In a significant development, the Election Commission served a showcause notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for his controversial “panauti” (harbinger of bad luck) remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a poll rally in Rajasthan on November 21.
Gandhi has been summoned to appear before the poll body by 6 pm on Saturday, November 25. The notice specifically addresses Gandhi’s “panauti” and “jeb katra” (cutting pockets) remarks against the Prime Minister.
The Congress leader made the “panauti” jibe, linking Modi’s presence to India’s loss against Australia at the World Cup finals in Ahmedabad. The BJP strongly reacted, accusing Gandhi of using abusive language due to frustration from electoral losses.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad demanded an apology, stating, “What has happened to you, Rahul Gandhi? You are so troubled because of the frustration of losses that you are using abusive language against the Prime Minister of the country.”
Meanwhile, KC Venugopal of the Congress defended Gandhi’s remark, stating, “Rahul ji has said what many have been thinking since 2 days! The World Cup finals were a moment of pride for 140 crore Indians, but they were desperate to hijack it for their political mileage. The BJP should be the last ones to talk about political correctness.”
Hyderabad : With just a week remaining for the Assembly elections in Telangana, Chief Minister and BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) foresees a limited seat count for the Congress, predicting they won’t secure more than 20 seats. In a counter move, state Congress chief A. Revanth Reddy challenges that if the Congress falls below 80 seats, he’s ready for any punishment.
Addressing election rallies in different parts of the state on Wednesday, both leaders engaged in verbal sparring as the electoral campaign reached its peak ahead of the November 30 elections for the 119-member Telangana Assembly.
In 2018, TRS (now BRS) won 88 seats, while Congress managed only 19.
KCR took the offensive to Revanth Reddy’s home constituency, Kodangal in Mahabubnagar district, accusing the Congress leader of lacking ethics and labeling him a “land grabber.” KCR reminded the audience of Revanth Reddy’s past bribery scandal, alleging that the Congress leader considered getting caught as a medal.
The BRS chief urged the people of Kodangal to deliver a resounding defeat to Revanth Reddy once again, stating that he is also contesting against KCR from the Kamareddy constituency.
Meanwhile, addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad, Revanth Reddy responded, stating that KCR is realizing his potential loss of the Chief Minister post. He confidently asserted that Congress would secure over 80 seats, challenging that if they fall short, he is ready for any punishment KCR might propose.
Revanth Reddy accused KCR’s family of looting public money and claimed that KCR holds a grudge against the people of Nizamabad for defeating his daughter Kavitha in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that KCR is conspiring to take lands from farmers in Kamareddy and Nizamabad.
As the war of words intensifies, the leaders are making bold claims and accusations in an attempt to sway the voters in their favor in the final stretch of the electoral campaign.
Hyderabad: In a bustling media briefing at Anwarul Uloom College Mallepally on Wednesday, Nawab Mahboob Alam Khan passionately addressed the influential role of Muslims in the upcoming Telangana Elections 2023.
Khan, emphasizing the historical exploitation and economic vulnerability of Muslims, lamented their disadvantaged status. He recounted his active participation in the Telangana movement alongside KCR, advocating for the region’s statehood and underscoring the significant contribution of Muslims to the cause.
Affirmative Action and Unfulfilled Promises
Addressing the issue of reservations, Khan argued for affirmative action to foster development. He criticized the unfulfilled promises made during the Congress rule and highlighted his efforts, including legal actions to reopen 40 colleges. Despite facing accusations of land grabbing, Khan maintained his innocence, vowing to uphold ethical conduct rooted in his upbringing.
Khan refuted accusations of land grabbing, asserting his innocence and distancing himself from ugly politics. He expressed unfamiliarity with Home Minister Mahamood Ali’s Imam and emphasized his commitment to ethical conduct. Khan suggested that KCR and the BRS Party might perceive a shift in Muslim sentiment towards the Congress, especially in light of the party’s provision of 4% reservation in the medical field.
Shift in Muslim Vote and Allegations
Shifting focus to the political landscape, Khan asserted that high expectations of KCR among the Muslim community had led to disillusionment due to unmet promises. He claimed that the Muslim vote was now leaning towards the Congress, which had delivered on a 4% reservation in the medical field.
In response to allegations from Home Minister Mahmood Ali and the BRS Party, Khan defended himself against personal attacks and pledged legal action against false accusations. He criticized the BRS government for its alleged indifference to mosque demolitions and expressed concerns about potential future demolitions.
Khan’s Appeal and Critique of BRS Rule
In a direct appeal to the Muslim community, Khan urged unity and a decisive vote in favor of the Congress, citing the party’s historical support for their interests. He positioned the Congress as the primary force opposing the BJP and its perceived allies, encouraging voters to scrutinize the sincerity of other parties and reject appeasement tactics.
