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Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq Fined ₹1.9 Crore For Electricity Theft

December 20, 2024, 7:47 am

Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rehman Barq, has been slapped with a hefty fine of ₹1.91 crore by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department for alleged electricity theft at his residence. The fine comes after the department discovered evidence of tampering with two electricity meters during an inspection on Thursday.

The Barq‘s house, which the family claims has had no electricity bill for the last six months, drew an inordinate amount of electricity without proper billing.

Meter Tampering and Unaccounted Power Consumption

It is found that the electrical load at Barq‘s residence far exceeded the approved 2 kW connection, the house actually drawing a 16.5 kW load. Though Barq‘s family had claims of using a 10 kW solar panel and a 5 kW generator, the new smart meters recently installed indicated a 5.5 kW power usage much higher than that reported. It was furtherrevealed in the inspection that several high-energy appliances including air conditioners, fridges, and LED lights are there that are responsible for the unreported load of 16,480 kW.
FIR is filed, and further investigation is being carried out.

Post its discovery, the Electricity Department lodged an FIR under Section 135 of the Anti-Power Theft Act. Zia Ur Rehman Barq, who happens to be the Chairman of the District Electricity Committee, too is in serious legal jeopardy. Another FIR has also been lodged against Barq‘s father, Mamluk Ur Rehman, who had allegedly threatened the department officials during his investigation and had attempted to obstruct their duties. Consequently, the MP’s electricity connection has been cut as the matter is being taken further.

Uttar Pradesh: Samajwadi Party to Raise Communal Tensions in Sambhal During Assembly’s Winter Session

December 15, 2024, 7:56 pm

Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly’s winter session, Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey announced that the Samajwadi Party (SP) would address the escalating communal tensions in the state, particularly focusing on the situation in Sambhal. Pandey emphasized the party’s commitment to holding the government accountable for any attempts to disrupt communal harmony.

Speaking to reporters, Pandey stated, “Tomorrow, we will give notice to the government regarding the communal incidents taking place and the efforts being made to disrupt harmony through riots. We will hold the government accountable for these incidents. Tomorrow is expected to witness significant uproar in the session.”

Responding to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks about the recent discovery of a temple in Sambhal, Pandey questioned the timing of the temple’s recognition. “The Chief Minister spoke, and he has the right to do so. But why has the temple only been found now? Was it excavated, or was it already there and only recently recognized?” he asked.

Pandey reiterated the Samajwadi Party’s commitment to fighting against all forms of injustice across communities, highlighting issues such as unemployment and farmers’ grievances. He urged the government to address pressing matters in Badaun and Sambhal instead of avoiding discussions on these critical issues.

Criticizing the government for deflecting attention from key problems, Pandey remarked, “The biggest issue in the country today is unemployment. Farmers are facing numerous challenges, and to divert attention from these, the government is engaging in distractions. Why is the government afraid to answer the concerns of a state with 25 crore people?”

Additionally, Pandey expressed the Samajwadi Party’s opposition to the idea of early elections, contrasting it with Mayawati’s support for the proposal.

Yogi questioned 46-year closure of a historic temple in Sambhal

In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath questioned the 46-year closure of a historic temple in Sambhal and the lack of justice for victims of alleged violence during that period. He accused previous governments of neglecting faith and heritage, asking, “Did the administration suddenly build such an ancient temple overnight? Why have the culprits responsible for the massacre in Sambhal 46 years ago not been punished?”

Adityanath also raised hypothetical questions regarding developments in Ayodhya, stating that the transformation of the city and the construction of the Ram temple have brought happiness to residents and devotees. He accused certain groups of opposing these changes, claiming they had inserted the word “secular” into the Constitution, undermining its essence.

The Chief Minister’s comments followed the rediscovery and reopening of a 400-year-old Lord Shiva and Hanuman temple in Sambhal, which had been closed since 1978. The temple was uncovered during an inspection related to encroachment and electricity theft, with officials announcing plans to restore it to its original structure.

With TMC, SP Staying Away, Congress Continues to Raise Adani Issue in Unique Style

December 9, 2024, 11:58 am

Even as Congress is trying to corner the government over the Adani issue despite Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party staying away, the grand old party on Monday again continued with its unique protest by making two of party MPs wearing the mask of the businessman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party staying away from the protest over Adani issue, the Congress along with the other INDIA bloc MPs tried to put pressure on the government.

On Monday, the Congress again came up with the unique idea by bringing the mask of Adani and Prime Minister Modi.

Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore and parry MP Sunil Kalge wore the masks of Adani and Modi.

Even as the party MPs staged protest over the Adani issue, Rahul Gandhi interviewed the two MPs where Tagore ca be heard replying in an indirect jibe at the Prime Minister that ‘whatever he says he follows’.

On Friday, the Congress MPs staged the protest in Paiament premises by wearing rhe dace masks with ‘Adani Modi ek hai, Adani safe hai’.

On Thursday, the Congress MPs brought the stickers with the same slogan and pasted it on their jackets or shirts in Parliament premises over the Adani issue.

The Congress has been raising the issue of Adani Group after fresh revelations in US.

The US court had earlier late last month indicted Adani group in a bribery scandal, a charge denied by the Adani Group.

A five-count criminal indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain with conspiracies to commit securities and wire fraud and substantive securities fraud for their roles in a multi-billion-dollar scheme to obtain funds from US investors and global financial institutions on the basis of false and misleading statements.

Prosecutors claimed that the indictment alleges schemes to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice.

SP Acting as ‘B-Team’: Aaditya Thackeray Criticizes Samajwadi Party’s Plan to Withdraw from Alliance

December 8, 2024, 3:24 pm

Tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance are escalating, with Aaditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizing the Maharashtra unit of the Samajwadi Party (SP) for its intention to withdraw from the coalition over alleged “Hindutva credentials.”

Thackeray emphasized that the Shiv Sena’s interpretation of Hindutva is inclusive, stating, “Our Hindutva is about ‘hriday mein Ram aur haath ko kaam’ (Ram in the heart and work in the hands)… Our Hindutva is about taking everyone together.”

While refraining from direct criticism of SP national leader Akhilesh Yadav, Thackeray accused the Maharashtra SP of acting as a “B-team” for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His comments came in response to Maharashtra SP chief Abu Azmi’s announcement to withdraw from the MVA, triggered by a controversial social media post from a Shiv Sena (UBT) legislative council member.

The post, shared by Milind Narvekar, featured an image of the Babri Masjid demolition alongside a quote from Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray expressing pride in the act. Azmi condemned the post, stating that the SP could no longer remain in the MVA, accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) of glorifying those responsible for the Babri Masjid demolition, which he described as a “criminal act” according to the Supreme Court.

Azmi further criticized the Shiv Sena for shifting its ideology

Azmi further criticized the Shiv Sena for shifting its ideology post-election losses, claiming that the MVA’s survival is at stake if such behavior continues. He noted that the SP had contested eight seats in the recent elections, winning only two, while alleging that the MVA fielded candidates against them in seven constituencies.

