BDJS pledges support to Mohan George in Nilambur
Under the leadership of BDJS State president Tushar Vellappally, the party will organise family gatherings and public conventions as part of its campaign strategy in Nilambur. A resolution passed at the meeting also called for the full involvement of all State council members in the election campaign.
Paddy farmers' issues
The council also resolved to address the growing concerns of paddy farmers by organising a protest on June 7. The primary demand will be to raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to ₹3,500 a quintal.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Vellappally criticised the State Agriculture department for its failure to extend timely and sufficient support to farmers and announced that the BDJS would soon launch a strong protest on the issue. He welcomed the Union government's record hike in the MSP and the rollout of a loan scheme under the Kisan Credit Card programme, offering credit to farmers at an interest rate of just 4%.
Party State vice-president K. Padmakumar presided.
Legal cell
As part of its organisational expansion, the BDJS has formed a legal cell aimed at supporting the welfare of lawyers and coordinating related activities. Sinil Mundappally was elected chairman of the cell, while P.S. Jyothis was appointed its convener.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Bombay High Court dismisses election petition against BJP legislator Tamil Selvan
Mumbai: Observing that the petition comprised vague and generic pleadings, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed an election petition filed against the victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Captain R Tamil Selvan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He won from the Sion-Koliwada constituency in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Selvan petitioned the HC for the dismissal of the petition filed by Ganesh Kumar Yadav, the Indian National Congress (INC) candidate who emerged with the second-highest votes. Yadav earlier this year filed the election petition and, through his counsel Premlal Krishnan, challenged Selvan's election on grounds of non-compliance with certain rules and provisions, including those governing valid nominations under Section 33 of the Representation of People (RP) Act. Justice Milind Jadhav, who pronounced the judgment on Tuesday, said, "It is, however, prima facie seen that the Election Petition comprises vague and generic pleadings and there is a complete absence of material facts." Krishnan argued that averments in the petition were enough to lay the foundation for the challenge. Justice Jadhav noted that Krishnan "fairly argued that though what Petitioner will prove in evidence is not specifically in so many words stated in the Election Petition … Petitioner should be allowed to prove the same in trial. " Justice Jadhav, after hearing senior counsel Veerendra Tulzapurkar, who represented Selvan, said he did not subscribe to Krishnan's submission. The allegations, including "non-disclosure" of an arbitration award in favour of the Railways, were of "vague violations" by Selvan with no specific details whatsoever, the HC said, adding, "Alleged omissions do not amount to non-compliance with provisions of Section 33 or Rule 4A so as to constitute a defect of substantial character under Section 36(4) of the RP Act." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The HC said, "It is seen that on scrutiny, the Returning Officer has not found any ambiguity or mistake, much less, non-disclosure or falsehood which can be deemed as suppression. It is in this context that when the Election Petitioner approaches the Court, he has to make a concise material statement of facts with all details in the Petition itself at the threshold. The Petitioner cannot improve his case in further pleadings, which is the attempt of Petitioner before me. " Once Selvan's nomination was held to be valid, it is deemed accepted and can only be rejected at the time of scrutiny. When the Returning Officer on scrutiny endorses each nomination, the nomination is considered valid, the HC held. The HC agreed with Tulzapurkar's submissions seeking dismissal of the EP as it does not contain a concise statement of material facts as mandated under Section 83(1)(a) of the RP Act.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Himachal assembly monsoon session: Pandemonium in House over job data during question hour
Employment concerns dominated the question hour of the Day 3 of Himachal Pradesh monsoon assembly session with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raising slogans and verbal duels between the ruling party and the Opposition. Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the monsoon session in Shimla on Wednesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT) Dissatisfied with the reply given by the chief minister (CM), the BJP legislators left the house accusing the CM of not providing correct information on the number of jobs given by his government. Meanwhile, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called the BJP 'confused' and engaging in 'political drama'. The protest was triggered after what the BJP alleged, was the state government's failure, to give clear answers on job creation and appointments. BJP MLAs Vipin Singh Parmar and Satpal Satti had raised a question regarding the number of posts created and jobs provided in the state. Even as BJP accused the state government of failing to fulfil the promise of jobs to the youth, CM said that so far 23,191 youth have been given jobs in the government sector. He said that in the last two years, 5,960 new government posts have been created, while 1,783 unnecessary posts have been abolished. After the proceedings of the House, Sukhu, while talking to the media, said, 'Instead of asking questions, the BJP MLAs were engaged in creating ruckus. When the leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur stands up to speak the rest of the MLAs also start raising their hands. The BJP is divided into five factions and is not ready to listen to each other.' He said, 'During the previous BJP government, jobs were sold and papers were leaked. As soon as the Congress came to power, it dissolved the Coordinate Selection Board and formed a new board. Now appointments are being made in a transparent manner.' Lashing out at BJP, Sukhu said that the BJP is only trying to mislead the youth by spreading lies and confusion, while our government is engaged in providing real employment. 'The leadership of the former CM is in danger, which is why the BJP is repeatedly taking the path of walkout. Only scams happened during his tenure, while Congress is working to provide employment to the youth,' Sukhu said. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters outside the assembly, Jai Ram said, 'Today, during question hour, our members asked a very important question regarding employment but the CM did not give any clear answer and he was lying in the house, so we walked out.' Thakur alleged that the Congress government had failed to deliver on its pre-poll promises. 'They had guaranteed 5 lakh jobs in five years with 1 lakh jobs in the first year in permanent government positions with pensions. But instead of giving figures, the CM was arguing. The reality is that on July 31, 2024, the assembly was told that 34,980 jobs had been provided. On August 15, 2025, the CM said 23,195 jobs. There is a difference of around 11,000 jobs,' he said. 'Nearly three years have passed under the Congress government, but not a single unemployed youth got a job. They are even counting Himachalis who have gone abroad at their own expense and found employment there as jobs created in the state,' he alleged. Job trainee is just a change in name: Chief minister In response to BJP MLA Satpal Singh Satti's supplementary question regarding replacing the contract recruitment scheme with job trainee recruitment scheme, the CM clarified that contract jobs have been renamed as job trainee, which has been done under the orders of the court. 'The recruitment will be done through the selection commission. The change in nomenclature was done in wake of high court orders', he said. Jai Ram criticised the government's move to appoint recruits on a job-training basis for two years without regularisation, subject to a qualifying test later. 'This is a crude joke with the youth. Nurses are being hired through outsourcing agencies, and these agencies are linked to Congress leaders and their relatives. Money is being taken first, and then jobs are given,' Jai Ram alleged. Box: Sexual exploitation, forceful marriage of orphan girl from Pangi rocks house, CM assures action Sexual exploitation and forceful marriage of an orphan girl from Chamba's Pangi Chamba rocked the House, after which CM Sukhu informed that a suspect has been arrested and FIR has been registered. Responding to the issue raised by Bharmour MLA Janak Raj, under Rule 62, the CM assured that strict action would be taken in the matter. Janak Raj pointed out that a minor orphan girl was sexually exploited, after which she got pregnant. 'After the girl gave birth, she was sent to Jammu, where she was married to someone,' said Janak Raj. He also slammed the authorities for inaction saying that officials concerned did not take the required action in the matter. 'I urge the CM to take strict action against the officials who tried to cover up the matter,' he said. CM Sukhu said, 'Based on her statement, an FIR was registered on August 18 under Sections 65(1) of the BNS, Sections 4 and 17 of the POCSO Act, and Sections 9 and 11 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The minor delivered a child earlier this year, leading to the arrest of the main accused. The newborn's DNA profiling has been initiated for paternity confirmation.' Meanwhile, CM also said that the matter related to the sexual assault with a minor is very sensitive and assured action against officials found negligent. Inoperative bank account of the govt to be made operational: Sukhu Cash strapped Himachal to make inoperative bank account operative once again. While replying to the question raised by Congress MLA from Shahpur in Kangra, Kewal Singh Pathania over the FDR of the government in different banks, CM Sukhu told the House that the inoperative bank account would be made operational. