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Kolkata, April 15 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified minority-dominated Murshidabad as the most sensitive among the districts in West Bengal that will be going for polls in the first phase of the state Assembly elections on April 23 and hence has decided to deploy maximum forces there.

Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that of the total of 2,407 companies of security forces to be deployed in the first-phase polling, as many as 316 companies (13 per cent) will be deployed in Murshidabad district alone.

Murshidabad, as an administrative district, has two separate police districts, namely Murshidabad Police District and Jangipur Police District. Of the 316 companies to be deployed in the administrative district of Murshidabad, 240 will be for the Murshidabad Police District, and the remaining 76 will be for the Jangipur Police.

“The area covered under the Murshidabad Police District is much larger than the Jangipur Police District, with the number of sensitive pockets being more, and hence the deployment of forces will be much higher there,” the insider explained.

East Midnapore, which is the native district of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, which is also going for polls in the first phase on April 23, will have the second-highest deployment of security forces at 273 companies (11.34 per cent), followed by West Midnapore at 271 companies (11.25 per cent).

The least deployment of Central forces will be in the hill district of Kalimpong, at just 21 companies.

The districts that will be going for polls in the first phase also include two Police Commissariats, namely Siliguri Metropolitan Police in Darjeeling district and Asansol – Durgapur Police Commissariat in West Burdwan district.

While 44 companies of forces will be deployed in case of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, 125 companies will be deployed for Asansol- Durgapur Police Commissionerate.

The ECI this time has decided that, besides the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), personnel from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and armed police wings from other states will be deployed for the two-phase polls in the state, in addition to the West Bengal Police.

–IANS

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Patna, April 15 (IANS) Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Wednesday congratulated Samrat Choudhary, expressing confidence that he will lead Bihar into its next phase of development and help the state achieve new heights under his leadership.

His remarks come as Samrat Choudhary is set to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar, marking a significant political transition in the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Raj Bhavan in Patna. Notably, this will be the first time a leader from the BJP assumes the office of Chief Minister in Bihar.

Speaking to reporters, Chirag Paswan said, “First of all, many congratulations to Samrat Choudhary. My best wishes to him. He is going to take my Bihar to the next stage, and under his leadership, the state will reach new heights.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of Nitish Kumar, stating that over the past two decades, despite several challenges, he played a key role in advancing Bihar’s development. Pawasn credited him with steering the state away from what was often referred to as ‘Jungle Raj’ and setting it on a path of progress.

He further said that under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would continue its development agenda in Bihar.

The Union Minister emphasised that achieving the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ requires the creation of a ‘Viksit Bihar’, and assured that all efforts would be directed towards this goal.

“The way Nitish Kumar has led Bihar over the past two decades, despite all the odds, has significantly advanced the state’s development. He played a key role in bringing Bihar out of ‘Jungle Raj’. Under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary, the NDA’s work in Bihar will be carried forward. Therefore, to achieve Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, it is essential to build a Viksit Bihar,” Chirag Paswan said.

He added that while the focus would now be on future development, the contributions and active role of Nitish Kumar in Bihar’s political landscape would always be remembered. Paswan also noted that Nitish Kumar is now actively contributing to responsibilities at the national level.

“So, we will work towards that goal. We will also remember Nitish Kumar’s contributions and his active role in Bihar’s politics. Now, he is playing an active part in central government affairs. I, along with my party, extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nitish Kumar, and I also congratulate Samrat Choudhary on assuming this leadership,” he said.

Praising Nitish Kumar’s tenure, Paswan said that words are not enough to describe his work.

Chirag Paswan said, “I think no amount of praise is enough for his tenure. With the honesty and dedication with which he led Bihar for more than two decades, he worked to take the state forward in different sectors. Certainly, the condition in which Bihar was handed to him in 2005, bringing Bihar from that situation to where it is today, was no ordinary task.”

Samrat Choudhary, who recently served as Deputy Chief Minister under Nitish Kumar, was elected as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party and NDA following Nitish Kumar’s resignation on Tuesday.

Nitish Kumar stepped down after a long tenure of more than two decades to move to the Rajya Sabha.

The oath of office will be administered by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain.

Along with Samrat Choudhary, two Deputy Chief Ministers from the Janata Dal (United) quota — Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav — are also expected to take oath.

Senior leaders, including the outgoing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and BJP National President Nitin Nabin, BJP senior leader B.L. Santhosh and many other leaders from other states, are likely to be present at the ceremony.

