FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 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 Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED in excise policy case Vol 33 No: 13 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday March 29, 2024 New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case, sources said. AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi said they had moved the Supreme Court for quashing Kejriwal’s arrest and have sought an urgent hearing. “We have moved the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight it- self,” Atishi said in a post on X. She had earlier said that Kejriwal will run the government from jail. “We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal... We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight,” she said. An Enforcement Directorate team arrived at Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday for questioning in connection with the liquor policy case. The team conducted a search operation at his residence, the sources said. The Enforcement Directorate team reached his residence for questioning hours after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection to Kejriwal from coercive action in connection with the excise policy case. AAP workers also staged a protest outside the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Denying him interim protection from arrest in the liquor policy case, the Delhi HC ruled that, in this state, it was not inclined to do so. The court passed down the directive during the hearing on a plea by the AAP supremo, urging coercive action against him in connection with the excise policy case. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha called the ED‘s move a conspiracy to arrest the Delhi Chief Minister just before the Lok Sabha elections. “Just before the Lok Sabha elections, a big conspiracy is going on to arrest Arvind Kejriwal ji. Kejriwal ji has the blessings of crores of people. The wonderful works done KEJRIWAL SEE PAGE 6 ENDS APRIL 1 RX 500h NX 450h+* RZ LUXURY* A“SAVE THE DATE” WORTH SAVING This is your invitation to uncover what makes a Lexus … a Lexus-from thrilling performance and remarkable capability to unmatched experiences. lexus.com | #Lexus *Limited availability. See your preferred Lexus dealer for details. ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill extend Holi wishes Washington, DC [US], March 26 (ANI): US President Joe Biden extended Holi wishes on Monday, emphasising that millions of people globally will join together to celebrate the festival, the arrival of Spring, with Gulal and vibrant colours. Taking to his social media X, US President Biden posted, “Today, mil- lions around the world will join together to celebrate Holi, the arrival of Spring, with Gulal and vibrant colors.” He, along with first lady Jill Biden, wished everyone to celebrate the festival of colours. “Jill and I wish all those observing today’s Festival of Colors joy and happiness,” he add- ed. Earlier in the day, the Indian Consulate in New York extended Holi greetings by illuminating the iconic Times Square in New York City with banners of Holi wishes. “Wishing everyone a colorful and joyous Holi from the heart of New York City. #TimesSquare May the festival of color fill your life with happiness, love and peace,”Indian Consulate in New York posted on X. Earlier, the Indian Embassy in the US also wished everyone a joyous celebration resplendent with colours and music. In a video shared on X, the Indian Embassy in the US captured the exuberant spirit of Holi celebrations. The video showcased a lively scene at DuPoint Circle, where people immersed themselves in the festivities, dancing joyously while playing with vibrant colours.
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 PhD student from India dies after being run over by truck in London London [UK], March 25 (ANI): An Indian student died after being run over by a truck while cycling back to her apartment in London last week, according to a social media post by Niti Aayog former CEO Amitabh Kant. The 33-year-old Cheistha Kochhar was a PhD student at the London School of Economics, her father retired Lieutenant General Dr SP Kochhar said in a post on LinkedIn. Kochhar, who had previously worked with the public policy think-tank NITI Aayog, was pursuing her PhD in Behavioural Science from LSE. Amitabh Kant in his post on X said that Cheistha Kochhar had worked with him on the LIFE programme in Niti Aayog. He described her bright, brilliant brave and always full of life. “Cheistha Kochar worked with me on the #LIFE programme in @NITIAayog. She was in the #Nudge unit and had gone to do her Ph.D in be- havioural science at #LSE Passed away in a terrible traffic incident while cycling in London. She was bright, brilliant & brave and always full of life. Gone away too early. RIP.” Mission LiFE is an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. Lieutenant General Kochhar (Retd) stated that he is still in London trying to collect the remains of his daughter, Cheistha Kocchar. In a post on LinkedIn, Lieutenant General Kochhar stated, “I am still in London trying to collect the remains of my daughter, Cheistha Kochhar. She was run over by a truck on 19 Mar while cycling back from LSE, where she was doing her PhD. It has devasted us and her large circle of friends.” Cheistha was a doctoral candidate at the LSE since September last year, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to that she worked as Senior Advisor in the National Behavioural Insights Unit of India, Niti Aayog from June 2021 – April 2023. Previously, she worked as Associate Director in Centre for Social and Behaviour Change. She had completed her studies at Delhi University, Ashoka University, and the Universities of Pennsylvania and Chicago. Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons At Ashby Ponds, Greenspring,® and Riderwood,® weather won’t ® disrupt your day! Enjoy independent living, plus amenities to help you stay active and secure. Get your FREE brochure! Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn, VA GREENSPRING, Springfield, VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring, MD 646881_ITW 2