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram said that it is a matter of grave concern that government accounts are inoperative that too when the state's finances are not in pink of health. He asked the government to fix responsibility. India should not play with Pakistan in Asia Cup Congress MLA from Indora, Malender Rajan, said that India should not play with Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Raising the concern during the Zero Hour, Rajan said that India playing Pakistan was not appropriate in view of the strained relations with the country and would be an insult to our soldiers. He strongly condemned the move and urged that a proposal should be sent to the Centre and the Board of Control for Cricket in India through the Assembly Secretariat to withdraw the permission given to the team to play against Pakistan. The Asia Cup is being held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28. India is scheduled to play Pakistan on September 14. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathnia assured the concern will be forwarded. CM assures action in death of Hamirpur student in WB BJP MLA from Barsar, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, raised the issue of the death of a Hamirpur youth in an engineering college in West Bengal under Rule 62 and sought the government's response on the death of 22-year-old Kapil Kumar of village Bhaged in Hamirpur. Kapil was pursuing a course at Seacom Marine College, Howrah, since April this year and died under mysterious circumstances on August 9. An FIR was registered at Sankrail police station, Howrah City, on the complaint of his uncle. Lakhanpal said the West Bengal police had registered it as a drowning case, but the family of the deceased suspect murder. CM Sukhu said, 'The victim's uncle also moved an application with Himachal Police. I instructed DGP Ashok Tewari to take appropriate action. The application for a fair and transparent probe has been forwarded to the police commissioner, Howrah, and correspondence has been made by the Himachal DGP with his West Bengal counterpart on August 19.' HP assembly council chamber marks 100 years The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly's Council Chamber on Wednesday completed 100 years since its establishment. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania described it as a 'living witness to the history of democracy', where decisions taken have given 'a new direction' to India's politics and society. Construction of the building began in 1920 and was completed on August 20,1925. At the time, the Government of India Act, 1919, had come into effect, under which the British Indian Government comprised 145 members – 104 elected and the rest nominated. The summer sessions of the legislative assembly were held in Shimla during that period. It was in this chamber that Vitthalbhai Patel was elected the first Indian President (then referred to as the 'President' of the Council) and where the proposal to grant women the right to vote was passed. Speaking on the occasion, Pathania said the chamber has been a silent spectator to many historic events from the British era to the present day. 'This building is not merely a structure of stone, but an integral part of India's democratic journey. Democratic values were established here which gave a new direction to society,' he said. 'From here, democratic values were established, giving society a new direction,' he remarked. Bhabi ji ko pension to laga di: BJP while reminds govt of poll promise Taking a jibe at the CM Sukhu, BJP MLA from Una, Satpal Singh Satti, while reminding Congress of its poll promise of giving ₹1,500 per month to women in the age group of 18-59 years, said, 'You have given pension to Bhabhi Ji (Referring to CM's wife and Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur) while other sisters are waiting.' In a quirky reply, CM said that 'pension nahin salary lagi hai wo bi aap logo ki wajah se (she is getting salary not pension, that too because of you (BJP).' In 2024 bye-elections Kamlesh Thakur, wife of CM Sukhu, won from Dehra assembly seat. Your claims are like Dream 11: BJP BJP took dig at Sukhu-led Himachal government for failing to provide employment despite promising the same in election manifesto. 'Your claims on employment are like illusion to the youth just like Dream 11'. The Dream 11 is an Indian fantasy sports platform that allows users to play daily fantasy sports contests, primarily in cricket.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
New bills will ensure morality, probity: BJP
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday said the three bills moved by union home minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha that seek the removal of the Prime Minister or chief ministers facing corruption or serious offences if they remain in detention for 30 consecutive days, are intended at ensuring 'morality and probity' in public life. Proceedings of the Lok Sabha underway during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday.(Sansad TV/ANI) The party also underlined how its own leaders, from LK Advani to Amit Shah, had stepped down from their positions when they faced allegations of 'corruption and other charges.' 