INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY JANUARY 5, 2024 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:1 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday January 5, 2024 Vibrant Gujarat: Investment proposals worth over Rs 7 lakh crore inked in a day Seminar on circular Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], January 3 (ANI): Investment proposals worth more than Rs 7 lakh crore were inked in a single day, mostly in petrochemicals, oil and gas, in the run-up to the muchawaited Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. NTPC has proposed investment worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore, Torrent Power Rs 48,000 crore, Power Finance Rs 25,000 crore, ONGC Rs 11,800 crore, GIPCL Rs 7900 crore, Power Grid Rs 15000 crore, HPCL Rs 4000 crore, NHPC Rs 4000 crore, IOCL Rs 1700 crore, Arvind Limited Rs 3000 crore, and ArcelorMittal Rs 1 lakh crore. Separately, so far, 234 MoUs in as many as 17 phases, with a potential investment of about Rs 10.31 lakh crore and employment generation of 12.89 lakh were inked, the information department of the Gujarat government said. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his chief ministerial days, attracted investors from all over the world to invest in Gujarat, said Bhupendra Patel. The state government has a proactive approach to enable industry and investors to move forward with ease, said the chief minister. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was initiated by Narendra Modi in 2003, then chief minister, to put Gujarat on the world map of trade and industry. The tenth edition of the Summit will be held from January 10 to 12, 2024. The Summit event will be inaugurated by PM Modi on January 10. The stage is all set for the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, and as many as 100 countries are expected to participate in the threeday-long event. Speaking with ANI, Managing Director of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), Rahul Gupta, said on Tuesday said a ‘Global Trade Show’ to be held on January 9 will mark the launch of the 10th edition of the Summit. “About 100 countries will participate, with among them 32 partner countries and 16 partner organisations,” said Gupta. Gupta said various seminars will be organised on various themes during the three-day event. For the smooth conduct of the event, several committees have been formed to look after various aspects of the summit. Ohio [US], January 3 (ANI): The Kerala Hindus of North America gifted the sacred ‘Rig Vedam‘ to the parents of India-American US presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, an occasion marked by deep reverence at the Dayton Temple, Ohio. A viral video shows Vivek’s father conducting a ceremonial pooja for the ancient text before passing it on to him. The atmosphere resonated with spirituality as Ramaswamy, in turn, recited the potent Aikyamatya Suktham, embracing the profound wisdom encapsulated within the Rig Vedam. In a momentous ceremony at the Dayton Temple, the Kerala Hindus of North America presented the sacred ‘Rig Vedam‘ to Vivek Ramaswamy‘s parents, met with profound reverence. As a testament to tradition and heritage, Vivek’s father led a ceremonial pooja for the ancient text before passing it to Vivek. The atmosphere reverberated with spirituality as Vivek recited the powerful Aikyamatya Suktham, embracing the cherished wisdom of the Rig Vedam. In November, last year, Ramaswamy opened up about his ‘Hindu’ faith, emphasising that it provides him with freedom and has motivated him to undertake this presidential campaign as a moral obligation. Speaking at ‘The Family Leader’ forum organised by The Daily Signal platform, the IndianAmerican entrepreneur drew parallels between the teachings of Hinduism and Christianity, expressing his intention to promote shared values for the benefit of the next generation. Ramaswamy said, “May faith is what gives me my freedom. My faith is what led me to this presidential campaign...I am a Hindu. I believe there is one true God. I believe god put each of us here for a purpose. My faith teaches us that we have a duty, a moral duty to realise that purpose. Those are God’s instruments that work through us in different ways, but we are still equal because God resides in each of us. That’s the core of my faith”. The Ohio-based bio-tech entrepreneur also drew parallels between Hindu and Christian faiths and said that these are the ‘shared values’ of God, and he will stand for those shared values. “I went to Christian High School. What do we learn? We learnt the 10 commandments. We read the Bible. Scriptures class. God is real. There is one true God. Don’t take his name in vain. Respect your parents. Don’t lie. Don’t steal. Don’t commit adultery. What I learned at that time, is that these values are familiar to me. They economy planned during Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit A seminar specifically focused on the circular economy is set to take place on January 12, the final day of the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Principal Secretary for Urban Development and Housing Ashwini Kumar in Gujarat government, shared that this seminar will prove to be an important platform to exchange global ideas on the circular economy, showcase practical GUJARAT 2024 SEE PAGE 6 US: Kerala Hindus of North America gift ‘Rig Veda’ to Vivek Ramaswamy’s family Remember: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. ” – Jesus Christ don’t belong to Hindus. But, they don’t belong to RAMASWAMY SEE PAGE 6
