Haryana: Kids of martyred soldiers, paramilitary staff to get govt scholarship
The ruling BJP in its 'Sankalp Patra' (poll manifesto) had promised to provide scholarship to the children of martyrs of the armed forces.
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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Former CJI seeks level-playing field in simultaneous poll plan
NEW DELHI: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud has raised some concerns about simultaneous state and parliamentary elections in his submissions to a joint parliamentary committee and called for a level-playing field between smaller and national parties, people aware of the matter said on Thursday. The proposal to align elections – known colloquially as one nation, one election (ONOE) – was a part of the BJP's 2024 poll manifesto. (PTI) Ex-CJI Chandrachud and another former CJI, JS Khehar, are set to attend on July 11 a meeting of the JPC examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, which are intended to roll out simultaneous polls in the country, the people cited above said. The 39-member JPC — headed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader PP Chaudhary — was set up in December 2024. Although there is no time frame for the submission of the report, the term of the JPC has been extended till the first day of last week of the upcoming Monsoon Session. The proposal to align elections – known colloquially as one nation, one election (ONOE) – was a part of the BJP's 2024 poll manifesto and is backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who argues that it will trim election costs and shift focus to governance. But the proposal is fiercely opposed by a raft of political parties and activists who allege that it will hurt democratic accountability and federalism. The bills propose the alignment process to begin in 2029 and the first simultaneous elections in 2034. 'Justice Chandrachud has also given his opinion about the proposed ONOE. In his submission to JPC in April, he has pointed out that concerns about simultaneous elections possibly marginalising smaller or regional parties because of the dominance of better resourced national parties is a significant policy aspect which warrants legislative attention,' said the person quoted above. A clutch of regional parties such as the Rastriya Janata Dal (RJD) have alleged that the proposed legislation can dent federalism. 'The former CJI has noted that to ensure a level playing field among political parties, the rules governing electoral campaigning, particularly those relating to campaign finance, must be strengthened. Referring to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 that impose ceilings on the amount a candidate can spend for campaign, there are no corresponding limits on the expenditure incurred by political parties themselves he said. This gap in regulation weighs the electoral process towards parties with greater financial resources he said,' the person quoted above said. On the fear that simultaneous elections may infringe upon the right of voters to choose their elected representatives, the former CJI pointed out that even in instances where the duration of either the Lok Sabha or the assembly expires before the full term, the legislation provide for conducting mid-term elections, ensuring that the Indian electorate remains continuously represented by their duly elected representatives. 'He is of the view that the proposal would be violative of the basic structure doctrine only if the facet of non-simultaneous elections to every tier of the government is a basic feature of the Constitution,' the person quoted above said. Chandrachud is also learnt to have weighed in on the provisions for no-confidence motion. 'He has pointed out that the cardinal principle of parliamentary democracy is that the council of ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, must always have the support of the House. This principle will be diluted if there is a time bar on introducing the no-confidence motion. Similarly, one of the common features of a multi-party democracy such as India is the inability of any party or coalition of parties to secure the majority in the House. If the issuance of a notice of no-confidence is contingent on the motion of confidence, there is a real possibility of the minority government continuing in power. This is contrary to democratic tenets,' said the person quoted above. The bill now being examined by JPC suggests adding Article 82(A) (simultaneous elections to the House of the People and all legislative assemblies) and amending Articles 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament), 172, and 327 (power of Parliament to make provisions with respect to elections to Legislatures). It also states that the provisions of the amendment will come into effect on an 'appointed date,' which the President will notify on the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election. As per the bill, the 'appointed date' will be after the next Lok Sabha elections in 2029, with simultaneous elections slated to begin in 2034. According to a person aware of the details, the meeting on July 11 will see JPC also interact with former Union minister and Congress leader M Veerappa Moily and former Congress lawmaker EMS Natchippan. From the first elections in Independent India in 1952 until 1967, polls were held simultaneously across the country. But since the Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be dissolved before their tenures end, the state and national elections came to be held at different times after that. Several committees, including a parliamentary panel, the Niti Aayog and the Election Commission of India, have studied simultaneous polls in the past, backing the idea but flagging logistical concerns.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Days after BJP issues notice, UP MLA denies role in assault on fellow passenger in train
Jhansi: Days after a passenger was severely thrashed by a dozen people onboard the premium Vande Bharat Express in its executive class at Jhansi railway station, allegedly at the behest of Babina MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha, the BJP legislator presented his side of the story at a press conference on Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Talking to the media, Parichha said that it was a very unfortunate incident, but he was not directly involved in instigating the attack. Referring to the entire CCTV video footage of the journey, he said, "I was with my family and requested the person to exchange the seat, which he declined. I then went to order some food for my family, for which I made a call after going to the lobby. Suddenly, the same person approached me and tried to pick up a quarrel. He was soon joined by his colleague, who was also travelling with him. Both of them continuously tried to instigate me by pointing their fingers at me and towards my family, but I still kept calm. My gunner tried to intervene, and the duo threatened him also." Parichha further said that he lodged an online complaint and asked for further security, fearing some further backlash. When asked whether the attackers were his men, Parichha said that his security guard called his people to attend to him as they feared some possible further verbal or physical attack. "I had the least inclination of how they suddenly got into the coach and started thrashing the man, and by the time I tried to stop it, it was all over. " After the video of the attack went viral, the BJP on Monday issued a show-cause notice to the two-time Babina (Jhansi) MLA. The party has sought an explanation within seven days for conduct deemed "indiscipline" that tarnished its image. The assault sparked fury online, with X users decrying the misuse of power on India's premium train. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Govind Narayan Shukla, BJP state unit general secretary, issued the notice, warning of "strict action" if Parichha's explanation, due at the party's state headquarters, is unsatisfactory. Claiming that some people were trying to tarnish his image, Parichha on Thursday said, "BJP is a party of discipline, and I am a disciplined worker of the party. I denounce the attack as an unfortunate event and have asked the GRP to take all legal actions against those involved in the attack. I even called up the person concerned and talked to him while resolving the issue." The incident unfolded on the evening of June 19 on the Bhopal-bound Vande Bharat Express in coach E2. A passenger (name withheld), occupying berth 49, was allegedly pressured by Parichha, who was travelling with his wife, son, and a security guard, to swap berth 8, allotted to the MLA. This led to an argument. When the train reached Jhansi station, around a dozen people stormed the coach and started thrashing the occupant repeatedly, leaving him with a bloodied nose and bloodstained clothes. The matter went viral on social media, with strong criticisms pouring in from all over.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
BJP MP seeks action against Prada for Kolhapuri Chappal GI tag violation
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to protect the Geographical Indication (GI) tag of Kolhapuri chappals after Italian fashion brand Prada showcased the traditional footwear without controversy erupted after Prada presented Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Men's Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week, pricing them at Rs 1.2 lakh without acknowledging the chappals' Indian origin, artisans, or cultural significance. Mahadik alleged this act violated the Artisan Act and disregarded India's GI chappals earned a GI tag from the Government of India in 2019, and have their roots in the 12th century. They are traditionally handcrafted by cobbler communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Mahadik said that Prada's move not only infringes on intellectual property rights but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of artisans. Calling it a direct breach of GI norms, Mahadik appealed to the state government to raise the issue at the international level and with the Centre. His son, Krishnaraj Mahadik, along with community leaders, personally handed over the letter to Chief Minister further stressed the need for immediate awareness campaigns and legal steps to safeguard the identity and heritage of Kolhapuri chappals.- EndsTrending Reel
