Latest news with #Didi
United News of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Didi's time is up, BJP will come to power in Bengal in 2026: Amit Shah
Kolkata, June 1 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a sharp offensive against West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government, asserting that in a violence-free election, the people of the state would ensure the Trinamool Congress's defeat and the BJP will form the government in 2026. Three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared in North Bengal's Alipurduars that West Bengal needs freedom from 'Five Sankats (problems)' - politics, violence, appeasement, riots, and corruption - Shah told BJP workers here ''In Bengal, during the elections and after Didi's (Chief Minister Banerjee) victory, hundreds of BJP workers were killed. Didi, how long will you protect them?" "I'm telling you — your (government's) time is up. In 2026, the BJP will form the government," Shah said in his address to the party workers at the Netaji Indoor stadium here. 'I assure all our Mandal office-bearers that once the Trinamool government is ousted, we will dig out the culprits from beneath the ground if necessary and ensure they are punished for murdering our workers. Violence has no place in a democracy. Didi, if you have the courage, conduct an election without violence and see what happens. The people of Bengal will make sure you forfeit your deposit,' he said. Countering Mamata Banerjee's allegation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is selling 'Operation Sindoor' for political traction, the Union Home Minister said, 'A few days ago in Pahalgam, terrorists sent by Pakistan brutally killed innocent civilians after asking their religion in front of their families. You tell me — should those terrorists sent by Pakistan not be punished? Was Modi ji not right to carry out Operation Sindoor?' 'This is what's causing pain in Didi's stomach. When people from Bengal were being killed there, it would have been right if Didi had expressed this pain. But she said nothing then. Now, when Modi ji comes here after Operation Sindoor, a cheap political comment is made opposing the operation. You were not just opposing Operation Sindoor — you were toying with the emotions of crores of mothers and sisters of this country,' Shah said. Shah appealed to the "maternal power of Bengal" to make Banerjee understand the true value of indoor (vermilion) in the upcoming election for daring to question Operation Sindoor. "Mothers and sisters, show her what it truly means to insult sindoor!' he added. Shah, who arrived at Netaji Indoor Stadium at 2.16 pm along with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, opened his speech by paying 0homage to Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, He also paid tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee - the founder of BJP's precursor Bharatiya Jana Sangh. 'This land has guided India for generations. Be it knowledge, science, spirituality, or the freedom struggle — Bengal has always led the way. For many years, Bengal was ruled by the communists. Then came Mamata Didi with her slogan of 'Ma-Mati-Manush' (Mother, Motherland, and People). "Today, she has turned this great land of Bengal into a hub of infiltration, corruption, atrocities on women, crime, bomb blasts, and mistreatment of Hindus," he said. Shah's fierce criticism of Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress, close on the heels of PM Modi denouncing the state government, is a clear indication that the BJP top leadership has begun sounding the bugle for the 2026 assembly elections in the state. UNI XC SSP
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Hundreds of BJP workers killed after Mamata became CM': Amit Shah takes on TMC chief
NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday charged upon Mamata Banerjee alleging that "hundreds of BJP workers were killed in West Bengal" after the TMC chief became chief minister. Addressing the BJP workers in Kolkata, Shah said, "For years, Bengal was ruled by communists. After that, Mamata Banerjee came by with the slogan 'Maa, Maati, Maanush'. She converted the great land of Bengal into a land of infiltration, atrocities on women, crime, bomb blasts and immorality with Hindus. .. Hundreds of BJP workers were killed in West Bengal after Mamata Banerjee became the CM." Expressing confidence in his party, he added, "Didi, listen to me, your time is over now. The BJP will form the government in 2026." He further challenged the CM to "contest elections without violence". "If Didi (Mamata Banerjee) has courage, she should try to contest elections without violence, her deposit would be seized," he said. "Mamata Banerjee has crossed all limits of appeasement for the votebank... Our people were killed in Pahalgam... Under Operation Sindoor, we went 100km (inside Pakistan) and destroyed their headquarters. 100s of terrorists were killed, and this hurts Didi's stomach... She gave a political speech and opposed Operation Sindoor. She has also played with the emotions of crores of women in the country... The sisters and mothers of West Bengal should teach Mamata Banerjee the value of Sindoor in the upcoming elections," he added. "I assure that as soon as the TMC is removed from power, those responsible for the murders of our party workers will be punished, even if they are hiding under the ground," he said. Earlier in the day, he inaugurated the newly constructed Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Rajarhat, on the outskirts of Kolkata, stating that the facility will enhance a comprehensive approach to investigating complex cases in the eastern and northeastern regions. Shah is on a two-day visit to Bengal.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Madelyn S. Palmer marks her literary comeback with 'Nephi's Wife'
