FRIDAY MARCH 22, 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: 12 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday March 22, 2024 Election Commission issues notification for first phase of Lok Sabha elections New Delhi [India], March 20 (ANI): The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued the notification for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 to be conducted on April 19. In the notification, the ECI informed that March 28 will be the last date for filing nominations for Bihar and March 27 for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Ut- tar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. “March 30 will be the date for scrutiny of nominations for Bihar and March 28 for others,” the notification said. According to the ECI’s notification, April 2 will be the last date for withdrawal of candidatures for Bihar and March 30 for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Raja- sthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry; “June 6, the date before which the election shall be completed in all the abovementioned parliamentary constituencies,” the notification read. Elections will be held in 102 Lok Sabha seats in 17 States and Four Union Territories in this phase. 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, 12 in Rajasthan, 8 in Uttar Pradesh, and 6 in Madhya Pradesh will go to polls in the first phase. Along with them, five seats in Uttarakhand, Assam and Maharashtra, four seats in Bihar, three in West Bengal, two in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and one seat in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry will also go to polls on April 19. The Election Commission on March 16, announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The polling will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes will be on June 4. (ANI 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. Former Indian envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu joins BJP New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): Ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, former Indian envoy to US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi on Tuesday. Sandhu, who hails from Punjab’s Amritsar, joined the BJP in the pres- ence of BJP National Secretary, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Tarun Chug. In the joining ceremony, Sandhu said that Prime Minister Modi is a development-focused leader and that this development should reach his native place, Amritsar. “In the last 10 years, I have worked closely with PM Modi’s leadership, especially in the relationship with the United States and Sri Lanka. PM Modi is development-focused. Development is very much needed today and this development should reach Amritsar too. So, I thank the party president, the Prime Minister, Home Minister who encouraged me for the new path of service to the nation that I am entering,” he said. While speaking to ANI, Sandhu said that Amritsar should not miss the op- portunities the country is getting, and his nomination for the Lok Sabha candidate will be decided by the party itself. “There has been a transformation in India-US relations in the past 4 years. SABNDHU SEE PAGE 2
March 22, 2024 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 Former Indian envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu joins BJP SANDHU FROM PAGE 1 It has transformed from a relationship to a partnership. India has received investments in many areas. Opportunities are created for the youth. I am concerned that Amritsar should not miss the opportunities the country is getting... The party will decide if I will contest the elections or not. My hometown, Amritsar, has a lot of potential and I am very affectionate towards it,” he said. On February 1, Taranjit Singh Sandhu was relieved of his duties after he retired as the Indian envoy to the US. Sandhu assumed charge as the Indian Ambassador to the United States in February 2020. Sandhu’s most immediate task after being appointed was then-President Donald Trump’s India visit, followed by keeping up the momentum in bilateral ties. He is one of the most experienced Indian diplomats in US affairs, having served in the Indian Mission in Washington, DC, twice earlier. He was Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC, from July 2013 to January 2017. Earlier, he was the First Secretary (Political) at the Embassy of India, Washington, DC, responsible for liaison with the United States Congress from 1997 to 2000. He has also been at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York, from July 2005 to February 2009. He came to Washington from Sri Lanka, where he had a remarkably successful tenure as the High Commissioner from January 2017 to January 2020. Sandhu was the Consul General of India in Frankfurt from September 2011 to July 2013. Besides this, he has worked in the Ministry of External Affairs in various capacities – as Joint Secretary (United Nations) from March 2009 to August 2011; and later as Joint Secretary (Adminis- tration), heading the Human Resource Division. Meanwhile, the BJP and Congress have not named candidates for 13 seats in Punjab, whereas the AAP has named 8 candidates for Lok Sabha elections, including 5 ministers from Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann-led cabinet. AAP has fielded Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer for Sangrur, Sushil Kumar Rinku from Jalandhar, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal Amritsar. The 2024 Indian general election in Punjab will be held on June 1, 2024, to elect 13 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. In the Lok Sabha election 2019, BJP won 2 seats with a 9.7 per cent vote share, while Congress won 8 seats with a 40.6 per cent, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and AAP won 1 seat each. The elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held from April 19 to June 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4. (ANI)
