INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY DECEMBER 15, 2023 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol 32 No: 49 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday December 15, 2023 Supreme Court upholds abrogation of Article 370, says Assembly polls must be held by September 2024 New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the constitution which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and said that every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of a State can’t be subject to a legal challenge. A five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant delivered the verdict. The Constitution Bench was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories. CJI Chandrachud reading out the judgement said that every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of a State under proclamation can’t be subject to a legal challenge and it will lead to the administration of the State to a standstill. Supreme Court said that it has held that Article 370 was a temporary provision. ” The proclamation of Maharaja stated that the Constitution of India will supersede. With this, the para of Instrument of Accession ceases to exist....Article 370 was an interim arrangement due to war conditions in the State. Textual reading also indicates that Article 370 is a temporary provision,” the Court said. The Apex court also mentioned that the argument of petitioners that the Union government cannot take actions of irreversible consequences in the State during Presidential rule is not acceptable. “We have held that the state of Jammu and Kashmir did not retain an element of sovereignty when it joined the Union of India. We have arrived at this conclusion for the following reasons. First paragraph eight of the instrument of acession executed by Maharaja Hari Singh provided that nothing in the instrument would affect the continuance of the sovereignty of the Maharaja in and over the state,” CJI Chandrachud said. The CJI further ARTICLE 370 SEE PAGE 6 ENDS JANUARY 2 NX F SPORT RX F SPORT ES F SPORT WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER TREE Some gifts never stop giving. Apne liye ek aisa gift dhund nikaliye at the December to Remember Sales Event. Now through January 2. Bow optional. Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha ©2023 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. New Delhi [India], December 8 (ANI): Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra was on Friday expelled from the Lok Sabha after a discussion on the report of the Ethics Committee in the ‘cash for query’ that was tabled in the Lower House today. Mahua Moitra, who was not allowed to speak during the discussion inside the House, the Trinamool leader read out her statement outside the Lok Sabha. She said that the Ethics committee broke every rule. Opposition staged a walkout after the Lok Sabha adopted the motion to expel the TMC MP. The House was then adjourned till December 11. Speaker Om Birla said, “...This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra’s conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP...” The Ethics Committee report probing ‘Unethical Conduct’ of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP had recommended that Moitra “may be expelled” from the Lok Sabha and called for an “intense, legal, institutional inquiry” by the central government in a “time-bound manner”. “The serious misdemeanours on the part of Mahua Moitra calls for severe punishment. The Committee, therefore, recommend that Mahua Moitra, MP may be expelled from the Membership of the Seventeenth Lok Sabha,” the report read. Participating in the debate today over the Ethics Panel report in the lower house, Manish Tewari, MAHUA MOITRA SEE PAGE 6
December 15, 2023 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com Parliament security breach: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla calls all-party meet New Delhi [India], December 13 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called a meeting of floor leaders of different political parties on Wednesday to address the concerns of all parties over the Parliament security breach incident. The meeting has been called at 4 pm today. The Speaker said that a thorough investigation is underway regarding the security lapse in the House. “A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that that there is no need to worry about the smoke,” he said.”Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by Police,” he added. On the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror attack, there was a major security breach when two intruders entered the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitor gallery during Zero Hour. In a security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jumped into the House from the visitor’s gallery and had canisters in their hand, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Visuals showed an unidentified man jumping from the visitor’s gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. The incident happened when members were raising matters of urgent public importance and BJP MP Khagen Murmu was raising his issue.Simultaneously, two individuals, including a woman, sprayed colored gas and shouted slogans outside the Parliament premises. BJP Rajendra Agrawal was in the chair when the incident occurred. “Suddenly two young men around 20 years old jumped into the House from the visitor’s gallery and had canisters in their hand. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run towards the Speaker’s chair. They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on 13th December, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001,” Karti Chidambaram told ANI. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI that the intruders were apprehended “Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, and they were brought out by security personnel. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001 (Parliament attack),.” Chowdhury said. (ANI)
