FRIDAY MAY 17, 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 Vol 33 No: 20 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday May 17, 2024 Former Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi passes away New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi passed away on Monday. Sushil Kumar Modi was battling cancer for the last seven months. Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha condoled the demise of Sushil Modi and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. “Senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Sushil Modi ji is no more among us. This is an irreparable loss for the entire BJP organization family as well as countless workers like me. He will always be remembered for his organisational skills, administrative understanding and his deep knowledge of social and political issues. May God grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family in this hour of grief,” he posted on X. BJP MP Pradeep Kumar Singh also paid his tribute to Sushil Modi. “I pay my humble tribute to the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sushil Kumar Modi on his demise. I always received his blessings in Remember: my personal life as well as in my political life. May God give you a place in his lotus feet,” Singh posted on X. President, PM Modi, several other leaders condole demise of Sushil Kumar Modi P r e s i d e n t Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah among others condoled the demise of the veteran BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, who passed away at age 72 after battling cancer for the last seven months. In a post on X, President Murmu said, “The sudden demise of Sushil Kumar Modi is an irreparable loss. His gentle nature, contribution as an efficient administrator and integrity in public life were reflected in his personality and work. As Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Member of SUSHIL MODI SEE PAGE 6 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever” –PSALM Kejriwal walks out of jail; Opposition welcomes release, BJP says CM not proven “innocent” New Delhi [India], May 10 (ANI): As Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walks out of jail after spending 50 days in Tihar, opposition parties across the country welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the CM has not been proven “innocent”. CM Kejriwal receieved a warm welcome from supporters as well as his family members on returning from prison. Kejriwal was released from jail after spending over 50 days following his arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement on March 21, 2024, in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He has been granted interim bail till June 1 with conditions that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat. “I had promised to come back soon, here I am,” Kejriwal constituencies in the nine states and one Union Territory started at 7 am on Monday. The polling for 175 seats in the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly and 28 out of the 147 seats in the Odisha legislative assembly also started simultaneously with the general elections. According to the ECI data, about 67.99 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Andhra assembly polls as of 5 pm. The first phase of the fourphase assembly polls in Odisha witnessed a voter turnout of 62.96 per cent. Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats voting today, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir. As many as 1,717 candidates are in the fray across the 96 Lok Sabha seats voting today. Prominent figures contesting today’s poll battle included AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party said while addressing supporters enroute his residence from jail. “I want to thank all of you. Crores and crores of people across the country prayed for me. I want to thank the Supreme Court because of whom I’m standing here with you. I just have one request to make with all of you we should together save the country from dictatorship. I’m fighting and protesting against dictatorship with everything I have. But the 140 crore people have to fight against dictatorship,” he added. The Chief Minister KEJRIWAL SEE PAGE 14 Lok Sabha polls: 62.31 pc voter turnout recorded till 5 pm in Phase 4, figure highest in Bengal New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): About 62.31 per cent voter turnout was recorded as of 5 pm across the 96 constituencies in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). West Bengal recorded 75.66 per cent voter turnout, which is the highest as of 5 pm today, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 68.04 per cent and Madhya Pradesh at 68.01 per cent. The lowest was recorded in Jammu and Kashmir, 35.75 per cent. Voting percentages in other states participating in the fourth phase polling as of 3 pm are Bihar – 54.14 per cent, Jharkhand – 63.14 per cent, Maharashtra – 52.49 per cent, Odisha – 62.96 per cent, Telangana – 61.16 per cent and Uttar Pradesh – 56.35 per cent, as per the ECI. The voting across the 96 parliamentary chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), TMC leaders Mahua Moitra, Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan, Union Minister Arjun Munda, BJP leaders Giriraj Singh, Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila, among others. The remaining three phases of voting will be held on May 20, May 25 and June 1. The results of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4. (ANI)
May 17, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Stylish S EN IOR LI V I NG Find the perfect apartment home to fit your style and budget at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community near you! See a selection of our stunning floor plans! Call 1-888-718-7402 for your free brochure, or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. 338809 ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD 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 “Someone already voted in my name,” claims Pune Congress Chief Arvind Shinde P u n e (Maharashtra) [India], May 13 (ANI): Pune City Congress chief Arvind Shinde on Monday claimed that someone already voted in his name at a polling booth in the Rasta Peth area of Pune city during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls. He said that when he reached the voting booth at Saint Mira’s English Medium School in Rasta Peth on Monday, he was surprised to find that although his name was on the voters’ list someone had already cast the vote. Shinde said that after finding out he raised an objection about this and was later allowed to vote using the ‘tender vote’ process through ballot papers. “I had gone to cast my vote at the polling booth where my name is registered. This was at St Mira’s English Medium School in Rasta Peth. After reaching there I found that someone else had voted on my name. After objecting with the presiding officer at the centre, I was allowed to cast a vote through the ‘tender vote’ process,” he said. Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 52.49 per cent. P u n e recorded a voter turnout of 44.9 per cent till 5 pm, according to the official website of the Election Commission of India. Among the six constituencies, Shivajinagar recorded the lowest numbers with 38.73 per cent turnout till 5 pm. Kasba Peth constituency recorded the highest turnout at 51.07 per cent. The prominent candidates from the Pune Lok Sabha Constituency include Muralidhar Kisan Mohol from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Ravindra Hemraj Dhangekar from the Indian National Congress. Meanwhile, the voter turnout was recorded at approximately 62.3 per cent till 5 pm across 10 States/Union Territories in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, according to the ECI. The remaining three phases of voting will be held on May 20, May 25 and June 1. The results of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4. (ANI)
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May 17, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Lotte Plaza Opens its new Store in Richmond, VA Richmond, VA: On Friday May 10, 2024, 9am sharp, Lotte Plaza Market celebrated its ‘Grand Opening Ceremony of its newest location in Richmond, VA. Exactly one year after opening their Sterling, VA store, Lotte Plaza has expanded its operation to serve the Pan Asian community in Richmond. Shoppers from all across Asian descent which included the Koreans, the Chinese, the Indians, the Pakistanis and even the Americans flocked to the location to find deals and they were not disappointed as most of the items were on sale. A great relief to customers who are haunted by today’s inflation. The sale likely last for a month will be a boon for shoppers in the region. Lotte Plaza Market in Richmond (VA) is the latest of more than a dozen Mega stores, they operate in the region with novel ideas and strategies to attract and retain customers who are checking in for good deals, competitive pricing, and a pleasant shopping experience. Lotte Plaza is famous for its product quality, availability, easyto-locate arrangements, and price guarantees. The Grand opening day was a massive success with nationalities from all across the world flocking to the new store looking for deals where prices and quality outweighed everything else. Headquartered in Jessup, Maryland, Lotte Plaza Market is the largest Asian grocery chain based in the DC-MD-VA tri-state region. Of late they have expanded their operations to Edison (NJ), and Orlando (FL). Lotte Plaza was founded as a company in 1976 and opened its first store in Rockville, Maryland in 1989. They became extremely popular with the Indian community when they launched their Chantilly Store in 2008. With their fruits, fresh vegetables, meat, poultry, and grocery sections serving the taste of every nationality, they became an instant hit with all the Asian and American communities. They have been on a successful trajectory, serving not only the Asian community but shoppers of all races and nationalities with their product quality and competitive pricing. Earlier while conversing with President Alvin Lee he was asked about the pricing strategies during this inflation period, he said, “Yeah, I mean price we compete every day. We would not be in business if we didn’t have great pricing. We just would not, especially in this environment. What we apply, what we call internally is honest pricing. Look, we can’t sell stuff at the cost because we can’t make money, we can’t deliver the service and the value and the quality that we do if we’re losing money at the same time. But we don’t gouge the customers either. In fact, if you compare us to other competitors, their regular prices are very high. And then they give some things under cost and we don’t play that game. What we do is we give everyday honest low pricing for our customers. Of course, we have our specials and that’s due to our organization and our purchasers finding the best deals all across not only in America but in the world overall. And I mean, you know, the fact that we’ve been successful for the last 36 years, and we keep growing, and we keep evolving, and we keep getting better, I think is a testament to our competitiveness... I think what they want is more than just price. But I think what the customers also want is a different environment. A good shopping experience.” Regarding the individual shopping experience and how he goes the extra mile to satisfy customers of every hue, he continued saying “Something maybe a little fun, a little bit different. For a Korean person, how many times a week can you eat bulgogi? For an Indian person, how many times can they eat just roti? They want different things. And that’s what we offer. Yes, you can go to your local Chinese store and get the staples that you need. We have that as well. But sometimes you want something different too. And our store gives them an opportunity to broaden their talent globally in America. And I think that’s what America is. You don’t come to America because you’re Korean and eat only Korean food. That’s not the point. You know, if you’re Pakistani, you come to America, you don’t eat just Deli food, that’s not the point. Same thing with the Chinese, same thing with, you know? And we want to showcase, you know, products from Europe, from the Middle East, from, you know, South Asia, from East Asia so that our customers have a choice in what they eat, but also how they eat, and also delivering on the values of the right food types and everything.” Their procurement process guarantees the best price from the vendors so that they can pass on the savings to their customers. There is a wide variety of product selections which makes it possible for customers to satisfactorily choose their brands. They are all procured from the original manufacturers which enables them to be efficient in their pricing structure. “And we’re much more price competitive in these things by looking, our purchasers do a great job of finding the best vendors and best distributors to deliver the pricing that our customers demand.” Lotte Plaza Market is an Excellent place to shop and customers who visit their stores certainly reap great benefits and an extremely satisfying shopping experience.
