Tag: delhi

  • Ajay Maken, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Sandeep Dikshit: Congress Leaders Who First Accused Arvind Kejriwal In Liquor Policy Scam Are Now Rallying Behind Him |

    NEW DELHI: In a remarkable twist of political fate, the Congress party has undergone a notable transformation in its stance towards Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the excise policy case and his subsequent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), shifting from accusations to defence. This significant shift in the party’s position has unfolded against the backdrop of the ED’s action in the excise policy case and the recent sealing of a seat-sharing deal between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    Congress’ Allegations And Protests

    Just a year ago, key figures within the Congress party, including Ajay Maken, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Anil Chowdhary and Sandeep Dikshit, were at the forefront of accusing Arvind Kejriwal in connection to the liquor policy scandal that rocked Delhi in 2023. The party organized protests, demanding Kejriwal’s resignation on grounds of alleged corruption and obstructed investigations while he remained in power. Congress leaders had staged a protest led by Anil Chaudhary near the Aam Aadmi Party office, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the arrest of his deputy Manish Sisodia by the CBI. The party had said a fair probe would not be possible as long as Arvind Kejriwal remains in power. “The entire Delhi government is fully immersed in corruption. As long as Kejriwal remains in power, there will not be an independent probe in the liquor scam, and therefore, he should also submit his resignation,” Chaudhary said.

    The Congress party had also filed a formal complaint regarding what it termed as Kejriwal’s fraudulent liquor policy. AICC media cell chief Pawan Khera had claimed credit for initiating the probe, asserting that Congress pressure had compelled the BJP-led Centre to investigate the Delhi liquor scam.

    Congress’ U-Turn On The Issue

    However, in a surprising about-face, Congress is now rallying behind Arvind Kejriwal following his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the excise policy case. Congress Leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have criticized the arrest, branding it as ”unconstitutional and indicative of authoritarian tactics” aimed at stifling democracy. Rahul Gandhi even spoke against PM Narendra Modi after the arrest of Kejriwal and accused him of resorting to “dictatorial tactics” to destroy democracy in the country. He said that the opposition INDIA bloc will give a “befitting reply to this”.

    Delhi Congress President Arvinder Singh Lovely condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, attributing it to BJP’s political manoeuvring ahead of the upcoming elections. Highlighting the pattern of actions taken against Opposition leaders, including the seizure of Congress’ financial resources and the arrest of Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Lovely condemned the use of governmental agencies for political ends. “Congress will not be intimidated by these measures and will continue to fight the elections with vigour. As part of the INDIA alliance, we stand firmly with AAP and extend our full support,” he said.

    Sandeep Dikshit, who had previously accused Kejriwal, denounced the arrest as an assault on democratic principles. Dikshit lambasted the BJP, questioning the appropriateness of arresting individuals at their homes and linking such actions directly to the election period. Dikshit emphasized the abnormality of conducting raids at night and suggested that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could have simply summoned Kejriwal for questioning rather than arresting him, deeming the actions as an attack on democratic principles.

    Political Fallout Of Kejriwal’s Arrest

    The arrest of Kejriwal has injected fresh tension into the political arena, particularly as it coincides with the looming Lok Sabha elections. While AAP leaders have mobilized to challenge the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest, BJP leaders have staunchly defended the ED’s actions, framing them as necessary steps to combat alleged corruption. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva defended the ED’s actions, accusing Kejriwal of evading accountability in the liquor policy scam and engaging in “political theatrics.” Sachdeva expressed satisfaction over the arrest, asserting that it was a necessary outcome to counteract what he described as Kejriwal’s attempt to corrupt the youth with alcoholism.

    The BJP leadership has also rallied behind the ED’s decision to arrest Kejriwal, framing it as a just resolution in the face of alleged misconduct by the Delhi Chief Minister and his administration in the excise policy scandal.

    Delhi Excise Case Background

    Following a series of developments in the ongoing excise policy case, Kejriwal was produced before the Rouse Avenue court by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday. He was represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, which occurred on Thursday, was precipitated by the Delhi High Court’s denial of interim protection against coercive actions related to the excise policy case. This arrest followed Kejriwal’s repeated non-compliance with nine summonses issued by both the Enforcement Directorate and the Delhi High Court, the latter of which declined to grant him relief from potential coercive measures by the investigative agency.

    The crux of the case revolves around allegations of irregularities and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022, which was subsequently annulled. Kejriwal’s apprehension occurred amidst a broader investigation into financial improprieties linked to the now-defunct excise policy, with notable figures such as K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, also being ensnared in the probe.