During Praja Ashiravada Sabhas in Tandur, Mahabubnagar, and Parigi constituencies, BRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao criticized the Congress, accusing them of exploiting minorities for votes without delivering significant socio-economic progress. Rao emphasized the stark difference between the Congress’s decade-long rule in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and the BRS government’s commitment to minority welfare in Telangana over the last decade.
Speaking at the gatherings, the Chief Minister highlighted how the Congress utilized the BJP’s communal politics to exploit minorities as a vote bank but failed to ensure their socio-economic empowerment. Under the Congress regime in Andhra Pradesh, a mere Rs. 2,000 crore was allocated for minority welfare in Telangana, compared to the BRS government’s allocation of Rs. 12,000 crore over the last decade.
Rao pledged to increase these allocations in the next term, emphasizing the BRS government’s dedication to improving the living conditions of minorities. He contrasted the routine communal riots and curfews under the Congress with the communal harmony marked during the last decade of BRS rule.
Vowing to uphold the secular fabric of Telangana, Rao declared that as long as he was alive, the state would remain a secular entity treating people from Hindu and Muslim communities equally. He announced plans to utilize unused Waqf lands for the exclusive development of industrial areas and IT parks for the Muslim community.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the BRS government, Rao mentioned the celebration of Diwali, Ramzan, and Christmas with equal fervor and gaiety. He asserted that only the Almighty could decide the progress of minorities and criticized those hindering their development.
Rao praised BRS candidate Rohith Reddy for his honesty and support to the party, recalling Reddy’s role in preventing BJP attempts to overthrow the BRS government by arresting BRS legislators.
Encouraging voters to compare Telangana’s development with neighboring Karnataka, Rao pointed out the severe power crisis in Karnataka due to people trusting and electing the Congress. In Mahabubnagar, Rao commended BRS candidate V Srinivas Goud for developing the town into a tourist destination and highlighted the largest industrial investment in Mahabubnagar under the BRS government.
In a fervent election campaign in Mulugu Constituency, Congress party MLA candidate Seethakka urged the residents to vote out the ruling BRS government. Seethakka strongly criticized the government, asserting their failure to address unemployment over the past decade. She accused the BRS administration of corruption and financial mismanagement, specifically pointing to the alleged misuse of funds in the Kaleshwaram project.
Promises of Change and Development
Seethakka made significant promises, asserting that if the Congress party assumes power, they will introduce six guarantee schemes. Additionally, she pledged financial assistance for house construction and the allocation of land to those without house plots. The Congress candidate condemned the BRS party for allegedly favoring their activists as beneficiaries of government schemes, hindering the progress of the economically disadvantaged.
Wide Participation in the Campaign
The campaign saw active participation from various party leaders, representatives, and activists. District President Paidakula Ashok, Constituency Coordinator Irsavadla Venkanna, District Minority Cell President MD Ayub Khan, District Vice President MD Khalil Khan, District Secretary Gudla Devender Gar, Mandal President Chitamata Raghu, along with leaders at various levels, People’s Representatives, Mandal Affiliated Union Leaders, Youth Leaders, and Women Leaders actively engaged in the campaign.
The event highlighted a united front of Congress leaders and activists advocating for change and development in Mulugu Constituency.
J&k In a harrowing incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Wednesday, two Army officers and two jawans lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries during an encounter with terrorists, according to officials.
Intense Gun Battle Unfolds as Troops Deployed to Neutralize Terrorists
An intense gun battle continued in the Bajimaal area of Dharmsal, where two terrorists were cornered following a cordon-and-search operation. Additional troops were deployed to eliminate the militants, escalating the confrontation.
The casualties include two captains and two havildars, with other officials sustaining injuries. Those injured have been promptly transported to the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur for medical treatment.
Officials revealed that the trapped terrorists, suspected to be foreign nationals, had been moving around the Bajimaal area since Sunday. They even sought refuge in a place of worship, heightening concerns about their activities and intentions.
Ongoing Cordon-and-Search Operation Disrupts Normalcy in the Region
Simultaneously, local residents informed news agencies that a cordon-and-search operation had been underway in the region since Sunday to track down terrorists. This operation prompted authorities to instruct villagers to stay indoors, causing a disruption in daily life. Children refrained from attending school due to the security situation.
Escalating Security Challenges in Rajouri and Poonch Border Districts
The border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have witnessed an alarming surge in terrorist incidents over the past eighteen months. On November 17, a terrorist was killed in an encounter in the Guller Behrote area of Rajouri, adding to the security challenges faced by the forces.
Similarly, on August 7, the Army successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt, resulting in the killing of a terrorist in the Degwar area of Poonch. Tragically, on May 5, five Army soldiers lost their lives during an anti-terror operation in the Kesari hills of Rajouri district, highlighting the persistent security threats in the region.
