Category: SPECIAL

Pune Municipal polls: Shiv Sena candidate swallows aspirant’s ‘AB’ form; ticket chaos in NCP factions

Pune, Jan 1 (IANS) The upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections, being held after an eight-year gap, have sparked intense rivalry — not just between opposing parties, but within them. In a bizarre turn of events at the Sahakarnagar Regional Office, a Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate snatched and swallowed the ‘AB’ form of a fellow party member to eliminate internal competition.

The final deadline for filing nominations was December 30. With a surge in aspirants, the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP and Shiv Sena-Shinde) struggled to finalise seat-sharing until the eleventh hour. To ensure they didn’t miss the deadline, Shiv Sena leaders distributed ‘AB’ forms to multiple candidates across various constituencies, leading to a chaotic situation where two individuals claimed the same seat. The drama unfolded in Ward No. 36 (Sahakarnagar-Padmavati).

Initially, the Shiv Sena had fielded Machhindra Dhawale and issued him the official ‘AB’ form. However, the party later issued another ‘AB’ form to Uddhav Kamble, declaring him the official candidate. When Dhawale refused to withdraw his candidacy, Kamble allegedly grabbed Dhawale’s ‘AB’ form during the scrutiny process and swallowed it.

Assistant Returning Officer Manisha Bhutkar has registered a complaint against Uddhav Kamble for interfering with government work, and based on that, the police filed an offence. Sources said he has been taken into custody. Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, the confusion was not limited to the Shiv Sena alone. Both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are currently embroiled in a seat-sharing dispute despite a pre-poll alliance in Pune. While the NCP (Ajit Pawar) and NCP (Sharad Pawar) had initially agreed on a 125:40 seat-sharing formula, the actual distribution of forms tells a different story. NCP (Ajit Pawar) is reported to have issued over 165 ‘AB’ forms, and NCP (Sharad Pawar) approximately 90 ‘AB’ forms.

To prevent large-scale rebellion among aspirants, both NCP factions chose to distribute ‘AB’ forms directly at regional offices on the final day. However, this strategy backfired, resulting in multiple instances where both parties issued forms for the same seat, or a single faction issued forms to two different candidates for one ward.

Due to this internal “AB form chaos,” neither faction was able to release an official list of candidates by Wednesday.

While the leaders maintain they stuck to the agreed formula, the ground reality suggests that the number of nominations filed far exceeds the allotted quotas, leaving the alliance in a state of administrative confusion.

–IANS

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MNS announces first nominee for BMC polls; Yashwant Killedar to contest from Dadar

Mumbai, Dec 29 (IANS) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray on Monday formally kickstarted the party’s campaign for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections by announcing its first candidate.

Senior MNS leader and party spokesperson Yashwant Killedar has been handed the ‘AB form’ to contest from the Dadar (Shivaji Park) area, considered one of the party’s key strongholds. The AB form certifies a candidate as the authorised nominee of a political party.

The announcement comes amid heightened political activity in Mumbai, with major parties in the process of finalising seat-sharing arrangements for the civic polls. By issuing the AB form, the MNS leadership has indicated that the party is preparing to intensify its ground-level mobilisation in traditional Marathi-dominated pockets of the city.

Raj Thackeray’s decision follows the recent announcement of an alliance between the MNS and the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the BMC elections, a move aimed at consolidating Marathi votes in Mumbai. Killedar, a long-time MNS functionary, has been active in the Dadar-Mahim belt for several years and is considered a familiar face among local party workers.

Party sources said the early declaration of a candidate is intended to provide organisational clarity and allow workers to begin campaign activities well in advance. The Shivaji Park–Dadar region is regarded as the ideological cradle of both the undivided Shiv Sena and the MNS, and the contest in the area is expected to be keenly fought.

The seat is likely to witness a multi-cornered contest involving the MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) and candidates backed by the Mahayuti alliance.

Reacting to his nomination, Killedar expressed confidence and said the local electorate had consistently supported Raj Thackeray’s vision. He said the focus would be on addressing civic infrastructure issues while safeguarding the cultural identity of the area.

With its first candidate announced, the MNS is expected to unveil its full list for the 227-member civic body in phases over the coming days. Political observers believe the party could play a decisive role in several wards by influencing vote shares, particularly in Marathi-speaking localities.

