The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) which was in power in Odisha from 2000 till June 2024, on Friday, firmly dismissed allegations that state government officials accepted bribes from the Adani Group in relation to renewable energy supply agreements and described these claims as "false and not based on fact," reported the PTI. The controversy arises from charges filed by the US Department of Justice against Adani Group, its chairman Gautam Adani, and seven others, including his nephew Sagar Adani. They are accused of bribing officials in multiple states, including Odisha, to secure contracts for solar power, potentially leading to profits exceeding USD 2 billion over two decades. In response to the allegations, the Adani Group has categorically denied any wrongdoing, labelling the US prosecutors' claims as "baseless" and that the conglomerate is "compliant with all laws." Former Odisha Energy Minister and BJD MLA, PK Deb, stated that the allegations are unfounded and emphasised that the Odisha government has no involvement in the agreements related to power supply. "The Government of Odisha has nothing to do with the agreement. Whatever agreement was done that remained confined among Gridco, the distribution company and the SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited), a central PSU. The state government has no role in all these matters though the administration was informed regarding the PSA", Deb told PTI. He claimed that there is a difference in power distribution between Odisha and other states. "We in Odisha have privatised the power distribution while other states are doing the job directly. Here Tata Power is doing the distribution part of the electricity supply", he said, adding that the agreement may involve Adani, SECI, Gridco and the distribution company, stated PTI. "All the agreements on power get the approval of the OERC (Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission), an autonomous body. The Gridco is also semi-autonomous. Therefore, the state government has no direct role in the agreements. Neither the Energy department minister nor the secretary are involved in all such agreements," Deb said. Gridco, a state-owned enterprise, is responsible for the bulk purchase and sale of electricity within Odisha and trades surplus power with neighbouring states. This structure reinforces the argument that the state government does not directly engage in the agreements concerning power distribution. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 05:20 PM IST | Bhubaneswar | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court of India on Friday announced that it will deliver a verdict on Monday regarding several petitions aimed at removing the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, reported the ANI. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar reviewed the petitions, during which they remarked that the concept of socialism in India is primarily understood as a commitment to a "welfare state." The bench emphasised that secularism is an integral part of the Constitution's basic structure,and the 42nd Amendment had been examined by the Supreme Court earlier as well. The Supreme Court was hearing petitions filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, along with lawyers Balram Singh, Karunesh Kumar Shukla, and Ashwini Upadhyay. Earlier, the bench reiterated that the ideals of secularism and socialism in the Preamble of Indian Constitution should not be interpreted solely through the western lens. "Socialism can also mean that there should be equality of opportunity and the wealth of a country should be distributed equally. Let's not take the Western meaning. It can have some different meanings as well. Same with the word secularism," the bench had said. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who is one of the petitioners, had said that the two words inserted in the Preamble through the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act of 1976 during Emergency, cannot bear the date of the original Preamble, which was framed in 1949. Swamy in his petition had said that the two words, inserted in the Preamble violated the basic structure doctrine enunciated in the famous Kesavananda Bharati judgement by a 13-judge bench in 1973, by which Parliament's power to amend the Constitution was barred from tinkering with the basic features of the Constitution, stated ANI. Swamy further asserted that the framers of the Constitution had deliberately chosen not to include these terms, claiming that their addition imposed specific political ideologies on citizens and infringed upon their right to choose. He maintained that such amendments exceeded Parliament's authority under Article 368 of the Constitution. It was further stated that Dr BR Ambedkar had rejected the incorporation of these words, as the Constitution cannot thrust upon the citizens certain political ideologies by taking away their right to choose, stated PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 05:17 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Friday alleged that some 25-30 BJP workers mob at midnight tried to enter the strong room where EVMs of Karjat-Jamkhed constituency, from where he contested, are kept, reported the PTI. Sitting