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January 5, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Ayodhya to witness over 18 forms of Ramleela from India and abroad Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 2 (ANI): The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to organize performances of over 18 forms of Ramleelas across the country and abroad in Ayodhya to showcase the global significance of Lord Ram. According to an official press release issued by the CM Office on Tuesday said that various cultural, traditional folk arts and spiritual programs will be organized. The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday. “With this, the Yogi government aims to propagate Lord Shri Ram as the centre of faith not only in India but also as a symbol of global faith. Various popular Ramleelas from India and abroad will be staged,” it added. While Ramleela is staged in the traditional local styles in various states of India, several forms of Ramleela are also performed overseas. In this context, to enhance the glory of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, the staging of various Ramleela forms will take place in different cultural centers of Ayodhya from Makar Sankranti (January 15) to January 22. “It is noteworthy that as the ‘Navya Ayodhya’ is set to showcase its cultural and spiritual richness after 500 years, on January 22, 2024,” it said, adding that to make this occasion unique, unforgettable, and spiritual, artists from India and abroad will perform Ramleela based on the Ramayana, while on the other hand, cultural programs based on folk traditions will also be organized. Through this event, the Yogi government aims to make tourists and devotees coming to Ayodhya, including the present and future generations, aware of the ideals and values of Lord Ram. The inauguration ceremony will be held on January 22. Ramleela troupes of countries such as Nepal, Cambodia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and more have been invited to the Ramotsav celebrations. Additionally, Ramleela troupes from states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Karnataka, Sikkim, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh will present various events based on the life of Lord Ram. Performances are planned on the Tulsi Manch at Tulsi Bhawan Memorial, showcasing Ramleelas from different regions of India and the world. Moreover, various cultural, spiritual and folk artbased programs including Ramleela will be staged on the Purushottam Manch at Ramkatha Park, Saryu Manch at Bhajan-Sandhya venue, Kagbhusundi Manch at Tulsi Udyan and Tulsi Manch at Tulsi Smarak Bhavan. “Under the guidance of CM Yogi, the progress of development in various spiritual cities of the state has given a new identity to Uttar Pradesh. The cultural and spiritual programs taking place in Ayodhya are also being linked with respect for faith. In these programs, priority will be given to those folk traditions that have kept the ideals of Lord Shri Ram alive through their presentations in society,” the statement said. (ANI) dipped, people were seen sitting by the bonfire in a bid to keep themselves warm. Amid harsh weather and dense fog, forces were seen rehearsing for the Republic Day parade at Kartavya path in the national capital. According to today’s weather warning by the Met Departmentdense to very dense fog and cold day to severe cold day conditions at a few places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Dense fog has been forecast today at a few places over Uttarakhand and at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir. People expressed their discomfort due to cold in areas surrounding Delhi, including Agra, Meerut and Mathura. According to the IMD, due to the fog cover late Tuesday evening, visibility in the areas was reduced, with Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly recording the lowest at 25. Meanwhile, in the wake of multiple accidents due to prevalent fog, the Uttar Pradesh transport commissioner issued strict instructions and mentioned that children below 18 years of age will clearly be banned from driving. In case anyone below 18 years of age is seen driving, vehicle owner will be imprisoned for three years and fined Rs 25,000 as punishment. According to the IMD, ‘very dense’ fog is declared when visibility is between 0 and 50 metres, while it is ‘dense’ when the visibility is between 51 and 200 metres. Fog is considered ‘moderate’when the visibility is between 201 and 500 metres ‘moderate’, and ‘shallow’ between 501 and 1,000 metres. (ANI) Fog in Delhi, parts of NCR; extreme cold likely to continue for next few days New Delhi [India], January 3 (ANI): Parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region woke up on Wednesday morning to dense fog, reducing visibility in several parts of the national capital. The minimum temperature recorded in Delhi on Wednesday was 9 degree Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to be around 20 degree Celsius, as per the IMD. According to IMD, Delhi is likely to see extreme cold in the next next few days with minimum temperature touching 7 degree Celsius on January 3. According to the Met Department “Visibility Recorded (at 530 am today) (was less than 200 metres): Rajasthan: Bikaner, Jaipur & Ajmer-50 each; Jammu Division: Jammu-200; Haryana: Ambala-200; East Madhya Pradesh: Sagar200. Current