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1984 Riots: Delhi HC Says Murder Trial to Continue Against Jagdish Tytler

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PTI
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jagdish tytler, congress, 1984 riots, riots, delhi court, delhi high court
1984 Riots: Delhi HC Says Murder Trial to Continue Against Jagdish Tytler 2

The Delhi High Court on Monday made it clear that the murder trial in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler would continue.

Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri was hearing a plea filed by Tytler seeking a stay on the trial proceedings taking place against him in a Delhi court. The court would continue with the hearing on November 29.

“It is made clear the trial will continue. Same will be subject to the outcome of the present proceedings,” the judge ordered.

Tytler’s counsel submitted the case was listed for the recording of evidence of a prosecution witness before the trial court on November 12 and the trial court be asked to not proceed till the high court decided his plea against the framing of charges order.

Tytler’s plea challenging the framing of murder and other charges against him is listed on November 29 but he moved court with the plea to stay the trial.

His plea said the evidence of the prosecution witness was recorded by the trial court and her cross-examination by the defence counsel was scheduled for November 12.

“The criminal revision petition (of Tytler) raised substantial questions upon the motivation of the prosecution and the investigation conducted by the CBI. Therefore, an order/direction from this court for the trial court to not proceed with the captioned matter till the pendency of the revision petition is expedient in the interest of justice,” his plea read.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka, representing the victims, opposed the plea arguing the witness was old and suffered from various ailments and being subjected to multiple court appearances. She would be appearing in court for the fourth time, he said.

Tytler has claimed being a victim of a “witch-hunt” and contended the trial court’s order framing charges against him was “perverse, illegal and lacked application of mind”.

“Trial court has erroneously framed charges against the petitioner overlooking the settled principles of law on the point of charge,” his petition stated.

While Tytler’s counsel raised the plea of alibi, claiming his absence at the time of the incident, the counsel for the CBI and victims argued the plea of alibi had already been decided and rejected by the high court.

Tytler said there was no credible evidence to corroborate the allegations against him and the trial court’s order was “misconceived” passed “mechanically” and liable to be set aside.

He alleged it was a case of harassment wherein he was made to face the trial for alleged crimes committed more than four decades ago, and referred to being 80-years old and suffering from several ailments, including heart disease and diabetes.

The trial court on September 13 framed charges against him after he pleaded not guilty.

Besides murder, the trial court ordered the framing of charges pertaining to unlawful assembly, provocation, rioting, murder, promoting enmity between different groups, house trespass, and theft, among others.

The CBI on May 20, 2023, filed a chargesheet against Tytler in the case saying he “incited, instigated and provoked the mob assembled at Pul Bangash Gurdwara Azad Market” on November 1, 1984. The mob, the agency claimed, provoked by Tytler, set a gurdwara ablaze and killed three men—Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh.

Anti-sikh riots erupted in several parts of the country in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

A session court had in August, 2023, granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in the case.

What Is BJP Doing to Prevent Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra, Jairam Ramesh Questions to PM

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PTI
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jairam ramesh, ramesh, congress, rajasthan,
What Is BJP Doing to Prevent Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra, Jairam Ramesh Questions to PM 4

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday by posing questions to him on Maharashtra, asking what is the BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides in the states.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posed questions to the PM ahead of his rallies in Chimur and Solapur and asked why has the BJP “diluted” Adivasis’ forest rights in Maharashtra.

In 2006, the Congress had passed the revolutionary Forest Rights Act (FRA) which granted Adivasis and forest-dwelling communities legal rights to manage their own forests, and economically benefit from forest produce they collect, he pointed out.

“The BJP government, however, has obstructed the implementation of the FRA, depriving millions of Adivasis of its benefits. Only 52% (2,06,620 claims) of the 4,01,046 individual claims filed have been granted, and land titles distributed cover only 23.5% (11,769 sq. km) of the 50,045 sq. km eligible for community rights,” Ramesh said in his post on X.

Why has the BJP government in Maharashtra failed to provide Adivasi communities their rights, he asked.

Ramesh further asked as to what has the PM done to alleviate water scarcity in Satara and Solapur.

“The scarcity of drinking water in Satara, Sangli, and Solapur has only gotten worse in recent years. Between March and April 2024, the requirement of tankers increased 13% in Sangli, 31% in Satara and 84% in Solapur. Dams, ponds and lakes in the area dried up entirely, with the situation being the worst in Solapur,” he said.

Water supply in the city’s main source of water, the Ujani Dam, dipped below zero, and the city had to survive the “dead storage” in the dam, Ramesh pointed out.

The situation got so bad that the Solapur Municipal Corporation had to supply drinking water on a rotational basis, with different areas in the city getting water at five to eight day intervals, the Congress leader said.