In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for the national leadership of the Samajwadi Party distanced the party from Azmi’s remarks, stating, “Abu Asim Azmi is a senior leader of the Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra, but decisions about the party’s alliances are made by the national leadership.”

This development occurs amid growing discord within the INDIA bloc on various issues, particularly following the Congress party’s poor performance in recent assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra.

After Trinamool Congress, now Samajwadi Party also snubs Congress on Adani issue

December 5, 2024, 5:18 pm

New Delhi, Dec 5: Days after snubbing from the Trinamool Congress over the Adani Group indictment issue in US, the INDIA bloc on Thursday once again was left red faced when Samajwadi Party also did not attend the protest to demand Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe on the issue.

On Monday, it was first the Trinamool Congress which did not join the meeting of the Indian National Developmental Incmusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc at the office of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the Leader of Opposotion in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s one point agenda to target the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

On Thursday, once again when the INDIA bloc partners led by Congress formed the human chain in Parliament premises demanding for a JPC, the Samajwadi Party members remained absent from the protest.

While Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal and several other leaders joined the protest and the Gandhi scion himself wearing a T-Shirt with ‘Adani and Modi ek hai, Adani safe hai’ written on the back of it.

The Congress leaders targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi closeness with businessman Gautam Adani.

The discontent among the INDIA bloc is growing day by day as after Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, it was the turn of Samajwadi Party to stay away from the protest targeting government over Adani issue.

The Trinamool Congress wanted to use the Winter Session of Parliament to raise issues related to public including — Inflation, unemployment, Manipur, Bangladesh issue among others.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party on Wednesday raised the issue of Sambhal in the Parliament.

Akhilesh Yadav himself led from the front on Wednesday and accused the BJP-led stare government of murdering the brotherhood in Uttar Pradesh and also alleged that the government was being run by the high headed officials.

However, none of the Samajwadi Party leaders commented on why it did not join the protest on Thursday in Parliament premises over Adani issue.

On Thursday, even Akhilesh Yadav was in Kanpur and he did not attend the Parliament session.

The Congress has been demanding that all business should be suspended for a discussion on the U.S. Department of Justice indictment against directors of Adani Green.

There is a sense among the INDIA bloc members that Rahul’s ‘obsession’ with Adani will lead to a washout of the Winter session of Parliament, giving the BJP-led NDA an easy route of not being held accountable in Parliament over issues that impact the masses.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi both took to X and slammed the government for not discussing the Adani issue in Parliament.

Priyanka Gandhi wrote, “People if country want that there should be discussion on Adani mega scam in Parloament. All partners.of INDIA bloc are demanding for a discussion on the issue in Parliament but Narendra Modi ad the government is regularly escaping from the debate. The way in which the Prime Minister is safeguarding Adani’s corruption is very surprising. Today participated with fellow MPs protest in Parliament premises over the issue.”

Even Rahul Gandhi took to X and wrote, “Modi adani are one and media will not show this truth.”

The Congress has been demanding for a JPC on the issue for last one year. The Congress once again reiterated it’s demand and mounted its pressure after the fresh report over Adani Group.

UP Bypolls: BJP Calls for Burqa Voter Verification, Samajwadi Party Alleges Police Misconduct

November 20, 2024, 3:51 pm

As nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh went to the polls for by-elections on Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on the Election Commission to ensure proper verification of voters wearing burqas. In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, BJP leader Akhilesh Kumar Awasthi claimed there have been instances of individuals abusing the practice by voting multiple times under the guise of veiled women.

“Some men have even worn burqas to vote, and there have been cases where such individuals were stopped by poll officials. If the identity of burqa-clad women is not thoroughly verified, it could lead to instances of fake voting,” Awasthi stated. He further emphasized the need for deploying an adequate number of women police officers at polling stations to carry out these checks.

Samajwadi Party Raises Concerns Over Police Actions

The Opposition Samajwadi Party (SP), on the other hand, accused police officials of checking voter IDs at polling stations, which they claimed is a violation of electoral norms. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav shared a video on social media showing two police officers asking voters for identification cards and demanded the Election Commission take immediate action.

“If the Election Commission exists, it must ensure that police officers do not check IDs, roads are not blocked, IDs are not seized, voters are not threatened, and the voting process is not slowed down or obstructed,” Yadav said in his post. He urged voters who were sent back without voting to return to the polling booths and cast their votes, promising that irregularities would be addressed promptly.

In response to the allegations, the Kanpur police announced that the officers involved in the incident had been suspended. During elections, state police come under the direct supervision of the Election Commission, which is tasked with maintaining impartiality and order.

Yadav also encouraged voters to report any further disruptions to polling officials or party representatives, urging them to vote “fearlessly.”

By-Elections Across Nine Key Seats

The by-elections are being held in nine Assembly constituencies, including Katehari, Karhal, Mirapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur, and Kundarki. These seats were vacated after their respective MLAs, including SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, won Lok Sabha seats in recent elections.

The bypolls are seen as a significant test for all major parties in the state, including the BJP, Samajwadi Party, and others, as they look to consolidate their positions ahead of the next state Assembly elections.

Uttar Pradesh By-Polls: No Voter IDs Shall Be Checked By Police, SP Chief Pleads Case With Chief Electoral Officer

November 19, 2024, 3:29 pm

Samajwadi Party Uttar Pradesh Chief Shyam Lal Pal on Tuesday wrote to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and urged that no police personnel should check the voter ID of any voter in the state by-polls scheduled on November 20.

In the letter, SP’s Shyam Lal Pal sought that a written order be issued to the Returning Officer, Returning Officer/District Magistrate, General Observer, and Police officials that “no police personnel will check the voter ID of any voter” on November 20 (the date of polling).

The letter stated that the right to check voter IDs lies with the Polling Officer.

The Samajwadi Party leader also alleged that during the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Police officials deployed at polling stations misused their power and position, and made SP supporters, especially Muslim women voters remove their veils, causing fear among the women.

“Many of them left the polling stations without casting their votes. A significant number of SP supporters returned without exercising their voting rights, which affected the election and led to a decline in voter turnout at polling stations,” he said.

Shyam Lal Pal also claimed that in the nine Legislative Assembly by-election constituencies, voter slips have not been distributed by BLOs (Booth Level Officers) in areas predominantly populated by SP supporters, particularly in Muslim communities.

“A large number of voters are unaware of their booth numbers and voter serial numbers, which is impacting the election. The 100 per cent distribution of voter slips must be ensured so that voters are not deprived of their right to vote.”

The SP leader, in his letter to UP CEO, alleged further that in the Karhal Legislative Assembly by-election constituency, BJP candidate Anujesh Pratap Singh is influencing the election.

“It must be ensured that the Election Commission assigns a videographer to record 100 per cent of Anujesh Pratap Singh’s movements at polling stations on election day to ensure a fair election,” the letter said.

Nine seats in Uttar Pradesh including Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari and Majhawan in Uttar Pradesh will go to voting on November 20 with results set to be declared on November 23.