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March 22, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Telugu film industry honors Senior Producer Shri Kakarla Krishna during the Golden Jubilee celebrations Senior Producer Shri Kakarla Krishna was honored during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in the Telugu film industry,started his career in 1973-74 with super hit movie ( Intintikatha). The event held at Film Nagar Cultural Center in Hyderabad, India, was attended by esteemed personalities such as legendary actor Shri Maganti Murali Mohan, K. Prabhakar Reddy IAS, renowned scriptwriter Shri Parchuri Gopala Krishna, Shri Elisha Pulivarti from the US India SME Council, Producer Abhisek Agarwal, K.L. Damodar Prasad, director Relangi Narsima Rao, G. Adishesahgiri Rao (President FNCC), director Vamsee Krishna,Kaja Suryanarayana, Bagiradha, and other well-wishers from the film industry and media. The felicitation marked a memorable occasion attended by close friends and family, acknowledging Kakarla Krishna’s significant contributions to Telugu cinema. Delhi HC dismisses PIL against Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav alleging false statements made by them New Delhi [India], March 20 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL), sought directions to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Election Commission of India (ECI) to register a complaint and investigate and prosecute the political leaders Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly making misleading and false statements which were made with the intent to damage the image and credibility of Republic of India. While dismissing the plea, the bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said Don’t underestimate the wisdom of the voter. “They know who is speaking the truth and who is not sailing the truth. Don’t involve us in this political thicket. Someone will lead and someone will mislead. Let them take a call. If they are aggrieved, they will file their petition. They know how to approach the court,” the court observed. The plea also sought direction for the removal of allegedly false and misleading statements, made by said leaders from electronic and social media platforms. The plea moved by one Surjit Singh Yadav through counsels Shashi Ranjan Kumar Singh and Mahesh Kumar alleged that the factually wrong statements made by leaders had cast an indelible negative impression in the minds of readers/ viewers across the country including in the mind of the petitioner which had not only created a negative image of the Central Government in the Minds of the people but this also made the Petitioner a victim of this concocted confusion and influenced the vote pattern of the petitioner. It further stated that this deliberate attempt to create a negative image of the Central Government has resulted in creating a negative image of the nation itself. This can have negative repercussions for the nation like foreign investment getting affected, tourism getting hampered and promotion of anarchy in the nation. (ANI) “Now, ED has to answer whether summons are legal or illegal”: AAP’s Atishi New Delhi [India], March 20 (ANI): After the Delhi High Court sought a response from ED on a plea moved by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal against summons in the excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Wednesday said that the investigative agency has to answer in court whether these summons are legal or illegal and the court will decide on it. “The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is sending summons to CM Arvind Kejriwal over and over again. To challenge these summons and whether they are legal or illegal, he (Arvind Kejriwal) has moved to the Delhi High Court. ED has opposed this petition and told HC to dismiss it, however, the court has decided to hear the matter and has also sent notice to ED. Now the agency has to answer in court. Whether these summons are legal or illegal, that court will decide. The matter is under consideration in Delhi Rouse Avenue Court and High Court,” she said. Earlier today, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sandeep Pathak said that whatever decision the court delivers, they will accept it. “We have been saying this since the beginning that the entire case is political. As it’s a fake and political case, hence the ED summons are also false on technical and intentional grounds. We have taken it to the court; we have immense faith in the court and whatever decision it delivers, we will accept it. We have to be patient and if we are true, then the judgement will be good too,” Pathak told ANI. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea moved by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against several summons issued to him by ED in Excise policy case. The bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain after hearing the initial submissions of both sides, listed the matter for April 22, 2024. No formal notice was issued as ED opposed the issuance of formal notice as lawyers of ED appeared before the court on advance notice. Last week, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Rouse Avenue Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal on two complaints filed by ED for non-compliance with summons issued by the agency. During the hearing, Kejriwal had appeared physically before the court. According to the ED, the agency wants to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case on issues like the formulation of policy, meetings held before it was finalized, and allegations of bribery. (ANI)
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March 22, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi stresses dialogue, diplomacy for Ukraine crisis resolution with Putin New Delhi [India], March 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and reiterated India’s stand on dialogue and diplomacy as a way for the resolution of the ongoing war against Ukraine, said an official release. “The two leaders agreed to make concerted efforts towards further strengthening the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the years to come. They also reviewed progress in various issues of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” an official release said. “While discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,” it added. Meanwhile, Kremlin also shared details of President Putin’s conversation with PM Modi and said that the former informed the latter about the ongoing situation in the war-torn region of Ukraine. President Putin also emphasised Ukraine’s refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to settle the conflict. “The President of Russia gave his assessment of the current state of affairs in the zone of the special military operation. He emphasised Kiev’s categorical refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to settle the conflict,” the President of Russia said in a statement. “In connection with the events of