MLA Rohit Pawar is pitted against BJP leader and former state minister Ram Shinde in Karjat-Jamkhed in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) district, some 120 kilometres from Pune. "Around 25-30 BJP workers attempted to forcefully enter the strongroom where the EVM machines were stored at midnight in Karjat Jamkhed in in Ahilyanagar. However, my party workers, along with CRPF personnel, handled the situation patiently and foiled the attempt, for which I am thankful!" Rohit Pawar said on social media platform X. भाजपच्या सुमारे २५-३० कार्यकर्त्यांनी मध्यरात्री ईव्हीएम मशीन ठेवलेल्या स्ट्रॉग रुममध्ये घुसण्याचा प्रयत्न केला, परंतु माझे कार्यकर्ते आणि CRPF च्या जवानांनी संयमाने परिस्थिती हाताळत हा प्रयत्न हाणून पाडल्याबाबत त्यांचे आभार! याबाबत गुन्हा दाखल करताना भाजपच्या दबावाखाली असलेल्या… — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) November 22, 2024 Rohit Pawar claimed he approached police but, under the influence of the BJP, they chose to "harass us instead of cooperating". "The Election Commission should take appropriate note of this matter. This attempt by BJP workers shows the goondagardi as they are scared of defeat. However, within the next 24 hours, the people of Karjat-Jamkhed will put an end to this hooliganism through democratic means, without fail," he asserted. Maharashtra Assembly election 2024 were held on Wednesday, while results will be counted on Saturday. Meanwhile, the local administration on Thursday said all arrangements, including a robust three-tier security system, have been made for Saturday's counting of votes polled in the 21 Maharashtra assembly constituencies in Pune district, according to the PTI. Voting for the 288-member assembly concluded on November 20. "We have a total of 21 constituencies in Pune district. Of these, the counting of votes for eight constituencies in Pune city will take place at Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in the Koregaon Park area. "The counting of votes of seats in rural parts of Pune district will take place in respective constituencies. All necessary arrangements in terms of logistics and security have been completed," said collector and returning officer Suhas Divase, as per the PTI. The counting will start on Saturday (November 23) at 8 am with postal ballots followed by EVM votes, he said. Divase said a three-tier security system has been put in place for protection of EVMs as per Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. The first layer is being manned by central security forces, the second by the State Reserve Police Force and the third by the state police. Strong rooms housing EVMs are under CCTV surveillance and its footage is being made available to candidates, informed the collector. The strong rooms will be opened in the presence of observers and candidates, and then the EVMs will be brought out and taken to counting tables, said Divase, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
22 November,2024 05:14 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThree persons, including two women, were killed and nine others hospitalised following a gas leak after a blast in a reactor at a fertiliser plant in Maharashtra's Sangli district, an official said on Friday, reported PTI. The incident took place around 6.30 pm on Thursday at the Myanmar Chemical Company in Shalgaon MIDC of Kadegaon tehsil in the district, he said, reported PTI. Police said a reactor at the fertiliser plant exploded releasing chemical fumes. "Due to the gas leak, some 12 people in the unit were affected and taken to hospital. Of them, two women workers and a security guard have died. Nine others are being treated," said Sangram Shewale, senior inspector of Kadegaon police station, reported PTI. Sangli Superintendent of Police Sandip Ghuge said the gas leak is suspected to be ammonia. Seven of the injured persons have been admitted to Sahyadri Hospital in Karad and five of them are in the ICU, said another official. The two women who lost their lives have been identified as Suchita Uthale (50) of Yetgaon in Sangli district and Neelam Rethrekar (26) of Masur in Satara district, the official said. Thane: Gas leak at chemical factory in Ambernath In September, a gas leak was reported at a chemical factory in Ambernath, located in Thane district, according to officials from the Ambernath Fire Brigade, repored news agency ANI. The incident occurred during a gas venting process at the factory, causing the gas to spread across the surrounding area. Upon receiving the alert on the gas leak, fire brigade personnel promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation, reported ANI. Residents in the vicinity of an industrial zone complained of eye irritation and breathing difficulties as a thick haze enveloped the area after a suspected gas leak from a factory in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official told PTI. The situation is under control and there were no injuries or hospitalisations, Yasin Tadvi, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) told PTI. Panic ensued after smog-like conditions prevailed in the Morivali MIDC area of Ambernath town, on the outskirts of Mumbai, around 11 pm on Thursday, the official told PTI. After receiving complaints about a burning sensation in the eyes and breathlessness, local firefighters investigated the source of the haze, which was traced to a chemical company. They also advised people to stay indoors as a precaution. Officials said a phosphorous-based chemical at the factory caused a dense white smoke, which spread through the area, reported PTI. The manufacturing activities at the company have been halted temporarily, the official added. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
