BJP fields Morpal Suman for Anta bypoll in Rajasthan, triangular contest likely

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Jaipur, Oct 17 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Morpal Suman, the head of the Baran Panchayat Samiti, as its candidate for the upcoming Anta Assembly bypoll in Rajasthan.

Morpal, a local leader with a low-profile image, is considered a close aide of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

He belongs to the Saini community, which plays a significant role in the constituency’s caste equation — a key factor in the BJP’s selection process.

After prolonged internal deliberations, party leaders reached a consensus on Morpal’s candidature. While Prabhulal Saini was also in the race for the ticket, the BJP eventually chose Morpal, aligning with feedback suggesting that fielding a Saini community candidate would be crucial in Anta’s political dynamics.

The Anta seat fell vacant in May after sitting MLA Kanwarlal Meena, a staunch Vasundhara Raje supporter, was disqualified following his conviction in a 20-year-old case involving threatening an SDM with a pistol. By law, elections must be held within six months of a seat falling vacant.

The Congress party has fielded Pramod Jain Bhaya, a former minister, while Naresh Meena has entered the fray as an Independent candidate, setting the stage for a triangular contest.

According to the final electoral roll published on October 1, the Anta Assembly constituency has a total of 2,26,227 voters, including 1,15,982 men, 1,10,241 women, and four others. A total of 1,336 new voters were added during the recent voter list revision campaign. Anta has an overall electorate of 2.27 lakh.

Since the BJP came to power, by-elections have been held in seven Assembly seats.

The BJP won five, while Congress secured only one, marking a significant decline from the four seats it previously held.

The BJP’s wins include Khinvsar, Deoli-Uniyara, Jhunjhunu, Ramgarh, and Salumbar, while the Congress was reduced to just one seat. Hanuman Beniwal’s RLP also suffered losses. Though the outcome of the Anta by-election won’t affect the stability of the state government, it holds symbolic importance.

A BJP win will be projected as a public endorsement of the government’s performance, while a loss could offer the opposition ammunition to question the ruling party’s popularity and governance.

–IANS

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Rajasthan Guv holds security meet, interacts with border village residents

Jaipur, March 8 (IANS) Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde visited the ancient Shaktipeeth Maa Tanot Rai temple along the India-Pakistan border on Friday, offering prayers for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

A high-level internal security coordination meeting was held at the Border Security Force (BSF) auditorium in the Tanot Mata temple complex under Governor Bagde’s chairmanship.

Senior BSF officials and district administration representatives attended the meeting.

The Governor highlighted the importance of developing a robust internal security system and improving infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, and other essential facilities in border areas.

He stressed that while vigilance on the nation’s borders is crucial, ensuring an effective internal security mechanism is equally important.

During the meeting, the Governor reviewed the status of Pakistani displaced persons, anti-smuggling operations, action against illegal drug trafficking, and measures to counter cyber crimes.

He directed officials to take prompt action in accordance with regulations and called for stringent measures against drug smugglers while focusing on preventing drug addiction among youth.

Governor Bagde visited the Government Higher Secondary School in the border village of Ranau, where he addressed local residents.

He praised Rajasthan as a land of brave warriors and acknowledged the vital role played by border residents in safeguarding the nation.

During his interaction, the Governor gathered feedback from villagers regarding essential amenities such as water, electricity, and healthcare services.

He specifically inquired about housing facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and instructed officials to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive approval for housing under the scheme.

The Governor also engaged with students to assess their educational progress and encouraged them to pursue excellence in academics.

Governor Bagde’s visit reinforced the commitment to border security, the welfare of soldiers, and the development of border villages, strengthening the state’s internal security framework and infrastructure.

He also described the Tanot Mata temple as a symbol of unwavering faith and valour, particularly for the soldiers stationed there to protect the nation under challenging conditions.

During his visit, the BSF felicitated Governor Bagde with a guard of honour at the Vijay Stambh within the Tanot Mata complex.

The Governor paid tribute to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the memorial.

BSF Deputy Inspector General (North), Yogendra Singh Rathore, welcomed the Governor and presented him with a picture of Tanot Mata.

Later, Governor Bagde visited the Bawalianwala post along the International Border, where he met and interacted with BSF personnel.

Commending their dedication and sacrifice, he acknowledged that the nation’s citizens sleep peacefully due to the courage of these brave soldiers.

Expressing his admiration, the Governor shared that being among the soldiers filled him with renewed energy and that this moment would always be memorable for him.

He also offered fruits and sweets to the BSF personnel as a token of respect and appreciation.