    Preceding Kejriwal’s arrest, other prominent individuals involved in Delhi’s governance faced legal repercussions in connection to the same case. Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, while Sanjay Singh, a member of the Rajya Sabha, was arrested by the ED on October 5. Both Sisodia and Singh remain in judicial custody, further highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the legal ramifications surrounding the excise policy case.

    Importantly, Kejriwal’s arrest assumes added significance due to its timing in relation to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1. As the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the ramifications of these legal proceedings extend beyond the confines of the courtroom, influencing the broader discourse surrounding governance and accountability in Delhi.

    What Next For AAP?

    As the legal battle unfolds, with Kejriwal being produced before the court, the political landscape in Delhi remains charged with uncertainty. With key AAP leaders already in judicial custody in connection to the same case, the implications of Kejriwal’s arrest reverberate through the corridors of power, shaping the narrative ahead of the impending elections.

  • Rahul Gandhi Talks To Arvind Kejriwal’s Family Over Call, Likely To Meet Them Today: Sources |

    As per Zee News sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conversed with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s family over the phone, affirming his party’s support in every possible manner, following the arrest of the AAP leader by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a liquor policy case. Rahul plans to attempt a meeting with either Kejriwal or his family to provide additional legal aid, according to the source. 

    A group from the ED visited Kejriwal’s home on Thursday to question him about the liquor policy case. In a turn of events, Kejriwal was arrested during a search of his residence after failing to secure interim protection from the Delhi High Court and then taken to the ED’s headquarters. Following the arrest of the governing CM, AAP members and leaders showed solidarity with Kejriwal after his arrest, while leaders from the INDIA bloc also offered their support to the AAP leader. Meanwhile, BJP officials backed the ED’s measures against the Delhi Chief Minister, stressing the importance of truth prevailing. 

    Referring to the detention of two opposition chief ministers and the suspension of a bank account belonging to the Congress party, Atishi, a Delhi Minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, accused the BJP of attempting to win elections through undemocratic means. “…The BJP is murdering democracy. They’ve detained two opposition chief ministers (first Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, now Kejriwal) and blocked a party’s bank account. Is this the BJP’s strategy for winning elections?…Cease politicizing through the Enforcement Directorate, refrain from wielding it as a tool,” she stated. 

    Earlier, Delhi Minister Atishi through a ‘X’ post said that the party had moved to the Supreme Court and urged an urgent hearing. “We have moved the Supreme Court to quash the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself,” Atishi wrote. 

  • Israeli Embassy Blast: Delhi Police Suspects Chemical Explosion, Recovered A Letter, Say Sources |

    New Delhi:  In the aftermath of the recent blast near the Israel Embassy in Delhi, the Delhi Police Special Cell has gathered crucial information indicating a potential connection to an organized act of aggression. According to police sources, a one-page letter received by the authorities expressed significant anger towards Israel and contained ominous messages.

    The letter featured the phrase “Allah Hu Akbar” and made references to an organization, suggesting a potential motive rooted in ideological extremism. Furthermore, the letter boldly declared that “Jihad will continue,” heightening concerns about the nature of the incident.

    Delhi Police suspects that the blast may have been executed through a chemical explosion, as the forensic team did not find conventional explosive residue at the scene. The absence of typical explosive evidence has led investigators to consider the possibility of a chemical blast. The impact of such explosions often propels substances into the air, leaving behind little traditional trace.

    The incident’s authenticity gains credence from discovering a letter at the blast site. The letter, characterized by its vivid color and addressed to the Ambassador of the Israel Embassy, contained vulgar language and featured a drawn flag. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the police have sent the letter for forensic examination to gather potential fingerprints and additional evidence.

    As part of the ongoing investigation, multiple police teams are diligently reviewing CCTV footage from the entire area to identify any suspicious activities leading up to the incident. Authorities remain committed to unraveling the full extent of this incident and apprehending those responsible for the blast near the Israel Embassy.

    Following the incident, the Israeli National Security Council has released a travel advisory for Israeli citizens in India, advising caution and vigilance. Israeli nationals are cautioned to steer clear of crowded locations such as malls and markets, as well as places known to cater to Westerners, Jews, and Israelis. Additionally, heightened alertness is advised in public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and pubs. The advisory further recommends refraining from openly displaying Israeli symbols, avoiding attendance at unsecured large-scale events, and abstaining from publicizing itineraries, photographs, and real-time details of visits on social media.