Visibility over Delhi: Sardarjung-500m and Palam-600m.” Visuals from the Indira Gandhi International airport showed dense fog over the airport. Several flights to and from Delhi were delayed due to low visibility. At least 26 trains arrived late due to fog in the national capital, Indian Railways said. Trains which arrived late in the national capital include BhopalNizamuddin, Bangalore- Nizamuddin, Bhubaneshwar- New Delhi Rajdhani, Ranikamlapati BhopalNew Delhi, HowrahNew Delhi Duronto, Chennai- New Delhi, Puri- New Delhi Purushottam Exp, KanpurNew Delhi Shramshakti, HowrahNew Delhi Poorva Exp, SaharsaNew Delhi Vaishali Exp, Rewa- Anand Vihar Exp, Prayagraj-New Delhi Exp, Azamgarh- Delhi Kaifiyat Exp, Bhagalpur- Anand Vihar Exp, RajendranagarNew Delhi, Banaras- New Delhi Exp, AmbedkarnagarKatra Exp, Chennai- New Delhi GT, Chennai – New Delhi, Hyderabad- New Delhi, RanikamlapatiNizamuddin, KatiharAmritsar Exp, Jammutawi- Ajmer Exp, Kamakhya-Delhi Exp, Ferozpur-sey and AjmerKatra Exp. The homeless in the national capital were seen taking refuge at night shelters. Hailing the facilities provided by the Government, a resident of Bihar, staying at the winter shelter tent said “We get food free of cost, washrooms are there inside the tent. Staff is always there for the security.” “All facilities are here. Blankets, food, water tea, everything is provided here. 19 beds have been put up in which around 25 people are inducted,” said Raju, a guard of the winter rescue tent. As the temperature
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January 5, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK US: Kerala Hindus of North America gift ‘Rig Veda’ to Vivek Ramaswamy’s family RAMASWAMY PAGE 1 FROM Christians either. They belong to God actually. And I think these are the values that undergird this country,” Ramaswamy said. Notably, 38-year-old Ramaswamy is a native of southwest Ohio. His mother was a geriatric psychiatrist and his father worked as an engineer at General Electric. His parents migrated to the US from Kerala. R a m a s w a m y ’s campaign has gained attention, and he has risen in GOP primary polls, although he still trails behind Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in support. The next US presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Vivek Ramaswamy to skip Iowa GOP debate, says will be “most boring” in history Wa s h i n g t o n DC [US], January 2 (ANI): Indian-American Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy announced that he won’t be participating in the fifth GOP debate in Iowa and announced that he will instead be doing a live audience show with Tim Pool. He lashed out at CNN — the forum hosting the Republican debate — over their “shenanigans” and predicted that it would be the “most boring” debate in history. “Forget @CNN’s fake Iowa “debate” on Jan 10 which will be the most boring in modern history. We’re doing a live-audience show that night in Des Moines with @Timcastinstead. Won’t hold back. Here’s the backstory on CNN’s shenanigans,” Ramaswamy posted on X. The Ohio-based entrepreneur accused CNN of being biased against him and cited multiple incidents where the said network allegedly did unfair coverage of the presidential candidate. He said that on December 13, “CNN disgracefully cut short its own Iowa town hall with me after I correctly pointed out uncomfortable truths about Jan 6”, which CNN instantly dismissed as From The Poet’s Pen “conspiracy theories”. “On Dec 14, CNN then threatened my campaign on the phone with a cease-and-desist and had YouTube black out the town hall after it got 200k+ views on YouTube in a matter of hours. Yet Nikki Haley’s CNN town hall was still up after 6 months (68k total views, sad),” Ramaswamy said. He added, “Later on Dec 14, CNN notified my campaign that multiple qualifying polls, which the RNC used for each of the RNC Debates, mysteriously wouldn’t count for CNN’s fake “debate” in Iowa on January 10. Ramaswamy further cited an incident where CNN’s Oliver Darcy “wrote a newsletter that castigated his own network for allowing [me] to infect the public with his conspiracy campaign”. “CNN Commentator Van Jones said he was “literally shaking” when he heard me speak. And my rhetoric is “one step away from Nazi propaganda.” CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper said I delivered a “soliloquy of conspiracy theories”. CNN Anchor Pamela Brown and “Chief Investigative Correspondent” said Vivek has a “history of peddling disinformation,” Ramasamy further said. He also cited an incident where CNN Anchor Kaitlan Collins said that Ramaswamy uses “a reasonable tone to sell sinister lies to people who aren’t paying close attention and might think what he is saying maybe is legitimate”. “CNN’s token “conservative” Commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin said my rhetoric is “damaging to the country,” Ramaswamy added. N o t a b l y , Ramaswamy has a history of attacking mainstream media outlets over coverage of him and has also garnered criticism for his rhetoric during the first four GOP debates, according to The Hill. Meanwhile, Ramaswamy along with other GOP primary candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, trail well behind former President Donald Trump who enjoys a sweeping 50- INDIA THIS WEEK- December3, 2020 INDIA THIS WEEK- January 29,2023 INDIA THIS WEEK by Rajan George Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online Happy New Year What is ‘New’ about the year I’m indeed