Hyderabad : In a significant development anticipating the Telangana Assembly elections, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has made a noteworthy move by declaring its support for candidates across various political parties. On November 22, the organization disclosed its endorsement for 41 candidates from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), 69 from the Congress, 7 from the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and one each from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI).
The Telangana unit of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind took a strategic approach by releasing a comprehensive list of supported candidates for all 119 Assembly constituencies, emphasizing the organization’s active role in the upcoming elections.
Prominent Islamic Scholars and Imams Call for Secular Voting
Acknowledged as one of India’s prominent Islamic organizations, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s decision to support candidates from diverse parties has garnered attention. In response, influential Islamic scholars and Imams from Hyderabad and Telangana issued a joint appeal to the state’s citizens. They urged the people, especially the Muslim community, to prioritize ‘secularism’ when exercising their voting rights.
The statement highlighted the significance of responsible voting, discouraging blind allegiance to any specific political party. The scholars and Imams emphasized the need for informed choices based on the principles of secularism.
Muslim Organizations’ Support for Congress Amplifies Political Dynamics
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s announcement aligns with the Joint Act Committee (JAC) of Muslim organizations expressing support for the Congress party in the forthcoming Assembly elections. Telangana’s political landscape is witnessing heightened polarization and strategic alignments as various religious and community groups declare their affiliations.
As the elections draw closer, the influence of religious endorsements and community leaders becomes increasingly pivotal, shaping the intricate dynamics of the electoral contest. Statements from Islamic organizations and scholars underscore the nuanced and diverse factors influencing voters in the region.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Press Note: Emphasis on Value-Based Politics
In a press note, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Telangana Chapter expressed its commitment to value-based politics in the upcoming state assembly elections. Following extensive discussions and deliberations across the state involving local units, Jamaat members, and workers, preferences for voting were submitted after thorough consultations and debates.
The political committee of Jamaat E Islami Hind reviewed these opinions, formulated recommendations, and submitted them to the central leadership for approval. It is noteworthy that Jamaat E Islami Hind, Telangana Chapter, is not aligning itself with any specific political party. Instead, the organization extends its support to individual candidates based on recommendations from local units, emphasizing a non-partisan approach to ensure a value-driven electoral process. The attached list provides details of the endorsed candidates, further emphasizing the organization’s dedication to an impartial and principled political stance.
Hyderabad : – In a collaborative effort to boost employment opportunities, Deccan Blasters is delighted to present the Telangana Mega Job Fair, in association with MMR Builders & Properties Developer. The event will take place on Monday, November 27th, 2023, at the prestigious Khaja Mansion Function Hall, Masabtank, Hyderabad, from 8 am to 2 pm.
This job fair welcomes individuals with a minimum qualification of 10th grade up to any graduate level, with or without prior experience. It offers a golden opportunity for attendees to secure on-the-spot job offers.
The event is organized by Mannan Khan Engineer and will be inaugurated by Mr. Md. Saif Ullah Khan, Managing Director of MMR Builders & Developer.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 27th, 2023
Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Venue: Khaja Mansion Function Hall, Masabtank, Hyderabad
Qualification:
Minimum 10th grade to any graduate
Highlights:
On-the-spot offer letters for selected candidates
Direct walk-ins are welcome
Referrals are encouraged – candidates can refer friends and family
Inauguration By: Mr. Md. Saif Ullah Khan (MD, MMR Builders & Developer)
In a distressing incident early Wednesday morning, an auto transporting school children collided with a lorry near Sangam Sarath Theatre in Visakhapatnam. Eight students from Bethany School suffered injuries in the crash. Quick response teams swiftly transported the injured children to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
CCTV footage from the vicinity captured the moment of impact, revealing the auto forcefully colliding with the swiftly moving lorry. Shockingly, 2-3 children were ejected from the auto upon impact, while others remained trapped inside the overturned vehicle. The lorry driver, responsibly, halted his vehicle 100 meters beyond the accident site.
Initial findings from the investigation, based on the CCTV footage, point towards the negligence of the auto driver as the cause of the collision. Although there is an ongoing probe, no details have emerged regarding legal actions against either driver involved in this tragic incident.
In a pivotal decision, Israel’s cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has officially granted approval for a four-day ceasefire with Hamas. This groundbreaking development is contingent upon the release of 50 hostages. Notably, the terms of the agreement stipulate an intriguing condition: for every 10 hostages released, the ceasefire will be extended by an additional day.
The announcement emanated from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating a strategic move to prioritize the release of hostages in exchange for a temporary cessation of hostilities. However, amidst the unfolding scenario, there is a significant information gap concerning whether the deal encompasses the release of Palestinian hostages. The uncertainty surrounding this aspect adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
As this story continues to develop, it raises critical questions about the broader implications of the ceasefire and its potential impact on the longstanding tensions in the region. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge, shaping the narrative of this delicate diplomatic maneuver.
