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Category: Politics

  • Clashes erupt as PTI protest reaches Islamabad 

    Clashes erupt as PTI protest reaches Islamabad 

    At least one police official has died while more than a hundred police officials were left injured, with many in critical condition, reports Hamza Ameer

    Opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest titled “Final Call” has forced its way into the capital Islamabad and is marching on its way towards its destination D-Chowk, which is taking place at a time when the first round of backdoor talks between the government and PTI have failed, and the second round is expected to start past Monday midnight.  

    At least one police official has died while more than a hundred police officials were left injured, with many in critical condition. 

    However, the ruling Shehbaz Sharif’s government maintains that it would not spare those who called for this protest, asserting that anyone who reached D-Chowk would be arrested. 

    The PTI protest, which was announced on November 24, has now entered into its second day as tens of thousands of protestors from the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) province continue to march, overcoming hurdles, blockades, violent clashes with security officials, tear gas and rubber bullets. 

    The PTI march is being led by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. 

    Bushra Bibi became the driving force behind the protest march as she called on all supporters of Imran Khan to keep pushing forward until her husband and PTI founder is not released from Adiyala Jail. 

    “My brothers, as long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march. I will stay there till my last breath, and all of you have to support me. This is not just about my husband but about the country and its leader,” Bushra Bibi said on Monday while addressing the protestors. 

    As per the latest reports, violent clashes are taking place between PTI supporters and security officials at 26 number area of Sangjani interchange in Islamabad. 

    The government maintains that its first priority is to not let PTI get what it has come looking for in terms of casualties, warning that all those behind this protest will not be spared. 

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that those who called for this protest, which has yet again resulted in the death of one police official, will not be spared. 

    “PTI wants to make sure that it gets to play with dead bodies and has been engaging in violent clashes with the police. We have proof that our police officials who have been injured and killed have been hit by straight gunshots,” he said while speaking to the media at D-chowk in Islamabad. 

    “We will also give you evidence of how all of this was planned to disrupt the visit of the Belarusian President and its delegation. They (PTI) protestors do not even care about the country and that foreign dignitaries were landing in the country. Yesterday also, they tried to do their best to embarrass Pakistan by trying to disrupt and hinder the visit of the Belarusian delegation. This is all part of their plan to spread unrest in the country,” Naqvi added. 

    While the PTI protest from KP continued to move slowly towards Islamabad, a backdoor round of table talks was underway between the government and a delegation of PTI. 

    The PTI delegation was represented by its chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Barrister Saif, the spokesperson for the KP provincial government, while the government delegation was represented by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and others. 

    As per sources, the first round of talks did not yield any results. 

    However, a second round of talks is expected to start on Monday night as the PTI delegation reached Adiyala Jail to meet with Imran Khan for consultation. 

    It is expected that a common ground of understanding may be reached to bring the fast-worsening security situation in the capital to a logical closure. 

    PTI demands the immediate release of Imran Khan, the return of what it terms a stolen mandate during general polls on February 8, 2024, and the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. 

    While there are hopes that the second round of talks would de-escalate tensions, the situation on the ground in the capital remains extremely tense and threatens more violence. 

    As PTI protestors move deeper into Islamabad, authorities have announced the closure of all educational institutions in the capital for two more days, while a heavy deployment of security has been put in place at Adiyala Jail, Rawalpindi, D-Chowk, and other entry points and routes towards the capital’s Red Zone. 

    PTI protestors vow to remain in the capital until their leader Imran Khan is released and their demands are met by the government. 

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  • Both houses adjourned over Adani, Manipur 

    Both houses adjourned over Adani, Manipur 

    In the Rajya Sabha, proceedings were stalled as Opposition MPs insisted on holding a discussion on the charges of bribery on the Gautam Adani group. …reports Asian Lite News

    The Winter Session of Parliament commenced on Monday morning but faced early disruptions, leading to the adjournment of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for the day. 

    In the Rajya Sabha, proceedings were stalled as Opposition MPs insisted on holding a discussion on the charges of bribery on the Gautam Adani group. 

