Latest news with #Castes
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam polls 2026: BJP to field new faces, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
The ruling BJP in Assam will bring several new faces as party candidates for the next year's assembly polls. The party has, over the last two days, been engaged in strategy meetings discussing the plans for their manifesto, government's achievements and the poll narrative. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said not all will get tickets this time for, after the delimitation exercise, there has been a surge in the number of constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). BJP is looking to do a hattrick in Assam. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Technology CXO Data Science Finance Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Management PGDM MCA Project Management Data Science Digital Marketing MBA Operations Management Design Thinking healthcare Product Management Data Analytics Degree Leadership Others Public Policy others Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Analysts have observed that after the delimitation exercise in Assam, the number of Muslim minorities dominated seats has reduced to 22 from 30 seats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Andhra To Roll Out Pattadar Passbooks With QR Codes From August 1
1/8 The Andhra Pradesh government is placing strong emphasis on land, house sites, and residential properties. From August 1, it will issue new Pattadar passbooks to landowners. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed revenue officials to distribute these updated documents to landowners whose surveys are complete by August. In the first phase, 21.86 lakh people are set to receive the new passbooks once printing is finished, and the public is being encouraged to prepare for collection. (News18 Telugu) These new passbooks will be technology-enabled, with each containing a QR code. Landowners will be able to scan the code and enter their Aadhaar number to access detailed information about their land. The details will instantly appear on their mobile screens. The CM has stressed that landowners must have full awareness of the location and particulars of their property. This digital solution is expected to provide greater security and help prevent land encroachments. (News18 Telugu) CM Naidu has also instructed officials to resolve all freehold-related issues by October. Freehold ownership refers to complete, permanent ownership of property, including the right to use, sell, or modify it. Unlike leasehold, which is restricted by time limits, freehold ensures permanent rights. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for prompt action so that landowners receive full ownership rights before the deadline. (News18 Telugu) Officials have also been asked to issue permanent caste certificates to all eligible persons by October. Since the new coalition government assumed office, 43.89 lakh people have received their certificates, and the Chief Minister has called for the remaining individuals to be covered swiftly. The allotment of graveyard space for Scheduled Castes (SCs) must also be completed, with a target of 363 locations. The government has allocated Rs. 137 crore for land acquisition, aiming to finish the project within three years.(News18 Telugu) Under the previous administration led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, names and photographs were inscribed on survey stones. The current government has removed them from 77.9 lakh stones, with work ongoing for the rest. Going forward, revenue officials will make regular visits to villages and towns, engage with residents, clarify doubts, and prioritise land-related concerns. The Chief Minister has said that unresolved revenue issues may damage the government's image, while swift resolutions will help build public trust. (News18 Telugu) Regarding land succession, CM Naidu announced that the process can be completed for just Rs. 100 if the inherited land is worth up to Rs. 10 lakh. For land valued above that, succession requires only Rs. 1,000. The Chief Minister has also instructed that village ward staff should be empowered to assist and streamline this process for citizens. (News18 Telugu) A full re-survey of all lands in every village is to be completed by December 2027. Surveyors will remain with the village ward secretariats until the work is done. CM Naidu has further asked for a revised revenue manual to be finalised by August, reflecting new rules and policies. He stated that areas with no revenue issues should be prioritised for regularisation, with the entire process completed by December. (News18 Telugu) The Chief Minister also highlighted that drainage is a pressing concern in the state. The government is prepared to release the necessary funds to address the issue. Plans are in place to install underground drainage systems to tackle the crisis, as open drains and sewage problems have increased mosquito breeding and caused disease outbreaks. Many across Andhra Pradesh have been falling ill with severe fevers, leading to widespread public demand for urgent solutions. (News18 Telugu)
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
AIADMK assails Congress, allies for bringing in caste dimension to Cabinet shuffle
