Latest news with #Congress-led
India Gazette
31 minutes ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Consumers exploited due to lack of sufficient competition: says Congress' P Chidambaram
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): Highlighting that profit must be shared among promoters, shareholders, labour, government, consumers, society and other stakeholders, Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram stated on Sunday that because of the lack of sufficient competition, consumers are exploited in several sectors, such as air travel, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. In a post on X, Chidambaram said, 'That 'profit' in business is not a bad word became government policy in 1991 when Dr Manmohan Singh was finance minister. The question is how the profit must be shared among promoters, shareholders, labour, government, consumers, society and other stakeholders,' the Congress leader said on X. 'As the Chief Economic Adviser has said many times, the tilt is in favour of capital/promoters and against labour. Wages have stagnated. I may add that because of lack of sufficient competition, consumers are exploited in several sectors, for example, air travel, insurance and pharmaceuticals,' he added. On May 26, Chidambaram said that while the rise in India's per capita income under the BJP-led NDA government is 'broadly correct', the rate of growth was higher during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government. Responding to recent remarks by the CEO of NITI Aayog, BVR Subrahmanyam, who stated that India's per capita income had nearly doubled from USD 1,438 in 2013-14 to USD 2,880 in 2024, Chidambaram said he welcomed the progress but added that the complete picture tells a different story when the performance of the two successive governments is compared. Quoting data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Chidambaram noted that India's per capita income stood at USD 543 in 2003, when the UPA took office, and rose to USD 1,438 by 2013 - a 2.64 times increase in 10 years. Under the NDA government, however, the increase from USD 1,438 in 2014 to USD 2,878 in 2024 amounts to just 1.89 times, falling short of a doubling in the same time frame. 'Under the UPA government, the per capita income more than doubled in 10 years. Under the NDA government, it fell short of doubling. The per capita income doubled in 11 years. I am happy with the record of both governments, but a shade happier with the UPA record,' said the former Finance Minister. (ANI)
News18
5 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Doctors Treat Patients Using Phone Light During Outage In Telangana; Chief Suspended
Last Updated: V. Sridhar Kumar, the in-charge superintendent of Zaheerabad Area Hospital, was suspended by the state health department A hospital superintendent in Telangana has been suspended after a video showing doctors treating patients with mobile phone flashlights during a power cut went viral on social media. V. Sridhar Kumar, the in-charge superintendent of Zaheerabad Area Hospital, was suspended by the state health department following allegations of negligence. In the video, doctors are seen attending to patients in a dark hospital ward, using their phone lights to examine them while patients lie on beds. The footage quickly went viral, sparking public concern and raising questions about hospital management. ఒకవైపు కరెంట్ కోతలు, మరోవైపు ఆసుపత్రిలో ఉన్న జనరేటర్ పని చేయదు. చివరకు సెల్ ఫోన్ లైట్ వెలుతురులో చికిత్స చేయాల్సిన దుస్థితి.300 పైగా పేషెంట్లు వచ్చే జహీరాబాద్ ప్రభుత్వ ఏరియా ఆసుపత్రి పరిస్థితి ఇలా ఉంటే, గ్రామీణ ప్రాంతాల్లో ఉండే ఇతర ఆసుపత్రుల పరిస్థితి ఎలా ఉన్నట్లు. ఏడాదిన్నరగా… — Harish Rao Thanneeru (@BRSHarish) May 31, 2025 The health department was alerted after the video went viral, prompting Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha to order an inquiry into the incident. Officials said a sudden power outage caused major disruption, especially in the emergency ward. Although the hospital had a backup generator, there was a delay in switching it on, which created serious problems for both patients and staff, The Times of India reported. The inquiry, conducted by the Sangareddy Collector and the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad Commissioner, found that while a generator was available, its operation was delayed, leading to serious disruption in emergency services. The incident also sparked political criticism. Opposition leader and BRS member Harish Rao Thanneeru slammed the Congress-led state government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Sharing the video on X, Harish Rao asked: 'On one hand, there are power cuts, and on the other hand, the hospital's generator is not working. Finally, the treatment is done under the light of a cell phone. If the situation at the Zaheerabad Government Area Hospital, which sees over 300 patients, is like this, what is the situation like at other hospitals in rural areas?" 'The regime has been in power for a year and a half. The poor are losing access to medical care. @revanth_anumula Guys.. stop tying your necks in the air and provide minimum facilities. #CongressFailedTelangana," he addded. First Published: June 01, 2025, 13:22 IST