    The Upper House of Parliament was adjourned till 11.45 am and then as Opposition MPs persisted in their demand for a discussion on the Adani issue, the House was adjourned for the day. The Rajya Sabha is set to meet on Wednesday, November 27. 

    Before adjourning for the day, Union Minister Manohar Lal moved a motion for the election of one member to the advisory council of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The motion was adopted by a voice vote in the Upper House. 

    Another motion moved by Union Minister JP Nadda, for the election of one member to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru was also adopted by a voice vote. 

    Earlier after the Lok Sabha began proceedings for the day Speaker Om Birla read out obituary references before adjourning it to 12 noon. A short while later the Speaker adjourned the House for the day to meet again on Wednesday. 

    Meanwhile, earlier today in his media address before the start of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today the world is looking at India with great hope. Our use of Parliament’s time and our behaviour in the House should be such that it strengthens the respect that India has gained at the global level.” 

    He stressed on the importance of a healthy debate and noted that “unfortunately, certain indiviuals are trying to control the Parliament.” 

    He took a dig at the Opposition parties, saying that those rejected by the people during elections try to disrupt proceedings of the House as well. “Those rejected 80-90 times by people do not allow discussions in Parliament. They do not understand people’s aspirations. I hope new members from every party get a chance in the Winter Session of Parliament to share their ideas,” the Prime Minister said. 

    “There should be a healthy debate in the Parliament but, unfortunately, certain individuals are trying to control Parliament for their own political gains, resorting to disruptions and chaos,” he said. 

    Before the separate session of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, a joint session of the Parliament was also held, with the Speaker of the house presiding over the session. 

    The Parliament will also be commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution tomorrow, on November 26. 

    The house session concludes on December 20, having a total of 25 days since its commencement today. 

    Among the bills for introduction, consideration and passing during its session includes the Waqf (Amendement) bill. The bill is set to be tabled after a comprehensive Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by MP Jagdambika Pal collected witness accounts and testimonies from various stakeholders. 

    Other bills that are listed for introduction, consideration and passing include the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, the Bills of Lading Bill, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill. 

    The Boilers Bill, the Rashtriya Sahkari Vishwavidyalaya Bill, the Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill, the Merchant Shipping Bill, the Coastal Shipping Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill, are also included in the list. 

    Earlier today, INDIA bloc leaders of both houses held a meeting at the office of Rajya Sabha leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge. In the meeting, the leaders decided on a unified opposition strategy to demand discussions on the Adani group allegations. (ANI) 

    Speaker urges members to follow highest traditions   

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday urged all the members of the lower House of Parliament to follow the highest traditions of debate and dialogue and convey their dissent in a constructive manner. 

    According to the sources, at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting today, Speaker Birla referred to 75 years of adoption of the Constitution and recalled the glorious traditions of high-quality debates by the founding fathers in the constituent assembly. 

    In view of the Samvidhan Diwas celebrations in Samvidhan Sadan tomorrow, the Speaker urged the members of various political parties to engage in a meaningful dialogue. He urged the members to convey their dissent in a constructive manner. 

    He said that members should avoid ruckus in the House in the name of protest. 

    Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned earlier today for the day over impasse on oppositon’s demands. Both Houses will now meet on Wednesday. 

    Earlier during his customary address ahead of the start of the the Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the opposition, saying those who were rejected by people 80-90 times were trying to control Parliament by resorting to hooliganism for their own political gains. 

    “Unfortunately, some people, who have been rejected by the public, are constantly trying to control the parliament for their own political interests through the hooliganism of the people. The public remembers their activities and punishes them when the time comes,” PM Modi said. 

    “The message from Bharat’s Parliament should reflect the voters’ dedication to democracy, their commitment to the Constitution, and their trust in parliamentary practices. We, as their representatives, must live up to these sentiments. It is time to reflect on the time we have lost so far and resolve to compensate by thoroughly debating various issues in the House,” he added. 

    He said future generations will read and draw inspiration from these discussions. 

    “I hope this session will be highly productive, enhance the prestige of the Constitution’s 75th year, strengthen Bharat’s global stature, provide opportunities to new MPs, and welcome new ideas. With this spirit, I invite and welcome all esteemed Members of Parliament to approach this session with enthusiasm and vigour,” he added. 