June 24, Narendra Modi expressed understanding and support of the resolute actions by the Russian leadership to protect law and order and ensure stability in the country and security of its people,” it added. On June 24, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group, led an armed rebellion against the Russian defense minister. The rebellion started in Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia, and forces loyal to Prigozhin marched toward Moscow. The rebellion was called From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- March 8, 2024 off after Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko intervened. In a televised address on June 24, President of Russia Vladimir Putin denounced Wagner’s actions as treason and pledged to quell the rebellion. Further in the conversation, both leaders discussed the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction over the increase in trade. “During the discussion of topical issues of bilateral coopera- tion, the leaders noted the importance of further consistent implementation of large-scale joint projects in different areas and voiced their satisfaction over a tangible increase in trade in 2022 and the first quarter of the current year,” Kremlin said. “Special attention was paid to interaction in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20, in which India is holding the rotating presidency this year, and in the BRICS for- 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 mat. In addition, Narendra Modi told Vladimir Putin about his international contacts, including his recent visit to Washington,” it added. The statement said further, “The conversation was substantive and constructive. The leaders confirmed their mutual desire to strengthen the RussiaIndia specially privileged strategic partnership and planned future contacts.” Earlier in 2022, PM Modi‘s advice to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s summit in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand has grabbed the attention of leading international media organisations. “Today’s era is not of war and I have spoken to you about it on the call. Today we will get the opportunity to talk about how we can progress on the path of peace. India and Russia have stayed together with each other for several decades,” PM Modi told Putin expressing his concerns about the impact of the war on food and energy security. “We spoke several times on the phone about India-Russia bilateral relations and various issues. We should find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security and fertilizers. I want to thank Russia and Ukraine for helping us to evacuate our students from Ukraine,” he added. International media praised PM Modi‘s diplomatic acumen, who in a friendly tone pushed the concerns of the global community to its long-standing friend Russia. American publication -CNN praised PM Modi‘s hold on world politics and reported ” Indian leader Narendra Modi tells Putin: Now is not the time for war.” (ANI) March 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation on Wednesday with Ukarine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which he reiterated India’s peoplecentric approach and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Prime Minister noted that India supports all efforts for an early and peaceful resolution of all issues between the parties. He added that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution. A PMO release said that the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-Ukraine partnership in various spheres. “While discussing the ongoing Russia- ated India’s people-centric approach and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward,” the release said. President Zelenskyy appreciated India’s continued humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. PM Modi also posted X about the meeting and said he conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Had a good conversation with President @ZelenskyyUa on strengthening the India-Ukraine partnership. Conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts for peace and bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict,” he said. PM Modi talks with Zelenskyy over telephone, conveys India’s support for efforts towards early end to Russia-Ukraine conflictreiterNew Delhi [India], Ukraine conflict, PM 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 22, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “INDIA bloc will win 300 seats”: Congress leader Manickam Tagore New Delhi [India], March 20 (ANI): Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Tuesday exuded confidence for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and said that the INDIA bloc will register victory on 300 seats in the upcoming General elections. Soon after the Congress Central Election Committee meeting, which was held on Tuesday, Tagore said,” Four hours of meeting has just concluded. Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge sat together with all state leaders, Chief Ministers, and others. Congress party is well prepared, and we are strategically announcing the candidates. The Congress will fight the battle to win and INDIA Alliance is going to win 300 seats.” Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitendra (Jitu) Patwari said that the final discussion for the candidates from Madhya Pradesh will soon be announced. “Single-name programming for our Madhya Pradesh has been done, now it will go to CEC. There will be a meeting the day after tomorrow (March 21) and it will be announced. All the people who are needed in the elec- tions are being made to contest (Lok Sabha elections),” Patwari said. Also, Congress leader Bhanwar Jitendra Singh said, “Today’s meeting regarding (selection of candidates) for Madhya Pradesh elections has been postponed and now it will be held on March 21 and discussion will take place.” Also, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Pa- tole said that names from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi will be announced on March 21. “The CEC meeting will be held tomorrow and after that (the names of candidates) will be declared. We are going to formally sit and announce the seats (of MVA) on March 21,” Patole said. Congress leader and former Kerala LoP Ramesh Chennithala said that Shiv Sena (UBT) is moving rightly ahead under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. “It will happen after March 20 (announcement of MVA seats). Shiv Sena is united