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sharing photo of Army tank, BJP Punjab pays tribute to victims of 1984 Operation Blue Star
The BJP's Punjab unit has issued a public tribute to the victims of Operation Blue Star–the Army operation carried out to root out militants from Amritsar's Golden Temple in 1984–in a strongly worded Facebook post that described it as a 'dark and painful chapter in Indian history'. The party condemned the then Congress-led government's military operation inside the revered shrine and expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives. The image accompanying the post features visuals from 1984, including Indian Army tanks inside and the damage to the Akal Takht, reflecting the intense impact of the operation. The post in Punjabi reads, 'June 1,1984–'Saka Neela Tara'. A tribute to all the martyrs who lost their lives on the first day of the attack carried out by the Congress government on the Darbar Sahib.' Meanwhile, Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj appealed to the Sikh community to observe the first week of June as Shaheedi Hafta (martyrdom week) in memory of those killed during the 'June 1984 Ghallughara'. 'The Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984,' Jathedar Gargaj said on Sunday. 'These martyrs sacrificed their lives for the nation, and they will always hold a place of utmost respect in the hearts of the Sikhs.' Jathedar Gargaj's statement recalled that in June 1984, 'a military operation was conducted by the then Congress-led government at Sri Harmandar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib'. 'The assault took place when Sikh devotees had gathered to observe the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji,' he said, adding that the operation led to the deaths of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, Baba Thara Singh, General Shabeg Singh, and others. The jathedar called for organising Gurmat Samagams, lectures, and seminars from June 1 to June 6 globally. 'It is the need of the hour to compile and publish the history of all the martyrs of June 1984 in both Punjabi and English on a large scale and present it before the global community,' he said. Gargaj also urged gurdwara committees to hold Sri Akhand Path Sahib or Sri Sukhmani Sahib recitations and invite scholars to educate the Sikh community on the events of June and November (anti-Sikh riots) 1984. 'Certain forces have covertly attempted to prevent the Sikh community from remembering the martyrs of June 1984,' he stated. 'But the community has always remembered its martyrs with unwavering spirit and will continue to do so.' The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) has uploaded a video on Facebook in connection with the anniversary week. 'This was the dark day when, on the orders of the Congress government, the Indian Army surrounded both the inside and outside of our most sacred place. Without any warning, from noon until 8 p.m., firing took place inside the Sri Darbar Sahib Complex, during which innocent devotees who had come for darshan were martyred, and many others were injured. This wound inflicted by the Congress government is something the Sikh community can never forget,' reads the message posted along with the video.
Hans India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Rs 17,169 cr allocated for tribals under sub-plan funds: Bhatti
Kothagudem: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said the previous BRS government had failed to utilise Sub-Plan funds during its decade-long rule and it caused significant injustice to the individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Telangana. He announced that the Congress-led government has allocated Rs.17,169 crore this financial year under the Sub-Plan for tribal welfare, and carried forward Rs 1,296 crore left unspent from previous years. Addressing the Telangana Adivasi Congress workers' meeting at Palwancha in Khammam district on Saturday, Bhatti urged leaders attending the training camp to take information about Sub-Plan schemes to every household. 'To understand the needs of tribal communities, we brought together tribal leaders and launched training programmes to implement solutions through the AICC,' said the minister, in his address. 'Under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Self-Employment Scheme, Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated exclusively for tribals — a record in the nation's history,' he added. He underscored the recently introduced Indira Solar Tribal Development Scheme to help forest dwellers live with dignity. 'Through this, we are bringing 6.7 lakh acres under cultivation by investing Rs 12,500 crore. We brought in the Nallamala Declaration to protect the rights and dignity of tribals,' he claimed. 'Dignity and equal society are possible only under Congress governance. We have introduced schemes in alignment with that vision. Welfare programmes are being provided to every household. We will soon distribute details to every home about which schemes are being delivered to each household and how much the government is spending,' he said. Bhatti urged party leaders to take the details of all schemes to every household and help eligible people file applications.