On Tuesday evening, Samrat Choudhary met Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at the Raj Bhavan and formally staked his claim to form the government.

The BJP expressed confidence that under his leadership, Bihar will enter a new phase of development, good governance, and prosperity.

Samrat Choudhary began his political career in 1990 and first became a minister in 1999 in the government led by Rabri Devi.

–IANS

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Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Wednesday criticised the Mahayuti government over its recent policy on giving permission to construct five-star hotels and malls on land previously reserved strictly for sports.

The Thackeray camp, in a scathing editorial in the party’s mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, alleged that it was a systematic effort to “swallow” Mumbai’s recreational and sports plots for commercial gain. It has accused the state government of circumventing Supreme Court mandates to facilitate backdoor deals with builders, threatening the city’s dwindling open spaces.

Under the guise of creating ‘Integrated Sports Complexes’, the government has reportedly amended the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). The policy has proposed a land use split formula where 70 per cent of the land remains for sports, while 30 per cent is allocated for commercial use. The policy applies to open spaces exceeding five hectares in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and ten hectares across the rest of Maharashtra, said the editorial.

The Thackeray camp has labelled the initiative a “Builder Sports Policy”, claiming it serves as a formula for corruption rather than athletic development. “There are concerns that the 30 per cent commercial allowance will result in 100 per cent of the profits flowing to contractors and political partners, with builders eventually seizing the remaining 70 per cent of the land,” it said.

According to the editorial, the administration defends the policy by stating that modern infrastructure is essential for hosting national and international competitions. However, the editorial has questioned why the Urban Development Department — rather than the Sports Department — is leading this initiative and where the revenue from these commercial sales will be directed.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claimed that the policy puts several historic and vital open spaces at risk, including Shivaji Park, Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, and gymkhanas at Marine Lines in Mumbai and Gaodevi Maidan, Central Maidan, and Dadoji Konddev Maidan in Thane. It has raised concerns regarding the eventual commercialisation of iconic venues like Wankhede and Brabourne Stadiums.

With children already forced to play in streets and parking lots due to existing encroachments, the loss of these grounds to “elite clubhouses” for the ultra-wealthy, purportedly involving partnerships with government figures, will be a terminal blow to the state’s sports culture. If these spaces are replaced by hotels, future generations will only ever see playgrounds in photographs, warned the editorial.

The Thackeray camp has demanded transparency from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on these land selections and where the revenue from the 30 per cent commercial sales will ultimately go. It further said that clarity is urgently needed as citizens and athletes prepare to protest for every “inch of land” to protect the city’s infrastructure from what they describe as “mafia-style collusion”.

–IANS

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Faridabad, April 15 (IANS) In a shocking and tragic incident from Haryana’s Faridabad, a 28-year-old man was beaten to death after he refused to allow a group of youths to drink late at night at his liquor vending enclosure. The brutal killing has raised serious concerns over the law and order situation in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The incident took place in Sector 3 on Tuesday night, where the victim, identified as Aadesh, was operating an enclosure near a liquor shop. According to officials, sometime after midnight, a group of youths arrived at the spot and demanded to be served alcohol. When Aadesh refused, an argument broke out, which quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

Within minutes, the situation turned deadly as a mob of 10 to 12 miscreants allegedly attacked him. Armed with sticks and clubs, and using their fists, they brutally assaulted Aadesh, leaving him critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Upon receiving information, police teams rushed to the spot, took custody of the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination. Officials confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is underway. The police have identified 10 to 12 suspects involved in the crime and stated that efforts are ongoing to arrest all the accused at the earliest.

The gruesome incident has triggered fear and panic among local residents, once again putting the spotlight on public safety and policing in the area.

Aadesh, a native of the Etawah-Auraiya region in Uttar Pradesh, had been running the enclosure to support his family. His untimely death has left his loved ones devastated.

Notably, this is not an isolated case.

On April 10, another violent incident was reported near the Badarpur border under the Sarai Khawaja police station area in Faridabad, where a 25-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death following a dispute with three youths. The main accused in that case, identified as Sunny, has been apprehended, and the weapon used in the crime has also been recovered.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended warm greetings to the people of Assam and the Assamese diaspora on the occasion of Rongali Bihu, calling it a vibrant festival that celebrates new beginnings, prosperity and togetherness.

Posting on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Warm greetings on Rongali Bihu! This vibrant festival celebrates new beginnings, prosperity and the spirit of togetherness. This festival beautifully showcases the Assamese culture, which is gaining popularity all across. I pray for a year filled with success, happiness and wonderful health.”