  • Delhi: Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Graces BN Group Event; Scholarships For Girl Child Announced | Internet & Social Media News

    An exceptional event unfolded in Dwarka, Delhi, organized by BN Group to mark its 10th Foundation Day. Leading the proceedings, Ashima Aggarwal, a prominent member of BN Group, revealed the initiation of an annual scholarship for girl children in need, aimed at supporting their pursuit of quality education.

    The distinguished guest list included Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, overseeing Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. BN Group Chairman Ajay Kumar Agarwal, MD Anubhav Agarwal, and various other notable dignitaries actively participated in the event.

    The celebration involved presenting awards and making significant announcements, shedding light on BN Group’s diverse interests in FMCG, Edible Oil, Real Estate, Timber, and Specialty Chemicals. With a century-long legacy, the conglomerate remains committed to building a self-reliant nation through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.

    Addressing the audience, Anubhav Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of BN Group, shared, “As we commemorate a decade of accomplishments, our dedication to continuous growth and staying at the forefront of progress has intensified. Our vision for the future is anchored in sustainability, innovation, and the profound responsibility of contributing to the nation’s growth.” He extended his gratitude to internal and external stakeholders for their contributions.

    Chintan Ajay Kumar Shah, Director of BN Group, expressed appreciation for the company’s success, attributing it to team spirit. Chairman Ajay Aggarwal provided insights into the company’s CSR activities, highlighting a plantation drive to plant fifty thousand trees annually, having already planted a thousand in Agra, Noida, and Greater Noida.

  • PM Modi will attend the concluding program of Amrit Kalash Yatra in Delhi

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event here on October 31 which will mark the conclusion of the Amrit Kalash Yatra organized under the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. The Culture Ministry gave this information on Friday. The ministry said that Amrit Kalash pilgrims from 7,000 blocks of 766 districts will be present in the two-day program to be organized at Vijay Chowk and Dutva Path.

    • The ministry said in a statement that Prime Minister Modi will address the final program of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. The event will also see the launch of an autonomous body – My Youth India (MY Bharat) – which will help focus the government’s attention on youth-led development and make youth “active drivers” of development. “The objective of this autonomous body is to inspire youth to become community change agents and nation builders, thereby acting as ‘youth bridge’ between the government and citizens,” the ministry said.

    • It will also mark the culmination of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, a two-year-long campaign that began on March 12, 2021, to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence. It said that under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, more than two lakh programs have been organized across the country with enthusiastic public participation. For the final event of ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (MMMD), more than 20,000 Amrit Kalash Yatris from 36 states and union territories will participate in the two-day event to be held at Dutva Path and Vijay Chowk on October 30-31, the statement said. To participate in the program, people are reaching the national capital by October 29 by various means like special trains, buses and local transport.

    • According to this, these Amrit Kalash pilgrims will stay in two camps – Dhanchiri Camp in Gurugram, and Radha Soami Satsang Beas Camp in Delhi. The ministry said that on October 30, representatives of block and urban local bodies of all states will pour soil from their ‘Kalash’ into a huge ‘Amrit Kalash’, reflecting the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The ministry said that popular art forms of each state will be displayed during the ceremony of pouring soil into the Amrit Kalash. The program will start at 10.30 am and will continue till late evening.

    • The ministry said that there will be a public event with live cultural performances from 12 noon to 2 pm on October 31, which will be open to all. It said that at 4 pm, Prime Minister Modi will address the Amrit Kalash pilgrims and the nation and remember those brave men who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom and prosperity.

    • The statement said that in its first phase, the MMMD campaign was very successful, with more than 2.33 lakh Shilaphalakams created in 36 states and union territories, nearly four crore Panch Pran Pratigya selfies uploaded and more than two lakhs across the country. ‘Vandan to the Brave’ programs were organised. Additionally, more than 2.36 crore indigenous saplings have been planted and 2.63 lakh Amrit Vatikas have been created under the theme of Vasudha Vandan, the statement said.

    • The statement said that in the second phase, a plan was made to take Amrit Kalash Yatras to every house in the country. According to the statement, soil and rice grains were collected from more than six lakh villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas across India. It said the ‘soil’ collected from each village was mixed at the block level and then brought to the state capital, and with a ceremonial farewell, the Amrit Kalash was sent to the national capital along with thousands of pilgrims.

  • Delhi: Visa scam exposed! Seven people arrested, this is how they used to prey on people looking for jobs

    Delhi Visa Scam Case: Fake visa racket has been busted by Delhi Police. Special Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested 7 people in this case. While giving information, the police has also said that the leader of this gang is Enamul Haq who is a resident of Darbhanga, Bihar. According to the information received from the police, the main accused has done engineering and after completing his studies, he was defrauding the common people by running a fake visa racket. Besides, information has also come to light that he used to carry out this entire work while staying in Jamia area of ​​Delhi.

