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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal Congress holds candle march
The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday took out a candle march on Thursday accusing the BJP of 'weakening democracy' and 'stealing votes' in various states. The protest was held as per the directions of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) (File) Led by HPCC president Pratibha Singh and deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri, the march began from Lower Bazaar and culminated at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on The Ridge. The protest was held under the slogan 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod' as per the directions of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Speaking to reporters, Pratibha Singh alleged that the BJP had 'stolen votes' in Karnataka and Maharashtra, disrespecting the people's mandate, and was now planning to replicate this 'game' in Bihar. She said that revelations by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on alleged vote theft in those states had not been satisfactorily addressed by the Election Commission. Singh announced that the party would hold rallies from August 22 to September 7 and a signature campaign from September 15 to October 15 across the country under the 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod' banner. Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri stressed the need for a digital voter list to ensure fair elections, calling Rahul Gandhi's demand 'entirely justified.' 'This is not a political issue but a commitment to uphold the Constitution, transparency, and public trust,' he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Bookings spike, traffic builds as long I-Day weekend travel kicks off
1 2 Pune: The three-day weekend, with Independence Day on Friday, has triggered a travel rush, increasing traffic on highways and boosting hotel bookings, with highway police deploying extra personnel to areas prone to bottlenecks, aiming to prevent massive traffic jams. Anticipating congestion, entrepreneur Pratibha Singh brought her Mumbai trip forward to Thursday, while Adhersh Nair also advanced his trip to Bengaluru, booking Thursday tickets to avoid weekend chaos. "I am visiting my brother who stays in Mumbai. Initially, I had planned to leave early on Friday, but opted for Thursday fearing traffic chaos on Friday morning," Singh said. Nair said he advanced his trip due to construction work on the route. "Besides, the ticket prices are higher for Friday," he said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune Expecting heavy traffic on Friday, SP Vikrant Deshmukh, highway safety patrol, Pune division, said, "We'll deploy staff and officers on major highways, including Pune-Mumbai Expressway, Pune-Kolhapur, Pune-Solapur, Pune-Nagar and Pune-Nashik, to manage congestion. We'll focus on areas like Khed-Shivapur, where road construction is causing bottlenecks, and Karad, where bridge work is under way. We'll rely on manpower to manage traffic, rather than using drones or other technology. " Deshmukh said some heavy duty cranes have also been deployed at Lonavla-Khandala section to shift vehicles in case of breakdown. "Our teams at Urse Toll Plaza and in the ghat section will tell the heavy vehicle drivers to use only left lanes for their movements. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to travel on the middle and right lanes," he said. IT professional and Baner resident Shantanu Raut altered his plan to visit friends in Mumbai for the long weekend after finding all intercity trains fully booked. "My friend suggested that I opt for a bus instead, departing Thursday evening, despite concerns about potential traffic jams on the Pune-Mumbai expressway," he said. City roads connecting the highways would also have a significant police presence to manage traffic and prevent congestion. Manoj Patil, additional commissioner of police in Pune, said leaves of almost all traffic police officers have been cancelled. "Additional personnel have been deployed on key routes out of Pune, including Singhad Road, Satara Road and Nagar Road, to manage traffic. Heavy rush is expected till Friday morning, while Sunday evening and Monday morning will focus on inbound traffic," Patil said. Rohini Patil, a Tilak Road resident, planned her family's Nashik trip well in advance, booking bus tickets ahead of time. "I just hope for a smooth journey, as the long weekend is a rare break for my husband's hectic work schedule. We just want to relax, but are bracing for potential traffic jams," she said. Mili Joseph, who stays on NIBM Road, said she and her husband were all set to spend the long weekend in Goa. "We booked airfares last month. Our plan is just to relax at a resort in north Goa," she said. Some residents decided to stay at home instead of travelling, anticipating the traffic and rainfall forecasts. "Weekends are usually packed, but this time it'll be worse. With rain and poor road conditions, driving will be a nightmare," businessman R Joglekar, who postponed his Shirdi trip to Tuesday, said. MTDC and hotel association officials said there's been a significant spike in bookings for hotels, resorts, and other rental accommodations around Pune. Deepak Harane, regional manager at Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), said, "Our properties in coastal areas like Ganpatiphule and Tarkarli are fully booked, with 95-100% occupancy. Monsoon spots like Malshej Ghat and Matheran are also nearly full, at 90-95%. Other popular destinations like Shirdi, Ajanta and Ellora are around 90% booked. The three-day weekend and school break have boosted travel, with coastal areas attracting Pune and Mumbai residents, while places like Ajanta and Ellora are drawing visitors from outside the state too." Dhiren Nagpal, secretary of the Mahabaleshwar Hotel Owners' Association, said bookings were high for Friday and Saturday. "It is a mixed crowd of people. Families are largely opting for traditional hotels and resorts, while groups and stags are preferring rental bungalows and similar accommodations," Nagpal added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress to meet in New Delhi to deliberate on party issues related to HP