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December 15, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK FBI Director Wray holds discussions with CBI chief, recognises challenges posed by transnational crimes New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher A Wray held discussions with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood and other senior officials in which both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, said the CBI in an official press statement on Monday. The statement read, “Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyberenabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes. This comes as a high-level delegation led by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray visited CBI headquarters. They also discussed the need to expedite the sharing of evidence and for closer assistance in bringing criminals and fugitives to justice. It was also discussed to exchange the best practises of the FBI Academy, Quantico and the CBI Academy, Ghaziabad, the CBI statement said. The meeting focused on strengthening the exchange of information on criminal matters, improving coordination in combating transnational crimes and sharing expertise in the investigation of technologyenabled crimes. FBI Director Christopher A Wray while interacting with senior officers of CBI thanked CBI for the collaborative spirit and the enduring cooperation during FBI’s long relationship with the CBI. Praveen Sood welcomed the FBI Director and thanked him for his visit. As per the CBI statement, Director Wray’s visit signifies a step towards deepening cooperation and shared commitment to combat crime in all its manifestations in the spirit of international police cooperation. Both agencies agreed to look forward to future interactions and collaborative initiatives. FBI Director Christopher Wray is in India as part of his two-day visit to the country. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said that this visit was part of the ongoing cooperation between the US and India on areas of security and counterterrorism. “We have robust security, cyber security, counterterrorism and counternarcotics terrorism with By JSMW As we begin to reflect on the year that has passed and recently celebrated the Festival of Lights last month, it’s important to think about our own contributions to human kind and how we can support our community, both at home and abroad. You may have supported your community in many ways this year, aided those in need, opened your door to new relationships, or invested in the future of your community with the gift of your time. While reflecting on all this, don’t forget to ask yourself how you’ve supported the health of your community, and how you are investing in the future of health in your community. Diversity and representation in medical research are paramount to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all communities, and unfortunately, many communities are underrepresented in biomedical research, including South Asian, Middle Eastern/North African (MENA), and Jain communities. Historically, over 90% of participants from large genomics studies have been of European descent, leaving diverse populations out of health research. Fortunately, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) is working to change that. JSMW has partnered with the All of Us Research Program 1 developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to help build one of the most diverse health databases in history. The program focuses on ensuring communities that are traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR) are included in medical research. Currently, more than 50% of enrolled participants are from racial and ethnic minorities, and over 80% are underrepresented in biomedical research. 23 By aiming to collect health data from one million or more people from diverse backgrounds, the program may help researchers better understand why certain people get sick and others stay healthy. This diversity ensures that research findings are applicable to a wide range of people, including those from the Jain community. This approach is particularly important for people of South Asian descent, as they may have unique genetic predispositions to certain health conditions. By participating in this program, community members can contribute to research that may lead to more effective health care strategies and treatments for our community. By participating in the All of Us Research Program, members of the Jain community can contribute to the advancement of medical research, help give back to our community, and see to it that our unique health needs are considered in health research. If you’re interested in learning more about the All of Us Research Program or would like to participate, please visit JoinAllofUs.org/ togetherDMV. 1 - https://www.joinallofus. org/ h t t p s : / / w w w . researchallofus.org/datatools/data-snapshots/ Look Out for the Health of Your Community This New Year the US agencies. We also engage in capacitybuilding programs...as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation visit by the FBI director is in the works,” MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on December 7. The US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, had earlier confirmed the visit of FBI Director Wray. Wray’s planned visit comes amid a US federal investigation into an alleged foiled plot to assassinate, Indiadesignated terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, for which the US administration levelled allegations against an Indian national and an Indian agency official. According to the sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is preparing to take up the issue of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with the visiting US official. It is expected that Wray will also meet officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) here in the national capital during his India visit, said sources. The visit come after US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA), Jonathan Finer, was in Delhi on December 4 to meet with Vikram Misri, India’s Deputy National Security Adviser. During the visit Finer also called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Jon Finer had acknowledged India’s establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the alleged foiled assassination plot in the US. Earlier, the United States charged an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire for allegedly plotting to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City. As per the court documents filed by the US Justice Department, an unnamed Indian government official colluded with Gupta in the plot to kill Pannun. Subsequently, New Delhi has formed a high-level special Enquiry Committee to thoroughly investigate the issue. (ANI) New Delhi [India], December 13 (ANI): The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at establishing a Central Tribal University