    Scam of sending a job to Dubai

    Taking action, Delhi Police arrested a total of 7 people and while addressing the media, it has been informed that the number of people trapped in their trap could be in thousands. Police said that most of the complainants in this case are from Kerala state. According to Delhi Police, this gang has so far defrauded around 1000 people by promising them jobs by sending them to Dubai.

    How were they executed?

    Giving information on this matter, CP Ravindra Yadav of Delhi Special Crime Branch said that these people used to open a front office in a good place like Vasant Kunj, Mahipalpur or Dwarka. Also, from platforms like Naukri.com, they were extracting data of people who had to work in Gulf countries. Those who believed him and answered his calls, he would call them with the promise of getting a job in Dubai and extort around Rs 60 thousand from each victim.

    Used to take people into confidence by getting tourist visas

    Police have also told that this gang first took the person into confidence by getting him a tourist visa and then after reaching Dubai, they used to take huge amount in installments by promising to get a work permit. Besides, information has also been received that their victims were mostly people from Kerala and South India. Who wanted to earn more money by going to Gulf country.

    According to the police, the accused have been identified as Inam-ul-Haq Ansari (32), Tabish Hashmi (26), Mohammad Tabrez Alam (26), Tariq Shams (26), Ekram Muzaffar (19), Shankar Kumar Shah (28) and Somraj. (26) Crime Branch Special Commissioner Ravindra Singh Yadav said, “These swindlers used to call the victims on behalf of different companies. He had registered these companies on the basis of fake documents. These people used to lure the victims by sending emails and calling, saying that the information uploaded by them was suitable for a job in a Gulf country.”

    They used to demand money in the name of medical examination, documentation and consultation fees. Police said that after duping more than 100 people, they used to close their fake companies and later vacate the offices. During investigation, police arrested Ansari from Zakir Nagar. The Special Commissioner said that later his associates were also arrested. Police said that eight laptops, 12 mobile phones, 110 passports, bill books, letterheads of various fake companies, nine stamp pads, two QR code scanners, 11 check books and two passbooks of different banks were recovered from the accused.

  • Uber completes 10 years in India, more than 3 billion rides

    Uber, which provides cab services through the app, has completed 10 years of its business in the country. The company has made more than three billion trips. Recently, Uber also completed 40 million green kilometers. This is the total figure of all its zero emission trips. Uber competes with Ola in the country. According to a media report, the company has launched Uber Scholar to help the children of its driver partners in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru as a celebration of its 10 years in the country. In this, tuition fees and online devices will be provided to 1,000 children from primary education to post graduation. The company honored 100 of its driver partners for their contribution in an event held in 10 cities. The children of these driver partners have been given e-learning devices. Prabhjeet Singh, President, India and South Asia, Uber, said, “Celebrating 10 years of the company is incomplete without our drivers. For us, it’s not just about looking back at our collective achievements, but also about giving back to the communities we serve. It’s also about the people with whom we are connected.” Uber has done 3,300 crore kilometers of trips during the completion of 10 years of its business. For this, the company has thanked more than 30 lakh driver partners associated with its app. The company claims that this number is equivalent to filling the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat 30 times. Driver partners associated with the company have earned an income of more than Rs 50,000 crore during this period. Uber’s app is available in 125 cities of the country. A few months ago, the company had signed a big deal with Tata Motors related to environment friendly transportation. Under this, 25,000 XPRES-T electric vehicles of Tata Motors will be supplied to Uber. Uber will use these electric sedans in its premium category service. The batteries of XPRES–T are 26 kWh and 25.5 kWh. It can be charged from 0-80 percent using fast charging in 59 minutes and 110 minutes respectively.

  • Strictness increased on Ola and Uber, bike taxis will be confiscated

    Companies like Ola and Uber, which provide bike taxi services through apps, may face difficulties if they continue this service in the capital. Delhi government has said that if these companies do not follow the court order banning bike tax, then their bike taxis will be confiscated. The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Delhi government’s ban on bike taxis. This was a shock to Uber who had appealed to the court to continue this service. The Delhi government had argued in the court that bike taxis violate city laws as they do not have a license for this service. Uber said that due to this ban, its riders will lose their livelihood. Ashish Kundra, principal secretary and transport commissioner of the Delhi government, told Reuters that these companies should focus on the safety of passengers instead of chasing profits. He said, “We will issue an advisory to these companies asking them to comply with the court order. If they do not do so, we will start seizing the vehicles.” Uber and Ola did not respond to requests for comment. Both these companies were offering bike taxi service through their apps on Tuesday also. The Supreme Court had stayed the High Court order in which these bike taxi operators were allowed to continue service in Delhi. The High Court had directed the Delhi government not to take any action against these firms until a new policy is made. The vacation bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal had stayed the High Court’s May 26 order. Along with this, the information of Delhi Government’s lawyer about giving notification of the final policy before the end of July was recorded. Two separate petitions were being heard in the Supreme Court. These petitions were to challenge the High Court order of May 26 of the AAP Aadmi Party government in Delhi. Last week, the court had sought answers from the central government in this regard. The Delhi government had approved the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme last month. In this, cab aggregators and delivery service providers were regulated in the capital.

