‘So scared of book?’: Congress slams FIR over leak of ex-Army Chief Naravane’s unpublished memoir

Jaipur, April 2 (IANS) Rashtriya Loktantrik Party chief and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal on Thursday raised concerns in the Lok Sabha over the installation of smart meters, alleging that they are being imposed on consumers in several states, including Rajasthan.

Responding to his query, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the Centre has no such information.

Beniwal termed the rollout a step towards the “hidden privatisation” of the power sector and a violation of consumer rights.

He said there is widespread public resentment against smart meters and pointed out that under Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003, prepaid meters should be installed only on consumer request.

Despite this, he alleged, such meters are being forcibly installed, often to benefit private contractors.

He also sought details on states reporting increased complaints — such as faulty billing and abrupt disconnections — after installation of prepaid meters, and asked whether the Centre has an independent monitoring mechanism to prevent irregularities.

According to Beniwal, the government did not provide a clear response. He reiterated that smart meters should not be imposed on consumers.

During a discussion on the CAPF (General Administration) Bill, 2026, Beniwal raised several demands concerning paramilitary personnel and their families.

These included restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, representation of CAPF officers in the Pay Commission, granting ‘martyr’ status to personnel killed in the line of duty, GST exemption for canteens, and improvements in medical facilities, housing, education, and welfare infrastructure.

He also called for better promotion avenues for constables and head constables, and demanded reservation and support systems for families of martyred personnel.

Beniwal opposed the Agniveer scheme, calling for restoration of the traditional Army recruitment system.

Criticising the Bill, he alleged that it had been brought in without adequate consideration and would not stand the test of justice and fairness.

Paying tribute to CAPF personnel killed in terror and Naxal attacks, he said the forces play a crucial role in elections, internal security, and border management, but their rights must be fully protected.

–IANS

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Jaipur, Sep 13 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, on Saturday, has escalated the political storm over the alleged installation of extra cameras in the state Assembly, directly accusing Speaker Vasudev Devnani of committing a “serious crime”.

Speaking to the media at the State Congress headquarters, Gehlot alleged that two additional cameras were installed in the House and their control system was placed in the Speaker’s chamber.

“Only he (Rajasthan Assembly Speaker) or his private secretary can see it. This is a very big crime and a serious matter. It should be investigated. What right does the Speaker have to install cameras on the Opposition side and monitor what they are talking about?” he asked.

The former Chief Minister also objected to the Speaker Devnani’s recent remarks about State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, where the Assembly Speaker reportedly questioned Dotasra’s eligibility as an MLA.

“Telling an honourable member that he is not fit to be an MLA, and that too in his absence? What right does the Speaker have? You cannot make such statements by convening a debate in the House,” Gehlot said, adding that informal conversations during House adjournments cannot be treated as official proceedings.

The former Chief Minister stressed that the installation of additional cameras and their funding must be thoroughly investigated.

“The Governor should get it probed. The House should know why these cameras were installed and who paid for them,” he said.

Turning to electoral concerns, Gehlot alleged that “vote theft” has become a widespread issue.

“The news has reached every village that elections are being won by stealing votes. This is dangerous for democracy. The Election Commission’s foremost duty is to conduct free and fair polls. Even at the time of Partition, elections were held without resources, but people trusted the process. Today, the conduct of the top officials of the Commission itself is being questioned,” he remarked.

Gehlot urged citizens to join the Congress’ campaign against alleged vote theft to “save their right to vote and protect democracy”.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, June 20 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, on Saturday strongly condemned the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly’s resolution opposing the Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project, asserting that no one can deprive Karnataka of its legitimate rights over the waters of the Cauvery river.

In a statement, Vijayendra said the unilateral resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly was highly condemnable and ran contrary to the spirit of India’s federal structure.

He maintained that the Mekedatu project was Karnataka’s rightful initiative aimed at the optimal utilisation of the state’s allocated share of Cauvery water while addressing the drinking water needs of Bengaluru and several surrounding districts.

“The unnecessary political interference and adamant attitude of the neighbouring state on this issue are strongly opposed by us,” he said.

Emphasising Karnataka’s commitment to safeguarding its interests, Vijayendra said there could be no compromise when it came to the state’s land, water and language.

He accused the Tamil Nadu government of repeatedly using the Cauvery issue for political gains and urged it to stop exploiting the matter for electoral purposes.

The BJP leader said his party was prepared to undertake any level of struggle to protect the interests of farmers and ensure the drinking water rights of Kannadigas.

He reiterated that the Mekedatu project was essential for the state’s future water security and should not be obstructed by political considerations.

Vijayendra also targeted the state government, alleging that the party was adopting a double standard on the issue.

He pointed out that while the government in Karnataka claimed to support the state’s fight for Cauvery rights, the Congress was also a partner in the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu.

“This is not only a display of the Congress party’s double standards but also a betrayal of the people of Karnataka,” he alleged.

The BJP state president further said Karnataka should wage a united, non-partisan struggle on the issue of water rights. While asserting that the BJP did not wish to politicise the matter, he claimed that the Congress had consistently adopted an anti-Karnataka stance on issues concerning the state’s interests.

He also said that historical mistakes relating to Karnataka’s interests should not be repeated and called upon all political parties to stand together in defending the state’s rights over the Cauvery waters.

–IANS

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