The Governor lauded the BSF as the country’s first line of defence, recognising their unwavering vigilance and commitment to national security.

He emphasised that the security forces remains ever-prepared to respond to any challenges and that the entire country takes pride in the dedication of BSF personnel who protect the borders under extreme conditions.

–IANS

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CM Fadnavis meets PM Modi, discusses key issues related to Maharashtra

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed various key issues including Gadchiroli Mining Hub, Nagpur Airport and Finance Commission funds for local bodies among others.

Amid steps taken by the Maharashtra government in the steel sector in Gadchiroli, which is now emerging as the “Steel City” of the country, the Chief Minister sought the Central government’s support in developing Gadchiroli as a mining hub.

He also discussed key matters related to Nagpur Airport and sought the Centre’s assistance in resolving pending issues, ensuring the project’s smooth execution. Additionally, the disbursement of funds to local self-governing bodies under the 15th Finance Commission was also a major topic of discussion.

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On this occasion, an Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), modeled after IIT, will also be established in Mumbai, with financial support Rs 400 crore from the central government.

Meanwhile, the chief minister on Thursday attended a first session of the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit – WAVES 2025, aimed at elevating India’s media and entertainment industry to international levels.

CM Fadnavis announced that “The Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) will be set up in Mumbai’s Film City, Goregaon, to position the city as a global creative hub. The Central Government has pledged Rs 400 crore for this project.

This project will not be limited to Maharashtra but will become a milestone for India’s creative technology sector. IICT will not just be an educational institution but a leading center driving innovation in the creative technology industry. It will elevate India to the global stage in this domain.

He further stated that like IIT Bombay, this institution will serve as a premier center for creative technology education and research in India. The Maharashtra government has allocated land for this project in Goregaon Film City.

“Mumbai is already the heart of Bollywood and the entertainment industry. However, this new institute will provide India’s creative industry with a world-class platform. Just as Davos is crucial for the financial sector, this institute will create a global brand for the creative technology sector,” said the chief minister.

According to him, the WAVES 2025 summit will serve as a major platform for professionals in broadcasting, film, animation, gaming, digital media, music, advertising, and social media.

According to the government release, Maharashtra has played a key role in India’s creative economy, contributing significantly to film, television, digital content, animation, and gaming.

Mumbai hosts prestigious institutions like Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Filmistan Studios, Mehboob Studios, and the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII).

With over 100 countries expected to participate, WAVES 2025 will provide a unique opportunity for Indian and international media representatives to collaborate, discuss emerging technologies, policies, and investment opportunities.

Mumbai is India’s financial and entertainment capital, making it the ideal host for WAVES 2025.

The conference, scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025, will drive growth in media, technology, and cultural sectors, giving global industry leaders a platform to shape the future of entertainment. The global media and entertainment industry is rapidly expanding, with a projected market value of $2.96 trillion by 2024. India’s industry is expected to reach $50 billion by 2029, with over 60 OTT platforms expanding internationally, reads the government release.

CM Fadnavis emphasised that India is emerging as a key global player in digital media and entertainment, and initiatives like IICT and WAVES 2025 will accelerate this growth.

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SC rejects Jharkhand govt’s appeal in case against Nishikant Dubey, Manoj Tiwari

Ranchi, Jan 21 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Jharkhand government’s appeal challenging the quashing of an FIR against BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Manoj Tiwari in a case involving alleged security rule violations at Deoghar Airport.

The FIR, lodged in relation to a private flight on August 31, 2022, accused the MPs of putting pressure on the officials to allow the aircraft to fly in the evening, allegedly breaching security protocols. The complaint was filed by DSP Suman Aman, responsible for security at the airport, at the Kunda police station in Deoghar district.

In response, Nishikant Dubey and others moved the Jharkhand High Court, which, on March 13, 2023, quashed the FIR against nine individuals, including Dubey, Manoj Tiwari, and Kapil Mishra. The High Court ruled that the investigation lacked prior approval required under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Nishikant Dubey and Manoj Tiwari argued that the Act provides for specialised authorities to investigate offences. They also challenged the invoking of IPC provisions when a specialised law covered the case.

The Jharkhand government subsequently moved the Supreme Court, arguing that no sanction was necessary to proceed with the investigation. However, the MPs’ counsel countered that such approval was mandatory, a position upheld by the High Court.

A Supreme Court bench reviewed the case and upheld the High Court’s decision, affirming the FIR’s quashing on Tuesday.

The court asked, “Where is the question of endangering the lives of others in this case? Nor is it a case of forced entry. He was just asking for permission to fly. He did not even intend to commit any crime.”

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