“SP has become production house of criminals and mafia”: CM Yogi at Mirzapur

November 10, 2024, 6:53 pm

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) during an election rally in Mirzapur on Sunday, accusing the party of nurturing a culture of criminality. Speaking at the rally for the upcoming byelection in the Majhwan Assembly constituency, Adityanath alleged that the SP has become a “production house of criminals and mafia,” contributing to lawlessness and targeting the vulnerable sections of society.

‘Akhilesh Yadav is the CEO, Shivpal Yadav the Trainer’

The Chief Minister did not hold back in his criticism of the SP leadership, directly targeting its national president, Akhilesh Yadav, and senior leader Shivpal Yadav. “SP has become the production house of the mafia and criminals. Akhilesh Yadav is the CEO of these criminals, while Shivpal Yadav is their trainer,” Adityanath declared.

He further accused the SP of enabling mafia elements who exploit public resources and harm weaker segments of the population. “These mafia and criminals are there to usurp people’s wealth, harm the vulnerable, and violate the dignity of women,” he added.

Contrasting BJP and SP Rule

Adityanath contrasted the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh under the current BJP administration with that of the SP’s tenure. He claimed that under SP rule, criminals were given free rein, whereas the BJP government has restored law and order in the state.

The Chief Minister also criticized the current leadership of the SP for straying from the original values of the socialist movement that inspired the party’s formation. “The socialist movement was about ideals, led by figures like Jaya Prakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia. They stood for value-based politics and fought against corruption. But today, the Samajwadi Party has become an alliance of professional criminals and mafia. This is no longer a secret,” Adityanath said.

Yogi Adityanath took a swipe at the opposition INDIA alliance, which includes the SP and the Congress, accusing them of prioritizing family interests over public welfare. “They have no agenda for development. Their focus is on promoting their own families, not on the development of the state or the country,” he asserted.

He contrasted this with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which he claimed is committed to national development and progress. “While the BJP and NDA are dedicated to the country’s growth, the SP and Congress are misleading voters with false promises,” Adityanath added.

The byelections are set to take place on November 20 across nine Assembly constituencies, including Majhwan in Mirzapur, Sisamau in Kanpur, Katehri in Ambedkar Nagar, Kundarki in Moradabad, Ghaziabad in Ghaziabad district, Karhal in Mainpuri, Khair in Aligarh, Phulpur in Prayagraj, and Meerapur in Muzaffarnagar district. The vote counting will be conducted on November 23.

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Planning Bahraich Violence Ahead of Elections

October 21, 2024, 3:21 pm

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged on Monday that the recent communal violence in Bahraich was orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a strategy for the upcoming elections.

Yadav stated, “Whatever happened in Bahraich was planned by the BJP in view of the upcoming elections in the state.”

The unrest began following the death of Ram Gopal Mishra, a 22-year-old resident of Rehua Mansoor village, who was shot during a religious procession on October 13. The incident escalated into communal violence after a dispute over loud music played outside a place of worship in Maharajganj. This turmoil resulted in protests that saw shops, vehicles, and a hospital set ablaze, prompting the authorities to impose an internet shutdown for four days.

Legal and Administrative Actions

In the aftermath of Mishra’s death, authorities registered at least 11 FIRs in connection with the violence, involving around 1,000 individuals, including six named suspects. Two men accused of killing Mishra were shot in the leg by police during an encounter while allegedly attempting to flee to Nepal.

Following the unrest, a station house officer (SHO) and a police outpost in-charge were suspended. Additionally, Circle Officer Rupendra Gaur, Tehsildar Ravikant Dwivedi, and District Information Officer Ghulam Waris Siddiqui were removed from their positions.

In related developments, the Uttar Pradesh administration issued demolition notices to several individuals in the area. The Allahabad High Court has granted these individuals additional time to file their replies, with the next hearing scheduled for October 23.

Samajwadi Party unveils first list of six candidates for upcoming UP bypolls

October 10, 2024, 2:54 am

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, which are set to take place later this year alongside the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections. “The initial list includes six candidates name and the reat will be followed soon “ told SP leader.
SP’s national spokesperson, I.P. Singh, told The Daily Guardian that the party has announced the names of six candidates in its first list, with more to follow soon. Singh stated, “The Samajwadi Party is determined to defeat the BJP, and we wanted to give our candidates sufficient time to campaign, which is why we’ve announced our candidates ahead of other parties.” He also mentioned that the Congress and SP leadership are in discussions, and the seat announcements have been made with the principles of the alliance, or “gathbandhan dharm,” in mind. Singh expressed confidence in the party’s success, saying, “I am certain we will win all the seats. These are constituencies where we either won previously or finished in second place.” He emphasized the party’s respect for the alliance, noting that the top leadership will make the final decision on which remaining seats will be allocated to Congress
Among the candidates, Tej Pratap Yadav has been fielded from Karhal, Naseem Solanki from the Sisamau seat, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur (Prayagraj), Ajit Prasad from Milkipur (Ayodhya), Shobhawai Verma from Katehari, and Jyoti Bind from Majhwan.
By-elections will be held in 10 Assembly seats across the state: Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhwan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad). Nine of these seats, except Sisamau, became vacant after their MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha. The by-election in Sisamau is being held due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki following his conviction in a criminal case.
The SP, which is part of the INDIA bloc, has announced it will contest the bypolls in alliance with the Congress, similar to their collaboration in the Lok Sabha elections where they outperformed the BJP, securing 43 out of 80 seats. However, seat-sharing for the by-elections has not yet been finalized. Congress is reportedly demanding three seats from SP. In the 2022 elections, SP won five of the 10 seats now going to bypolls, while BJP won three, and RLD and NISHAD Party won one seat each.

Congress confident of going with INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party in UP bye-polls

October 4, 2024, 2:29 am

With bye polls for 10 assembly seats is yet to be announced, Congress has initiated its seat sharing talks with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and said that the grand old party will go with its INDIA bloc partner in the elections.
Speaking to the ITV network over the seat sharing discussion with the Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party in the politically crucial state, UP Congress incharge Avinash Pandey said, “In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party us an important ally partner of the INDIA bloc. And in Uttar Pradesh we would like to contest the bye polls in alliance strongly on all the 10 seats.” Pandey said that as far as Congress is concerned we are organizing programmes in all the 10 seats of the state and to strengthen the party we have planned protests on all the seats.
“Dates are yet to be announced, but we will finalise the seat sharing by seating together and will accept the decision of the alliance ambicly, which is good for everyone,” the Congress leader said. When asked if the Samajwadi Party is offering only two to three seats to the grand old party in the state, he said, “As a national party and as incharge of the party in the state, of every thing happens in respectable way for everyone. And we will have to ensure that, and if such situation arises, which I feel it won’t be happening as we willtry our level best to fight the elections in alliance.”
To another question if there will be friendly fight on fee seats like in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “I feel there is very low possibility of that.” Out of the 10 assembly seats, the Samajwadi Party had won on five seats. The seat sharing talks with the Congress are still in progress for the assembly by polls. It is expected that the bye polls will be conducted along with the assembly elections of Jharkhand and Maharashtra later this year.

When pointed out about his works to strengthen the Congress in the state, where the party managed to win six seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Pandey said, “The party state unit is raising the issues related to public in the state.