Joining the celebrations, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his wishes to the people of Assam on Bohag Bihu, highlighting its cultural and emotional significance.

He posted: “Greetings to our sisters and brothers of Assam on the joyous occasion of Bohag Bihu. May this celebration of new beginnings bring happiness, prosperity and good health, ushering in a year of progress for all.”

Union Minister J.P. Nadda also extended his greetings, wishing prosperity and happiness in the Assamese New Year.

He wrote: “Wishing a very Happy Bohag Bihu to all my Assamese brothers and sisters. As the new year begins, may it open doors to new hopes and bright beginnings. Wishing you and your loved ones a year full of smiles, good health and prosperity always.”

Bihu is the chief cultural and harvest festival of Assam, celebrated by all Assamese people regardless of religion, caste or creed. It consists of a set of three distinct festivals that mark different phases of the agricultural and rice cultivation cycle throughout the year.

Among them, Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the most significant and is celebrated in mid-April as the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring.

The seven-day festival of merriment is marked by vibrant Bihu dances, traditional songs, community feasts, and the wearing of new clothes. People also exchange the traditional Assamese Gamocha, symbolising respect and goodwill.

The celebrations reflect Assam’s rich cultural heritage and its deep connection with nature and the agrarian calendar, bringing communities together in joy, unity and renewal.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who served as the first woman President of the country, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her support and appreciation for the implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, calling it a “transformative step in strengthening India’s democratic framework”.

Pratibha Devisingh Patil is a veteran Congress leader who served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012. She became the first woman to hold the post.

Her remarks come ahead of a Special Session of Parliament scheduled to begin on April 16, during which the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, and a proposed delimitation bill are expected to be discussed to facilitate one-third reservation for women in Parliament. Her support also came at a time when Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi made a scathing critique of the timing of the Bill, calling it “underhand tactic.”

In her letter to the Prime Minister, Patil said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the initiative for historic implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This landmark constitutional amendment represents a transformative step in strengthening India’s democratic framework by ensuring greater representation and participation of women in legislative bodies.”

As the first female President of India, Patil emphasised that true women’s empowerment can only be realised by granting them equal opportunities to influence decisions that impact the nation.

“This amendment is far more than a legal provision; it is a powerful affirmation of our collective resolve to advance gender equality, foster inclusive governance, and build a stronger, more progressive India,” she said.

The former President emphasised that having more women in Parliament and State Legislatures will “undoubtedly enrich legislative debates with diverse perspectives, lead to more balanced and empathetic policy outcomes, and serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of women to actively participate in public life”.

“India has consistently witnessed the extraordinary contributions of women across every sphere of national development, often surmounting formidable social and structural barriers,” Patil said, adding that this legislation “formally recognises their immense potential and institutionalises pathways for their leadership at the highest levels of governance”.

“It marks a decisive stride towards bridging historical inequities and creating a more just and equitable society,” she added.

The veteran Congress leader said that the implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will send a “clear and powerful message” to the world about “India’s unwavering commitment to gender justice and inclusive democгасу”.

“I am confident that this progressive initiative will ignite the aspirations of countless women, particularly from rural and marginalised communities, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” she said.

“I commend the leaders and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly over the years to turn this long-cherished dream into reality. This landmark reform will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in realising the vision of a more equitable, empowered, and inclusive India. With best wishes for sustained efforts towards women’s empowerment and national progress,” Patil added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vishu and said this festival is about hope and happiness.

PM Modi took to social media ‘X’ and said, “Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vishu! This festival is about hope and happiness. It emphasises on positivity and gratitude towards all. May the coming year be full of joy, prosperity and good health. May the year bring new opportunities, success and peace all around.”

Vishu, often associated with the Malayalam New Year, is being observed on April 15, marking the start of the Medam month in the Malayalam calendar. Celebrated mainly in Kerala, the festival represents fresh beginnings, prosperity, and optimism for the coming year.

Although Vishu is widely regarded as a New Year celebration, the official Malayalam New Year begins on the first day of Chingam. Still, many people in the Malabar region consider Vishu to be the astrological New Year.

The day starts with the sacred ritual of Vishukkani, where individuals view an arrangement of items such as fruits, flowers, rice, coins, and a mirror as their first sight of the day, which is believed to bring good luck. People wear new clothes, perform prayers, exchange monetary gifts known as Vishukkaineetam, and share a traditional festive meal. Altogether, Vishu reflects joy, renewal, and cultural richness.

