Wednesday, April 20, 2022

hemant soren: EC to scrutinise Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren under disqualification clauses; inquiries begin

The Election Commission’s reference to Jharkhand Governor granting mining lease to Chief Minister Hemant Soren is to be probed under the relevant corruption provisions of the Representation of the People Act which, if found correct, could lead to Soren’s possible disqualification as an MLA. . ,

The controversy has sparked animated political conversations in Jharkhand for some time, but the Election Commission’s reference to the Raj Bhavan has escalated it to a more serious level.

“The reference to us is made under Article 192 of the Constitution which authorizes the Governor to take a decision on the disqualification of an elected member on the basis of the opinion of the Election Commission. We will take up the issue keeping in view the various provisions of the law. Will look at it as a whole.” An official said on condition of anonymity.

The matter pertains to the stone quarry mining lease (letter of intent) given to Hemant Soren in June 2021 by the District Mining Department for 0.88 acres of land in Angara block of Ranchi district.

Section 9 and Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 provide for the disqualification of an elected representative on account of corrupt practices and government contracts and supplies while in office.

The election panel will also look into the issue under the provisions of the Constitution which details disqualifications to hold office of profit.

The Election Commission this week has written to the state government to ascertain all the facts relating to the reference on the allotment of mining leases by Governor Ramesh Bais to the Chief Minister last year.

BJP leaders, including former chief minister Raghubar Das, had made representations on the matter to the governor, who in turn sent a reference to the ECI under Article 192 of the Constitution. This provision authorizes the Governor to take a decision on the disqualification of the elected member on the basis of the opinion of the voting panel.

In a letter sent to the state chief secretary, the Election Commission has sought details of the terms and conditions of the lease besides verification of documents related to mining licenses to ascertain whether an arm’s length was maintained in the process. was or not.

Originally published at Pen 18

jahangirpuri violence: Delhi: Municipal Corporation overlooks SC, demolishes Jahangirpuri ‘encroachments’

The BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation on Wednesday demolished several buildings in Jahangirpuri, where communal violence broke out a few days ago, despite the Supreme Court’s order. After immediate arguments, the SC had ordered a stay on the demolition till it examines the validity of the NDMC’s claim that the structures were illegal encroachments. However, the NDMC continued for over an hour following the court’s order.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave told a bench led by CJI NV Ramana that the demolition drive was extended from the scheduled time of 2 pm to morning, and began without any notice. He said the law requires that a notice of 5-15 days be given to those affected to allow them to appeal to a superior authority against any adverse decision. “It is completely unconstitutional,” he said.

The CJI immediately directed the status quo to be maintained and listed a petition against such summary demolition for hearing on Thursday. A similar petition in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was also mentioned by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. “It has implications across India,” Sibal said. The bench said that it will also hear the petition on Thursday.

The residents of Jahangirpuri alleged that the NDMC carried on the demolition drive well when electronic media technically circulated the SC order that the demolitionists had not received formal intimation. Dave and advocate Prashant Bhushan had to take up the issue again in the Supreme Court later in the day. Dave said it was sad that the campaign continued despite the Supreme Court order.

The CJI then directed the Secretary General of the Supreme Court to ensure that the order is formally conveyed to the authorities. By the time the operation was halted, several shops, which were alleged to have been encroached upon, were demolished.

BJP-ruled UP and Madhya Pradesh have launched demolition drives against those who protested against the Citizenship Amendment Act on the charge. The BJP had made bulldozers one of its themes during the UP elections, claiming that the state government has a policy of ‘zero tolerance towards law breakers’. However, civil rights campaigners have criticized the demolition on the grounds that the state cannot act as judge, jury and executioner. He has alleged that the procedures established under the law on demolition have been ignored.

Clashes erupted after a Shoba Yatra by the VHP around a mosque on Hanuman Jayanti in Jahangirpuri last Saturday. Four days after the struggle, a demolition drive was launched against the encroachment. The Delhi Police, which reports to the Union Home Ministry, had over 400 personnel to oversee the corporation’s “anti-encroachment operation”. The Delhi Police later said that the post-demolition situation was under control and peaceful. Special CP Deepender Pathak said, “We are here to provide support and security to the civic agency.” He said that NDMC called 400 personnel from Delhi Police to maintain law and order during the operation. NDMC Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh claimed that the operation was stopped as soon as the order was received. “We will abide by the order of the Supreme Court. We have stopped the operation. The civic machinery there is now only removing garbage and other things from the roads,” Singh said. A case pending before a court usually prompts the authorities to wait for a court order before commencing the demolition. Police said they have arrested 25 suspects so far and have imposed stringent sections under the National Security Act against the five accused in the aftermath of Saturday’s violence. Eight policemen and a local resident were injured in the clashes.