In her latest novel, author takes readers on a journey of love, identity, and survival through the eyes of a young woman in 600 B.C. Jerusalem LITTLETON, Colo. , May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a historical fiction novel that shifts the narrative lens, author Madelyn S. Palmer invites readers to explore the nuanced experiences of women in scripture with her latest release, "Nephi's Wife" (published by Trafford Publishing). This compelling story life the journey of Didi, a spirited teenage girl caught in a whirlwind of love, faith, and self-discovery during a time of unprecedented change. Lehi and Ishmael's families flee 600 B.C. Jerusalem to escape political turmoil. While trying to survive living in the wilderness, their families experience romance and feud. At the heart of the story is Didi, the youngest of Ishmael's five daughters, with all the dreams and fears of adolescence. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she marries Nephi, the youngest son of Lehi. As the family struggles to survive and forge a new path, Didi must reconcile her love for Nephi with her desire to find deeper meaning in her life. Will her faith hold strong as she faces the hardships of nomadic life? Can young Didi help her husband keep the family together? "Nephi's Wife" weaves romance and adventure into a compelling tale that addresses real life issues through a perspective that is seldom explored in scripture stories. It touches on subjects of identity, the search for meaning and purpose, infertility, birth and death, family dynamics, and more. By sharing Didi's story, it is the author's hope for readers to develop a greater appreciation of historical figures and scriptural events. "Nephi's Wife" is available now in major retailers and may be purchased directly through Trafford Publishinig at "Nephi's Wife" By Madelyn S. Palmer Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 290 pages | ISBN 9781698717838 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 290 pages | ISBN 9781698717814 E-Book | 290 pages | ISBN 9781698717821 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Madelyn S. Palmer published a teen fiction series, "The Land of Sterling." She contributed two biographical sketches for "The Women of Faith in the Latter-days," volumes I and II. She is writing several historical fiction novels about individuals in the scriptures. A common theme in her writing focuses on journeys of self-discovery. Her books, "Elinore's Choice" and "Matthew's Redemption" received the Gold Seal of Literary Excellence. Meanwhile, "Amber's Dilemma" won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Palmer is a family physician practicing in Littleton, Colorado. She is married, has four sons, and a beagle dog. Her other interests include gardening, sewing, karate, teaching Sunday school, and working with the women and youth in her church. For more information, please visit Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC, author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an "on-demand publishing service," and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford's experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 844-688-6899 or visit Media Contact Marketing Services, Trafford, 844-688-6899, authormarketingservices@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Trafford Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
China turns to consumers to boost growth, but households are wary
To weather a trade war with the U.S., China is looking to its own consumers to keep the economy churning. Beijing has made bolstering domestic consumption a top policy priority for the first time, promising efforts to boost household spending. In one initiative this year, the government allocated 300 billion yuan, equivalent to around $42 billion, to expand a program that pays shoppers to trade in old vehicles or electronics for new ones. But while the program has boosted short-term economic activity, economists say it does little to rebalance a Chinese economy that has long favored manufacturing as a driver of growth. Economists and policy advisers have called on Beijing to address the deep-rooted impediments to consumption, including a threadbare social-welfare system that incentivizes households to save and a financial system geared toward channeling investment to manufacturing. Meanwhile, an epic property bust, slowing growth, deflation and high youth unemployment are all weighing on the economy and curtailing consumers' inclination to spend. The bid to rebalance the economy toward consumption is all the more urgent as a trade war with the U.S. pressures China's ability to export its way to strong growth. 'In the past, our finances mainly supported investing in projects. Now, we need to shift to investing in people," said Peng Sen, president of the China Society of Economic Reform, a state-affiliated think tank, at a recent economic forum. At Meidu Home Appliances, a multistory retail store in the center of the southern city of Haikou, a red billboard, banners and colorful streamers outside its entrance recently advertised deals on everything from TVs to air conditioners to refrigerators—all products eligible for the government incentives. Ma Dejun, a driver for ride-hailing app Didi, shopped for a new washing machine. He isn't earning much money from Didi these days, so the government subsidies are helping him make big-ticket purchases, he said. He also planned to buy a new electric scooter for around 3,000 yuan to take advantage of a subsidy for trading in his current three-year-old scooter. 'It motivates me to spend more," said Ma. The incentives helped push retail sales of household electric and video appliances up more than 40% year over year in recent months, while sales of communication appliances have jumped around 30%, according to government data. Retail sales of consumer goods have risen overall, though growth dipped in April. Household nominal consumption in the first quarter grew 5.2% year over year, compared with 4.5% in the fourth quarter. From January to April, more than 34 million consumers participated in the household appliances trade-in program, generating sales of 174.5 billion yuan, according to China's Commerce Ministry. 