'When the bill was first drafted the PM's office was kept out of the ambit, but PM Modi insisted that the bill should include the head of the union government as well. Where is the question of any political witch hunt?The provisions of the bills are in line with the anti corruption agenda and will apply to all equally,' said a senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity. A second party functionary said that the Congress and other opposition parties should 'clearly state the reasons for their opposition to the bill…and whether they support a government being run from behind the bars,' While the opposition joined forces to criticise the bills, dubbing them as undemocratic and against the tenets of federalism -- they see this as a way for the BJP to topple state governments -- the BJP asserted that the move was line with the government's anti corruption agenda and not intended as a tool for vendetta. Amid disruption and protest by the opposition, Shah introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to remove the Prime Minister or chief ministers facing corruption or serious offence charges if they remain in detention for 30 consecutive days. He also introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025; since there is no provision under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) for such a measure, Section 54 of the Act, needs to be amended to provide a legal framework for the removal of the Chief Minister or a minister in these cases. And he introduced the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which extends the same law to UTs. Senior BJP leaders explained that the bills which have been referred to a joint parliamentary committee that will present its report on the first day of the next session will ensure there is no recurrence of events where a minister or a CM, refused to step down even as charges were framed against them. A third senior party leader, cited the example of former Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal who was in prison for nearly six months in 2024 in the corruption case lodged by the CBI in connection with the excise policy 'scam', as an example of impropriety. 'There was this case of a sitting CM who was in jail and on August 15, another leader had to step in to unfurl the National Flag… it was against public morality,' added the third leader. On the timing of the Bill, the second leader said the government had thought of bringing the bill soon after Kejriwal's arrest, but decided against it, because it did not want the opposition to paint it as 'a political move to remove Kejriwal'. 'It was about the system and not the individual…' the leader said. He said there have been numerous instances where leaders who were accused of graft and other irregularities had stepped down pending a probe. 'When the Hawala Diaries were made public and LK Advani's name was mentioned, he stepped down as the party president and resigned from his Lok Sabha membership… Shah himself stepped down as minister in Gujarat and more recently Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren stepped down as CM when he was arrested, and much earlier Lalu Prasad Yadav had to step down as Bihar CM when he was accused of the fodder scam,' the leader said. In 2024, Soren stepped down as CM following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case. He went on to say that Shah did not accept any constitutional position till he was acquitted by the court in 2015. 'He could have become union minister or a Rajya Sabha member in 2014 itself, but he chose not to. He became the minister in 2017…' Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah referred to his own decision to step down as the home minister of Gujarat till he was cleared of all charges by the courts 'False allegations were levelled against me, and I resigned on moral grounds, and I did not take any constitutional posts until I was cleared of all charges by the courts,' Shah said. The BJP also stepped up its attack on the Congress, pointing out that the party, when it was in power, had attempted to amend the Office of Profit bill to seek exemption for the post of NAC chairperson Sonia Gandhi and several other posts from its ambit. 'When Sonia Gandhi had to resign for holding an office of profit the party tried to amend the provisions. Instead of leading by example and walking the talk on probity and public morality they chose to alter the rules,' the first leader quoted above said. In 2006, Gandhi had to resign as Lok Sabha MP after being accused of holding an office of profit by being a Member of Parliament as well as the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, which was a post with the rank of a Cabinet minister. Responding to a question whether the government was confident of getting the numbers to pass the bill, the second leader said, 'We don't have the numbers, but we decided to send it to the JPC so that there can be discussion on the bill…Let the opposition stall its passage and explain to the people why they did so.' The BJP also dismissed the opposition's claims that the provisions were violative of the constitution. Responding to AIMIM chief Asasduddin Owaisi's charge that the bills violate the principle of separation of powers and undermine the right of the people to elect a government, the second leader said the bills state that the offences should carry a jail term of five years or more, which implies it will be implemented only in serious cases. 'Thirty days is sufficient time for the courts to consider and pass judgment…the bill also says that the dismissed minister or CM can be appointed again after their release. Where does it undermine the democratic process?'