  • ‘Scam worth crores, BJP’s attack on Baghel government; Said-deception with the people of Chhattisgarh

    BJP leader and spokesperson in Delhi Sambit Patra held a press conference on Tuesday and fiercely attacked the Congress and the Chhattisgarh government. BJP spokesperson said that Congress is working together with Naxalites. Accusing the state government, Sambit Patra said that the state government is stopping the schemes of the central government. He said that the government is playing tricks on the public by stopping the welfare schemes of the Centre. The BJP leader further said that Congress was standing against the anti-conversion law. Congress has betrayed the people of the state. He said that the public will show the mirror to Congress in the coming elections.

    Targeting the Baghel government fiercely, Sambit Patra has accused the Baghel government of running a scam of Rs 600 crore. At the same time, he said that Congress is working together with Naxalites in Chhattisgarh. He blocked central schemes in Chhattisgarh. Congress stood against the anti-conversion law.

    He has betrayed the people of Chhattisgarh. He further said that I have to say with great sadness that lakhs of farmers were registered from Chhattisgarh but they could not be verified. Today, Chhattisgarh is deprived of Rs. 6,000 per year from Narendra Modi’s Kisan Samman Nidhi. How the money did not reach the Annadata has been done by Congress.

    Taking a dig at the Bhupesh Baghel government, Sambit Patra said, “The ‘thug government’ of the Congress in Chhattisgarh has deprived lakhs of farmers of the Rs 6,000 they get under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.” Sambit Patra further said, ‘There have been scams worth crores of rupees in Chhattisgarh under the Congress government. Under the Congress government in the state, mining mafia and criminals have been given a free hand. Where is the cess collected during Covid?

    No action has been taken in many cases of sexual harassment under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh. BJP leader Sambit Patra further said that Congress was standing against the anti-conversion law. Congress has betrayed the people of the state. BJP leader Patra said that the people will show the mirror to Congress in the coming elections.

  • Video: BJP MP fainted during group photo session in Parliament, now he is completely fine

    Video: BJP MP fainted during group photo session in Parliament, now he is completely fine

    BJP MP fainted during photo session in Parliament

    Today is the last day in the old Parliament Building. Before leaving the Parliament House which preserves 75 years of parliamentary history, a photo session was going on there. PM Narendra Modi and MPs were also present in this photo session. During this time something happened there that everyone became worried. Actually, during the group photo session of MPs, BJP MP Narhari Amin fainted. Stopping the photo session midway, everyone started looking at them. He was brought back to consciousness by sprinkling water. However, now he is fine and is part of the photo session. This information has been given by news agency ANI.

    BJP MP fainted during photo session

    MP Narhari Amin is completely fine now

    Narhari Amin is a BJP MP from Gujarat. He was also present in the Parliament House to participate in the photo session but suddenly he fainted. As soon as his condition improved, he participated in the photo session again. In fact, today we will say goodbye to the Parliament House built 96 years ago and enter the new Parliament House. Before leaving the old Parliament building, a photo session of all the MPs was done there. Meanwhile, BJP MPs from Gujarat fainted. After the photo session, MPs from both the houses have gathered in the Central Hall. At 11 am, all the MPs will enter the new Parliament building with PM Narendra Modi. The moment of leaving the old Parliament will be quite emotional.

    Entry into the new Parliament building will take place today

    On the special occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, work will start in the new Parliament House from today, September 19. This was announced during a special session in the Old Parliament House on 18 September. Let us tell you that the special session of Parliament, which will last for five days, has started from Monday. Today is the second day of the special session and today is also the day to say goodbye to the old Parliament and move to the new Parliament. PM Modi became very emotional while addressing the old Parliament yesterday. He remembered the old Prime Ministers of the country and also mentioned the parliamentary journey of 75 years.

    Also read- 6 gates have been built for entry and exit in the new Parliament House, each gate has its own importance; Know details here