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UP CM Yogi Adityanath slams turncoats, says BJP will win 300-plus seats

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Launching a scathing attack on BJP turncoats, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the small-time leaders who ditched the saffron party are now struggling to secure seats.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Adityanath touched upon several issues, including his 80-20 remark, the Samajwadi Party’s poll promises, Jinnah and Hijab rows, and forming the government in the state with 300-plus seats.

He claimed that the saffron party will win 80 per cent of the seats in the state Assembly polls. “We are fighting the poll on the planks of nationalism, development and good governance,” he told IANS.

“Those who have left the party are finding it difficult to secure a seat. If these people had a mass base, then they should have fought from their traditional seats, like I am contesting. All of them are leaving their seats and running,” the chief minister said.

On the charge that the Yogi government takes action against criminals on the basis of their caste, the chief minister, in a veiled attack on the Samajwadi Party, asked: “Who has given tickets to professional criminals in Kairana, Rampur and Mau?”

Yogi claimed that SP is no longer Samajwadi, but it has become ‘mafiawadi’, ‘dangawadi’ and ‘parivaarwadi’ (the party which supports the mafia, riots and dynastic politics).

On SP promising free ration for five years, the chief minister told IANS: “Uttar Pradesh has not forgotten the misgovernance of SP. A food scam occurred during SP’s regime. At that time, rations meant for the poor were usurped by SP’s goons. When they could not distribute regular ration, how would they distribute it for free? People have seen SP’s work and its adventures. Now, nobody will be influenced by them.”

On SP promising money for the development of temples and maths, the chief minister said: “Saints of Ayodhya, people of the nation and ‘Ram bhakts’ (Ram devotees) have not forgotten the time when the SP regime ordered police firing on Kar Sevaks.

“The truth is that their party’s name is Samajwadi, but they are ‘dangawadi’ (provoking riots) and their mentality is ‘parivarwadi’ (dynastic). They don’t have holistic and inclusive thinking, so development, good governance and establishing the rule of law are like a daydream for them.”

When asked that opposition parties are teaming up to defeat the BJP, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also supporting them, Adityanath said that in 2019, the SP, BSP ansd RLD stitched an alliance but at that time too, the saffron party won 80 per cent seats. This time the alliance is not that big and people have also seen the work of the double engine government.”

When asked that though the BJP talks about ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ (inclusive growth for all), it has not given a ticket to any Muslim, the chief minister said that elections are based on the support and trust of people.

“Those who apply for a ticket are reviewed at the district and region levels and then their names are recommended to the high command. Those who are able to earn public trust are given tickets,” he pointed out.

When IANS asked him pointedly whether the BJP will get Muslim votes this time, the chief minister said: “The Prime Minister has played a major role in helping Muslim women get rid of malpractices such as triple talaq. Benefits of all welfare schemes under which gas connections are provided, PM Awaas Yojana and doubling rations are being extended to Muslim families too.

“Rising above caste and religion, people have voted for the BJP in the first two phases of the polls. The trend is continuing. At a few places, fanatics are trying to stop Muslim women from casting votes. The Election Commission should take cognisance of the matter.”

On the performance of SP, BSP and the Congress in the polls, the chief minister exuded confidence that the BJP will win 80 per cent of the seats, while the three opposition parties are engaged in a triangular contest for 20 per cent of the votes.

On the stray cattle nuisance, the chief minister pointed out that “5,500 cow shelters have been opened in the state”.

He added: “Stray cattle increased in the state as they give less milk. We are working on improving the breeds. In organic farming, cattle play an important role. The double-engine government will solve the problem. We will not let cattle go to slaughter houses and at the same time will not let stray cows harm what the farmers produce.”

On the Jinnah and Hijab rows gathering momentum just prior to elections, the chief minister said during his conversation with IANS that to divert people’s attention from good governance and development, SP made a ‘sick’ effort to honour Jinnah on the birth anniversary of the Iron Man Sardar Patel.

