showed black flags to... The post BJP Mahila Morcha members protest outside Patwaris residence first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

MP minister offers Rs.25 lakh for Congress-free polling booth

Bhopal: Senior BJP leader and state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has triggered a political row when he declared a reward of Rs 25 lakh to the polling booth where not a single vote for Congress is cast. Mr Vijayvargiya made the announcement while addressing the party workers at Mhow in Dhar district late on Thursday night. He was campaigning for Savitri Thakur of BJP, who is seeking elections in Dhar Lok Sabha constituency. Mr Vijayvargiya said that he would sanction development projects worth Rs 25 to the polling booth where not a single vote is cast in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the state. He said that the BJPs mission is to make every polling booth Congress-mukt (free of Congress). Congress on Friday took strong exception to Mr Vijayvargiyas statement, saying that it amounted to booth capturing. Making such an announcement amounts to booth capturing. We will move the Election Commission seeking action in the matter, state Congress president Jitu Patwari said.

Patwaris juice & sugar syrup jibe lands MP Congress in soup

BHOPAL : A video of Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari making an off-the-cuff remark in response to a question about Imarti Devi, a loyalist of BJP leader and Guna Lok Sabha candidate Jyotiraditya Scindia, went viral on Thursday night, landing him in soup. In response to a query about Imarti urging voters to support Congress candidates in Gwalior-Chambal region, Patwari had said, Dekho aisa hai ab Imartiji ka ras khatam ho gaya, jo andar chaashni hoti hai, unke liye mai kuch baat nahi karoonga (The juice in Imarti Devi is no longer there. I wont talk about the sugary syrup anymore). This set off a political slugfest in the state, with Patwari apologising for his deregatory remarks ahead of the third phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 7. Patwari clarified that his intention was not to hurt anyones feelings and that his statement was being twisted and presented out of context. Yesterday, I was questioned about an audio clip there. At that moment, my intention was only to avoid that question. The remark I made in that context is being twisted and presented out of context, he said in a clarification. Imarti Devi ji is my elder sister, and an elder sister is just like a mother. So, I will only say that my context was only to avoid the questionStill, if anyones feelings have been hurt in any way, I express regret and apologise, Patwari added. There was no negativity in my mind, nor was my intention to make fun. The only intention was to avoid the question. I apologise, and my context was misunderstood, the Congress leader said. Imarti Devi lodged a complaint against Patwari, leading to the Congress leader being booked under IPC section 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) and the provision of the SC and ST Act, 2015, at Dabra police station in Gwalior. While condemning Patwaris statement, the BJP leader demanded that the Congress leadership sack him as the state Congress chief. Dubbing Patwaris remarks as anti-women and anti-Dalit, MP minister Krishna Gaur claimed that the state Congress chiefs remarks exposed what Congress and its leaders feel about women.

MP cop turns off Mama mike, draws BJP MLAs flak

BHOPAL : BJP MLA and former Mandhya Pradesh minister Surendra Patwa threatened a police officer for turning off former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhans mike reportedly in line with the poll panels model code of conduct during an election rally in Raisen district. The incident happened on Thursday night in Bhojpur assembly segment of Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency from where Chouhan is the BJP candidate. A viral video of the incident has triggered a political controversy. While Chouhan was addressing the rally in the industrial town Mandideep, police station in-charge Mahendra Singh Thakur reportedly turned off the CMs mike as the poll code suggests that the candidates should end their campaign by 10 pm. The former CM was subsequently seen in the video questioning the cops conduct. How did you turn the mike off, its not 10 pm yet, restore it, just remove him (concerned cop) from here, he said while looking at his watch. MLA Patwa, who is the nephew of former CM Sunderlal Patwa, subsequently threatened the cop from the stage. Come here, Ill get you thrown to such a place that it wouldnt be possible to return, Patwa was seen shouting at the cop in the video, before local BJP leaders and security personnel stopped him from going towards the police officer. The mike was later turned on and Chouhan continued his speech. Posting the 28-second video on X on Friday, the Congress state unit wrote, Look at the arrogance of BJPs former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, raising questions from the BJP platform on the implementation of the election code of conduct and Surendra Patwa misbehaving and threatening the police station in-charge Mahendra Singh Thakur. Shivraj Ji, this is the level of a former CM? Extremely indecent and condemnable act. Vidisha LS seat, which Chouhan earlier won five times, goes to polls in the third phase on May 7.