The party leaders and workers are now standing with the people, who have been victimised in the state and who have faced atrocities.” He further said that the people are now also taking the party’s programmes and it’s standnon several issues seriously and joining its programmes. The Congress contested on 17 seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections earlier this year and won on six seats while it’s alliance partner Samajwadi Party won on 37 seats. The BJP declined to 33 seats in the politically sensitive state.

Samajwadi Party’s Dimple Yadav Calls for Inquiry into Tirupati Prasadam Controversy

September 22, 2024, 7:13 pm

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav raised serious concerns on Sunday over reports of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, allegedly being used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. Yadav called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for scrutiny in cases involving food adulteration. “No cognizance is being taken about the adulteration in the common man’s food. An inquiry should be carried out into this sensitive matter,” she stated, noting similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, such as in Vrindavan.

Allegations Against the Previous Government

The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the tenure of the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district, is widely revered, and the allegations have caused a stir among devotees.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also demanded a fast-track inquiry into the alleged use of animal fat in the prasadam. He expressed concerns over the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer’s denial of the adulteration claims. “This kind of atmosphere is bad for the faith of crores of devotees. A fast-track inquiry should take place, and the strictest punishment to the guilty must be meted out,” Khera asserted.

Advocate Alleges “Attack on Hindu Sentiments”

Advocate K Karuna Sagar accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat in the Laddu Prasadam, describing it as a “conspiracy” against Hindu sentiments. “The Laddu Prasadam offered at Tirupati is world-famous for its divinity, sanctity, and quality. I was shocked and surprised after seeing the lab reports confirming that the low-quality ghee used contained beef, pork, and fish oil,” Sagar stated.

Political Allegations from Pawan Kalyan

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan claimed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board was altered for political gain under the previous YSRCP government, leading to various scams. He alleged that worship protocols were changed, and over 300 temples were desecrated during that period. Kalyan also mentioned that “contaminated” laddus were sent to Ayodhya from TTD during the YSRCP regime, raising questions about adherence to religious protocols.

Response from YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

In response to these allegations, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of “politicizing religious matters,” dismissing the claims made by the opposition parties.

The controversy has stirred significant concern among devotees and political leaders, with calls for an in-depth investigation into the matter to maintain the sanctity and quality of the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam.

Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes UP Govt Over Bulldozer Operations, Demands Apology

September 4, 2024, 3:45 pm

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday, questioning whether it would apologize for the controversial bulldozer operations carried out across the state. His comments followed a recent Supreme Court order that called for guidelines on the use of bulldozers on immovable properties by government authorities.

Speaking at a press conference, Yadav accused the UP government of using bulldozers as a tool for revenge and humiliation against specific individuals. “The government deliberately ran bulldozers on those they wanted to target or disgrace. The same people who used bulldozers to intimidate others by demolishing homes across various places—can they prove that the map of the Chief Minister’s residence was approved? Show us the documents,” Yadav challenged.

He further referenced the Supreme Court’s stance, questioning whether the government would now apologize for the bulldozer operations conducted so far. “Yesterday, the Supreme Court stated that bulldozers cannot be used arbitrarily. So, will the government apologize for the bulldozer operations that have been ongoing until now? As for the notion of mind and heart, I just want to point out that a bulldozer has no brain—it operates with a steering wheel. The people of Uttar Pradesh have the power to change the steering of anyone’s bulldozer,” Yadav added.

Yadav also took a jab at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s policy of renaming places in the state, suggesting that the Chief Minister should rename the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the “Bhartiya Jogi Party.” “Since so many names have been changed, the Chief Minister might as well change the name of the Bharatiya Janata Party too,” Yadav quipped.

Earlier, Yadav responded to CM Adityanath’s accusation that lawlessness was ingrained in the DNA of the Samajwadi Party. In a social media post, Yadav mockingly suggested that Adityanath should first understand the full form of ‘DNA’—Deoxyribonucleic acid—before making such claims. He further criticized the BJP for allegedly spending large sums to recruit MPs and MLAs, advising them to speak less if they wish to maintain respect.

This exchange of barbs between the SP chief and the UP CM follows Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on Tuesday, where he accused Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal Yadav of collecting “extortion” money for government jobs during their tenure. Adityanath also claimed that there had been no riots in Uttar Pradesh since his government came to power in 2017, attributing lawlessness and hooliganism to the DNA of the Samajwadi Party.

The accusations come amid reports that the DNA sample of former Samajwadi Party leader Nawab Singh Yadav matched those of a minor girl who was allegedly raped in Kannauj. The SP leader was arrested last month in connection with the case.

Samajwadi Party appoints election in-charges for Assembly by-polls

August 13, 2024, 8:52 am

The Samajwadi Party has designated election in-charges for six Assembly by-poll seats, signaling its intent to field its own candidates in these constituencies. Shivpal Singh Yadav, the National General Secretary of the party, has been appointed as the in-charge for the Kathari Assembly in Ambedkar Nagar. Awadhesh Prasad and Lal Bihari Yadav have been given responsibility for the Milkipur seat in Ayodhya. MP Virendra Singh will oversee the Majhawan Assembly in Mirzapur, while Chandradev Yadav, Indrajit Saroj, and Rajendra Kumar have been appointed in-charges for the Karhal Assembly in Mainpuri, Phulpur, and Seemamau, respectively.

This announcement, based on the list released by the Samajwadi Party, clearly indicates that the party plans to contest six out of the ten upcoming by-poll seats. Out of these ten Assembly seats, five were previously held by the Samajwadi Party, three by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and one each by the Rashtriya Lok Dal and Nishad Party, both of which are allied with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

By appointing experienced leaders to these key roles, the Samajwadi Party is preparing strategically for the upcoming by-polls, aiming to secure a significant number of victories in these crucial seats.

SP Leader Criticizes Centre Over Security Lapses in J&K

August 11, 2024, 4:11 pm

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ghanshyam Tiwari criticized the Centre on Sunday, alleging that security arrangements in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are not foolproof, thus failing to prevent terror attacks. His remarks followed the deaths of two army soldiers in an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag district, where two civilians were also injured.

Tiwari expressed concern over the ongoing sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, stating, “It is very sad that our soldiers are losing their lives and getting injured in encounters with terrorists. Security arrangements have not been made foolproof to prevent such attacks.” He urged the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, and Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, to take responsibility for the situation.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army continues its operation to track down terrorists in the Ahlan Gadool area of Kokernag, Anantnag district. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, paid tribute to Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, who were killed in the line of duty during the encounter.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), stated, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and All Ranks of Indian Army salute the supreme sacrifice of Bravehearts Hav Dipak Kumar Yadav & L/Nk Praveen Sharma, who laid down their lives in the line of duty in Anantnag, J&K.” The Indian Army extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

The encounter, which took place at an altitude of 10,000 feet, occurred during a joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF in the Kokernag area of Anantnag. Despite challenging terrain, security forces continued their operation against the terrorists.