“It is an insult to the freedom fighters of the country,” the chief minister told IANS. “When we were discussing welfare schemes to be extended to the sugarcane farmers of the state, SP was busy glorifying Jinnah. When we were talking about rural development, they were talking about Pakistan. SP is making futile attempts to rake up such issues and divert people’s attention from the main issues, which are development and good governance.”

On the restoration of old-age pension, the chief minister said the new pension scheme has been introduced during SP’s tenure. In the eight years they spent ruling the state, they treated government employees unjustly. They did not submit the employees’ contribution and even did not open their accounts.

On the issue of power shortages, the chief minister recalled how their genesis could be dated back to the SP-led government. “It was in their regime that there was a power shortage and now they are promising people 300 free units,” the chief minister said. “People will not get influenced by them.”

He added: “Government employees know they got an opportunity to work with a government that’s transparent. Even during the Corona pandemic, their dearness allowance and transport allowance were not deducted. The employees are with the BJP.”

When asked if there’s anything for the middle class, the chief minister said: “Our strategy for the next five years is ready. We will provide free electricity by installing a solar panel on each tubewell. Common consumers are getting electricity at slashed rates.”

When it was pointed out that the people are not angry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, but with the public representatives of the party, the chief minister said: “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we have taken several important steps. In Uttar Pradesh, everyone is getting security and the benefits of development schemes, but we don’t believe in an appeasement policy.”

He added: “The government’s intentions are clear. The people have admired the government’s work. Public representatives who have done good work in their areas are getting people’s love, and those who could not live up to the expectations of common folk face their wrath.

“But the elections are being conducted to elect a government. In such circumstances, every seat is important and the BJP will get people’s love.”

On the ’80 versus 20′ remark, the chief minister said those who think positively, are nationalists and support welfare schemes come in the 80 per cent bracket, while those who like mafia rule, crime, anarchy and corruption come in the 20 per cent. He reiterated that the BJP is getting 80 per cent of the votes.

Replying to another question, he said the BJP was getting 80 per cent of the seats in the first two phases. People’s excitement shows that the BJP is getting their blessings. When the results are announced on March 10, the party will bag more than 300 seats.

The chief minister said that people are happy with the work done in the state relating to security, law and order, development, good governance, and public welfare schemes, and the unprecedented work in the field of respect for faith.

National News

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Slams BJP Over Infiltrator Issue In Jharkhand, Says ‘Ghuspetiya Andar Aa Rahe Aur Shah Sahab So Rahe’

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Jamtara (Jharkhand): As the BJP constantly evoked the issue of infiltration in Jharkhand, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday that the BJP is scaring everyone in the name of infiltrators and when there is their government in the Centre, why can’t they stop it?

Addressing a public rally in Jharkhand’s Jamtara, Kharge said, “They (BJP) are scaring us in the name of infiltrators. You are in the central government, you are the Prime Minister, you are the home minister, then from where did the infiltrators enter?”

“Ghuspetiya andar aa rahe aur Shah Sahab so rahe,” he added.

He further said that the BJP only knows how to divide.

“When you can stop our helicopters, why can’t you stop infiltrators? They don’t know how to run the government. They only know how to divide. They have raised the matter of infiltrators in the elections and they are making people afraid of this. People are being incited in this way. This won’t work. Now people have understood you,” Kharge added.

About The Chopper Issue

The Congress Chief further targeted the BJP after party MP Rahul Gandhi’s chopper was delayed on Friday and said that today, his chopper was also delayed.

“Rahul Gandhi also did meetings here. We don’t know what problem does BJP has with us. When we want to come our helicopter gets stopped. Yesterday Rahul Gandh’s helicopter was denied permission to fly. Today Shah was coming here so I was stopped today for 20 minutes. His path was different and my path was different. Modiji comes in every way of ours,” Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Congress President Targets BJP Star Campaigners In Jharkhand

Sharpening his attacks further, Kharge targeted BJP star campaigners in Jharkhand and said that they all have gathered like a “war” is going on.

“In Jharkhand helicopters are flying like vultures. Did they come when anyone was in need here.? Some Chief Minister from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, all have gathered like a war is going on. This is battle of democracy where people participate and leaders have no role,” he said.