Meanwhile, senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said the upcoming BMC elections were a battle for the “existence” of the Marathi community and alleged attempts to weaken Maharashtra’s hold over Mumbai.

Speaking to reporters, Nandgaonkar said that while elections are a recurring democratic exercise, the BMC polls assume larger significance for the state and the Marathi people. He alleged that there was a conspiracy to detach Mumbai from Maharashtra, calling it a matter of grave concern.

He urged voters to foil what he described as such designs and asserted that Mumbai must remain under the leadership of the ‘Marathi manoos’. He also pointed out that the MNS is contesting an alliance election after nearly two decades.

Calling for strict adherence to “alliance dharma”, Nandgaonkar asked party workers to extend full cooperation to candidates of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), including during the filing of nomination papers.

“Raj Thackeray has conveyed a clear message to the organisation to support every candidate of the alliance. All workers must participate actively to retain power in Mumbai,” he said.

On the distribution of party tickets, Nandgaonkar said AB forms were being issued from Rajgad, the MNS headquarters. He declined to specify the number of seats the party would contest, saying clarity would emerge once the nomination process is completed.

Acknowledging the possibility of dissatisfaction among workers due to seat-sharing, he said such situations arise in every alliance. However, he appealed to party members to remain united, stating that the alliance led by Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray would continue to fight future political battles together.

–IANS

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Loan goons: ED seizes 5 luxury cars, Rs 17 lakh of UAE-based kingpin

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) The ED seized five luxury cars, bank lockers and Rs 17 lakh in cash during raids at 10 locations in Delhi, Gurugram and Rohtak against a fugitive, UAE-based businessman involved in illegal extortion and coercive loan settlement of private financers, an official said on Monday.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Gurugram Zonal Office, conducted search operations on December 26 and 27 in connection with an ongoing money laundering case against Inderjit Singh Yadav, his accomplices, Apollo Green Energy Ltd and other associated entities/persons under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The money laundering investigation is scrutinising Yadav’s illegal extortion, coercive loan settlement of Private Financers, arms intimidation and earning commission from such illegal activities, the ED said in a statement.

The search operations also uncovered that a website/portal was developed and operated by Singh Yadav for loan settlement between corporate houses and private financers, it said.

It was revealed that various movable and immovable assets were acquired in the name of Yadav and his family members from the Proceeds of Crime, said the statement.

The ED initiated an investigation based on more than 15 FIRs registered/chargesheets filed by Haryana Police and UP Police under various Sections of Arms Act, 1959, BNS, 2023 and IPC, 1860 against Yadav and his associates.

In the FIRs, it has been alleged that Yadav, owner and key controller of Gem Records Entertainment Pvt Ltd (operating as ‘Gems Tunes’), is a known strongman involved in criminal activities like murder, extortion, coercive settlements of loans given by private financers, fraud, cheating, illegal land grabbing, and violent offences.

Yadav is wanted in various cases of the Haryana Police and is currently absconding and operating from the UAE, said the statement.

The ED investigation revealed that certain corporate houses, like Apollo Green Energy Ltd and others, allegedly borrow huge sums of money in cash from private financers based in Dighal village in Haryana’s Jhajjar district and issue post-dated cheques as security.

Investigation also revealed that Yadav acted as a strongman and enforcer, facilitating coercive settlement of these high-value private loan transactions and financial disputes running into hundreds of crores of rupees.

These settlements were allegedly executed through threats, intimidation, and the use of armed associates/local armed gangs with the involvement of organised crime syndicates operating from abroad, the ED said.

In this process of settlement, he allegedly earned hundreds of crores as commissions from these corporates, said the federal probe agency.

The income so generated by Yadav from these fraudulent ways running into crores was allegedly used for the acquisition of immovable properties, luxury cars and maintaining a luxurious life while declaring minimum income tax returns, said the ED.

The search operation resulted in seizure of five luxury cars, bank lockers, cash amounting to Rs 17 lakh, various incriminating documents, digital devices and digital data related to Yadav and his accomplices, said the statement.

–IANS

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Environment Minister welcomes SC order on Aravalli issue, reiterates govt’s commitment to save the hills 

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court order on the Aravalli issue and reiterated that the NDA government was committed to saving the hill range.

Hours after the three-judge bench of the apex court decided to stay its own order regarding the 100-metre height definition of the Aravallis, the Union Minister took to his X handle and said that the government was committed to the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range.