Yogi Adityanath Slams Akhilesh Yadav’s SP: Claims ‘Jungle Raj’ Era Over In Uttar Pradesh

August 4, 2024, 7:34 pm

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a fresh attack on the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP), referring to it as a “jungle raj.” Speaking to a gathering in Kushinagar, Adityanath claimed that during SP’s rule, there was an “atmosphere of fear,” and people avoided traveling after sunset. He assured the audience that the region is now “free from terrorism, anarchy, and hooliganism” under his leadership.

VIDEO | “Because of the ‘jungle party’ (Samajwadi Party), there used to be an atmosphere of fear in this entire region, and people used to avoid travelling after sunset. However, terrorism, anarchy and hooliganism have ended in this region now,” says UP CM Yogi Adityanath… pic.twitter.com/Qf8TLNYrNU

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2024

“Because of the ‘jungle party’ (Samajwadi Party), there used to be an atmosphere of fear in this entire region, and people avoided traveling after sunset. However, terrorism, anarchy, and hooliganism have ended in this region now,” Adityanath stated, as reported by news agency PTI.

Controversy Over Ayodhya Rape Case

The remarks come amidst a heated exchange between leaders of the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the rape case of a minor girl in Ayodhya. On July 30, the police arrested Moid Khan, a bakery owner in Bhadarsa Nagar, Ayodhya district, and his employee, Raju Khan, in connection with the crime.

According to the police, Moid Khan and Raju Khan raped the girl two months ago and recorded the act. The incident came to light when the girl was discovered to be pregnant during a medical examination.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that Moid Khan is a member of the Samajwadi Party and part of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad’s team. In the UP assembly, Adityanath stated, “This is a case of Ayodhya. Moid Khan is from SP and is a member of the Ayodhya MP’s team. He has been found involved in the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The Samajwadi Party has not taken any action against him.”

Adityanath visited the girl’s family last week to offer support.

Demolition and Legal Action

On Saturday, the Ayodhya district administration demolished Khan’s bakery, which was illegally constructed over a pond, according to District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated on Sunday that the perpetrators of the Ayodhya rape case would face severe punishment, serving as a deterrent for future generations. Criticizing the Samajwadi Party, Pathak accused it of having hooliganism and anarchy ingrained in its DNA. In response, the Samajwadi Party called for DNA testing of the accused.

This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions in Uttar Pradesh as parties vie for control and influence in the state.

Akhilesh Yadav Slams Keshav Maurya; Deputy CM Responds

July 26, 2024, 7:02 pm

Samajwadi Party (SP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday took a jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged divide in the party’s Uttar Pradesh branch.

Yadav told reporters in Lucknow that he has heard that UP’s deputy chief minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya, is a “pawn”. Maurya, on the other hand, retaliated against Yadav for his remarks, labeling him a “Congress’ pawn”.

Yadav spoke with media after presenting a ‘Samvidhan-Manstambh’ at the SP headquarters in Lucknow. He also criticized the Yogi Adityanath administration on the subject of corruption in the state.

“The government used to claim that there is a zero-tolerance policy, especially on corruption and law and order. But now their leaders themselves are saying we have not seen such corruption in our political life,” Yadav said.

“Corruption is being exposed because some people have become pawns,” Yadav added, implying a schism within the BJP but not naming anyone.

“I heard that ‘Maurya ji mohre hain’, a password to Delhi’s Wi-Fi,” he added, hinting at Maurya’s closeness with the central BJP leadership.

आज हमने ‘संविधान-मानस्तंभ’ की स्थापना करके अपने ‘संविधान के संरक्षण और मान’ के अपने संकल्प की पूर्ति की है।

सामाजिक न्याय के हमारे आंदोलन में ये ‘संविधान-मानस्तंभ’ हमारे PDA के सिद्धांत-सूत्र के लिए ‘पीडीए-प्रकाशस्तंभ’ के रूप में हमारा मार्ग सदैव प्रकाशित और आलोकित करता रहेगा।… pic.twitter.com/sP46surt6Y

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 26, 2024

“Samajwadi Party leader Shree Akhilesh Yadav ji, who has become a pawn of the Congress, should focus on saving the SP from extinction rather than harbouring misconceptions about the BJP, targeting the backward sections and insulting them,” Maurya wrote on X.

Yogi Govt’s Order for All Eateries on Kanwar Route to Display Owners’ Names Sparks Criticism

July 20, 2024, 4:13 am

The political climate surrounding the Kanwar Yatra heated up on Friday after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that all eateries along the Yatra route in the state must display the owners’ names. This directive follows a similar order issued by the Muzaffarnagar Police on July 18.

Muzaffarnagar Police Directive

On Wednesday, Muzaffarnagar Police issued an order requiring eateries, including hotels, dhabas, and carts, along the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently display their owners’ names. This order aimed to avoid confusion and ensure transparency among the public, as stated by the Senior Superintendent of Police.

Opposition’s Reaction

The directive has faced substantial backlash from the Opposition, with leaders drawing stark comparisons to “Nazi Germany.” Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government for creating communal disharmony. Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi also condemned the order, calling it a “crime against the Constitution” and demanded its immediate withdrawal along with strict action against the responsible officials.

Additional Criticism

Leaders from the Janata Dal (United), part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, also voiced their concerns. KC Tyagi pointed out that a similar Kanwar Yatra in Bihar does not have such an order, suggesting that the UP directive contradicts Prime Minister Modi’s spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi warned against creating communal confusion, stating that such confusion is detrimental to any country, community, or humanity.

BJP’s Defense

Despite the criticism, the BJP defended the directive. UP Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal emphasized the necessity of the guidelines to maintain the sanctity of the Yatra, citing issues with non-vegetarian eateries during this period. He argued that the transparency created by these measures was essential.

Haridwar’s Similar Directive

In alignment with UP’s directive, Haridwar, governed by the BJP, issued a similar order for shops, restaurants, hotels, dhabas, and street vendors on the Kanwar Yatra route. Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobhal noted that disputes often arose due to the lack of proprietor names on shops. To address this, the Haridwar police would verify all establishments and push for the names of proprietors to be clearly displayed, with QR codes also mentioning the same.

This new directive and the ensuing political reactions highlight the ongoing tensions and varying perspectives on how to manage religious events and communal harmony in India.

Congress, SP alliance To Remain For Bye-Polls On 10 Seats In UP, Talks On

July 18, 2024, 7:23 pm

New Delhi, July 18: The Congress is all set to continue its alliance in Uttar Pradesh with Samajwadi Party for the bye polls on 10 assembly seats in the state, to keep the momentum going in favour of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc.

According to party leaders, the Congress will contest the bye-polls for 10 assembly seats, for which the dates will be announced in the coming days.

The party leader said that the Alliance between rhe two parties is still intact in the political crucial state, as it sends 80 MPs to Paiament in the Lok Sabha.

A party source, however, said that a meeting of senior party leaders, including state incharge Avinash Pandey, state unit chief Ajay Rai and district and block President’s of the assembly seats will take place on July 21.

After that meeting, the leaders will hold talks with the Samajwadi Party leaders to decide on number of seats which each party will contest, the source said.