“Why have the non-biological PM and the BJP ignored the plight of thousands who deal with water scarcity every day? Do they have any concrete plans to improve the situation?” Ramesh said.

He further asked what is the BJP doing to prevent farmer suicides.

On an average day in Maharashtra, seven farmers take their own lives, he pointed out.

“This heartbreaking statistic comes from the state’s Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, who reported that 2,366 farmers died by suicide between January and October last year. The reasons are evident: 60% of districts faced drought conditions last year but no help arrived from the government.

When crops were damaged by unseasonal rains in more than half of the state, farmers were extended loan waivers, but 6.56 lakh farmers were deprived of this relief due to software glitches,” Ramesh said.

“In the face of this state-sponsored callousness, the Congress has consistently guaranteed farmers MSP as per the Swaminathan Committee’s recommendation, a farm loan waiver with a Permanent Commission set up to implement it smoothly, and settlement of all crop insurance claims within 30 days,” he said.

What is the BJP’s vision to support Maharashtra’s and India’s farmers, he asked.

His remarks come amid campaigning for the November 20 polls in Maharashtra.

Counting of polls would take place on November 23.

Thane Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Illegal Hoardings, Fines Exceed Rs 10 Crore

By
Web Team
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thane municipal corporation, tmc, hoardings, fine
Thane Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Illegal Hoardings, Fines Exceed Rs 10 Crore 6

In a significant move against illegal hoardings, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has imposed fines totaling Rs 10.96 crore on 52 advertisers who violated municipal rules and caused financial losses to the civic body. The offenders were fined five times the penalty amount, signaling TMC’s intent to enforce compliance rigorously.

Action Prompted by MNS Leader’s Efforts

The crackdown follows persistent efforts by Sandeep Pachange, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) Ovala-Majiwada Legislative Assembly Division. Pachange highlighted the issue of oversized hoardings installed in violation of municipal approvals. Despite initial inaction, Pachange filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which prompted the municipal corporation to act.

Among the violators, Vihang Advertising Company was fined Rs 44 lakh. The penalties have stirred significant attention in political circles.

Safety and City Aesthetics at Stake

This action aims to curb illegal hoardings, protect the city’s visual appeal, and safeguard citizens’ safety. Concerns about the structural stability of unauthorized hoardings gained prominence after the Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy, adding urgency to enforcement.

Pachange emphasized the need for a robust policy to regulate hoardings and strict adherence to prevent future violations. While TMC has acted against 52 advertisement boards, questions remain about the status of other violations and incomplete actions.

Political Repercussions

The fines and the role of MNS in pushing for action have sparked discussions within political circles, underscoring the increasing pressure on local administrations to ensure safety and transparency in public spaces.

Riteish Deshmukh Rallies for Dhiraj Deshmukh, Calls for Focus on Real Issues Over ‘Dharma Politics’

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Web Team
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riteish deshmukh, dhiraj deshmukh, riteish, latur, assembly elections, maharashtra
Riteish Deshmukh Rallies for Dhiraj Deshmukh, Calls for Focus on Real Issues Over 'Dharma Politics' 8

Actor Riteish Deshmukh took center stage in Latur Rural, campaigning for his brother and Congress candidate, Dhiraj Vilasrao Deshmukh, ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections. Speaking to a large gathering, Riteish criticized the BJP for sidelining pressing issues like unemployment and focusing on “Dharma politics.”

Highlighting the contradiction in Latur’s reputation for educational excellence under the ‘Latur Pattern’ and the lack of job opportunities for its youth, Riteish declared, “The government has failed to deliver on its responsibilities. The youth of Latur deserve better.” He encouraged voters to prioritize real issues when they cast their ballots on November 20.

Riteish Urges Voters to Reject Divisive Tactics

Riteish accused the BJP of using religion as a shield to distract from their performance. Drawing on the teachings of Lord Krishna, he stated, “Work is Dharma. Doing one’s duties diligently is Karma, and that is true Dharma. Those who work honestly embody this, while those who fail use religion to mask their shortcomings.”

He further urged voters to hold politicians accountable, asking critical questions about agricultural policies, public safety, and economic development instead of succumbing to divisive narratives. “Ask those who preach religion how they will ensure better crop prices or guarantee the safety of our mothers and sisters,” he advised.

Confidence in the Deshmukh Leadership

Expressing faith in his brothers, Dhiraj and Amit Deshmukh, Riteish assured the crowd of their capability to address the region’s needs effectively. He also expressed confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s prospects, asserting that the alliance would fulfill its promises and form the next government.

A Fierce Contest in Latur Rural

The Latur Rural Assembly Constituency is set for a high-stakes contest. Congress’s Dhiraj Deshmukh faces BJP’s Ramesh Karad and MNS’s Santosh Ganpatrao Nagargoje in the electoral fray. Voting for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly will take place on November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23.