    The winter session of Parliament began on Monday. It will have 19 sittings. (ANI) 

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  • Trump names two Arab Americans for his Cabinet 

    Trump names two Arab Americans for his Cabinet 

    The appointments were applauded by Dr. Bishara Bahbah, chairman of Arab Americans for Trump, who helped the former president to win nearly half of the Arab American vote ..reports Asian Lite News

    President-elect Donald Trump has named two Arab Americans to serve in his Cabinet once he is sworn into office in January. Trump nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be US surgeon general and Dr. Marty Makary as head of the US Food and Drug Administration. 

    The appointments were applauded by Dr. Bishara Bahbah, chairman of Arab Americans for Trump, who helped the former president to win nearly half of the Arab American vote in the Nov. 5 election against US Vice President Kamala Harris. 

    “We are delighted with President Trump’s nomination of the first two Arab Americans to be part of his administration,” Bahbah said in a message to Arab News on Saturday. 

    “This is a testament to the hard work of Arab Americans for Trump and recognition of President Donald J. Trump of the role Arab Americans played in his election as the 47th president of the United States. AAFT looks forward to additional Arab American appointments in President Trump’s administration, particularly in the political field.” 

    Dr. Makary is a British American surgeon of Lebanese background. He is a public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University serving as a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a professor, by courtesy, at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. 

    His current research focuses on the underlying causes of disease, public policy, health care costs, and relationship-based medicine. Dr. Makary previously served in leadership at the World Health Organization patient safety program and has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. 

    Clinically, Dr. Makary is the chief of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins. He is the recipient of the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation and has been a visiting professor at more than 25 medical schools. He has published more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has served on several editorial boards. He is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, “Unaccountable” and “The Price We Pay.” 

    Dr. Makary is also an anti-vaxxer who refused vaccination for COVID-19, a view shared by many of President-elect Trump’s conservative and Republican supporters. 

    Dr. Nesheiwat is a double board-certified medical doctor described on her website as “bringing a refreshingly no-nonsense attitude to the latest medical news, breaking down everything you need to know to keep you — and your family — healthy at all times.” She is also the author of “Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine.” 

    A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, UAMS, Dr. Nesheiwat has been “shaped by her faith and her upbringing.” 

    Born in Carmel, New York, she is the daughter of Christian Jordanian immigrants and one of five children raised by her widowed mother, Hayat Nesheiwat. Her siblings are Julia Nesheiwat, Jaclyn Stapp, Dina Nesheiwat and Daniel Nesheiwat. 

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  • UK cracks down on dirty money with fresh sanctions 

    UK cracks down on dirty money with fresh sanctions 

    Today’s announcement marks the start of a new campaign by the Foreign Secretary to clamp down on corruption and illicit finance….reports Asian Lite News

    Three infamous kleptocrats and their associates have been sanctioned by the UK for stealing their countries’ wealth for personal gain.   

    A woman once dubbed ‘Africa’s richest woman’, who embezzled at least £350 million, and a corrupt oligarch, who extracted hundreds of millions of pounds from the Ukrainian economy, are among those subject to new travel bans and asset freezes by the Foreign Secretary.  

    Today’s announcement marks the start of a new campaign by the Foreign Secretary to clamp down on corruption and illicit finance.   

    The Foreign Secretary will work closely with his Cabinet counterparts, including the Home Secretary and Chancellor, to deliver an ambitious government-wide agenda to tackle the devastating impacts of corruption and illicit finance, both at home and overseas.    

    Dmitry Firtash, an infamous oligarch who has extracted hundreds of millions of pounds from Ukraine through corruption and his control of gas distribution and has hidden tens of millions of pounds of ill-gotten gains in the UK property market alone. The UK has also sanctioned his wife, Lada Firtash, who has profited from his corruption and holds UK assets on his behalf, including the site of the old Brompton Road tube station, and Denis Gorbunenko, a UK-based financial ‘fixer’ who enabled and facilitated Firtash’s corruption.   