The Print
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Nilambur bypoll: How Anvar, once Kerala's richest MLA, is adding twist to crucial LDF-UDF contest
Since then, he actively sought to join the UDF, engaging with leaders from both the Congress and its key ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which holds significant sway in the Malappuram district. But TMC leaders in Kerala said the party had nothing to do with Anvar's now-withdrawn offer of support, it was not discussed with them, and that he has not made any efforts to set up a party committee since joining TMC in January this year. While UDF has largely remained tight-lipped, former MLA P.V. Anvar's gesture was seen as driven by his strategic ambition to maintain his political relevance in a constituency widely considered his stronghold. Anvar, who represented Nilambur in Malappuram as an LDF-aligned independent MLA since 2016, resigned in January, declaring an 'open war' against the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which he targeted for alleged corruption. Thiruvananthapuram: The 19 June Nilambur assembly bypoll is making headlines in Kerala, not because of the contest itself, but a state Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader extending and then retracting support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Despite its presence in the state since 2008, TMC has not been successful in expanding its footprint in Kerala. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it fielded five candidates in the state but failed to secure even one percent of the votes. Walking back his offer to UDF, Anvar told the media Saturday that he was not interested anymore in being part of the Congress-led alliance. He also clarified that he would not contest the Nilambur bypoll, claiming he did not have the funds to fight an election. 'He [Anvar] is trying to do all this for his personal benefits,' TMC state leader C.G. Unny told ThePrint. The TMC has no plans to contest the bypoll, nor have there been any discussions regarding supporting an alliance, he said, suggesting that if Anvar were to contest, he'd be an independent candidate without party backing. The byelection holds much significance in Kerala's current political landscape, taking place months before the crucial local body polls and nearly a year before the assembly elections. A victory in Nilambur is crucial to the Congress-led UDF's political survival in the state, especially after two consecutive assembly poll defeats. On the other hand, a win for the CPI(M)-led LDF, which is hoping for a third consecutive stint in power, would be a shot in the arm for the Pinarayi-led government. Anvar's support, given his considerable popularity in the constituency, could help UDF reclaim the seat, which the Congress held from 1987 until 2016 through senior Congress leader Aryadan Muhammed. UDF fielded Muhammed's son, Aryadan Shoukath, in the seat in the 2016 assembly polls. He lost to Anvar by 11,504 votes. On Friday, LDF Friday declared popular CPI(M) leader M. Swaraj as its candidate in Nilambur. Hailing from Nilambur, the CPI(M) state secretariat member holds significant popularity even outside the party's traditional support base. Addressing the media at party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram Friday, CPI(M) general secretary M.V. Govindan said the party had decided to field its popular leader on its party symbol. He added that the CPI(M) is aware of UDF's internal conflicts there. 'Swaraj needs no introduction there. Anvar is a betrayer of the LDF. Now, whatever the issues he has in the constituency are regarding the UDF, and not ours,' he said. Also Read: As IUML appoints Dalit woman to its leadership, a look at Muslim women's representation in party UDF, TMC on offer Anvar, known for his rebellious streak, was holding daily press conferences to further his case since the Election Commission announced the bypoll dates. In one such briefing, the former MLA voiced his disapproval of Aryadan Shoukath, but stated his willingness to align with 'any devil to defeat Pinarayi,' provided it was 'a good one'. Days later, Anvar criticised the Congress leadership, including the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala V.D. Satheesan, alleging he was being sidelined and humiliated despite his expressed interest in supporting the UDF in this election. 