Agartala, Jan 10: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths on Friday conducted raids in Tripura and searched the residence of a police official and premises of several people allegedly involved in drug peddling and money laundering cases, sources said.

The sources said that the ED officials conducted the raids and examined documents and various papers of the persons allegedly involved in the drug business and money laundering.

These raids were mainly conducted in various places of three districts –West Tripura, South Tripura and Sepahijala.

Around 250 security personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans, assisted the ED teams during the raids.

However, the ED has not given official confirmation about the findings of the raids.

According to the sources, the raids were conducted at the offices and residences of several key persons, who run the cross-border rackets from behind and so far remained untouched by the law enforcing agencies.

The ED teams reportedly scrutinise documents, digital evidence and other materials that could provide leads in dismantling the suspected nexus involving drug traffickers and financial offenders.

Though Tripura has become the most important producer of Ganja (marijuana) and a corridor for synthetic drugs like highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, this is the first time in Tripura that such major raids were conducted by the Central agency against the key drug players.

“In Agartala, the ED raided the houses of several illegal drug traders who have been doing the business engaging unemployed and smart semi-educated youths,” the sources said.

According to sources, the ED identified seven persons, including Dhruba Majumdar, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Tripura Police, in the drug peddling racket. Majumdar is presently posted at the Crime Branch section under the office of the Superintendent of Police, South Tripura district and a resident at Baikhora.

According to the sources, some officials of Tripura Gramin Bank were also involved in the drug trafficking racket with some money trails linked to that bank.

The ED sleuths also summoned some Tripura Gramin Bank officials and questioned them early on Friday.

Meanwhile, just before the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections, the ED conducted raids in different places of West Tripura and Sepahijala districts as part of their investigation relating to drug trafficking cases and seized documents on bank deposits worth Rs 2 crore.

New Delhi, Jan 10: In a candid and insightful conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath in his first-ever podcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of youth participation in politics and said that they should take the political plunge but with a spirit of dedication and sacrifice.

The podcast trailer was shared by PM Modi himself on his X handle.

“I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!” PM Modi wrote.

In an extensive two-hour discussion in his first podcast, PM Modi spoke on issues ranging from his early years, education, setbacks and risk management abilities. He also reflected on life principles that define successful political careers, urging young individuals to approach politics with a spirit of “sacrifice and dedication, rather than ambition alone.”

PM Modi underscored that being a politician is different from succeeding in politics, explaining that true success requires commitment, empathy, and the ability to work as a team.

“Winning people’s hearts and living their lives with them is what makes a good leader,” he said.

Prime Minister further said that it is “crucial for good people to join politics with a mission, not for personal ambitions”.

When asked about young people joining politics, he said, “India requires one lakh dedicated young politicians, driven by a selfless desire to serve the nation”.

He also recalled his statement from the Red Fort, reiterating that India needs one lakh young leaders who prioritise the country’s well-being over personal ambition.

“I said from the Red Fort that the nation needs one lakh such youth to come into politics. I think if the aim is just to take, achieve, and become, then that ambition won’t last long. In politics, the aim is sacrifice,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi also highlighted the qualities that define great leaders which include empathy, hard work, and communication skills. Drawing a parallel with Mahatma Gandhi, he explained how the leader’s principles inspired others, despite Gandhi himself not wearing a cap while many of his followers did.

PM Modi stressed the importance of unity and selflessness.

“During the independence revolution, every section of society united for the love of the nation. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were not defined by appearances or age but by principles and dedication to the country,” he remarked.

Citing an example of Ashok Bhatt, a party worker and minister, PM Modi praised his dedication, recalling how Bhatt would answer calls in half ring at any hour and personally address issues, for accident-prone roads in Vadodara. This selfless commitment, he noted, exemplifies the tough yet fulfilling nature of political life.

PM Modi also shared personal anecdotes, recalling how he left home at a young age and lost contact with childhood friends.

“After becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat, I invited about 35 of his former classmates, teachers, relatives, (in separate meetings) after leaving home in young age at the official residence to reconnect and catch up with them,” he told Kamath, underlining that such gathering kept him grounded and humble.

Nikhil Kamath also lauded PM Modi’s vision and expressed hope that the podcast would motivate young people to view politics as a ‘meaningful’ career path.

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi citing “credible” sources claimed on Friday that the BJP has decided to project its leader Ramesh Bidhuri as the party’s chief ministerial candidate for the assembly polls.

The chief minister said this was Bidhuri’s “reward” for being the “most abusive” leader of his party.

Atishi is seeking re-election from the Kalkaji seat in the Delhi Assembly polls and is pitted against BJP’s Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba.

“It has been learnt from credible sources that the Gali Galauj Party has decided that the most abusive leader of the party Ramesh Bidhuri will become their chief ministerial candidate,” Atishi claimed in a press conference.

AAP leaders, including party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, have dubbed the BJP as “Gali Galauj” (abusive) Party due to its sustained attacks on them by the saffron party leaders, ahead of the assembly elections.

Bidhuri was recently embroiled in controversy over his remarks against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the Delhi CM. He said Atishi “changed her father” by changing her surname from “Marlena” to “Singh”.

Bidhuri also drew flak for his remarks on Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi. He said he would make roads in his constituency like “Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks”. Elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 5.