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INDIA THIS WEEK “If we can end 34-year rule of CPM, we can Former Bihar Deputy oust BJP from nation too “: Mamata Banerjee CM Sushil Kumar Taking a dig at wish. North 24 Parganas Sandeshkhali (West Bengal) [India], the BJP over “guarantees” is PM Modi’s terrible Modi passes away May 13 (ANI): Citing her promised by Prime Minister determination, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said if her party can end 34-year rule of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the state, her party has the capability to defeat the BJP in the country. “If we can fight for 34 years and defeat the CPM, we can defeat the BJP as well. This is our challenge. They are saying that they will win more than 400 seats this time, I say, this time they will run away. They will not be successful. INDIA will win,” the Chief Minister said while campaigning at Barrackpore in West Bengal‘s North 24 Parganas district on Monday. Asking people not to vote for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) who ruled the state before the BJP came into power, the Chief Minister said, “In Bengal, please vote for the Trinamool. Do not cut or divide your votes. And do not believe in the murderous CPM, given the state in which they left the state. I get frightened to even look at them.” Narendra Modi, the TMC supremo said, “We will not allow NRC in Bengal. This is our promise. I don’t have the means to give guarantees. I am not a big shot. We won’t allow NRC, CAA, Uniform Civil Code, will not allow anyone to take people’s rights, won’t allow riots. We will maintain peace, development and prosperity. This is our responsibility.” Giving support to the opposition INDIA bloc, the Chief Minister said that her state will help to form the government at the Centre. “Bengal will show the way and help to form the government. We want to save our country, our people and want peace. We do not want anyone to sell off our country, our Constitution, our humanity and no one insults our women,” Banerjee said. Referring to the alleged conspiracy at Sandeshkhali where the Trinamool claimed that the BJP made women sign blank papers to script the case, the Chief Minister said, “Just for Rs 2000, they are making our women write whatever they From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- APRIL 26, 2024 Don’t Quit Edgar Albert Guest When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must, but don’t quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup; and he learned too late when the night came down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure tuned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and when you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst, you must not quit. ploy. This should not happen. Bengal does not tolerate this...” The Chief Minister said that people have learnt their lesson after voting for the BJP in the last Lok Sabha polls. “If you do not want riots, don’t even cast one vote for the BJP. You have got your lesson from the last time,” Banerjee said. A s k i n g people to cast their votes and ensure that their name is included in the voter list, the Chief Minister said, “Please exercise your franchise so that your name stays on the voter list, so that you do not have to fear the NRC, CAA, Uniform Civil Code. Please keep your name on the voter list.” Though still a part of the Opposition bloc–INDIA, the TMC chose to go it alone in Bengal and announced candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The Congress and the Left Front have a seatsharing arrangement in the state under which the Left parties contest 30 seats and the Congress contests the remaining 12 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC took the lion’s share of the electoral spoils in the state, at 34, while the BJP had to be content with just 2 seats. The CPI(M) and the Congress won 2 and 4 seats, respectively. However, in a poll stunner that few saw coming, the BJP turned the tables on the ruling TMC in the 2019 polls, winning 18 seats. The ruling party in the state saw its tally reduced to 22. The Congress fared a lowly third in the tally with just 2 seats while the Left Front was down to just a lone seat. (ANI) 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 SUSHIL MODI FROM PAGE 1 Parliament and Member of both the Houses of the State Legislature, Sushil Kumar Modi upheld high ideals. May God grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this loss.” Prime Minister Modi said he is “deeply saddened” by the untimely demise of his friend for decades. In his post on X, PM Modi said, “I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Modi ji, my valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades. He has played an invaluable role in the rise and success of BJP in Bihar. Strongly opposing the Emergency, he made a name for himself in student politics. He was known as a very hardworking and sociable MLA. He had a deep understanding of the issues related to politics. He also did a lot of commendable work as an administrator. His active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered. My condolences are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!” Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar also said that Sushil Modi’s demise is a huge loss to the nation’s socio-political landscape. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Sushil Kumar Modi Ji. His untimely demise is a huge loss to the nation’s socio-political landscape. As a Member of Parliament and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Modi ji believed in political propriety and always exemplified decency and decorum. His Parliamentary contributions would ever be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers during this difficult time,” he said. Home Minister Amit Shah said with the demise of Sushil Modi, Bihar has lost a “great pioneer of politics forever.” “I am saddened by the news of the demise of our senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi ji. Today Bihar has lost a great pioneer of politics forever. From ABVP to BJP, Sushil ji has adorned many important positions in the organization and government. His politics was dedicated to the interests of the poor and the backward. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP stands with his bereaved family. May God give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet. Om Shanti Shanti,” Shah said ain a post on X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the demise of the Bihar BJP leader and said that his long public life was dedicated to the service of the people and the welfare of the poor. “I am deeply saddened by the demise of former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and senior party leader, Sushil Kumar Modi. He worked hard to make the party strong and popular in Bihar. His work for the development of Bihar will always be remembered. May God provide patience and strength to his bereaved family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!” Rajnath said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to Sushil Kumar Modi. “The demise of former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, senior member of the BJP family, Shri Sushil Kumar Modi ji is extremely sad. My humble tribute to him! He served the country and society throughout his life. His struggle will always serve as an inspiration for workers. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense sorrow. 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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May 17, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi to file nomination in Varanasi New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to file his nomination for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. Ahead of filing the nomination, PM Modi held an extravagant roadshow on a five-kilometrestretch on Monday. P M Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP state president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh. The whole stretch was reverberating with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants as a huge crowd of supporters and residents gathered on either side of the road to cheer the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his roadshow by garlanding the statue of Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya at the Singh Dwar of Kashi Hindu University at around 5 pm. After more than two and a half hours, the roadshow concluded at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. After the roadshow, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after filing the nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seats for the third time, said that it is an “honour” to serve the people of this “historic seat,” adding that in the coming times, the pace of work will get faster. “Filed my nomination papers as a candidate for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. It is an honour to serve the people of this historic seat. With the blessings of the people, there have been remarkable achievements over the last decade. This pace of work will get even faster in the times to come,” PM Modi posted on X. He further said that he was honoured by the presence of our valued NDA allies in Kashi today. “I am honoured by the presence of our valued NDA allies in Kashi today. Our alliance represents a commitment to national progress and fulfilling regional aspirations. We will work together for the progress of India in the years to come,” he added. Prime Minister Modi filed his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister is seeking a third consecutive term from the constituency and hoping to win with a record margin. Meanwhile, LJP-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan, on PM Modi’s nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, said that the way the entire NDA has come together in support of the Prime Minister is our “strength.” “On the other side, the opposition is divided...I believe that the results that will come after the nomination of the Prime Minister will be historic,” Chirag Paswan said. PM Modi, the sitting MP and BJP‘s candidate, filed his nomination papers at the district magistrate’s office. Varanasi will go in for polling in the seventh and last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1. The counting of the votes will be held on June 4. A total of 25 NDA leaders attended the nomination of the Prime Minister. The Varanasi seat comprises five Assembly segments, including Rohaniya, Varanasi North, Varanasi South, Varanasi Cantt, and Sevapuri. Varanasi is the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Modi. This will be the most anticipated contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi won the constituency with a resounding majority in both the 2014 and 2019 general polls. This time he is facing Congress candidate Ajay Rai, who is the opposition INDIA bloc’s joint nominee against the Prime Minister. The UP Congress chief, Rai, was also fielded by the Congress against the PM in Varanasi in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls, but he finished third both times. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi won the seat with over 6,74,664 votes and commanded a vote share of 63.6 per cent. (ANI) Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 14 (ANI): The Srinagar constituency, which saw the first general election after the abrogation of Article 370 in J-K, recorded 37.99 per cent voting, according to the Information and PR Department, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the highest voter turnout in several decades. The voter turnout in Srinagar was 40.94 per cent in 1996, 30.06 per cent in 1998, 11.93 per cent in 1999, 18.57 per cent in 2004, 25.55 per cent in 2009, 25.86 per cent in 2014 and 14.43 per cent in 2019. Voting took place in the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Pulwama, and partly in Budgam and Shopian districts at around 2,135 polling stations across the Srinagar parliamentary constituency with 6700 migrant voters exercised their voting rights. In a post on X, the Information and PR Department, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir said, “The fourth phase of voting for General Elections to 18th Lok Sabha concluded peacefully here today with a remarkable 37.99 per cent voting in the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Budgam and Shopian partly. Kangan assembly constituency topped with 58.80 per cent.” The PR department further said there were no reports of boycotts at polling stations and no polling booth recorded zero per cent voting. “ T h e corresponding percentage for the last Lok Sabha election in 2019 was 14.43 per cent. This time, there was no boycott and no polling station recorded zero per cent or nil voting which speaks of people’s firm trust in the democratic system as imperative for their overall welfare”, maintained Chief Election Officer, Pandurang K Pole while presenting the details on today’s polling in the fourth phase of ongoing Lok Sabha Polls,” the post further reads. “The CEO attributed the great success behind this hugely increased polling percentage to improved security and law and order environment in last 4-5 years, mobilization by 24 candidates and political parties, election awareness executed by Deputy Commissioners and CEO office through SVEEP activities and more importantly voter’s strong belief that it is the ballot which can lead to sustainable development (Aman, Tarraki and Khushhali),” it added. The polling took place in 2,135 polling stations across Srinagar parliamentary constituency with live webcasting at all the polling stations with voting started at 7 am on May 13 with long queues of enthusiastic voters waiting to cast their votes. Demonstrating the spirit of democracy, the voters of all the districts showed up in record numbers to cast their votes in a significant show of their faith in the election process. Since the beginning of the polling, the voters were seen queuing up at many polling stations across all five districts. Elderly, ladies and youths were seen enthusiastically exercising their right to vote in a peaceful environment, said the PR department. “The Chief Electoral Officer monitored the progress of voting across the Parliamentary Constituency from the Union Territorylevel Command and Control Center established at ICCC- HMT, Bemina and CEO Office, Srinagar. It is pertinent to mention here that the Command and Control center has been working 24×7 at Srinagar as well as Jammu since March 16 to ensure free, fair and inducementfree elections,” the Public Relations department said in a post on X. After two hours of polling, 5.16 per cent voting was recorded in the constituency at 09:00 am, 15.05 per cent at 11.00 am, 23.80 per cent at 01:00 pm and 30.23 per cent voting was recorded at 3:00 pm. By 5:00 pm, 36.10 per cent of polling was recorded in the constituency. Assembly segment wise highest poll percentage was observed in Kangan with 58.80 per cent while Habbakadal registered the lowest polling of 14.05 per cent. The gross voter turnout recorded in the past few elections in the Srinagar PC, as given by the CEO office, was 14.43 per cent in 2019, 25.86 per cent in 2019, 25.55 in 2009, 18.57 per cent in 2004, 11.93 per cent in 1999, 30.06 per cent in 1998, 40.94 per cent in 1996, no election was held in 1991 due to turmoil and 1989 remained uncontested. “The highest ever poll percentage since the eruption of terrorism in Kashmir was recorded in 1996 with 40.94 per cent. But in 1996 the geographical boundary of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency was smaller (only Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts), however, now with the addition of districts and the increase in the size of the parliamentary constituency we can say it is the highest for Srinagar constituency in today’s size,” the post further said. At the time of the culmination of polling, Assembly Segment-wise tentative voter turnout in 2-Srinagar PC was Kangan 58.80 per cent, Ganderbal 49.48 per cent, Hazaratbal 28.28 per cent, Khanyar 24.24 per cent, Habbakadal 14.05 per cent, Lal Chowk 27.33 per cent, Channapora 22.97 per cent, Zadibal 29.41 per cent, Eidgah 26.81 per cent, Central Shalteng 26.43 per cent, Khansahib 50.35 per cent, Charar-e-Sharib 56.00 per cent, Chadoora 49.10 per cent, Pampore 38.01 per cent, Tral 40.29 per cent, Pulwama 43.39 per cent, Rajpora 45.79 per cent, Shopian 47.88 per cent. Also, the total migrant special PS polling was 39.09 per cent besides receiving 2832 postal votes (absentee, VFC and receive ETPBMS till date), according to the Information and Public Relations Department. (ANI) “Pace of work will get even faster in times to come” PM Modi after filing his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha elections 2024: At 38 pc, Srinagar records highest voter turnout in several decades