'Even after withdrawing our candidate in Palakkad, UDF did not fulfil its promise. No one even thanked me after the results. I supported Priyanka (Gandhi) in Wayanad, helped UDF gain control in the Panamaram and Chungathara panchayats, yet Satheesan remained unreachable,' he said. He added that months after expressing interest in joining UDF, he has yet to receive a response. He claimed if he chose to contest Nilambur as an independent, he would secure the support of his party, with leaders like Mamata Banerjee campaigning for him. Kerala Congress leader M. Liju attributed the delay in responding to Anvar's offer to deliberations with the party's central as well as state leadership. But, he emphasised that UDF cannot accept Anvar's comments against the UDF candidate or party leaders. 'We welcome Anvar's stand against the Pinarayi Vijayan government. He can support UDF. But at the same time, we can't accept what he said against our leaders and candidates. If he takes it back, he can be a part of the UDF,' Liju said, adding UDF was confident of winning even without Anvar's support. 'Last time, we lost to Anvar by a small margin. But at the same time, if we get his support, it's good. Because we don't want to lose even one vote,' he said. K.P. Sethunath, a Kerala-based political analyst and former journalist, said Anvar is making it appear as though the Left Front has a fighting chance in Nilambur, a constituency where UDF previously held a clear advantage. 'In places like Kerala, where two fronts are really strong, it's difficult to survive as an individual political entity,' Sethunath told ThePrint. 'He [Anvar] couldn't get into UDF as UDF said they can only cooperate with TMC. His political career is a big question mark after the election as his earlier victory could be pictured as part of CPM's organisational strength and not his individual merit. But on the other hand, if Aryadan Shoukath fails, it would become an 'Anvar impact'. By default, he is becoming an advantage to CPI(M).' Sethunath added that media attention played a major role in Anvar's rise to prominence, and that he was often described as a Pinarayi loyalist. The 'Anvar element' in Nilambur P.V. Anvar comes from an influential Malabar family with strong ties to the Indian National Congress (INC) dating back to the Independence movement. He began his political journey with the Congress student wing, the Kerala Students Union (KSU). He served as students' union chairman at the MES Mampad College and subsequently became vice president of Malappuram Youth Congress. However, he was expelled from the party in 2010 for opposing certain leaders amidst internal factionalism. In the 2016 assembly elections, Anvar contested as an LDF-backed independent candidate and defeated Aryadan Shoukath of the Congress in Nilambur. Prior to this, the constituency was considered a UDF stronghold, with Shoukath's father and former minister Aryadan Muhammed representing it since 1987. In 2021, Anvar retained the seat as an Independent with LDF support, securing a victory against V.V. Prakash of the Congress by a margin of 2,700 votes. However, circumstances changed in September 2024, when Anvar openly criticised the chief minister's close associates, including then ADGP (Law & Order) A.P. Ajith Kumar, IPS Officer Sujith Das, and political secretary P. Sasi, accusing them of corruption. He said that, despite him personally submitting a complaint to Vijayan, no action was taken. In a press conference held in his constituency, Anvar said he felt 'cheated' by Vijayan, whom he once regarded as a 'father figure'. Months later, in January 2025, Anvar resigned from his Nilambur seat, declaring an open war against the chief minister with the stated aim to 'end' LDF rule. A week prior to his resignation, Anvar had joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) after his attempts to join the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu proved unsuccessful. A local resident and sports teacher in Nilambur told ThePrint requesting anonymity that Anvar possesses a significant 'fan base' in the constituency. 'He always has cinematic public appeal. It's mostly because of his money. Even when he comes for a function, he would have few guards surrounding him.' According to 2023 data from the Kerala Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Anvar was the wealthiest MLA in Kerala and 149th richest MLA in the country at the time, with Rs 64.14 crore in declared assets. He owns several businesses, including PVR Naturo Resorts in Kozhikode, which offers adventure tourism, including jungle safaris. Anvar also owns P.V.R. Developers, a real estate company specializing in luxury apartments and residential projects. Incidentally, after Anvar left LDF, UDF wrested control of the Chungathara panchayat with his assistance. P. Abdul Hameed, an IUML leader and the MLA of Malappuram's Vallikkunnu constituency, told ThePrint Anvar would indeed assist UDF in the upcoming by-election. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: From reformist group to voice of Ezhavas, why SNDP Yogam's stock is high in Kerala politics
