Category: POLITICS

Guwahati, January 10:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allied partners in Assam have announced plans to field candidates for all three Rajya Sabha seats up for election this year, signalling the alliance’s confidence in retaining its upper house strength from the state. Party leaders said the decision reflects strong coordination within the ruling coalition and aims to consolidate support among legislators ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls. The BJP’s strategy underscores its emphasis on maintaining parliamentary numbers while balancing regional political dynamics within Assam.

According to sources, the alliance has finalised its candidate list and is reaching out to key stakeholders in the state assembly to secure requisite backing. The move comes amid efforts to present a united front and avert possible cross-voting scenarios, with leaders confident of garnering sufficient support from both BJP members and allied party legislators. Analysts noted that the decision to contest all three seats highlights the ruling alliance’s organisational strength in Assam and its intent to sustain influence at the national level through strategic representation in the Upper House of Parliament.

Dehradun, January 9:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday paid floral tribute to a Padma Vibhushan awardee, remembering the recipient’s immense contribution to the nation and society. The Chief Minister said the awardee’s life and work continue to inspire generations.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Dhami highlighted the values and dedication upheld by the Padma Vibhushan recipient and said such personalities have played a vital role in shaping India’s cultural, social, and national ethos. He added that the state will always honour individuals who have brought pride to the country through their service and achievements.

Gandhinagar, January 9:
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision behind the Khel Mahakumbh, saying the initiative has played a pivotal role in positioning Gujarat as a leading sports hub in the country. Sanghavi said the large-scale grassroots sports movement has helped identify and nurture young talent from villages and small towns, while also promoting a strong sporting culture across the state. He noted that Khel Mahakumbh has provided structured opportunities to thousands of athletes to compete at district, state and national levels, strengthening Gujarat’s sports ecosystem.

Sanghavi further stated that the sustained focus on sports infrastructure, training facilities and talent development under PM Modi’s leadership has transformed Gujarat’s sporting landscape. He said initiatives like Khel Mahakumbh not only encourage youth participation in sports but also open pathways for professional careers, contributing to physical fitness and social development. Emphasising the state government’s commitment to expanding sports facilities and hosting major events, Sanghavi said Gujarat is steadily emerging as a preferred destination for national and international sporting competitions.

Kolkata, January 9:
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday said that being connected with the people is the greatest form of security, reacting calmly to reports of a threat email received by Raj Bhavan. Emphasising that intimidation would not deter him from his public duties, the Governor asserted that he would continue engaging with citizens across the state without fear. He said his strength comes from public trust and constant interaction with people on the ground.

Commenting on the reported threat, Bose maintained that appropriate agencies are looking into the matter and necessary security protocols are in place. However, he underlined that no threat could isolate a constitutional authority from the public. “To be with people is the greatest security,” the Governor remarked, reiterating his commitment to outreach programmes and listening to public grievances, even as authorities investigate the source and intent of the email.

New Delhi, January 9:
Congress leader Syeed on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that the “right to work has effectively been cancelled” under the current dispensation and accusing the ruling party of pursuing pro-corporate policies at the cost of ordinary citizens. He claimed that employment guarantees and labour protections were being steadily weakened, leaving workers, especially in rural and informal sectors, vulnerable and insecure.

Syeed further alleged that government policies were favouring big corporations while neglecting issues such as job creation, wage security, and social welfare. Emphasising the Congress party’s stand, he said employment and livelihood were fundamental rights that must be protected, asserting that his party would continue to raise these concerns both inside and outside Parliament to safeguard workers’ interests and restore economic justice.

New Delhi, January 9:
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday criticised the Centre’s handling of foreign policy, alleging that India’s external relations are witnessing sharp and inconsistent shifts. Kharge remarked that the country’s foreign policy is “swinging like a wild pendulum,” raising concerns over what he described as a lack of clarity, continuity and long-term strategic vision in the government’s diplomatic engagements.

Taking aim at the Centre’s recent moves, Kharge said frequent changes in stance on key international issues could weaken India’s credibility on the global stage. He stressed that foreign policy should be guided by stable principles, national interest and bipartisan consensus rather than short-term political considerations. The Congress chief urged the government to clearly explain its strategy to Parliament and the people, warning that unpredictable diplomacy could have serious implications for India’s global standing and strategic partnerships.

Hyderabad, January 9:
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, alleging an “illegal grab” of land belonging to the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad. He said the issue has triggered serious concern among students and faculty, accusing the government of undermining educational institutions and misusing public assets for political or commercial interests.

Addressing the matter publicly, KTR assured full support to MANUU students and stakeholders, stating that the BRS would stand with them in protecting the university’s land and autonomy. He demanded that the Congress government immediately clarify its stand, halt any alleged encroachments, and ensure transparency in land-related decisions. Warning of protests if corrective steps are not taken, KTR said safeguarding educational institutions and students’ rights remains a top priority for his party.

Kolkata, January 9:
A senior BJP leader on Thursday took a sharp dig at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), stating that the public would “laugh” if the ruling party in West Bengal stages protests against corruption. The BJP leader alleged that TMC has been repeatedly linked to major corruption scandals and therefore has no moral authority to protest on the issue.

The remarks came amid ongoing political sparring between the BJP and TMC over allegations of corruption and governance failures in the state. The BJP leader claimed that people are well aware of the scams that have surfaced in recent years and accused the Trinamool leadership of misleading the public. He added that instead of organising protests, the ruling party should answer questions raised by investigating agencies and take responsibility for the alleged irregularities.

Vijayawada, January 9:
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of “betraying” the Rayalaseema region, alleging that key lifeline infrastructure projects critical to the region’s development have been sabotaged under the current government’s watch. Jagan claimed that the neglect of these projects reflects a political bias against Rayalaseema, intensifying regional tensions and threatening balanced development across the state.

The criticism has fuelled a fresh political debate in Andhra Pradesh, with Jagan asserting that Naidu’s decisions will be recorded unfavourably in history for undermining the state’s cohesion. Political analysts noted that such charges are likely to resonate with Rayalaseema residents and could shape political narratives ahead of future elections, highlighting longstanding regional sensitivities within Andhra Pradesh politics.

Pune, January 8:
A senior Shiv Sena leader has alleged that stones were hurled at his car while he was campaigning for the ongoing Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. The leader claimed that the incident occurred in a highly congested area and was intended to intimidate him and his supporters. Police officials have confirmed that a complaint has been filed and an investigation is underway to identify the individuals responsible for the attack.

Election authorities and local observers expressed concern over the rise in violence and harassment during campaigning, urging all political parties to maintain peaceful conduct. Analysts noted that such incidents could escalate tensions and affect voter sentiment if not addressed promptly. The Pune police have assured increased patrolling and security measures in sensitive areas to ensure a safe and fair electoral process in the coming days.