FRIDAY MAY 17, 2024 9 SALE ENDS MAY 31-2024 “LK Advani was not allowed to contest polls under ‘retirement at 75 years’ formula”: Sanjay Singh New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Saturday claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart LK Advani was not allowed to contest elections due to the “retirement at 75 years of age” formula that had been “formulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi”. Singh was supporting his party’s chief, Arvind Kejriwal, remarks where the latter was questioning the BJP on on who will become their Prime Minister as PM Modi is turning 75 on September 17. “He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years,” Kejriwal claimed. Speaking to ANI, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said, “Arvind Kejriwal raised a very legitimate question. PM Modi had said that whoever turns 75 in the BJP will not be allowed to contest elections and will retire and under this formula, Lal Krishna Advani, Sumitra Mahajan, and Murli Manohar Joshi were not allowed to contest elections. When Arvind Kejriwal said today that PM Modi will retire in 75 years and Amit Shah will become the PM of the country, then who would fulfil Modi’s guarantee?” Sanjay Singh said that Prime Minister Modi must come forward and explain the exact situation regarding this “rule”. “I think Amit Shah’s statement is not enough. PM Narendra Modi should come forward and say that the rules and principles he has made for other leaders of the BJP are not applicable to him,” he said. Hitting back at Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that INDIA bloc including the Aam Aadmi Party, has lost its mind. “After being released from jail on interim bail, the kind of baseless things Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal has said about BJP today, it is becoming clear that in this election, the BJP and NDA alliance are going to achieve a spectacular victory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Due to the disappointment of defeat, the entire INDIA alliance, including the Aam Aadmi Party, has lost its mind,” Rajnath Singh posted on X. “The INDI alliance, which is unable to decide its leadership, is trying unsuccessfully to speculate about us. The entire NDA alliance, including the BJP, is fighting this Lok Sabha election under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will become Prime Minister for the third time and complete his term. There is no doubt about this, neither within the BJP nor within the NDA nor in the minds of the countrymen,” he added. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that there will be no change in leadership, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete his third term and will continue leading the party and country. The remarks of the Home Minister came after Arvind Kejriwal questioned fulfillment of the “Modi’s guarantee” as he pointed out a possibility of PM Modi’s retirement as he will turn 75 in September this year. “The people of this country, be it from East, West, North, South or Northeast, they are standing with Modi. All the leaders of the INDI alliance know that we are going to cross 400 seats and Modi ji will become the PM of this country for the third time, that is why they are spreading this type of misconception. I want to clarify that there is no such provision in BJP’s constitution and Modi ji will lead the country till 2029 and Modi ji will also lead the coming elections. There is no good news for INDI alliance...They cannot win elections by spreading such lies...” When asked about Kejriwal’s statement that Amit Shah will become PM if the BJP wins, Amit Shah said that there is no confusion within the BJP regarding the leadership and that PM Modi will continue to lead the country in the future. “I want to say this to Arvind Kejriwal and company and INDI alliance that nothing as such is mentioned in the BJP’s constitution. PM Modi is only going to complete this tenure and PM Modi will continue to lead the country in the future. There is no confusion in BJP,” Shah said while addressing a press conference in Telangana’s Hyderabad on Saturday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to office dismissing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks on the PM Modi’s “retirement“. In a post on X, Nadda slammed CM Kejriwal and the opposition coalition, the INDIA bloc and said that they have “neither any policy nor any plans.” “Kejriwal and the entire INDI alliance have panicked after realising their failure in the elections. They aim to mislead and confuse the country. Modi Ji is getting the immense blessings of the people from East to West, North to South. They have neither any policy nor any program in front of the Prime Minister. Now they are looking for a way out by making an excuse of Modi Ji’s age,” Nadda said in the post. (ANI)
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