Voting for the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections concluded on November 13, with voting taking place in 43 out of the state’s 81 seats.

Elections on the remaining 38 seats will be conducted on November 20. The counting will be held on November 23.

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International

PM Narendra Modi Departs For 5-Day Tour Of Nigeria, Brazil, & Guyana

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for his five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. He will be on his three-nation tour from November 16 to 21, where he will be attending the G20 Summit in Brazil.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit, PM Modi stated that he would be first visiting Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a focus on reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The Prime Minister will also be meeting with the Indian community in Nigeria during his visit. He will be there in the African nation from November 16 to 17.

“At the invitation of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi,” the statement read.

About PM Modi’s Visit To Brazil

Following this, he will be travelling to Brazil to attend the 19th G20 Summit as a member of the Troika. PM Modi stated that after India’s successful presidency in the G20 Summit last year, Brazil is expected to continue efforts to advance the Global South’s priorities. He will be there in the South American nation from November 18 to 19.

“In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful presidency elevated the G-20 to people’s G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders,” the statement added.

About PM Modi’s Visit To Guyana

In the final leg of the trip, PM Modi will be going to Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This marks the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years.

In addition, the Prime Minister will attend the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, where he will meet with leaders from the Caribbean nations to renew historical ties and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.

“My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of H.E. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture, and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy as I address their Parliament,” the statement read.

“During this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains,” it added.

During his visit to Guyana, PM Modi will receive the highest national award from the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Caribbean nation will bestow the Dominica Award of Honour, on PM Narendra Modi, in recognition of his contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the partnership between India and Dominica.

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National News

Manipur Observes Black Children’s Day To Protest Abduction Of Women And Children By Militants

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Guwahati: Students, the ruling BJP, and the Women and Child Commissions have all called for the release of six abducted members of a family, taken by militants on Thursday.

According to reports, the victims were kidnapped by members of the Kuki militant group at approximately 2:45 p.m. following a violent attack on CRPF personnel stationed in Jakuradhor Karong, Jiribam district. The missing individuals include an 8-year-old girl, two young boys, a 25-year-old woman, and two elderly women.

During the attack, the assailants also set fire to multiple Meitei homes and shops, resulting in the deaths of two elderly Meitei individuals.

In response, students across Manipur marked Children’s Day as “Black Children’s Day,” holding protests demanding the safe release of the kidnapped family members, including a 10-month-old infant. Protestors carried placards with messages such as, “No Children’s Day until the captured children are released,” “Black Children’s Day,” and “Mr. CM, we demand the release of the victims as a Children’s Day gift.” The crowd chanted slogans emphasizing the urgent need for the release of the abducted individuals.

A student protester expressed the collective grief, stating that celebrating Children’s Day felt hollow given the tragic situation. “We are all in shock and deeply saddened by this act of violence against innocent children and women. The government must take immediate steps to secure their release,” they stated.

The protest was organized by the student wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which also criticized the government for failing to secure the release of the hostages.

The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) jointly condemned the abduction of three minors and three women from Jiribam district on November 11, 2024. In a series of appeals, both commissions urged the immediate and safe release of the victims, highlighting the humanitarian urgency.

MSCW Chairperson Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang issued a statement expressing deep concern for the abducted civilians’ safety. “We strongly condemn the abduction and appeal for their immediate release on humanitarian grounds,” said Monsang. “Women and children must be spared from such violence, and their dignity and safety should be upheld under all circumstances.”

In a similar appeal, MCPCR Chairperson Keisam Pradipkumar condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Manipur BJP President Sharda Devi on Thursday also called for the immediate release of the abducted family members. She described the abduction of the three women and three children from Borobekra and Jakuradhor in Jiribam as “unfortunate” and demanded their release on humanitarian grounds.

“We demand the immediate release of the abducted six family members without harm, on humanitarian grounds. We, from the BJP, appeal to the armed miscreants for their release,” Sharda Devi stated during a press briefing at the BJP office.

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