under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. The public is with him, and his workers are with him, so we do not have any problem with him (MNS chief Raj Thackeray). Shiv Sena is moving ahead under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray, we are with him in Maha Vikas Aghadi,” he said. Congress has finalised the names of candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, sources said on Tuesday.The finalisation of names was done after Congress held a meeting of its Central Election Committee on Tuesday. “Discussions took place for Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal by the screening committee,” said Congress leader Jaivardhan Singh.The Congress has already announced candidates for 82 Lok Sabha seats. In its first list, the party declared the names of 39 candidates, while in its second list, the names of 43 candidates were announced.Voting for Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in all seven phases. The Trinamool Congress has already announced its candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. In the previous Lok Sabha polls, the TMC won 22 seats, while the BJP sprung a major surprise, winning 18 seats. Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee held a detailed discussion on the manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, which has a heavy thrust on the party’s ‘nyay’ agenda and authorised party chief Mallikarjun Kharge to grant it final approval. Addressing a press conference after the CWC meeting, Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh said that the party will build on the momentum of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, during which the party announced five guarantees and a plan has been prepared to take the message of guarantees at the grassroots level. “The meeting we had today was not just for our manifesto but for our ‘nyay patra’. Congress is absolutely ready for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In the meeting today, there were discussions on our agenda. For the last 63 days, Rahul Gandhi has been talking about our five Nyay and has announced 25 guarantees. This is not just a simple manifesto but an important ‘nyay patra’ so that the people of our country can see a better future,” he said. The meeting of the CWC, the party’s highest decisionmaking body, was held days after the announcement of the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections. The Lok Sabha polls and assembly polls in four states will be held from April 19 to June 1 and the results will be declared on June 4. (ANI)
FRIDAY MARCH 22, 2024 9 Lokpal orders CBI probe against TMC leader Mahua Moitra in cash-for-query case New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): Lokpal on Tuesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate all aspects of the allegations made against Trinamool Congress leader and former MP Mahua Moitra in the ‘cash for query’ case. It asked the CBI to probe the allegations under under Section 20(3)(a) and submit a report within six months. The CBI has also been asked to file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation every month. “After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 20 (ANI): People above 85 years will now have the option to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes, Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said on Tuesday. Giving details about the vote count, he said, “Overall voter count in Madhya Pradesh stands at 5, 64,76,110, including 2.90 crores males and 2.74 crores females.” “The number of new voters in the 18 to 19 age group stood at 16,49,641 while the state has 2,89,503 voters above 85+ years. The work of adding the names in the voter list will continue till 10 days before the filing of the nomination”, he added. Earlier, in a first the Election Commission announced ‘vote-fromhome’ facilities for citizens above 85 years and persons with disabilities for the Lok Sabha elections. The commission said that voters above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities with a 40 per cent benchmark disability can vote from home. The commission said that at polling stations volunteers and wheelchairs will be deployed and transport facilities for persons with disabilities and the elderly will be arranged. Meanwhile, speaking on law and order, Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said that 1.25 lakh weapons have been collected and 152 illegal weapons have been seized so far. In addition to this, checking is being done at more than 500 checkpoints across the state. “There will be live streaming at more than 50 per cent of polling stations. GPS will be installed in all vehicles transporting EVM machines,” he said, adding that 5.5 lakh personnel will be put on election duty. Lok Sabha elections: Senior citizens of above 85 years in Madhya Pradesh can avail home voting facility no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations leveled against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her. Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth,” Lokpal said in its order. “We direct the CBI, under Section 20(3)(a) to investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint, and submit a copy of the Investigation Report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order. The CBI shall also file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation, every month,” the anti-corruption ombudsman added. The CBI had earlier conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations against Moitra on the reference from the Lokpal. Moitra was expelled from Lok Sabha in December last year after the House adopted the report of its ethics committee that held her guilty of allegations against her. The former MP has denied any wrongdoing and claimed she was being targeted as she raised questions about the deals of the Adani Group. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had made a complaint against her to Lok Sabha Speaker alleging that she accepted “cash and gifts” from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to “ask questions in Parliament”. Dubey welcomed the Lokpal order. “Satyamev Jayate. Today, considering my complaint as true, the Lokpal ordered the CBI to investigate against Mahua Moitra...,” Nishikant Dubey posted on X. Earlier this month, Delhi HC dismissed Mahua Moitra’s plea seeking to restrain Nishikant Dubey, Jai Dehadrai from making allegations in the cash-forquery case. (ANI)
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