Sachin Pilot campaigns for Digvijaya Singh, accuses BJP of suppressing Opposition

Sachin Pilot campaigns for Digvijaya Singh, accuses BJP of suppressing Opposition Bhopal: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday accused the BJP of trying to polarise voters to divert their attention from the real issues as the Central government led by it failed to fulfill promises made in the last two general elections. Addressing a [] The post Sachin Pilot campaigns for Digvijaya Singh, accuses BJP of suppressing Opposition appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Scindias fight to reclaim lost Guna glory

BHOPAL: When Jyotiraditya Scindia lost the royal family bastion Guna in Madhya Pradesh to his protg-turned-rival KP Yadav in 2019, it was largely attributed to his arrogance. Then, Scindia was an influential Congress leader and Yadav had just switched sides to join the BJP to emerge as a giant killer. Cut to 2024, Scindia is fighting to reclaim his lost glory on a BJP ticket while the Congress has taken a leaf out of the BJPs book by fielding Rao Yadvendra Singh Yadav, a former leader of the saffron party. Guna has been synonymous with Gwaliors erstwhile royal Scindia family and Scindia has won four times in 2002, 2004, 2009 and 2014 on Congress ticket. According to party insiders, when Scindias candidature was announced on March 2, there was considerable unease among party workers as well as the dominant Yadav voters over the denial of ticket to sitting MP K P Yadav. The Yadavs are clearly siding with Rao Yadvendra Singh Yadav. To complicate matters, Yadav is the son of former BJP MLA Rao Deshraj Singh Yadav, a sworn adversary of the Scindia family. This makes Yadav acceptable even to non-Yadav BJP voters, said a senior BJP worker. While Yadav voters are still opposed to Scindia, the other castes, including Lodhis, Kirars, Raghuvanshis, Vaishya, Brahmin, Kshatriyas, and tribals are said to be backing the Union minister. Scindia has his work cut out. The scarcity of drinking water in many parts of the constituency, particularly in tribal-dominated areas, also remains a concern for the Scindia camp. Recently, a video went viral which showed Scindias wife being confronted by women raising their water woes. Since his humiliating defeat in 2019, Scindia has been frequently crisscrossing the 18.83 lakh voters-strong constituency. He visited Guna many times after joining the BJP in March 2020 and also after becoming Union minister in the Narendra Modi government. According to analysts, the unique combination of Modis image and the royal familys goodwill may work in favour of Scindia. Scindia has also got former BJP chief ministers Uma Bharti and Shivraj Singh Chouhan to campaign for him to ensure the support of Lodhi-Kirar castes to counter the opposition of Yadavs.

Nadda Reviews BJP Poll Preparation In MP, Asks Party To Increase Polling

BJP national president J P Nadda late on Thursday night reviewed measures undertaken by the party here to improve polling percentage in the final two rounds of Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to be held on May seven and May 13. Mr Nadda who had made an unscheduled visit to Bhopal after addressing a poll rally in Sironj falling under Sagar Lok Sabha constituency in the state on Thursday night here discussions with the senior leaders of the party here on the poll preparations in the remaining 17 LS seats those are scheduled to go to the polls in the third and four phase polling, a senior BJP functionary said. He reviewed measures being undertaken by the party to boost voting in the third and final phase polling in the state. It was just an informal discussion, he added. The first and second phase polling in Madhya Pradesh in which total 12 LS polls went to polls had witnessed a sharp drop in polling by 7.32 percent and 10.05 percent respectively, prompting the Central leadership of BJP to prod its state leadership to increase voting in the third and final phase polling in the state. Mr Nadda has also reviewed poll preparations in half-a-dozen seats viewed as challenging for the party. In a related development, state BJP president Vishnu Dutt Sharma has held a meeting of senior party leaders here to chalk out a strategy to increase vote share of the party by ten percent in the third and fourth phase polling in the state. He asked the booth level committees and panna pramukhs (block unit heads of party) to pull up their shocks and initiate measures to increase voting in the coming two phases of elections. Mr Nadda also reviewed preparation by the party in the seats of those going to polls in the final two rounds of elections in the state. He left for Delhi from Bhopal on Friday morning.