    Isabel Dos Santos, the daughter of Angola’s former president who systematically abused her positions at state-run companies to embezzle at least £350 million, depriving Angola of resources and funding for much-needed development. Dos Santos has been subject to an Interpol Red Notice since November 2022 and just last month lost a case at the Court of Appeal regarding her worldwide asset freeze. Also sanctioned today are her friend and business partner Paula Oliveira, and her Chief Financial Officer Sarju Raikundalia, both of whom helped Dos Santos funnel Angola’s national wealth for her own benefit. 

    Aivars Lembergs, one of Latvia’s richest people, who abused his political position to commit bribery and launder money. Lembergs has attempted to hide the proceeds of his corruption in investment trusts and other corporate structures, including in the name of his daughter, Liga Lemberga – also sanctioned today. In 2021, Lembergs was found guilty of 19 charges including extorting bribes, forgery of documents, money laundering, and improper use of office in a court in Riga. 

    By targeting both the perpetrators of serious corruption and their enablers, particularly where illicit wealth is hidden in the UK, these designations mark a step change in how this government is using its sanctions powers to make the UK a more hostile environment for corrupt actors to operate in. 

    Tackling corruption and illicit finance is vital to protect the UK public from organised criminals, safeguard our democracy from malign influence, and support sustainable economic growth. 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, “These unscrupulous individuals selfishly deprive their fellow citizens of much-needed funding for education, healthcare and infrastructure – for their own enrichment. I committed to taking on kleptocrats and the dirty money that empowers them when I became Foreign Secretary and these sanctions mark the first step in delivering this ambition. The tide is turning. The golden age of money laundering is over. “ 

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “Corruption harms societies, undermines security, and lines the pockets of criminals in the UK and across the globe. That’s why this government is committed to working with partners at home and abroad to prevent these criminal practices and pursue those who benefit from the flow of dirty money. This action signals a new chapter in our efforts to tackle the scourge of corruption wherever it occurs. Today’s sanctions demonstrate the importance of working in partnership with other countries to tackle serious corruption and support their efforts to address the devastating impacts of corruption and illicit finance.” 

    They also complement broader FCDO-funded work by the National Crime Agency (NCA) hosted International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), a multi-national, multi-agency law enforcement unit that provides specialist law enforcement support for investigations into corruption and the misappropriation of a country’s assets.   

    The IACCC is currently assisting investigations in 42 countries. In Angola alone, the IACCC has supported with the identification and freezing of hundreds of millions of pounds worth of the proceeds of crime.   

    Across the world, the IACCC has helped identify £1.45 billion in hidden assets, of which £631 million has been frozen by court orders, and enabled 49 arrests of politically exposed persons or corrupt actors.    

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  • Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Nov 28 

    Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Nov 28 

    Hemant Soren also tendered his resignation as Jharkhand Chief Minister to the Governor Santosh Gangwar and staked a claim to form Government, at the Raj Bhawan. …reports Asian Lite News

    Jharkhand Mukti Morcha executive president Hemant Soren to take the oath as Chief Minister of Jharkhand on November 28. 

    “On 28 November the oath ceremony of the new government will take place,” Hemant Soren told reporters on Sunday. 

    Hemant Soren also tendered his resignation as Jharkhand Chief Minister to the Governor Santosh Gangwar and staked a claim to form Government, at the Raj Bhawan. 

    “Today we have started the procedure to form the (INDIA) alliance government and in that series, we have staked a claim to form Government in front of the Governor. I also tendered my resignation to him…Congress and the RJD in charge were also present here…On 28 November the oath ceremony will take place,” he added. 

    Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay said that Soren has been elected as the leader of the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand. 

    “All the party workers and leaders extended their support and Hemant Soren was chosen as leader of Jharkhand Assembly House…tentative date (for oath taking) is 28th,” Sahay said. 

    Hemant Soren-led JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. 

    The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. 

    The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, while its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U — won one seat each. 

    Additionally, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, a smaller party contesting state assembly elections, won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency. 

    The JMM-led alliance retained power in Jharkhand, where assembly polls were conducted in two phases–on November 13 and November 20.  