in Telangana for providing higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population. The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed unanimously through a voice vote after the Opposition earlier walked out of the house in the middle of the debate over the security breach issue in the lower house. Two persons jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. The bill was already passed by the Lok Sabha on December 7. It was introduced in the lower house on December 4. It amended the Central Universities Act, 2009. As the Bill establishes a Central Tribal University in Telangana, it will be named the ‘Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University’. Its territorial jurisdiction will extend to Telangana. It will provide avenues of higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population of India. It is pertinent to note that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, provides that the central government will establish a Tribal University in Telangana. Responding to the debate on the bill, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government aimed to establish Central Tribal University in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Regarding the delay in the university’s establishment in Telangan, Pradhan attributed it to the time taken by the Telangana government to identify a suitable location for the institution. He stated that the ‘Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University’ will incur an expenditure of approximately Rs 900 crore. Pradhan also highlighted significant growth in Ph.D. course registrations, with an 81 per cent increase from 2014-15 to 2021-22, totalling over two lakh registrations. Notably, women’s enrollment in Ph.D. courses surged by 106 per cent during the same period. Parliament passes bill to establish Central Tribal University in Telangana
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INDIA THIS WEEK Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra Supreme Court upholds abrogation expelled from Lok Sabha of Article 370, says Assembly polls M M must be held by September 2024 F P 1 AHUA ARTICLE 370 FROM PAGE 1 noted that on November 25, 1949, a proclamation was issued for the State of Jammu and Kashmir by “Yuvraj Karan Singh”. “The declaration on this proclamation, that the Constitution of India would not only supersede all other constitutional provisions in the state, which were inconsistent with it, but also abrogate them, achieves what could have been attained by an agreement of merger. With the issuance of the proclamation, paragraph of the instrument of acession ceases to be of legal consequence. The proclamation reflects the full and final surrender of sovereignty by Jammu and Kashmir through its sovereign ruler to India ” CJI added further. The Supreme Court said “The declaration issued by the President exercises the power and clause 3 of Article 370 is a culmination of the process of integration. Thus, we do not find that the President’s exercise of power under Clause 3 of Article 370 was malafide. We hold the exercise of Presidential Power to be valid.” The Court also noted that Article 370 was meant for the constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union and it was not for disintegration and the President can declare that Article 370 ceases to exist. “Concurrence of the State government was not required to apply all provisions of the Constitution using Article 370(1)(d). So, the President of India taking the concurrence of the Union government was not malafide,” the Court noted. The Supreme Court also directed the Election Commission to hold Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, 2024. The Supreme Court said in view of Centre’s submission on restoration of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, it directs that statehood shall be restored as soon as possible. On September 5, the apex court reserved the judgement after hearing the arguments for 16 days. The central government had defended its decision to abrogate Article 370, From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- December 15, 2023 HEALING HANDS – Elizabeth Searle Lamb Dear God, let my hands be always hands of healing through which You Life may radiate to lessen pain, to bring a renewal of peace and healing wherever needed. Dear God, let my hands bring through their touch some essence of Your Love flowing through them to bring comfort and joy I offer my hands as a channel use them as Your healing tools saying there was no “constitutional fraud” in repealing the provision that accorded special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for Centre. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, had opened the arguments, saying Article 370 was no longer a “temporary provision” and had assumed permanence post the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. He had contended that the Parliament could not have declared itself to be the legislature of J-K to facilitate the abrogation of Article 370, as Article 354 of the Constitution does not authorise such an exercise of power. On August 5, 2019, the Central government announced the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 and split the region into two union territories. (ANI) ROM OTRA AGE who was nominated by the Congress to speak on the issue questioned whether the procedure of the Ethics Committee overrides the fundamental principle of Natural Justice. “Can the procedure of the Ethics Committee override the fundamental principle of natural justice which is the organising principle of every justice system in the world? From what we read in the newspaper, the one who has been made an accused – she was not able to complete her deposition. What kind of procedure is this?” He further said that the Ethics Committee can recommend whether a Member is guilty or not but it cannot decide what would be the exact punishment. “This is a fundamental distinction. That power lies with this House. The Ethics Committee can best make recommendations about whether a person is guilty or innocent. It is with the House to decide what would be the quantum of punishment. Here recommendation of the INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Commitee is fundamentally flawed,” he said. Congress MP further raised a point that can a party direct its MPs to vote in a particular way in an impeachment procedure. “Can a whip be issued? because this is like directing a judge to decide on a particular matter. This is a