Deputy collector accused of rape; arrested

Deputy collector accused of rape; arrested A deputy collector has been arrested by police in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district for allegedly raping a woman government employee. The woman, who works with the revenue department, had filed a complaint on April 29 claiming that Abhay Singh Kharadi, currently posted in Ujjain, raped her on several occasions in 2016, said a police official. Kharadi was acting as Barwani Sub Divisional Magistrate at the time. He was arrested from Bhopal on Thursday night, said Barwani Women Police Station in-charge Alka Monia, adding that further investigation is underway.

Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife

Jhansi: A shocking incident occurred on April 29 when Mohammad Arshad, 28, gave triple talaq to his wife, Afsana, 26, on a moving train near Jhansi Junction and then fled the scene.As the train reached Jhansi station, Arshad pronounced triple talaq to his wife, beat her, and then got off the train. Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Afsana contacted the Government Railway Police, who sent her back to Pukhrayan in Kanpur Dehat, her initial boarding point for Bhopal that day. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged, and a search was initiated for the accused.Arshad, a computer engineer working with a private firm in Bhopal, had married Afsana, a graduate from Kota, Rajasthan, on January 12 this year. Their marriage was arranged through a matrimonial advertisement. During a visit to Arshad's ancestral home in Pukhrayan last week, Afsana was shocked to discover that Arshad was already married. When she confronted him, he and his mother began harassing her for dowry, as per the complaint.This harassment continued until Arshad abruptly pronounced triple talaq and then abandoned Afsana on the train.Afsana has since appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for help and urged action against those who divorce women and abandon them. Based on Afsana's complaint, a case has been registered against her husband Arshad, his maternal uncle Aqeel, father Nafeesul Hasan, and mother Parveen. Circle Officer (CO) Priya Singh assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken. PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam New Rape and Kidnapping Cases Filed Against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna and HD Revanna in Sex Tapes Scandal Tragic Accident: Student Run Over by Train While Filming Instagram Reel

MP CM Mohan Yadav mocks Rahul Gandhi for picking Raebareli LS seat

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for picking Uttar Pradeshs Raebareli seat to contest the Lok Sabha election. Chief Minister Yadav said that the Wayanad MP ran away from Amethi fearing defeat and shifted to Raebareli. After being defeated in Amethi last time, Rahul Gandhi ran to 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 .

Bhopal wants us to move on from 1984 and visit it for its palaces and wildlife

Bhopal wants us to move on from and visit it for its palaces and wildlife

MPSOS announces Class 10th and 12th board exam dates for 2024: Check complete schedule here

MPSOS Bhopal's 2024 Class 10 and 12 board exams feature morning and evening shifts. Apply between March 1-September 30. Practical exams for eligible students. Detailed subject-specific exam dates with strict entry timings.

Jammu-bound train searched for 40 mins in Bhopal after passenger spots 'suspicious object'

Jammu-bound train searched for suspicious object in Bhopal, turns out to be a hoax.

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...

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 .

PM Modi to hold k poll rallies in Khandwa, Khargone on May 7

Bhopal: Khandwa and Khargone, situated in Madhya Pradesh, are set to become the focal points of political fervor as Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for consecutive rallies in these crucial constituencies on May 7th. These rallies hold significant importance in swaying electoral support towards the party candidates, particularly with the looming fourth phase of... The post PM Modi to hold k poll rallies in Khandwa, Khargone on May 7 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.

'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 .

Forest personnel being deployed on duty in Lok Sabha elections

President of MP Forest Employees Forum, Pandey raises questions Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal The postcard movement of forest employees under the leadership of Madhya Pradesh Karmachari Manch, which started on April 16, in protest against the election duty proceedings of the collectors, continued on the 14th day as well. Forest employees of Madhya Pradesh have so... The post Forest personnel being deployed on duty in Lok Sabha elections 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.

Girl, 8, Raped At School's Hostel In Bhopal, Case Filed Against 3

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.