    Cong backs Soren 

    Jharkhand Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir, on Sunday said that a resolution passed in the Congress legislature party meeting to extend support to Hemant Soren. 

    While speaking to ANI, Jharkhand Congress in-charge further commented that Hemant Soren tendered his resignation at the Raj Bhavan and has staked a claim to form a new government in the state. 

    “The legislature party meeting of the Congress party was held and a resolution regarding the CLP leader was passed and was sent to the Congress President…We have chosen Hemant Soren as the leader of the alliance and have extended our support. Hemant Soren tendered his resignation at the Raj Bhavan and the Governor accepted the resignation…Hemant Soren staked claim to form the new government…Hemant Soren will take oath as the Jharkhand CM on 28th November,” he said. 

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  • Shinde unanimously elected Sena’s legislative party leader 

    Shinde unanimously elected Sena’s legislative party leader 

    Uday Samant said that the party leaders have decided to give all authority to Eknath Shinde to decide on the cabinet and swearing-in process. …reports Asian Lite News

    In a meeting held in Mumbai on Sunday, Shiv Sena leaders passed a resolution unanimously electing Eknath Shinde as the legislative party leader. The resolution was moved by Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant in the party meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. 

    After the meeting of Shiv Sena leader, Uday Samant said that the party leaders have decided to give all authority to Eknath Shinde to decide on the cabinet and swearing-in process. 

    “CM Eknath Shinde has been unanimously elected as the leader of the party… We have given all authority to Eknath Shinde to decide on the cabinet and swearing-in process,” Uday Samant said. 

    Following the meeting, party leader and newly elected MLA from Aurangabad West, Sanjay Shirsat, said, “There are chances that the Mahayuti leaders will head to Delhi tomorrow… Every party worker wants their party leader to be the CM, but the final decision lies with Ekanth Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar.” 

    Meanwhile, party leader Rahul Shewale also said that all the newly elected MLAs unanimously nominated CM Eknath Shinde as their leader. This decision comes after the ruling Mahayuti alliance, of which Shiv Sena is a part, resounding victory in the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly election. 

    The Mahayuti alliance comprises Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). 

    The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls by winning 230 (BJP-132, Shiv Sena-57, NCP-41) out of a total of 288 seats. 

    The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback. The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray won only 20 seats; Congress managed 16, and the NCP (SCP) led by Sharad Pawar won just 10 seats. 

    The BJP demonstrated an impressive strike, winning 132 out of the 148 seats it contested in Maharashtra. The party’s allies, the Shiv Sena and NCP factions, also performed well. The Maharashtra assembly elections were held on November 20, and the results were declared on November 23. 

    Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday met with beneficiaries of the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, where he expressed his gratitude to them for the historic win of the Mahayuti alliance in assembly polls. Addressing the gathering, CM Shinde said that the government will soon increase the amount to Rs 2100 as promised. 

    “I am with you all, I thank all Majhi Ladki Bahin for electing me. You all chose Mahayuti, as we promised we will be giving Rs 2100 to all my sisters. This government is yours and you choose this government again. I feel blessed you all came here and gave me blessings. This is a common people’s government and we are working for the growth of Maharashtra,” CM Shinde said. (ANI) 

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  • Cong pushes for debate on Adani issue 

    Cong pushes for debate on Adani issue 

    The Winter Session of Parliament kicks off on November 25 with a total of 16 significant bills to be discussed, including amendments to the Waqf Act and banking laws …reports Asian Lite News

    The opposition has asked the Centre to allow discussions in the Parliament on the US prosecutors’ bribery charges against the Adani Group even as union minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the matters to be taken up in the two Houses will be decided by their authorised committees with the consent of the respective Chair. 

    Following the customary all-party meeting on the eve of the Parliament’s Winter Session commencing Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju told reporters that the government has appealed to all the parties to ensure smooth conduct of business in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. 

    Forty-two leaders from 30 parties attended the meeting which was chaired by senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

    On Congress’ demand to hold discussions on the Adani issue on “priority” apart from a host of other matters, including the Manipur unrest, Rijiju said the business advisory committees of the two Houses will take a call on the subjects of parliamentary business with the consent of the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman. 