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March 29, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after large ship collision Maryland [US], March 26 (ANI): The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a large ship, CNN reported citing video obtained by the outlet. CNN reported that Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) said that all traffic is being detoured. It is unclear if anyone was injured. CNN reported that it had reached out to the Baltimore City Fire Department for additional information. The 1.6-mile, 4lane bridge extends over the Patapsco River and serves as the outermost crossing of the Baltimore harbor and an essential link of Interstate-695, or the Baltimore Beltway. Its namesake, Francis Scott Key, is believed to have sat near the site of the bridge as he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814, inspiring him to write the words of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Maryland governor declares state of emergency after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses in Baltimore Maryland [US], March 26 (ANI): Following the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland’s Baltimore, Maryland governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Monday, CNN reported. “We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety,” the governor’s statement said. The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a large ship. Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard (USCG) is responding to the Francis Scott Key Bridge emergency after receiving a report that a container ship hit it at 1:27 a.m. ET “and it subsequently collapsed,” according to a public affairs officer, Kimberly Reaves of the Coast Guard’s 5th District. Officer Reaves also said that there are reports of vehicles in the water and the Coast Guard has deployed “multiple” response units for a search and rescue mission. “Coast Guard units on scene include small boats from Station Annapolis and Station Curtis Bay and a helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City,” the statement read. Reaves said that multiple state and local agencies are assisting, and it is unclear if there are any casualties. Additionally, Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace said the authorities rescued two people from the water this morning, one without injury and the other who has been transferred to hospital in a serious condition. “We are still very much in an active search and rescue posture at this point,” Wallace said. Wallace added that the crew remains on board the ship, and is communicating with the US Coast Guard. He added that emergency services are looking into reports that there were workers on the bridge at the time of the incident. CNN reported citing public affairs officer Kimberly Reaves of the US Coast Guard’s 5th District that the vessel that hit Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge was a container ship, the DALI “The 948foot container ship Dali, hit the Francis Scott Key bridge” at 1:27 a.m. ET “and it subsequently collapsed,” Reaves said in a statement. Maritime tracking website MarineTraffic showed that the Singapore-flagged ship stopped in Baltimore, where it was departing with a destination of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The website showed the ship stopped around 1:30 a.m. ET and was surrounded by first response boats. The ship is around 300 meters (984 feet) long with a width of around 48 meters (157 feet), according to MarineTraffic data. The ship was chartered by Maersk and carrying their customers’ cargo, the Danish shipping company told CNN. (ANI) sexual assault” under coercion. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a telephonic call to Rekha Patra to convey his best wishes for the elections. During the telephonic conversation, the Prime Minister spoke about her campaign preparations, highlighting the support among people for the BJP in the region. PM Modi also appreciated Patra for her fight against injustices towards women and expressed confidence in her victory. Rekha Patra thanked PM Modi for allowing her to contest and also detailed the ordeals faced by the women in Sandeshkhali. “The situation in Sandeshkhali has been a matter of concern since 2011. If we were allowed to vote freely, then this situation would not have prevailed. I want to protect the honour of the people here. I had the support of the women in Sandeshkhali. That gave me the energy. I will continue my fight,” Patra said during the conversation with the Prime Minister. “Some TMC women were against my candidature. We have no enmity with them. We will fight for all. We will try and make sure that the honour is returned,” she said. PM Modi called Patra ‘Shakti Swaroopa’ and asserted that BJP has taken the right decision by fielding her for the general elections. “There are very few people, who consider everyone, even those who have done them wrong. You have a very big heart. The country will take pride in you,” the Prime Minister said, adding that she has set a remarkable example for the women in the country. The Lok Sabha elections in 42 Parliamentary Constituencies of West Bengal are scheduled to take place in seven phases, which will start on April 19 and conclude on June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured 22 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 18 out of the 42 parliamentary seats in the state. The Indian National Congress (INC) was limited to only two seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had a stronger hold with 34 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had only 2 seats. Communist Party Of India (MARXIST) CPI (M) won 2 seats. Indian National Congress (INC) secured 4 seats. (ANI) ‘PM Modi gave responsibility to a poor woman, will fulfil with all honesty’: Sandeshkhali survivor Rekha Patra on candidature By Ujjwal Roy | Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 26 (ANI): Sandeshkhali survivor Rekha Patra on Tuesday asserted to fulfil the responsibility given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) named her as the candidate from Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency. “Narendra Modi has given this responsibility to a poor woman. I will carry out the responsibility with all honesty. Atrocities are going on against women in Sandeshkhali. We will contest and I will make an effort to ensure that their fight goes ahead,” Rekha Patra said. Patra said that she has the support of women in Sandeshkhali and the Prime Minister’s ‘blessings’ has further strengthened their fight. “PM has given us his blessings and this has further strengthened us. The blessings of all my mothers and sisters have made me even stronger. Women did what no one else could do. So, he called us ‘Shakti Swaroopa’, ‘Durga Mata’ and ‘Kaali Mata’. He supported us and that is why, we are able to take this fight forward,” she said. “We haven’t been able to vote since 2011. All women of Basirhat will vote now,” she added. Patra, a resident of Sandeshkhali, was named a candidate by the BJP on Sunday. It was she who first raised the voice for the women of Sandeshkhali and all three accused in the case, namely TMC MLA Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar, were arrested later. Earlier in January this year, the women of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district came out on the streets, accusing Shahjahan and his aides of grave excesses and atrocities. Multiple women accused Shajahan and his aides of “land-grab and To Place Advertisements Call: 301-917-4800 Email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com www.indiathisweek.online
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INDIA THIS WEEK Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED in excise policy case KEJRIWAL FROM PAGE 1 in Delhi and Punjab are being discussed all over the world today. You can arrest Kejriwal’s body but cannot put Kejriwal’s ideology behind bars,” Chadha said in a post on X. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said BJP’s political team (ED) cannot put Kejriwal’s ideology behind bars. “It is only the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that can stop the BJP. Thoughts and ideas can never be suppressed,” he said. Delhi Minister Imran Hussain said, “It’s very unfortunate. It’s a conspiracy to stop the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal. People of Delhi love Arvind Kejriwal and they’ll respond to the BJP.” ED had issued repeated summons to the AAP supremo in the excise policy case and he had skipped them, pointing out that the probe agency had moved the court against him. According to the ED, the agency wants to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case on issues like the formulation of now scrapped excise policy, meetings held before it was finalized, and allegations of bribery. Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are in judicial custody in the excise policy case. Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. On October 5, ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member. Team of doctors arrives at ED office for medical examination of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal A team of doctors arrived at the ED office for the medical examination of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday. Meanwhile, barricades and heavy security were deployed at ITO after Delhi CM was arrested by the ED in the Excice Policy Case last night and was brought to the ED Headquarters. The Delhi Metro From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- March 8, 2024 Rail Corporation said that on the advice of Delhi Police, ITO Metro station will remain closed from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm today. A team from the Enforcement Directorate arrived at Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday to interrogate him regarding the liquor policy case. During a search operation conducted at his residence, Kejriwal was arrested amidst dramatic circumstances, as the AAP convener failed to obtain interim protection from arrest in the liquor policy case from the Delhi High Court. The Enforcement Directorate took him to the agency’s headquarters later. AAP workers and leaders rallied behind Kejriwal following his arrest while leaders of the INDIA bloc also extended their support for the AAP leader. BJP leaders extended their support to the ED‘s actions against the Delhi Chief Minister, emphasizing “truth had to prevail”. Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise poli- cy case, moved to the Supreme Court. However, he did not receive any special hearing late at night. Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai announced that the battle has begun and said that the Aam Aadmi Party will hold a nationwide protest against the “illegal” arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. “If the BJP thinks that they can finish the Aam Aadmi Party and threaten the entire Opposition by arresting Arvind Kejriwal, then they are wrong...A battle has begun. We have decided that we will stage a protest at the BJP headquarters at 10 am...,”Rai said. The INDIA bloc parties came out in support of Kejriwal and criticised the BJP for using ED as a weapon against the Opposition. On March 15, ED also arrested Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) leader and daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, in connection with its investigation into money laundering charges linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 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 Border roads organisation commences opening of LehManali National Highway Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], March 21 (ANI): The Border Roads Organisation‘s (BRO) Project HIMANK has commenced snow clearance works to restore access to the Ladakh Region from the Manali side on Thursday. According to Defence Wings, every winter, the strategically important National Highway-03, connecting Leh with Manali, witnesses extreme weather conditions leading to heavy snowfall and avalanches blocking the road, starting from November, till it is cleared by the Border Roads Organisation. This poses significant challenges for the inhabitants and security forces in Ladakh, who rely on the highway for essential supplies, medical emergencies and connectivity to the rest of the country. A team of highly skilled engineers of 111 RCC/753 BRTF along with the most advanced snow-clearing machinery and equipment have been employed for this massive task of snow clearance. The extreme cold climatic conditions, gusty winds and sub-zero temperatures in treacherous terrain at altitudes ranging beyond 17000 ft make the work more challenging, despite which the team of the Border Roads Organisation is working tirelessly to reopen the highway and timely restore the crucial link to Ladak, it added. The efforts of BRO‘s Snow Clearance Team will not only alleviate the hardships faced by the residents of Ladakh but also enhance the operational capability of Military Forces in the region, demonstrating BRO‘s unwavering commitment towards nation-building. (ANI) New York [US], March 24 (ANI): The Indian consulate in New York on Sunday expressed its ‘deepest condolences’ to the family members of an Indian-origin 21-year-old woman, Arshia Joshi, who died in a car accident in Pennsylvania on March 21. The consulate stated that it was in touch with the family of the deceased girl and the local community leaders while assuring all possible assistance to repatriate her mortal remains to India. In a post on X, the Indian Consulate in New York stated, “Our deepest condolences to the family of Ms Arshia Joshi, a young professional, who lost her life in a tragic car accident in Pennsylvania on March 21. May her soul rest in eternal peace.” “@IndiainNewYork is in touch with Ms Joshi’s family and local community leaders. Extending all possible assistance to transport her mortal remains to India at the earliest,” it added. Further details are awaited. (ANI) US: Consulate condoles death of Indian-origin woman in Pennsylvania car accident Remember: “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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March 29, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “Devilish Power...systematic effort to subvert Indian democracy:” Opposition parties attack BJP over Kejriwal’s arrest New Delhi [India], March 22 (ANI): Hours after Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case, opposition parties, including the grand old party, condemned the arrest of the leader, citing it as ‘devilish power’ and ‘systematic effort to subvert Indian democracy’. Reactions started pouring in soon after Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED. Taking to social media, Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister and called it a ‘devilish power.’ “A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. While capturing all the institutions, including the media, breaking up the parties, extorting money from companies, and freezing the accounts of the main opposition party were not enough for the ‘devilish power’, now the arrest of the elected Chief Ministers has also become a common thing. INDIA will give a befitting reply to this,” posted Gandhi on X. Congress MP Deepender Hooda also slammed the BJP over the arrest of Kejriwal and said that it was “unfortunate but not surprising.” “Misusing the central agencies for targeting most of the opposition leaders of the country by the BJP is not a new ‘karyashaili’ of the BJP. In the last few years, efforts have been made continuously to suppress the strong voices of opposition in the country. There is no party left among the opposition that is not in the BJP’s crosshairs. I see it that way. It is unfortunate but not surprising,” Hooda told ANI. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also reacted to the same and said that it was clear that a systematic effort was on to subvert Indian democracy during the general elections. “Shocked by the news of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Coming hard on the heels of the crippling freeze on @INCIndia’s bank accounts, it is clear that a systematic effort is on to subvert Indian democracy during our general elections. If a model code of conduct exists to prevent the government from taking decisions that could favour the ruling party, why would a similar code not apply to government departments like IT and ED, whose actions are directly interfering with the functioning of democracy?” he posted. AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan said that the BJP is working on 3-point agenda to crush the Opposi- tion ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. In a video message, Sathyan said, “Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest proves that there is a 3 point agenda for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).” “Agenda number 1, whoever is opposing the BJP, that party leader should contest from the jail, that is, from behind the bars. Agenda number 2, whoever is opposing the BJP will run out of funds, they cannot use the party funds. Agenda number 3, whoever is out on bail, the BJP will not have any hesitation to have an alliance with them, like they had with Mr Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh,” said the AIADMK leader. “This 3-point agenda is what the BJP believes will give them a greater results in the upcoming elections,” added Sathyan. Adding to the opposition barbs over the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the BJP was “scared of the opposition” and that the only way to victory for the BJP is to silence or arrest the opposition. “With the political arrest of another sitting CM, Arvind Kejriwal, the BJP government, its Extended Department have made it clear that they aren’t any- New Delhi [India], March 23 (ANI): Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a jibe at the BJP over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying it was ‘afraid’ of the INDIA bloc going into the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to ANI, Ramesh said, “The arrest of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi Chief Minister is an attack on democracy and our constitution.” “This is politics of revenge at play. The BJP is afraid of the INDIA alliance. This is an attack on democracy and our constitution,” the Congress leader further said. Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said there is only one thought in the PM’s mind- ‘One Nation No Election’. “There is only one thought in the Prime Minister’s mind‘One Nation, No Election’... The entire country is in OPD-One Person Dictatorship,” he added. Earlier, the BJP‘s Delhi president Virendraa Sachdeva said the truth surrounding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the liquor scam would soon be revealed. “Law is taking its course...Yesterday he (Arvind Kejriwal) was bargaining in the court that he is the Chief Minister of Delhi, hence he should be given two months but there is a rule of law in the country. The law treats every criminal the same, it is proven today. Soon the truth of Arvind Kejriwal’s involvement in liquor scam will be revealed to everyone,” Sachdeva told ANI. On Friday, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sent Kejriwal to ED custody till March where close to winning 400 seats. They are scared of the opposition, they know the only way to win is to either silence or arrest the opposition. It would be right to call this murder of democracy in India , not, India as the mother of democracy,” posted Chaturvedi on X. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin also took to his social media handle X to react over the arrest of the Delhi CM and said that the “fascist BJP” government has sunk to despicable depths by arresting Arvind Kejriwal and that the relentless persecution of opposition leaders by the BJP government smacks of a desperate witch-hunt. “Ahead of #Elections2024, driven by fear of a decade of failures and the imminent defeat, the fascist BJP government sinks to despicable depths by arresting Hon’ble Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal, following the unjust targeting of @HemantSorenJMM. Not a single BJP leader faces scrutiny or arrest, laying bare their abuse of power and the decay of democracy,” posted Stalin on X. “The relentless persecution of opposition leaders by the BJP government smacks of a desperate witch hunt. This tyranny ignites public fury, unmasking BJP’s true colours. But their futile ar- “BJP afraid of INDIA bloc”: Jairam Ramesh on arrest of Delhi CM Kejriwal 28. The probe agency had asked for 10 days remand after arresting the Delhi CM in the alleged Delhi excise policy case. In its arguments before the court, the ED alleged that the Delhi Chief Minister is the key conspirator and kingpin in demanding kickbacks from businessmen. The agency further claimed that Kejri- wal was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy. The ED counsel claimed that Vijay Nair, who was the media in charge of AAP, was working for Delhi CM Kejriwal. Nair, who the agency said lives adjacent to the residence of Kejriwal, acted as a middleman between the AAP and the South group. rests only fuel our resolve, fortifying the #INDIA alliance’s march to victory,” read the post by the DMK chief. NCP-SCP leader and MP Supriya Sule also gave a reaction to the same and posted on X, “I stand in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal. This is yet another politically motivated arrest by the ED at the behest of the BJP government to suppress the voice of the opposition and undermine the electorate at large. We are resilient and united in our fight for constitutional democracy.” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest “highly objectionable” and stated that the action is part of the effort to shut down the opposition voices at the stage of the election process and shows the cowardice of those who fear the democratic process.” Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla reacted to the arrest of the AAP leader and said that arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister should have every citizen of the country worried. “The arrest of the honourable Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should have each and everyone of us, every citizen of this great country extremely worried. The Enforcement Directorate, or ED as it is known is acting like an arm of the BJP, or the Bajrang Dal. Following political instructions from the BJP rather than adhering to the constitution. We already have one CM, Hemant Soren in jail and now another CM is being arrested,” he said. “Just today the principal opposition party Congress in a press conference said that their account has been frozen, all this when the elections are around the corner....It is high time the ECI steps in and stops what going on, and I request the Supreme Court to step in and prevent this arbitrary behaviour by the law enforcing agencies like ED,” added Poonawalla. Meanwhile, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi said they had moved the Supreme Court for quashing Kejriwal’s arrest and had sought an urgent hearing. Atishi had earlier said that Kejriwal would run the government from jail. An Enforcement Directorate team arrived at Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday for questioning in connection with the liquor policy case. The team conducted a search operation at his residence, the sources said. The Enforcement Directorate team reached his residence for questioning hours after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection to Kejriwal from coercive action in connection with the excise policy case. ED had issued repeated summons to the AAP supremo in the excise policy case and he had skipped them, pointing out that the probe agency had moved the court against him. According to the ED, the agency wants to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case on issues like the formulation of the now-scraped excise policy, meetings held before it was finalised, and allegations of bribery. Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are in judicial custody in the excise policy case. Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. On October 5, ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member. (ANI)
FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2024 9 Sale Ends April 8, 2024 DK Shivakumar accuses Centre of “stepmotherly treatment” to Karnataka over development funds New Delhi [India], March 27 (ANI): Karnataka Congress Chief and State Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has accused the Centre of “stepmotherly treatment” to Karnataka regarding funds for several development projects amid drought conditions. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, when asked about his claims of paucity of funds for projects, DK Shivakumar said, “...In Karnataka, there was a double-engine government. Chief Minister Bommai, when he was in power himself, admitted on record in the assembly that we would have to fight for our share.” He accused Centre of not giving an extra 50 days of work in drought-hit Taluks. “I am not talking about big things, there is MGNREGA programme, in which every drought time they have to permit us 150 days, but they are giving only 100 days, they have to give 50 more days. This is the law of the country, this is mandato- ry. We have 200 Taluks under drought, but not a single rupee has been given funds for drought. My Chief Minister and ministers all met the Prime Minister, Home Minister and other Union Ministers– requested all of them. But nothing has been given,” the Congress leader said. “We are the second largest state after Maharashtra, giving a lot of facilities. In the last budget, Nirmala Sitharaman herself admitted to give a lot of permission, and a lot of financial support for the Bhadra Hydropower project. (5300 cr). In the budget that has been voted, till now, I am telling not a single rupee has been released to Karnataka, there were so many cases, we know what had been given to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and other states,” he added. “Karnataka has been treated as stepmotherly; we are fighting for our rights, for our tax. Only 13 per cent of whatever we are mandated from the centre, we are given, we are receiv- ing. Earlier, when Manmohan Singh’s government was there, a lot of financial strength was given to Bengaluru because he felt that the world was looking at India through Bengaluru,” the KPCC president said. Earlier on Sunday, in a push-back against allegations of fiscal bias against Congress-ruled Karnataka and non-provision of funds, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said every penny due to the state is accounted for and was released on time. Speaking at an informal interaction organised by the Thinkers Forum here in the Karnataka capital, Sitharaman said, “The claim that Rs 5,495 crore as a special grant was not released for Karnataka is totally false. The Finance Commission, in its final report, did not recommend any such special grants.” Earlier on Saturday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the state government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to immediately release grants under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to the state, which is witnessing drought-like conditions. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “The Karnataka government had waited for a long time and now inevitably we (state government) have filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Central government. Centre should immediately release the NDRF fund.” Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asked the Siddaramiah-led Congress government in Karnataka to “disclose” details of the NDRF funds received during the UPA and NDA regimes. Speaking to re- porters in Hubbali on Tuesday, he said, “The state’s economic condition has become horrible, due to which it moved the Supreme Court. It was nothing but a political stunt. Instead of complaining about the non-receipt of funds from the central government, the Congress leaders must furnish details of the NDRF funds received during the UPA and NDA governments.” (ANI)
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