so curious if each ongoing year should effect in us a change for good should not then we grow virtuous year by year? Growing in virtue meaning– abiding in love, seeking the Truth, knowing more of God who gives us life to live in and for Him, lend a hand to the trodden down who struggle before our eyes If celebrations for the new year abound in a show of mirth and gluttony, ingratiating sensuous cravings, and pleasures of the moment! Then are we still detained in the mold too old from which we constantly try escape! For the year to have novelty, Change should come from within The new man should the Old displace Where Agape Love for ever reside Jeus said, “I make everything New! Yes He alone makes everything New! You will soar to greater heights, like the eagles, if you shatter the fetters that have shackled you from taking off the ground Then and only then can you say Happy New Year! Yeah! Happy Happy New Year!! Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 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 60 per cent support among GOP voters, according to various surveys. Trump has also skipped all the four GOP debates held so far, and is likely to skip the fifth one too, citing his massive lead. According to The Hill, doubts have been raised regarding whether Ramaswamy — who has been polling in the single digits — will qualify for the January 10 debate in Des Moines, Iowa. The next US presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. (ANI) GUJARAT 2024 FROM PAGE 1 investors from all over the world to invest in Gujarat, said Bhupendra Patel. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was initiated by Narendra Modi in 2003, then chief minister, to put Gujarat on the world map of trade and industry. The tenth edition of the Summit will be held from January 10 to 12, 2024. The Summit event will be inaugurated by PM Modi on January 10. The stage is all set for the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, and as many as 100 countries are expected to participate in the threeday-long event. Speaking with ANI, Managing Director of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), Rahul Gupta, said on Tuesday said a ‘Global Trade Show’ to be held on January 9 will mark the launch of the 10th edition of the Summit. “About 100 countries will participate, with among them 32 partner countries and 16 partner organisations,” said Gupta. Gupta said various seminars will be organised on various themes during the three-day event. For the smooth conduct of the event, several committees have been formed to look after various aspects of the summit. On the MoUs signed so far in the run-up to the event, Gupta said, “The Gujarat government has always been focusing on quality MoUs, and in the run-up to Vibrant Gujarat so far, the focus has been on the quality of the MoU.” Vibrant Gujarat: Investment proposals worth over Rs 7 lakh crore inked in a day solutions and promote collaboration for a green future, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit India@2047. The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended. Meanwhile, a total of 58 Memoranda of Understandings, amounting to Rs 7.17 lakh crores, were formally signed and exchanged on Wednesday at an event held in the runup to the much-awaited Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The agreements were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. So far, 234 MoUs in as many as 17 phases, with a potential investment of about Rs 10.31 lakh crore and employment generation of 12.89 lakh have been inked, the information department of the Gujarat government said.Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his chief ministerial days, attracted investors from all over the world to invest in Gujarat, said Bhupendra Patel. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his chief ministerial days, attracted Remember: Without getting into specifics about the MoUs “If ye continue in my word,signed so far,ye said being then are he my disciples indeed; Andthat the focus know the ye shall has been on emerging you free. ” as truth, and the truth shall make sectors such semiconductors, e-mobility, ESUS HRIST renewable energy, and J C
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January 5, 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 CPI(M) demands withdrawal of mandatory linkages to AADHARbased payment system New Delhi [India], January 3 (ANI): The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded the withdrawal of mandatory linkages to an AADHAR-based payment system from the Central Government. CPI(M) in a statement said that the latest expression of the Modi government’s active hostility towards the demand-based rural work guarantee law–the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is the imposition of an AADHARbased payment system (ABPS) the deadline of which expired on December 31, snatching away the right to crores of workers. Under the law, every rural worker has the right to a job card and every job card holder has the right to at least 100 days of work. “The first violation of the law by the central government is to divide job card holders into eligible and non-eligible for ABPS. According to the government, of the 25.25 crore registered workers only 14.35 crores are eligible because they have done at least one day’s work over the last three years. But suppose a job card holder decides that she does need to work, on a MNREGA site, even though she has not done so earlier, now she cannot do so since she has been declared ineligible.” Party said in a statement CPI(M) further said that in other words over 10 crore workers, who have every right to a job card under the law, have been declared ineligible to get ABPS and therefore denied their right to work on an MNREGA site. “Even out of the 14.35 crore so-called eligible job card holders, as many as 12. 