Congress ‘Shahi Parivar’ Hell-Bent on Breaking OBC-ST-SC Unity to Snatch Reservations: PM Modi

By
PTI
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narendra modi, modi, gumta, jharkhand, shahi parivaar, congress, reservations
Congress 'Shahi Parivar' Hell-Bent on Breaking OBC-ST-SC Unity to Snatch Reservations: PM Modi 10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress during an election rally in Gumla, Jharkhand, on Sunday. He accused the Congress, particularly its “shahi parivar” (royal family), of attempting to divide the unity among Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to “snatch reservations” through what he termed an “evil design.”

PM Modi argued that the Congress aims to weaken tribal communities by fostering division among groups, including Munda, Oraon, Lohra, Kharia, Kharwar, and Korwa. He also alleged that Congress has historically opposed the elevation of tribals to high positions, pointing to resistance against President Droupadi Murmu’s appointment.

Modi also criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government, accusing it of exploiting Jharkhand’s resources—minerals, forest, land, and coal—while compromising the state’s “Roti-Beti-Mati” (bread, land, and daughter).

He assured that under the BJP’s “Dharti Aba Janjatiya Utkarsh Abhiyan,” over 60,000 tribal villages across India will be developed with an investment of Rs 80,000 crore. Additionally, he promised that the BJP’s “Gogo Didi” scheme, offering Rs 2,100 monthly to women, will be implemented in Jharkhand, and “Lakhpati Didis” will benefit through promoted millet (Ragi) cultivation.

Modi pledged that leaders involved in resource exploitation and youth neglect will face justice, urging voters that their support will ensure a prosperous future for Jharkhand in the next 25 years.

3,734 Code of Conduct Violation Complaints Resolved; Rs 398.40 Crore Worth of Assets Seized

By
Web Team
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c-vigil, election commission, model code of conduct,
3,734 Code of Conduct Violation Complaints Resolved; Rs 398.40 Crore Worth of Assets Seized 12

As part of the 2024 Assembly General Elections, a total of 3,764 complaints were registered across the state through the C-Vigil app between October 15 and November 9, 2024. Out of these, 3,734 complaints have been resolved by the Election Commission, according to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

C-Vigil App for Reporting Code of Conduct Violations

The C-Vigil app, which can be downloaded from any app store, enables citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Upon receiving a complaint, the concerned teams investigate and take appropriate action promptly. This initiative allows citizens to actively contribute to ensuring compliance with election norms.

Seizure of Rs 398.40 Crore Worth of Assets

In a major crackdown, state and central enforcement agencies have seized Rs 398.40 crore worth of assets, including illegal cash, liquor, narcotics, and valuable metals. These measures highlight the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct across the state.

The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent election process by effectively addressing complaints and taking swift action against violations.

Mumbai Workplaces Mandated to Provide Voting Leave for Assembly Polls on November 20

By
Web Team
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mumbai voting, compulsory leave, voting, november 20
Mumbai Workplaces Mandated to Provide Voting Leave for Assembly Polls on November 20 14

Mumbai District Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has made it mandatory for all workplaces within the Brihanmumbai limits to grant leave to employees to cast their votes during the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20.

According to a release issued on Wednesday, failure to comply with this directive will result in action under Election Commission guidelines. The initiative is part of a broader effort to boost voter turnout across Mumbai Suburban and Mumbai City districts.

The mandate applies to all establishments, including corporate and industrial sectors. While workplaces are required to provide a full day’s leave, exceptions may be made for granting a minimum of four hours of leave, provided prior approval is obtained from the district election officer.

Under Section 135(B) of the Representation of the People Act, exemptions apply to employees whose absence could compromise public safety or critical operations at their establishments.

Tensions Escalate in Mahayuti Alliance as Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ Remark Sparks Controversy

By
Vaidehi Taman
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yogi adityanath, ajit pawar, uddhav thackeray, Batenge Toh Katenge, mahayuti
Tensions Escalate in Mahayuti Alliance as Yogi Adityanath's 'Batenge Toh Katenge' Remark Sparks Controversy 16

Yogi Adityanath’s provocative “batenge toh katenge” (if divided, will be divided) slogan, delivered at election rallies in Maharashtra, has stirred tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s statement, widely seen as a call for aggressive political rhetoric, has drawn sharp criticism from BJP ally and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who insisted that such remarks do not resonate with the people of Maharashtra.

Reacting to Adityanath’s comments, Pawar made it clear that the people of Maharashtra have always valued communal harmony and secularism, emphasizing that the state does not tolerate divisive statements. “Maharashtra has a long history of maintaining communal peace, and people here will not accept any attempt to stir division,” Pawar said, adding that external leaders should not impose their views on the state. He also referenced Maharashtra’s legacy of social reform, invoking icons like Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who promoted unity and secularism.