Originally published at Pen 18

bjp: BJP, AAP engage in war of words over bulldozer drive

A war of words broke out between the BJP and the AAP over the ‘encroachment’ of a bulldozer in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation’s Jahangirpuri. The AAP alleged that the “order was issued” to harass a community in the name of encroachment, while the BJP alleged that the AAP was giving the campaign a religious colour.

The AAP alleged that the BJP had recently hatched a “conspiracies for quarrels” in different parts of the country. AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha accused the BJP of “promoting riots, violence and hooliganism all over India. If you want to end the riots in this country forever, the BJP headquarters should be shut down immediately.” ” Chadha challenged the BJP to act on ‘bulldozer justice’ and demolished the houses of BJP leaders who had “taken bribes to encroach”.

After the Jahangirpuri demolition, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta wrote to Corporation Mayor Iqbal Singh to ‘identify and demolish illegal constructions and encroachments by those arrested for the violence’. Delhi BJP spokesperson Aditya Jha told news agencies that this is the “beginning of the cleanliness drive”. “This will continue till Delhi is freed from illegal occupants and foreign nationals residing illegally,” Jha said.

BJP leader Kapil Mishra said that a ‘bulldozer of law, justice and constitution’ will roll in Jahangirpuri. “Bulldozers are the only solution when Bangladeshi infiltrators open fire on police. Betting, smack, ganja and illegal parking are all Ansar’s businesses. This campaign is just the beginning of making Delhi pollution-free,” he claimed.

The AAP hit back alleging that the BJP had “illegally settled Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in different parts of the country in the last eight years”. AAP’s Atishi said in a video message, “BJP is engineering hooliganism, violence and riots not just in Delhi, but across the country.” He alleged that Shah and the BJP were behind all the incidents of recent communal violence in different parts of the country. He said, ‘Bulldozers should be run at the BJP headquarters and Amit Shah’s residence. After this there will be no riots in the country. Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia alleged that BJP is doing engineering violence as it has nothing to talk about in education, healthcare and other sectors.

Originally published at Pen 18

NDA: Opposition explores candidate against NDA presidential nominee

Opposition parties have begun discussions on fielding a common candidate to challenge the BJP-led Nationalist Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) presidential candidate for the July presidential election.

The opposition, which came together earlier this week to speak out against incidents of communal violence across India, has begun talks to field a consensus presidential candidate. The parties are expected to hold a meeting in early May on the presidential election and the alleged misuse of central agencies by the Centre.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has deputed party leaders to join forces with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to garner support for the opposition’s candidate. BJD has been giving issue-based support to the Modi government. The BJD had voted in 2019 in favor of important laws including the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill and triple talaq in Parliament. However, the opposition feels that it can convince BJD president Naveen Patnaik. A senior opposition leader told ET, “The TRS chief has started talks. This is just the beginning and we have to keep talking to each other.

agencies

At the same time, the Left parties have also started talks on a common candidate for the post of President. CPI leader D Raja met Tejashwi Yadav of RJD on Tuesday to discuss the presidential election. Speaking to ET, Raja said, “Left parties have always been in favor of pitting the opposition candidate against the NDA candidate. This time will be no different. We have started talks and we will try to build a consensus. In the 2017 presidential elections, opposition parties came together to support former Lok Sabha Speaker and Congress veteran Meira Kumar against NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind. However, Kovind won with 65.65% of the votes. With the Congress rapidly diminishing in stature due to electoral defeat, the opposition camp is relying on regional players to build a consensus on the presidential candidate.

The 2022 presidential election is crucial for opposition unity. Opposition parties are looking for an opportunity to give a tough fight to BJP. From the 2017 presidential elections till now, the BJP has lost allies including Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and Telugu Desam Party (TDP). It will be a numbers game that will test opposition unity.

Originally published at Pen 18

india news: India shares document outlining military tech cooperation with US

New Delhi: India has shared a document with the US that has outlined emerging areas where military technology cooperation can be carried out by the two countries and special teams likely to visit in the coming weeks to take forward the proposals. Highly placed Defense Ministry officials have said. Told ET.

The document, which specified emerging technology areas where joint development and production would be beneficial, was recently shared during the two plus two talks in the US, with officials saying it was welcomed positively and with enthusiasm. had gone.

Describing the talks as “very warm, welcoming and cordial”, officials said that several areas of mutual cooperation have been identified which are set to be taken forward in the coming months. US defense companies that met Defense Minister Rajnath Singh are also likely to invest in India, officials said, adding that India’s commitment to self-reliance has been well received.