complete travesty of Justice. This House should be adjourned. All whips should be withdrawn,” he said. Manish Tewari said that today the Parliament has turned into a court to which Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla replied, “No this is not a court. This is a House. I am not a judge, the House will decide what to do.” Congress MP continued on the Whip issue and said,” When according to a 10th schedule a whip is issued then it is completely anti to the principle of Natural Justice. The fundamental principles of natural justice are thrown to the winds in this House.” “Never have I ever seen in my entire life that a House is sitting like a judicial body. would not have fallen if all member would have been allowed to study the on the floor of the House said, ” Congress party demands more time to read the papers. I am stating this on a common sense basis. The report was tabled at around 12 noon, How can such a huge report be studied in such a short period of time. Is that even humanly possible?” He further stated that according to the principle of Natural Justice, TMC MP Mahua Moitra should be given a chance to speak for herself. “Please allow another three to four Remember: more days. In the principle of Natural Justice, th TMC MP should be given a chance. Don’t let this new Parliament building become a symbol of grace,” he said. U n i o n Parliamentary Pralhad Joshi had moved the motion to consider the report of the Ethics commitee which was further taken up for the debate. Reiterating the party’s demand, Congress MP Manish Tewari in Lok Sabha said, “As Adhir Ranjan said, heavens would not have fallen had we given 3-4 days to take cognisance of this report and then keep our opinions before the House because it is going to make a decision on a very sensitive matter. Questioning the procedure followed by the Ethics panel, Manish Tewari said, “Can the procedure of the Ethics Committee override the fundamental principle of natural justice which is the organising principle of every justice system in the world? From what we read in the newspaper, the one who has been made an accused – she was not able to complete her deposition. What kind of procedure is this?” He further said that the report of the Ethics Panel is fundamentally flawed. The Ethics Committee report probing ‘Unethical Conduct’ of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in the “cash for query” case that was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday recommended that Moitra “may be expelled” from the Lok Sabha and called for an “intense, legal, institutional inquiry” by the central government in a “time-bound manner”.” “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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December 15, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Madhya Pradesh: “Focus is to serve people better” says Madhya Pradesh CM designate Mohan Yadav Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 12 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister designate Mohan Yadav, who has been named as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said on Wednesday that his focus from here is on how the people of the state can further be served by BJP in a better way. On being asked about the feeling of becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav said, “I do not take these things to heart; I am an ordinary member of the party and I took the news like any other day in my life but this is true that I have been given a position of responsibility and now this is what I am focusing on–how we can serve the people better. He further spoke about the oath-taking ceremony and said, “The oath-taking ceremony is tomorrow so we are making preparations for all our mentors from the party–Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.” “BJP has formed the government in the state with a majority and BJP is seen in a special way by the entire nation so we have certain responsibility for the upcoming event,” he added. Earlier in the day, former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath met Madhya Pradesh CM-designate Mohan Yadav. “I congratulated him and promised to provide all possible help for the development of the state. We will make sure that, as an opposition, we will work for the better future of Madhya Pradesh,” said Kamal Nath after the meeting. “Congratulations to Mohan Yadav on being elected as leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party. I hope that as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, he will rule lawfully and without rancour,” Kamal Nath posted on X after the BJP legislative party meeting. Earlier, security was heightened at Yadav’s residence in Ujjain. Along with Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister-designates Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda will also take their oaths on December 13. Earlier, Yadav was elected as leader of the BJP‘s legislative party, 15 days after the party routed the Congress to win Madhya Pradesh. The outgoing Higher Education Minister thanked the BJP. The BJP, in a bid to soothe ruffled feathers ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, also named two deputy chief ministers, Jagdish Devda and Rajesh Shukla. Meanwhile, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated both the Deputy Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh. “ H e a r t y congratulations to friend @JagdishDevdaBJP ji on being nominated as Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in the BJP Legislative Party meeting. I am confident that under the guidance of respected Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, your efficient policies and experience will play an important role in the progress and development of Madhya State,” CM Chouhan posted on X. “ F r i e n d @rshuklabjp ji, hearty congratulations to you on being nominated as the Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. I have full confidence that with your efficient work and positive thinking, the development of the state will gain more momentum and the public welfare work will continue,” he added. The former Chief Minister also congratulated former Union Minister Narendra Tomar saying that his skilled guidance and experience will give more impetus to the development and public welfare works of the state. Mohan Yadav‘s father, Poonam Chand Yadav, after his son was elected as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said that he never thought that his son would become the CM