Shimla: The Congress high command has scheduled a meeting on Aug 4 in Delhi to deliberate on various issues pertaining to Himachal Pradesh, including the reconstitution of the party organisation in the hill state. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the party's state president, Pratibha Singh, are already in Delhi. State ministers, former HP party presidents, and the senior Congress leadership in the state have also been called for the meeting. Revenue, horticulture, and tribal development minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday said the meeting would be held Monday afternoon and they were yet to get information about various agendas for the meeting. Negi said the meeting had been scheduled for Monday as the Congress party's office bearers in Delhi would also be available for the meeting. The faction-ridden Congress in Himachal Pradesh has not been able to reconstitute its state executive committee, which was dissolved in Nov 2024 by the party's national president, Mallikarjun Kharge, until now. Elections for the panchayati raj institutions in the state are also due in December. Additionally, one cabinet berth is still vacant in the state even as the state govt has completed two years and seven months in power. MSID:: 123061086 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kangana ‘not taking her job seriously': Pratibha Singh
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Pratibha Singh on Tuesday said the BJP MP from Mandi, , was "not taking her work seriously" and looking at the use of her language, the people of the Mandi parliamentary constituency were "regretting" electing her. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After paying homage to her husband and former chief minister Virbhadra Singh on his fourth death anniversary at the party's state headquarters, along with various Congress leaders and workers, Pratibha Singh told the mediapersons that Kangana should have immediately come to the help of the disaster-hit people of her constituency and shared their grief. The Congress state president, who was elected to the Lok Sabha thrice from Mandi, said the MPs get Rs 5 crore per year as the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund (MPLAD) and Kangana could very well use these funds to help the disaster-affected people of her constituency. She said Kangana should take up the issue of the monsoon disaster in Parliament and also meet the Prime Minister to urge him for help. During her visit to the disaster-affected areas of Mandi district, Kangana had said she neither had cabinet post nor funds for the disaster relief. But, she added that she would request the PM and help in getting funds from the central govt.
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Jai Hind Sabha is nationwide message of respect for our soldiers: Pratibha Singh
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 29 (ANI): The Congress party is organizing Jai Hind Sabha to honour and pay homage to soilders and armed forces. The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee is all set to hold honour the war veterans, families of martyrs and soilders. Speaking to ANI, Pratibha Singh, President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress, explained the national objective behind the event. 'After the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, a war-like situation emerged and many of our young soldiers lost their lives. The All India Congress Committee has decided to hold Jai Hind Sabha events across the country to honour them and to send a clear message of respect to our armed forces,' she said. 'We will honour all veterans and those who have served in previous wars. Rajni Patil and Ajay Maken are both attending this important event in Shimla. The purpose is to express our heartfelt gratitude and respect for those who have risked their lives for national security.' She added. Refuting any political motivation behind the programme, Singh clarified that this event would be purely to honour our armed forces. 'We have made no political statements. This is purely about honouring the brave hearts, be it from the Army, Indian Navel force or Air Force who have risked their lives to protect India. We salute them.' Singh said. 'Jai Hind Sabha is about nation, not politics,' she added further. In further comments to ANI, Chetan Chauhan reiterated that the purpose of the Jai Hind Sabha is not political. 'Shimla will witness participation from our AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken, Himachal Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, Chief Minister Sukhu, and state party chief Pratibha Singh, along with hundreds of Congress workers and ministers.' Chauhan said. He criticized the BJP for allegedly using national security for political gain. 'This is not the first time BJP has politicised a military operation. Be it Pulwama or Pahalgam, they have done nothing to ensure justice for the fallen soldiers. Now they're trying to use Operation Sindoor as a political tool, just like their earlier stunts like the 'Tiranga Yatra' or now sindoor distribution. Instead of clarifying the truth about the ceasefire and internal security, they are engaged in high-pitched political drama,' he alleged. 'Rahul Gandhi has rightly said a special parliamentary session should be held on these issues. But instead, BJP ministers make indecent remarks about brave officers like Colonel Qureshi and fan religious divisions,' he added. The Congress party, through this event and its statements, is clearly drawing a line between 'respect for the armed forces' and 'political opportunism on national security.' Chauhan added (ANI)