22 November,2024 02:48 PM IST | Sangli/Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson Saravana Annadurai on Friday claimed that the roots of corruption in Tamil Nadu can be traced back to a power agreement signed by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa with the Adani Group, reported ANI. Annadurai pointed out that current Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji has confirmed that the Tamil Nadu Electricity Department has not entered into any power purchase or power sale agreements with the Adani Group. "Let us not forget that it was Jayalalithaa, the then-CM, who met with Adani and entered into an agreement for 25 years to purchase one unit of electricity for Rs 7.05. So, the corruption started when Jayalalithaa signed a power agreement with the Adani Group directly. Senthil Balaji (Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister) has clarified that we have had no track with the Adani group as the Tamil Nadu Electricity Department has never entered into any kind of power purchase agreement or a power sale agreement with the Adani Group directly," Annadurai said. The DMK spokesperson highlighted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in 2020 between the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and the Tamil Nadu government, which occurred while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) was in power. "They said that the MoU/agreement/power purchase agreement/power sale agreement between SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited), which is the BJP Government's creation, and the Tamil Nadu Government first took place on 19.05.2020 when the AIADMK Government was in power. When we came to power, we decreased the price from Rs 2.81 to Rs 2.61," Annadurai added. Accusing SECI of acting as a "broker" for the Adani Group, he said, "It is the SECI which is mandated by the BJP government, creation of the BJP government which has acted as a broker for the Adani group. The officials of the SECI should be investigated and then only will we come to know the truth." The YSR Congress Party responded to the controversy by clarifying that there are no direct agreements between Andhra Pradesh distribution companies (DISCOMs) and the Adani Group. "It is necessary to mention that SECI is a Government of India enterprise. There is no direct agreement between AP DISCOMs and any other entities including those belonging to the Adani group. Therefore, the allegations made on the State Government, in the light of the indictment are incorrect," YSR Congress Party said in a statement on Thursday. In the midst of these accusations, the Adani Group has categorically denied the allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission regarding bribery and fraud involving its directors. BJP's Sambit Patra bashes Rahul Gandhi over Adani bribery case, says he's trying to tarnish PM Modi's image. Watch Video: Meanwhile, the BJP has asserted that the law will take its course regarding these matters, while also criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 02:12 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentManipur Police on Friday arrested seven more individuals related to the arson and property damage incidents involving elected members on November 16, bringing the total number of arrests to 32, reported the ANI. Police officials stated that the new arrests were made on Wednesday and Thursday. “In connection with cases related to arson/damage of properties of elected members on 16.11.2024, Manipur Police arrested 07 (seven) more persons on 20.11.2024 and 21.11.2024 in addition to the 25 (twenty-five) persons arrested on earlier days", Manipur police officials said on a post on X (formerly Twitter). In connection with cases related to arson/damage of properties of elected members on 16.11.2024, Manipur Police arrested 07 (seven) more persons on 20.11.2024 and 21.11.2024 in addition to the 25 (twenty-five) persons arrested on earlier days. They have been identified as follows… — Manipur Police (@manipur_police) November 21, 2024 Those arrested have been identified as Wahengbam Jyotikumar Singh (26), Khundrakpam Bikram Singh (41), Monish Nepram (31), and Aribam Mirachandra Sharma (41),.Elangbam Harison Singh alias Dada (34), Lourembam Norojit Singh alias Nonni Singh (40), Laimayum Kedarnath Sharma (37), stated ANI. Manipur Police also mentioned that further investigation in the case is ongoing. In response to the ongoing tensions in Manipur, police forces have intensified search operations and area domination efforts in vulnerable districts, both in the hills and valleys. Movement of 50 and 432 nos. of vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37 and NH-2 has been ensured, stated ANI. To ensure the safe passage of these vehicles, stringent security measures have been