India’s coal imports dip as domestic production rises

Patna, Dec 18 (IANS) Bihar BJP President and Revenue and Land Reforms Minister, Dilip Jaiswal, claimed the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a transformative initiative with significant benefits for the country.

He described the move as visionary and in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to strengthen democracy and promote national development.

Jaiswal stated that ‘One Nation, One Election’ is not just a historic move but a necessary step to stabilise governance and streamline the nation’s development process.

“Frequent elections hinder the pace of development due to the repeated implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). This disrupts administrative functioning and delays the execution of government schemes. Frequent elections cause significant financial burden and time expenditure. Conducting elections simultaneously across the country would save resources that could be redirected towards nation-building activities,” Jaiswal said.

The BJP leader said a unified election schedule would reduce the strain on government employees and security forces, ensuring continuity in administrative work.

Political parties and leaders could focus on developmental initiatives rather than being perpetually occupied with election campaigns, he said.

“The ‘One Nation, One Election’ approach could foster greater enthusiasm and sustain public confidence by streamlining the voting process and reducing electoral fatigue among citizens,” the BJP leader added.

Jaiswal urged all political parties to rise above their differences and unite in support of ‘One Nation, One Election’, emphasising that it is a step in the national interest rather than being a partisan agenda.

“I appeal to social organisations, citizens, and other stakeholders to rally behind this historic reform, recognising its potential to make India’s democracy more robust and effective,” he said.

According to Jaiswal, the initiative transcends mere political reform. By ensuring synchronised elections across the country, it aims to reduce inefficiencies in governance and create a more stable democratic framework.

He credited PM Modi for spearheading efforts to realise this goal, highlighting it as an integral part of a broader vision to build a strong and resilient democratic nation.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 11 (IANS) In a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma on Wednesday accused AAP of functioning as the “B team” of the BJP and reiterated that the Congress would contest the Delhi Assembly elections independently.

Sharma questioned AAP’s electoral performances in recent elections. “In Haryana, AAP garnered fewer votes than NOTA. Clearly, they should contest elections alone instead of meddling with the Congress’ prospects. AAP is behaving as the BJP’s B team. They are a big distraction. After such a dismal showing, they need to introspect on their strategy and purpose,” Sharma told IANS.

Sharma also expressed confidence in the Congress’ chances in Delhi. “We are fully prepared to fight the Delhi Assembly elections on our own. Our Nyay Yatra has just concluded, and the overwhelming response from the public has been highly encouraging. Delhi has deteriorated under AAP’s governance, and people are ready for change. This time, the Congress will emerge victorious and restore Delhi’s lost glory,” he added.

Kejriwal also said early on Wednesday that there was no possibility of any alliance with the Congress in the Delhi Assembly elections which are likely to be held early next year. “Aam Aadmi party will be fighting this election on its own strength in Delhi. There is no possibility of any alliance with congress,” he said in a post on X.

Kejriwal’s AAP has already released names of 31 candidates for the upcoming elections.

Sharma also launched a broadside against the BJP-led Central government and the Punjab government on the issues of unemployment and the rising drug menace in the state.

“The twin crises of unemployment and drug abuse have gripped Punjab. Our demand is clear — jobs, not drugs. Drug smuggling must be curbed, and youth need gainful employment opportunities. The Congress has been actively raising these issues across India. Yesterday, the Punjab Youth Congress staged a massive protest, and today, we are here to emphasize these concerns,” Sharma told IANS.

–IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 16 (IANS) As India and Bangladesh are marking the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas, a day that commemorates the historic victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, battle veterans and serving officers from both nations gather to reflect on the shared past, they speak with hope about the future, envisioning a stronger bond between their countries.

Talking to IANS, Wing Commander (Retired), D.J. Kler, reflected on the memories of the war: “Though 53 years have passed, but the memories are still fresh. We lost so many brave souls, and I lost many friends. Together, we helped create Bangladesh, liberated its people, and freed their women from terrible atrocities.

“Sadly, the situation there is dire today. Law and order are in shambles, and minorities, especially Hindus, are suffering. What crime have they committed? They are peaceful people, not terrorists, just ordinary citizens.”

He continued with words of respect for the visiting Bangladeshi delegation. “As per our tradition, guests are treated like gods. We will honour and protect them during their visit,” he said.

Major Rathindra Kumar Bhattacharya, a retired Indian officer, shared his feelings about the significance of this annual reunion.

“Every year, I return here. It feels like a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with friends and fellow veterans,” he said.

On the situation in Bangladesh, he remained optimistic: “This is a temporary phase. Give it six months, and things will improve. India will never engage in actions that would attract international pressure.”

From the Bangladeshi side, Major General Asim expressed his sentiments about the shared history.

“Our purpose is to celebrate the victory day for both our nations. It marks our liberation from Pakistan’s occupation force, with immense support from the Indian Army. We are commemorating this day together, which is a symbol of our enduring friendship. It is an occasion we must continue to build upon for a lasting relationship,” he said.

Major General Abdul Salam Chaudhuri (retired in 2009) from Bangladesh offered his perspective on the situation in his country, particularly regarding the treatment of minorities.

“There are vested interest groups who create false narratives for their own gain,” he remarked.

“The true story is far different, in my belief. The relationship between India and Bangladesh is strong and will last forever. If anyone doubts that, just look at how we are here together today,” he said.

Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16, honours India’s victory in the 13-day war of 1971, culminating in Pakistan’s surrender in Dhaka and the birth of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).

This day, marked by reflection and remembrance, also serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh.

This year, in a joint spirit of celebration, eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers have travelled to Dhaka for Bangladesh’s Victory Day events.

In return, eight distinguished ‘Mukti joddhas (freedom fighters)’ and two serving officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces have arrived in Kolkata to participate in the Vijay Diwas commemorations.

The mutual respect and camaraderie between these veterans are a hopeful sign of a bright future ahead for both nations.

–IANS

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