“I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range, and the formation of a new committee to study issues,” he said, hailing the apex court’s decision to review its order and resolve all ambiguities by forming a new expert panel.

He added that the government stands committed to extending all assistance sought from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC) in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range.

“As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regards to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases,” Bhupender Yadav said further in the post.

This comes days after the Centre announced a complete ban on mining in the Aravallis and directed the state governments concerned to impose a complete ban on granting new mining leases across the entire hill range.

In its order, the CJI Surya Kant-led bench mulled the constitution of a fresh, high-powered expert committee to holistically assess the recommendations of all earlier panels on the definition of the Aravalli range.

The proposed committee will examine whether regulated mining can be permitted in the 500-metre gaps between hills and, if so, what structural parameters would be required to ensure that ecological continuity is not compromised.

The Congress has also welcomed the SC’s directives for redefining the Aravallis and stated that the verdict offers a “flicker of hope” as the 100-metre definition would have opened the sprawling green cover in Delhi and adjoining states to abuse and misuse by mining mafias.

“It is a rejection of all the arguments that the Minister has been giving in favour of the redefinition,” party leader and former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

–IANS

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India’s hospital sector revenue to grow up to 20 pc in FY2027 from 18 pc in FY2026: Report

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) The business outlook for the Indian hospital industry remains positive, with its revenue expected to grow 18-20 per cent in FY2027, a report said on Monday.

According to the report by credit rating agency ICRA, the sector’s growth, based on a sample set of 11 leading listed hospital companies, is supported by sustained high occupancy and healthy average revenue per occupied bed (ARPOB).

In FY2026, the Indian hospital sector grew 16-18 per cent, reflecting expectations of continued robust operating metrics on the back of strong structural tailwinds.

“The performance of the Indian hospital industry is expected to remain strong in FY2026 on the back of healthy occupancy and ARPOB,” said Mythri Macherla, Vice President and Sector Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA.

“ICRA expects occupancy of its sample set companies to remain robust at 62-64 per cent in FY2026 (63.5 per cent in FY2025), while the ARPOB is expected to expand by 6-8 per cent,” she added.

This follows a strong first half, where the sample set witnessed a 16 per cent year-on-year revenue growth in H1 FY2026, supported by occupancy of 63.3 per cent and a 7.8 per cent increase in ARPOB, the report said.

The operating profit margin (OPM) in H1 FY2026 remained healthy at 23.7 per cent, aided by improved case mix and cost optimisation.

“Cost optimisation efforts along with an improving case and payor mix will support operating profit margin (OPM) of 22-24 per cent for the sample set companies in FY2026 (23.6 per cent in FY2025),” Macherla said.

ICRA noted that despite sizeable greenfield and brownfield expansions planned across metros, tier-II and tier-III cities, the credit profile of its sample set is projected to remain healthy, given the strong accrual expectations.

For the pharmaceutical sector, ICRA affirmed a ‘stable’ outlook for FY2026, projecting a 9-11 per cent revenue expansion for its sample set of companies.

“Revenues of ICRA’s sample set of Indian pharmaceutical companies are expected to grow by 9-11 per cent in FY2026,” said Macherla.

“This will be supported by healthy growth of 8-10 per cent in the domestic market and 15-17 per cent in the European markets, while pricing pressure on certain key drugs such as Lenalidomide will result in moderation in the growth in the US market to 4-6 per cent,” she added.

The operating profit margin (OPM) for the sample set is expected to remain stable at 24-25 per cent in FY2026, supported by healthy performance in key markets and stable raw material costs.

–IANS

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Ahead of ‘MGNREGA Bachao’ stir, Sandeep Dikshit named head of ‘Rachnatmak Congress’

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) The Congress on Monday appointed Sandeep Dikshit as the chairperson of ‘Rachnatmak Congress’, formerly known as the Outreach Cell, to engage with civil society, academics and activists on policy matters, including the rural jobs scheme.

All India Congress Committee General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, in a statement, announced the decision taken by National President Mallikarjun Kharge to appoint Dikshit to the key post.

“Congress President has appointed Sandeep Dikshit as the Chairperson of Rachnatmak Congress, formerly known as the Outreach Cell, with immediate effect,” said Venugopal.