AIADMK secretary A. Anbalagan said neither the Congress nor its allies had any right to rake up the replacement of the only Dalit Minister in the Puducherry NDA Cabinet when the Ministries of their past governments had no representation of marginalised communities. Addressing a press conference, Mr. Anbalagan condemned what he alleged were attempts of the Congress and its allies to drive a wedge between communities on the basis of caste for electoral gain. The AIADMK leader said though two Ministers, one from the BJP and the other from the AINRC, had been replaced for various reasons disconnected from their community background, the Congress was trying to create a controversy by injecting a caste dimension to these decisions taken by the leadership of the respective parties. He dismissed as an outright lie the Congress's claim that the Chief Minister Rangasamy-led AINRC-BJP coalition was the only government to not have Ministers from the Scheduled Castes community. Mr. Anbalagan proceeded to list list previous Congress Ministries, including the governments headed by the three-time Chief Minister M.O.H. Farook in 1985 or V. Vaithilingam later. Even the coalition government led by DMK Chief Minister R.V. Janakiraman (1996-99) did not have representation from these communities, he said. Both the Congress and the DMK are conveniently forgetting this history in their pretence of advocating for the Dalit communities, he added. Mr. Anbalagan said he would seek the party leadership's concurrence for petitioning the Election Commission of India to probe the declared election expenditure of the CPI(M) in Tamil Nadu to contest the 2024 general election. The CPM, which had received ₹10 crore donation from the DMK, has claimed that the money was used for electioneering in the two victorious Parliamentary constituencies. Even if that statement was taken at face value, the total expenditure could not have exceeded ₹1.80 core for the two constituencies. If given the go-ahead by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Mr. Anbalagan said he would seek an ECI probe into the discrepency in stated expenditure that raised a cloud over the legitimacy of the electoral wins in the two seats. Mr. Anbalagan assailed the Communist parties for serving as mouthpieces of the DMK at the expense of their ideological core. He pointed to the glaring contradiction of the Communist parties being rivals in Kerala and allies elsewhere, and said that it exposed their ideological compromises. Mr. Anbalagan also called for an intensive crackdown on the rising drug trafficking menace in the Union Territory, especially the Karaikal region. According to the AIADMK leader, Karaikal was also turning a conduit for smuggling drugs by the sea route. He urged the Chief Minister and Home Minister to convene a high-level meeting of the police top brass to discuss pressing issues.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Monsoon Session: Oppn to corner Centre on Op Sindoor, Bihar SIR issue
New Delhi: As the Monsoon Session of Parliament kicks off on Monday, July 21, and continues till August 21, political leaders across party lines on Sunday expressed optimism for a smooth and productive session. The session, expected to be a stormy one, will be the first since Operation Sindoor, and the Opposition has already signalled its intent to raise several pressing issues -- significant among them the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, following an all-party meeting, called on both the ruling and Opposition parties to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament. "It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that Parliament runs smoothly," he said. Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, "There are many legislative works to be completed in the Monsoon Session, including the passage of about eight bills. I hope the Opposition will play a constructive role." Stressing the importance of debates, he added, "If the Opposition comes with a positive attitude, we can fulfil the aspirations of the people through Parliament." BJP MP Chandra Prakash Joshi also called on the Opposition to ensure smooth conduct, without disruptions, stating, "Several important issues will be discussed. It is hoped that all political parties will work together to ensure the House functions without disruption, so every representative gets the opportunity to raise constituency concerns." However, Opposition leaders have made it clear that they will not hold back from raising sensitive national issues. RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha told IANS that the Opposition will demand an explanation for the Pahalgam terror attack and seek a broader discussion on Operation Sindoor. "What is the purpose of Parliament? It is meant to address public concerns in the Parliament. We must remember the pain of the Pahalgam terror attack before Operation Sindoor, and also consider how, after the operation, our global diplomatic standing has been affected. These issues are not about targeting any one party or political group. They are about the nation. Why did these circumstances happen? No one has an explanation," he said. "There should be open, honest discussion, not criticism, but course correction," Jha added. Earlier in the day, Congress Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari also said that in the INDIA bloc meeting, held on Saturday, it was decided to raise several issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Bihar voter list revision. Speaking to IANS, Tiwari said, "With one voice, it was collectively decided that we must give top priority to the Pahalgam terror attack. The intelligence failure will be raised. We will also question the government's silence on this issue." "In addition, we will raise the issue of how, in Bihar, names of Dalits, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, and