    Raising the matter at the meeting, Congress’ Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, dubbed the Adani issue as a scam, saying the government should not reject or ignore their demand on any “technicality” as it concerns Indian institutions and investors. 

    Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, whose conglomerate includes a host of companies covering power to ports sectors, has been charged by US prosecutors for allegedly being part of a scheme to pay USD 265 million (about Rs. 2,200 crore) bribe to Indian officials in exchange of favourable terms for solar power contracts in four Indian states. 

    The Adani Group has denied the charge, saying the allegations levelled by the US prosecutors are baseless and that the conglomerate is compliant with all laws. 

    Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also said the government should set aside other businesses to take up a discussion on the issue on priority.  “It is a grave issue involving the country’s economic and security interests as over Rs. 2,300 crore were allegedly paid by the company to politicians and bureaucrats to get favourable deals for its solar energy projects,” the Rajya Sabha MP said. 

    Raising the Manipur violence, Gogoi said the ruling dispensation jailed the Jharkhand chief minister (Hemant Soren) and made changes in Jammu and Kashmir for a variety of reasons, but kept its faith in Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh despite his alleged involvement in violence. The matter must be debated in the Parliament, he said. 

    The Winter Session is scheduled to be held from November 25 to December 20. 

    At the meeting, two BJP allies from Andhra Pradesh — Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party — raised the issue of pending implementation of the promises made during the division of the state in 2014 under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, saying the Parliament should know their present status. 

    “We want the government to put the status on record,” TDP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said, noting that while some promises have been fulfilled and some are being taken up, a few still remain unfulfilled. Jana Sena leader Balashowry Vallabhaneni spoke on similar lines. 

    The Polavaram irrigation project has come to a standstill, Devarayalu said, adding that the Parliament must also discuss disaster management as so many southern cities are getting affected due to heavy downpour triggered by climate change. 

    Asked about his party’s stand on the Adani issue, Devarayalu said more details need to come out but added that his party does not want the state’s brand image to be harmed. 

    The meeting was attended by BJP president J.P Nadda, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, Akali Dal’s Harsimrat Kaur Badal and LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti, among others. Siva asked the Centre to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which the government is keen to table in the session despite opposition by several Muslim organisations. 

    Bharti raised the issue of Bihar being hit frequently by floods and sought a relief package, besides demanding that the lateral entry provision should be given a constitutional status to safeguard the interests of SCs and STs. 

    The government has listed 16 bills for consideration in the Winter Session. 

    The bills pending in the Lok Sabha include the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has been listed for consideration and passage after a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of the two Houses submits its report on it to the Lower House. The panel is mandated to submit its report on the last day of the first week of the Winter session. 

    The opposition members in the panel are demanding an extension in the timeline to submit its report. Accusing the JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal of bulldozing the committee’s meetings, the opposition members sought the intervention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. 

    Commenting on the matter, Rijiju said there is a provision to extend the tenure of the JPC but as of now, there have been no discussions on it. 

    He also underlined that the business advisory committee of the Lok Sabha is the right platform to discuss the issue of extending the JPC’s timeline. As many as eight bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, are pending in the Lok Sabha. According to a Lok Sabha bulletin, two bills are pending with the Rajya Sabha. 

    A Rajya Sabha bulletin said an additional bill — The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak — passed by the Lok Sabha is pending with the Upper House. A set of proposed bills to implement simultaneous elections in the country are not part of the list yet, though some reports suggested that the government is likely to bring the proposed legislation in the coming session. 

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  • NDA Set For Landslide In Maharashtra, I.N.D.I.A. Keeps Jharkhand

    NDA Set For Landslide In Maharashtra, I.N.D.I.A. Keeps Jharkhand

    While the MVA is left grappling with the ‘Maha stunner’, the number crunching yields another startling detail about MahaYuti’s performance, particularly the BJP.

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led MahaYuti is headed for a thumping victory in the high-stakes Maharashtra Assembly elections while a pall of gloom prevails in the rival faction Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising Congress, SS (UBT) and NCP-SP, as per trends till 12 noon.

    While the MVA is left grappling with the ‘Maha stunner’, the number crunching yields another startling detail about MahaYuti’s performance, particularly the BJP.