7 per cent, around 1.8 crore workers, do not have ABPS and will therefore not be eligible to work in MNREGA. Earlier the government had imposed an online registration system which given the poor connectivity in large parts of rural India, resulted in workers‘ presence at the worksite not being accepted. They were and are being denied wages without online registration,” Politbureau said. CPI(M) added that this is an outright assault on the law. MNREGA, regardless of its inadequacies such as the limitation to 100 days, has proved to be a lifeline for the rural poor, particularly at this time of high rural distress caused by unemployment. The Modi government is using technology to attack a legal entitlement. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) “strongly condemns this illegal attack on workers‘ rights as guaranteed by MNREGA and demands the withdrawal of mandatory linkages to an AADHARbased payment system”. (ANI)
FRIDAY JANUARY 5, 2024 9 Digvijaya Singh questions Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal ECI’s transparency, calls to skip ED summons again, calls notice “illegal” for release of source code New Delhi [India], January 3 (ANI): Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh raised questions over the Election Commission of India’s transparency, a day after the party’s letter to ECI seeking a meeting with the INDIA bloc leaders to discuss the issue of Voterverified paper audit trail (VVPAT). Singh raised concerns over the ECI stonewalling opposition meetings. “Why is ECI stonewalling opposition meeting with them? How do we trust ECI who refuses to meet Principal Opposition Parties?” Singh said in a post on X. Earlier in September last year, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain a PIL seeking an independent audit of the source code of the EVM and placing such reports in the public domain. Amid the top court declining the PIL, the Congress veteran urged the ECI to enhance transparency by making the Source Code on the chip publicly available. He further emphasized the need for assurance regarding the security and invulnerability of the electoral system against hacking or manipulation. “Why can’t ECI be more transparent and bring the Source Code on the chip in public domain if it is so safe and secure which no one can hack or manipulate?,” his post stated. On Tuesday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh in the letter alleged that the ECI put a blind eye to the opposition’s several requests for a meeting to discuss Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) – related concerns. The letter stated, “...a request for an opportunity for a 3-4 member team of INDIA party leaders to meet with you and your colleagues and talk a few minutes to put forward our point of view on VVPATs. Surely, this is a perfectly reasonable and legitimate request.” The letter added that the delegation sought an appointment again on December 20, 2023, to “discuss and provide suggestions on the use of VVPATs” based on a resolution passed at the meeting of leaders of INDIA parties held on December 19, 2023. “We have been trying to meet with the ECI to hand over a copy of this resolution and have a discussion but have not been successful so far in doing so,” the letter stated. (ANI) New Delhi [India], January 3 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not appear before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam case, the Aam Aadmi Party sources said on Wednesday. ED issued a third summons to CM Kejriwal earlier on December 22 last year, in connection with the excise policy case, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. As per the party sources, Kejriwal in his reply to ED has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear today calling the notice “illegal”. Kejriwal further questioned the timing of the notice as a move to stop him from electioneering ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2024, the party sources said. According to sources Kejriwal is ready to cooperate in ED investigation but the ED notice is illegal. Sources claim that the agency intends to arrest Arvind Kejriwal as they want to stop Kejriwal from the election campaign. The AAP has questioned the timing of the notice just before the 2024 elections. The Delhi CM was first called by the central agency to appear on November 2, but he did not depose, alleging that the notice was “vague, motivated and unsustainable in law.” He further alleged that the said summons appeared to be politically motivated and issued for extraneous considerations. Kejriwal was issued the second summons by the ED on December 18, asking him to depose at the federal agency’s office on December 21, which the Chief Minister skipped. Kejriwal was not named as an accused in the first information report (FIR) filed by the CBI on August 17, last year. In February 2023, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi’s new excise policy. The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh was also arrested in the same scam in October 2023. (ANI
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