poor upper castes are being deleted from the voter list; we will also raise the issues of Gaza," he added. The CPI also came down heavily on the government during the all-party meet. In a statement following the all-party meet, the party said its Rajya Sabha MP P. Sandosh Kumar criticised the "grave security and intelligence failure" that led to the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of several tourists. He demanded that the Prime Minister "come clean before the nation through the floor of Parliament." The CPI also raised concerns over US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of having mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor -- assertions that the party said have "emboldened international interference in Kashmir," a matter it described as "purely internal." Kumar also flagged electoral roll manipulation in Bihar, particularly the alleged misuse of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which he said has" disenfranchised" the poor. The party further demanded a probe into serious allegations of mass killings and rapes in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, urging that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ram Kadam expressed confidence that the government will not be rattled by opposition pressure. "Over the past 11 years, the Opposition has repeatedly tried to corner our government but failed," he told IANS, adding, "Parliament is for discussion, not disruption." JD(U) leader K.C. Tyagi also struck a balanced tone, expressing hope that Parliament "functions smoothly, important bills are passed, and issues raised by the Opposition are also discussed."
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First Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Monsoon session: INDI bloc to corner govt on Pahalgam attack, Trump's ceasefire claims, Bihar voter revision in Parliament
Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the INDIA bloc parties has decided to corner the government on key national issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack, alleged voter suppression in Bihar, and foreign policy controversies. read more The INDIA bloc—an alliance of 24 opposition parties—has decided to take on the government over a range of key issues during the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 21. Top on their agenda are the lack of accountability for the Pahalgam terror attack, US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and the controversial revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, which the bloc alleges threatens voting rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a virtual meeting ahead of the session, opposition leaders discussed eight major issues they plan to highlight in Parliament. These include concerns over foreign policy failures, the ongoing Gaza conflict, the delimitation exercise, and rising crimes against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women and minorities. Congress' Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, demanded that the Prime Minister attend the session and respond to these pressing matters. 'Parliament is more important than foreign trips,' he said. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal reiterated that restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remains a top priority. He also announced an in-person INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for August to chalk out further strategies. However, the alliance took a hit with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officially pulling out and skipping the meeting. Other prominent absentees included West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Those who did participate included Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, as well as J&K's Omar Abdullah, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), M.A. Baby (CPI-M), D. Raja (CPI), and Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML), among others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The alliance slammed the government's 'silence' following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling it an intelligence failure and a blow to national security. They also questioned the government's denial of targeting Pakistan's sensitive nuclear-linked Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, pointing to Donald Trump's public claims of using trade pressure to defuse tensions. The bloc raised alarms over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar, alleging it was a targeted move to disenfranchise sections of the electorate. They likened it to a 'vote-bandi,' drawing parallels with demonetisation, and said it reflected an 'undeclared Emergency.' TMC's Abhishek Banerjee went a step further, saying the government was using 'E-square' tactics—ED (Enforcement Directorate) for opposition leaders, and EC (Election Commission) to manipulate voter rolls. Other issues expected to be raised include the Ahmedabad plane crash, rising unemployment, inflation, farmers' distress, and diplomatic setbacks. The alliance also discussed pending impeachment matters involving members of the judiciary. This includes Justice Yashwant Varma, after burnt currency notes were found at his residence, and Justice Shekhar Yadav, who has faced accusations of delivering hate speech, with a motion pending against him since December 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The INDIA bloc aims to maintain pressure on the government while ensuring Parliament functions effectively and remains a platform for democratic debate.