Major US weapons maker Raytheon is likely to invest $100 million in setting up production and research facilities in India, while Boeing is exploring the possibility of building a maintenance, repair and overhaul hub for systems such as the P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft that can be used by both countries. is used by. , Raytheon’s plans could result in the creation of over 2,000 jobs in India.

Co-production of military systems was a key component of the negotiations, which covered emerging technology areas including artificial intelligence, cyber defense and space cooperation. “There is now a clear understanding of both sides that jointly working on the technologies of the future is the way forward. This is a big step above a simple buyer-seller relationship,” the officials said.

The Indian side also pitched its shipyard for the upcoming purchases planned by the US Coast Guard, demonstrating their ability to deliver low cost, high quality products as well as a proven track record on delivery.

American teams are also expected to visit India soon to take forward a proposal to use the Indian shipyard for repair and overhaul of American warships in the region. Such an arrangement, where US warships can be quickly moved to Indian facilities, would be an important sign of the level of strategic partnership achieved.

“Close military-military cooperation, increased engagement, information sharing and possible joint patrols were discussed, with a focus on high-end technology sharing,” the officials said.

On the strategic front, the security scenario in the Indo-Pacific was discussed, with both sides sharing their commitment to peace and open access for all. The importance of the Quad initiative was appreciated during the talks and discussions were held to enhance cooperation. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit the remaining four countries – Japan and Australia – in the coming months.

On the Russian front, officials said India’s position on the matter has been explained and the US has understood it. All official statements regarding the talks were positive and constructive.

Originally published at Pen 18

delhi capitals: Delhi beat Punjab by nine wickets

Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings by nine wickets in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.

Punjab got out for 115 runs out to bat.

For Punjab, Jitesh Sharma scored 32 runs in 23 balls.

Delhi spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Lalit Yav and Axar Patel took two wickets each.

After Prithvi Shaw (41 runs in 20 balls) and David, Delhi won in 10.3 overs

(60 not out from 30 balls) shared 83 runs for the first wicket.

The game was in doubt with Delhi reporting a sixth COVID case in their camp, but the BCCI decided to go ahead with the return of players who tested negative after two rounds of testing in the morning.


Brief Scores:

  • Punjab Kings: 115 all out in 20 overs (Jitesh 32; Kuldeep 2/24, Lalit 2/11, Akshar 2/10)
  • Delhi Capitals 119/1 in 10.3 overs (Shaw 41, Warner 60 not out)
Originally published at Pen 18

Twitter Slams Akshay Kumar For Doing Pan Masala Ad With Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. See Tweets – Pen 18

Ajay Devgn has been associated with Vimal for many years and has been the face of the brand appearing in several commercials. The Vimal pan masala ad was joined by Shah Rukh Khan, who had signed up as the brand ambassador last year. Now Akshay Kumar has also joined the Vimal universe. Vimal Elaichi has announced the appointment of Akshay Kumar as the brand ambassador.Also read – Slogan-over bowling is an art only a few can master: Here’s why. cricket news

The Vimal Elaichi Universe shows three stars embracing the tagline “Bolo Jubaan Kesari” at an exotic location, with luxurious cars all around. While Twitter users slammed three Bollywood superstars for endorsing pan masala even in 2022, Akshay Kumar has to bear the brunt of the internet’s outrage. Also Read – After Offering to Buy 100% Stake, Elon Musk May Invest $15 Billion Out of His Pocket to Buy Twitter: Report

Why is Akshay Kumar the most criticized among the three actors in the gutkha ad on Twitter? This is because apart from being one of the biggest stars of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar is known for leading and promoting an extremely healthy lifestyle. We have often seen him talking about his strict diet, sleep-routine, workout regime and everything related to his health-conscious lifestyle. Also Read – Live | IPL 2022, Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings: PBKS ends on 115/10 after 20 overs

He is seen abstaining from smoking on the big screen before the screening of the film and that money is used to buy sanitary napkins. So Twitter users immediately called out the superstar for his ‘dogma’ for appearing in a Vimal pan masala advert promoting a healthy lifestyle.

People had a lot of opinions, from happy to angry about Akshay Kumar’s recent Vimal ad. He reprimanded the actor after digging up a video in which he said that he would not be advertising gutkha. The clip shows Akshay Kumar saying that he has been offered many such advertisements, he will not resort to them as he believes in the concept of Swasth Bharat (Healthy India).

Here’s Twitter’s reaction to Akshay Kumar joining Shah Rukh and Ajay Devgn’s Paan Masala ad:

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Originally published at Pen 18

new zealand: Rain interrupts play in second ODI against New Zealand with India on 22-0 after 4.5 overs

India were 22 for no loss in 4.5 overs against New Zealand when rain stopped play in the second one-day international at Seddon Park here on...