    The latest trends show that the BJP leading on 124 seats, Shiv Sena on 56 seats, and NCP on 37 seats, while Congress, SS (UBT) and NCP-SP were ahead on 19, 19 and 13 seats respectively.

    The current trends show the BJP alone fetching more seats than the combined MVA’s strength. Its strike rate in the Assembly elections came as a shock for the opposition alliance as the latter mounted an aggressive campaign to counter MahaYuti’s poll promises. The cash-for-votes scandal on a day before polling also seems to have had no impact on election results.

    As per available data, BJP’s strike rate stands at 84 per cent, with the party taking the lead in 122 seats out of 148 that it contested. Similarly, its allies Shiv Sena and NCP’s strike rates are too impressive to ignore. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has managed a strike rate of 71 per cent, taking the lead in 58 out of 81 seats it contested while Ajit Pawar-led NCP earned a strike rate of 62 per cent, managing the lead in 37 out of 59 constituencies that it fought.

    On the other hand, MVA’s strike rate as well as leads in early trends has come as a major setback, so much so that SS (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut termed it “unacceptable” and pressed for a fresh election.

    The Congress contested 110 seats and is leading on just 20 seats, indicating a strike rate of 19.2 per cent while Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SP contested 92 and 86 seats respectively but are seen taking the lead on 18 and 10 seats respectively, thus garnering strike rates of 20.6 per cent and 11.6 per cent.

    The outgoing Assembly had MahaYuti holding 186 seats amongst its three constituents.

    Current trends suggest the alliance is poised to surpass its previous tally and even better its 2019 performance by a big margin.

    In 2019, the BJP bagged 105 seats whereas the undivided Shiv Sena won 56 seats, taking the alliance’s total number of seats to 161.

    I.N.D.I.A Soars in Jharkhand

    Trends from all 81 Assembly seats in Jharkhand indicate that the INDIA Bloc is leading in 50 constituencies, while the NDA is ahead on 29 seats. Independents and others are leading in two constituencies.

    As per the Election Commission’s data, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is leading by 2,812 votes in Barhait, while the BJP’s Munia Devi is ahead by 3,128 votes in Gandey and Kalpana Soren is trailing.

    Former CM and state BJP chief Babulal Marandi is leading by 1,840 votes in Dhanwar.

    In Dumka, the BJP’s Sunil Soren has a significant lead of 11,761 votes over the JMM’s Basant Soren.

    Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM President Hemant Soren addresses a public gathering at Santhal in Dumka district of Jharkhand. (Photo: IANS)

    JMM’s Samir Mohanty is leading by 7,078 votes in Baharagora and the BJP’s Manoj Yadav is ahead by 3,106 votes in Barhi and Roshanlal Choudhary is leading by 3,081 votes in Barkagaon.

    JMM’s Anant Pratap Dev is ahead by 3,539 votes in Bhawanathpur, and the Congress’ Shweta Singh leads by 7,906 votes in Bokaro.

    JMM’s Deepak Birua, a state minister, has secured a massive lead of 11,248 votes in Chaibasa.

    Former CM Arjun Munda’s wife, Meera Munda (BJP), is leading by 17,413 votes in Potka, while BJP’s CP Singh has a strong lead of 9,019 votes in Ranchi.

    BJP’s Satyendra Nath Tiwari is ahead by 2,042 votes in Garhwa.

    The AJSU Party is also making its presence felt, with Sunita Choudhary leading by 11,524 votes in Ramgarh.

    RJD’s Rashmi Prakash is leading by 1,691 votes in Chatra, while RJD’s Suresh Paswan has taken a commanding lead of 13,220 votes in Deoghar, as per early trends.

    The CPI-ML’s Arup Chatterjee is ahead by 4,843 votes in Nirsa. Independent candidate Devendra Singh is leading by 2,915 votes in Panki.

    BJP’s Champai Soren is narrowly ahead by 856 votes in Saraikela, while the JMM’s Amit Kumar is leading by 3,998 votes in Silli and the AJSU’s Sudesh Mahto is trailing in the second round.