“Rachnatmak Congress will function as a dedicated platform for engagement with civil society groups, domain experts, academics, activists, and issue-based collectives,” he said.

“Its primary mandate will be to facilitate meaningful interaction on a wide range of policy matters and social concerns, enabling the Congress party to benefit from diverse perspectives and ground-level insights,” said Venugopal.

Dikshit, 60, a two-time MP from East Delhi and son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, is known to be a vocal Congress leader who played a key role in the Parliamentary Standing Committee that drafted the MGNREGA Bill, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, after the 2012 Delhi and the Land Acquisition Bill.

His new assignment also holds significance, considering that Kharge has announced a nationwide agitation against the “dropping of MGNREGA” by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The new chief of the Rachnatmak Congress cell is also known for his experience in the field of development, public policy, farming and tribal communities.

Dikshit has worked on rural development and human development issues for almost two decades in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He also teaches Human Development and public policy in the private university in Sonepat, Haryana.

The party’s organisational appointment came at a time when the buzz for strengthening the party is getting louder.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh and MP Shashi Tharoor have both voiced the need for strengthening the party with discipline.

–IANS

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Congress lost mental balance over Digvijaya Singh’s RSS remark: BJP

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) As the Congress leader Digvijaya Singh landed in controversy after praising the BJP and its ideological parent – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that the grand old party has “lost its mental balance”.

The controversy erupted after Digvijaya Singh shared a black-and-white photograph on social media showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated on the ground while BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani sat on a chair in the background. Through the post, Singh acknowledged how the RSS shapes leadership within its organisation.

Speaking to IANS, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “The Congress party has lost its mental balance over Digvijaya Singh’s statement. The kind of comments made by Manickam Tagore about the RSS clearly reflect the ideological emptiness of the Congress. Manickam Tagore should be reminded that in cases like Afzal Guru, Yakub Memon, Burhan Wani, Batla House encounter, or Naxalites, the Congress sees martyrs and innocents, but when it comes to nationalist organisations, they see terrorists.”

Poonawalla further questioned the Congress leadership’s past actions and statements.

“Did former President Pranab Mukherjee visit the headquarters of a terrorist organisation or a nationalist organisation? When Jawaharlal Nehru invited the RSS to participate in Republic Day celebrations, was it a terrorist organisation that he invited? Mahatma Gandhi had also praised the RSS. Is Manickam Tagore more intelligent than these leaders?” he told IANS.

He alleged that insulting nationalist institutions and traditions has become the identity of the Congress.

“This is the same party that referred to ISIS as ‘Boko Haram,’ Sanatan Dharma as a ‘malaria disease,’ and the Sena as ‘sadak ka gunda.’ Insulting the Sena, Sanatan, and nationalist forces has become the Congress’ identity. Today, leaders like Manickam Tagore and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy oppose Digvijaya Singh’s statement, while Salman Khurshid supports him. This clearly shows that the Congress is divided,” Poonawalla said.

Commenting on the situation in Bangladesh, BJP spokesperson said it was unfortunate that attacks and killings had taken place not only against Hindus but also against Christians and members of the Scheduled Castes.

“The Indian government has clearly condemned these incidents and stated its position,” he said.

He also slammed the secular lobby for maintaining silence on Bangladesh violence but becoming activists and strong proponents of justice in Israel-Gaza conflict.

“There are people who raise funds for Gaza but shut their eyes to Dhaka. Leaders like Digvijaya Singh, Rashid Alvi, Sam Pitroda, and Husain Dalwai compare India with Bangladesh, justify atrocities there, and claim such incidents occur because minorities are attacked in India. These are the same people who opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Their real face has now come to the fore,” he said.

–IANS

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Govt gives nod for buying military hardware worth Rs 79,000 crore to beef up armed forces

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Army, Navy and Air Force, amounting to a total of about Rs 79,000 crore.

“AoN was approved for the procurement of Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army,” according to an official statement.

Loiter Munition will be used for precision strike of tactical targets, whereas Low Level Light Weight Radars will detect and track small-size, low flying Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Long Range Guided Rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS for effective engagement of high value targets. Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II with enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in Tactical Battle Area and Hinterland.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack and for leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

The induction of BP Tugs will assist Naval ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined waters/harbor. The HF SDR will enhance long range secured communication during boarding and landing operations, whereas HALE RPAS will ensure continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and credible Maritime Domain Awareness over the Indian Ocean Region.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for procurement of Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Missiles, Full Mission Simulator and SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits, etc.