The controversy comes as the NCP attempts to distance itself from Adityanath’s divisive remarks, fearing it could alienate Muslim voters—who are a key constituency for the party. With the potential for minority votes to shift towards Congress or Uddhav Thackeray’s UBT Shiv Sena, the NCP is wary of further political fallout.

NCP Distances Itself from Yogi’s Comments

The NCP, particularly concerned about its Muslim vote base, has distanced itself from the remarks made by the UP Chief Minister. “Such statements could negatively impact the party’s position and push away the consolidating minority votes,” said a senior NCP leader. Pawar himself was quick to underline that the people of Maharashtra have always maintained peace and that no outsider should undermine the state’s secular values.

In the same breath, Pawar also defended party candidate Nawab Malik, who is contesting the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat despite being embroiled in a money laundering case. Malik, currently out on bail, is a key NCP candidate, but the BJP has declined to campaign for him, backing Shinde’s candidate in the same seat. Pawar reaffirmed Malik’s innocence, stating, “No allegations against Nawab Malik have been proved.”

Thackeray Takes Aim at Yogi’s Maharashtra Visit

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray took the opportunity to slam the BJP for bringing in leaders from outside Maharashtra to campaign. “The Maharashtra Assembly election is a contest between those who love Maharashtra and those who betray it,” Thackeray declared. He also accused the Mahayuti government, led by Eknath Shinde, of being the “most corrupt” in the state’s history, citing the controversy surrounding the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, which was unveiled last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thackeray was quick to criticize the lack of unity within the Mahayuti alliance, pointing to Ajit Pawar’s disapproval of Adityanath’s remarks as evidence that the coalition is fractured. “If the Deputy CM himself is objecting to what Yogi Adityanath is saying, it shows the complete lack of cohesion within the ruling alliance,” Thackeray said, suggesting that such divisions only harm the BJP’s campaign in Maharashtra.

As election day draws closer, the rhetoric surrounding the campaign has intensified, with the Mahayuti alliance grappling with both internal discord and external criticism over its leadership and ideological direction.

Congress Accused of Trying to Undermine Eknath Shinde and Create Rift in Mahayuti Alliance

By
Afternoon Voice
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nana patole, eknath shinde, shinde, devendra fadnavis, congress, shiv sena
Congress Accused of Trying to Undermine Eknath Shinde and Create Rift in Mahayuti Alliance 18

The Congress party is intensifying its efforts to demoralize Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and create divisions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, according to political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena. Congress President Nana Patole has alleged that the BJP is trying to keep Shinde under control, claiming that while the BJP presents Shinde as the Chief Minister, it is actually Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis who holds the real power.

Patole pointed out that although BJP posters feature the logos of all three parties in the alliance, only Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fadnavis are prominently displayed, with Shinde’s image barely visible. This, Patole argued, reflects the true dynamics within the alliance.

The latest controversy centers around the BJP’s election posters for the upcoming Assembly elections, where Shinde’s photo appears in a small, passport-sized format despite the party’s claims that it is contesting under his leadership. The omission of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s photo from earlier posters had also sparked public debate, and now the minimization of Shinde’s image has raised new questions about the BJP’s internal power structure.

A senior BJP leader, speaking to Afternoon Voice, dismissed the Congress’s criticisms, stating, “This is exactly what Congress has been doing all along—trying to sow division and create rifts, both within the nation and political parties. These comments will have no impact on our alliance.”

Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam also responded to Congress’s allegations, asserting, “We are fighting this election under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. All decisions, from seat sharing to strategy, have been made under his guidance. Congress has a habit of creating controversy, but it doesn’t affect us.”

As the election approaches, tensions within the Mahayuti alliance and the Congress’s attempts to exploit them remain a point of contention in the state’s political discourse.

Income Tax Department Raids Jharkhand CM’s Aide’s Premises Amid Election Season

By
PTI
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income tax department, tax, it dept, congress, bjp
Income Tax Department Raids Jharkhand CM's Aide's Premises Amid Election Season 20

The Income Tax Department launched searches on Saturday at multiple sites across Jharkhand, including premises associated with a close aide of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in connection with a tax evasion investigation, according to official sources. These searches come just weeks before the Jharkhand assembly elections, scheduled for November 13 and 20, with results expected on November 23.

The Congress reacted strongly to the timing of the raids. Congress leader Rakesh Sinha said, “This is not new for Jharkhand. I-T raids are often conducted at opposition leaders’ premises. The BJP is attempting to gain a foothold in the state using I-T and ED raids as pressure tactics.”

In response, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo urged patience, stating, “There is no need to link these actions to elections. Let’s wait for the official statement from the I-T department.”

The timing of these searches has sparked a political debate in Jharkhand, with both parties questioning each other’s motives as they approach the upcoming polls.

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