However, a final stamp of the formula will be given during the meeting of senior leadership of Congress with the Samajwadi Party in the national capital during the budget session of Parliament commencing from July 22, the source added.

The byepoll, necessitated by the victory of sitting MLAs in Lok Sabha polls, in alliance.

The 10 Assembly seats which will go to polls, five were held by the SP, three by the BJP, one each by BJP allies RLD and NISHAD party.

Although the number of seats to be shared between the two is still unknown, the Congress is said to contest the seats which were held by the BJP and its allies, the source said.

The five seats that were held by SP includes Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Kundarki (Moradabad) and Sisamau (Kanpur).

The seat of Sisamau has been vacated by sitting SP MLA Irfan Solanki who has been disqualified owing to his conviction and a sentence of seven years in a criminal case.

Of them, Katehari has been vacated by SP MLA Lalji Verma who got elected to Lok Sabha from Ambedkar Nagar Lok Sabha seat.

Similarly, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav resigned from Karhal (Mainpuri) assembly seat after winning from Kannauj Lok Sabha seat.

The development comes in the wake of a magnificient comeback by the Samajwadi Party and Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in the state, where it made a massive dent in the seats of the BJP. The Congress won five seats out of 17 seats it contested in the state while the Samajwadi Party had won 37 seats.

The UP assembly had declared these 10 seats vacant between June 7 and 18 and the bypoll there will be held within six months from the date of vacancy.

The Election Commission may hold the bypoll there along with the election to assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra, later this year.

Yogi Adityanath Alleges Corruption in Pre-2017 Government Hiring by chacha-bhatija

July 11, 2024, 12:25 pm

During an event in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized leaders of the Samajwadi Party. He accused Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal Yadav of being involved in corrupt activities during government hiring processes before 2017. Yogi Adityanath referred to them as ‘uncle-nephew’ (chacha-bhatija) in his speech, alleging they didn’t follow fair practices during recruitments.

The Chief Minister made these claims while distributing appointment letters to 7,720 newly selected lekhpals through the UP-Subordinate Services Selection Commission. He emphasized the importance of fair hiring to maintain trust and ensure good governance.

Yogi Adityanath said, “The ‘uncle-nephew’ duo were involved in corruption before 2017 during government hiring.” He also mentioned that the state government is working to fill an additional 4,700 positions to strengthen administration in Uttar Pradesh.

These allegations have sparked political tensions in the state, with the Samajwadi Party expected to respond soon. The accusations come as Uttar Pradesh prepares for elections, making these claims and responses very important.

Yogi Adityanath’s comments show the growing tension between political opponents as the state prepares for upcoming challenges. Allegations of corruption in government hiring processes before 2017 bring up issues of how the state is run and who is responsible.

UP Hathras Stampede: Dimple Yadav Demands ‘Strict Action’, Blames Administration

July 2, 2024, 8:22 pm

In the wake of the tragic stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in the deaths of over 80 people and left many others injured, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav has called for stringent action and immediate aid for the victims. The incident occurred during a satsang conducted by the self-styled godman Narayan Sakaar Hari, also known as Bhole Baba.

Expressing her concerns, Dimple Yadav stated, “The Uttar Pradesh government must take the strictest action in response to this tragedy. Immediate help should be provided to those injured. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the cause of the stampede and why this accident happened. The responsibility for this incident lies entirely with the administration.”

#WATCH | On the Hathras stampede incident, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav says “…The Uttar Pradesh government should take the strictest action against this and the injured should be provided immediate help. There should be an investigation into this as to why this accident… pic.twitter.com/Spm3OZWAHt

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2024

Yadav further emphasized the importance of preparedness, noting, “It was the responsibility of both the government and the administration to ensure safety measures were in place. An ambulance should have been present at the site.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already directed officials to promptly reach the location and oversee relief efforts. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the Hathras Stampede, calls for accountability and improved safety protocols at large gatherings are growing louder.

Akhilesh Yadav Mocks CM Yogi With ‘Shayari’ On INDIA Bloc’s Win In Ayodhya

July 2, 2024, 5:54 pm

A ‘shayari’ used by Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav to mock Cheif Minister Yogi Adityanath in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly emerged in the Lok Sabha today.

Mr Yadav, now a MP from UP’s Kannauj, while speaking for Motion of Thanks to President’s address thanked people UP for Lok Sabha Poll results focusing on Faizabad Seat. Ayodhya, which was in main focus for Lok Sabha Elections is a part of Faizabad Seat. Samajwadi Party’s Awadhesh Prasad won the seat by a margin of over 50,000 votes.

During the Uttar Pradesh Assembly’s budget session, Mr Yadav stated that Mr Adityanath monitored all aspects of the Ram Temple’s inauguration but did not receive a red carpet welcome because the whole focus was on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He then recited a shayari, which meant that the person who organized the occasion received no attention. “Huzoor e ala khamosh baithe isi gham mein, mehfil lut le gaya koi jab sajai thi humne,” he had said.

MP of Kannauj revived the shayari today and took a swipe at the BJP for losing the Faizabad seat despite the Ram Temple in its election campaign.

The ‘shayari’ attrated loud cheers from the Opposition as Mr Yadav went on to say that the poll result in Faizabad showed the “political understanding of the mature Indian voter”.

Akhilesh Yadav Touted As ‘Future PM’ In Lucknow Ahead Of Birthday

June 29, 2024, 12:03 pm

Just ahead of his July 1 birthday, posters proclaiming Akhilesh Yadav as the “future Prime Minister” of India have emerged outside the Samajwadi Party’s Lucknow office. These posters, featuring the Kannauj MP, highlight the party’s significant moment following its successful performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The visuals, shared by ANI, showcase the large poster, which party members installed to celebrate their leader’s birthday and their electoral accomplishments. The Samajwadi Party secured an impressive 37 out of 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh. Their ally, the Congress, won six seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed 33 seats. The remaining seats were divided among BJP’s partners, with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) winning two and the Apna Dal (S) securing one. Akhilesh Yadav himself achieved a substantial victory from Kannauj with a margin of 1,70,922 votes.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: “Future Prime Minister Akhilesh Yadav” posters have been put up outside the Samajwadi Party (SP) office in Lucknow, ahead of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s birthday on July 1. (28.06) pic.twitter.com/xN3O8Qzeai

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 29, 2024

Adding to the political fervor, SP leader Awadhesh Prasad achieved a notable win in the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat in Ayodhya district by defeating BJP’s two-time MP, Lallu Singh. This victory further fueled the party’s optimism and celebratory mood.

This is not an isolated incident of such posters appearing. In October 2023, similar posters were seen outside the SP office in Lucknow, put up by party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan ‘Chaand’. When queried about the posters, Hasan mentioned that although Akhilesh Yadav’s birthday is on July 1, the party workers often celebrate his birthday multiple times to express their admiration and respect.

This trend of poster campaigns is not new. Before the 2019 general elections, similar posters with slogans like “We trust Akhilesh to lead the state and the nation, the country needs a new PM” appeared across various locations, reflecting the long-standing aspiration of his supporters. As the Samajwadi Party continues to build its momentum, these posters signal a growing desire among its members and supporters to see Akhilesh Yadav take on a larger national role.