    A party or alliance needs 41 seats to form the government in Jharkhand. In 2019, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 47 seats to form the government.

    A total of 1,211 candidates contested this election, with voting held in two phases on November 13 and 20. Voter turnout was 67.74 per cent, with 5.5 lakh more women voters than men among the 1.76 crore electorate.

  • Trump’s ‘Hush Money’ Sentencing Postponed Indefinitely

    Trump’s ‘Hush Money’ Sentencing Postponed Indefinitely

    Judge Juan Merchan’s ruling sets the path for Trump to assume the presidency in January without the cloud of a sentencing verdict hanging over him.

    The judge in the ‘hush money’ case against President-elect Donald Trump on Friday put off the sentencing indefinitely and indicated that he would consider throwing out the conviction.

    Judge Juan Merchan’s ruling sets the path for Trump to assume the presidency in January without the cloud of a sentencing verdict hanging over him.

    It is a temporary hold in an unprecedented case where a defendant convicted of criminal offences is elected president.

    After postponements, the case had been set to proceed next week.

    From the judge’s ruling, it appears that it could be resumed in 2029 when Trump ends his second term and will be 83 years old — if it is not entirely dropped.

    Trump’s federal cases accusing him of election interference and mishandling top secret documents are winding down with the likelihood of being withdrawn.

    State and local prosecutions are separate and federal officials have no authority over them.

    A Georgia state case against Trump alleging election interference in the 2020 election is still pending, although tied up in a web of accusations of prosecutorial misconduct.

    Merchan also allowed Trump’s defence team to file requests for dismissing the case by December 2, and for the prosecutors to file their response a week later.

    Trump was convicted in May of falsely showing on his account books as legal payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels who had claimed to have had a tryst with him.

    Prosecutors made each of the cheques he wrote as a separate criminal offence showing that he was convicted of 34 criminal offences – a propaganda point for the election campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris.

    The case was brought by the local Manhattan prosecutor Alvig Bragg, who was elected to the position on a Democratic Party ticket, and the verdict was given by a jury made up of ordinary citizens.

    The case dragged on for several weeks requiring Trump to appear in court as a defendant leaving him free to campaign on weekends and on days the case was not being heard.

    The constraints and the convictions did not affect Trump’s showing in the election which he won with a majority of the popular votes.

    A factor weighing on Merchan was sentencing a defendant who would be president in less than two months would interfere with him exercising his office.

    Trump’s lawyers have argued that a Supreme Court verdict gave him broad immunity from prosecution and this will be litigated next month.

    Trump nominated his lead lawyer in the case, Todd Blanche, to be the deputy attorney general, and another lawyer on the defence team, Emil Bove, as the principal associate deputy attorney general.

    The two lawyers will be filing the papers to dismiss the case based on a Supreme Court verdict giving presidents immunity under certain circumstances.

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  • Pam Bondi to replace Matt Gaetz as AG nominee 

    Pam Bondi to replace Matt Gaetz as AG nominee 

    Bondi was also a member of Trump’s defense team for his first impeachment trial in 2020. ..reports Yashwant Raj 

    US President-elect Donald Trump moved swiftly to name Pam Bondi, a former Attorney General of Florida, to replace his first pick, former Congressman Matt Gaetz who announced earlier on Thursday that he was withdrawing from consideration as Attorney General.  

    “I am proud to announce former Attorney General of the Great State of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney General of the United States,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, the social media site he owns. 

    “Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families. Then, as Florida’s first female Attorney General, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs and reduce the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many families across our Country. She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first Term — We saved many lives!” 

    Bondi was also a member of Trump’s defense team for his first impeachment trial in 2020. She will have to be confirmed by the US Senate to take over a job that President-elect Trump has deemed most crucial to his second term. 

    Congressman Gaetz’s nomination, Trump’s first choice — ran into strong headwinds from the moment of the announcement. Chiefly, it was about having sex with a minor. The Ethics Committee of the House of Representatives had conducted an investigation and was about to submit its report when Gaetz resigned his seat in a bid to prevent the release of the report. 

    “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in a post on X. 

    “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.” 

    President-elect Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” 

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