implemented at various sensitive locations, including the establishment of 105 checkpoints across the state. Notably, no detentions have been reported in connection with violations at these checkpoints. In a recent political exchange, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh criticised Congress leader P Chidambaram following Chidambaram's social media post, which he later deleted, blaming Singh for the ongoing crisis. Singh countered by accusing Chidambaram of being a "root cause" of the violence affecting the state. Meanwhile, several MLAs from Manipur convened to pass a resolution outlining their demands. They urged the central government to reconsider the enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the region. Additionally, the resolution by the MLAs called for military operations against Kuki militants, who are implicated in the recent deaths of six individuals, including women and children, in Jiribam. Furthermore, the resolution advocated for the transfer of three significant cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These cases include investigations into the killings of six civilians, the brutal burning of a woman, and the killing of a woman farmer. The recent spike in violence, following the discovery of six bodies, has led the state government to suspend internet services in seven districts as a precautionary measure to maintain order and prevent further escalation. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 01:01 PM IST | Imphal (Manipur) | mid-day online correspondentThe civil and criminal charges filed by the US Department of Justice against billionaire Gautam Adani and seven other individuals over an alleged multi-million-dollar bribery scheme could lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest warrants and potential extradition attempts, according to a prominent US attorney. Adani, who ranks as India’s second-richest man, and his nephew Sagar Adani are among those accused of paying bribes to unidentified state government officials in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. These bribes were allegedly intended to secure contracts for the purchase of expensive solar power, a deal that could have earned the group more than USD 2 billion over the next two decades. However, the Adani Group has denied the charges, labelling them "baseless" and asserting that the conglomerate is fully compliant with all applicable laws. Ravi Batra, a well-known Indian-American attorney, explained that US Attorney Breon Peace has the authority to issue arrest warrants against the accused individuals and serve them in the countries where they reside. Should the country in question, such as India, have an extradition treaty with the United States, then, under the bilateral agreement, the nation must cooperate in turning over the accused individuals. Batra further explained that extradition is generally mandatory unless exceptional circumstances arise, citing the refusal to extradite former Chilean president Augusto Pinochet due to humanitarian grounds. "The India-US Extradition Treaty, signed in 1997, obliges cooperation between both nations," Batra said. "Extradition typically occurs unless there are rare exceptions, which are unlikely to apply in this case." As per PTI reports, the US Department of Justice has indicted Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet S Jaain, the former CEO of Adani Green Energy, on five counts related to conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, in connection with misleading investors and securing funds based on false statements. In addition, other individuals associated with the scheme, including executives of Azure Power Global and former employees of a Canadian institutional investor, have been charged with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. US Attorney Breon Peace stated that the accused individuals orchestrated an extensive bribery scheme to secure multi-billion-dollar contracts by corrupting Indian government officials. According to the US Justice Department, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits such payments to foreign officials to secure improper advantages. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also charged Adani and his nephew with violating anti-fraud provisions of federal securities laws. Batra concluded by noting that the charges have significant implications, especially in light of the US's extended reach into global capital markets. "If the defence does not present a strong counter to these serious allegations, the charges could result in grave consequences for the accused," he said. The case continues to unfold, with US authorities pursuing legal action against the accused, and the Adani Group vowing to contest the charges. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 12:34 PM IST | New YorkThe Special Task Force (STF) of Assam police recovered and seized fake Indian currency notes (FINC) worth Rs 4.59 lakh and arrested a person in the Sonapur area in Kamrup (Metro) district, ANI reported. The person arrested has been identified as Ali Ahmed (42), a resident of Assam's Lakhimpur district. CPRO of Assam police, Pranab Jyoti Goswami said that in the ongoing investigation of STF in the Fake Currency Case, a raid was launched in the Kharikata area under Sonapur police station jurisdiction by STF Assam on Thursday evening, after which an accused was arrested. "During the raid, the STF team recovered and seized Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of face value Rs 4,59,000 (918 notes of denomination 500), one Mobile Phone, and 8 numbers of tape. The team also arrested Ali Ahmed (42), a resident of Lakhimpur district. Further investigation is underway," Pranab Jyoti Goswami said. In another operation, an STF team seized 121 grams of heroin and arrested one person in the Kamrup district's Boko area on Thursday. The accused has been identified as Sorif Ali (41). Police also recovered one mobile phone and cash from his possession, ANI reported. According to the Assam Police CPRO, an STF squad chased and stopped a public vehicle in the Boko area inside the boundaries of the Boko police station in the state's Kamrup district after receiving information about potential contraband smuggling. "From a vehicle, a person was apprehended and upon search a total of 9 soap boxes containing heroin weighing 121 grams were recovered which were duly seized following all norms of NDPS/BNSS. The team also recovered one mobile phone and cash from his possession. The apprehended person was identified as Sorif Ali (41 years old)," Pranab Jyoti Goswami said, ANI cited. Manipur: Assam rifles, police seize 578 grams of heroin worth Rs 2.31 cr Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Manipur Police, recovered 578 grams of heroin worth around Rs 2.31 crore in the global market on Sunday in Senapati district in Manipur, officials said, ANI reported. According to an official release, the operation, conducted on NH-02 between Tadubi and Mao Gate in Senapati district, was based on credible intelligence, ANI cited. The forces successfully seized the contraband at Marty's Park, Mao Gate, on the National Highway, as stated by HQ IGAR (East). The seized heroin, along with the vehicle and the individual involved, has been handed over to the Mao Police Station for further investigation. According to HQ IGAR (East), the forces were able to successfully seize the contraband in Marty's Park, Mao Gate, on the National Highway. The seized heroin, along with the vehicle and the individual involved, has been handed over to the Mao Police Station for further investigation, ANI cited. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 12:05 PM IST | Guwahati | mid-day online correspondentA police constable, suspected to be a part of a drug syndicate was arrested for reportedly selling heroin on a hospital premises in Jammu, an official said on Wednesday, PTI reported. Constable Mohammad Mukhtiya of the Armed Police 12th Battalion in Zewan in Srinagar was found in possession of a substance similar to heroin along with cash of Rs 9,000, he said. As per the official, the police initiated a search operation on Tuesday, acting on a tip-off about a police personnel's involvement in selling drugs at the premises of Jammu's Government Medical College and Hospital. They stopped Mukhtiyar on his motorcycle near the hospital mortuary and took the heroin-like substance and Rs 9,000 in cash from him, he added, PTI cited. A case has been registered against him at Bakshi Nagar Police Station and is suspended from service. The official stated that Mukhtuyar is suspected to be part of a drug syndicate that is recurrently active in Jammu and is responsible for selling drugs to innocent youth for illegal profit. This syndicate is also suspected of being involved in drug overdose deaths in the area, PTI reported. "SP City North, Brijesh Sharma, is personally supervising the investigation to uncover the connections of these drug peddlers and dismantle the entire drug ecosystem established by this syndicate," he said. "Their financial investigation is also ongoing to identify properties acquired through narcotics proceeds, to attach these illegitimate assets," he added. In a similar incident on November 7, constable Parwaiz Khan was arrested along with his two wives during a raid on their house. Heroin and more than Rs 2.5 lakh in cash were seized from them. Navy officer arrested in human trafficking racket from Jammu The Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested one more senior officer of the Indian Navy along with his girlfriend and two civilians from Jammu and Kashmir. According to the crime branch, the Indian officers had been involved in this racket for the past 1.5 years, charging Rs 10 lakh-12 lakh per candidate. The candidates applied through them because wages in South Korea are higher than in other countries, and the involvement of Indian Navy officials increased people's trust. Earlier, the CIU busted a human trafficking racket where candidates would go to South Korea, destroy their passports to seek asylum, and secure jobs with higher wages compared to any other country. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 11:58 AM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondentFollowing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's call for the arrest of industrialist Gautam Adani, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has supported the demand, agreeing with Gandhi's statement that Adani should be arrested. Yadav reiterated his stance in a conversation with ANI, saying, "Rahul Gandhi has said the right thing that Adani should be arrested. Adani should be arrested." This comes after Rahul Gandhi, on November 21, raised concerns about the alleged involvement of the Adani Group in bribery activities, highlighting that the accusations against the conglomerate had been "clearly" established both in the United States and India. Gandhi’s remarks come amid a backdrop of growing opposition calls for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter, with accusations that the Adani Group broke both American and Indian laws. The Congress party has been at the forefront of the demand for a deeper investigation into the matter, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge calling for a comprehensive JPC inquiry into the allegations. The probe would encompass the Adani Group's operations, investments in foreign countries, and its dealings with Indian regulatory bodies. Kharge has emphasised that a top-ranking Indian businessman being indicted by a foreign country tarnishes India's image on the global stage and underlined the need for an investigation into unethical business practices allegedly supported by the policies of the Modi government. In his statement, Kharge accused the government of enabling monopolistic practices that disproportionately benefit a select few, contributing to widening inequalities in India. He noted that this "vicious nexus" of crony capitalism, involving compromised bureaucrats and politicians, has severely harmed ordinary citizens, small businesses, and retail investors. Kharge further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Ek Hain, Toh Safe Hain" slogan, which he described as a cover for protecting monopolies that have enriched certain individuals at the expense of the broader population. Kharge’s call for a JPC investigation also includes a closer look at the role of regulatory bodies like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) in overseeing the Adani Group’s operations. Meanwhile, the Adani Group has firmly denied the accusations of bribery and fraud levelled by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against certain executives of Adani Green Energy. The group has maintained that it operates within legal boundaries and has expressed its intention to defend itself against the allegations. As per ANI reports, this issue continues to intensify political debate, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the government defending its stance on the matter. The coming days are expected to see further developments as the calls for a detailed investigation into the Adani Group grow louder. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 11:14 AM IST | New DelhiThe Congress party hit back at BJP President J P Nadda's allegations on Friday, accusing him of pushing a "politically motivated narrative" regarding the ongoing unrest in Manipur. In response to Nadda’s letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress described it as a “4D exercise – denial, distortion, distraction, and defamation.” Nadda, in his letter, criticised the Congress for propagating an "incorrect" and "false" narrative about the Manipur crisis, arguing that the party was attempting to politicise the situation. His comments were aimed at Kharge, who had written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking her intervention on the issue and accusing the Modi government of failing to resolve the crisis. Nadda further claimed that the roots of the current violence in Manipur could be traced back to the Congress's "abject failure" in dealing with local issues when the party was in power. He said that the repercussions of this failure were still being felt today. Reacting to Nadda’s statement, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the BJP President’s letter. In a post on X, Ramesh labelled Nadda’s accusations as "full of falsehoods" and reiterated that the BJP’s focus was on diverting attention from the actual situation in Manipur. He described Nadda’s letter as a "distraction" and a deliberate attempt to deflect from the real issues. Ramesh pointed out that the people of Manipur are desperate for peace and stability, adding that they were raising a few simple questions. "When will the PM visit the state? How much longer will the CM continue to hold power when a majority of MLAs no longer support him? When will a full-time Governor be appointed? And when will the Union Home Minister take responsibility for his failures?" Ramesh said, reiterating the concerns of the people of Manipur. In his letter, Nadda accused the Congress of sensationalising the situation and recalled that during the previous Congress-led government, then Home Minister P Chidambaram had signed agreements with foreign militants, which, according to Nadda, legitimised illegal migration into India. The ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups has claimed over 220 lives and displaced thousands since it erupted in May of the previous year. The Congress continues to criticise the BJP-led government for its handling of the crisis, while the BJP maintains that it is addressing the situation appropriately. (With inputs from PTI)
22 November,2024 11:11 AM IST | New DelhiADVERTISEMENT