'Since the beginning of this year, policy initiatives have continued to yield results, with sales continuing to rebound, but the internal driving force for consumption needs to be strengthened further," a spokesperson for China's National Bureau of Statistics said last Monday. The subsidies only go so far. At Meidu, a shopper with the surname Ou said working-class Chinese like herself are hesitant to spend money because wages are low and income hasn't increased. She welcomed the incentives, but said that 'if your TV isn't broken, you won't buy a TV just because of the subsidy." She left the store without buying anything. Even in Haikou, which sits on the tropical island of Hainan known for its leisurely pace of life, parents were worried about their children's futures and others expressed concern about whether their adult children would get married. Local shopkeepers noted a slowdown in tourist activity. Wu Shansheng, a father of two who produces and sells surveillance equipment, said sales are down from last year, as customers seek cheaper alternatives online. Government departments, formerly major customers, are also in cost-cutting mode. Wu's products aren't eligible for subsidies, like those offered for electric vehicles and smartphones. In response, Wu has slashed prices, even if it cuts into his profits. Better to sell a little bit and make less, than get stuck with too much inventory, he said. 'Everyone feels like they don't have much money," said Wu. China earlier this year released a plan to expand domestic consumption, including raising wages, increasing pensions, creating incentives for childbirth and stabilizing the stock and property markets. But policymakers have provided few specifics on how the initiatives would be carried out. In the long run, transforming China into a consumption-focused economy would require far-reaching and costly reforms to build out its social safety net, boost incomes and restructure China's financial system to focus more on consumer finances and less on industrial investment, economists say. Thin social programs, such as health insurance, have driven Chinese people to save for rainy days. China's gross domestic savings were 44% of GDP in 2023, compared with 19% for the U.S. and 27% for the world, according to World Bank data. But rebalancing the economy toward consumption has been met with a lukewarm reception from Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Though he has made comments supporting efforts to boost consumption, Xi has given priority to manufacturing, especially in cutting-edge industries, and has resisted handouts to consumers, fearing they would lead to what he describes as 'welfarism." Xi during a recent visit to a factory in Henan province emphasized the importance of manufacturing and self-reliance to China's development, according to state news agency Xinhua. 'China has always adhered to the path of developing the real economy…which has proven to be the right path," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying. Grace Zhu contributed to this article. Write to Hannah Miao at
HKFP
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- HKFP
Hong Kong taxi trade demands tougher action as gov't warns ride-hailing services to obey the law
A group of Hong Kong taxi owners has petitioned for tougher action against ride-hailing services, as the government warns online platform operators to 'comply with the law.' Around 40 taxi owners gathered outside the government headquarters in Admiralty on Friday morning, submitting a petition they said was signed by more than 5,000 taxi license holders, according to local media reports. The move comes as the government was scheduled to meet on Friday with representatives of online ride-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Didi. 'The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) has expressed concern over the illegal hire car services provided by online car-hailing platforms,' the government said in a statement on Friday morning, ahead of the meeting. It added that 'their operations must comply with the law.' Ride-hailing apps operate in a grey area in the city, which requires vehicles offering hailing services to have a hire car permit. Private vehicle owners who sign up with online platforms to provide hailing services without a permit could be punished by up to six months in jail and a HK$10,000 fine for the first offence. Lam Chi-Chung, speaking on behalf of the taxi owners' group, told reporters outside the government headquarters that the taxi trade demanded swift action from the government to crack down on illegal ride-hailing services. He said the government had been talking about taking action for years, but there had been few results. 'At the end they [the government] only sent them [online ride-hailing platforms] letters, and it has been business as usual for all those platforms for many years,' he said in Cantonese. 'At full speed' The group is considering further action, such as launching a legal challenge against the government's handling of the matter, if the authorities do not respond swiftly to their demand, Lam said. 'There are some even more radical suggestions' floated within the group, he said. 'We have advised caution.' According to the Friday statement, the Transport and Logistics Bureau 'is pressing ahead at full speed' with a legislative proposal to regulate car-hailing platforms. However, it stopped short of revealing a timetable for the matter. The government said last year that it was studying to put in place regulations for ride-hailing platforms like Uber, including introducing a new licensing system. The bureau also met with 20 taxi industry representatives and lawmakers for around two hours on Thursday. Angela Lee, commissioner for transport, pledged after the meeting that the government would continue to crack down on illegal services and push for legislation to regulate online ride-hailing platforms, according to a government press release on Thursday.