of the state. “I never thought that my son would become the chief minister of the state but it is the blessings of Mata and Baba Mahakal,” Poonam Chand Yadav said. Yadav became MLA for the first time in 2013 from Ujjain Dakshin’s seat. In the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, he was once again elected and became MLA from the Ujjain Dakshin seat. On July 2, 2020, he took the oath as cabinet minister in the Madhya Pradesh government headed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Madhya Pradesh went to poll for 230 assembly seats in a single phase on November 17 and the counting of votes was done on December 3. The BJP, which had been battling close to 20 years of incumbency in the state, won a resounding mandate, bagging 163 seats, while the Congress finished a distant second at 66 seats. (ANI) Reddy. I have full faith that this will be a new chapter in the history of Telangana,” he said. Another Congress leader and MP, K Suresh said that the first agenda of the Telangana government is to implement six guarantees that were promised in the election rallies by Congress leaders. “During the election campaign, we promised six guarantees. Our first agenda is that those six guarantees be implemented immediately after the takeover by the CM and other ministers. We are going to implement our six guarantees,” he said while speaking to ANI. “We had promised five guarantees in Karnataka and after we came to power, in the first cabinet they took decisions one by one (for implementation). We are going to repeat the same in Telangana,” he added. Meanwhile, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party MP Rahul Gandhi and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at Hotel Taj Krishna in Hyderabad for the swearing-in ceremony of CM-designate Revanth Reddy. Congress MLAs along with Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will also attend the swearing-in ceremony of Telangana’s new CM. Revanth Reddy takes oath as Telangana Chief Minister; Bhatti Vikramarka as Dy CM Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 7 (ANI): Anumula Revanth Reddy on Thursday took oath as Chief Minister of Telangana, becoming the first Congress CM of the youngest state in India. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath of office to him at the the sprawling Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu also took oath as the Deputy CM of the state that was formed in the year 2014. Governor Soundarajan also administered the oath of office to Gaddam Prasad Kumar as the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi who arrived in Hyderabad early this morning were also present for the swearing-in ceremony. Party leader Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi were also present on the stage. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also reached Hyderabad to take part in the occasion. Ahead of the swearing in ceremony DK Shivakumar said “We will implement the guarantees. We are committed to whatever we have spoken.” Folk artists performed outside Hyderabad’s LB stadium ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of Revanth Reddy as Telangana CM. (ANI) Ahead of the grand swearing-in ceremony of Telangana’s new Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, Congress leaders on Thursday expressed their excitement and said that this will be a new chapter in the history of Telangana. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda said, “Congress‘ win in Telangana is a victory of the party’s policies.” ` “It is a victory of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Kharge ji. It’s a victory of the struggle by Revanth
FRIDAY DECEMBER 15, 2023 9 TN govt announces financial aid for people affected by cyclone “Michaung” Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 9 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin unveiled a cyclone “Michaung” relief package, which includes cash assistance of Rs 6,000 and increased compensation in various categories, including enhanced payouts for flood-affected crops for farmers. On December 3 and 4, under the influence of Cyclone ‘Michaung,’ Chennai and nearby areas in Chengelpet, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall, resulting in extensive flooding, property damage, and loss of lives. The Tamil Nadu government has also increased other relief amounts given for the various damages due to the cyclone. The compensation for the families of those who died due to storms and floods has been increased from Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. The compensation for damaged huts has been increased from Rs.5 thousand to Rs.8 thousand. The compensation for the loss of standing crops has been increased from Rs.13,500 to Rs.17 thousand per hectare. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin held a review meeting with the Chief Secretary and various department secretaries on the current situation and restoration works being done after the cyclone Michaung-induced floods in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts. Meanwhile, Stalin announced to donate his one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to help the state’s recovery from cyclone Michaung havoc. The Chief Minister has also called on all MPs and MLAs to do the same. “I donate my one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund for recovery from the Michaung storm disaster. I request all the members of the assembly and parliament to donate funds,” said MK Stalin in a statement. Earlier, on Wednesday, Stalin also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an immediate interim relief fund of Rs 5,060 crores amid the destruction caused by Cyclone Michaung in Tamil Nadu. CM Stalin also requested the PM to send a central team to review the damages caused by the Cyclone in the state. Tamil Nadu IAS Officers’ Association has also stepped forward to bolster relief efforts in Chennai after Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc across the state capital. The association demonstrated its commitment to supporting the state government in the ongoing relief operations by contributing a day’s salary of its members to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund, an official release stated. Cyclone Michaung made landfall in Tamil Nadu earlier this month, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds, and subsequent damages to infrastructure and homes, apart from the loss of lives. (ANI)
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