The induction of the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off. Astra Mk-II Missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large standoff range.

Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will augment pilots’ training in a cost effective and safe manner, while SPICE-1000 will enhance long-range precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force, the statement added.

–IANS

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HM Shah inaugurates Rs 227-crore redeveloped birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam

Guwahati, Dec 29 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the Rs 227-crore redeveloped Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in Assam’s Nagaon district.

He said that the teachings of Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva continue to guide India’s cultural and spiritual unity.

Addressing a large public gathering at Batadrava Than, HM Shah said the great saint’s ideals of harmony, inclusiveness and cultural renaissance remain deeply relevant even today. He praised the people of Assam for preserving their traditions and values despite historical challenges, and said Sankardeva’s philosophy played a vital role in shaping Assam’s civilisational identity.

The Home Minister, who arrived in Nagaon district earlier in the day, was accorded a warm and traditional welcome by local residents. After landing at Borduwa by helicopter from Guwahati, HM Shah was greeted with vibrant Assamese cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of the state.

Traditional Gayan-Bayan and Diha Naam performances were presented during the reception, drawing visible appreciation from the Home Minister, who was seen clapping along in rhythm as the devotional music echoed across the historic site.

The newly redeveloped Batadrava Than complex has been designed to preserve and promote the spiritual and cultural legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva while significantly improving facilities for devotees and visitors.

Officials said the project aims to transform the site into a major spiritual and cultural centre, strengthening religious tourism and cultural awareness.

Following the inauguration, HM Shah is scheduled to return to Guwahati, where he will pay homage to the martyrs of the Assam Movement at the newly constructed Swahid Smarak Kshetra. The memorial commemorates those who laid down their lives during the historic Anti-Foreigner Agitation.

Later in the day, the Home Minister will inaugurate a series of major infrastructure projects in the state capital, including the Rs 111-crore new building of the Guwahati Police Commissionerate and the Rs 189-crore Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS), aimed at strengthening urban policing and public safety.

HM Shah will also inaugurate the Rs 291-crore Jyoti Bishnu Cultural Complex in Guwahati, a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 5,000, which is expected to become a major hub for cultural and public events in the Northeast.

The Home Minister’s visit underlined the Centre’s focus on cultural heritage, security and infrastructure development in Assam.

–IANS

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Controversy over vacating of 10 Circular Road bungalow in Patna, JDU seeks clarification

Patna, Dec 29 (IANS) A political controversy has erupted in Bihar over the vacating of the government bungalow at 10 Circular Road in Patna, with the Janata Dal (United) raising serious questions about the manner in which the residence was vacated.

JDU MLC and party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar has written to the Building Construction Department, seeking a detailed inventory and assurance regarding the safety of all government property at the bungalow.

In his letter, Kumar has sought clarification on the status of various fixtures and fittings, including fans, air conditioners, bathroom fittings, taps, geysers, toilet commodes, as well as window and door curtains installed by the department.

Referring to media reports, the JDU leader claimed that the bungalow was allegedly vacated late at night and in the absence of Rabri Devi and her family. He also cited reports suggesting that flowerpots and plants were removed from the premises in a pickup truck, raising questions over accountability and authorization.

Kumar has sought clarification on whether the plants and flowerpots belonged to the Horticulture Department or were privately owned. He also questioned who permitted the entry of a pickup vehicle into the bungalow premises when the former Chief Minister and her family were not present.

The letter further notes that Rabri Devi and her family had been residing in the government bungalow since 2006, despite owning other large residential properties in Patna. During their stay, they allegedly availed of facilities equivalent to those provided to a cabinet minister.

Emphasising that government assets must be handed over in a safe and intact condition, Kumar said it was the responsibility of the occupants to return all department-provided items to the Building Construction Department.

Neeraj Kumar has also shared the letter along with a video message on the social media platform, appealing to the Building Construction Minister to personally monitor the entire process and ensure that all government property is handed over securely and remains in its original condition.

The issue has further sharpened the political debate over the vacating of the 10 Circular Road bungalow, adding a fresh dimension to the ongoing war of words between the ruling alliance and the opposition in Bihar.

–IANS

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