Beyond its festive aspects, Vishu carries a deeper message of starting anew with clarity, positivity, and faith. Its customs promote gratitude, mindfulness, and personal growth. Even in modern, busy lifestyles, the festival remains meaningful by encouraging people to stay connected to their roots while welcoming new possibilities with confidence.

Vishu embodies the spirit of new beginnings, abundance, and spiritual awakening. From the meaningful Vishukkani ritual to the happiness of sharing Vishukkaineetam and festive dishes, the celebration beautifully combines tradition and purpose, making it one of Kerala’s most treasured festivals.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, April 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Srikshetra Adichunchanagiri on Wednesday, with a tightly planned itinerary covering travel, religious engagements, and onward journey to Kerala.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi at HAL Airport in Bengaluru.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy stated, “I wholeheartedly welcome the Hon’ble Prime Minister of the nation, Narendra Modi, who is arriving to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir of the revered Jagadguru, His Holiness Dr Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, of Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri Mahasansthan Math.”

Kumaraswamy further stated, “It gives me immense joy that the respected Prime Minister is visiting my home district, Mandya, to take part in this sacred and auspicious event. On behalf of the people of Mandya district and the entire state, I extend a warm welcome to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”

Shortly after his arrival, PM Modi will travel by an Indian Army helicopter to Adichunchanagiri. The helicopter is scheduled to land at the helipad of Shrigiri Tapovana.

From the helipad, he will proceed by car to Adichunchanagiri Math, where he will participate in various religious rituals and attend a stage programme.

PM Modi will inaugurate Sri Guru Bhairavakya Mandira at the Mutt in Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district.

He is the first Prime Minister to visit Adichunchanagiri Mutt.

The Prime Minister will be felicitated with a ‘Mysuru Peta’ made by using Mysuru and Benaras silk.

The development has also assumed political significance as the Adichunchanagiri Mutt is revered by the Vokkaliga community, which has a significant presence in the South Karnataka region.

However, Union Minister Kumaraswamy described the programme as a non-political, inclusive gathering that would see participation from leaders across parties and large numbers of devotees.

Former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, along with several dignitaries, would also attend the event.

Following the programme, the Prime Minister will leave the Math at 12.05 p.m. and travel back to the helipad by car. At 12.15 p.m., he will depart by helicopter to HAL Airport in Bengaluru.

Later, at 1 p.m., Prime Minister Modi will leave Bengaluru by a special flight to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala for his next engagement.

–IANS

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Chennai, April 15 (IANS) The DMK in Tamil Nadu has emerged at the forefront of opposition to the Union government’s proposed delimitation exercise, which seeks to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats based on population growth, triggering concerns across southern states.

The current strength of the Lok Sabha stands at 543 members, based on the 1971 Census when India’s population was around 550 million.

With the population now exceeding 1.4 billion, the Centre is planning to expand parliamentary representation through a fresh delimitation process.

According to reports, the proposed Delimitation Amendment Bill aims to raise the number of Lok Sabha MPs from 543 to around 850, while increasing representation from Union Territories from 20 to 35.

The Bill is expected to be introduced during a special session of Parliament scheduled over the next three days. Southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, have strongly opposed the move, arguing that it would penalise regions that successfully implemented population control measures.

They fear that a population-based redistribution of seats will disproportionately benefit northern states such as Uttar Pradesh, where population growth has been higher.

The Centre is also reportedly considering conducting delimitation based on the 2011 Census or earlier data, instead of waiting for the post-2026 Census as mandated by the 2002 Delimitation Amendment Act, further intensifying the controversy.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly criticised the proposal, warning that it would dilute the state’s representation in Parliament and undermine federal principles.

He cautioned that if the Centre proceeds with the plan, his party would launch a major agitation and that “the old DMK will be seen”. On the other hand, Edappadi K. Palaniswami has downplayed concerns, stating that the delimitation exercise would not adversely affect Tamil Nadu.

Estimates suggest that Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha seats may increase from the current 39 to around 50, while Uttar Pradesh’s representation could surge from 80 to nearly 143, significantly altering the balance of power in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Centre is also planning to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill alongside the delimitation proposal, with the aim of implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in the 2029 general elections.

With tensions escalating, Chief Minister Stalin has directed DMK MPs to attend the special session of Parliament, signalling a high-stakes political battle ahead.

–IANS

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