General Elections 2024: BJP Retains Power, Opposition Block Reshapes Political Dynamics in Hard-Fought Election

June 7, 2024, 12:42 pm

The high-stakes 2024 general elections witnessed an unprecedented show of opposition unity, with regional parties and the Congress party playing a pivotal role in curbing the BJP’s dominance.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a third consecutive term in power following the 2024 Indian General Elections, despite falling short of an outright majority. The results, announced on June 4, 2024, highlight significant shifts in voter sentiment and underscore the rising influence of regional parties and opposition alliances.

In a remarkable political upheaval, the opposition’s INDI alliance has emerged as a formidable force, denying the ruling BJP an outright majority and reshaping the dynamics of Indian politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP won 240 seats with a vote share of 36.56%, leading the NDA to a total of 292 seats crossing majority mark of 272 seats for forming government. This victory marks the first time since 1962 that a party has formed the government for three consecutive terms. However, the BJP did not achieve its ambitious target of “400-paar,” and its reduced seat count from previous elections indicates a need for strategic alliances to form a stable government.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP faced significant competition from the INDI Alliances’s Samajwadi Party (SP), which won 37 out of 80 seats & Congress won 6 seats. On the other hand, the BJP got 33 seats, NDA members RLD got 2 seats, and Apna Dal got 1 seat. This shows a strong challenge from regional parties. Similarly, in West Bengal, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) dominated with 29 out of 42 seats, leaving the BJP with only 12 & INC won 1 seat only.

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, led by the Indian National Congress (INC) and comprising several regional parties, emerged as a formidable opposition. The INC won 99 seats with a 21.19% vote share, marking a significant improvement. Rahul Gandhi, secured victories in both Wayanad and Raebareli, emphasizing a renewed focus on coalition politics and pro-poor policies.

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) and other regional players like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) who won 22 seats with 1.82% vote share, played crucial roles in the INDIA bloc’s success.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and a key INDIA bloc leader, addressing the press on June 4, Banerjee stated, as reported by ANI, “… I am happy that the Prime Minister did not get the majority figure. He should resign immediately because he had said that this time they would cross 400 seats…” She further remarked, “…Even after causing so many atrocities, spending so much money, this arrogance of Modi ji and Amit Shah, INDIA has won and Modi has lost. They have even lost in Ayodhya…”

“This election was a battle to protect our Constitution and democratic values,” declared Rahul Gandhi, who secured victories in both Wayanad and Raebareli. Gandhi credited the triumph to the collective will of the people, asserting that the nation had rejected the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Regional shifts were prominent, with significant victories for non-BJP parties in various states. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], with 16 and 12 seats respectively, are going to play the role of kingmakers for the NDA Government, given the BJP’s need for coalition support. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), winning all its five contested seats, will also play a pivotal role in the new government.

In Kerala, the BJP’s Suresh Gopi Actor turned politician won the Thrissur constituency, marking the party’s first parliamentary seat in the state. This victory signals the BJP’s growing influence in traditionally non-BJP territories. In contrast, the defeat of prominent BJP candidates in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal highlighted the resurgence of regional parties and shifting voter alliances.

In his post-election address, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the electorate and emphasized continuity in governance. Modi thanked BJP workers for their hard work, stating it inspired him to work for the country. He praised the Election Commission for successfully conducting the elections, emphasizing the scale and efficiency of the operation, which involved 100 crore voters, 11 lakh polling stations, 1.5 crore poll officials, and 50 lakh EVMs. He highlighted the pride every Indian should feel in the election system’s credibility and efficiency.

Modi recounted the NDA government’s decisions, such as the removal of Article 370 from J&K and banking reforms, emphasizing the priority of national interest. He credited his administration with effective handling of the COVID-19 crisis and positioning India as the fastest developing economy, aiming for self-reliance.

Modi stressed the need to combat corruption, highlighting Digital India’s role in curbing it but acknowledging the challenges ahead. He vowed that the thrust of the NDA’s third term would be to end corruption.

Conclusion

The 2024 Indian General Elections underscore a dynamic and evolving political landscape. While the BJP-led NDA secures another term, the rise of the INDIA bloc and the significant performance of regional parties point to a more competitive and coalition-driven future. The need for strategic alliances and the emphasis on inclusive governance will shape the political discourse in the coming years, ensuring that India’s democracy remains vibrant and responsive to its diverse electorate.

As India moves forward, the political landscape promises to be more dynamic, with regional parties and opposition alliances playing crucial roles in shaping governance and policy. The 2024 elections have not only defined the immediate political scenario but have also set the stage for future political strategies and alignments, reinforcing the resilience and adaptability of Indian democracy.

People Voted For Protecting Constitution, Reservation, Democracy: SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav

June 5, 2024, 3:23 pm

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, people voted for protecting the Constitution, reservation and democracy.

“The votes were cast to save the Constitution, democracy and reservation, and we hope that by walking on the path of social justice we will be able to fulfil the dreams of Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and Samajwadis,” Akhilesh Yadav told ANI.
Asked about if the INDIA bloc would be able to form the government at the Centre, he said that it was all about numbers.

“Yes, I am going to Delhi (to attend the INDIA bloc meeting). It is all a matter of numbers (govt formation). The public has rejected negative politics. We aimed to stop the BJP. I thank the public for this and their cooperation,” he said.
Akhilesh Yadav won the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency with a vote margin of 1,70,922 defeating BJP’s Subrat Pathak who was the incumbent.

“I want to assure the people of Kannauj that speed of development that Samajwadis gave to Kannauj, we will take it forward,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

The INDIA alliance performed impressively in Uttar Pradesh, securing victory in 44 Lok Sabha seats out of 80, while the NDA’s count dwindled to 35 from its previous 62 seats in 2019. The SP emerged with the largest share, clinching 37 seats, followed by the BJP with 33 seats. Congress secured six seats, while RLD, ASPKR, and ADAL each won one seat.

The tally for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was tallied on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, a considerable decrease from its 2019 total of 303 seats. Conversely, the Congress exhibited significant progress, securing victory in 99 seats. The INDIA alliance surpassed the 230-seat mark, presenting formidable competition and defying all prognostications.

Akhilesh Yadav Emerges as Man of the Match

June 5, 2024, 3:38 am

While the BJP is still the single largest party, fought on the Prime Minister’s appeal, the man of the match is clearly from the Opposition. It’s not Rahul Gandhi, but instead Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party leader who has played a critical role in stemming the BJP’s march back to power. I had met Akhilesh on the eve of the seventh phase of polling and at that time he told me that the 2nd and 6th phase had gone particularly well for the Samajwadi Party. He was not giving out numbers but seemed extremely confident, and as subsequent events have borne out, that clearly wasn’t a facade.

What made the SP Congress alliance click on the ground? The lion’s share of the credit not just for the state of Uttar Pradesh but also for the rest of the INDIA bloc should go to this leader from Uttar Pradesh. If you recall when Nitish Kumar quit the alliance and joined hands with the BJP there was speculation that the INDIA bloc was doomed and each leader would go his individualistic, opportunistic way. It was at this time that Akhilesh Yadav took the initiative and reached out and announced that the SP would be holding seat sharing talks with the Congress and that the alliance was definitely on. (In fact he even came up with a number of seats that he would allocate for the Congress, a number that was well below the 17 seats the Congress eventually negotiated for. ) After Akhilesh, other allies too came forward and spoke in favour of allying with the Congress.

If you see the SP-Congress campaign on the ground, Rahul Gandhi did not hold a single rally without the Samajwadi Party leader sharing the stage with him. And incidentally most if not all the rallies were held in seats where the Congress was contesting. Again it was the SP that persuaded Rahul to contest from Uttar Pradesh, while AKhilesh too contested the Lok Sabha from Kannauj even though his ambitions lie at the state level.

The Congress-SP campaign was well fought, focusing more on issues rather than falling into the trap of taking on the Prime Minister. They realised that the PM still remains popular, despite running for a third term. And so, they didnt get into the debate of Modi Vs Whom, neither did they take any potshots at the Prime Minister. Instead, they focused on the issues that they wanted to talk about -caste based reservations and the Constitution. The INDIA group of leaders also stayed clear of any narrative on religion. Instead, they reached out to their caste based vote banks, as the SP did by carving out its PDA coalition of Pichde, Dalits and Adhivasis. Although the first choice of the minority community, the SP only gave 4-5 tickets to the Muslims, for they did not want to further polarise the vote.

In the end, the BJP still remains the single largest party but short of the 272 halfway mark, and well short of the ab ki baar, 400 paar slogan. At any other time, winning a third term as the single largest party would be an achievement in itself. But the BJP scored a self goal of sorts by hyping expectations and fell into its own marketing trap. In all probability Modi would be the PM again. But, this time around the RSS will have a greater say as will demanding and mercurial allies such as Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. The last but not the least, the Modi Government in its third term will be facing a vibrant and aggressive opposition. The dance of democracy will continue in parliament.

SP’s Shivpal Singh Yadav Reacts to Exit Polls Predicting BJP-NDA Victory: Psychological Impact

June 2, 2024, 3:34 pm

Samajwadi Party National General Secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav dismissed the exit polls predicting another term for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre as a “psychological” game, asserting that the INDIA bloc would indeed form the government. Speaking to ANI, Shivpal Singh Yadav emphasized that the exit polls were crafted psychologically and stated, “Our workers will remain firmly on their duty and dishonesty will not be allowed anywhere. INDIA bloc and Samajwadi Party are going to form the government.” He underlined that the actual number of seats would only be known on June 4, reiterating his confidence in the INDIA bloc’s victory.

Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh echoed similar sentiments, expressing skepticism about the exit polls and anticipating a significant variance between the projections and the actual results on June 4. Ramesh alleged a conspiracy by the outgoing Prime Minister, accusing him of manipulating the exit polls to create a perception of defeat for the INDIA bloc. He characterized the exit polls as part of a psychological game and affirmed his party’s opposition to such tactics.

According to various exit polls, the NDA is anticipated to secure a significant number of seats in the Lok Sabha polls, with India Today-Axis My India suggesting a range of 361-401 seats for the NDA and 131-166 seats for the INDIA bloc. The Republic PMarq exit poll projected 359 seats for NDA, 154 for the INDIA bloc, and 30 for other parties. Similarly, Republic Matrize poll indicated 353-368 seats for NDA, 118-113 for the INDIA bloc, and 43-48 for others. Other polls, including NewsX Dynamics, Jan Ki Baat, and India TV, also presented varying estimates, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the final outcome of the elections.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: “BJP Will Not Go Beyond 140…”, Says SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav

June 1, 2024, 4:17 pm

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday exuded confidence in forming the government of the INDIA bloc at the Centre after the Lok Sabha elections results will be declared on June 4 and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party will not cross 140 seats.

“INDIA alliance will form the government The truth is that the one who is sitting facing the sea has turned his back on the public. The people are also against them. What does ‘400 paar’ mean? They (BJP) will not go beyond 140,” Akhilesh Yadav told ANI on Saturday.

The leader of the Samajwadi Party traveled from the Lucknow airport to Delhi on Saturday to attend the INDIA bloc leaders’ meeting.

A number of more leaders of the INDIA bloc arrived in New Delhi to take part in the alliance’s conference about the Lok Sabha elections.

Among the leaders who arrived today were Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, AAP MP Raghav Chadha, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai.

Tejashwi said, “Today people are voting to teach a lesson to those who have increased inflation, poverty, and unemployment. We will bring 300 plus (seats). Everyone knows about exit polls under which everything is shown in a one-sided manner. It won’t be effective this time. There will be surprising results in Bihar. There will be so many seats that BJP will not be able to form a government at the Centre.”

AAP MP Raghav Chadha said, “A meeting of top leaders of the INDIA bloc has been called at the residence of Mallikarjun Kharge today. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and all of us from the party will take part in that meeting.”

Jharkhand CM and Champai Soren also arrived in Delhi and said that the INDIA bloc will get a good number of seats.

“Our alliance will have discussions related to the elections. INDIA Alliance will get a good number of seats. All of that (NDA 400 paar slogan) is wrong,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and party candidate from the South Central seat, Anil Desai said that this time the ground reality is different and people are very angry with the BJP.

Akhilesh Yadav Proposes Closing Of CBI And ED | Here’s Why

May 19, 2024, 11:57 am

Samajwadi Party’s Chief Akhilesh Yadav has recently declared, that the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, do not have any need and should now close down.

He further stated that he plans to propose this idea to INDIA’s Bloc. Reports the Indian Express.

While giving an interview to newspaper, Yadav reasoned, “CBI aur ED band hone chahiye (the CBI and ED should be shut) … If you have cheated, there is the Income Tax department to deal with it. Why do you need the CBI? Every state has an anti-corruption department, use it if needed.”

Moreover, he also alleged, that these agencies, are now only being used against opposition parties.

He also added, they are used to make or break the government.

Later, the SP leader also queried about demonetization & said, “why these probe agencies hadn’t investigated “what went wrong during demonetisation….How did people convert their black money into white?”

Earlier, the former UP CM alleged, that the issue of electoral bond has made public aware of BJP’s alleged extortion tactics. Implying, that BJP allegedly engages in extortion by misusing ED and CBI raids.

“The government has made extortion strategies, and now with the electoral bonds it has been proven that no one could have done extortion the way the BJP has done.” said Akhilesh Yadav.

Political Landscape Of UP

Meanwhile, elections in Uttar Pradesh are being held in seven phases, so far, elections of First four phases have been completed. Later, the polling for remaining seats will take place on May 20, May 25, and June 1.

Previously, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 62 of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Mayawati’s BSP with 10 seats. Akhilesh’s SP and the Congress party managed to win 5 and 1 seat respectively in the state.

This time, the competition in UP has become more interesting, as prominent political figures like Smriti Irani (Amethi), former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi (Rae Bareli) and Rajnath Singh (Lucknow) contesting seats in the country’s most populous state.